Discipline Philosophy: The staff at Ponderosa High School is here to help our students get the finest education possible, not to impose rules or discipline upon them. Every high school, however, just like every civilized society, must have rules and the means to enforce those rules to ensure everyone
=s safety and promote an orderly school environment.The focus of Ponderosa High School
=s discipline policies is the acceptance of personal responsibility for one=s actions. When problems occur, every reasonable effort will be made to rectify them to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned. Students who choose to behave irresponsibly, however, must expect to be held accountable for their behavior. Students who repeatedly violate other students’ right to learn will not be allowed to remain at Ponderosa High School.Knowledge of the Rules: As a student at Ponderosa High School you are expected to know and obey the rules and regulations of the school. As a young adult, you are responsible for knowing what is expected of you. Basically, most of what is expected is mature and responsible behavior. A careful review of this handbook, however, should help you to know what is expected of you.
I.D. Cards: Each student is issued a Student Identification Card that must be carried at all times. Upon request by school personnel a student must show the I.D. card. These cards remain the property of the school and must not be lost. Examples of specific areas that may require presentation of the I.D. card are: athletic events, dances, attendance office, library, etc. Students are urged to keep their cards safe, as there will be a charge of $10.00 to replace lost cards.
Defiance: Defiance is the refusal to obey lawful authority. Students at Ponderosa who defy any member of the school staff may be suspended. Teachers and other members of the staff are required by district policy and state law to provide supervision of our students. They can only do this if the students are willing to follow direction. It is essential, therefore, that our students acknowledge the lawful authority of school officials.
Student Relations: It is the desire of Ponderosa High School to encourage the development of new and long-lasting friendships. However, the excessive public display of affection between two persons is not allowed. Students who engage in inappropriate behaviors will face appropriate discipline consequences.
Closed Campus: Students must remain on the campus until their school day is completed. Students may only leave campus with parent permission and an off-campus pass from the Attendance Office. Students may not leave the campus during lunch period without specific written permission from the administration. Violation of this rule will result in assignment to detention or Saturday school. Students who drive other students off campus will receive a Saturday school for the first offense. Repeated incidents may result in suspension.
Off Limits Areas: Certain areas on and around campus of Ponderosa are off-limits to students. They are as follows:
a. The Student and Faculty Parking during classes and lunch.
b. The hallways around B, E, F, G, H, J, P, and S buildings during both lunch periods.
c. All athletic fields, dugouts, and undeveloped areas except when assigned to classes being conducted there.
Other areas will be announced in the Daily Bulletin if/as they occur.
Student Lunch Areas: Students may enjoy lunch both inside the cafeteria and in the quad areas between the cafeteria and
AD@ building, the quad between "D" and "G" and between the cafeteria and AS@ building.Cell Phones, Electronic Devices, Radios, CD and Tape Players: Students are not allowed to use radios, tape players, MP3 players or similar sound devices during school hours because of problems of disruption and theft. Students who use such items during school hours will have them confiscated until the end of the school day. Repeat incidents will result in confiscation until a parent comes to retrieve the item. Cell phones and other electronic devices can only be used during non-class time.
Skateboards, Scooters, Bikes and Rollerblades: Skateboards, scooters, bikes and roller skates/blades are not to be used on campus at any time, and are subject to confiscation with return only to the student
=s parents.Littering: Students are expected to assist in keeping our campus clean. Sufficient trashcans are placed strategically about the campus and in the cafeteria to enable everyone to avoid littering with only a minimal effort. Students observed walking away from a mess on a cafeteria table, or otherwise creating litter, will be given clean-up duty or other more serious discipline consequences to remind them of their responsibility to maintain a clean campus.
Drugs and Alcohol: The possession, use, sale, or being under the influence of unlawful drugs or alcohol is forbidden while at school or any school activity. Students who violate this rule will be cited by the Sheriff
=s Department and suspended.Repeat offense of drug/alcohol violations or a first offense for sales or possession for the purpose of sale will result in a suspension pending expulsion.
State law also forbids offering a substance for sale as a drug even though, in fact, the substance is not actually an unlawful drug.
Tobacco: The state and district believe that the use of tobacco and related substances are injurious to a student
=s health and should not be used. As a result of this belief, the board has banned the possession or use of tobacco in any form and related substances from the high schools of the district. Students who possess or use any form of tobacco and related substances will receive progressive consequences according to district policy.Sexual Harassment: In the school setting, sexual harassment means any verbal, visual, or physical behaviors of a sexual nature that causes another student to feel uncomfortable at school or that interferes with a student
=s ability to be successful at school. If it is determined that this type of behavior has created an "intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment@, the student responsible will face suspension from school (Education Code 48900.2). A student who feels that he or she is a victim of this type of behavior should report it immediately to a teacher or any other responsible adult on campus.Detention: All detentions must be served whether or not a teacher or a school administrator assigns them. Failure to attend detention will result in Saturday School.
Suspension: Suspension is the temporary removal of a pupil from his/her regular classroom by a teacher or from school by an administrator. Students will be suspended (1) when other means of correction have failed, (2) when the student
=s continued presence on campus is considered by the administration to be dangerous or disruptive to others, and (3) for specific serious offenses. Students who have been suspended from school may not return to Ponderosa High School campus or to any other school campus during this suspension. Supervision of a student on suspension is the responsibility of the student=s parents/legal guardians. Students are not allowed to participate in or attend any school activities, including practices and/or rehearsals, until the day after the last day of suspension.Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion: Students may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion when the superintendent, principal, or principal
=s designee at the school in which the student is enrolled determines that the student has done any of the acts listed below:1. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
2. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the principal or designee
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, as defined in the Health and Safety Code 11053 et seq., alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
4. Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance as defined in Health and Safety Code 11053 et seq., alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any other person another liquid, substance, or material, and represented same as controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.
5. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
7. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
8. Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products (except as an ingredient of a prescribed drug that requires ingestion during school hours), including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel.
9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
10. Unlawfully possessed, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
11. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, other school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
12. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
13. Sexual harassment (Conduct described as sexual harassment must be considered by a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact upon the individual
14. Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate violence. (Definition of hate violence: any act punished under the following sections of the Penal Code: 422.6, 422.7, and 422.75.)
15. Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against a pupil or group of pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of that pupil or group of pupils by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.
A pupil may be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated when such act is related to school activity or school attendance. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance which occur at any time, included but not limited to, any of the following:
1. While on school grounds.
2. While going to or coming from school including parked cars on or nearby campus.
3. During the lunch period, whether on or off the campus.
4. During, or while going to or coming from, a school-sponsored activity.
Weapons or Dangerous Instruments: Students are not allowed to possess or bring onto campus any items that could be classified as weapons or dangerous instruments. Weapons or dangerous instruments include but are not limited to:
1. Firearms: pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles,
2. Cutting and puncturing devices: dirk, daggers, knives of any type, or razors with an unguarded blade.
3. Explosive and/or incendiary devices: pipe bombs,
time bombs, cap guns, containers or inflammable fluids, and other hazardous devices including pepper spray.
Such items will be immediately confiscated, disciplinary action through expulsion may occur, and law enforcement and authorities may be notified.
All students should be advised that given reasonable suspicion, school authorities would search lockers, automobiles (no matter where parked), and all personal belongings in order to ensure the safety of the campus and all students.
Dance Policies: Ponderosa students enjoy school dances as part of the school philosophy of an extensive extracurricular program. The following guidelines will ensure continual success in these activities:
1. All fines must be paid or cleared 24 hours before the final day of ticket sales. A current Ponderosa I.D. card or ASB card is required to purchase tickets. Students and guests must present a picture I.D. to be admitted to dances.
Students will conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner in dress and actions. All students will be issued a wristband upon entering the dance. Violations of dance policy will result in a warning and the removal of the wristband. A second violation will result in removal from the dance. (See #3 below)
Students removed from a dance for any infraction are prohibited from attending the next two consecutive school dances. (even if they are in subsequent years)
4. Students who plan to bring a guest to the dances
must obtain a guest pass from an administrator. The student, the parent, and an assistant principal must sign it. A guest is the responsibility of the inviting student and must follow school regulations while on campus. Students
5. Restrooms and drinking fountains are located in the lobby on each side of the gym.
6. Dances start at 8:00 p.m. and end at 11:00 p.m. The deadline for arriving at a dance is 9:30 p.m. No one
will be admitted after that time.
7. Students or guests who leave the dance will not be readmitted, and must leave campus immediately.
8. For Prom and Homecoming dance guests who are over 20 years of age:
Host students must fill out and return a specialized application for a guest pass from their assistant principal a minimum of one week before the dance date. After research, the school reserves the right to deny a guest pass.
9. Guest passes may only be purchased by the person bringing the guest.
Dance Procedures/Guidelines:
No back-to-front dancing.
When facing your partner, at least a hands distance must separate partners.
Partners may slow dance in a hug position; however, this must be appropriate
No body parts other than feet may be touching the dance floor.
No wrapping of one’s legs around another person.
No grinding, touching, or rubbing another person in a distasteful manner.
No moshing or body surfing at any time.
No glow stick mouth wafers allowed (potential choking hazard.)
First Warning = loss of wristband.
Next warning = Removal from the dance and loss of participating in the next two consecutive dances.
Student Dress: Students of Ponderosa High School are expected to dress in a manner that is consistent with the following guidelines and regulations of the County Health and Safety Department.
1. Shoes must be worn at all times.
2. Covered shoes and covered leg apparel are required for certain classes (e.g., shop, science).
3. Logos, slogans, and decorations on any apparel, which is inappropriate, offensive, or potentially disruptive to the educational process, are not permitted. Any graphics or language that refers to alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, or contains sexual inferences are not permitted.
4. Students will be asked to immediately correct the following conditions or to go home to change clothes:
Visible midriffs
Visible undergarments
Strapless dresses, tube tops, and revealing blouses
Sleeveless undershirts; "muscle
Altered hats or clothing using symbols/language not originally on the items
The wearing of wallet chains, pointed studs or any accessory deemed potentially dangerous by school staff.
5. Athletic shorts and short shorts that are not appropriate
6. Specific rules in certain classes may exist for health and/or safety reasons (e.g., rules governing jewelry, hair length, etc.)
Please remember you are dressing for school and not an informal social gathering. Safety and good taste must be maintained. If you or your parents are ever in doubt about what is acceptable or appropriate, please contact a counselor or assistant principal.
Attendance Policies: Students are expected to cultivate the habits of regular and punctual attendance. Parents are to report any absences to the attendance office on the day of the absence. The school attendance line is available 24 hours a day to report absences.
1. Readmission after an absence: If the student has not been cleared by phone, the student must bring a note signed by a parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence. Should the student fail to clear an absence, he/she will be given an appropriate number of detentions. Providing a note within 24 hours will clear the truancy and the assigned detentions. The attendance phone number is: 677-2281, EXT 1 (Voice Mail Available 24 Hours a Day). Parents or guardians should give the student
2. Types of absences:
Cuts: A "cut
Tardiness: On the third tardy per quarter to any one class, a student is assigned one hour of detention. The fourth tardy is two hours. Each additional tardy will be assigned a Saturday School. Excessive tardies to "1st" period will result in a change and loss of "1st" period.
Prearranged Absences of five days or more: Should a student know of an absence in advance, she/he must see the attendance clerk for a pre-arranged absence contract which must be completed and returned to the Attendance Office before the absence (e.g., college visit, family trip, religious observance, funeral, out of town, etc.).
Perfect Attendance: Recognition will be given to students who have perfect attendance annually. Perfect attendance is defined as not missing any period for any reason (excused or unexcused) for the entire year. (School activities excepted.)
Make-up work: A total of 2 school days will usually be allowed to make up each day of absence. Students absent due to school-sponsored activities may be required by a teacher to make up work before the absence. A student absent on the day of a test may be required to take the test on the day of his/her return. If the absence falls on the day of an assignment due date that was known in advance by the student, the student may be required to submit the assignment upon the day of the return. If sufficient make-up time is not possible at the grading period, the teacher may issue an "I" (Incomplete) grade. The student has a maximum of 4 weeks after the grading period to complete all incomplete assignments.
Homework During Suspension: If the student’s absence was due to suspension, the teacher will require the suspended student to complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension.
Truancy and Homework Policy: Students who miss schoolwork because of truancy or other deliberate actions should not expect to receive credit for the time missed, nor should they expect the opportunity to take any missed tests for credit.
Leaving Campus: If a student must leave campus early for any reason, he/she must bring a note to the Attendance Office and must sign out in the Attendance Office prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary consequences. If the absence is later cleared, the student will still receive one day of detention for not checking out. Parent/Guardian approval is necessary to leave early.
Eighteen-Year Old Absence Excuses: When a student reaches the age of 18, he/she may request from their assistant principal the privilege of clearing legally excused absences . Eighteen-year old students must call the attendance office any day they are absent to clear their absence. Should a student
=s attendance become irregular, the privilege of writing one=s own excuse will be revoked.Pay Telephones: Available for students near the office and the small gym. Office phones are not available for student use.
Vehicle Usage/Parking: For students driving to/from Ponderosa, the following rules apply:
1. Parking is limited to the student parking lot and legal street spaces. Students parking in visitors’ areas or the staff parking lot will be assigned the appropriate disciplinary consequence.
2. Students must leave their vehicles immediately upon parking.
3. Parking lot and cars parked on surrounding streets are off-limits during the school day.
4. The campus speed limit is 5 M.P.H. Drive sensibly!
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Graduate Level Standing: Students must earn a minimum number of credits to graduate. The minimum credits required are as follows:
Graduation Requirements:
A) English 4 years
B 40 creditsB) Social Sciences 3 years B 30 credits
C) Mathematics 3 years B 30 credits
D) Science 2 years
B 20 creditsE) Fine Arts or
Foreign Language 1 year
B 10 creditsF) Physical Education 2 years
B 20 creditsG) Health 1 semester
B 5 creditsH) Demonstration of Computer Literacy (Or passage of Computer Tech. I)
I) Passing score on California High School Exit Exam
J) 240 credits are required for graduation, of which 155 credits must be earned in the courses listed above.
Extracurricular Eligibility: Board Policy #5137 requires that all students participating in an extracurricular activity (e.g., athletics, cheerleading, clubs and/or organizations) must:
1. Earn and maintain a 2.0 grade point average at the quarter or semester grading period immediately preceding the activity.
2. Sign and abide by the "Extracurricular Code of Conduct
College/University Requirements: The following chart lists course requirements for the U.C. and C.S.U. systems. Plan your four years well!
Subject Years
a) College Prep English -4 years
b) Advanced Math (through Algebra 2) 3 years
c) History/Social Science -2 years
d) Lab Science - 2 years
e) Foreign Language - 2 years
f) Fine Arts -1 year
g) College prep electives - 1 year
See your counselor for further details.
Regional Occupational Program: Ponderosa High School is host to classes in the Central Sierra Regional Occupational Program. R.O.P. classes are normally taught in two or three period blocks of time. R.O.P. classes taught on the Ponderosa High School campus include Auto Body, Electronics, Animal Health, Cosmetology, Police Science, and Photography. R.O.P. classes available at other El Dorado Union High School District campuses include Automotive Services (Engine), Construction Technology, Metal Fabrication/Welding, CAD Drafting, Video Production, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Culinary Arts, Careers with Children, Fire Science, Marketing, Graphics.
The purpose of the R.O.P. is to provide students with marketable job skills upon graduation. R.O.P. works in cooperation with local businesses to provide students with on-the-job training on up-to-date equipment. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the career training options available to them.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
ACADEMIC DECATHLON Advisor: Mr. Ritchie
In this organization, teams of students represent Ponderosa High School at the county competition. They study for one semester prior to competing.
C.S.F. (California Scholarship Federation)
Advisors: Ms. Hedegard, Ms. Hawkins
Membership is determined by grades. Points are earned for
AA@ grades in academic classes. Complete information is printed on the application blank that must be submitted each semester. C.S.F. members attend the C.S.F. convention and participate in two (2) other activities each year. Membership is not automatic B you must apply each semester.DRAMA CLUB Advisor: Ms. Schmelzer
Drama Club members attend plays and other events related to theatre. The club sponsors yearly school productions and raises money to support the continuing program at Ponderosa. You need not be in a drama class to participate.
DRILL AND FLAG TEAM Advisor: TBD
The Drill and Flag Team attends all marching band events. They practice one and a half hours every day before a competition or football game. Everyone on the team must sign up for advanced band first semester.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLUBS
Spanish and French Advisors: French - Ms. Soper; Spanish-Ms. Herring
These clubs sponsor activities related to the foreign language classes, such as: films, slide shows, guest speakers, meals featuring foreign dishes, etc. All students who are or have been in foreign language classes are eligible.
FORENSIC SOCIETY (Speech and Debate Club)
Advisor: Ms. Buchholz
This is a speech club for those who are interested in competing in public speaking. Students compete in such contests as Voice of Democracy, Lions Club, Native Sons, and United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth. Students may also enter tournament competition in debate, extemporaneous speaking, and oral interpretation.
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA (FFA) Advisor: Mr. Harnden
Agriculture students in all grades are expected to participate in this club. Leadership skills, public speaking, animal projects, and development of financial responsibility are all goals of the F.F.A.
GAY/STRAIGHT ALLIANCE Advisor: Ms. Brannon
Club members in the GSA work to promote tolerance of all individuals and beliefs.
INTERACT CLUB Advisor: Ms. Wilson and Ms. Frost
A high school service organization that performs service projects for the school and community.
KEY CLUB Advisor: Mr. Perry
A high school service organization that performs service projects for the school and community.
ISAW (I Support American Women) Advisor: Ms. Garland
A club that strives to promote a positive image of young women on campus and in our community.
LINK CREW Advisors: Ms. Selk
The Link Crew is a group of juniors and seniors who assist new freshmen students in their transition to high school by serving as mentors and helpers.
S.I.P. (School Improvement Program) Advisor: Ms. Escobar
Five students are elected to the
"Council@. Student members serve on all S.I.P. committees.S.L.O. (Spirit Leader Organization) Advisor: Ms. Porazzo
This is a spirit organization which supports both boys
= and girls= athletic teams. It consists of varsity and junior varsity teams who lead the crowd in spirit activities at major sporting events. Selections are made in the spring.STUDENT COUNCIL Advisor: Mr. Burghardt
This organization consists of elected and appointed members of the Associated Student Body. Student Council exists for the purpose of giving students the opportunity experience belonging to and functioning as a part of an elected governmental agency as well as training students in leadership qualities. Student Council members make decisions that can, and often do, affect the total school operation.
ALMA MATER
Far above the valley
>
Neath the mighty oak and pine of PonderosaYou
=ll hear us praise our alma mater,Sounding from the hills and through the valley,
Ponderosa, hail the green and gray of
Ponderosa, this, our praise, we sing thee.
Hail. All. Hail.
PONDEROSA HIGH SCHOOL
ADMINISTRATION
|
Christopher A. Moore Mike Bowles Stephanie Davis Darrin Slojkowski Tyson Escobar Jeff Burghardt Linda Thomas Kim Wood Yolanda Mayes Thomas Drescher Patti Schrichfield Gale Dwyer Keri Eberhard-Hanson Melissa Burghardt Natalie Crapuchettes Janet Brown Robin Vitti Candis Spallina Lorrie Griffin Gene Bist |
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Athletic Director Activities Director Admin. Asst. to the Principal Asst. Principal =s SecretaryReceptionist/Secretary Director of Guidance Counselor Counselor Counselor Registrar Career Guidance Specialist Counseling Secretary Finance Clerk Librarian Supervisor, Food Services Plant Supervisor |
ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY
|
Attendance Athletic Insurance College/University/Career Info Student Employment Guest Passes (dances) Handbooks I.D. Cards Illness Lockers Lost and Found Moving/Changing School Off-Campus Permit Poster Approval Schedule Changes School Insurance |
Ms. Lee, Ms. Fritschi Main Office Career Center Career Center Assistant Principal Counseling Center Rm. E-6, Mr. Burghardt Ms. Montgomery Counseling, Ms. Burghardt Attendance Office Counseling Office Attendance Office Room E-6, Mr. Burghardt Counseling Office Main Office |
|
Student Tutors Transcripts Truancy Work Permits |
Career Center Counseling, Ms. Burghardt Attendance Office Career Center |
SPECIAL DATES
|
First Day of School Labor Day B HolidayEnd of First Quarter Veterans = Day B HolidayVacation Day (Students & Teachers) Thanksgiving Holidays End of First Semester Winter Recess Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Lincoln =s Birthday B HolidayWashington =s Birthday B HolidayEnd of Third Quarter Spring Recess Last Day of School/Graduation |
August 14 September 4 October 13 November 10 November 22 November 23-24 December 15 Dec. 18–January 2 January 15 February 16 February 19 March 9 April 2 - 6 May 25 |
Ponderosa High School
Student Handbook
(Each student is given a copy of this in the student planner or folder at the start of each school year)