GRACE KING HIGH SCHOOL
Home of the Fighting Irish 2011-2012
4301 Grace King Pl . • Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504-888-7334 • Fax: 504-888-2082
www.graceking.org
Principal
Meg Griffon
Assistant Principals
Julia Johns 
Sandy Phillips
Suzan Seringy

                                                                                                                                              
School Hours: 7:20 – 2:40
Office Hours: 6:45 – 3:00
Discipline Office Hours: 7:15 – 10:40; 1:05 – 2:40

ALMA MATER
We sing your name with praise and deep devotion. We give to you, our loyalty and love. Within you walls, we learn to share together, the times of joy, of triumph, of tears. Let your bright star illume our lives forever, We sing our praise, to you, Grace King.
SCHOOL COLORS
Hunter Green, Gold and White 
The Grace King High School Handbook provides information about rules, policies, academic requirements, and student privileges and responsibilities. You are encouraged to become familiar with information in the handbook. When in doubt about the meaning of a rule or other information in this book, ASK. All of the rules and policies in this handbook are within the framework of those approved by the Jefferson Parish Public School System. (Refer to the JPPSS Procedures and Policies and Student handbook.) Rules and policies may be added and/or changed as the year progresses by the administration. It is the student's responsibility to keep up with such changes and/or additions.
Our school is a community which needs the cooperation of all those involved in order to make it a pleasant place in which to be. You are encouraged to take advantage of the academic and extra-curricular opportunities that are available at Grace King High School. The more you involve yourself in school life, the more likely you will be to succeed academically and socially.

 

 

GRACE KING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ABSENCES/MAKE- UP WORK
According to state guidelines and our school system calendar, in order to be eligible to receive grades and earn credit in a full unit course taken in either semester, a student is not allowed more than six (6) unexcused absences throughout the entire semester in which that full unit course is taken.
If a high school student is taking a half unit course during first nine weeks, he/she is not allowed more three (3) unexcused absences in order to be eligible for grades and credit.  If a high school student is taking a half unit course during second nine weeks, he/she is not allowed more than two (2) unexcused absences in order to be eligible for grades and credit.  During third nine weeks, a high school student is not allowed more than three (3) unexcused absences in a half unit course and no more than three (3) unexcused absences fourth nine weeks in a half unit course.
The day you return, a note stating the reason, the date of absence, and the signature of you parent or guardian must be given to your homeroom teacher, who will then issue an admit slip. The admit slip must be shown to, and initialed by, each teacher each period. This note is required fro an excused absence of two (2) consecutive days incurred due to personal illness or serious illness in the family. If a student is absent for three (3) consecutive days he/she must produce a note verifying such absences from a "physician or dentist licensed in the state". The assistant principal in charge of attendence will be responsible for determing all other excused absences.
Students with an excused absence of five (5) or more consecutive days are to be given a maximum of ten (10) school days to complete make-up  work. For excused absences of less than five (5) consecutive days, the allotted time for make-up work is left up to the teacher. All doctor notes must be submitted within 5 days upon returning to school.
Students who will be out of school for an extended period of time due to illness or other medical reasons should have their parents contact their counselor concerning enrollment in a homebound program. The homebound program limits student to 2 subjects maximum. Students absent for an extended period of time may not receive credit for courses they were enrolled in, nor receive services from the homebound teacher. These arrangements must be made prior to the student’s absence; this includes students who are pregnant.
All pregnant students must notify the principal’s office as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Pregnant students must also turn in a monthly statement from their doctor that they are able to attend school.
Students who are absent for a long period of time while in a hospital, and are participating in the hospital’s educational program, will have to be tested at King after returning to school to receive credit for work completed in the hospital’s educational program.
Because of the large number of students enrolled at King and the number of daily absentees that require routine make-up work, the school cannot be responsible for providing make-up assignments for students who are out of the classroom for more than four weeks within a marking period. Over an extended period of time it is impossible for a teacher to give students assignments at home/hospital comparable to the daily work and participation being required of students who are in school. Science labs, for instance, cannot be duplicated at home or in a hospital, nor, is the educational experience the same in a hospital or homebound program as in school.
Parish policy clearly states that it is the responsibility of the student to initiate and complete make-up work. If the make-up is not completed by the time specified, the incomplete grade will become an “F”.

A student who is absent the day before a pre-scheduled test can be required to take the test on the day that he/she returns to school provided that no new work was given on the day that the student was absent.It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to inform students of his/her policy for make-up work.

It usually takes three (3) to five (5) school days for the counselors to get make-up work from teachers. Parents and students should keep this in mind when requesting make-up work.
Absences are not excused for court appearances except if a student has been subpoenaed as a witness. A copy of the subpoena is required.
Students who miss school because of an out of school suspension are not allowed to make-up work missed, and the absence(s) is unexcused. This is Jefferson Parish School Board Policy.

 

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ACCIDENT OR INJURIES

Students who are injured during the school day must report the injury to the teacher who is supervising the class or to the duty teacher who is in the vicinity of the accident. You may not leave school without following the normal sign-out procedures.

 

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ACCREDITATION

Grace King High School is accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Louisiana State Department of Education.

 

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ATHLETICS, CLUBS, EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ACADEMIN ELIGIBILITY

 1. To be eligible to participate during the current school year, a student must have passed 6 of bjects take for academic credit during the prior school year and have attained a 2.0 GPA
2. THE PRIOR YEAR IS USED TO DETERMINE IF A STUDENT MAY PARTICIPATE DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR. THE NUMBER OF COURSES PASSED AND THE FINAL G.P.A SHOULD BE USED.
3. A student at a six period day, or a seven period day, middle or high school may establish his/her eligibility by passing five classes fro the school year if they are promoted to the next grade according to Parish guidelines.
4. A student at a Block (4X4) high school may retain his/her eligibility by passing 6 of 8 classes a year.
5. If a student is promoted according to the above rules, but does not have a 2.0 G.P.A. for the thier final average, he/she may begin in the first semester on probation if the G.P.A. is 1.5 or higher. TO BE REMOVED FROM PROBATION A STUDENT MUST PASS ALL CLASSES SCHEDULED WITH A 2.0 MINIMUM G.P.A.
6. Students may not be on probation for two consecutive semesters.
7. Student athletes who are academically eligible to participate during the current year, but are currently ineligible during the first semester may participate in organized team practices provided said student can regain their eligibility during the current school year.
ADDITIONAL RULES:
    A. "I" Incomplete grades are considered non-passing for determining eligibility (until the "I" is removed)
     B. "X" grade is the same as an "F"
     C. Students will be declared eligible or ineligible on the seventh "7th" calendar day following the end of a semester marking period. (see     official school calendar.) No student's grade may be changed after a semester period ends as aresult of re-testing or additional work being assigned.
     D. Special education students must meet 80% of ther IEP to receive a "C" average.
     E. All new registrants fall under our academic eligibility policy.
     F. ALL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES MUST BE ELIGIBLE UNDER LHSAA CRITERIA IN ADDITION TO THE JEFFERSON PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM'S CRITERIA IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ATHLETICS.
     G. Students may participate in organized team practices provided said student(s) can regain their eligibility during the current school year.
     H. The final average for a class should be used to determine the student's G.P.A.
     I.  IT IS THE SCHOOL'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MONITOR THE ACADEMIC PROGRESS OF ATHLETES THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR AND PROVIDE REMEDIATION WHEN NEEDED.

 

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COMPUTERS

Misuse of software and internet accessing of inappropriate material is not allowed, and will result in serious disciplinary action.

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DANCE / ACTIVITY

Students must follow the dress code of the particular dance/activity. The administration reserves the right to deny admittance to anyone who is dressed inappropriately.   
Grace King students must have their current school ID. Only one guest per student with a picture ID.
Once a student or guest exits a dance/activity, they may not re­enter.
Students must be picked up within 15 minutes after the end of the dance/activity. If not, the student will receive an disciplnary action.

 

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DISCIPLINE

All students are required to comply with the policies, rules, and procedures established both Grace King High School and the Jefferson Parish School Board. All Grace King High School students are held accountable for their own individual choices and behaviors. A school discipline chart is included in this handbook for your use. Listed below are the rules we would like to call to your attention for added emphasis. This list is not meant to be all encompassing.
1. When students report to school in the morning before Block 1 they must immediately report to the courtyard. Students are not allowed to loiter (morning or afternoon) outside school fences, at the businesses across the street, in our neighborhood, on the front porch or back porch, courtyard, school buildings, upstairs in the gym, or in cars. 
2. Students are not allowed to bring food or drinks from off-campus into school. 
3. Students arriving between 7:20 a.m and 7:35 a.m must report directly to Block 1. Students arriving after the Block 1 bell has rung (7:35 a.m) must immediately report to the Attendence Office to check-in.
4. Grace King is a closed campus.  Students may not leave for lunch or any other time without following the regular check-out procedure
5. Games of any type which are considered dangerous because of the limited space during lunch are not allowed, ex: running, horseplay, etc. Playing cards are not allowed on campus.
6. Radios, tape/CD players, iPod, MP3 type devices, beepers, laser pointers, any other type of audio/visual equipment, cellular phones, any type of electronic or mechanical devices are not allowed on campus.  These items will be returned to parents/guardians only. Possession and/or use of a cell phone is not allowed on campus.
7. Only administrative approved announcements or bulletins may be posted on campus.
8. Smoking, tobacco chewing, and spitting or any form of spitting is forbidden by school board policy and state law.
9. Due to the large number of students who use the cafeteria, it is imperative that the students eat as quickly as possible, clean up the area where they ate, and leave the cafeteria so others will have a place to sit and eat lunch. 
10. Only approved school fund raising will be permitted on campus in the designated areas.  Fundraising sales can only take place before school, at lunch, and after school – never during class time.
11. Because of the size of our campus there are many areas which are considered “OFF-LIMITS” to students. These areas are: the parking lot and cars (during class and lunch time); the front and back porch; the upstairs gym area and gym foyer; hallways (before homeroom and during lunch); restrooms in the gym foyer; and the other areas that are not supervised and announced as off-limits.  Any student in an off-limits area shall be subject to suspension.
12. Students who submit altered/forged notes/signatures are subject to suspension.
13. Students who provide written/verbal false information to school employees are subject to suspension. 
14.  We expect every staff member to be treated with respect and dignity. The teacher is the instructional supervisor in the classroom. A show of disrespect toward faculty members or staff members or insubordination on the part of student will not be tolerated under any circumstances.  Staff members include the clerical staff, teacher’s assistants, cafeteria workers, custodial staff, substitute teachers, and bus drivers.
As it would be impossible to predict every disciplinary infraction, the administration reserves the right to discipline students in a manner that provides a safe and orderly campus.

 

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Positive Behavior Support (PBS)

Grace King High School has a Positive Behavior Support program that is comprehensive and campus wide. We have the following expectations of our entire student:

• Be Respectful 
• Be Responsible 
• Be Safe

These expectations are accompanied by school rules that are posted throughout the campus. All students are held responsible for abiding by these rules.

 

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Detention

When a student is issued a detention by the discipline office, the detention form must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned the day of detention. If a parent/guardian determines the child is unable to attend on the assigned day, the parent/guardian must note this on the detention form in the appropriate area and return it to the discipline office prior to the detention. Students are not allowed to arrive late to detention. Failure to follow this procedure may result in the student recieving a suspension.

 

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Suspension

A conference must be held with a parent/legal guardian and a administrator concerning all suspensions. Parent/legal guardian identification must be verified at all conferences. Administrators are available after 7:30 a.m.
Causes for suspension/expulsion can be found in the JPPSS Procedures and Policies for Parents and student handbook.
In-School Suspension (ISS):
In-school suspension students must serve ISS from 7:30am to 3:40pm for the number of days suspended.
A parent must appear with the student on the first day of an in-school suspension at 7:30 a.m to attend a conference with an administrator and to sign an ISS agreement.  If the parent/guardian does not appear, the student will be placed in ISS, dismissed at regular school time (2:40). The student will not recieve credit for serving that day of ISS, and be required to makeup the assigned day of ISS.
In order for the student to officially serve the ISS, they must be present from 7:30a.m. – 3:40p.m.
Out-of-School Suspension (OS):
A parent/guardian must appear with the student prior to the student returning to school from an out-of-school suspension. A student receiving a 3rd suspension may be referred to Juvenile Court through Family in Need of Services (FINS).

 

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DRESS REGULATIONS

It is the obligation of Grace King High School to provide an educational atmosphere conducive to the learning process. Students, teachers, and administrators have the right to be free from distractive clothing which hinders the learning process. To promote campus safety and to limit distractions, students will wear a school uniform which may be purchased from designated shops. The students will wear a standard uniform every day which will include trousers or skirt, shirt, belt, socks, shoes, and ID.  Students may not alter the uniform and may not wear any garments that are not approved by the administration. The Uniform Policy is in effect when the students enter campus and until students leave campus

 

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Uniform Policy

It is the obligation of the Jefferson Parish School Board to provide an educational atmosphere which shall be conducive to the learning process. Students, teachers, and administration have theright to be free from distractive clothing which hinders the learning process. 
It is the policy of the Jefferson Parish Public School System to have a dress policy which is impartial, nondiscriminatory, and mandatory for its students. In keeping with this policy, Grace King uniforms are MANDATORY. They may be purchased from area uniform shops.
      Shirts:

• The offical school shirt is the white or hunter green polo shirt with the Grace King logo available at area uniform shops.
• White short or long-sleeved oxford cloth shirts with the Grace King logo may be also worn.
• Only a plain white shirt may be worn under the uniform shirt.
• All shirts MUST be tucked neatly inside pants/skirt.

    Pants:

• Only khaki uniform Dickie pants are allowed. Pants cannot have cell phone pockets.
• Pants must be hemmed and NOT be frayed, rolled up, have cuts, holes or slits.
• All pants must be correct waist size and worn at the waist. Big, baggy pants or skintight pants ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• No jean, cargo, carpenter, hip hugger, shorts, capri, cropped, spandex, or Lycra pants are allowed.

      Belts:

• A khaki military style belt with a military buckle is the ONLY acceptable style belt. Belts may be purchased at school.

      Skirts:

• Only the Grace King plaid kilt uniform skirt is allowed.
• The uniform skirt may be no shorter than TWO inches above the crease at the back of the knee.
• Skirts must be worn at the waist and not rolled.
• NO PANTS OF ANY KIND MAY BE WORN UNDER SKIRTS!
• Black tights with FEET may be worn under skirts.

     Shoes:

• Only white, tan, black, brown, or a combination of these colors may be worn.
• Only shoes with LACES may be worn, and shoes must be securely tied.
• Shoes without backs, shoes with rollers, shoes with high heels or platforms, or shoes that by their construction may pose a safety risk are NOT ALLOWED.
• Slippers, ballet shoes, high tops, or mid tops, are NOT ALLOWED.

      Socks:

• Must be solid white, solid black, solid gray and must cover the whole foot.

       Outerwear:

• Only the current and official Grace King sweatshirt is allowed.
• Only the current and official Grace King v-neck sweater or cardigan is allowed.
• Only the current and official Grace King wind breaker is allowed.
• Only the current and official Grace King team jacket is allowed.
• In very cold weather, students should layer their clothing-a white undershirt, Grace King uniform shirt, Grace King green windbreaker.
• A heavy winter coat (no jackets) when temperature dictates may be worn to school but must be removed upon entering the building.

      Accessories

• ID's must be worn on the chest area and be clearly visible at all times.
• Book bags must be see-through (i.e clear, plastic, or mesh)-school bags only, no tote bags. Students may not write or paint on school bags (name may be written inside the strap.)
• Purses may not be larger than 8 1/2" x 11" (the size of a piece of loose leaf paper).
• Student's hair must be clean and combed. Hairstyles must not impair vision. Only one natural color or shade is permitted. Highlights of only one natrually occurring color are allowed. No stripes or other outrageous styles that bring attention or cause disruption are allowed.
• Hats shall not be brought to school. During extremely cold weather, a knit pull on cap/hat is allowed but must be removed from the head when entering the building.
• No hoop or dangling earrings are allowed. Only stud earrings no larger than a dime are allowed. No other pierced body jewerly is allowed.
• A student may not write on or deface any part of the school uniform, shoes, bodies, IDs, or book bags. Any decoration or accessory must be in good taste and NOT be offensive, insulting, promote hatred, or incite inappropriate behaviors.
• No excessive accessories are allowed.
• Only Grace King P.E shorts and Grace King P.E shirts are allowed.
• Tattoos must not be visible; they must be covered at all times.

     It is also the obligation of the school to enforce the attributes of personal hygiene, neatness, and safety. Therefore, all students must maintain a physical appearance in keeping with stated policy. Students violating stated dress code policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Starting August 15, 2011, parents or guardians will be called to either provide a proper uniform for the student or to pick up the student from school until a proper uniform can be attained.

 

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DRIVING PRIVILEGES

In accordance with R.S. 17:416.1 (D), the principal or headmaster of a school, public or private, must notify the Department of Public Safety and Corrections Office of Motor Vehicles of any student between the ages of fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) who has been subjected to a disciplinary action as defined in this statute, so they may process the request for suspensive action (suspension of driving privileges) in accordance with R.S. 32:431. As per the Legislative act 732 of the 2003 legislative session, a student who is expelled or suspended from school for ten or more consecutive days for committing the following infractions or who withdraws from school under certain circumstances will have his or her name submitted to the Office of Motor Vehicles: the sale or possession of drugs,  alcohol, or any other illegal substance, possession of a firearm, or an infraction involving assault or battery on a member of the school faculty or staff.

 

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DRUG TESING (JPPSS Policy)

The drug testing program will require mandatory drug testing with hair of 100% of all high school students in Jefferson Parish engaged in athletics, physically strenuous extracurricular or co-curricular activities and other extracurricular activities.

 

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FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are a valuable part of the school curriculum and arrangement for such trips are made by teacher’s well an advance.  Parents will receive a permission form to sign and return to school by a specific date.  If the field trip permission slip is not signed and returned to the classroom teacher, the student will not be allowed to attend a field trip.  Parents will be given a specific date on which any charges for admission fees, transportation, lunch, ect, must be paid.  In the event the student has paid to attend a field trip and for some reason cannot attend, money can be refunded only if the school has not yet paid for the cost of the activity.
Students are required to have each course instructor sign the permission form. If, according to the permission form, a student is failing and course, the student will not be allowed to participate in the field trip.
If, while attending a field trip, a student displays unacceptable behavior, he/she may not be allowed to attend future field trips. Also, disciplinary action will be taken.
Students are required to make-up any work missed while attending a field trip.  
Students are required to wear the proper Grace King uniform unless otherwise approved by the administration.

 

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GRADING POLICY

Students receive report cards each nine weeks.  Nine weeks grades are a combination of daily class grades which include class participation, quizzes, test scores, exams, homework, and reports. During the fifth week of each nine weeks period students are issued an “Interim Report Card” which tells parents and students how the student is doing in each class.  If a student is doing satisfactory work at the time the interim report is issued, and then student begins to do failing work, the teacher will than issue an individual interim report to the student.
Quality Points
A = 4 points (honors course-5 points)
B = 3 points (honors course-4 points) 
C = 2 points (honors course-3 points)
D = 1 points (honors course-2 points)
F = 0 points (honors course-0 points) 
The numerical equivalents of letter grades are:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 67-74
F 0-66

 

GRADING REQUIERMENTS

In order to graduate, students must

1. earn 28 Carnegie units: 4 units in English, 4 units in Mathematics, 4 units in Science, 4 units in Social Studies, 2 units in Health and Physical Education, and 8 units in elective (as determined by the year the student enters the 9th grade); 
2. pass three parts of the Graduate Exit Exam (GEE 21): English/Language Arts, Mathematics and Science or Social Studies; 
3. meet all local and state attendance requirements. 
4. in order to progress to the next grade, a student must pass 6 of 8 Carnegie Unite Courses each year.

     Exact requirements are available from the student's counselor.
     The above requirements apply also to special education students who are working on a diploma.

The above requirements apply also to special education students who are working on a diploma.