HERMITAGE TECHNICAL CENTER

2012 – 2013

Student / Parent Handbook

8301 Hungary Springs Road Henrico, VA 23228

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement 3

Principal’s Message 4

Student Expectations 5

Calendar 2012-2013 School Year 6

Faculty and Staff 7

Assemblies and Attendance 8

Late Arrivals and Tardies 9

Make-Up Work, Suspensions, Withdrawal, Buildings and Grounds 10

Entrance and Exits, Breaks, Dress Code 11

Fees and Insurance, Fire Alarm, Grading, Guidance, Hall Passes 12

Home School Programs, Libraries, Lockers, Lunch, Restrooms, Safety 13

Sickness, Student Discipline Policies and Procedures 14-16

Student Organizations 16

Student Recognition, Student Responsibility, Textbooks, Tools,

Transportation

17-18

Cell Phones, Other Portable Electronic Devices 18

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of Hermitage Technical Center is to provide a challenging and educational program, in a safe and secure environment for the students of Henrico County. The academic and technical focus of these courses at our premier technical center facilitates a seamless transition from secondary to post-secondary education or the world of work. The programs also seek to prepare the students to be contributors to a competitive work force, which will be needed, in the 21st century.

FOREWORD

This Student/Parent Handbook is designed to serve as a guide for students and parents. Its valuable

information will help students have the best educational experience possible and it will allow parents

to support the students in this undertaking.

Revised: August 2012

Hermitage Technical Center

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians:

Welcome to Hermitage Technical Center for the 2012-2013 school year. We are excited about

the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for each of our students. The staff is committed

to provide each student with a rigorous and relevant educational experience. They are ready to

provide the necessary skills to start our students on the path to post-secondary education and/or

the 21st century workforce. We are committed to making your transition to our center a smooth

one. It is my sincere hope that each parent or guardian will maintain contact with their child’s

teacher so that the school and home can truly be partners in the educational process. Together

we will make a difference in the lives of our students.

Sincerely,

Terrie W. Allsbrooks

Principal

Student Expectations

1. Students will attend classes daily.

2. Students are to be on time for all activities.

3. Students are to demonstrate daily preparedness to participate.

4. Students will exhibit mutual respect and courtesy.

Cursing, threatening, or abusive language will not be tolerated.

5. Students are expected to be aware of safety procedures at all times.

6. Students are to follow HCPS Student Code of Conduct at all times and at all

activities

These guidelines direct our operation daily at Hermitage Technical Center as revised - 2012

School Calendar

September

3 Labor day Schools Closed

4 School Opens

26 Student/Staff Holiday

October

8 Student Holiday

November

6 Student Holiday/Quarter Close-out

15 Report Card Distribution

21 Half day Student/Staff Holiday

22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday (Schools & Offices Closed)

December

24-31 Winter Break (Schools & Offices Closed)

January

1-4 Winter Break (Jan 1 Offices Closed)

7 School reopen following Winter Break

21 Martin Luther King Holiday (Schools & Offices Closed)

22-25 Exam Week (Early Dismissals)

28 Student Holiday/Quarter Close-out

February

14 Report Card Distribution

18 Student Holiday

March

29 Student Holiday/Quarter Close-out

April

1-5 Spring Break

11 Report Distribution

May

27 Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed)

June

Hermitage Technical Center Faculty and Staff Administrative

Mrs. Terrie W. Allsbrooks Principal

Mrs. Debbie Bishop Associate Principal

Ms. Sara Sternbach School Counselor

Secretaries

Mrs. Melissa Moran Principal’s/Financial Secretary

Mrs. Karen Harmon School Secretary

Support Staff

Mrs. Jan Budryk Media Specialist

Ms. Phyllis Brown Instructional Aide, Special Needs

Mrs. Carrie Simmons Technology Trainer

Mr. Jack Strafford Instructional Aide

Instructors

Ms. Karen Bowles Veterinary Science II

Ms. Julliet B. Coates Legal & Medical Systems Administration

Mrs. Mary Colgin Cosmetology

Mr. Anthony DeJarnette Automotive Technology

Mrs. Simone DeJarnette Cosmetology

Mr. Steve Fletcher Precision Machining Technology

Mrs. Parrisha Flucker-Inge Nurse Aide

Mr. Sheldon Glassner Graphic Communications

Mrs. Karen Gleason Practical Nursing I

Mr. Winslow Goodier Culinary Arts

Mr. Patrick Harmon Electricity/Cabling

Ms. Kiesha Leonard Web Design

Mr. Duane Renick Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Plumbing

Ms. Pamela Ross Nurse Aide

Ms. Pat Saunders Emergency Medical Technician

Mr. Mark Schultz Automotive Technology

Mrs. Caroline Seizemore Veterinary Science I

Ms. Lauren-Anne Sledzinski Criminal Justice

Ms. Bobbi Southard Sports Medicine

Mr. Walter Spain Computer-Aided Drafting & 3D Animation

Mrs. Jennifer Mazza Greenhouse Management

Mr. Ricky Ward Barbering

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies at the Technical Center are scheduled as needed by the Principal of the Center.

ATTENDANCE

Each teacher through home contact will encourage regular attendance.

Attendance for Hermitage High School am students will be taken here at 8:55 a.m. Students should

be in class promptly at 8:55 all students entering late should report directly to the Technical Center

office. The student is to sign-in at the Technical Center office. No student is to enter class without a

note. The teachers will fill out the attendance slip each morning for Hermitage High School students

who are absent from class.

The Pledge of Allegiance will be conducted every morning after HHS attendance is completed.

Additionally, this will be followed by a moment of silence.

Absences

Only the following categories of absences are considered acceptable by HCPS and HTC; although not

relieving the student of the responsibility of making up missed classwork:

-Illness of student

-Serious illness in family which reasonably necessitates absence of a student

-Death of family member or friend

-Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by

followers of a particular faith

-Approved home school activities

-Court Appearances (a copy of the subpoena is needed for

verification)

Notes for absences are to be given to the technical center teacher upon return. It is the student’s

responsibility to provide this note when he or she returns to class. Excuse notes are mandatory for

make-up work.

*It is the responsibility of the student to provide confirmation of home school activities prior to the

absence from class

Students with perfect attendance will receive recognition at the end of the school year

When a student is absent, teachers will contact the parent or guardian. A record of this contact will

be kept on the attendance card. Students will be referred to the administration after three

unexcused absences. Students participating in work-study placements may not work on work days

they are absent from their home school for any reason.

Late Arrivals - Early Dismissals - Tardies

Students who report to a Hermitage Technical Center class after the tardy bell must report to the

Technical Center office for a late pass to class. The late pass will be marked excused or unexcused to

notify the teacher for record keeping purposes. To have a tardy excused a student must:

1) Present a doctor’s note preferably on the doctor’s stationary.

2) Present a dentist’s note preferably on the dentist’s stationary.

3) Have a parent accompany the student to the sign-in at the Technical Center office.

4)Have a parent/guardian send a note prior to appointment when known in advanced

Students requesting an early dismissal are to follow their home school’s early dismissal approval

procedure. They should have the note approved and bring the proper notification of approval to the

Technical Center office for verification. All students who must leave campus for any reason or have

early dismissal approval must sign-out through the Technical Center office before leaving. Failure to

follow this procedure may result in disciplinary action. Students in a work/study programs will be

issued a permanent pass to exit the campus.

All students must have on file at HTC, an approved pick-up list for those individuals authorized

by the parent to pick up their student. This includes any non-custodial parent that does not live in

the home. A picture id will be required and asked for by office personnel.

Missing the bus does not constitute an excused tardy, nor does it automatically give the student

permission to drive to Hermitage Technical Center. If a student misses the bus at the home

school, an administrator must be notified at the home school. The home school administrator should

then contact a parent to receive permission for the student to drive to the technical center. The

administrator should then call the technical center to notify them that the student is driving, and has

parental approval. The student driving must check in at the technical center office, and may not give

any other student a ride to or from the technical center. Teachers must also be sure to record the tardy

information in their attendance/electronic grade book.

Make-Up Work

The student is responsible for making up all work missed, due to an excused or school related absence.

Teachers should remind the student of missed work, but it is the student’s responsibility to request

and complete the missed assignments. No make-up work assignments will be permitted when a

student is absent for unexcused reasons. All work must be completed within a reasonable amount

of time. Additionally, students can use their laptop to access calendars noting assignments and daily

lessons by accessing their school space account.

Suspensions

Students suspended from their home school or the Technical Center will not be permitted to

attend either school until re-admission. They will also be considered trespassing if they enter any

Henrico County School property during the suspension period. No student is to attend Hermitage

Technical Center while suspended.

Withdrawal from Course

If a student withdraws from the Center, a “student withdrawal” form must be completed prior to

leaving, to ensure the students’ records at the Center are correctly maintained. All signatures must be

in place before the student may leave. Ms. Sternbach is the contact person for the withdrawal form.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

We are proud of our Technical Center and we make every effort to keep the building and grounds

clean and well kept. Each student should exhibit pride

in being part of Hermitage Technical Center. It is also each student’s duty to help maintain a clean

and healthy learning environment.

Posters or signs are not to be placed on walls or bulletin boards without permission from the office. If

permission is granted, they should be placed on tiled not painted areas.

“Willful destruction of school property is a violation of the code of conduct and will be treated

accordingly.”

BUILDING ENTRANCES AND EXITS

Students who are transported to HTC via school buses are to use the bus ramp entrance and exit. All

other students are to use the main entrance next to the office for entrances and exits. Students

attending Hermitage Technical Center from any Henrico County Public Schools other than

Hermitage High School are not allowed to enter any class of Hermitage High School without

written permission from the Technical Center office. Any non-HHS student entering

Hermitage High School class without written permission is trespassing and may be

charged with trespassing (this is to include the lunch areas while lunch is in session).

CLASS BREAKS

Students are permitted a break period so that they may use the restrooms, get a drink of water, etc.

Students are to remain in assigned areas during the break with instructor. The break is a privilege and

may be suspended by the individual teacher or the administration. Drinks and snacks are to be taken

back to the class area for consumption. We do not have room for students to sit in the break area.

Students are encouraged to bring the proper change for their purchases. No refunds will be given that

day. If you have a problem with the machine contact your teacher DO NOT HIT OR SHAKE THE

MACHINE this will be considered destruction of property and disciplines as so according to the

HCPS student code of conduct.

DRESS CODE

Students must follow the Henrico County Public School’s student dress code as stated in the Student

Code of Conduct handbook. Violation of HCPS dress code could result in disciplinary action.

FEES AND INSURANCE

Various classes may have different fee requirements therefore; students will be informed of fees by

their individual teacher. Accident insurance is available to all students through their home schools.

All students are encouraged to have insurance either through their home school or family hospital

insurance.

FIRE ALARM

The fire alarm signal consists of a continuous tone with a change in pitch. Follow your teacher’s

instructions. An exit chart is located in each room. When the alarm sounds, all occupants of the

building must vacate as quickly as possible. Students are to stay with their teacher at all times and

report to class promptly when the signal is given.

GRADING SYSTEM

Students are evaluated on daily class participation (theory and practical), quality of work, safety

habits, and other competencies. Letter grades are assigned on the following scale:

93 - 100 = A 77 - 84 = C

85 - 92 = B 70 - 76 = D

69 or below = F

GUIDANCE SERVICE

In addition to the guidance services available to students from their home school counselors, the

Technical Center provides additional services through the Technical Center Counselor. Students are

encouraged to use these services.

HALL PASSES

All students must have a pass from their instructor to leave the classroom during class time. Any

student who is out of the classroom without a pass will be disciplined.

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Students are not excused from attendance at the Technical Center to attend assemblies, pep rallies, or

other programs held at the home school. Exceptions to this procedure must be requested by the home

school principal, coach, or teacher and approved by the HTC administration. Students will be

excused to attend their home school’s Homecoming Pep Rally.

LIBRARY

The Library provides reference books, audio-visual materials, and technical magazines that students

may use to increase their knowledge in their particular field or study. These materials may be used in

the library or checked out for making special reports or study. Computer technology is also available

for student use.

COMPUTER LAB USAGE

The computer lab provides the technical center students the opportunity to research, create projects,

submit items to school space, and complete web based assignments. All students using the computer

lab will follow HCPS guidelines governing internet procedures. Any student in violation of HCPS

internet guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action.

LOCKERS

Lockers are assigned within the various departments. Students must use the lockers to store individual

uniforms, materials, books, etc. Locker regulations are determined by the trade area instructors.

Security of this area is a must. All lockers must be kept locked when not in use. Sharing is prohibited

unless approved by teacher. The student is responsible for the condition of the lock and locker. Any

damage will result in a replacement fee being charged.

LUNCH

The Technical Center does not have cafeteria facilities; therefore, students will eat lunch at their home

school.

RESTROOMS

Students are required to use the restroom nearest to their classroom or lab area. If you must go to the

restroom other than break times, check with your instructor, get approval, then secure a hall pass.

SAFETY

Laboratory activities involving the use of machines and equipment present possible injury situations.

Therefore, students are required to follow all safety rules and regulations as given within their trade

area. All students obtain a 100% pass rate on any safety test prior to lab activites.

Safety glasses must be worn by all students and all visitors in designated areas.

Walk - Do not run in the Technical Center.

SICKNESS

If a student becomes ill or injured at the Center, their instructor will have them report to the office.

Depending on the nature of sickness or injury, the student will be sent to the clinic or arrangements

will be made for their parents or guardians to pick them up at the Center. If the student leaves school,

the office will notify the student’s home school.

In event of an emergency, the office will contact the Henrico Rescue Squad and parents will be

notified immediately.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are expected to follow the guidelines set forth in the Henrico County Public Schools Code of

Conduct. The code of conduct will be reviewed with each student.

Recommended dispositions are included in the Code of Conduct Handbook for violators of County

policies. One or more of the dispositions will be imposed when the County Code is violated.

Disciplinary action will include: alternative school program, detention, out of school suspension,

community service, and other corrective measures as outlined in the Code of Conduct Handbook.

The following are some of the types of behavior which will result in administrative action:

1. Verbal abuse directed toward another student or staff member.

2. Misconduct on the bus.

3. Constant Violations of Code of Conduct

4. Defacing bulletin boards, walls, doors, etc. (Compensation required).

5. Out of class without permission.

6. Forging notes or using a forged note.

7. Misrepresentation of the truth.

8. Failure to follow the request of a teacher.

9. Running in classroom or hall.

10. Skipping class.

11. Leaving school grounds or building without permission.

12. Disturbing classes from halls, during breaks, (interrupting classes without notes from teacher or

administrator).

13. Not wearing safety apparatus or specified clothing as required.

14. Overt display of affection (kissing, excessive hugging, etc.).

15. Unauthorized use of electronic devices, playing cards, and possession of disruptive items on

school property at any time.

16. Violation of the student dress code listed in the student Code of Conduct Handbook.

17. Minor classroom disruptions.

18. More than three (3) unexcused tardies to class.

19. Using profanity.

20. Driving to or riding to the Technical Center without permission from a Technical Center and

Home School Administrator.

21. Selling or attempting to sell or distribute any object or substance which has not been authorized for

sale or distribution by school administration.

22. Failure to participate in classroom or lab activities.

23. Failure to remove hats or head coverings in the building

Violations of the code of Virginia on school grounds or while traveling to and from school will result

in immediate suspension and possible legal prosecution. These violations include:

1. Threats or Extortion.

2. Assaults.

3. Theft.

4. Any violation related to chemical abuse.

5. Vandalism.

6. Involvement with fire or fire alarm on school property.

7. Possession of dangerous weapons or illegal objects including fireworks.

8. Possession of or use of tobacco products.

Additional offenses which may result in immediate suspension are:

1. Failure to identify oneself.

2. Fighting, including inciting or instigating a fight.

3. Disrespectful behavior, including severe verbal abuse directed to staff member.

4. Failure to obey the request of an administrator.

6. Cheating on tests, exams, or classroom assignments.

7. Activities which disrupt the orderly functions of Highland Springs Technical Center.

8. Bullying, teasing, hazing, or other acts of intimidation.

9. Failure to follow “code of conduct” computer use expectations.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Opportunities will be provided through Technical student organizations to help students develop

leadership abilities. Student participation in these clubs is expected and will enhance the learning

experience.

These student organizations are : Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA),

Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA), Skills USA (SKILLSUSA), and Tech Ethics

Society (TES).

The purpose of FCCLA, HOSA, and SKILLSUSA is to unite in a common bond all students

enrolled in Career and Technical Education, and to develop leadership abilities through participation

in

educational, civic, recreational, and social activities. The Tech Ethics Society is a service club.

Each occupational area is required to have an active youth organization. Morning and

afternoon chapters of these organizations provide an opportunity to combine all trade areas for total

Center participation. Meetings are scheduled in the individual trade areas by teachers and students to

fit their schedules and are conducted during the school day.

STUDENT RECOGNITION AWARDS

Students will be selected for these awards through participation and achievements in the following

areas: Attendance, Excellence in program area, Center-related activities, Club work,

Recommendation of subject area teacher.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

No student will be allowed in the building without appropriate supervision.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks will be assigned to students by subject area teacher. Each student is responsible for the

return of any books that are assigned to him/her. Damaged or lost textbooks must be paid for by the

student.

TOOLS

Tools and course related implements issued to HTC students give students the opportunity to learn in a

real world setting. It is the student’s responsibility to handle and secure these items in a safe and

proper fashion. Reparations are expected for lost or damaged items.

TRANSPORTATION

The Henrico County Department of Transportation will provide buses to transport students to the

center and return them to their home school. It is highly recommended that all students ride the bus to

and from HTC.

If a student misses the bus at his/her home school or at the Technical Center, they must immediately

report to the office of the respective school.

Students are not permitted to drive from his/her home school to the Technical Center unless an

emergency exists and parental notification is documented.

Any students driving to HTC must have parental permission, home school administrator

permission, and a pass secured from the administration at HTC. These passes are given on an as

needed basis and are available from the instructor or administration. Upon arrival, the student

must check in with the Parking Lot Duty Personnel and sign in at the Tech Center office.

No student shall ride with another student without parental permission in writing from both the

driver and rider parent and home school administrator. Failure to follow driving guidelines will

result in disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension or alternative learning

placement.

Any student driving for an approved reason must have a valid temporary HTC Parking Permit.

Hermitage High School Students can obtain a permit for the technical center lot. Application with

appropriate signatures must be on file in Associate Principal’s office. This fee is payable to the

home school and a receipt is required before issuing an HTC pass. NO OTHER STUDENT WILL

BE GIVEN A PERMANMENT DRIVING PASS.

CELL PHONES/ OTHER PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Hermitage Technical Center is part of HCPS and all students are to follow HCPS policy on cell phones

and other portable electronic devices.

All students are to follow HCPS Student Code of Conduct at

all times

Please return this page to your instructor.

As a student, a parent/guardian of a student at Hermitage Technical Center I agree to

abide by all guidelines stated in the Hermitage Technical Center Student Handbook

and by all guidelines set forth by Henrico County Public Schools.

___________________________ ____________________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

____________________ Date