Memorial Hall School

 STUDENT HANDBOOK

2011  -  2012  

If you want information about any phase of the school, please READ YOUR

 HANDBOOK or ask your homeroom teacher for assistance.

 GOALS

Memorial Hall School offers students an opportunity to assume responsibility for themselves and in providing programs in which they may develop intellectually, creatively, physically, emotionally, and morally.  In order to achieve this at an academic level, students are given the opportunity to work in a small classroom setting with individualized programs tailored to meet their needs.

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES AND ATTITUDES

The administrative staff is working to provide a sound, consistent and pleasurable environment.  Memorial Hall School was founded to provide opportunities for students and staff to grow as we learn together.

The school is indeed an exciting and rare experience in the fact that there exists genuine concern for every individual involved in the program, our staff and students not collectively in numbers, but dealing strictly on an individual basis.  Focus is on discovering abilities and learning methods to enhance and develop thinking and reasoning skills.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Each student has the responsibility to handle herself/himself as a young adult and conduct herself/himself in a like manner.  Respect for self and others are of utmost value.  The staff is here to provide a positive opportunity for an excellent educational environment.

Students, who are negative, show no initiative or who display immaturity or lack of judgment concerning infractions of school policies and procedures should look for school placement other than Memorial Hall.  Each student is held responsible for herself/himself and her/his actions.

It is the policy of Memorial Hall that students refrain from playful, sexual, or malicious physical contact.  This policy should help to prevent misunderstandings that could erupt into more serious situations.

HOMEROOM

Throughout each grade level, each student is assigned a homeroom group and identifies particularly with his/her homeroom teacher.  In addition, the staff at each grade level works as a team, which is responsive to each student's needs.  The homeroom group serves as a means for discussion of school rules and routines, and it helps in many ways to promote positive associations within the class.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

If you think that school might be closed due to inclement weather.Tune in to the radio station: AM-740 KTRH or on TV: Channel 13 news.

Memorial Hall will follow the decision made by Houston Independent School District as whether to close or not.  Please be alerted to the television stations reporting school closings. 

In the event dangerous weather conditions occur while school is in session, parents will be contacted and students will be dismissed early.

For those families who have provided email addresses, please check for emails.

·        Please keep the school office updated with a current email address.  Emails will also be sent regarding school delays/closings, etc .

STUDENT APPEARANCE/ DRESS AND HAIR CODE

Please refer to the Official Uniform List for more specific information.

Students will be expected to keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed in uniform every day.    Uniforms are to be purchased at Parker School Uniform Supply.  Time will be allotted for new students to obtain uniforms, and students are expected to dress appropriately while waiting for their uniforms to arrive.  No jeans, T-shirts or inappropriate shoes are to be worn.  Refer to the uniform list from Parker Uniform or our school website.

Students are to arrive to school in proper uniform ready to work each day.

Boys are to be cleanly shaven and have haircuts that are not distracting to students or faculty (above ears and over collar).  Girls are expected to have hairstyles that are appropriate and refrain from long distractible earrings.  No earrings should be larger than a quarter.  Earrings are to be limited to girls only and no more than two earrings are to be worn in each ear.

Any form of dress or hairstyle which is a distraction or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school will not be permitted.  No "Frohawks"/Mohawks, excessive spiking, or unnatural colors (pink, red purple etc.) will be tolerated.

Boys are to wear belts and socks.  Shirts must be tucked inside trousers at all times.  Girls are to wear socks, hose or tights and have blouses tucked inside skirts or slacks at all times.

Memorial Hall School Dress Code provides a variance in uniform style Monday through Thursday.  Please refer to your Uniform List for information.

Jackets, coats or hoodies are not to be worn in school classrooms.  Sweaters are available for purchase at Parker and Memorial Hall School sweatshirts are available for purchase in the school office.

Appearance is a direct reflection of the students attitude.  Students that are not capable of adhering to the dress code will be subject to disciplinary action.  Both conduct and academic grades will be lowered accordingly.

ATTENDANCE

The Texas Education Code provides for compulsory attendance.  Regular and punctual attendance is of upmost importance for success.

 A student may not be given credit for a course if the student has more than six (6) days of absences during a semester.  Students absent for more than six (6) days for any reason may be referred to the administrative offices for investigation.

Excused Absences constitute:

1.      Personal illness (the school may require a doctor's certificate if it is deemed advisable.)

2.      Illness in the family

3.      Death of a relative

4.      Observance of a religious holiday

5.      Any other excused reason should be arranged through the school administrative office prior to the absence.

Unexcused Absences- schoolwork will be made up with no credit received and a zero (0) in daily average applied.

Students are required to check into the office after returning from an absence, before returning to class the next day.  A teacher will only excuse an absence when presented with an excused absence slip from the office. 

Steps to follow when absent:

1.      Have parent or guardian phone or email the school and inform the office of your absence         after 8:00 of the day absent.

2.      Have parent or guardian write an excuse giving name, date, days of absence, and reason for absence along with his/her signature on the day of return.

3.      Present your excuse to the school office upon returning.  Excuse notes are not accepted at the end of the grading period.

4.      It is the student's responsibility to ask all teachers for make up assignments; complete them and turn them in.  Assignments that are not made up will be reflected on your grade.

If absence is due to travel or any other reason, parents or guardians should notify the school prior to the absences.

Make up classes (held in summer) will be assigned after six (6) excused absences.  There will be charges for these classes. Report cards and transcripts are held until hours are made up and fees are paid.

 TARDINESS

Tardiness will be dealt with at the discretion of the office staff.  Three (3) unexcused tardies equals one unexcused absence for first period.  Promptness to class is a necessity.  Students are to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell sounds.

Arriving twenty (20) minutes after class has commenced without an excuse constitutes an unexcused absence for first period.   When arriving late - students need to sign in at the office before going to class.

A student who accumulates seven (7) unexcused tardies to a class will be excluded from the course for the remainder of the semester with a semester grade of failure for disruptive behavior.

Tardiness is a disruption to the class and a hindrance for the child.  Parents are urged to comply and to have children on the premises ready for school before 8:15 a.m.

School hours are 8:15 a.m. - 3:55 p.m. 

Excessive absences and tardies will be reviewed by the administration.

DISCIPLINE

One of the most important lessons education should teach is self-discipline.  While it does not appear as a specific subject, it underlies the entire educational structure.  It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness and efficiency.  It is the key to good conduct, proper consideration for you and other people, and success.

With an understanding of the purpose of self-discipline in a school climate, you will be able to form a good attitude- not only doing your part in making your school an effective place for learning, but developing the habit of self-restraint, thus making you a more productive person in society.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK ENGLISH AT ALL TIMES.  Students who continue to speak another language will be given detention and a reduction in their conduct and academic grade.  Habitual disregard to this rule will result in suspension from school.

STUDENTS HAVE COME TO AMERICA TO UNDERSTAND, UTILIZE AND ENJOY THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.  WE REALIZE THIS IS A MOST COMMENDABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS.

CELLPHONES & ELECTRONICS

Students are to leave all electronics and cell phones locked in lockers.  These may only be used before 8:15 am and after 3:55 pm.  Translators, cell phones, and iPods, etc. must remain in lockers between the hours of 8:15 and 3;55.  Seniors have permission to use cell phones at lunch if going off campus.  Any cell phones, electronic devices or translators that are confiscated will have to be picked up by the student at the end of the school day.  Each time there will be a $15.00 fee to "buy back" phones, IPods etc.  After the third offense, a parent or guardian must pick up the device from the office and there will be a $25.00 charge then and there after.

Policies and rules are made for the betterment of the students and their overall school program.  A student who is unable to commit her/ himself to the responsibilities of the program need to seek schooling elsewhere.

 VANDALISM AND PROPERTY DAMAGE

We are indeed proud and most grateful for our beautiful school facilities.  We should not take them for granted.  Students who abuse, destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses or damage.  If students willfully destroy school property, they will be subject to suspension.

BOOKS- Each student is responsible for the books issued to them.  Loss of books or destruction of books will be charged back to the student.  Book prices range from $49.95 to $79.99.

If you should happen to damage something by accident, you should report it to the office or teacher immediately.  Accidents can happen and we realize this.

We ask that you care for the Memorial Hall School Facility and equipment with pride.  Much hard work and much time has gone into creating a pleasant academic and social environment.  Students are expected to take pride in keeping the school clean.  Discarded trash, paper, soft drink cans etc. need to be placed in trash receptacles.  There is no need or excuse for anyone to drop items on the floor or ground or leave waste under desks or on tables.

Students who persist in thoughtlessness in not picking up or caring for their discarded items will be required to receive extra help in learning self-discipline in this area.

Books and spirals picked up throughout the school will be turned into the office and may be "bought back" for $2.00 each.  Each student should exercise responsibility in keeping up with his or her textbooks.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

The Administration and Board of Directors of Memorial Hall School reserve the right to terminate any student who sells, gives, possesses, brings on campus, uses or is under the influence of illicit drugs, narcotics or alcohol in or on school property, or while involved in any and all school activities.

Students finding it necessary to discuss drug, narcotics or alcohol will be subject to expulsion.  Parents will be notified in the event that illegal substances are brought on the campus or perpetrated to be sold or given to anyone.  Students involved will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for possible legal action.

SMOKING/ DIPPING/ CHEWING TOBACCO

The use and or possession of tobacco products are prohibited and any student who violates this rule is subject to suspension or expulsion.

GUM

Gum chewing is prohibited on the school campus.

PROFANITY

Profanity, abusive and disruptive language is not to be and will not be tolerated.

CHEATING

Cheating will not be tolerated in homework, class work, or tests.  Whenever a student elects to cheat, the teacher shall collect the student's paper or work, mark a zero for the assignment, and notify the parent and administration office immediately as to the action administered.

WITHDRAWALS

When a student is withdrawn from school, all records must be brought up-to-date, and all outstanding balances must be cleared before transcript and or records will be released.

No fees or prepaid tuition will be refunded for the school year, whether the child elects to withdraw or is asked to withdraw.

 CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY

Once a student arrives on the campus for a school day, he/she will remain on the campus until dismissed at the end of the day.  In the case of an unavoidable medical appointment, the student should bring a written excuse to the office prior to first period and secure a permit.  Any student leaving campus will be required to have written, or verbal, permission from their parent/ guardian and must sign out through the office.

If a student wishes to bring a visitor to school they must get approval from the office prior to bringing the visitor.  When arriving, all visitors to the campus must first report to the office for visit approval.  Parents, or others, arriving to observe must also check in at the school office first.

TIME SCHEDULE:

INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS

 An Individual Education Program is set for each individual based on prior testing and functioning data and history.  Continual testing and reevaluation is performed throughout the school year.

Class placements, goals, and methodology will be provided and are designed to best suit each student in order to help that individual achieve his/her highest growth mentally, emotionally and socially.

Students are made aware of their capabilities.  An individual assessment is made in order to provide success in deficient and weak areas, as well as gearing toward student's aptitudes and strengths.

Tutoring will be available to students on an individual basis as needed.

For individual and group conferences with staff or administration, it is asked that the office be contacted for a conference time most convenient for parent and staff.  Please advise the office of any problems/ changes of address or phone numbers.   Communication between home and school is essential.

PROGRESS REPORTS AND SIX WEEK REPORT CARDS

Students will receive a progress report every three weeks regarding grade averages, conduct and work completion.  Report cards will be given out every six weeks.  Both are to be signed by the parent/ guardian and student then returned to their homeroom teacher no later than Thursday.

This is but one more step in providing a continual, ongoing personal communication between school and home. 

PARKING - PARKING AREA - CARPOOLS

Parents should feel free to contact the office in receiving help in carpools when possible.  We would remind students in carpools to be mannerly and quiet to and from school in order that parents and students driving can exercise the utmost caution.

In the event someone new is coming to pick up your child, please advise the school office.  Children will not be allowed to leave the building with unknown individuals unless parents have advised the office of a change.

Students driving other students need to notify the office.  This is the driver's responsibility.

Students are expected to have orderly arrival and departure.  Students are asked to lock their cars and not be in their cars until they are dismissed. 

No student is to be in or around the cars in the parking lots during school or lunch period without permission.  Students are expected to bring books and materials into the school upon arrival and not go to and from cars during or between classes.

Those students not able to abide by these rules will lose the privilege of bringing a car on campus.

HALLS

We have worked to implement a safe and sound environment for our students and faculty.  Students should be in the halls only at the beginning and close of school and while moving from one class to another.  During lunchtime, students are to remain in the cafeteria.  Students are expected to be courteous at all times and to keep to the right when moving in the halls.  Running and loudness in the hall is never permitted.

Students are asked to enter/exit the building through the lunchroom or "extended lunchroom" area.  Students please use the office windows when needing correspondence with the office. 

We expect students to conduct themselves with respect and pride.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Fire drills will be held at irregular intervals.  Students are required to leave the building in a single file and move to their designated areas in a quiet and orderly manner.  Evacuation drills, signaled by 3 bells, means to quickly evacuate the building in a rapid, serious, and orderly manner going directly to the designated area.  2 Bells signals it is safe to return to the building.

Memorial Hall is certified and regulated by the City of Houston Fire Codes.

HEALTH

It is imperative that immunization and health records of your child/ ward are kept up to date in the school office.

Parents are not to send sick children to school. If a child is ill, one day at home may save a number of absences. Students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning.

In the event the school deems it necessary to call a parent in regard to illness of their child, we ask for your cooperation in picking him/her up from school.

TEXTBOOKS

Supply fees are paid in order for students to have textbooks and prepared materials as well as workbooks, consumables and copied materials.  Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully.

Please be sure your name, grade and number of the book assigned to you are on the book label in case the book is misplaced or lost.  Students are required to pay for lost or damaged books.

LOCKERS

Lockers are issued to High School and Middle School students.  Combination locks are to be provided by students.  Combination numbers are to be recorded and kept by homeroom teachers.  If using a key lock, give a duplicate key to the homeroom teacher in case of emergency.  Students are cautioned in that books and materials should not be kept in lockers until your lock is on your locker.  Each student MUST have a lock on his or her locker.

Students do not share their combinations or lockers with other students.  It is not advisable that another student should have the responsibility of knowing your lock combination in the event something is stolen or taken from your locker.

Each student is responsible for keeping the assigned locker clean both inside and outside.  No food or drinks are to be stored in lockers.  A refrigerator is assigned for the students to use. 

Any damages caused by misuse will be charged to the student responsible.   Students are to store food and drinks in the lunch room.  Empty containers and leftovers are to be removed daily.  Do not store food or drinks in lockers.

Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money to school and not to leave lockers unlocked.  In the event you have cause to have a large amount of money or valuables, please turn in such items to the school office for safekeeping.

Locker inspections will be held intermittently throughout the year.  Students are responsible for their lockers and all contents inside them.

PURSES/BACKPACKS

Girls are not to have or carry purses from class to class.  Girl's purses, boy's billfolds, and valuables should be placed in assigned locked lockers in the building.  Backpacks are to remain in lockers until the end of the day.

LOST AND FOUND

Articles found in and around the school are to be brought directly to the school office.  The school cannot be responsible for lost or misplaced items.  Please check the lost and found frequently for textbooks, clothing, etc.

PHONE MESSAGES

Students will be given phone messages, but we ask that parents do not call them out of class unless it is an emergency. Students are not permitted to use the telephone during school except in emergencies.

CAFETERIA AND LUNCH PERIOD

Student behavior in the dining room should be based on courtesy and cleanliness.  This means leaving the area in the condition in which you would like to live. 

Students are not to be eating or drinking soft drinks in any other area of the school except for the designated lunch areas.  Students are not to take food into the classroom areas.

Microwaves are available to students in the cafeteria.  Misuse or overuse will not be accepted.

Glass bottles or containers are not allowed on campus for safety reasons.

Seniors  and  Juniors will have off campus lunch privileges.  A form is required giving permission to the senior/junior  to leave campus for lunch.  All juniors and seniors will sign a note containing rules for off campus lunches. Parent or guardian must also sign this permission slip.  

LIBRARY/ COMPUTER SERVICES

The library is made available to students for pleasure reading as well as research.  Computers are available for students' use during designated times while a teacher is present.  A computer usage form must be signed by parent/guardian and on file.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Homework is an integral part of the classroom.  It is the student's responsibility upon receiving the assignment, to make sure he understands it, takes the texts and/or materials home to do the assignment and bring it back to be turned in at the time it is due.

No homework is sent home that has not already been presented in the classroom.

Homework is assigned every day, Monday through Thursday.  Students will be given specific class Homework days.  This allows students to concentrate on particular studies on designated days.  In the event the student does not complete homework during the time given, they will still be held responsible for completion of the assignment. 

If a student is doing his/ her homework before, after, or during school, it is the student's responsibility to share this fact with his parents.  Too often parents are unaware that the student is doing his/ her homework and turning it in.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

All changes are to be approved by the office.  Students transferring to another class will need to have the change signed by the teacher whose class they will be dropping and the teacher whose class they will be adding.

Students will have a two week grace period in which to make necessary schedule changes.  Longer than that may result in a loss of credit.

TESTING DATA

Any testing data performed on the part of the school will be placed in the student's file and will be available to the student and parent/guardian upon request.

MEDICATION

If it is necessary for a student to take any form of medication at school, a signed note or ctive from the parent/ guardian must be presented to the office.

GENERAL CLIMATE

The student's behavior should be refined and courteous at all times.  An indication of the cultural level and intellect of the school is the conduct of the student body.  Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. 

 STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council is elected by the student body.  It serves as a training experience for both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearing house for student activities, seeks to interest students in school affairs, and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the Council are representatives and have direct access to the administration.

SENIORS      

We look to our seniors to work closely with the Student Council in an advisory capacity.  It is the feeling that the seniors have much to offer students, staff, and administration in overseeing policies and everyday school life.

Seniors should be examples to the student body.

VOLUNTEER GROUP

Parents and students are encouraged to volunteer their services throughout the year, during the school day, or during extra activities. 

Students may earn service hours outside of school.  Check with your advisor for approval and forms.

If you can think of any help you might be able to give the school, we would welcome hearing from you.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

COURSE LOAD

All High School students will take a full course load of seven classes or its equivalent.  Distributive Education students are on campus as directed according to their schedule but are required to be on campus for four periods of academic study.  Any diversion from this policy has to be the decision of the administration. 

Distributive Education students must have a job and administration approval before being allowed to leave and receive credit.  Employees are required to complete a data report on the student regularly.

MODIFIED COURSES

For students who may experience difficulty with the regular academic curriculum, modification in course of study is made available.

Additional help classes are part of implementation for student academic improvement.  These courses may apply to students who are learning the English language, who may encounter disparity in abilities, or who will profit from special help classes.

COURSE CREDIT

This notification is in accordance with the Texas Education Code.

Students must maintain a grade average of 70 on a scale of 100 in order to receive credit for the course.

High School students enrolling in school after the first six weeks of either semester will receive no credit for the semester if they have not previously been enrolled in an accredited school for the academic year.  In some special cases, the student making up the time and work in summer school may earn credit.

If a student enrolls in school so late in a semester that he cannot fulfill the 90% attendance that the state requires for credit or if a student enrolls in Memorial Hall and there is no possible way to match a course taken in a previous school with one offered in our school, the "NC" will be used to show the student receives no credit for the course or courses.

Students will have an allotted time to make up incomplete work.  An incomplete assignment will result in a zero "0".

 REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE LEVEL

9^th Grade         Freshmen-                   1 - 7

10^th Grade       Sophomore-                7 - 14

11^th Grade       Junior-                         14 - 21

12^th Grade       Senior-                         21 - 28

*Recommended Requirements - 26 credits.

All students classified as seniors must be able to fulfill graduation requirements by the end of the school year in which they are classified as seniors.

GRADING IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW

A          90 - 100                                  Excellent

B          80 - 89                                    Good Progress

C          70 - 79                                    Fair Progress

D          60 - 69                                    Poor Progress

F          Below 70                                 Failure

MEMORIAL HALL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Memorial Hall follows the Texas Education Agency guidelines; requiring a minimum of (26) credits for graduation.