Through all of its growth in size, change in sites and modifications in programs, the school has placed

and continues to place a major focus on the development of the individual. Our professional team of

educators and support staff are among the best found anywhere.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

A Student Crisis Team is usually comprised of an administrator, a counselor, the nurse and/or another

In the event of imminent mortal harm or extreme emergencies, school personnel may take any and all

steps to ensure the safety of the student and the school community.

At the ringing of the fire alarm, students are to leave their rooms under the direction of the teacher.

They will follow the fire drill directions written and posted in each room. Students should be familiar with

Alternate Route

All teachers and students must be ready to deviate from the drill pattern if an emergency should cause

In the event of a threat to the safety of the school community we will initiate the Alert, Lockdown,

Inform, Counter, Evacuate (“ALICE”) protocol. In the event of an evacuation, students should report to

their Advisory’s “muster station”.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Students are required to place their cell phones in numbered slots in the classroom phone caddy when

they enter their classrooms. They may collect them at the end of class. This will minimize distractions,

increase engagement, and have a positive impact on learning. This doesn’t mean students will be

completely denied cell phone access. According to PEW Research, most teens use cell phones just to

bounds of modesty, not hazardous to their health and safety, and not disruptive to the educational

process. Clothing that may be disruptive to the educational process includes clothing upon which any of

the following is displayed: obscenities, advertising or promotion of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs,

words or symbols that will predictably upset or incite others, or words or symbols which defame the

beliefs or heritage of others. The state law of Massachusetts requires that shoes or sandals be worn in all

public buildings.

As a matter of precaution, legally required safety items such as aprons, students participating in activities

that require such items must also wear goggles, or face coverings. In addition, all students must follow

safety regulations, which require securing hair or loose clothing against hazards of fire or entanglement in

equipment. Teachers will inform students of any safety measures which pertain to their particular class or

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Each year student identification cards are provided free of charge to students. Pictures for these cards

are typically taken during the first week or two of school. At that time, students have the option to order

pictures for themselves and their families. Full information is sent to students in August from the

photographer. Students may see the principal’s administrative assistant, LeeAnn Donnelly, in the main

office if they need a replacement ID. There is a $10.00 charge to replace a lost ID.

TOBACCO USE

All persons, students and adults are prohibited from using any tobacco product anytime, anywhere on

guidance counselor for an appropriate referral.

Mass. Gen. Law 71, §37H - Adopted June 18, 2002

UTILIZATION OF FACILITIES

To inquire about the use of the high school buildings or property, call the main office. If necessary you

will be referred to the school’s Director of Financial Services at the Central Administration Office in the

Ripley Building: http://www.concordps.org/community-use-and-building-rental/

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

A limited number of cameras are in place throughout the building and the parking lot. Anyone on school

using the Student Guest Approval Form. If permission is granted, the host student is expected to bring

his/her guest to the Main Office to register as a visitor and to meet the Principal, or one of the Assistant

Principals, at the beginning of the school day.

Students may not bring guests to school during the first half of January when students are preparing for

and taking midyear exams, during the month of June, or for more than one day. Guests are also not

allowed during standardized testing periods, such as MCAS, AP, etc.

on school grounds are privileges extended to responsible students who demonstrate that they can

follow the few driving regulations that have been established for everyone who drives to school. A

To obtain a permit students must present their driver’s license, the registration for the car they will be

driving, and a completed CCHS Parking and Driving Contract (copies of the contract are available in

the high school's main office). Sophomores will not be issued parking permits. If a vehicle registration

number changes, or if the plates are transferred to another vehicle, the change must be recorded on

the registration cards in the main office.

Driving on School Grounds

right of way on campus.

Parking on School Grounds

Rules

While on the school bus students are subject to all school rules and disciplinary procedures. In addition,

students must conduct themselves in a manner, which promotes safety. Therefore the following are

Penalties

Bus route information is published in the local papers each August and is available online at

http://www.concordps.org/transportation-2/.

Please contact the CCHS Health Office with any short-term special transportation requests. The CCHS

nurses will work with parents, students, physicians, and the Transportation Office to determine the best

way to meet the student’s transportation needs.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The school attendance policy reflects the overall philosophy of Concord-Carlisle High School. We want

our students to take their studies and obligations seriously, to meet their commitments, and to do their

very best. We want them to grow up to be well-educated human beings with the motivation to be

lifelong learners, caring individuals, and good citizens. We see our attendance policy and procedures

as helping students meet those goals.

necessarily be absent from classes because of illness, unusual and important family matters, religious

ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS

main office the very day of the student's return to excuse the absences. The note should be delivered

before the student reports to any class.

Parents are expected to call by 10:00 am to report their student out for all or part of the day. Please

understand that the timeliness of the call or note is a critical piece of the attendance process.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL FOR AT LEAST ONE DAY

Parents should call the Main Office on the day of the absence. Please state the student’s name,

of responsible behavior, good attendance and provided there is a note on file from parents indicating

that they are aware that the student will be writing his/her own notes and a Request to Exercise Rights

Independently is on file.

When possible, the parent/guardian should contact Mrs. Hammer in advance to excuse an impending,

planned absence.

LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

A student is late to school if they arrive after 8:00 a.m. If a student is tardy for an excused reason

healthcare provider. The reasons for which the school will excuse tardiness are the same as those for

attendance regularly in Aspen X2. We will make every effort to help the student fulfill his/her

responsibility.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FROM CLASS

All students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, study halls, and activities. The table below

Attendance reports are available through the Aspen X2 Parent/Student Portal. Parents/guardians and

students are expected to check attendance on a frequent basis. It is the student’s responsibility to call

any errors to the attention of the appropriate teacher and then report to the Attendance Office within

seven (7) days of the incident.

CORRECTING ERRORS ON ATTENDANCE REPORTS

Please contact Mrs. Hammer in the main office or an Assistant Principal.

FAMILY VACATIONS

least one month before the vacation due date. Please note that teachers are not required to make

special provisions for students who miss school for family vacations.

EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL – END OF YEAR

All students are expected to remain in school through the last day. There is no early dismissal. Parents

and guardians are requested to do everything possible to avoid the need to remove a student from

school before the school year has finished. Any questions may be directed to the Principal.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Students withdrawing from school must obtain a withdrawal form from Maryanne Talpey (Registrar) in

the transcript office. The Registrar and/or the student’s guidance counselor will explain the procedures

diploma and alternative education options.

FIELD TRIP POLICY

The following policies apply to school trips:

the parent or guardian, have his or her absence excused. Families are encouraged to notify the school

of such plans at the start of the school year.

Information regarding early graduation at the end of the first semester of the senior year may be

obtained from the student’s guidance counselor and the Principal’s administrative assistant in the main

office. Applications are made during the first quarter.

COURSE SELECTION

Each spring, students, in consultation with their parents, teachers, and guidance counselor, select their

program of studies for the coming year. Each student must schedule and attend regularly a minimum of

five courses, including health and fitness, each semester. The Principal must approve all exceptions.

Every effort is made to ensure that course selections are appropriate to the student’s needs.

students. Guidance counselors are available during a process called arena to help resolve course

conflicts and to ensure an appropriate schedule. Students may also request arena appointments for

preferential changes.

COURSE CHANGES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

There are three types of schedule changes that are processed during the academic year.

THE DEADLINES FOR MAKING THESE COURSE CHANGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Students new to the school may be added to courses at any time. Information regarding the registration

procedure for new students may be obtained from the Guidance Office. Once a student has registered

and has scheduled a program, the deadlines and schedule change periods outlined above will apply.

Before making a decision to request a change, please think it over carefully; discuss the change with

your teacher, counselor, and parents. If it seems wise to make the change, follow these steps:

Audit status may be granted to a student:

AUDITING STUDENTS

*At the discretion of the teacher, with the support of the department chairperson, these provisions may

be waived.

Course audit request forms are available in the guidance office.

depends on the willingness of a faculty member to offer it and on the permission of the chairperson of

learning commons or guidance or health office. Student may also get a pass to see a teacher. Juniors

and seniors with Open Campus privileges will not be assigned to a Directed Study and instead may go

HOMEWORK

are no assessments to be given in class, or papers/projects due, for the first two (2) days upon return to

EXAMS

is absent on the day of an exam and cannot make arrangements to take that exam on another day of

exam is not made-up within the time allotted for make-up (extension may be granted in cases of

extenuating circumstances), the “I” will become an “F”.

The make-up period for final exams (those exams that are administered the last four days of the school

year) is arranged through the Principal. (Please Note: Incompletes due to rescheduled exams may

affect athletic eligibility). Except in unusual circumstances (e.g. a family will be moving away before

the last day of school), final exams cannot be administered prior to the final exam period.

A student with an unavoidable conflict may request permission to take a final exam at another time

Before an extended school vacation period and before the end of a quarter are common assessment

times in many classes. To help prevent students from having more than two major assessments on a

given day, we have implemented Coordinated Testing Days. Only two academic departments may give

assessments or have a major paper or project due on these days, following the schedule outlined

below.

GRADING

The grading system used at the high school is noted below. Report cards are issued four times a year

and are available online via Aspen X2. Please see the school calendar for marking period dates.

A = Excellent B = Good C = Fair D = Poor F = Failing

WF = Withdrew Failing from Course*

* No Credit is Granted

97-100=A+ 87-89=B+ 77-79=C+ 67-69=D+

93-96=A 83-86=B 73-76=C 63-66=D

90-92=A- 80-82=B- 70-72=C- 60-62=D- <60=F

Note: Course grades of Incomplete (“I”) which are not made up by the end of the following quarter

(marking period) become grades of “F”, except in cases where extenuating circumstances such as

prolonged illness or temporary disability prevent make-up within this time period. In such cases the

teacher(s) and student(s) shall arrange for a reasonable extension to complete work. If grades of

Incomplete (“I”) are not made up within this reasonable amount of time, given allowances for

HONOR ROLL:

The CCHS Honor Roll is published each marking period. Students may earn high honors (91%

average) or honors (87% average) by meeting the following requirements:

The student must receive a letter grade in a minimum of five courses for the marking period.

STUDENT REVIEW MEETINGS

When a student is experiencing academic difficulty, he/she should always consult with his/her teacher

first regarding opportunities for academic support. If he/she continues to struggle academically after

working with his/her teacher, the student, parent, or teacher should contact the guidance counselor to

schedule a student review meeting. Guidance Counselors may also schedule a student review meeting

upon learning that a student is struggling in more than one class.

When a student review meeting is held, the student’s teachers, his/her parents, the guidance counselor

needs, and scheduled, when possible, during the school day. For information about the SSERC and

After classroom accommodations and learning supports have been put in place, the student should

communicate frequently with teachers to be sure that academic achievement is improving. If after a

marking period it is determined that these supports have not positively impacted achievement, or if a

learning disability is suspected, a referral for evaluation under special education may be initiated. The

student, parent, and teacher or guidance counselor can make referrals for a special education

evaluation by contacting the special education department.

REFERRAL FOR EVALUATION

If a learning disability is suspected, a referral can be made for an evaluation under special education.

For more information about special education evaluations, contact the special education department.

Additional information about Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 504 Plans are contained

in this handbook.

lab during any of their free periods by making prior arrangements with their world language teacher.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Philosophy

The Community Service Program at CCHS began in the 1980’s, as a way to provide a system for

linking students with community needs. Just like academic courses of study, the structure put in place

was intended to help introduce students to the wider world outside of school and participation in the

Community Service Program became a requirement for graduation, just like at many schools

nationwide. The School Committee and the CCHS Faculty and Administration continue to strongly

For more information, including guidelines and examples of eligible and ineligible community service,

please visit http://www.concordcarlisle.org/2volunteer-about/

If you have any questions regarding a particular volunteer activity, please contact Ms. Hammer or the

Assistant Principal

The Learning Commons is a technology rich area devoted to supporting students in meeting the school

goals and learning expectations for 21

and via email to support student work, research, and digital projects, help solve issues with various

student accounts, and facilitate learning.

Checking Out Material

All material leaving the library MUST be checked out. Students may check out up to 10 books at a time.

The materials must be returned in 3 weeks. Material may be renewed if another student does not

reserve them.

Overdue & Late Fees

Overdue Notices will be sent out by student email.

Lost or Damaged Items

Students are charged a replacement cost for lost and/or damaged material.

ELIGIBILITY

To participate in any co-curricular activity, including practices, rehearsals, games, academic

Officers and captains are elected by members of the activity or club and, in some cases, appointed by

leadership and responsibility. As a result, a student serving in that capacity is expected to conduct

CCHS is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and therefore

adheres to all MIAA policies and procedures. The interscholastic athletic program is divided into Fall,

Winter and Spring seasons. Many of the teams have three levels – Varsity, Junior Varsity and

Freshmen.

to stop the offensive behavior, mediation, counseling, education, and/or disciplinary action up to and

member of the school community, or any other official, who has filed a report regarding bullying or

learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior

that can impede the learning process.

prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety. We will support this

cyberbullying. The School Districts are committed to working with students, staff, families, law

full names.

prevalent language(s) of origin of students and parents or guardians.

Faculty, staff, parents and students will be required to sign a statement indicating that they have

have reasonable grounds to believe that these behaviors are taking place, are encouraged to report

discipline for failing to report bullying.

Students may request assistance from a staff member to complete a written report. Students will be

provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of bullying

with a staff member, or with the principal or designee.

The district expects parents or guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of

bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to the principal or designee. Reports may be made

Because of the school’s responsibility to prevent bullying and intervene when incidents of hurtful

behavior, bullying or retaliation occur, it is advisable to file a report even if it isn’t a complaint.

Students, parents or guardians, and others who want to report an instance of bullying or retaliation

involving a student will be able to access a PDF version of our Reporting Form on our website. A hard

copy of our Reporting From will be included in our back to school packets and will be available in

school and district offices. The districts will consider establishing a telephone “tip line.”

Responding to a Report of Bullying or Retaliation

steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and/or to protect the alleged

necessary.

The principal or designee will implement appropriate strategies for protecting from bullying or retaliation

a student who has reported bullying or retaliation, a student who has witnessed bullying or retaliation, a

student who provides information during an investigation, or a student who has reliable information

about a reported act of bullying or retaliation.

INVESTIGATION

The Principal or designee, upon receipt of a viable report, will promptly contact the parents or guardians

of a student who has been the alleged perpetrator of bullying. The actions being taken to prevent

further acts of bullying will be discussed.

The school Principal or a designee will assess an alleged target’s needs for protection and create and

If the school principal or a designee determines that bullying has occurred, he/she will take appropriate

disciplinary action and if it is believed that criminal charges may be pursued against the perpetrator, the

principal will consult with the school’s resource officer and the Superintendent to determine if criminal

charges are warranted. If it is determined that criminal charges are warranted, the local law

enforcement agency shall be notified.

The Principal or designee will contact the parents or guardians as to the status of the investigation.

Upon completion of the investigation, the parents or guardians will be contacted and informed of the

results, including whether the allegations were found to be factual, whether a violation of this policy was

found, and whether disciplinary action has or shall be taken.

Each school will document any incident of bullying that is reported per this plan and the Principal or

Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent consistent with the school's obligations under law.

The principal or designee will promptly investigate all reports of bullying or retaliation and, in doing so,

will consider all available information known, including the nature of the allegation(s) and the ages of

the students involved.

During the investigation the principal or designee will, among other things, interview students, staff,

witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The principal or designee (or whoever is

conducting the investigation) will remind the alleged aggressor, target, and witnesses that retaliation is

strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Procedures for investigating reports of bullying and retaliation will be consistent with school or district

policies and procedures for investigations. If necessary, the principal or designee will consult with legal

counsel about the investigation.

DETERMINATIONS

The Principal or designee will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances. If,

after investigation, bullying or retaliation is substantiated, the principal or designee will take steps

reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and to ensure that the target is not restricted in

participating in school or in benefiting from school activities. The principal or designee will: 1)

determine what remedial action is required, if any, and 2) determine what responsive actions and/or

The principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the aggressor

about the results of the investigation. If bullying or retaliation is found, the action being taken to prevent

further acts of bullying or retaliation will be communicated to the parents of the aggressor. All notice to

parents must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. Because of the

legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the principal or designee cannot

report specific information to the target’s parent or guardian about the disciplinary action taken unless it

involves a “stay away” order or other directive that the target must be aware of in order to report

violations. If bullying or retaliation is found, the parents of the target will be informed of the school’s plan

to monitor the situation and to help ensure the safety of their child.

appropriate behavior to the aggressor. M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(d)(v). Skill-building approaches that the

appropriate behavior. Discipline will be consistent with this Plan and with the schools’ or districts’ code

of conduct.

Disciplinary Action for Bullies and False Reporters

The following Groups from CCHS Rules and Regulations may apply when a student is involved in a

bullying incident:

suspension time may be served in school at the discretion of one or both of the Assistant Principals),

ADDITIONAL ACTION: One or more of the following: Up to five additional days of suspension from all

classes and activities, loss of school bus transportation privileges for up to the remainder of the year if

the violation occurs on a school bus, compensatory work, school probation, expulsion.

Discipline procedures for students with disabilities are governed by the federal, Individuals with

Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which should be read in cooperation with state laws

regarding student discipline.

If the Principal or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of bullying or

Follow-Up

The district offers education programs for parents and guardians that are focused on the parental

components of the anti-bullying curricula and any social competency curricula used by the district or

school. The programs are offered through our

We also benefit from partnerships with community organization such as:

Notification Requirements

Each year the school or district will inform parents or guardians of enrolled students about the

anti-bullying curricula that are being used. This notice will include information about the dynamics of

bullying, including cyber bullying and online safety. The school or district will send parents written notice

each year about the student-related sections of the Plan and the school or district's Internet safety

policy. All notices and information made available to parents or guardians will be in hard copy and

electronic formats, and will be available in the language(s) most prevalent among parents or guardians.

The school or district will post this Plan and related information on its website.

The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any

forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal

lockers. Students should not assume a legitimate expectation of privacy within their lockers. Lockers

which have been assigned to them. The search can include the student's person, clothing, handbag,

reasonable grounds to suspect that a search will uncover evidence that a school rule has been violated.

When school staff have a reasonable basis for believing that a crime has or is being committed by a

student on school property or at school- related events, such matter shall be reported to the police.

(Mass. Gen. Law, c.265, §43), and/or hazing (Mass. Gen. Law, c.269, §17).

School by any individual is prohibited at all times. For the purpose of this policy, the term “drugs”