Student Handbook

Go to the Main Office:

• to see the Principal

• to check for Lost and Found items
• to have an announcement made for a student group 
• to pay financial obligations

Go to the Main Office/Attendance Desk:

• to excuse an absence
• if you arrive late to school after 7:50AM

Go to the Associate Principal’s Office: 

• if you are removed from class for behavior issues
• to make a change in your emergency contact information (address, phone, or family information)
• if you are 18 years old and want to fill out the Age of Majority form
• to change your street locker (not athletic locker)
• obtain a student parking permit for the East parking lot 

Go to the Student Services Office:

• for academic and career planning
• for a personal problem or a concern about friends/family members
• to see your cumulative record
• for a school I.D. card
• to get military information
• for college or scholarship information
• if you need transcript information

Go to the Activities & Athletics Office:

• for information about school activity groups or sports
• if you need an athletic locker
• for information concerning your co-curricular eligibility (athletic and/or activities)

SOUTH MILWAUKEE HIGH
Oh, S. M. High, our dear old S. M. High
We all are with you, tried and true
We always score on every field and floor,
Our teams will always prove true blue.
Rah!  Rah!
Oh, S. M. High, our dear old S.M. High
We all are with you to the end
S. M., S. M., we can, we can
For we will win this game again!

SOUTH MILWAUKEE ALMA MATER
Guardian of each thought and deed
May we follow where you lead.
With standards ever high
Aim your Rockets to the sky.
Red, white, colors bright,
Lead us on to glory.
South Milwaukee Alma Mater,
Help us to keep faith with thee
Hail to thee! Hail to thee!
South Milwaukee High!
 

Most disciplinary offenses fall into the categories in this chart. “Detentions’” include lunch and/or after school detentions. Appropriate action in all cases is at the discretion of the administrators, and in accordance with state and federal laws.

Abbreviation Key:    
AC/W = Admin Conversation/Warning
BC = Behavior Contract
CON = Confiscation
DET = Detention
ISS = In School Suspension
OSS = Out of School Suspension
PC = Parent/Guardian Contact
PM = Parent/Guardian Meeting

Multiple instances of infractions in the same tier, or repeated infractions, will escalate consequences to next tier (example: multiple Tier 1 infractions would escalate consequence to Tier 2, etc.)

Philosophy
Co-curricular activities are a vital part of the educational system and students are encouraged to take advantage of them, in addition to their academics at South Milwaukee High School. When students commit themselves to an activity, they owe it their best effort, not only to benefit the club, but themselves. Any student that falls behind in their schoolwork should seek extra help from the teacher(s) prior to participating in any co-curricular activity. Students should consider all other obligations before committing themselves to an activity. 
The co-curricular program is an integral part of the educational system. While creating an opportunity for students to grow and mature, participation in co-curricular activities is considered a privilege. Therefore, standards may apply to co-curricular participants which may not apply to the general student population. 
Activities will be scheduled during the day or after school at times convenient to the group and its advisor. Only officially recognized school groups may use the school building or its facilities, unless use is approved through the Athletic Office with a facility request form. A non-student adult must supervise students in the building after hours, and will be responsible for any damage that may occur that is caused by the supervisor or group of students.
Mission
Co-curricular activities are intended to help students learn to work in a productive relationship with a variety of people. Activities place students in unique situations to learn lessons in self-discipline, teamwork, respect, dealing with failure, dealing with success, and prepare students for their future in a dynamic society. 
Eligibility & Scope
Students participating in co-curricular activities shall be subject to this code 12 months a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, on or off-campus from the first day the student becomes involved in co-curricular activities at South Milwaukee High School until they have graduated and completed all school-sponsored activities.  
A student who graduates early will terminate their involvement in all co-curricular activities. Students who graduate early may make a request to the Athletics and Activities Office to attend Prom.
Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities include the following classification of activities.
CATEGORY 1 ACTIVITIES are those activities in which the school has a schedule of interscholastic contests or school-sponsored performances or competition. If a student has been suspended from an activity/athletic team, the student is required to attend all practices, games and activities upon completion of any suspension from school.

CATEGORY 2 ACTIVITIES are those in which there are no contests, performances, or competition. A student may be suspended from any participation for two weeks.

*Suspension for a current or previous Activity Code violation may result in a forfeiture of the student’s right to be on Homecoming Court or Prom Court, as well as potentially their right to attend any dance. This will be determined by high school administration.

Academics
A student must meet school and Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requirements defining a full-time student. Students are ineligible if they received more than one failing grade and/or an incomplete in the most recent grade reporting period (midterm semester 1, end of semester 1, midterm semester 2, end of semester 2). Special consideration may be made for students with exceptional educational needs enrolled in a school-approved program that meets the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) requirements for academic eligibility as indicated by their IEP. 

• A student who fails to meet the minimum requirements listed above becomes ineligible on the final day of the quarter in question. The student is then ineligible for all appearances and competitions until regaining eligibility.
  • The student will be suspended for a minimum 15 school days and school nights. This suspension can be longer if the student fails to regain eligibility. 
  • For the fall sports season there is an adjusted WIAA standard at the start of the school year. This standard is the lesser of the following two options: 1) 21 consecutive days after the earliest date allowed for competition in a sport, or 2) one-third of the maximum number of allowed meets/games in a sport (rounded up if a third results in a fraction) per WIAA rules.
  • Students are allowed to regain academic eligibility by successfully completing summer school courses or by taking correspondence courses that are pre-approved by the counseling department to meet graduation requirements as accepted by South Milwaukee High School. Students who are ineligible due to failing three (3) or more classes are not able to regain eligibility through summer school. 
• Incompletes shall be treated as failing grades until written proof that these incompletes have been made up and a passing grade achieved for the grading period just completed is received by the Activities, Athletics & Recreation Coordinator. 
• A student who is ineligible may continue to meet and practice during the period of ineligibility with consent of coach/advisor and the Coordinator. 
• The date for determining academic eligibility will be the date the grade report is provided to the Coordinator. 
• The student must report to the Athletic Office to request a review of their grades in order to become academically eligible once the incompletes have been taken care of or after the required waiting period concludes. This review can be done through Infinite Campus after a request is made by the student.

Attendance

• Students must be in attendance for the entire school day (7:30am-2:55pm) and in classes on time. If a student is absent for any part of a school day, they may not participate in any Co-Curricular activity that day. Certain prearranged absences (funeral, college visit, doctor’s app, etc.) will not prohibit a student’s participation in any Co-Curricular activity, when excused by the attendance office. 
• If a student is suspended (in or out of school) for any part of a school day, he/she may not participate in any Co-Curricular activity that day.
• If a student is assigned a detention, the student must fulfill that obligation prior to practice or competition. Failure to do so, will result in the student not being allowed to participate in any Co-Curricular activity until the detention is served.

Behavior and Conduct

• It is expected that students will conduct themselves professionally and responsibly at all times. As representatives of South Milwaukee, co-curricular activity participants are expected to follow school standards and good citizenship. It is the responsibility of each co-curricular participant to know what activities (for example the use of controlled substances or alcohol by others) are taking place at social gatherings that they attend. Lack of knowledge of such activities may not prevent said participant from being in violation of the Activities Code.
• In-season athletes are expected to maintain an acceptable level of good grooming and hygiene. Due to safety and health concerns in some sports, athletes may be required to satisfy this issue prior to participating in practice or scheduled competition.

Concussions

• Students and parents will be required to sign a Concussion Information sheet before starting any athletic program, including Cheer and Poms. Although not WIAA sports, Powerlifting and Ultimate Frisbee also require this form to be signed. The WIAA has a concussion policy providing participants and parents with general information about concussions and how to address them. This policy can be found on the WIAA website.

Conflicting Activities

• In the occurrence that a student has conflicting co-curricular activities, the student has the duty to inform their coach or advisor of the conflict prior to the date of the conflict. Once the conflict is brought to the attention of the coach or advisor, an attempt will be made at a resolution.
• When a student has a conflict because two or more events or performances are scheduled at the same time, the following policy will apply: 
  • A performance (i.e. game, meet, contest, play, etc.) has priority over any practice or rehearsal, and the student is excused from the other activity without penalty. 
  • Participation or performance in a theatre, conference, district, or state tournament series event takes priority. If a student should choose not to participate in the theatre, conference, district or state tournament series, they will not be permitted to participate in any activity during the same date(s). 
  • The first activity (based on starting date) the student joins or commits to will take precedent in the event of practice or performance conflict. The first activity will be considered the student’s “primary” activity. Students who wish to be involved in additional activities MUST make prior arrangements with their primary advisor/coach to attend a practice or any portion of a practice for another activity in place of their regular practice. 
  • If a performance in one activity conflicts with a performance in another activity, the student will perform in the activity taking priority under provisions 1, 2, or 3. If this causes a problem, and the coaches/advisors cannot agree, the Coordinator will act as arbitrator.

Criminal Activity
Any activity that violates Wisconsin State law will be deemed a violation of this code. 

Drugs, Alcohol, Performing Enhancing Substances (PES), Tobacco, and Vaping
The possession, use or display of tobacco, alcohol, PES, tobacco, or vaping products is a violation of the co-curricular activity policy for the South Milwaukee School District. A co-curricular participant doing any of these activities will be found in violation of this code and subject to the penalties of the following section.  The use of e-cigarettes or hookah pens is also a violation of this code.

Duties and Expectations
Duties and expectations apply to the conduct of all parties involved in the co-curricular activities program. This includes coaches and supervisors (collectively “coaches”), parents of participating students, and the students themselves. Outlining what is expected of parents, coaches, and students allows each party to understand what is to be expected when they interact with one another.

Coaches:

• Should voice the expectations that they have established for all of their team members, as well as the team’s rules to both parents and students. This includes:
• Location and times of all practices.
• Team requirements, fees, special equipment, game dress, and off-season opportunities.
• Lettering requirements.
• Sport-specific rules.
• Shall act as a role model for good sportsmanship, use of appropriate language, promoting a healthy and safe environment, and safe teaching techniques.
• Can expect parents and students to inform them of any schedule conflicts that may occur well before the conflict occurs.
• Can expect parents and students to support all team members as well as the coaching staff. 
• Shall not physically or mentally endanger any co-curricular participants.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) code of conduct for coaches can be found here: WIAA Coach Sportsmanship Code of Conduct

Parents:

• Should expect that the coach puts the team first.
• Should inform the coach of any scheduling conflicts that arise with their child and the co-curricular activity.
• Support their children in a respectful manner at contests or games. This includes appropriate language and sportsmanship.
• Inquire about the physical or mental health of their child with the coach if they fear that it is at risk.
• Should not confront the coach about the makeup of a team, the strategy for a contest, or the playing time or opportunity to compete that their child receives. These are coaching decision made with the best interests of the team at heart and should be respected as such. 
• Should show support for the South Milwaukee High School Athletic Code of Conduct, the rules of the WIAA, and any additional rules the coach may have.
• Shall look to schedule meetings with the coach as opposed to expecting to meet with them prior to or following each contest.

The WIAA’s Parental Guide to Sportsmanship can be found here: WIAA Parental Guide to Sportsmanship

Students

• Owe a responsibility to themselves
• Are expected to be participating in co-curricular activities to broaden the strength of their academic achievement and character.
• Are expected to be good sports and to be a respectable member of the community.
• Owe a responsibility to their academic studies
• Academic studies coupled with participation in co-curricular activities are used to prepare students for their adult life. 
• Owe a responsibility to South Milwaukee High School
• Students participating in co-curricular activities make themselves highly visible to other students and faculty. It is important that students act responsibly in front of other students and faculty.
• Be a respectful role model for their teammates and fellow classmates of South Milwaukee High School.
• Owe a responsibility to the community
• The community assists in funding co-curricular activities through taxes and donations. It is important that members of the community are treated with respect by co-curricular participants. 
• Co-curricular participants must act reasonably when the spotlight is on them. It is often the case that their actions reflect not only others’ perception of themselves and the school, but the community as a whole. 
• It is the school’s desire that co-curricular participants are respectful at all times.
• Owe a specific responsibility to younger students
• Students participating in co-curricular activities will have younger students that look up to them as role models.
• Students participating in co-curricular activities should behave responsibly and foster a respectful environment that encourages younger students to carry on such a legacy at South Milwaukee High School.
• Owe a responsibility to their coaches
  • Inform the coach of any scheduling conflicts and properly address them (see the conflicting activities section above).
  • Treat coaches with respect and follow their own independent rules and policies. 

Fans

• Must be respectful of the other teams they compete against.
• Must show good sportsmanship.
• Need to realize that your actions reflect South Milwaukee High School and this should be considered prior to taking those actions.
• Should be a role model for other fans and fans of other schools or teams.
• Should show school spirit and pride. 
• Should enjoy themselves.

Eligibility
Students and parents will be required to read and understand the WIAA Athletic Eligibility information provided when signing up for any athletic program, including Cheer and Poms.

Fighting, Hazing and Bullying 

• Fighting both during and outside of activities or events will not be tolerated. Any fighting will be deemed a violation of this code.
• The School District of South Milwaukee will not permit any student to engage in any form of hazing as explained in School Board Policy 411.3. Hazing consists of any activity that is intimidating, threatening, or demeaning and is perpetrated for any reason such as the victim’s age, grade level, team affiliation, or school affiliation. 
• The definition of bullying, as explained in School Board Policy 411.3, will be applied to the Activities Code. Bullying including cyber bullying will not be tolerated in any forum associated with a co-curricular activity.
• Students gathering to encourage fighting, hazing, or bullying, by means of cheering, taunting video streaming, video recording, and/or posting about the incident on social media will be subject to discipline.

Financial Obligations
Co-curricular activity participants that are required to check out equipment for their activity are liable for the equipment if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. The replacement cost will be equivalent to a new piece of equipment no matter the condition of the previous equipment. Unpaid equipment fees will be added as obligations in Infinite Campus. 

Fundraising
All fundraisers must adhere to school board policy and school rules. If fundraising for an activity that needs board approval, the approval for the activity must be obtained before any fundraising efforts begin. All requests must be turned in to the Activities, Athletics and Recreation Coordinator for approval prior to commencing. Each activity advisor will inform their group of these rules. Please note that selling is restricted to the Heritage Hallway, either before school, after school, or during lunch periods only. There will be NO selling during school hours in classrooms or corridors unless pre-approved by high school administration. All revenue from sales and any discrepancies must be reported to the advisor. Restrictions may be placed on possible fundraisers based upon the District Wellness Policy (including 25% of bake sales being made up of healthy items). All fundraiser proceeds must be applied directly to the organization doing the fundraiser, and only for the purpose of the fundraiser.

Injury Policy
Following any injury, the coach must file an Athletic Injury Report with the Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer. In the case of minor injuries not requiring the services of a physician, the Athletic Trainer and the coach will determine when the student-athlete is ready to return to practice and competition.
If a student-athlete is injured during the sport’s season and is under a physician’s care, the student-athlete must obtain a written release from the treating physician prior to resuming active participation in practices and competition.
If a student-athlete develops a medical condition or is injured outside of the sport season, the Athletic Trainer and/or the Athletic Director reserve the right to request a written clearance from the treating physician prior to declaring the student-athlete eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics. 
Penalties

• If the student is involved in more than one activity, the student will serve the penalty concurrently.
• If the student is between activities, the penalty will carry over to the next activity that they participate in.
• If the student does not complete their penalty, they will not be able to begin another activity until the penalty is completed in the new activity.
• Self- Referral
  • A student may submit a written self-referral within two days of their violating behavior or during the school day on Monday, if the violation took place on the weekend. These self-referrals must detail the violation, time, date, and place of the violating behavior and may reduce the duration or extent of the punishment. If the violating behavior took place on school grounds, it is unlikely that the student will be able to utilize their self-referral privilege. Self-referrals must be turned into to the Coordinator. A copy of the self-referral must be turned into the coach or advisor as well.
• Violations other than Self-Referrals
  • A violation must be reported to the Coordinator within the school year of the alleged violation. Reports during the summer months must be reported within the first five school days. The report must include the alleged violation, time, date, and place of the violating behavior. A copy of the report must be turned into the coach or advisor as well.
• Honesty Clause and Initial Questioning 
  • If a South Milwaukee Administrator or the Coordinator has a reasonable suspicion that a co-curricular participant violated the code of conduct, they may question that student. It is the student’s duty to respond truthfully during the questioning period. Truthful answers may result in lighter penalties and dishonesty or attempts to mislead the investigation may result in harsher penalties against the co-curricular activity participant. 
  • The co-curricular activity participant must be forthcoming with information and cooperative during the investigation.
• Informing the Co-Curricular Participant of the Penalty
  • Once the Coordinator has determined that a violation has occurred, they will inform both the student and the student’s parents of the violation and the penalty resulting from the violation. The student must also be notified of their right to appeal the decision. 

PENALTY GRID*

*This list does not include all possible penalties and is not absolute; it is to be used as a guide for the assignment of penalties in violation of the co-curricular activity code. The Coordinator in consultation with high school administration will look into the severity of each violation, whether it was a self-referral and how honest the student is when ultimately determining the punishment.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of social media, student use of social media will be subject to review by the athletic department and penalties for violations of social media policy including but not limited to inappropriate posting of photos, harassment, and inappropriate language will be subject to penalties on a case by case basis.

Appeals

• Once it has been determined that a violation has occurred, the parents will be contacted and informed of the penalty and the appeal process by the Activities & Athletics Department. Students have five school days from the time of notification to appeal the decision in writing to the Principal.
• A log entry will be kept to track the progress of the violation.
• Inform administration of the final decision.
  • A decision will be made and delivered in writing to both parties within 24 hours of the appeal meeting
  • If either party is dissatisfied with the decision, they must request in writing a review of the appeal by the Superintendent of the School District of South Milwaukee who will determine if a review of the appeal decision is necessary. This request must be made within three (3) days of the Appeal decision.

Physical Examination Requirements
Students must provide a WIAA Physical Examination form, signed by a physician and a parent/legal guardian, as proof of having a physical, clearing the student to participate in sports, before starting any athletic program, including Cheer and Poms. 
Physical forms must also be signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner every two years. The WIAA also requires an Alternate Year Physical form be completed by a parent/legal guardian in years opposite to the physical examination requirement before starting any athletic program, including Cheer and Poms.

Social Media

• Any conduct that violates a provision of this code that is displayed on social media is a direct violation of this code. Co-curricular participants should be responsible with their social media content as it is available to the public. 
• The posting of any photos on social media of a student-athlete in a South Milwaukee uniform that is deemed inappropriate is a violation of this code.

Team Membership
Students who voluntarily join an athletic team or activity at South Milwaukee High School are expected to abide by the following membership rules.

• Rules – In addition to all school rules, students must abide by their specific team or activity rules as provided by their coach or advisor.
• Coach’s Authority – With cause, team coaches and activity advisors have the authority to unilaterally suspend a student from a team or activity. These suspensions take effect immediately. Coaches are required to notify the Coordinator when such suspensions are put into effect. Any suspensions lasting more than three (3) days are subject to the Due Process procedures in the Activities.
• Athletic Team Loyalty – A student beginning in one sport cannot transfer to another sport, during the same season, until the original sport’s season is completed, except with the mutual consent of the head coaches of the two sports involved. 

Team Travel
Students are required to travel both to and from all team competitions and events with their team-provided transportation. If a parent, due to an emergency or unavoidable family circumstance needs other arrangements to be made, a Transportation Release form must be filled out by the parent and turned in to the coach prior to the event.

All accidents and injuries must be reported immediately to the teacher, coach, advisor, or other adult in charge. You must also report it to the High School Office to fill out an Accident Report as soon as it happens.  An insurance company may deny a claim if the report is not filed promptly.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered at the high school in many content areas. AP courses are more demanding than the accelerated courses and are designed to better prepare students for success in college. 

Upon successful completion of AP courses, students are expected to take the College Board AP examinations held in May, which is used by some colleges and universities to grant advance credits. There is a fee for each exam (check website for current fees). See your School Counselor if you are interested in choosing AP courses. 

Please note: AP classes will not be dropped once scheduled.

AP website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

Students who have reached the age of majority (18 or older), and have completed the Age of Majority form through the  Associate Principal’s Office and been approved, have the following rights and responsibilities:

1. To make decisions about their educational programming.

2. To submit excuses on their own behalf for absences.  Students may be asked to provide a doctor’s medical excuse or other justification for excessive absences.

3. If suspended, students may be accountable for their own re-admission following the suspension.  

4. Parents/Guardians are no longer responsible for the actions of their children when they turn eighteen; however, debts incurred by students prior to age eighteen are still the responsibility of the parents/guardians.

5. Those completing the Age of Majority form may choose to not have information or communication sent to parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians will be notified if a student chooses this option. However, if the student is still living with a parent/guardian, important information may be shared by the school with the parent/guardian.

These procedures are set up for normal school day set up.  

• All high school students are required to enter the High School building through Door 29 (Gym entrance) from 7:00-7:55 a.m.  No other doors will be open for students to enter the building. Families dropping students off will need to use the Oak Creek Parkway, proceed to the East side of the building and enter through the circle drive (2nd entrance @Rocket John Way) to drop students off.  When exiting Rocket John Way, you must turn right onto the Oak Creek Parkway. Please also note that anyone traveling West of the Oak Creek Parkway may not make a Left turn onto 15th Avenue from 7:00-7:45AM and 2:50-4:00PM on school days. 
• Students who are parking in the student lot for the day will need to enter through the athletic field driveway (3rd entrance).
• Students who are walking to school, must walk around to the East side of the building and enter through Door 29 (Gym entrance).
• At 7:55 a.m., Door 29 (Gym entrance) will be locked and any late students will then have to enter through Door 9 (Main Entrance). No student admission will be allowed at Door 9 prior to 7:55 a.m. 
• Students and parents are not permitted to drive, or drop off and pick-up, behind the 6-12 campus by Rawson Woods at any time. This is not a thoroughfare. 
• The drive into the student parking lot from the parkway is two-way, except after school from 2:50-3:15pm when the East exit (by the football stadium) is used for exit only to turn right and left.  
• Students not involved in activities or meetings after school should leave the building by 3:30pm and not loiter.  
• Respecting the rights of surrounding private property owners is expected at all times. Students are to refrain from loitering, littering, trespassing, and smoking on neighboring private property. Violators will be reported to the police and prosecuted.

Students are required to attend assemblies. Students who have regularly scheduled work study may be excused.  

• Students must enter the assembly quietly and report to their assigned areas immediately.
• Students are not allowed to listen to music through any of their electronic devices.
• Respect the speaker and subject.
• Applaud to show appreciation.
• Refrain from making distracting noises.
• Students who exhibit inappropriate behavior may be removed and/or denied assembly privileges.

Bicycles must be placed in bike racks provided by the school district and locked. High School students may not use the Middle School bike racks. The school is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen bicycles left on school property.

Bookbags, backpacks or purses are allowed at teacher’s discretion in any classroom. School administration will have discretion for use in all common areas of the building.

The Centers for Disease Control defines bullying as “any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm” (Gladden et al., 2014, p. 7).
It is common to mistake a conflict between peers or classmates for bullying. The following are common differences between the two, but not all aspects will always be present.

Report a concern related to bullying by printing and submitting this form to your principal or fill out the form online.

It is understood that the rules contained in this handbook are not all inclusive.  The administration and teachers may take such action as is necessary and not forbidden by law to insure the discipline and operation of the school.  Action may be taken with respect to any offense which interferes with the orderly conduct of the school or which affects the safety and welfare of students either individually or collectively regardless of the existence or non-existence of a rule covering the offense.  Acts that are crimes outside of school are also considered crimes in school, and they will be treated similarly. 
All students shall follow all new, revised or temporary district guidelines and rules related to the pandemic or other health emergency. The expectations for students within the orders, rules, and/or guidelines are considered additions to the Student Handbook. By acknowledging receipt of the Student Handbook and your understanding of the expectations contained herein for students, you are also acknowledging future pandemic-related orders, rules, and/or guidelines.  
This handbook represents portions of school policies that are essential to the efficient operation of the school district.

The contents of a student’s cell phone will not be searched unless there exists a potential significant threat to the safety of a particular student, group of students, or school as a whole. Contents of cell phones may also be searched with student or parental permission.
The District may view, access, or use information obtained from a student or prospective students that can be obtained from a social media account without access information or that is available in the public domain.

The District may not:

1. Request or require a student or prospective student, as a condition of admission or enrollment, to disclose access information for the personal Internet account of the student or prospective student or to otherwise grant access to or allow observation of that account.
2. Expel, suspend, discipline, or otherwise penalize any student for refusing to disclose access information for, grant access to, or allow observation of the student’s personal Internet account, opposing a prohibitive practice with respect to personal Internet accounts, filing a complaint or attempting to enforce a right protected by the statute (Wisconsin Statute Sec. 995.55), or testifying or assisting in any action or proceeding to enforce such right.
3. Refuse to admit a prospective student because the prospective student refused to disclose access information for, grant access to, or allow observation of the prospective student’s personal Internet account.

The District may request or require a student to disclose access information to the District in order for the District to gain access to or operate an electronic communications device supplied or paid for in whole or part by the District, or in order for the District to gain access to an account or services provided by the District, obtained by virtue of the student’s admission to the District, or used for educational purposes.

Inform student’s school counselor and the Associate Principal’s Assistant if there is a change of address, telephone number, and/or family emergency contacts. It is very important to contact the school any time there are changes in emergency contact information.

Students are expected to follow each teacher’s classroom expectations.  See the Discipline Chart for guidelines that will be followed for failure to abide by classroom expectations.

The decision to close school due to weather or other emergency situations is made by the Superintendent of the School District of South Milwaukee. Official announcements for any school closing will be communicated through the phone calling system, posted on the District website, sent through ParentSquare, and may be heard over local Radio and TV Stations, including but not limited to:

A student who submits work that is not his or their own,  allows another student to copy their work, or is caught cheating will be subject to disciplinary and academic consequences. A student may be required to resubmit work for partial credit or may receive no credit. Incidents of copying, plagiarism or cheating will be examined on a case-by-case basis, and appropriate consequences will be assessed.

School District employees and officials may not use corporal punishment in any of its forms.  School officials and employees are not prohibited, however, from using reasonable and necessary force:

1. To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical injury to any person;
2. To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a student’s control;
3. For the purpose of self-defense or the defense of others or for the protection of property in accordance with state statutes;
4. To remove a disruptive student from school premises, a motor vehicle or school-sponsored activity;
5. To prevent a student from inflicting harm on themselves; or
6. To protect the safety of others.

Further, school officials and employees are not prohibited from using incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact designated to maintain order and control.  The building principal shall be notified immediately after any application of force. Parents/Guardians of the student(s) involved shall be contacted by school officials and informed as to why their child was restrained.

The high school counseling program provides diverse and comprehensive services both individually and in group settings and is designed to help students with their academic and/or personal issues.  Students and parents can make appointments with their counselor, the school social worker, or school psychologist.  The counselors help all students select suitable courses, complete programs, and register for classes.
Information on many post high school educational institutions is available through your school counselor.  Meetings with college and technical school representatives are scheduled throughout the year and are open to Juniors and Seniors.  Information on financial aid may also be obtained through the Student Services Office.  Counselors, Social Workers, and School Psychologists respect the confidentiality of their contacts with students. Students and parents/guardians should be aware that there are situations in which this confidentiality must be broken.  These situations would be, but are not limited to, reports of abuse, suicide attempts or threats, and other life or property threatening situations.  
Students are assigned a school counselor on an alphabetical basis in grades 9-12. Change of counselor assignments may be arranged by parental request to the Principal.

Student threats to school safety
All school counselors and school social workers in South Milwaukee are trained in behavioral threat assessment and management. This provides a research-based approach, endorsed by the Department of Justice for monitoring student safety behaviors. Student services staff works with building and district administration to ensure investigation, intervention and safety procedures. 
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management
Behavioral threat assessment is a proactive approach to identify, assess, and provide appropriate interventions and resources for students who display behavior that elicits concern for the safety of themselves or others. It is not a criminal investigation, a checklist, or a disciplinary process. Rather, threat assessments offer schools a method to understand the whole picture surrounding a wide range of potentially violent situations and craft a plan to intervene appropriately. A threat assessment and reporting program can be a key component of creating a safe school environment as well as supporting student health. It works in tandem with other strategies, like bullying prevention and mental health support, to build a comprehensive approach to violence prevention and school safety. 

The South Milwaukee High School Academic & Career Planning Guide serves as a resource to assist students and parents in establishing a course of study that serves as a springboard for post-high school goals. The links on the website contain valuable information that can be used to guide students through the process.

In order to receive credit for a course a student must attain a grade of “D-minus” or better, and complete all course requirements.

Cumulative records contain a complete record of each student’s educational progress. These records are maintained throughout each student’s tenure in the South Milwaukee public schools.  Upon graduation, part of the record is microfilmed for reference.  Students and a parent/guardian may request to see their cumulative records at any time with their school counselor.

Student records shall be maintained to assist the school in providing the student appropriate educational experiences.  Student records shall include all records relating to an individual student, regardless of format, other than notes or records maintained for personal use by teachers or other certified personnel who are not available to others and records necessary for and available only to persons involved in psychological treatment of a student.  Student records shall be maintained in accordance with state and federal laws and established guidelines.

Parents and students have the right to: (a) inspect, review and obtain copies of student records; (b) request the amendment of the student's school records if they believe the records are inaccurate or misleading; (c) consent to the disclosure of the student's school records, except to the extent state and federal law authorizes disclosure without consent; (d) deny the release of information which has been designated as directory data; and (e) file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education

A detention is a period of time assigned to students for unacceptable behavior or failure to follow school rules.  Detentions assigned by teachers are to be served with the teacher in a timely manner.  Failure to serve a teacher’s detention may result in a referral to an administrator’s office. If a student should get more than one detention in the same day, the detentions must be served in the order assigned.  An administrator will assign office detentions. Students are expected to follow the instruction of the administrator or detention supervisor. Failure to serve detentions may result in a suspension or other disciplinary actions. 

All school policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations apply during any school dance. The following guidelines also apply:

• Students, and their guests, should be prepared to present a current school, or other valid picture ID, when entering the dance.
• Students must not have any unexcused absences for two weeks prior to the dance. If a student has an unexcused absence during this time, they will not be allowed to participate in the dance. Student overall attendance must be 85% or better for the year.
• Administration has the discretion to disqualify students due to excessive failing grades.
• Students cannot be assigned an in-school or out-of-school suspension during a two-week time period prior to the dance.  If the student receives an in-school or out-of-school suspension during this time, the student will not be allowed to participate in the dance.
• Students must remain in designated areas.
  • Administration reserves the right to deny access to any guest who is not a student of South Milwaukee High School.
• Students who leave will not be permitted to re-enter.
• Guests must be pre-registered before the day of the dance.  
  • Guests from other schools must submit a signed permission slip from an administrator from their school by the deadline established for the specific event. Students may only bring one outside guest. Only High School students or grads up to age 20 may attend (no Middle School students).
  • A South Milwaukee High School administrator must approve all other guests.  
• Students are expected to wear appropriate attire, according to the clothing guidelines outlined in this Student Handbook.
• Students must enter within 30 minutes of the starting time.
• Students upon entry to the dance will be subject to searches of belongings, metal detection and an alcohol breathalyzer test.
• Students are required to leave the building within 30 minutes of the ending time.
• Dance movements or practices that suggest or simulate sexual activity are prohibited. Avoid excessive bending at the waist. Hands should be kept in appropriate areas.  Students may dance front to back, but in a manner appropriate for a school event (swaying, remaining upright, hands in appropriate places).
• Students asking to have a guest form signed for attending a dance at another school will be held to the same expectations as a dance at South Milwaukee High School.
• Dancing determined by administration to be inappropriate (highly sexual in nature and/or uncomfortably provocative) will result in the following progressive discipline. A warning for the individuals involved. The warning will be indicated by the wristbands, for those involved, being cut off.
• If students are approached for a second time and warned about their inappropriate dancing they will be removed from the dance.

Purpose
Responsibility for the personal appearance of students enrolled in the District normally shall rest with the students themselves and their parents/guardians. Student dress or grooming should not affect the health or safety of students or substantially disrupt or materially interfere with the learning process or contribute to a hostile or intimidating environment within the classroom or school. Students shall not be unnecessarily disciplined for their choice of attire, jewelry or personal items. Students, parents and school personnel are expected to cooperate in efforts to ensure an emotional and physical safe learning environment free of disruption. 

Definitions
Substantial Disruption or Material Interference. A substantial disruption or material interference of the educational process may be found to exist when the District reasonably forecasts that a student’s conduct or attire may substantially disrupt the school setting or materially interferes with the rights of others. 

Implementation
General Requirements

• Each student has the right to determine personal dress. 
• Clothing must be suitable for scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, technical education, and other activities where unique hazards exist. Safety or special purpose equipment shall be worn when required. 
• Students must wear clothing including a shirt with pants, skirt, shorts or the equivalent, or a dress and footwear as required by state law. All clothing must have fabric that covers the front, back and sides. 
• Clothing fabric must cover all private body parts and/or undergarments and must not be transparent (see-through) (waistband and bra straps excluded). 
• Clothing may not cover a student’s face to the extent that the student is not identifiable (except clothing worn for religious or medical purposes or a mask worn for health reasons). 
• Footwear such as shoes, sandals or boots shall be worn in the school buildings. Footwear must be both safe and non-destructive to school property. 
• Reasonable variations from these requirements may be permitted by a building principal to accommodate student participation in approved activities such as for physical education classes (e.g., swimming) or other student activities (e.g., student theatrical productions). 

Prohibited Apparel and Items 
Students shall not be permitted to wear the following: 

• Any clothing, jewelry or personal items identifying an antisocial association or organization. 
• Any clothing, jewelry, or personal items that display symbols, lettering or insignia that are associated with a hate group, violence, white supremacy, or that promotes hatred, intimidation or harassment. 
• Any clothing, jewelry or personal items that use or depict hate speech or targeting groups based on sex; age; race; religion; color; national origin; ancestry; creed; pregnancy; marital status; parental status; homelessness; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; gender non-conformity; physical, mental, emotional or learning disability/handicap; or any other legally-protected status or classification. 
• Any clothing, jewelry or personal items that contain pictures and/or writing referring to alcohol, tobacco products, nicotine, sexual references, nudity, profanity, obscenity, unlawful use of weapons, and/or controlled or illegal drugs. 
• Any clothing, jewelry or personal times that threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff member. 

Headwear

• Headwear, including hats, hoods and bandanas may be permitted in school buildings. 
• Students may not wear hoods if the student is required or chooses to wear a mask for health reasons. 
• Headwear must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff (except clothing/headwear worn for religious or medical purposes.) 
• Students may wear headwear for religious or medical reasons. 

Regulation of Student Dress
Student dress shall only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that: 

• A health or safety hazard concern exists as a result from the student's dress or appearance including possible membership in an antisocial association or organization as defined in Board policy; 
• Damage to school property may result from the student's dress; or 
• A substantial disruption or material interference of the educational environment or process will result from the student’s dress or appearance. 

Enforcement, Notice and Sanctions
This policy shall apply to the instructional day and all District and/or school sponsored events and activities. 
Building principals shall be required to ensure that all staff members are aware of and understand the requirements of this policy. 
Staff will use reasonable efforts not to discuss with a student a dress code violation in the presence of other students. 
Any student whose attire does not meet the requirements of this policy may be asked to remedy the matter by covering, changing or removing the non complying clothing, jewelry or personal item where appropriate. 
Students shall not be disciplined or removed from class as a consequence for wearing clothing, jewelry or a personal item in violation of this policy unless the item causes a substantial disruption or material interference to the educational environment or process, poses a hazard to the health or safety of others or contributes to the harassment, intimidation or bullying of another student or staff member. However, a student may be instructed to leave the classroom briefly to change clothes. Consequences may be imposed if a student is insubordinate after a discussion. 
Where the clothing or other items of personal attire that are found to be dangerous, illegal or in violation of this policy and cannot be remedied through a student changing their attire, a student may be directed to remove the item to be placed in a secure location for the remainder of the school day to be taken home at the end of the day. 
In the event such item(s) may cause a safety or security concern, the item(s) may be taken away from the student. 
Any item taken from a student should be promptly delivered to the main office. A parent conference may be required before an item is returned. 
The District assumes no responsibility for the loss or theft of, or for any damage to, any personal attire, jewelry or items that a student chooses to bring to school or to a school activity regardless of when the loss, theft, or damage occurs or where the personal attire, jewelry or item is located/possessed at the time the loss, theft, or damage occurs. 
The District is permitted, but not obligated, to investigate or otherwise resolve the loss or theft of, or any damage to, any personal attire, jewelry or items. 
This Dress Code shall be published in the District’s student expectations handbook. Violations of the Dress Code are subject to District disciplinary procedures. 

Accommodations will be made as necessary for those students with temporary or permanent physical disabilities.  See your school Counselor for more information.

Cell phones, personal music players, and other electronic devices are allowed in the building. When entering a classroom, students are required to follow the school’s expectation of putting their cell phone in the designated classroom cell phone caddy. Students must follow the Technology: Student Appropriate Use Policy included later in this handbook. SMHS Cell Phone Policy can be found here. Students using electronic devices to send text messages, make calls, use the Internet, or other non-class related activities without permission will have the item confiscated. Cameras, including the camera mode of cell phones, are prohibited to be used during the school day unless there is an educational need and the student has teacher or administrator permission. In addition, cell phones with camera capabilities are strictly forbidden in the physical education/athletics locker rooms and bathrooms. Electronic devices may be allowed at school-sponsored activities, including field trips at the discretion of administration. Tablets and electronic readers are allowed in class if the student has cleared it with the teacher first. Reading devices need to be turned off and stored in their backpack or put in a locker when not in use. 

Emergency Procedures – Building Evacuation 
When the school administration deems it necessary to evacuate a building, an announcement will be made over the Public Address system. The following procedures must be followed during a building evacuation.

• When evacuating the building, teachers should have a list of those students assigned to them at the time of the evacuation.
• Evacuation does not automatically mean that school is being dismissed for the day.
• All school rules are still in effect, including the use of cell phones.
• Two sites have been designated for evacuation of the 15th Avenue Campus: 
• MIDDLE SCHOOL students and staff will move to Rawson Elementary School.
• HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS & DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF will move to Rawson Elementary School.
• Once students arrive at their site, no student under the age of 18 will be released from the site without permission from a parent/guardian. An administrator or their designee must speak to the parent/ guardian directly before approval will be given to be released. Students will remain at the site until a parent, guardian, or designated individual comes to pick them up. The School District requires all parents to update emergency contact information at the beginning of each school year.

Emergency Procedures – Fire 
Evacuation is required any time the building fire alarm sounds. Teachers are responsible for acquainting each of their classes with the detailed directions for their room as posted. This should be done within the first week of school. Exit doors are listed on the sign in each room. Fire drills are held once each month during the school year.

• Walk briskly; never run.
• Stop all talking.
• Leave books and other materials in the classroom.
• Exit according to the directions posted in each classroom.
• The first students out should hold open all doors at the exit.
• The last one to leave the room must turn off the lights and close the door.
• Everyone must leave the building.
• Walk away from the building until you reach the designated outside area.
• Do not return to the building until you hear the “All Clear” from an administrator.
• High school classrooms that exit into the staff parking lot should move to 15th Avenue and/or the NW corner of the lot.
• When evacuating the building, teachers should have a list of those students assigned to them at the time of the evacuation.
• Evacuation of disabled students must be provided by the staff member supervising that student at the time of the evacuation. Assist the student to an area designated as “Area of Safe Refuge”.
• An activated fire alarm will require the evacuation of the entire 15th Avenue Campus, however, if the source of the alarm can be confirmed to be localized to one campus a full evacuation may not be necessary. An administrator will notify students and staff via the Public Address system for the campus that needs to be evacuated. Students and staff of the affected campus will remain aware of the situation until the “All Clear” signal is given.

Emergency Procedures – 5 Student actions of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
An announcement will be made over the Public Address system to initiate one of the 5 student actions of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).  In each action there are specific student and staff steps to take. The high school will train and drill on the SRP's throughout the school year.  Please become familiar with the general concepts of the SRP.
Emergency Procedures – Tornado
A Tornado Drill is usually performed once each school year. In the event a tornado warning is issued, administrators will take responsibility for initiating the emergency plan of action via the Public Address system. Once the announcement is made, the following procedures should be followed.

• All students are to stay indoors, or move indoors if outdoors.  Wind-driven objects are a great danger to anyone outside.
• The safest places in our school are those rooms away from outside windows.  Students will move directly to the designated areas, which are posted in each room.
• Students are to sit or kneel on the floor, with heads held down, close together, faced away from any glass, outside wall, or door.
• Students should remain calm and quiet.
• The plan of action will remain in effect until an administrator announces the “All Clear” over the P.A. system.
• Evacuation of disabled students must be provided by the staff member supervising that student at the time of the evacuation. Assist the student to the designated area for that classroom.
• After Dismissal: If a tornado warning is issued, and a student is on the 6-12 campus, the student is required to go to a designated safe area and WILL NOT be released until the tornado warning has expired.  A student may be released from a safe area prior to an “all-clear” only through parent/guardian authorization or self-authorization if the student has completed an age of majority form.

Tornado Watch: means conditions are such that a tornado might develop.
Tornado Warning: means that a tornado has been sighted.

Semester exams are assessments facilitated by the teacher to measure each student’s academic growth and acquisition of the standards taught throughout the semester.  A semester examination or appropriate culminating activity will be given in all high school courses and must be based on the standards identified through your department for that course and semester.

Students must remain in the exam classroom for the duration of the testing period. There is no circumstance where students may be dismissed early.

Students arriving 10-minutes late for semester exams may not be allowed to take the exam. It is the teacher’s discretion if they will allow students into the room to complete the semester exam. Students who miss an exam will need to make arrangements with their teacher to make-up the semester exam during the allotted times during exam days.  

Makeup semester examinations or activities are permitted only in the case of a student whose absence is excused or has other extenuating circumstances.  A student whose absence from the semester examination or activity is unexcused will receive an F for that examination.  Exceptions to this must be approved by administration.  Semester exams are not eligible for retakes.  Key exam information: 

• Semester exams may include assessments, labs, rubric-based assessments, collaborative projects, long-term writing projects, research papers, standards-based portfolios, or performance-based projects.
• Semester exams will be administered at the end of each semester, during January and June.
• Semester exams must be a rigorous academic activity or display of knowledge gained through standards-based coursework completion.
• Semester exams will factor in 15% of a student's grade.

Exam Exemption Policy
To qualify for semester exam exemptions students must meet the eligibility requirements. Each course syllabus will include information informing students whether semester exams can or cannot be exempted (transcripted credit or advanced standing agreements may impact this decision.) The criteria to allow or not allow a student to exempt a semester exam will be consistent among all teachers teaching the same course.  Students who become ineligible after the initial sign-up may be denied exemption privileges up to the day of the semester exam.  Administrators will notify students who become ineligible after being notified of the reason by the teacher.

Students who take Advanced Placement classes are expected to take the applicable AP exam, per the student handbook. Students who take the AP exam will be able to exempt the semester exam for the second semester. Additionally, students who take certification eligible classes and achieve certification in those courses will also be eligible to exempt the school-based semester exam for the semester in which they achieve the certification.

Courses include: all AP courses, and the certification eligible courses.

Standardized Test Exemption (section added 12/11/24)
If a student achieves the benchmark on their composite score on Horizon in the spring testing session, then they are eligible for an additional exam exemption, if they otherwise meet the criteria for exempting that exam. They can also earn the exemption if they demonstrate two points of growth toward the benchmark from the fall to spring tests. Students must take all three Horizon tests to be eligible for this additional exam exemption.

Semester Exam Exemption Eligibility Requirements

1. A student’s class average at the time of the request must be a B(82.5%) or above, as defined by the grade percentage in Infinite Campus, and the average must be maintained for the remainder of the course.
2. A student must have attended no less than 90% of all classes, unless absent for a pre-approved school based activity or event.
3. Faculty will check academic records and notify students who qualify. Students will be notified of their exemption status from their teachers.

Allowed Exemptions

• FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES and JUNIORS may choose to exempt one (1) semester exam for one (1) class that ends in January, and one (1) class that ends in June, provided qualifications are met and maintained.
• SENIORS may choose to exempt any semester exam, provided qualifications are met and maintained.  Seniors may only exempt semester exams in January for courses that end in January. 

The school board may expel a student from school whenever it finds that the interest of the school demands the student’s expulsion and finds the student:

1. Is guilty of repeated refusal or neglect to obey the rules; or
2. Knowingly conveyed or caused to be conveyed any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made to destroy school property by means of explosives; or
3. Engaged in conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority which endangered the property, health or safety of others; or
4. While not at school or while not under the supervision of a school authority, engaged in conduct which endangered the property, health or safety of others at school or under the supervision of a school authority or engaged on conduct which endangered the property, health or safety of any employee or school board member of the district; or
5. Is at least age 16 years and repeatedly engaged in conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority that disrupted the ability of school authorities to maintain order or an educational atmosphere at school or at an activity supervised by a school authority, and such conduct does not constitute other grounds for expulsion under Section 120.13(l)(c)l of the Wisconsin Statutes; and/or
6. While at school or while under the supervision of a school authority, possessed a firearm [as defined by [18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)].

(Policy 447.3; Wisconsin Statutes Section 120.13)

All students are required to pay annual school fees. 
Fees will be assessed for lost or damaged Library or classroom books, and other materials provided by the school. Locks for students in Physical Education classes and for athletics will be issued free of charge.  A replacement lock for any damaged, lost, or stolen lock will be issued at a charge of the current lock replacement cost as established by the School District.
District policy states that a parent/guardian is responsible to clear all school obligations for their children. Diplomas will be held until all outstanding fees have been paid in full.
Payment of school fees can be made online by credit/debit card through Infinite Campus, or by cash or check in the High School Main Office.

All field trips must be approved by the school’s administration. Students participating in a field trip must submit a completed permission form signed by a parent/guardian, and each of their classroom teachers, and pay all appropriate fees prior to the field trip. The South Milwaukee School Board must approve all overnight out-of-state/country field trips at least six (6) months in advance of the trip, or as soon as possible. 
Students may be denied the privilege of participating in any field trip if they have a previous school record of violations that indicates they may be detrimental to the school if they were a part of the trip. This may include record of past substance abuse, poor attendance, excessive discipline records, or inappropriate conduct in classrooms. Appeals should be made to an administrator.
All school rules and regulations apply while on a field trip.  Students are responsible for taking care of any make-up homework/class work when classes are missed during a field trip.  We do not recommend that students participate in more than one field trip per week.
Upon return from a field trip before the end of the school day, students must either return to class or stay with a parent chaperone as directed by the field trip advisor.

Food and beverages should be consumed in a responsible manner. Teachers have the discretion to allow or not allow food and/or beverages in their classroom. Beverages outside of the Commons must be in a sealable and spill-proof container when being transported through the halls. Be aware that this is a privilege that can be revoked in the event that students do not treat the school environment with respect such as not disposing of garbage in a responsible manner. 
During the scheduled lunch times, students must eat lunch in the Commons.  Eating lunch outside the Commons, such as in classrooms, pods or the library is prohibited, unless they have prior approval from administration.
Special food deliveries (GrubHub, Uber Eats, McDonalds, etc.) will not be allowed during the school day unless there are special circumstances. Food delivered to the main office, or unauthorized door, will be sent back with the person delivering the food, and will not be accepted or delivered to the student.
When students arrive late to school with food/beverages purchased on the way to school, it shows that they could have arrived earlier if they had not stopped to purchase those items. They will be required to turn the product over to office staff upon entering the building and will be sent to class.

All fundraising activities must follow the guidelines listed in the “Activities & Athletics” section of this handbook.

In order to graduate, students must successfully earn sufficient credits. Detailed information is available in the high school’s Career & Planning Guide course offering information on the High School website.

Early Graduation 
Early graduation may be allowed if a student has completed the required credits. Students may graduate early at the end of their 7th semester. Students who graduate early may participate in the June Graduation ceremony. The Early Graduation application is available on the High School website.

Early Graduation Requirements

• Meets all credit requirements
• A documented plan
  • If going to work:  Job must be secured with a letter from the employer indicating start date of full time employment
  • If going to college:  Student must provide acceptance letter indicating spring semester start date
  • If going to military:  Letter from military branch/recruiter indicating basic training start date
• Exit interview must be conducted prior to Winter Break in December with student and interview team to discuss student’s Academic and Career Plan (ACP).
• Students need to declare early graduation status by June 1st of junior year.
  • For requests that come in after June 1st:  in the event of an extenuating circumstance (significant life change and/or need that requires early graduation):
    • Student must meet directly with counselor/social worker/psychologist and administrator to discuss their personal situation;
    • Letter written by student explaining the situation is required prior to the meeting
  • If under 18, parent/guardian must approve the early graduation 

Graduation Ceremony
A student shall be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony if they complete all required 25 credits for graduation, submit and defend a portfolio of learning (Class of 2029 and beyond), and meet the attendance and behavior requirements for participation. Students who are within 1 credit of graduation and have an approved plan in place to complete the remaining requirements may apply to the Principal to participate in the graduation ceremony. All students intending to participate in the commencement ceremony are required to participate in all scheduled practices and observe established behavioral and dress guidelines.

Graduation Honors
The approval criteria for establishing honor students is as follows.
Valedictorian(s):  The valedictorian is the student with the highest cumulative GPA.
Salutatorian(s):  The salutatorian is the student with the next highest cumulative GPA to the hundredth decimal point without rounding.
Top 10%:    
Determined by using a list of students’ cumulative GPA’s by cohort year.
If necessary, the hundredth decimal point will be used with no rounding.
Exchange students will not be included in the top 10%.

Honor Cords (Senior Honor Awards Program):

• Fifteen (15) quarters cumulative GPA is used to determine eligibility.
• Honor cords are given to any student who has a 3.0000 cumulative GPA or above.
• High honor - white and gold honor cord (3.5000 and above)
• Honor - double gold honor cord (3.0000 to 3.4999)
• Exchange students will not be included in the top 10%.

Students are required to attend the high school for four years in grades 9–12 (8 semesters), and must successfully complete all of the established requirements.  Special education students must meet requirements as identified by their Individual Education Plan (IEP). A student must have attended South Milwaukee High School for at least one full semester to be eligible for a South Milwaukee High School diploma.  Exceptions may be granted upon recommendation of the principal.

In order to graduate students must successfully earn 25 credits.
Credit Key: 
1.0 Credit  Awarded for the successful completion of a course that meets for two (2) Semesters or Full Year
0.5 Credit  Awarded for the successful completion of a course that meets for one (1) Semester
        (exceptions: Youth Apprenticeship, Internship, Co-op, Office Aide, Mentor)
Required Credits
4 credits        English
.5 credit        Personal Finance
.5 credit        Health
3 credits        Mathematics
1.5 credits    Physical Education*
3 credits        Science
3 credits        Social Studies
9.5 credits    Electives 

Detailed information about required & elective courses are available in the Academic & Career Planning Guide.
Per WI Act 55, all students are required to meet/pass a civics exam requirement for graduation.
Students are allowed to repeat a course; however, they may only receive credit for the course once. The grade the student receives in the second course will replace the grade earned the first time if the first grade was a, C, D, F or Incomplete.
*Note:  Students unable to participate in regular physical education courses may be scheduled for adaptive physical education upon the recommendation of a physician or IEP.  If a student cannot be programmed for an adaptive physical education class, a waiver for medical reason upon recommendation of a physician will be accepted.  The credits must be made up in other areas.

During the school day, students must have an electronic “Pass” to be in the hallway. Any student without an appropriate pass will automatically be sent back to class. No hall passes will be issued during the first five or last five minutes of any class period.  All student aides must carry an office pass when performing assigned duties outside of the area they are assigned to work.

Nurse
School nursing services support students by managing health related barriers to learning. Direct services are provided to students through the combined efforts of the District Nurse, South Milwaukee Health Department, school office assistants, designated teachers, and health room/instructional paraprofessionals.
The District Nurse provides direct health services to students and works to promote a healthy school environment, student health, and learning. This person also trains our staff to care for students when the nurse is not in the building, how to use emergency rescue medications such as EpiPens, albuterol, and diastat. 
When registering your child for school, completing the "health concerns" section is the first step for assuring appropriate care will be provided for your child while attending school.  If your child's health professional has ordered a special healthcare procedure to be performed during the school day, Authorization Forms for Healthcare Procedures (general, catheterization, and g-tube feedings) are available from a District Nurse.  Knowing something about your child is just the first step, however; we will want to work with you to develop a plan so your child can be safe and successful in school.

Medications
No school employee may dispense any medications, prescription or non-prescription, without written consent from a parent or legal guardian.  Prescription medications may not be dispensed without additional written approval and instructions from the physician who prescribed the medication. Students found to be in possession of prescription medications may be subject to disciplinary action.
When students must take medication (including inhalers and EpiPens) during school hours for a chronic or temporary health problem, it is necessary to have the required written authorizations on file in the Health Office prior to the medication being dispensed.  This written permission must state the amount of medication and the time it is to be administered.  It is further understood that this must be done for each individual student with a health problem and each individual illness of a student.
All prescribed medications are kept in a locked area except as otherwise directed by the physician.  All medication is to be taken under school supervision.  School personnel cannot provide any medicine to students without written authorization from a parent/guardian.  All medications not picked up on the last day of the school year will be destroyed.
Students are responsible for remembering to take their medication according to the schedule set up by the school nurse.  Reminders will not be sent.
*Note:  Students with inhalers used for asthma, or EpiPens are allowed to carry them while at school, under the following conditions:

1. The pupil must use the inhaler or EpiPen for the symptoms for which they were prescribed.
2. The pupil must provide the school with written approval of their physician and, if the pupil is a minor, the written approval of the parent or guardian.
3. The student must show competency in use of an inhaler or Epipen.

Pupils may, at their option, provide the inhaler/EpiPen to a staff member when engaged in physical activity; in the alternative, the pupil may possess the inhaler on their person during such activities.  If the student retains the inhaler upon their person, it is the responsibility of the student to advise the staff member that the student has retained possession of the inhaler when engaged in such physical activities. (s118.291)

Students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 to 3.49 will receive recognition as honor students.  To achieve high honor status, students must obtain a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Students receive a picture identification card at the beginning of the school year. I.D. cards are needed to check out library materials, to use school computers, to attend school activities, and for use with lunch/breakfast accounts. Students are required to be in possession of their I.D. cards while at school and present them for identification when requested by a staff member. Failure to have an ID or refusal to identify yourself when asked will be considered insubordination and the student will be sent to their appropriate administrator.  Replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged I.D. is $1.00. Go to High School Student Services Office for all I.D. card needs. 

Except in an emergency, students must obtain a pass from their teacher before going to the Nurse’s Office for medical assistance or to call a parent/guardian to come and pick them up due to illness or injury while at school. An agent of the school will only release a student after speaking to a parent/guardian and receiving permission to release the student. 

When a teacher determines that a student does not have enough evidence to communicate students’ achievement levels in a course, a teacher may give an incomplete that is carried onto the transcript. Students will have an opportunity to replace the “incomplete” with a grade by completing and demonstrating proficiency on the required assessments within a two-week period for the current course. If the student fails to complete the work in the two-week period, the teacher will submit a grade change with the final grade reflecting both the grades earned for the work that was completed and the grades for the missing work (i.e. the final grade). 
Note: Exceptions will be made with students for extenuating circumstances and will be up to teacher discretion with administrator approval. It will be up to the teacher and student to identify an appropriate timeline for work completion and grade change updates. 

Placement of a student in the In School Suspension (ISS) will be at the discretion of the administration. Each case will be evaluated individually; the nature, number and seriousness of the offenses will be factors considered for placement. The administration may seek the input of school counselors, special services personnel, and classroom teachers in reaching this decision.

• Students assigned to the ISS will be in an environment that isolates them from their peers. Students will receive academic support, and be able to progress academically through involvement and support of staff.
• Students may be assigned for a part or all of a school day. Students must complete all time assigned to the ISS.
• Students may be required to write a reflection regarding the incident that led to their placement in the ISS, and how they may act differently in similar situations in the future.
• Students will not be allowed to sleep while in the ISS. They will be engaged in work. 
• When all schoolwork is completed, other reading assignments will be available.
• No cell phones are allowed.

No student may use or possess a laser pointer while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity or event (Policy 443.8).

The library is a shared space for all stakeholders.

• Teachers are encouraged to reserve the library spaces for their classes when not in use. 
• During the school day, students may use their building library without a teachers ONLY if they have a pass from a classroom teacher or administrator.
• Before and after school, students may use the library if a librarian or library assistant is in the library.
• All library furniture should be returned to its original place after rearranging for class, team, or group use.

Library Materials

• Items are checked out for a pre-determined amount of time.
• LIbrary materials may be renewed as necessary, as determined by teachers and the librarian.
• Notices for overdue materials will be emailed regularly.  Printed notices may be distributed on an as-needed basis.
• All users are encouraged to return overdue items.  The library assistant and librarian will discuss lost materials with students and their parents to determine the next steps that will be taken.
• Users who have excessive numbers of items checked out and/or lost may lose their library privileges.

Libraries and Chromebooks

• Students who are experiencing issues with their Chromebooks should first talk to their teacher.  If the teacher cannot resolve the Chromebook issues, then the students will take the device to their school library.  The library assistant will determine the next steps to resolve the Chromebook issue and ensure the student has a working device.
• The library assistant may decide to replace the Chromebook.  This may take place within 24 hours.
• The students are issued Chromebooks that are owned by the district; it is the student's responsibility to take care of the device.
• Costs for Chromebook repair or replacement will be determined when the device is repaired.  These costs are placed on students' Infinite Campus accounts.

Street Lockers: A street locker will be assigned to all students. All locks and lockers remain the property of the school.

• Students assume all responsibility for the contents of their locker whether content belongs to them or not.  The School District of South Milwaukee is not liable for any losses that they may incur; therefore, never leave a locker unlocked, tell others your combination, or share your locker with another student. 
• Nothing packaged in a glass container, special ink, or cosmetic items should be kept in your locker.  Lockers should be kept clean and orderly at all times.
• A fee may be assessed if additional cleaning is necessary.  Students may not deface lockers in any manner.  Permanent marking of lockers inside and outside is strictly prohibited.
• Students should minimize locker usage during classes.
• Students may not use empty lockers without prior permission of an administrator.
• Students are not allowed to share lockers. Contents may be confiscated for anyone in an unassigned locker.

Lockers are cleaned out the week after school gets out, or, in the case of a withdrawn student, a week after the withdrawal date. Items not picked up within one week will be donated to a charitable organization.

Physical Education Lockers: A physical education locker is assigned to each student during the time period the student is enrolled in physical education.  All locks and lockers remain the property of the school.

1. Students assume all responsibility for the contents of their locker whether they are yours or not.  The School District of South Milwaukee and the Physical Education Department are not liable for any losses that they may incur; therefore, never leave a locker unlocked, tell others your combination, or share your locker with another student.
2. Students are expected to clean out their locker when they are no longer scheduled in a physical education class. Failure to clean out the locker such as leaving items behind, including personal belongings and/or garbage will result in the student being assessed a $5.00 clean-out fee.
3. Students will have a one week period to collect personal belongings. If items are not recovered they will be placed in Lost & Found and donated to charity.

All school lockers (including street, physical education, etc.) are the property of the school district. The district will at all times have exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities as determined necessary or appropriate at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. Personal belongings of the student found within the locker may be searched by the building principal or designee if there is reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that a particular law, school policy or school rule has been or is being violated. (Policy 446.1; Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.35).

Students are not allowed to go to other school district property at any time during the school day without permission from the office. No person shall loiter in or about any school or public place at or near which children or students attend or normally congregate. As used in this section, "loiter" means to delay, to linger or to idle in or about any said school or public place without a lawful purpose for being present. This section applies to students during the school day loitering in areas of school property without permission.

A lost and found service is maintained in the main office.  If an item is thought to be stolen, you may fill out a Loss or Theft Report available through the school office. Unclaimed property is donated to charity throughout the school year.

When students have been absent from class, they should discuss and agree on a reasonable make-up date with their teacher.  Length of absence, reason for absence, and course load should all be considered when setting the date. The teacher has a responsibility to give students any needed help and direction, but it is the student’s responsibility to see that all work is completed and turned in on time.  See a Counselor or Associate Principal if there are special circumstances.
Students are required to request homework directly through their teacher through email or Google classroom to keep up with their work during an absence.
Pre-Arranged Absences
If a student knows they will be absent from school for two or more days for a non-school activity, the student must complete a pre-arranged absence form.  These forms are available from attendance and should be completed and returned to the student’s Associate Principal at least three (3) days prior to the absence. 
Make-up Policy for Suspended Students
By state law (120.13b), students suspended shall not be denied the opportunity to take any examination missed during the suspension period.  
Make-up Policy for Unexcused Absences
A truant student will receive a zero or an incomplete for all routine class work missed.  The opportunity to make up major exams or projects will depend on the record of the student and the nature and frequency of the offense.  No public school may deny a pupil credit in a course or subject solely because of the pupil’s unexcused absence from school 118.16(4)(b).

The High School Commons is open 7:00-7:25am for breakfast on school days. 

Cafeteria Expectations
1.    Students must be in the High School Commons throughout their lunch period, until dismissed to class.
2.    Food and beverages are not allowed anywhere other than the Commons.
3.    Place all litter in the trash containers and return all dishes to the dish return window.
4.    Practice good manners.
5.    Do not wear jackets/coats, backpacks, or large purses in the food lines.
6.    Do not go to street lockers during the lunch period.
Self-Serve Cafeteria Line
Students are asked to consider their choices carefully.  Please ask servers if you have any questions about any offered dishes.  If you touch it, it is yours.  There will be consequences for “ditching” and theft of food.

*Options available for working off fines at $8.00/hour and Community Service.

Nutrition Services Program
The School District of South Milwaukee utilizes a computerized debit system for its food service program.  Each student receives an identification card at the beginning of the school year.  Students scan their ID card, or type in their pin number in the breakfast/lunch line to pay for the meal, whether the student is paying in cash or on account. Theft of a student ID card or pin number should be reported to an administrator immediately. 

Payment Options
1.    It is recommended that parents pre-pay into a student’s meal account.  This is easily done online at www.myschoolbucks.com, which is linked on the school district website www.sdsm.k12.wi.us. Parents may also send a check with a student to school, or by mailing a check to School District of South Milwaukee, Attention Food Service, 901 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI, 53172.  One check may cover all students in the family, if preferred, regardless of which South Milwaukee school they attend.  Simply include student names, ID numbers, and indicate the amount to be deposited in each account on check or deposit slip. 
2.    Students may make payment into their account in the breakfast or lunch line, after scanning their ID card.

Special Notes
Cashiers will notify students when their meal account falls below $8.00, and will continue to remind them until payment is made.  Charging meals will not be allowed.

Students approved for free or reduced priced meals will also use their ID card to purchase meals.  The computer program is set to recognize a student’s meal status. There is no identification of their meal status to others.

Applications for free and reduced priced meals are available at student registration or in the High School office during the school year. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year when financial or household circumstances change. 

Parents have the ability to view their student’s account balance and print a copy of their eating history, which shows all dates and times that the student has purchased a breakfast or lunch within the past thirty days, online at www.myschoolbucks.com. There is no fee for this service. Reports may also be requested from the Nutrition Services Department for further history by calling 414-766-5023.

Year-end balances will be carried over into the next school year, unless the child is graduating.  If your child graduates or withdraws from the South Milwaukee public schools, you may request a refund of the balance, or transfer the funds to the account of a younger sibling.  

Meal Prices
All prices are subject to change.

More information about Meal Deal, a la carte, and nutrition can be found on the school district website at www.sdsm.k12.wi.us.

Bad Checks Policy
The School District of South Milwaukee does not absorb the Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) service fee charged by the bank for checks written to the district/school that bounce. Individuals who bounce a check will be contacted to make their food services payment in cash, and will be charged for the NSF service fees.  Make sure that you have sufficient funds in your checking account before writing a check to the district/school to avoid having to pay this additional amount. MySchoolBucks will block future online use for non-sufficient payments, as well.

Unpaid Meal Charges Procedure
The goal of the Nutrition Services department is to provide healthy meals to students during the school day.  In order to serve healthy, high-quality meals to all students, we must make sure we are financially solvent.  You play a key role in this effort, and are responsible for purchases made by your child on their Nutrition Services account.
The purpose of this procedure is to establish consistent meal account procedures throughout the School District. Unpaid charges place a financial strain on the Nutrition Services department.
This procedure will:

• Ensure that all students have a healthy meal and that no student goes hungry.
• Support positive and clear communication among staff, administrators, teachers, students and parent/guardian.
• Encourage that the parent/guardian will assume the responsibility for the nutritional needs of their student whether it be providing a cold meal or funds for hot meals.
• Promote self-responsibility of the student.
• Establish a consistent practice regarding charges and collection of charges.

General Understandings

• If the student brings enough money for a meal for that day, then the student will be able to receive a regular meal.
•  All students with negative accounts will be prohibited from purchasing a la carte items.
• Parents/Guardians can add money to a Student’s Account by:
• Sending a payment with the student
• Paying via the My School Bucks online portal.
• Parents will make a good faith effort to keep their students account in good standing and if the account is not in good standing the parents will send a cold lunch with their student or make a deposit to the account.
• Student nutrition needs will be satisfied while in attendance at school.

Procedure for Collection:
Step 1: Once the student’s account gets to 85.00 or less, the cashier will notify the family that they are getting close to $0 and should consider making a deposit into their student's account. 
Step 2: When the account falls below $0, the cashier will notify the parent/guardian that their student’s account is below $0 and that a payment is needed to make the account in good standing.  In addition, the cashier will inform them that if the account falls below negative $10 a cold lunch should be sent with the student.
Step 3: When the account gets to (-$10.00) the School Nutrition Director or designee shall call the parents/guardians informing them of the account situation and inform them that the parent should deposit funds into the account and/or send a cold lunch with the student.  Also, a letter will be sent home for the parents/guardians to fill out a Free and Reduced Meal Application.
Step 4: When the account reaches (-$20.00) the Principal or designee shall contact the student’s parents/guardians that the account is negative.
Step 5: If the account is not paid off after 3 school days of the Principal or designee contact, a letter will be sent stating that if the account is not in good standing in 2 days, the Principal will contact the parents/guardian and arrange a meeting to discuss the negative account balance.
Step 6: If the parents/guardians, after Step 5, still do not get the account back to good standing or the parents/guardians are not providing a cold lunch, then the department of Health and Human Service or other appropriate agency will be contacted to address the student’s need.  

Students who are removed from class, athletic teams, or activity groups because of disruptive behavior must report to their Associate Principal or the Activities, Athletics, and Recreation Coordinator.  Disciplinary action will be taken and parents will be informed.  Reinstatement in the class, team, or activity group may be preceded by a conference with an administrator, a counselor, a parent and/or a teacher.  If repeated referrals occur other steps may include but are not limited to detention, suspension, placement on a probationary behavioral contract, or drop from a class with a failing grade.

Parents may make appointments at any time for conferences with teachers, counselors, or administrators by calling the High School office. We encourage parent conferences to discuss your student’s program, plans, or problems with the school faculty and staff.  
Detailed information will be sent prior to each scheduled parent-teacher conferences.  All parents are welcome and encouraged to visit the teachers of their students. Close contact with student’s teachers will facilitate success. Check the calendar for details on dates and times for conferences throughout the school year.

Students are required to park in the student parking lot on the east side of the high school. Students wishing to park in the student lot must pick up a parking permit from the Associate Principal’s office and get their assigned parking space. Students are required to park in their assigned space. Vehicles without a permit may be ticketed and/or towed at the owners expense. 
Loitering in cars or in the parking lot is not allowed at any time. Students who park their vehicles on school property do so at their own risk.  The School District of South Milwaukee is not liable for any damages that may occur.
School officials may search any vehicle parked on school property if they have reasonable suspicion that the vehicle contains weapons, drugs or other illegal items.
All students must enter and exit the lot via the parkway.  No traffic is permitted in the staff parking lot, including drop off and pick up before and after school and after activity/athletic events. Traffic from the parkway is two-way, except after school from 2:40-3:15pm when the East drive is used for exit only.  There is no left turn onto 15th Avenue from the Oak Creek parkway from 2:40-4:00pm on days school is in session. Parents must drop off or pickup students in the student parking lot or on 15th Avenue.  Students are not permitted to drive through the staff parking lot at any time.  Violators may have their permit suspended or revoked.
Students may not park in the lot without a registered state license plate displayed.  License plates with confederate flags or other inappropriate markings will not be allowed.

Phone calls to students during the school day are discouraged, except in case of an emergency.  Students may not make phone calls during class time unless it is for emergency purposes. There is a designated phone in the main high school office for emergency use only. Use of that phone is a privilege and may be restricted.

At the beginning of each semester, students participating in a physical education class will receive classroom policies and procedures from their teacher both in written form and verbally in group settings. Students will be asked to meet face-to-face with their teacher to verbally commit their understanding of the dress codes, jewelry rules, and swimming procedures. Students and parents will be asked to sign a copy of the written policies and procedures to acknowledge that they have read and understand them.
Physical Education – Excused From Class

• Single day request to be excused from class should be made by the student with their teacher. The teacher will send the student to the school nurse if the condition warrants.  If a student feels ill, but not enough to go home, the student will be asked to dress in uniform and will moderate their activity level.  (No student will remain in street clothes in physical education class.)
• If the medical excuse is for a period of time less than 10 school days, a short-term Action Plan will be implemented.
• If the medical excuse is 10 school days or more, the student will be required to re-take the physical education class.
• In the case of a permanent medical excuse, the graduation requirement of one and one-half credits must be earned through a Medical Action Plan. This plan notifies the students Counselor, Associate Principal, School Nurse and Parent/Guardian of the guidelines to follow for credit completion.
• Students may not participate in intramural or interscholastic athletic events if medically excused from Physical Education.
• A physician must issue a medical excuse.  It must include the following:
  • Specific illness or injury and specific activities that the student is ALLOWED to participate in.
  • Date to return to activity.

Students protected under Section 504. Certain health and/or medical conditions may require the district to determine whether a child is eligible for specialized physical education under a provision of the law titled Section 504.  To be protected under section 504, a student must be determined to: have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  Section 504 requires that South Milwaukee School District provide a free appropriate public education to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activity. After a referral for Section 504 eligibility is made, an evaluation is conducted.  Students qualifying for Section 504 would then have an accommodation plan developed detailing the child’s educational program including physical education.
Physical Education – Uniform 
Students are required to wear school approved gym attire as directed by the Physical Education teacher.

The South Milwaukee Police Department will assign an officer as a liaison to work with students and staff. The liaison officer will be available to meet with students regarding legal concerns during regular school hours. The officer is considered an agent of the school for purposes of all searches.

Permission in the form of a signature from a school administrator is required before posters, flyers, campaign banners, etc. may be placed only on designated Rocket Announcement Boards.

The District shall provide for the reasonable accommodation of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements, upon written request, and with approval of the building principal.  Accommodations may include, but not necessarily be limited to, exclusion from participation in an activity, alternative assignments, and release time from school to participate in religious activities and opportunities to make up work missed due to religious observances.  Any accommodations granted under this policy shall be provided to students without prejudicial effect.
If any student believes this policy was not followed correctly the student should first attempt to resolve the situation through the building Principal or Associate Principal. Formal written complaints may be directed to Jennifer Sielaff, Director of Personnel, Administrative & Legal Services, 901-15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172.  The phone number is 414-766-5011. (Please see Policy 411 and Rule 411 for specific steps and timelines).

A grade report will be issued to students following the close of each grading period.  Academic achievement will be reported using letter grades. The letter grades are defined as follows:
A+ = 97-100
A = 93-96
A- = 90-92
B+ =87-89
B = 83-86
B- = 80-82
C+ = 77-79
C = 73-76
C- = 70-72
D+ = 67-69
D = 63-66
D- = 60-62
F = 59 and below
I = insufficient evidence available to assess the essential standards for this course.
In all courses that award one full credit for completion and are sequential in nature, students use skills and knowledge learned during the first semester of the course to demonstrate an understanding of new concepts and skills during the second semester of the course.  In cases where students receive a failing grade or an incomplete for a final first semester grade in these classes, students may be able to improve this letter grade to a D by demonstrating proficiency in sequential skills and knowledge with a second semester final grade of C or better.  

Students’ Role and Responsibilities

• Attend school regularly.
• Complete schoolwork in a thoughtful, timely manner that is reflective of your best effort.
• Prepare for assignments and assessments in order to develop knowledge, skills, understandings, and work habits. 
• Take ownership for the honesty and integrity of all assignments/assessments. 
• Respond to feedback in order to further develop knowledge, skills, understandings, and work habits. 
• Seek to maintain a balance in all of the learning activities in life. 
• Take initiative to check personal progress and communicate concerns and questions with teachers. 
• Advocate for variety and flexibility in assignments and assessments. 
• Ask questions, seek additional support, and try new learning strategies as necessary. 
• Review and monitor progress over time. 
• Contribute to a productive learning environment.
• Take responsibility for one’s learning.

Parent/Guardians’ Role and Responsibilities

• Ensure good attendance.
• Understand and reinforce expectations for quality student work.
• Throughout the learning process, place more emphasis on learning by students that focuses on the development of skills, (analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating), content knowledge, understandings, and work habits. 
• Monitor student progress in meeting course learning objectives in a manner that empowers students to develop personal responsibility and autonomy. 
• Promote using feedback as an important part of the learning process.
• Support and model a balance in all of the learning activities in life.
• Provide current contact information (work, home phone numbers, email) and contact teachers with concerns regarding progress. 
• Advocate for variety and flexibility in assignments and assessments.
• Encourage students to ask questions, seek additional support, and try new learning strategies as necessary.
• Review and monitor progress over time. 
• Attend parent-teacher conferences. 
• Encourage and model appropriate behaviors.

Students must be a resident of the City of South Milwaukee or approved through a state enrollment program (such as open enrollment or tuition waiver) to attend school in the School District of South Milwaukee. If the district believes that a student is not living in the City of South Milwaukee and is not a participant in a state program for enrollment, the district may investigate the status of the student and may revoke enrollment privileges as necessary. Parents/guardians of a student that resides in the district with someone other than the parents/guardians will be required to complete a Determination of Residency Status form. Students may not reside in the district with someone other than the parents/guardians for the sole purpose of attending school in the district. Parents/guardians of a student who move out of the district during the school year must complete a tuition waiver form for the student to remain in the district (School Board Policy 420).

The procedure for requesting a class change may require input from several sources, including; parents, teachers, School Counselors, and Associate Principals.  Students should see their Counselor to request a class change.
Schedule changes will only be considered for the following reasons:

• make-up of a failed course, if there is room in the class
• computer/clerical error
• inappropriate placement (e.g. prerequisite not met)
• administrative recommendation
• medical reason

A written request from a parent/guardian must accompany any other request for a change, with the understanding that it may not be possible to grant the request. A student must have the recommendation of the teacher of the course, parent, counselor, and administrator to add/drop a course. If a course is dropped, depending on when the course is dropped, and the purpose for dropping the course, a failing grade for that course may be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Orbit, the high school retail store, is located on the first floor across from the Commons. The store is open before school from 7:10-7:25am, during all lunch hours. Orbit may also be open during some athletic and special events.

A student and their personal possessions may be searched by the building principal or their designee if there is reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that a particular law, school policy or school rule has been or is being violated. The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction, the student’s age and gender, the student’s disciplinary history and any other relevant circumstances or information (Policy 446; Wisconsin Statutes Section 118.32).

Male high school students who are citizens or resident aliens must register within 30 days of their 18th birthday.
Where:  At any U.S. Post Office or from a School Counselor 
How:  By filling out a Selective Service Registration Form and presenting personal identification.
Selective Service Website: https://www.usa.gov/selective-service

Skateboards and scooters present an element of danger to drivers and skateboard/scooter riders. They will not be permitted on school grounds (including school parking lots). Students who violate this regulation are subject to disciplinary action.

Smoking
State law prohibits smoking on premises owned or rented by the School District of South Milwaukee.  The law applies to pupils and adults.  This is also a violation of City Ordinance 24.03(B) and 24.24.  State Law 48.983(2)(c) and City Ordinance 24.24 state that a minor may not possess any cigarette, vaping, or tobacco product.
Vaping- This is a violation of City Ordinance 24.24 "Vapor products" shall mean noncombustible products, that may or may not contain nicotine, that employ a mechanical heating element, battery, electronic circuit, or other mechanism, regardless of shape or size, that can be used to produce a vapor in a solution or other form, including but not limited to an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, or similar product or device. "Vapor products" shall include any vapor cartridge, solution, or other container, that may or may not contain nicotine, that is intended to be used with an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, or similar product or device (i.e. Geek Bar). The possession or purchase of vapor products by anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited. Students caught in possession of using or selling any products listed above will face consequences per the SDSM 6-12 Drug Prevention Plan

Ignition Devices - City Ordinance 27.15
prohibits the sale and/or possession of any ignition devices to/by a minor.  Ignition devices are defined as matches, lighters, or any other materials when used for the purpose of ignition.

Students may apply to work for various offices, performing a variety of duties.  These students must demonstrate responsible behavior. Those who do not meet minimum eligibility requirements may be denied the privilege.  Students interested in becoming an aide should get a Permanent Pass Application from the Associate Principal’s Office. Grades for aides will be recorded on a Pass/No Credit basis and will not count in determining grade point average. Students may earn a maximum of one-half (.50) credit each school year (.25 credit each semester) toward graduation. 

District students shall act in such a fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on the individual student and on the school, show consideration for fellow students, and create a harmonious school atmosphere. To accomplish this, each student must recognize individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Students are expected to abide by the conduct rules as outlined in the student handbook, in the rules and regulations established by the building principal for each school and by the Classroom Code of Conduct approved by the School Board of Education (Policy 443, 443.1).

School editors and writers must observe the same legal responsibilities as those imposed upon conventional newspapers and the news media. For this reason, school journalists must refrain from publication of material that is obscene, libelous, and disruptive or that infringes upon the rights of others. 
Without prior written permission of the administration, the following are prohibited:

1. Distribution, sale, or posting of any goods, written materials, or pictures.
2. Assemblies, meetings, or “demonstrations”.

Students should be polite, helpful, and considerate to substitute teachers.  Proper behavior, respect, and compliance with directives of substitutes is required and expected. Substitute teachers are considered South Milwaukee staff members.

Surveillance cameras may be located in school buildings and on school grounds. The primary purpose for using surveillance cameras in the District is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and visitors. Cameras will only be placed in public areas such as entrances, hallways, cafeterias, libraries, athletic areas and parking lots. Cameras will not be located in private areas such as restrooms and locker rooms. The cameras may record sounds and images and such sounds and images may be stored electronically, in printed or recorded form. The stored images are the property of the District. The District reserves the discretion to refuse to provide copies to students, parents, staff, community members or other individuals or groups. In cases where surveillance recordings involve student disciplinary action, the recording may become part of that student’s record and shall be dealt with consistent to the District’s student records policy and procedures. Disciplinary action may be taken based on video documentation. Cameras will be monitored throughout the school day, however, the District does not guarantee that the cameras will be monitored at all times. (sb Policy 734)

The building principal or their designee may suspend a student for not more than five school days, or, if notice of expulsion hearing has been sent, not more than a total of 15 consecutive school days in accordance with state law.
A student may be suspended for:

• Noncompliance with school or School Board rules or teacher rules made with the School Board’s consent; or,
• Knowingly conveying any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made to destroy any school property by means of explosives; or,
• Conduct by the student while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority that endangers the property, health or safety of others which includes making a threat to the health or safety of a person or making a threat to damage property; or
• Conduct while not at school or while not under the supervision of a school authority that endangers the property, health or safety of others at school or under the supervision of a school authority or endangers the property, health or safety of any district employee or School Board member which includes making a threat to the health or safety of a person or making a threat to damage property.

Repeated violations may lead to expulsion. In addition, students shall be suspended when required by law. Suspensions may be in-house or out-of-school as determined by the administration.
A suspended student shall not be denied the opportunity to take any quarterly, semester or grading period examinations or to complete coursework missed during the suspension period (SB Policy 447.2; Wisconsin Statutes Section 120.13).

Technology resources provided by the School District of South Milwaukee are for educational purposes only.  Acceptable uses are those which support the District mission and vision.  

• Access to the technology system is a privilege not a right; and each student will be held responsible for their actions on the technology system. Inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution under those laws.
• Students failing to abide by the Appropriate Use Policy may lose network/computer privileges along with consequences that may arise from violations of normal school rules, up to and including possible expulsion.  
• All aspects of the technology system are the District’s property.  The District can review all electronic documents, messages, or information for any reason at any time.  
• The District technology system shall be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.  
• The District will provide students access to technology resources, including the Internet, unless the parent/guardian notifies the appropriate building principal in writing that the District should prevent access to technology resources for their student(s).
• Students are responsible to follow the entire Student Appropriate Use for School Computer Systems School Board Policy 362.2, located on the District and high school websites.

All High School students will receive a Chromebook, charger, and carrying case for use at school and at home as part of the district 1:1 Chromebook initiative.  Chromebooks and chargers will be collected by the technology department at the end a student’s senior year, or prior to a student’s withdrawal..  Students that fail to abide by the policies outlined in the SDSM 1:1 Chromebook Guide may lose Chromebook privileges and may incur school consequences that may arise from violations of normal school rules, up to and including expulsion.  
Use and guidelines of the District Technology System

• All use of District technology resources, including access to the Internet, must be in support of the educational objective of the District.  All Board policies must be followed when using any technology resource.
• Use of District technology to access and/or distribute any material that violates U.S., state, or School Board policy is prohibited.
• Use of technology to access/use copyrighted materials, pornography, materials harmful to minors, obscene materials and/or similar materials is prohibited.
• Students may not use the District’s technology system in an offensive, harassing, illegal, or defamatory manner.  Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, cyber bullying, and other antisocial behaviors are unacceptable in Internet and other network communications.  The District prohibits the use of the system to send or receive offensive or improper messages such as derogatory messages about other students or staff members.  In addition, the District prohibits the use of the technology system in any way that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others.
• Use of proxy sites to bypass District web filters is prohibited.
• All information accessible through the Internet should be assumed to be private property and subject to copyright protection.  Internet sources should be credited appropriately, as with the use of any copyrighted material. 
• Students have a responsibility to respect the privacy and property of other users. Students should not intentionally seek information about, obtain copies of, or modify, files, data or passwords of other users.  A student will not allow another student to access computers or network resources using their login credentials.
• For their own safety, students should not reveal any personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, or photographs.
• Employing the Internet for commercial purposes is prohibited.  Students may not use the system to solicit for commercial activities, religious, or political causes, outside organizations or other non-school related matters without prior authorization from the building principal.  
• Students should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private. School and network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that the network is being used responsibly. 
• Technology resources must be handled with care.  Physical damage or network interruptions such as the introduction of viruses or deleting of files are prohibited.
• No eating or drinking near computers.
• Students are directed to keep passwords for their own private use and should log-off network when leaving the desktop station.
• Students may not access social networking sites (such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.), personal websites, personal blogs, online gambling sites or personal email accounts on District computers except for educational purposes specifically approved by the classroom teacher. 
• Students may not engage in cyber-bullying activities.
• Students may not load, save, download, or otherwise install software on technology without approval from the District technology department.
• Students who create web pages, blogs, profiles or other online postings that result in the student’s online posting being accessed and viewed in the school environment may be disciplined if there is a disruption at the school as a result of the online posting.
• Students may not use the District’s technology system to develop programs or to institute practices that harass other users or gain unauthorized access to any entity on the system. Students may not damage the components of an entity on the system.

It is the intent of the South Milwaukee Board of Education that all students in the school district be provided access to a current and balanced collection of instructional materials.  These materials should depict in an accurate and unbiased way the diversity and pluralistic nature of American society, and support the locally established philosophy and objectives of education.

• Chromebooks, textbooks and some school materials are furnished to students.
• School equipment is for school-related projects only. Students are not permitted to do personal work, correspondence, etc., on school equipment.
• Students will be held responsible to pay for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Students may request transcripts through Parchment, including releasing transcripts for Colleges and Universities, NCAA, Scholarships, Military, Apprenticeships and Workforce.

Students are expected to behave appropriately while riding a school bus or in a District vehicle. Ridership guidelines listed below are not all inclusive. The school district reserves the right to modify the rules and consequences at any time, and may use video cameras to assist with disciplinary issues. All school rules apply while on a bus, or in a District vehicle, for school district activities or events. Students may be denied bus transportation or the ability to ride in a District vehicle if they fail to follow these important guidelines:
1.    Ride only on assigned vehicles.
2.    Do not push another person when getting on or off a bus or in our out of a District vehicle..
4.    Show respect for the drivers.  They are responsible for the orderly conduct of all passengers and will report behavior problems.
5.    Show respect for fellow students and share seats.
6.    Drivers may require students to sit in assigned seats.  Remain seated until the vehicle stops.  Do not change seats unless instructed to by the driver.
7.    Keep arms, legs, head and other objects inside the vehicle and out of the aisles. Each student must keep hands and arms to themselves.
8.    Wait for the driver’s signal to cross in the front of a vehicle.  If the student needs to cross the street in a different area, they should wait on the sidewalk until the vehicle leaves the area, and cross at the nearest crosswalk.
9.Quiet and normal conversation with fellow riders is acceptable.  Yelling, screaming, or profane language will not be tolerated.

Students are prohibited from receiving visitors during the school day.  Parents and other adult visitors with legitimate school business at South Milwaukee High School must enter and sign-in at the high school office.  A Visitor Pass must be obtained and remain visible at all times while in the building, and be returned to the office upon sign-out when leaving the building. Visitors entering the building must provide a driver’s license or valid State ID.Unauthorized persons will be referred to school officials for appropriate action.  Students may not bring others to visit during school hours unless authorized by an administrator prior to the day of the visit. Visitors must present a valid picture ID upon check-in at the main office before being allowed to enter the building.

State law requires attendance in school until the student reaches the age of 18 years or unless the student has graduated from high school.  With school board and parental permission, a student may enroll in an alternative program leading to a high school diploma or its equivalent.
To withdraw from school, you must complete the sign-out process, which includes:

• Obtain a withdrawal form from your school counselor.
• Have parent/guardian sign the form.
• All books and materials should be returned to teachers for clearance.
• Meet all financial obligations.
• Return the completed withdrawal form to your school counselor.
• Indicate on the form your reason for withdrawing and where you will be continuing your high school education.

Students 14-15 year old students need a Work Permit. The link to the DWD website is on the High School website on the “For Families” page, as well as being linked below.  

Students should not be placed in situations where they are alone or without adult supervision.
(Wis. Employment of Minors Guide-Equal Rights Division)