GWYNN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

13800 Brandywine Road Brandywine, MD 20613

Phone: (301) 372-0140~Fax: (301) 372-0149

2017-2018

Student Handbook

“Making Children Our Business and Parents Our Partners”

The Prince George’s County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,

sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to designated youth groups.

Property of: ______________________________________ Grade Level: ______________________________________ Period 1A: ______________________________________ Teacher: ______________________________________

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TABLE OF CONTENTS History of Gwynn Park High School………………………. 3 School Vision…………………………………………………….. 3 Mission Statement……………………………………………… 4 Alma Mater……….………………………………………………. 4 General School Information………………………………… 5 Bell Schedules……………………………………………………. 6 Academic Programs, Procedures, and Policies……………7

Academic Programs……………………………….. 7 Scheduling…………………………………………. 8 Advanced Placement Courses………………………. 9

Attendance……………………………………………………. 9-10 Morning Procedures……………………………… 10 Tardy to School…………………………………….. 10

Late to Class………………………………………… 11 Early Departure from School……………………….. 11 Unauthorized Departure……………………………… 11 Illness or Injury at School…………………………… 12

Grading, Promotion, and Graduation Requirements…. 12 Grading & Promotion……………………………… 12-13 Graduation Requirements…………………………. 13-14 Guidelines for Community Service-Learning…. 14 Student Rights & Responsibilities.……………………….. 14 Introduction…………………………………………….. 14 Student Responsibilities…………………………….. 15 Positive Behavioral Inter. & Supports (PBIS) … 15 Student Identification Badge.………………………. 15-16 ID Badge Violation Consequences………………… 16

Uniform Policy……………………………………… 16-17 Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco………………………. 17-18 Possession or Use of Weapons or Instruments Used as Such…………..…………………18 Portable Communication Devices…………………...18-19 Technology Service Usage Policy………………….. 19 Bathroom Policy and Classroom Departure….... 19-20 Balloons and Party Items…………………………….. 20 Lunch Delivery……………………………………………. 20 Lockers………………………………………………………..20 Cafeteria……………………………………………………..20

Copyright and Plagiarism Guidelines for Students…20-21 Transportation………………………………………. 21 Guidance Department………………………………………… 21

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History of Gwynn Park High School It was in the late 1700’s that a 1000-acre tract of land was granted to the Gwynn family for settlement. Where the school now stands at one time stood a frame farmhouse belonging to Squire William H. Gwynn of Thomas. In the 1830’s Gwynn married Christina Summers of this same area and together they had eight children. In the 1940’s, the farmhouse burned to the ground and its replacement was completed in 1857. Constructed with bricks made from the clay bank of a local pond, the mansion was renamed ―Summer Delight‖ for Gwynn’s wife. It is also a fact that in 1865, Union soldiers searched and pillaged the manor while tracking down John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln’s assassin. Squire Gwynn died in 1892, and the house fell into the hands of the Huntt family who renamed the house and land Gwynn Park Manor. Both the house and the manor encompassed 700 acres. In 1910 the Dyson family married into the Huntt family and Gwynn Park Manor was then controlled by the Dysons. The land on which both the middle and high schools are situated was given to the school system in 1941. The original school, a junior-senior high school, was completed in 1942 and was one of less than a dozen such schools in Prince George’s County. Our cafeteria and small gymnasium are reminders of the past. The present school was completed in 1975. Thomas S. Gwynn, Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Prince George’s County from 1951-1972, was the great, great grandson of Squire William H. Gwynn for whose family the school was named.

School Vision

The vision of Gwynn Park High School is to ensure a safe, positive learning environment that all students graduate with academic, social, and interpersonal skills needed to attend their choice of college, technical, professional program or any post high school endeavor and succeed in a global society.

Upholding the P2 R2 values in and out of class to maintain a positive learning environment,

Collaborating with all stakeholders to promote an excellent education, Implementing a rigorous and engaging curriculum, Integrating technology in the classroom to enhance instruction, Promoting college and career options to inspire students’ future aspirations, Maintaining a safe and orderly environment to foster efficient learning, Sustaining a respectful environment to promote social and interpersonal skills,

Demonstrating instructional leadership to enhance student and teacher learning.

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Mission Statement

With pride, perseverance, respect and responsibility Gwynn Park prepares students for college and careers through a rigorous and an engaging curriculum.

Alma Mater

Hail to thee dear Gwynn Park High School Let thy praises sing

Hearts are filled to overflowing, Loyalty we bring.

Lofty colors proudly streaming,

Noble Black and Gold Honor we thy grand traditions

Treasures that we hold,

Now the time is gliding by us, Pass the happy hours,

Fond the memory we will cherish As the breath of flowers,

Lofty colors proudly streaming,

Noble Black and Gold Honor we thy grand traditions

Treasures that we hold.

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General School Information Administrative Staff: Dr. Tracie Miller, Principal Ms. Maryam Thomas, Resident Principal Ms. Jenice Pellam, Assistant Principal, Grade 9 Mr. Adriel Wheeler, Assistant Principal, Grade 10 Vacancy, Assistant Principal, Grade 11 Ms. Cassandra Edwards, Assistant Principal, Grade 12 Office Support Staff: Ms. Joyce Blake, Main Office Secretary Ms. Tammaru Butler, Paraprofessional Ms. Dena Carr, Attendance Secretary Ms. Shirley Etheridge, Principal’s Secretary Ms. Erika Evans, Guidance Secretary Ms. Pamela Muhammad, Registrar Ms. Deborah Wray, Bookkeeper School Counseling: To assure our counselors are able to serve you efficiently a schedule has been established. Appointments are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays. Cynthia Critten (cynthia.critten@pgcps.org) — Grade 9 LaTasha Mann (latasha.mann@pgcps.org) — Grade 10 Alicia Greene (alicia.greene@pgcps.org) — Grade 11 Ramon Snow (ramon.snow@pgcps.org) — Grade 12

Telephone Numbers: Main Office: 301-372-0140 School Fax: 301-372-0149 Guidance Office: 301-372-0136 Guidance Fax: 301-372-0173 School Colors: Black and Gold School Mascot: Yellow Jackets School Hours: 7:45 AM – 2:25 PM

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Bell Schedules (2017-2018)

Regular 1 Hour

Delay

2 Hour

Delay

2 Hour

Early Dismissal

Warning Bell

7:40

8:40

9:40

7:40

1st Period

7:45-9:14

8:45-10:00

9:45-10:45

7:45-8:39

2nd

Period

9:20-10:48

10:05-11:20

10:50-11:50

8:45-9:37

3rd

Period

10:54-12:51

11:25-1:05

11:55-1:20

9:43-11:31

Lunch 1

10:54-11:29

11:25-11:55

11:55-12:20

9:43-10:13

Lunch 2

11:35-12:10

12:00-12:30

12:25-12:50

10:19-10:49

Lunch 3

12:16-12:51

12:35-1:05

12:55-1:20

10:55-11:25

4th

Period

12:57-2:25

1:10-2:25

1:25-2:25

11:31-12:25

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Parent Concerns (grades, behavior, attendance)

1. Contact teacher directly (allow 48 hours for a response)

2. If not resolved, contact grade level School Counselor

3. If further assistance is needed, contact grade level Assistant Principal

4. If still unresolved, contact the Principal

Academic Programs, Procedures, and Policies

Academic Programs: The academic goals of Gwynn Park High School are aligned to the strategic plan of the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) CEO, Dr. Kevin Maxwell. The promise of PGCPS is to have outstanding academic achievement for all students. This will be fulfilled by the following:

Meeting or exceeding State averages on SAT and ACT. Ensuring 90% of students graduate on time. Ensure 100% of students meet the requirements to enter a two-year or four-

year college, technical school, or the military; and/or will hold a license or certification enabling them to enter the workforce.

As a high school, our goal is to reach the following SMART goals:

Increase the graduation rate of seniors by 3-5%. Increase the promotion rate of 9th graders by 3-5%. Meet or exceed the average score on Evidence Based Reading and Writing

assessments, like PARCC, SAT AND PSAT. These objectives are met by offering a rigorous academic program with a focus on literacy that underscores critical thinking. In addition to a core curriculum that prepares students for college or career, Gwynn Park offers the following academies:

1. Academy of Consumer Services, Hospitality and Tourism introduces students to the concepts of service as a critical component of a hospitality or tourism business. It features four programs of study — Careers in Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Management (ProStart). The ProStart Program is a School-to-Career program offered to 10th Graders. It is a nationally recognized three-year program designed by the

Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association. The ProStart I Lab fee & Culinary Uniform fee is $90.00. The ProStart II Lab fee is $30.00.

2. Academy of Environmental Science prepares students to be college and

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career ready in the following careers — landscaper, farmer, greenhouse technician, environmental lawyer, environmental planner, wildlife biologist, forest ranger and urban planner.

3. Fire Science Academy – the Fire Science Cadet Program is a joint venture between the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and the Prince George’s County Public Schools. The two-year program offers hands on experience, as well as a number of classes that will peak students’ interests in the areas of Fire Fighting, Emergency Medical Services, Technical Rescue Operations, National Incident Management System and Hazardous Materials Operations. Students will also have an opportunity to earn 17 college credits and a number of community service hours. The program is designed to offer fun, excitement and a once in a lifetime experience.

4. Academy of Information Technology (Systems, Engineering or Software Design) (IT Academy). The IT Academy is a four-year instructional program designed to prepare students in the fields of computer repair, systems, engineering, and programming.

5. Automotive Technician Career Technology Education is a two-year program which prepares auto tech students to take the American Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam which is nationally recognized for validating suspension, brake, engine performance and/or electrical system skills in the automotive industry. After two years of automotive technician work experience and having passed these exams, ASE certification can be achieved.

Scheduling

Achievement in the academic, career, and technical programs occurs during block scheduling, which consists of 90-minute classes that meet on alternating days (―A Day‖ and ―B Day‖). The school day begins at 7:40 am as teachers stand at their doors to greet students and to promote safe and expeditious student movement toward classes. Students attend four classes daily from 7:45 am to 2:25 pm. Teachers, administrators, and support personnel have scheduled duty assignments to ensure safe and orderly transitions between classes. Course selection takes place during the spring prior to the next academic year. All students are advised to meet with their guidance counselor to ensure that courses are selected wisely. Schedule changes are not an option once school begins. The only possible exceptions to this policy are:

1. Course prerequisites have not been met. 2. To correct obvious errors. 3. Senior needing specific course(s) for graduation. 4. Failing or non-qualifying grades in summer school. 5. Authentic documented health reasons.

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Advanced Placement Courses Students at Gwynn Park are encouraged and given the opportunity to take selected Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts. These honor level courses are college level work. Students who elect to take Advanced Placement courses must take the AP examinations in May.

Attendance All students are expected to attend school regularly in accordance with state laws and regulations (Board Policy 5113). It is the expectation of Gwynn Park that all students attend each class on time. Absences of more than two days in the school year are excessive. Time lost from instruction can never be regained simply by doing makeup work. There are emergencies and serious illnesses that may arise but those are the exceptions, not the rule. Students cannot be expected to perform in a satisfactory manner if they are not present for instruction.

Excused (lawful) absences include the following:

1. Death in the immediate family. 2. Illness of the student (certification from a doctor for continuous absences due to illness). 3. Court summons. 4. Hazardous weather conditions. 5. Work approved or sponsored by the school. 6. Observance of a religious holiday. 7. State emergency. 8. Expulsion or suspension. 9. Lack of authorized transportation (does not include students denied authorized transportation for disciplinary reasons).

Upon returning to school from an absence, a student is required to bring a written note

from his or her parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence. This notice must

be received within 3 days of return. All students with unlawful absences may receive

a zero for any such absences. The zeroes will be averaged with other daily grades.

Teachers are not required to provide makeup work for students when their absences

are unlawful.

Students who arrive to class after the tardy bell will receive an unexcused tardy and

may be subject to receiving zeroes for work missed (i.e., homework/warm-up activities)

prior to late arrival to class. Tardy students without an excuse note will report

to In-School Suspension for that period. They will be able to complete

assignments and receive makeup work upon their return to class.

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Students that are unlawfully absent from school will receive a zero (0) for work missed and no makeup work will be given. A student who is unlawfully absent 5 or more days per semester or 10 or more days per year will receive no grade. A student in grades 9-12 may be lawfully absent but also subject to the same grading policy affecting unlawful absences if they do not complete the work missed during an absence. They will receive no grade and therefore, no credit, if they are absent 5 or more days per semester and 10 or more days per school year lawfully and do not complete makeup work for affected courses.

Morning Procedures: In order to provide a safe and organized environment Gwynn Park will always strive to provide the safety of our students and staff. Our first couple of buses arrives to the school around 6:50 am and staff is to arrive to work at 7:30 am. Buses will drop students off at the side of the temporary building. Students will enter the building at the side door. As they enter the building they will have to show ID and be in the correct school uniform. If students are not in compliance they will go to room 147. If students are in compliance they will go up the ramp and have a choice to go into the small gym or the cafeteria. Students will be released at 7:30 am to go to class. Gwynn Park is a closed campus. This means that once students arrive on school property or exit from their school bus, they must enter the building. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds to visit nearby stores or businesses.

Tardy to School

It is imperative for students to be on time at the beginning of the school day. The official school attendance documentation is recorded during this time. Students with legitimate reasons for late arrival to school should report to the Attendance Secretary with documentation. However, when students are tardy at the beginning of the school day, the procedures below will be followed: ●Students who arrive to school on late buses must obtain an excused late bus pass from the Attendance Secretary before being admitted to class. ● Students who arrive to school between 7:45 am and 8:00 am without an excused note from a parent will report to In School Suspension and remain there for the duration of first period. Students will be given assignments missed for that period. ●Students who arrive after the 7:45 am tardy bell with an excused note from a parent should report to the Main Office to obtain a late pass before being admitted to class or any area of the school.

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Late to Class The Gwynn Park staff is committed to providing a safe and orderly instructional environment for our students on a daily basis. In order to accomplish this goal, all of our students have received written materials relative to the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook for PGCPS policies on attendance, truancy, and tardiness to class. PA announcements are made before school and hall sweeps are held throughout the day – Announced or Unannounced. The expectation is that all students are in their classes on time. In keeping with the above guidelines, the following consequences will be enforced:

1st Violation – Parental Contact by In School Suspension Teacher. 2nd Violation – Remain in In School Suspension for the entire class period. 3rd Violation – One (1) Full Day of In School Suspension 4th Violation – Three (3) Full Days of In-School Suspension

Additional violations will lead to more disciplinary actions, including out of school suspension. The administrative and security teams at Gwynn Park will enforce ―hall sweeps‖ every period of every school day. Students that are identified as being unexcused late (without a signed green Classroom Departure Permit) to class or loitering are directed to In School Suspension. Parents will be contacted and disciplinary action may be warranted.

Early Departure from School Request for early departure should be made in writing. Students should take their note to the Attendance Office before school starts. Notes must contain parent/guardian name and telephone number for verification. Only legal parents or guardians may remove a student from school.

Unauthorized Departure Students are not to leave school to purchase food and return to campus. This is considered an unauthorized departure and disciplinary actions will be given should a student decide to make this choice. Students on a half day or early release must leave school after their last class. Please remind your student that driving to school is a privilege and if they are found leaving school, and arriving back with food for themselves or others, they will incur consequences.

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Illness or Injury at School

Any student who becomes ill or injured at school may be sent home or to the nearest hospital. Parents and guardians will be notified immediately. Please ensure that your emergency contact information is kept up-to-date. Any medications needed to be taken during school hours must be left with the school nurse. Medications will not be accepted unless accompanied with the Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication Form (PS-51) completed and signed by the prescriber.

Grading, Promotion, and Graduation Requirements Grading and Promotion:

1. Grades will be used on report cards for all courses taken for credit. The grades will be reported in a numeric scale from 0 to 100.

2. Final numeric grades will be converted to alpha grades. The grades eligible for use on report cards are A, B, C, D, E, I, P, and W, with no plus or minus signs. Interpretation of letter grades is as follows: A = Excellent progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (90-100%). B = Above Average progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (80-89%). C = Average progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (70-79%). D = Below Average progress toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (60-69%). E = Failure toward meeting course objectives and learning outcomes (0-59%). I = Incomplete. The ―I‖ grade may be used temporarily for secondary students who have been lawfully absent from school and have not had an opportunity to make up missed work in a timely manner. P = Pass (credit bearings). W = Withdrawn. The School Instructional Team agrees to allow a student to drop a course after twenty (20) school days from the start of the course or ten (10) days in a semester course.

3. Factors used to determine student grades must include the following items: a. Class Work b. Homework c. Assessment

4. Teachers shall assign a minimum grade of 50% to assignments or assessments

for which the student made a good faith effort, as defined by completing at least

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50% of the assignment, to meet the basic requirements. If a student does no work on an assignment or assessment, the teacher shall assign a grade of zero.

5. Students and/or parents may request one additional opportunity to improve a score on a qualifying assessment, activity, or assignment that demonstrates knowledge of course content, skills, and standards. An assessment, activity or assignment is considered qualifying if the following criteria are met: a. The student completed and submitted the original assessment, activity, or

assignment by the due date. b. The student participated in the teacher-facilitated re-teaching (before, during,

or after school) within five school days following the return of the original graded work.

c. Within ten school days of receiving the returned original graded work, the student completed and resubmitted the new assessment, activity, or assignment.

d. The higher grade shall be the grade of record. e. If the work is not eligible for reassessment, that must be identified in writing

on the rubric at the time of original assignment. Final research reports and projects that culminate a unit of study, or final semester or marking period exams may not be reassessed.

6. Makeup work cannot be submitted 5 schools days prior to the end of the quarter

to ensure teachers have time to grade all outstanding work. 7. The criteria for making Principal Honor Roll: Students with at least a 4.0 GPA

with no grade on the report card below a ―90‖. 8. The criteria for making Honor Roll: Students with at least a 3.0 GPA or higher

with no grade lower than a ―70‖.

Graduation Requirements: Prince George’s County Public Schools require that high school students complete a pre-determined number of courses and credits to be promoted to the next grade level. A student is required to complete at least a minimum of 21 credits (see below) to receive a high school diploma by the end of the senior year. Please visit the Guidance Office for more specific information concerning promotion and retention to the next grade level.

English (4) (must include: English 9, 10, 11 & 12) Math (3) (must include: Algebra 1 & Geometry) Social Studies (3) (must include: U.S. History, LSN Government & World History) Science (3) (must include: Biology) Fine Art (1) Technology Education (1) Health (1/2)

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Physical Education (1/2) Completer/Electives (5)

Guidelines for Community Service Learning Hours

Students are required to earn a total of 24 hours of student service learning hours in

order to graduate. Your service project should serve the community. Community

service suggestions are listed below:

Volunteer at government agencies that have a volunteer program

established.

Participate in Adopt-A-Highway program.

Assist with monitoring a recycling program in your neighborhood.

Volunteer at the Public Library.

Help with boys and girls club.

Work on graffiti clean-up in neighborhood.

Help at local nursing homes and hospitals.

Volunteer with Outreach Projects (ONLY) with a place of worship. SERVICE

PROJECTS MUST BE VERIFIED BY THE AGENCY not church (i.e. soup

kitchens/homeless shelters).

Volunteer w/political campaigns.

Assist with community projects—e.g. National Hispanic Heritage Month/Black

History Month, etc.

Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook Introduction: As a Prince George’s County Public School, Gwynn Park uses the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (SRRH) as an essential element in developing and maintaining a rigorous academic environment. In addition, while the effective SRRH presupposes that the educational environment must be rigorous, it also creates the positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that minimizes the behavioral issues addressed in the SRRH. It provides a framework for excellence through guidelines for correction and discipline that are firm, fair, and consistent for all students in all schools. An effective SRRH must create and explain expectations, procedures, and strategies so that all members of the school community can fully understand and utilize them. It must create a structure in which students and adults can forge educational partnerships and improve the instructional environment critical to success. As the expectations for student achievement rise, Student Rights and Responsibilities becomes increasingly important as a central element in the creation of the safe and orderly environment necessary for student and school success.

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Student Responsibilities: The SRRH states that students are responsible for adhering to the following Student Responsibilities:

Help to create and maintain a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

Know and obey all county and school rules and regulations relating to student conduct and achievement.

Come to school each day on time and ready to learn. Present the school with a parent/guardian note for absences.

Work to achieve potential in all academic and extracurricular activities. Obey all instructions from all school employees in a positive and respectful manner. Ask questions to ensure understanding. Dress in accordance with the dress code for school and school functions. Accept responsibility for their actions.

Maintain appropriate conduct as representatives of the school system when participating in or attending school sponsored extracurricular events and uphold the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

Utilize school resources to develop appropriate problem solving skills. Respect constituted authority, which includes not only obeying school rules and

regulations, but also conforming to the laws of the community, state, and nation. Reflect respect and consideration for the personal and property rights of others and

understand the need for cooperation with all members of the school community. Bring to school only those items and materials which are appropriate for the

instructional program. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Gwynn Park is a PBIS school. PBIS is a process for creating safer and more effective schools. PBIS is a systems approach to enhancing the capacity of schools to educate all children by developing research-based, school-wide, and classroom discipline systems. The process focuses on improving a school’s ability to teach and support positive behavior for all students. Rather than a prescribed program, PBIS provides systems for schools to design, implement, and evaluate effective school-wide, classroom, non-classroom, and student specific discipline plans. Student Identification Badge (ID): Gwynn Park is a mandatory uniform school and the ID badge is a part of the uniform. Just as every student is required to wear their uniform every day, the expectation for the ID badge is the same. Students must be able to present their badge when he/she is requested by any staff member. This policy incorporates the Prince George’s County Public School’s system-wide dress code for students and is listed as a Level I

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Misconduct (Conduct requiring administrative intervention) within the PGCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Students who do not have their ID badge in the morning as they enter the building before 7:30 am will report to room 147B, to be processed for not having the correct uniform or ID badge. The In School Suspension Teacher will pick up those students after 7:30 am to assist them. Procedures for issuance and enforcement of the ID Policy are as follows: ID Badge Violation Consequences:

Parent contacted to bring the ID Badge to school. If this is not an option, then the student can purchase an ID Badge for $5.00.

If the above are not options, the student will remain in In School Suspension for the entire day.

ID Badges are required for the following purposes:

To obtain a hall pass. To identify oneself while in the halls. To identify oneself for lunch programs. To check out library materials. To check in tardy to school. To purchase tickets for any school activity. To attend field trips. To depart school for early release; work release. To participate in Saturday/weekend activities. To participate in any and all school activities set aside exclusively for Gwynn Park

students. Uniform Policy: Gwynn Park is a mandatory uniform school. Every student in grades 9th through 12th is required to wear the uniform every school day. All students are required to be in a full uniform on the first day of school. Students will not attend classes if they are not in proper uniform. The uniform includes the following:

Solid white or solid black collar/polo style shirts.

Tan khaki pants, shorts (at least fingertip length), or skirts (at least fingertip length).

Solid white, solid black, or solid neutral tights/stockings for girls. (NO LACE OR FISHNETS.)

Outer garments such as jackets and sweaters must be solid white, solid gold, or solid black with NO HOODS. All large coats must be placed in lockers.

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Headgear such as scarves, hats, caps, or Skull caps are NOT PERMITTED.

Uniforms must be worn on school-sponsored field trips unless otherwise specified in a written notification from the Principal. Teams, clubs, and organizations must receive written approval from the Principal to wear organization gear.

Students must have in their possession school IDs or they will not be admitted to class.

We represent School Pride weekly.

o 1st Friday is GPHS Gear Day.

o 2nd Friday is School Team/Organization Gear.

o 3rd Friday is Class Tee-Shirt.

o 4th Friday is College/Career Day.

KHAKI BOTTOMS ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED.

Uniforms must be neat and clean at all times. The uniform policy was formulated by parents, teachers, administrators and students. The Gwynn Park High School Uniform Policy incorporates the Prince George’s County Public Schools System-Wide Dress Code for Students. Uniform and Violation Consequences:

Parent contacted to bring the uniform item to school. If this is not an option, then the student can purchase a uniform item for $5.00.

If the above are not options, the student will remain in In School Suspension for the entire day.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco: Unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of any Alcohol, Marijuana, Prescription Drugs, Controlled Dangerous Substances, Imitation Controlled Substances, Synthetic Intoxicants, Inhalants, Other Intoxicants, Controlled or Drug Paraphernalia as defined in Article 27 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, on school property, including Board of Education owned vehicles or while in attendance at any Board of Education sponsored and supervised activity, are prohibited under this Code. Students who possess, use, or distribute substances represented as or intended to be used as alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance will be treated by the rules and regulations of these procedures as if they were possessing, using, or distributing alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance even though the substance itself may ultimately be determined not to be alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance.

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POSSESSION implies that a student has any of the above substances on his/her person or with his/her personal property, or has under his/her control by placement of and knowledge of the whereabouts of the substance on Board of Education property or other property on which he/she is presently, by virtue of being within the jurisdiction of school authorities.

USE implies that a student is reasonably known to have ingested any of the above substances (e.g., drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, taking a pill, etc.) or is reasonably found to be under the influence of a substance while under the jurisdiction of school authorities.

DISTRIBUTION implies the transfer of any of the above substances to any other person, with or without the exchange of money or other valuables.

Possession or Use of Weapons or Instruments Used as Such: The Board of Education and Gwynn Park strongly believes that any student found in violation of this policy is to be expelled by the Chief Executive Officer. For students enrolled in grades 9 through 12, Principals must make a request for expulsion to the Chief Executive Officer for the POSSESSION OR USE OF WEAPONS by any student. When a student is expelled for possession or use of a firearm, as defined in the Definitions section of the Student Code of Conduct under Possession or Use of Weapons or Instruments Used as Such, the student shall remain out of school for at least one (1) year. After one (1) year, the student or the parent(s)/guardian(s), acting for the student, may apply to the Chief Executive Officer for readmission. As appropriate, the Chief Executive Officer may order a shorter period of expulsion. The procedure for rescission of expulsion for possession or use of a weapon is the same as for other expulsions. However, if a student has been expelled previously for possession or use of a weapon and then readmitted through the rescission of that expulsion, the student will not be eligible for rescission if he/she is expelled again for possession or use of a weapon. Portable Communication Devices:

It is not a violation of Maryland law or of the PGCPS Code of Student Conduct for a student to be in possession of a portable communication device, including pagers and cellular telephones, on public school property in Prince George’s County. However, it is a violation of the PGCPS Code of Student Conduct outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to use such devices in a manner that will disrupt the school environment. All portable communication devices must be on vibrate or silent while the student is riding the school bus and throughout the entire school day, whether the student is in class or not. In case of an emergency, the student should be directed to an Assistant Principal’s Office to use the telephone there. A student who sends or receives a page, call, text message, picture, or other communication on the bus or during the school day will be treated as any other student who disrupts class. If the

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portable communication device continues to be a disruption, it is subject to confiscation by school officials until the student’s parent comes to the school to retrieve it.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy: Cell phones and electronic devices must not disrupt the learning environment.

Headphones and ear buds must NOT BE VISIBLE while walking in the halls. If the

use of the devices disrupts the learning environment, the following

consequences will be issued:

1. The cell phone and/or personal electronic devices (PED) will be confiscated and

returned to the student at the end of the day.

2. The cell phone and/or PED will be confiscated and returned only to the

student’s parent or legal guardian.

3. Students committing repeated violations of this Policy shall be subject to

additional disciplinary action consistent with the Student’s Rights and

Responsibility Handbook.

Technology Service Usage Policy: One of the educational objectives of Prince George’s County Public Schools is to guarantee that every student can use technology to be able to compete in the global economy. Prince George’s County Public Schools view technology as instructional tools for learning (including computers, scanners, digital cameras, video cameras, projectors, and the internet). The use of internet for example, provides students the opportunity to monitor their own learning, develop keen intellectual habits and plan their studies effectively. In order to prevent misuse, policies and procedures in the Code of Student Conduct will be applied to the use of all technological tools. Any student who uses technology in Prince George’s County Public Schools is expected to use these resources for educational purposes only. Students are responsible for their own internet accounts. They are prohibited from sharing accounts and/or passwords with anyone. Students are to log off all systems before leaving the work station. Bathroom Policy and Classroom Departure: Students are encouraged to use the bathrooms during the transition to their class. Only in extreme emergencies will students be given a pass to use the bathroom during class

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time and bathroom passes are not provided during the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes of class. If a time occurs when a student has an extreme emergency and needs to exit the classroom without written permission from the teacher, the student must report to their grade level administrator to get approval to return to class. If the grade level administrator is unavailable, they must report to ISS so the teacher can contact an administrator. Balloons and Party Items are prohibited in the school building. Please do not bring them or send them to the school. If a student arrives to school with these items, they will be confiscated for parent pick up. Lunch Delivery: Lunch delivery is allowed based on the following:

1. Must be dropped off in the main office

2. Drop off must occur during the students’ lunch time

3. Main office will contact student and issue lunch pass

Lockers: Each student will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to use their lockers for educational materials. Students are not permitted to share lockers with their classmates nor are they permitted to use their vehicle as a locker. Cafeteria: All students must eat lunch in the cafeteria. Students have only one lunch period. No food may be ordered from outside. Students may bring lunch from home. No birthday celebrations, no balloons, cakes, or cupcakes or the like are permitted in the cafeteria or classrooms. Gwynn Park does not have an open lunch policy. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds for lunch. Copyright and Plagiarism Guidelines for Students: You must respect the copyright of the materials you use. You may not modify or change the material, nor may you perform, or display the material except in conjunction with class work. The source of any information used in your schoolwork should be acknowledged in the format prescribed by the teacher. Failure to give credit to the author is plagiarism as outlined in Section 7: PGCPS Code of Student Conduct, Administrative Procedure 10101.

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Adapted from Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide by Carol Simpson, 2002. Transportation: Riding the school bus is an integral part of the school day for many students, and the directives in this Code apply fully to students when they ride the bus. In many cases misbehavior on the school bus can have more serious consequences than it has in the classroom if the driver’s attention is diverted from the task of safely transporting students. For this reason, students may be denied bus privileges for serious misconduct that occurs on the bus without being excluded from participation in school or any other school-sponsored activities. When the misbehavior is serious enough to deny students transportation, the Principal or designee shall adhere to Administrative Procedure 5131.1, School Bus Conduct. Guidance Department: The Gwynn Park Guidance Department provides a comprehensive program for all students. Professional School Counselors assist and encourage students to understand themselves and others and to assume responsibility for their own direction. The Guidance team strives to assist all students as they develop effective social and emotional skills, provide information and options to parents and students in making effective educational decisions and student career planning. The counselors are in their offices daily to assist students with class scheduling, curriculum questions, personal problems, etc. Students should schedule appointments with counselors as needed. Students may not miss a class to see a counselor without taking advance documentation from the counselor to the teacher excusing the student from the class. To assure our counselors are able to serve you efficiently a schedule has been established. Appointments are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays. Cynthia Critten (cynthia.critten@pgcps.org) — Grade 9 LaTasha Mann (latasha.mann@pgcps.org) — Grade 10 Alicia Greene (alicia.greene@pgcps.org) — Grade 11 Ramon Snow (ramon.snow@pgcps.org) — Grade 12 Telephone Numbers: Guidance Office: 301-372-0136 Guidance Fax: 301-372-0173