Governor Thomas Johnson

High School

2005 – 2006

 

 

 

 

Home of the Patriots

 

 

 

 

1501 North Market Street

Frederick, MD 21701

http://gtjhs.fcps.org

 

Telephone: (240) 236-8200

Fax Number:   (240) 236-8201- Main

                                               (240) 236-8213 - Guidance

 

 

 

This Student Planner belongs to:

 

Name _________________________________________________

 

Phone_________________________________________________

 

Address________________________________________________

 

Grade_________________________________________________

 

Homeroom_____________________________________________
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Vision Statement

The Governor Thomas Johnson High School community educates all students to become caring, respectful, responsible citizens and family members.

 

 

Mission Statement

Fostering Self-Assurance           Striving for Success

 

 

Belief Statement

The staff, students, parents and community are dedicated to

·        accepting responsibility for meeting high expectations;

·        providing rigorous, relevant course work, which integrates technology and fosters critical thinking, problem solving, and deep understanding;

·        collaborating to ensure continuous achievement;

·        providing comprehensive, consistent, and coordinated services to all students;

·        modeling appropriate behavior that respects the rights of others and ensures a safe environment;

·        maintaining a base of qualified, innovative, dedicated teachers and staff members;

·        encouraging student involvement in cocurricular and extracurricular activities;

·        modeling lifelong learning; and

·        maintaining open lines of communication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CALENDAR HANDBOOK

The Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Calendar Handbook is the official information document for the Frederick County Public Schools System.  The Calendar Handbook and the Student Agenda contain pertinent information regarding rules and regulations for GTJHS and the FCPS system.

 

BELL SCHEDULE

Block 1 (7:30 – 9:00)

7:25         – Warning Bell

7:30         – Block 1 Begins

9:00         – Block 1 Ends

 

Block 2 (9:05 – 10:39)

  9:05       – Block 2 Begins (A.M. announcements)

10:39       – Block 2 Ends

 

Block 3 and Lunch (10:44 – 12:44)

Class Time                             First Lunch Shift

11:14 – 12:44                         10:44 – 11:14

 

Class Time                             Second Lunch Shift

10:44 – 11:14                         11:14 – 11:44

11:44 – 12:44

 

Class Time                             Third Lunch Shift

10:44 – 11:44                         11:44 – 12:14

12:14 – 12:44

 

Class Time                             Fourth Lunch Shift

10:44 – 12:14                         12:14 – 12:44

 

Block 4 (12:49 – 2:20)

12:49       – Block 4 Begins

  2:20       – Block 4 Ends/ Dismissal (P.M. announcements)

 

 

§   Classes are 90 minutes.

§   Class changes are 5 minutes.

§   There is no extra time after the lunch shift.  Students return directly to class

following lunch.  A late bell rings after three minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Academic achievement is the focus of all activity at GTJHS.  In order to reach his/her potential, each student has the responsibility to:

·   be in school each and every day.

·   arrive in school and to class on time.

·   accept the challenge of scheduling academically rigorous classes.

·   bring to class all books and required material every day.

·   participate in all class activities in active/meaningful ways.

·   keep absences for school sponsored activities to a minimum.

·   strive to be an honor roll student.

·   carefully complete class assignments and homework.

·   seek help after school from teachers if experiencing academic difficulty.

·   exhibit respect for staff and other students.

 

ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, a senior high school student must have earned a minimum of 2.00 GPA and no “F” grades.  Grades used to determine eligibility will be recorded on report cards and interim reports.

Grades used to determine ineligibility will be recorded on end-of-term report cards only.  A grade of “WF” will be considered as a failing grade on interim and term grade reports during the term in which the course is dropped.

Eligibility for fall extracurricular activities is determined by the fourth term grades from the previous year.  An ineligible student may practice but may not accompany the team or group or be excused from any class for the activity concerned.  Extracurricular activities are those school-sponsored activities other than regular class activities in which the student represents the school.     

When a student believes a procedural error has occurred through a miscalculation, omission or an inaccurate reporting in the awarding of a grade, an appeal may be made to the school principal.

 

HOMEWORK

1.      Grades 9 through 12 at all levels, should have homework daily.

2.      Students should generally receive no more than a maximum of 2 hours homework for all combined subjects per night.

3.      Incomplete homework assignments could result in a drop of no more than one letter grade for a marking period.

4.      Students should record daily homework assignments in this planner.

5.      Students should establish a regular routine to work on homework assignments.

6.      Students should be prepared to submit homework on the date it is due.

7.      If students are absent from school or class, they are still responsible for the homework assignment.

8.      Students should inform their teachers of homework assigned in other classes.  Teachers will then be able to avoid overloading students with homework on any given night.

 

GRADING POLICY

1.      The final grade average in courses, with an exam, will be based upon three grades: one grade for each of the two marking periods and one grade for the final examination.  To receive credit for the course, a student must receive at least two passing grades (out of three grades possible) on the report card.

2.      In courses without an exam, the final grade average will be based upon two grades: one for each of the marking periods.  Semester courses without an exam having a “D” and “F” for term grades will default to an F unless the teacher overrides the grade.  To receive credit for the course, a student must receive at least one passing grade (out of two grades possible) on the report card.

3.      The grade of I (Incomplete) may be given, in any course, to students who have not completed the prescribed work by the end of the grading period.  All incomplete grades must be approved by the principal.  Normally, the grade of I will remain on the report card for no longer than two weeks.  The teacher will change the I to another grade, at the end of the two weeks, and notify the student and parent.  Extenuating circumstances, such as prolonged illness, may cause a teacher to grant an extension for the two-week period.  Such an extension shall also be approved by the principal.

4.      Students who have an excess of five (5) unexcused absences in any term shall be assigned a failing grade in that class.

5.      Grading Scale:

A - 90 –      100%

B - 80 –       89%  

C - 70 –       79%  

D - 60 –       69%  

F – below     60% -Failure

I – Incomplete

6.      The complete grading policy is identified in Regulation   500-5.

 

PROMOTION POLICY

The Frederick County promotion policy establishes these minimum numbers of credits for promotion of students.

 

CLASS of 2006 and later

Promotion to grade 9        Promotion from the eighth grade

Promotion to grade 10       Six credits earned

Promotion to grade 11       Twelve credits earned

Promotion to grade 12       Eighteen credits earned

Graduation – Four credits earned beyond Grade 11 and a total of 25 credits earned.

 

FAILING OR IN DANGER OF FAILING PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports will be sent to parents at the midpoint of every term or whenever the following conditions exist:

1.      A student is failing a course.

2.      A student’s performance is less than satisfactory and is in danger of failing.

3.      There is a 2 letter grade drop in a student’s performance.

Progress reports may be sent home at any time during the marking period; however, specified times have been established during the four terms.  These dates are published in the county calendar handbook.

 

TEST SECURITY

It is a violation of state and county regulations for any student to obtain unauthorized access to state-required tests or county summative examinations.  Invalidation of test scores shall occur for any student knowingly involved in test security or behavior violations.

Any student who knowingly engages in any activities resulting in invalidation of scores shall be ineligible to retake the test until the next official testing opportunity.  The student is subject to disciplinary action as well.

 

ATTENDANCE

  In accordance with the county attendance policy, students who accumulate more than five unexcused absences in any one term will receive a failing grade in the classes from which they have been absent.  Furthermore, should a student accumulate ten or more unexcused absences in a single semester, he/she could lose credit for all courses taken that semester.

  Parent notes excusing student absences for illness will be accepted on a maximum of ten days throughout the ten-month school year.  Additional days missed from school must be verified through a physician’s note in order to be coded as excused.  Parent notes should include the student’s first and last name.

 

To ensure that all absences are coded correctly and accurately, students are requested to do the following:

1.      Within two days of returning from an absence, a written note signed by a parent or physician must be submitted to the Attendance Office between 7:05 a.m. and      7:25 a.m. (A STUDENT’S FAILURE TO PRESENT A NOTE COULD RESULT IN THAT ABSENCE BEING CODED AS UNEXCUSED.)

2.      Students who wish to leave school before 2:20 p.m. must submit a signed, written note from their parent or physician to the Attendance Office before 7:30 a.m.

3.      Students who become ill during the school day and need to go home should first obtain a pass from their teacher before reporting to the Health Room.

4.      Students arriving to school late are required to check-in at the Attendance Office for an admit pass.  THIS PASS SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE STUDENT’S POSSESSION AND PRESENTED THE FOLLOWING DAY TO THOSE TEACHERS WHOSE CLASSES WERE MISSED.

5.      All A.M. Career & Technology students are to report to the cafeteria for ATTENDANCE.

6.      Attendance Waiver students MUST sign in with the Attendance Office when arriving at school.

7.      Students leaving school without first obtaining an “Out of School Pass” will be considered as having an unexcused absence and will be referred.

 

Early Dismissal from School

·   Students may not leave campus during the day without consent from a parent and the Attendance Office.

·   Students leaving school for medical appointments must present a written excuse (including a phone number where the note can be verified) from the parent to the Attendance Office before 7:30 a.m.

·   The student must report back to the Attendance Office to pick up his pass for dismissal.  (This can be done during class changes.)

·   Upon returning to school, the student must report immediately to the Attendance Office for an “admit to class” pass.

·   A student who becomes ill during the day and needs to go home should get a pass from his/her teacher and then report to the health room.  It is the responsibility of the student to know the locations of his/her parents and phone numbers where parents can be contacted.  A reasonable effort will be made to contact parents; however, multiple phone calls may not be possible.

 

Tracking Procedures

·   Five (5) days of unexcused absence in a term will result in a failure in all classes where the absence occurred.

·   Ten (10) days of unexcused absence will result in a loss of credit for the semester.

·   Eight (8) days of unexcused absence per semester will result in a referral to the Pupil Personnel Worker.

·   Student absences will be excused up to ten (10) days with a note from a parent.  Any days after that will require official documentation (note from a doctor, dentist, lawyer, counselor, etc.) to be counted as a legal absence.  Any exception to this procedure must be approved by the student’s assistant principal.

 

Arrival and Dismissal Times for Students on Special Programs

   Students on special programs (work study, service learning, administrative attendance waiver, internships, etc.) must abide by the arrival and dismissal times on their schedule.  When students must remain on campus or return to campus at a time other than what is posted on their schedule, they must have written permission from a staff person.  Students participating in after school activities may return at 2:20.

 

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

ATTENDANCE/ PARTICIPATION

  Students who are absent, arrive to school late (after 9:00 a.m.) with or without legal excuse or leave the school building before 12:50 p.m. may not participate in any after-school activity.  The only exception to this criteria will be written approval in advance by an administrator.

 

MAKE-UP WORK FOR ABSENCES

·   Students may make up work missed during excused absences.  This includes legal lates to school.  Make-up work counts for full credit.

·   Students must request make-up work within two days of their return to school and make necessary arrangements with the teacher.

·   Unexcused absences will cause the student to be denied credit for make-up work.  The work may be done for the purpose of teacher review, but NO credit will be given.

·   Students presenting notes for excused absences will be issued “Make-up Work Contracts” to take to the teacher whose classes were missed.  Only those students with “Make-up Contracts” will have work accepted by teachers for credit.

·   Teachers are given the courtesy of 48 hours notice for homework requests.  Such requests should not be made for absences of less than 5 days.

 

AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

  All students are expected to leave the campus by 2:45 unless under the direct supervision of a staff person.  We cannot ensure student safety otherwise.

 

GUIDANCE SERVICES

1.      The school provides guidance and counseling services for all students.  Each student is assigned a counselor who will meet with the student to discuss curriculum choices, occupational planning and personal concerns.

2.      Counselors work with administrators, teachers, and parents in an effort to better understand each student’s needs and to provide an appropriate high school program.

3.      The members of the counseling staff are in a position to call upon other agencies in the community when additional services are necessary.

4.      The Guidance Office provides a college information library and career education information in the Career Center.

5.      Any student wishing to meet with a counselor is asked to schedule an appointment through the guidance secretary.  This can be done before and after school and during lunch time.  The appointment slip should be shown to the classroom teacher prior to the appointment.  In cases of emergency, counselors and principals will gladly talk with students at any time.

 

SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS

  Schedule selections must be made with the utmost care.  Decisions regarding staffing and course offerings are based upon student selection.  Therefore, no schedule adjustments will be allowed unless the student has failed a course, failed to meet a graduation requirement, or the school has made an error.  The principal must approve any exceptions.

 

STUDENT ASSISTANTS

  This position is only available to students in grade 12 who have had no referrals in the previous school year.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ATTENDANCE WAIVER

  In order for a student to be granted release time, certain conditions must be met.  The student and his/her parent or guardian must submit a formal application in writing to the school.  A standing faculty member will be responsible for screening each student’s application to ensure that the requested placement is in the best educational interest of the student.  Reasons for requesting released time are as follows:

1.      A condition exists where a normal school day might create or aggravate a health or behavior adjustment problem.

(a)  Psychological problems

(b)  Physical problems

(c)  Emotional problems

2.      Sufficient evidence is provided for financial need in order for the student to continue his/her education.  For this condition, approval of the Superintendent is mandatory.

3.      IF THE STUDENT IS A SENIOR, THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS MAY APPLY:

(a)  The student’s time away from school must be used to promote educational experience.

(b)  The student’s time away from school must be used to promote community service experiences.

  Released time students shall leave the school property immediately at the appropriate time unless special permission has been given by the administration before hand.  For more details and application forms, contact your guidance counselor.

 

WORK PERMITS

  Students, eighteen years of age or under, who are employed for any type of work during or after school hours, Saturday or Sunday, or during vacation, must secure a work permit.  State law requires this permit.  Information on permits may be secured from the Guidance Office or the Work Study Coordinator.

 

WORK STUDY PROGRAM

  A number of opportunities exist for seniors who desire to work part-time while attending school.  Students enrolled in this program and other similar work experience opportunities do receive financial remuneration according to local salary schedules and credits toward graduation.  Ordinarily, students must sign up for these programs at the time of registration in the spring.  However, job opportunities do open up during the year and seniors who are interested should contact their guidance counselor or the Work Study Coordinator.

 

RECOMMENDED TESTS FOR ALL STUDENTS

                  

Fall

Spring

Sophomore

P.S.A.T.

S.A.T.

Junior

P.S.A.T.

N.M.S.Q.T.

S.A.T.

A.C.T.

Senior

S.A.T.

A.C.T.

 

 

A.C.T. – American College Test

N.M.S.Q.T. – National Merit Qualifying Test

P.S.A.T. – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

S.A.T. – Scholastic Aptitude Test

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

 

Various Advanced Placement tests are administered during the spring for students taking A.P. courses.

 

Students who take 3 or more exams during their high school career with a “C” average in the corresponding AP courses are eligible to be GTJHS AP Patriots.  Students who take 6 or more exams during their high school career with a “C” average in the corresponding AP courses are eligible to be GTJHS AP Patriot Scholars.

 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION/PEER MEDIATION/HARASSMENT

Mediation is a form of conflict resolution and is used to resolve disputes between 2 or more persons.  The goal is to reach some level of agreement.

Students are advised that Governor Thomas Johnson High School has “zero tolerance” for harassment of any kind.  Students involved in any form of harassment will be required to participate in some type of adult or peer mediation session.

While our school has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, we cannot resolve conflicts or address issues that are not reported.  The FCPS Harassment Report Form is located in school administrative & counseling offices.  Students are encouraged to share what they know (regarding harassment or dangerous activities) with an adult.  If you or someone you know is being harassed, please tell a staff person.  Mediation and conflict resolution works!  It improves relationships!

 

 

CHARACTER COUNTS!

The Six Pillars of Character

 

TRUSTWORTHINESS

·         Be honest

·         Don’t deceive, cheat or steal.

·         Be reliable – do what you say you’ll do.

·         Have the courage to do the right thing.

·         Build a good reputation.

·         Be loyal – stand by your family, friends, and country.

FAIRNESS

·   Play by the rules.

·   Take turns and share.

·   Be open-minded; listen to others.

·   Don’t take advantage of others.

·   Don’t blame others carelessly.

RESPECT

·   Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule.

·   Be tolerant of differences.

·   Use good manners, not bad language.

·   Be considerate of the feelings of others.

·   Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone.

·   Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.

CARING

·   Be kind.

·   Be compassionate and show you care.

·   Express gratitude.

·   Forgive others.

·   Help people in need.

RESPONSIBILITY

·   Do what you are supposed to do.

·   Persevere:  keep on trying!

·   Always do your best.

·   Use self-control; be self-disciplined.

·   Think before you act – consider the consequences.

CITIZENSHIP

·   Do your share to make your school and community better.

·   Cooperate.

·   Stay informed; vote.

·   Be a good neighbor.

·   Obey laws and rules.

·   Respect authority.

·   Protect the environment.

 

BULLYING

Bullying occurs when one or more students attempt to intimidate or harm another student(s) by use of verbal threats or physical force; or when they emotionally abuse them by cursing, taunting, teasing, pestering, setting up, name calling, gossiping, or other behaviors that cause discomfort or harm to another person.

We need to respect one another.  Just because someone listens to different music than you like, or wears different clothes than you wear, or enjoys different activities does not make that person bad.  You don’t have to be best friends with everyone but acts of rudeness and name-calling are unnecessary and unacceptable.  If you see someone being harassed don’t laugh about it and don’t join in. A “bully” likes an audience.  Don’t encourage a “bully” by being part of the audience.  Try smiling at one another when you pass in the hall.  Say good morning to someone you don’t know very well.  Get to know one another.  We have more in common than you know.  It takes everyone working together, to keep our school a safe environment for all.  Let’s have the courage to make this happen!

 

HEALTH SERVICES

A full time Health Room Technician and part-time Registered Nurse are available in the building.  The Health Room Technician will assist students in case of illness or accident and will administer medications.  The Health Room Technician will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Students who become ill during the school day should request a pass from their teacher to the Health Room. Students will not be permitted to stay out of class for an extended period because of illness.  A student needs to either go home or return to class.  Students being sent home by the Health Technician must check out through the Attendance Office.

Immunization records and health concerns will be kept by the Health Technician in a separate file.  Specific health related concerns should be addressed to that office.

An emergency card will be required to be completed so the school staff can contact families for emergency situations.  It is important that you notify the school of any change throughout the year.  Every student must have this card on file.

Prescription and non-prescription medication must be registered with the Health Technician.  Medication cannot be administered without a completed “Physician’s Medication Authorization for Prescription and Non-prescription Medication” form (available from the Health Room).  All medication must be in the original container which contains directions for dosage and administration.  These rules also apply to inhalers, medical devices, and diabetes management.

 

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER

Mission Statement

To ensure that all students develop research/information skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world regardless of present academic skills or future occupational plans.

This will be implemented by providing students with individual guidance, formal instruction, and appropriate resources.

 

Students are encouraged to use the Library/Media Center for research, as well as reading for pleasure.  There are special rules for reference books and computer use.  Learning how to use this resource and observing the rules will make your schoolwork easier.

The Library/Media Center has books and magazines available for checkout.  It is open for use from 7:20 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.  It is also open after school for extended hours one day per week.  The Media Specialist and the Media Assistant are available to assist those who need help.

Classes are permitted to use the center if the teacher makes prior arrangements.  Any student using the Library/Media Center during the school day must have a pass from his/her teacher.

LOUNGING, PLAYING GAMES, EATING, DRINKING, LOUD CONVERSATIONS OR OTHER DISRUPTIVE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE MEDIA CENTER.

 

FOOD SERVICES

Every effort is made to provide students with well-balanced meals at minimum cost.  Regulations governing student conduct appear below.

·   refrain from breaking in line

·   deposit litter in the proper containers

·   observe the rules for recycling

·   leave the table and floor in a clean condition for others

·   talk in a normal voice

·   keep the cafeteria lines orderly

·   avoid pushing or running

·   pick up and clean any area that you litter

  If you need assistance, a custodian is always on duty.  Leaving campus for lunch is PROHIBITED.  Students are expected to report to the cafeteria during the lunch shift.  Going somewhere else, other than the cafeteria, requires a pass.

 

SODA/SNACKS

Soda and snack machines are located in the hallway.  These machines are turned off during the school day.  STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO HAVE OR CONSUME SODAS OR SNACKS DURING CLASS TIME.  Water is permitted with teacher permission.  Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

 

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

GTJHS is equipped, decorated and landscaped for your use.  The care you take of the equipment/grounds will help maintain them.  It is a matter of personal and school pride that every student makes a commitment to do everything possible so that the appearance of our school and grounds expresses a positive message to everyone.  Any vandalism to the school building, property or cubicles will be investigated comprehensively.  Guilty parties will be subject to the most serious disciplinary action, including contact with legal authorities.  The cost of the repair or replacement of damaged items will be charged to the vandals.

 

VISITORS AND TRESPASSING

  Students are not to bring or have visitors from outside the school during school hours.  Parents are always welcome, but must make an appointment to see a teacher, an administrator, or to visit their child’s classes.

Trespassing either by a suspended pupil or non-pupil in school or on school grounds without legitimate reason is prohibited.

Visitors must report to the administrative offices before going anywhere in the building.

 

DELIVERIES

We cannot accept any deliveries (food, flowers, etc.) to students.  Any such delivery will be returned to the vendor.

 

FIRE DRILLS

A fire evacuation plan is posted in each room. Students should study the plan and become familiar with it.  It is essential when the first sig