MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of NorthStar High School is to provide instruction to students based on their individual needs.  Students with disabilities are educated with their

non-disabled peers.  The School will achieve its mission through team teaching, low student to teacher ratios, cooperative learning, multi -sensory

hands-on-learning, frequent assessment and extensive networking with parents and the community.

CODE OF CONDUCT

NorthStar High School agrees to maintain a safe learning environment at all times. In order to provide criteria for addressing discipline issues that will ensure the

health, safety and welfare of all students attending the School, the School will adopt and follow the NorthStar High School Standards, which is in accordance with

 the OCPS Code of Student Conduct for High Schools. 

NorthStar High School will follow the OCPS Code of Conduct. Any policies developed by the School to implement the Code of Student Conduct shall be in accordance

with State Board of Education Administrative Rules, Federal Statutes and state and federal court decisions. The School agrees that it will not engage in the

corporal punishment of its students.

STUDENT/ PARENT CONTRACT

Prior to enrollment, each student and parent must read, agree to and sign the NorthStar High School Student/Parent Contract.  In this contract, the student and parent

 agree to be held accountable for all rules and regulations of the School, to keep a safe and healthy environment and maintain the required attendance.  

ACADEMIC HONESTY/DISHONESTY

NorthStar High School considers any violation of academic honesty a serious offense.   Do not copy homework or any other papers that are not yours.  The use of

exact or similar wording to include the ideas of another, without giving that writer the proper credit in the document, is considered plagiarism and will not be tolerated.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To receive a diploma and have a final transcript sent to a college or university, a senior must complete all academic requirements. It is imperative that each student

meets with her/his counselor annually to develop a plan of action that will meet both his/her individual, vocational and academic goals.  A student should have fulfilled

all requirements specified by the State Department of Education, applicable Orange County School Board policies and rules, and those set forth by NorthStar High School.

Students interested in Special Diplomas may refer to the Pupil Progression Plan of the Orange County Public Schools 2009-2010 school year.

HOMEWORK

Homework is designed to make more efficient use of in-class time and to help develop a student’s ability to work independently.  The individual teachers will

assign homework.  Because of study habits and course loads, the time required for satisfactory completion of assignments may vary.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Effective communication is very important to the success of every student at NorthStar High School. Parent conferences are available by making appointments through

the office. Quarterly grades will be available after each completed semester.  Year-end grades will be available for mailing one week after the close of the school year. 

Please bring in a self-addressed stamped envelop to the front office if you desire to receive your report card by mail.

ATTENDANCE

How well a student performs is directly related to attendance. Regular attendance provides students with the opportunities necessary to meet course goals and

objectives.   Students are required to be present regularly, except in cases of illness, injury, death in the family, or religious observance.  If the student is absent, a note

from the parent or guardian is needed with detailed explanation of the absence.  Principal or designee will review the documentation and, if deemed appropriate, will

excuse absence and approve make-up work.   Students with absences exceeding nine (9) days in a semester or nineteen (19) in a year will receive an “F” in the

course.  Absences are counted for both excused and unexcused days. The principal can waive this policy in extreme circumstances.  For a waiver, the parent must:

·         Write a letter to the principal/designee outlining the situation

 Students under the age of eighteen (18) with more than nine (9) unexcused absences for the school year will be reported to the OCPS social worker.

 Students under the age of eighteen (18) with fifteen (15) absences for the school year will be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services as a habitual   
 truant.

Students between the ages of fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) with fifteen (15) absences will not be able to acquire or maintain a driver’s license.  These students will be reported to the DHMV.

TARDY

Students arriving after school is in session are tardy and should report to the office. Student will be directed to wait in designated location until next class period and

student will be considered absent for the class period.  Tardy policy will be posted in the front office. Frequent tardies and absences are reported to the OCPS Social

Workers.

ABSENCES

Parents are to contact the front office the day their child will be absent.  In addition, written verification of absence, signed by parent/guardian, must be delivered to

the front office within 24 hours of returning to school. The Principal retains the right to require proper documentation for any absence.  Any failure to adhere to this requirement may result in an unexcused absence.  Absences are counted for both excused and unexcused.

EXCUSED ABSENCES 

Absences from school will be excused for the following reasons:

·         Illness, injury or other insurmountable condition

·         Illness or death of a member of the student’s immediate family

-Parent, step- parent or guardian

-Grandparents

-Sibling

·         Recognized (or established) religious holidays/ religious instruction

·         Approved school sponsored events

MAKE-UP WORK/TESTS 

If approved, students are allowed the number of days absent to make up class assignments upon returning to school.  Makeup assignments and tests are the student’s responsibility.  Evidence of truancy may eliminate a credit for makeup, i.e. homework, tests, etc.

DRESS CODE

Students are required to be clean, neat and in proper attire. NorthStar High School follows the OCPS Dress Code. In addition to the OCPS Dress Code, students are allowed

only two facial piercings and must have natural color hair.  Students violating the dress code will suffer the following consequences as outlined below: 

First Offense

·         referral, warning, parent contact, appropriate dress required before returning to class

·         warned to level 2 if non-compliance

Second Offense

·         referral, detention, parent contact, appropriate dress required before returning to class

·         warned to level 3 if repeated offense

Third Offense

·         suspension for gross insubordination

The school administration shall have the right to appraise any current fashion or fad and determine suitability for school wear.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

School hours will be available in the front office.  When arriving on campus, student must wait in the designated area. Students will be allowed on campus only when there is supervision. If a student is dismissing in a manner or time other than usual, a note is needed from the parent/guardian on the morning of the change.  Students dismissing before the regularly scheduled time need to be picked up and signed out in the school office.

LATE ARRIVALS

Class sessions begin promptly at the designated time.  Students arriving late are to report to the main office and will adhere to tardy policy. 

STUDENT CLUBS/ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are designed to enrich students’ lives by providing opportunities to pursue interests and develop friendships.  Each club will have a meeting place and time to be announced in the future.  At NorthStar High School, we encourage school sponsored social events as well.  These should be approved by the Principal and scheduled at least one month in advance.  Please contact your teacher if you have any ideas for social activities!  There is a GPA requirement for Extra Curricular activities.  Please see the front office.

LUNCHES

 PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION
 At NorthStar High School, we feel that an open line of communication is paramount to a student’s success; therefore, we encourage regular conferences between the  
 parent/guardian and the student’s teachers. Progress reports will be sent home during each grading period.

MEDICATION
Medications, which are prescribed by a physician, may be administered in school.  A designated staff member will do the administration of medications.  A medication authorization form must be completed prior to the administration of any medication.  All prescribed medication must be in the original container, labeled with the student’s name, pharmacy, address and telephone number, date and number of prescription.  All over the counter medication will be treated in the same manner as prescribed medications. It must be in the original container with the same information as stated above.  Students are not permitted to possess cough drops, aspirin, or any other non-prescription drugs at school.  All medications must be checked at the office.

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
When a student becomes ill at school, a parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to pick up the student.  Students are not to call parents on their own.  They will be signed out through the office. Students will be dismissed from school after a parent has been notified and transportation has been arranged.  In case of an emergency, the school will attempt to notify parent/guardian before the student is taken to the nearest emergency room in accordance with the medical release form the school has on file.  As always, the parent/guardian is responsible for all expenses that are incurred.

EMERGENCY CLOSING
NorthStar High School will follow Orange County Public School’s policy regarding emergency closings.

VISITORS
All visitors, parents and guardians are required to report to the school office to sign in.  This rule is for the protection of the students and applies to everyone. Unregistered or unapproved guests will be asked to leave the school or they will be reported to the police.  NSHS follows OCPS procedures regarding the Jessica Lunsford Act.

FAMILY AND STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
A large part of the School’s success will be the amount of involvement from the families and students.  Families are required to comply with the Student/Parent contract as it pertains to volunteer hours or its equivalent.  Details are available at the office.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES/VALUABLES
Cell phones and electronic devices will not be allowed to be used during school hours. The student will not be allowed to have headphones, electronic devices of any type to include video taping or cameras on during school hours.  If found, they will be confiscated.  Do not bring any valuables to the school.  The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal items on campus.

VENDING MACHINES
NorthStar High School assumes no responsibility for lost money or damaged goods received.

ZERO TOLERANCE
NorthStar High School, in accordance with OCPS Code of Conduct, will not tolerate any student who possesses, sells, consumes or is under the influence of any drug or alcohol at school or any school event. 

The school will not tolerate any student that brings a weapon to school.  Weapons include pocket knives, firecrackers, matches, lighters and guns.

Any damage to school or personal property is a violation of School policy and will be dealt with accordingly.

Any abuse such as sexual harassment, intimidation or bullying will not be tolerated.  Open display of public affection will not be allowed. 

There is zero tolerance for any student that shows disrespect to any member of the staff, any other student or any parent. Refer to the NorthStar High Standards of Conduct for the penalties for violating the zero tolerance rules.

LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found will be located in the front office and will be available to NorthStar High School personnel only.  The student’s name should be clearly marked on all items brought to school such as book bags, umbrellas etc.  Any unmarked items not claimed within 30 days will be disposed.

IMMUNIZATION FORMS
As required by Florida law, Immunization forms for each student must be on file (signed by a physician) by the beginning of the school year.  All records must be complete and up to date.

INSURANCE
Health Insurance is not provided for the students.  Each student’s parent will be responsible for his/her child’s health insurance. 

FIRE DRILLS
Each classroom will have fire drill emergency instructions posted.  The teachers will explain procedures at the beginning of the school year.  Fire drills are conducted periodically during the school year.  

STUDENT PHONE USE
Students will not be allowed to use the telephones during school hours unless authorized by a member of the NorthStar High School staff.  In case of an emergency, the student must contact the secretary on duty.  The school telephones are strictly used for business purposes only.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS
For a limited time, individual Student ID cards will be available for purchase at the front office.

LOCKERS
A $15.00, non refundable, maintenance fee will be charged for each locker/lock assigned.  Only school supplied locks will be allowed for use on any assigned locker unless approved by administration.  Any unauthorized lock will be removed and the locker contents confiscated. Your locker should be kept locked at all times. Check for availability and assignment at the front office.

Students are cautioned against sharing their combinations with others.  Locker sharing is not allowed. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her locker clean both inside and outside.  Damage caused by misuse, tape, etc., will be charged to the student.  Any locker malfunction should be reported to the main office.  Students are cautioned not to keep money or other valuables in their lockers.  The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

INTIMATE BEHAVIOR
Students are to refrain from public displays of affection in the school.  The practice of embracing and kissing is considered in poor taste and disruptive for the educational environment.

DETENTION
Detention is assigned after school for one hour. The dates and times will be determined by administration and posted in the front office. Students may also be assigned to pick up campus litter during their detention time period.  Failure to attend the assigned detention may result in out-of-school suspension.  Individual teachers may assign classroom or lunch detentions.

ALCOHOL/ DRUGS
Any student known to have alcohol or a dangerous drug in his/her possession/distribution or known to be under the influence thereof, while in school or while participating or attending a school-sponsored function, may be suspended/expelled from school.  The giving of such items to others is considered a crime and will be reported to law enforcement.

OBLIGATIONS
Students are responsible for all financial obligations owed to the school, i.e., lost or damaged textbooks, etc.

SMOKING AND USING TOBACCO
School Board Policy prohibits possession and use of all tobacco products at school, on a school bus, or at any school-related activity during school hours.

SCHOOL DANCES
Only NorthStar High School students and their dates are allowed to attend school dances.  Once students enter, they must remain inside until they are ready to leave the premises. 

SCHEDULE CHANGES
Once student schedules are finalized in July, changes to the schedules are made only for the following errors:  duplicate course, course prerequisites not met, incorrect course sequence, and course needed for graduation.  Changes to elective courses cannot be accommodated.

STUDENT DRIVING / PARKING REGULATIONS
Parking permits will be sold to students who are 16 years of age or older and have a cumulative grade point of 2.0 or higher.  If the grade point average falls below 2.0, the parking permits will be revoked and no refund will be given.  Parking permits will be sold in the main office.  The following items must be provided at the time of application:

·         Proof of grade level with a current schedule

·         Valid vehicle registration for the car that will be registered

·         Valid Florida driver’s license

·         Proof of insurance

The cost of a parking permit is $55.00. Your check should be made out to NorthStar High School.   Parking permits will be sold until the capacity of the student lot has been reached.

 Parking permits may be revoked or suspended for a number of reasons.  These include, but are not limited to:

·         Leaving campus without authorization.

·         Repeated tardiness to school.

·         Repeated truancy.

·         Reckless driving on or near campus or involving a school bus.

·         Permits will not be issued after a second suspension.

 Students will comply with all local and state traffic regulation while operating any motor vehicle on campus. Students will park in the areas designated for student parking.  
 Students will not be permitted to park in staff, faculty, or visitor designated parking spaces at any time.

Parking in unauthorized spaces will cause violators to lose their parking permit and /or towing of the vehicle at owner’s expense.  A student must have administrative approval to go to a parking area during the school day.  Teachers are not allowed to issue passes to parking areas.  This rule applies equally to bicycles, motor scooters, motorcycles, and any other type of privately owned vehicle.  Students are not to loiter in the parking lots upon arrival or dismissal.

 WITHDRAWAL OR TRANSFER FROM SCHOOL
To withdraw or transfer from school, students must obtain a withdrawal form from the main office.  Clearance of textbooks or any other school property must be obtained.  A parent or guardian must accompany the student to withdraw or transfer.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Employees of NorthStar High School have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect have immunity from liability if they report such cases in good faith and have a duty to comply with child protective investigations and all other provisions of law relating to child abuse and neglect.   
1-800-962-2873

GIFTS
NorthStar High School will not sign for or accept deliveries to the school for any student.  Students are not to bring balloons or any items on campus that would be considered disruptive.