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You can be the best in the world at something that you love.  You can see your dreams become reality.  Every day we take a step toward or away from the life we desire.  Discovering your mission, your unique purpose in life, keeps you moving ahead.  The Britton-Hecla School wants to help you do this.  We want to help you have an educationally successful year and to make it the best year of your life.  Welcome to the B-H School.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The mission of the Britton-Hecla School District is to promote a positive, challenging and safe environment for every student.  Our goal is to provide all students with the life skills necessary for continuous growth as productive global citizens through a cooperative effort of school, family, business and community.

BUILDING HOURS
The building is usually open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Students are to leave the building when classes are dismissed unless they are under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Maintenance personnel are not to assume this responsibility.

BUS CONDUCT
Bus drivers are in charge of students riding on their buses going to and from school or activities. The bus service is a privilege, not a right. Students abusing their riding privilege shall have bus riding suspended.

CAFETERIA
Breakfast and hot lunches are served to students daily. Meals may be purchased at a reduced rate after the required papers have been fill out and approved. Seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth grade students are required to eat in the lunchroom. Seventh and eighth graders are required to line up alphabetically and stay in the lunchroom, while ninth and tenth graders may leave the lunchroom, but must be in designated areas. Students grade 11-12 may eat in the cafeteria or leave the building and eat elsewhere. Abusing this option can result in losing the privilege of eating out of the school.

ACCIDENTS
All accidents occurring during the school day or during extra-curricular activities are to be reported to the faculty or the principal’s office immediately. Parents will be notified. Medications are to be kept in the principal’s office and are not to be in lockers. They will be dispersed through the principal’s office only to students with parental consent.

ACTIVITY TICKETS
Activity tickets are available to all students in grades 1-12. Tickets must be shown at all school activities where they are needed for admittance. Student participants (athletes, band members, cheerleaders, etc.) must show an activity ticket or pay admission to each event where admission is charged. Tickets are available in the principal’s office.

ALCOHOL, CONTROLLED DRUGS, AND TOBACCO
The use or possession of tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol or any illegal or non-prescribed drugs is not allowed in school, on the school grounds, within 600 feet (the drug free zone statute), at school activities or at school related activities off the school grounds. A student will receive an automatic three-day suspension for violation of the above rule.  Lighters, matches and other paraphernalia are not allowed in school and are subject to punishment if found or used on school property.

The student cannot attend extra-curricular activities on campus during that time.   All class work is to be completed with 70 percent given as a grade.  The student’s parents will be consulted and a conference will be held prior to the student’s readmission. In the case of a repeated offense, consideration will be given to the suspension of the student for the balance of the semester. Violations will be turned over to authorities as well as being dealt with in school. This applies to weapons, drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

ASSEMBLIES AND PEP FESTS
All assemblies and pep fests are scheduled through the principal’s office.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY - SEE SECTION JGD IN THE POLICY MANUAL

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Absences
Absences should be avoided. Planned absences require an excuse in the office ahead of time. Teachers need to be contacted in order that arrangements can be made to complete assignments. When students return to school, they are to report to the principal’s office and get an admit slip allowing them to enter classes. Students who leave or enter school during a school day MUST report to the office.

State law provides the following reasons for absence:
    SDCL 13-27-6: Child excused because of illness or illness in the family. A school board may excuse a child from school attendance, pursuant to 13-27-6, because of serious illness in his/her immediate family, making his/her presence at home an actual necessity, or his/her presence in school a menace to the health of other pupils. The school board may require the submission of medical evidence as a condition of granting an excuse to this section.

    SDCL 13-27-6-1: Child excused to attend youth program events. An elementary and secondary pupil shall be eligible to be counted for school attendance up to five days in a school term when an excuse from actual school attendance is requested by a parent or guardian for the purpose of attending events of state or nationally recognized youth programs of educational value. Absence from class for any other reason must have prior administrative approval or it will be considered unexcused.

Excessive Absence Policy
We know students will be ill and have to be gone for various reasons during the school year. However, attendance has a direct effect on student’s grades and the administration will make weekly reviews of all students’ attendance. All excessive absence (10 or more days in a semester) will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the administration.  After review, it will be determined if a meeting with parents will be needed and a plan will be put in place for make up time before or after school until the students work is completed for the time they have been absent.

Make-up work/late work
For any absence from school, students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work.  Request for teacher assistance is encouraged but shall be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor. The time period allowed for make up work shall be one school day times the number of days missed. Students who missed the day of test reviews will take the test with their classmates the following day. It is the student's responsibility to get all work made up.

(7-12)      Any late work must be turned in, on or before the next regularly scheduled class. It will be
            assessed a 10 per cent penalty. After that, work will be accepted at the discretion of the teacher.

Regard to Practice/Participation in Extra-Curricular Activities
In order for students to be eligible to practice or compete in extra-curricular activities after school, they must be in school the afternoon on the day of the practice or competition. Exceptions to this rule may be doctor appointments, family emergencies or situations beyond the control of the student.

TARDINESS
Tardiness may occasionally be unavoidable, but most tardiness is due to carelessness. If a student is tardy for class, it is necessary to obtain a permit to class (tardy slip) from the teacher with whom the student conferred or from the principal.  One-half hour of detention will be assigned after the third tardy. After the sixth tardy, open noon hour will be revoked for the rest of the nine weeks.  Tardies will start over every nine weeks.

GRADING SYSTEM, HONOR ROLL AND HONOR GRADUATION
Grading System = the school year is divided into two semesters, each semester worth 1/2 credit.  Each semester is divided into two 9-weeks periods.  Report cards are issued to students every nine weeks.  Student deficiency/ progress reports may be sent any time to parents of students who are in need of some type of attention. The following grading system is used in academic classes:

         A = 93-100        B = 86-92        C = 78-85         D = 70-77         F = 0-69

Honor Roll = An honor roll will be made at the end of each nine week period and at the end of each semester. In order to be on the honor roll of merit, a student must have a 3.0 G.P.A. and not receive any D's or F's in an academic class. In order to be on the honor roll of excellence, a student must have a 3.7 G.P.A. and not receive any C's, D's, or F's in an academic class.  Honor Graduation = At the end of four years of high school, students with a G.P.A. of 3.3 will graduate with honors, a G.P.A. of 3.5 with high honors and a G.P.A. of 3.7 with highest honors.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS & REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
All students’ grades 8-11 will register for fall classes for the next school year sometime during the second semester. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to take 7 classes; all must be registered in 6.  Seniors are to be registered in 6 ½ classes the first semester and 6 the second semester.  Students will be given one week to add or drop a class. The teacher involved, the counselor, principal and parents must approve changes.

Classes taken that do not meet college entrance requirements such as consumer math and Basic English have a weighted GPA scale with an “A” (3.5).  The principal and counselor will determine appropriate weighted grading scales for classes taught with alternative delivery1 styles.  Advanced placement classes will have a weighted scale with an “A” (4.5).    

EARLY GRADUATION POLICY
Students at Britton-Hecla High School must attend a minimum of 3 and ½ years unless the fourth year is spent as a foreign exchange student. An early graduation means completing the following criteria:
  1)      Letter of intent is submitted before the sophomore year.
  2)      Student has a 3.5 grade point average.
  3)      Student has completed 22 credits.
  4)      Required classes are completed.
  5)      Parental approval is received in writing.
  6)      Student is enrolled and ready to attend the second semester in one of the following:  
           Military, two/four year college. Extenuating circumstances will also be considered.
  7)      Upon early graduation, the student is no longer a Britton-Hecla High student and will not be
           involved in school activities.

SEMESTER GRADES
Semester tests, end of the semester projects, speeches, etc. will be given at the discretion of the classroom teacher.  The semester test or project grade will be calculated with the 9 week grade and will not be a stand alone grade.  The semester grade will be calculated by averaging the two 9 weeks grades.  When calculating the semester grade, a numerical value of no less than 65 percent will be used for averaging an “F” letter grade. 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Information relative to cancellation of school because of bad weather will be broadcast over television stations KSFY and KELOLAND and on their web sites.  Later announcements will be on radio stations B-103 (Eden) and KSDN-AM-930.

SUSPENSION-EXPULSION
Expulsion shall mean denial to a student to take part in any school activity for a period of time as determined by the school board. Suspension shall mean temporary denial to a student to attend school or take part in any school activity or function. Short-term suspension is a period of three days or less and long-term suspension shall mean a period of four days or more.

In dealing with alleged misconduct, the principal shall investigate the incident and hear all available accounts of it. 

The student shall be encouraged to raise any defense the student thinks relevant. If the student requests that other witnesses be questioned, the principal will talk to them, if possible. If the principal witnesses any serious student misconduct and thinks that immediate removal of the student(s) is necessary to restore order or to protect persons on the school grounds, the principal may suspend the student(s) immediately for no more than three days. If a student is put on in-school or out-of-school suspension, he/she will NOT be able to participate in extra curricular activities for that time. All make-up work will receive a maximum score of 70% or D-.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”  All students are asked to use good judgment in neatness and appropriateness of dress and personal appearance when in school and when attending school activities. Clothing with lettering that conveys profane, obscene or immoral meanings will not be permitted. Students are not to wear strapless, one-shoulder or spaghetti strap tops.  Shorts and skirts need to be appropriate.  An example would be if both were the length of fingertips when arms are at sides. Midriffs and underwear should not be showing. Also, students are not to wear clothing with gang affiliation, heavy chains useable as weapons, tattoos designating a gang affiliation, T-shirts with beer, tobacco, profanity or sexual pictures or comments, state prisoner clothing, bandannas or other clothing felt to be inappropriate by staff or administration.  School officials have a right to confiscate or ask students to remove any items that are inappropriate or would endanger the safety of other students in school.

ELIGIBILITY
All students are encouraged to take part in extra curricular activities. In order to participate, students must fulfill the eligibility requirements of the S.D.H.S.A.A. and the Britton-Hecla School system. State rules require students to have passed four academic classes the semester preceding their time of participation. The school rules require students to have passed four academic classes the last nine weeks. A student who is ineligible may become eligible if passing four academic classes at mid-term.

Students participating in extra-curricular activities are required to abide by the following activity rules from August 17, 2009 – August 17, 2010
  1)      No consumption or possession of alcohol
  2)      No use or possession of tobacco products
  3)      No use or possession of illegal (controlled) substance
  4)      In-school or out-of-school suspension

Violation of these rules will result in the following:
  1)      First violation – One event or one week, whichever is the greater
  2)      Second violation – Six weeks of non-competition or 4 weeks of non-competition if student      
         completes an approved drug and counseling program.
  3)      Third violation – One year of non-competition, or six months of non-competition if student      
         completes an approved drug and counseling program.

When a student goes 12 months without an additional violation, he/she will move back one level in the consequences. In order for a student to successfully finalize a penalty, the student must complete the activity season. 

Reporting – All violations are reported to the administration in the following ways:
  1)  The athlete may admit the infraction to the administration. If he/she reports to the coach or athletic 
       director, that person must report it to the administration.            
  2)  The sheriff’s department or probation officer may inform the administration.
  3)  An adult or staff may report the infraction through a signed statement, which will be shared with the
       accused.

The administrator and the student need to discuss the infraction on a weekday with the penalty beginning on the first contest following that discussion. Students participating in music and drama events sanctioned by the SDHSAA are also to uphold these rules. All students are to follow the South Dakota High School Activities Association Code of Ethics and the states eligibility rules for extracurricular activities. These are on file with the athletic director, coaches and administration.

INSURANCE
The school does not assume the responsibility for accidents, which may occur during school hours. Student insurance is available to all students for a nominal fee. The school does not approve claims. Its role is to distribute information relative to the program and assist in any way necessary.  Students are encouraged to participate in the program or carry their own accident insurance policy.

LOCKERS
Students will be assigned a locker when they register for school. All books and school supplies are to be kept in the assigned locker.  All lockers are loaned to students with the understanding that they may be inspected at any time. Locker doors are noisy and care must be taken to close them carefully.

BAND RENTAL
The school owns many of the higher priced instruments. The band director issues these instruments. Students and parents are responsible for the care of the assigned instrument. An instrumental rental fee is charged and is due at the beginning of the school year.

STUDENT COUNCIL
The student council will consist of a student body president elected by the student body, and one boy and one girl representative from each class. The student body will elect the president in the spring.  He/she must be a member of the junior class at the time of the election and a senior in the fall. The principal and/or guidance counselor will serve as advisors to the student council.

STUDENT CLASSIFICATION
Students will be placed in various grades according to the following criteria. To be enrolled in:  Grade 10- 6 credits; Grade 11- 12 credits; Grade 12- 16 credits.

CHURCH NIGHT
Every effort will be made not to plan school activities on Wednesday evening or Sunday.

DEFACEMENT OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
State law makes the students and/or parents responsible for damages and defacement of school property. Damage of a malicious nature will be considered a very serious matter and must be repaired or replaced at the expense of the student at fault.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Being sent to the office by a teacher indicates a serious offense. If a teacher sends a student out of class the student must report to the principal’s or superintendent’s office. If one of the administrators in not in, the student is to remain seated in or outside the office. Before a student is readmitted to class a conference will be held with the teacher and the principal. The teacher and the principal will determine the disciplinary action. Students may make up time before or after school.

FEDERAL FIREARMS POLICY
   13-32-7 Possession of firearms on school premises or vehicle as misdemeanor--Exceptions--Colleges and universities accepted. Any person, other than a law enforcement officer, who intentionally carries, has in his possession, stores, keeps, leaves, places or puts into the possession of another person, any firearm or air gun, whether or not the firearm or air gun is designed, adapted, used or intended primarily for imitative or noisemaking purposes, or any dangerous weapon, on any school premises, in any school vehicle or any vehicle used by the school or for school purposes, in any school building or other building or premises used for school functions, whether or not any person is endangered by such actions, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section does not apply to starting guns while in use at athletic events, firearms or air guns at firing ranges; gun shows and supervised schools or sessions for training in the use of firearms.

SCHOOL DANCES
High school students and their dates are welcome to attend all high school dances. Students may have dates no younger than a high school freshman and no older than 22 years of age or 3 years past their intended graduation date. All dates not attending Britton-Hecla High School must be registered ahead of time with the principal. Junior High students are not able to attend 9-12 dances and will have separate dances scheduled during the school year. Only BHHS junior high students may attend junior high dances.

 SCHOOL PROM
The Junior/Senior Prom is intended for high school Juniors and Seniors and their dates. Students may have dates no younger than a high school freshman and no older than 22 years of age or 3 years past their intended graduation date. All dates not attending Britton-Hecla High School must be registered ahead of time with the principal.

INCOMPLETE WORK
Students who have not completed work at the end of the 9 week period will receive an incomplete.  All incomplete work must be made up in a time period designated by the classroom teacher or the student will get no credit for that work. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements for late work.

FIRE DRILLS & EMERGENCY DISASTER DRILLS
Fire, disaster and lockdown drills are held at various times throughout the year.  When an alarm rings, the building should be vacated immediately.  Every classroom has posted instructions showing evacuation plans.   

TEXTBOOKS
The school furnishes books to all students.  Reasonable damage is expected as a result of daily use. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR UNREASONABLY DAMAGED OR LOST BOOKS.

TITLE IX
Title IX is the portion of the Educational Amendment of 1972 that prohibits sex discrimination in federally assisted educational programs. The Britton School District affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to, discrimination under any educational program or activity. The Britton-Hecla School Board has appointed the guidance counselor to coordinate its Title IX effort.

ONLINE/ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP) DISTANCE ED COURSES
Students may take online, distance learning and AP courses. All online, AP and distance learning courses must have administrative approval and may not be taken in lieu of courses offered at BHHS. If a student fails or drops one of these courses they will need to pay for all expenses associated with the course, including the books. Students and parents will also sign a contract before they are able to begin any course.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Students planning to transfer to another school or withdraw from school should receive instructions from the office regarding the proper procedure. "Checking out" cannot be accomplished in a few minutes. All outstanding obligations to the school must be satisfied before the student's withdrawal is complete.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
The Britton-Hecla Board of Education seeks to maintain a school climate conducive to learning and protective of the safety and welfare of staff and students. The school system does not allow any behavior that will threaten the safety of the school. Threats, harassment and the use of profanity will be dealt with in an expedient manner with appropriate steps taken.

School officials have a right to confiscate or ask students to remove any items that would endanger the safety of` other students in school. Students wearing any of the items listed in the dress code as inappropriate will be given a warning on the first offense. In the case of gang related items, law enforcement officials will be notified on the first offense. On the second offense, parents/guardians will be contacted and a short-term suspension may occur (1-10 days). The school board will handle repeated offenses. 

All employees, students and guests should be able to enjoy a work and learning environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment or bullying. Copies of these policies are available upon request. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, continual/ongoing name calling, making inappropriate comments, gestures or noises, pushing, shoving, etc.

All incidents reported will be investigated with all parties involved interviewed. If the event warrants parental and sheriff involvement, both parties will be notified. The policy as noted in the Britton-Hecla School Board Handbook will be distributed to students at the beginning of the school year.