Lewisburg Area High School Student Handbook

Quick Reference

• Doors Open: 7:25

• Students Released to Lockers/Classrooms: 7:35

• Front and Back Door Lock: 7:47

• Warning Bell (cafeteria closes): 7:47

• First Period Begins: 7:50

• Dismissal: 2:41

Website: www.lasd.us

To contact a staff member via e-mail, use the following address: 

• Teacher’s last name_firstinitial@lasd.us or lastname_firstinitial@dragon.k12.pa.us 

• For example: last_f@lasd.us or last_f@dragon.k12.pa.us 

Athletic Department:  570-522-3233

Attendance Line: 570-522-3285

Food Service Director:  570-523-3220

Transportation Services: 570-374-5280

Health Suite: 570-522-3228

Guidance: 570-522-3225

High School Fax: 570-524-9484

High School Office: 570-522-3223

Faculty and Staff

English:

• Sydney Edwards

• Michael Espinosa

• James Garrett

• Emaleigh Greb

• Courtney Hugo

• Courtney Shandera

Math:

• Nicholas Bender

• Joseph Faust

• Alexa Lewis

• Ben Kettlewell

• Matt Lupold

• Kindell Snyder

Social Studies:

• Kelly Beal

• Kevin Britton

• Andrew Cook

• Michael Creeger

• Dakota Gessner

Science:

• Nathan Bingaman

• Dillon Durinick 

• Sean Haggerty

• Jeremy Lauver

• Alex Oliver

• Brandi Spotts

Special Education:

• Peggy Albright

• Molly Buchanan

• Sara Dunkelberger

• Emma Naugle

Foreign Language:

• Kaytlyn Byers

• Amy Driskell

• Sarah Friedberg

• Nicole Meyer

• Melissa Yankowski

Music:

• Anthony Fortuna

• Daniel Schwanger

• Jon Walz

Art:

• Hillary Cree

• Emily Gaugler

Health & Physical Education:

• Lindsay Hawksworth

• Corey Lesher

• Casey Miller

Business/Tech. Ed./FACS:

• Blake Dutweiler

• Claire Gault

• Christina Osborne

Guidance:

• Jennifer Cecco

• John Gradwell

• Jen Sands

Nurse:

• Mary Maneval

Social Worker:

• Jared Curry

Administrators:

• Josh Popowycz - Principal

• Johnathan Sliski - Assistant Principal & eSchool Coordinator

• Gregg Wetzel - Director of Athletics

Attendance

Daily attendance is an integral part of academic success for every student at LAHS.  To foster learning and achievement we encourage daily attendance. In the case of student absence from school, parents will receive an automated message at approximately 9:00 A.M. from LAHS to notify them that their child is not in school. Upon receiving the email notification, a parent should email hsattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us to report the absence. We encourage you to use this service, as it is a convenience to you and to our efforts to keep accurate attendance records.

An absence note can be emailed to hsattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us or by calling 570-522-3285 up to three days after the last day of the absence. After the third day following their absence, the day(s) of absence will be declared unexcused or illegal (students younger than 18 years old) and the student could receive appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Students with chronic or extended absences will need to obtain a note from a medical professional in order for the absences to be excused.

Upon accumulation of three days of illegal absences, or following ten days of excused absences, the principal shall convene an Attendance Team to review the circumstances and develop an appropriate response.  If it is determined that further action is required, the school shall coordinate a school/family conference to discuss the cause of the child’s excessive absence and to develop a School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP).

If after developing a SAIP and a child has had 3 additional unlawful absences, at any point in the school year, a notice will be sent to the parent/guardian that the SAIP has been violated and that a citation may be sent to the magisterial district judge as per Commonwealth attendance laws. 

If a student fails to follow the SAIP, the building principal has the discretion to require a student to make up missed work for school credit.  Such time may be made up through credit recovery, independent study, or other appropriate means as determined by the principal.

Students are excused from school for legitimate reasons such as those listed below:

• Illness

• Death in the immediate family    

• Release for religious holidays

• Quarantine

• Medical appointments

• Required court attendance

• Approved family educational trips

• Approved school/class touring trips

• Other "urgent" reasons if approved by the principal

Parents and students are requested to make dental and medical appointments when school is not in session if at all possible.  Students with early dismissals should present a written parental note in the main office before school (7:35 – 7:50 A.M.).  At the appropriate dismissal time, students should report to the main office to sign out with their early dismissal note. 

When returning to the high school after the appointment, the student should enter through the main entrance and "sign-in" in the office reception area.  The student must have a note from the doctor or dentist stating the time he/she left to return to school.  An appointment that lasts more than two hours will be counted as a half absence.  Students who sign in after 10:00 am will be marked absent for the morning.  Any student dismissed before 1:00 pm will be marked absent for the afternoon.

1. Students enrolled in an approved course at Bucknell University are permitted to leave the high school twenty (20) minutes prior to the start of the class and should return within 20 minutes of the end of the class.  Students must sign out in the high school office and sign in again upon their return.  Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disciplinary action. 

2. Students and parents are reminded that school absences & early dismissals for non-school related clubs, sports or activities are considered unexcused.  Examples include “senior skip day” & attendance at the Bloomsburg Fair. 

3. Parents wishing to receive pre-approval for an excused absence (i.e. attending state athletic contest), may complete an educational trip form on the high school homepage.  Approval is at the discretion of the principal after reviewing the student's academic, attendance, and disciplinary records.

4. Students are expected to make up tests and class work missed due to any absence.  All work should be made up in a timely manner.  Failure to do so may result in additional consequences.  Teachers will outline their classroom procedures for make-up work.

5. Only the school principal may excuse a student from attendance.  State law is specific on truancy.  The law fines parents up to $300 and requires them to pay court costs or complete a parenting education program or perform community service.  Other provisions allow the magisterial district judge to impose a fine on students or refer them to Juvenile Court for adjudication.  The law also penalizes truant students by revoking driving privileges or prohibiting them from applying for a learner’s permit for a certain time period.  In addition, the law grants to state, municipal, port authority, transit authority, house authority or school police officers the same arrest powers as attendance officers and home and school visitors.

6. A letter requiring a doctor’s excuse for all subsequent absences for the remainder of the school year will follow after ten days of absence.  If there are extenuating circumstances regarding absences, we encourage you to contact the school.

7. If a student chooses to skip school or cut a class, he/she will not be allowed to practice or participate in an extracurricular event that day and/or the next scheduled event.

Potential Consequences for Excessive Absences

The Attendance Team may set consequences for inconsistent attendance patterns.  Their actions may include but are not limited to the following list, and shall be based upon the severity of the situation.

1. Counseling

2. Reprimand

3. Detention

4. Parent conference

5. Requirement of excuse from a licensed health care provider

6. Report to child services agency

7. Suspension (In-school)

8. Enforced withdrawal from extra-curricular activities

The Commonwealth allows schools to remove a student from the rolls if they have been absent for ten or more consecutive days.  Once a student has missed ten consecutive days without informing the school, the building principal will send a letter to the parents and student requesting to meet with them in an attempt to establish a plan that will meet the student’s educational needs.  If there is no response to the principal’s request, the student may be removed from the rolls.

TARDINESS

Lewisburg Area High School maintains a tardiness record for every student who attends our school.  The purpose of the system is to teach all students the importance of punctuality as a component of self-discipline and organizational skills.  The following guidelines regarding tardiness are in effect for the school year:

Tardiness to School

Students who arrive late to school (after 7:47 A.M.) should enter the front door and report to the office reception area.  Students must sign in at the office reception area before going to class.  Unexcused tardiness is cumulative. For every 100 minutes of unexcused tardiness, a student will be charged with a half (1/2)day unexcused absence.  Students who arrive to school on time but report late to first period will be referred to the office for repeated violations. Additionally, students who are late to school six (6) times will still receive an in school consequence.

An appointment that lasts more than two hours will be counted as a half-day absence.  Students who sign in after 10:00 A.M. will be marked absent for the morning.  Those who are dismissed before 1:30 P.M. and do not return to school will be marked absent for the afternoon. 

Tardiness to Class

Students have four minutes to pass from one class to the next.  If students demonstrate a pattern of being tardy to class, teachers have the discretion to conduct retraining sessions with the individual teacher.  Habitual tardiness on the part of a student will be referred to the office for disciplinary action. 

Cafeteria

The cafeteria makes available breakfast and lunch for students. Students may also bring lunch from home. Snacks and ala carte items are available for purchase.

Students have an account in the point of sale system in the cafeteria, and their account number is their six-digit student ID number. Parents can add money to their student’s account by sending cash or a check to school made out to “LASD Cafeteria Fund”, or online through the www.ezschoolpay.com website. There is a transaction fee for online payments. Parents can use EZ School Pay to add funds, track purchases, and set low balance reminders for their student’s

account.

Parents who believe their students should receive free or reduced price meals must apply each year online at www.ezmealapp.com to obtain free or reduced price meals.

If a student is in debt, they may not charge any ala carte items to their account, such as an extra milk or a snack. Parents should make a payment as soon as possible if their student owes money to their lunch account. Parents are encouraged to read school board policy 808 regarding lunch account debt, and make timely payments to keep their student’s lunch account balance positive. If a student has a low balance or owes money, reminders will be sent by email, postal mail, and/or telephone calls. Students may be prohibited from participation in extracurricular activities if they owe a lunch debt, and debts may be turned over to a collection agency.

Menus can be found online at www.lasd.us and navigating to Departments and then Food Service. Applications for free and reduced lunch are available there as well

2025-2026 Breakfast and Lunch Prices:

Breakfast: Free for all students

Lunch: $4.15 ($0.40 for students receiving reduced prices)

Cell Phones

Cell phones have become an essential part of the lives of many adults and students. At Lewisburg Area High School, we recognize the benefits these devices can provide our students along with the distractions they can become during the school day.  As a result, we have adopted the following guidelines with the goal of teaching our students appropriate use of a cell phone while providing them with a privilege not experienced by many students in other schools.  

• Phones are to be kept away during instruction (e.g. in the calculator/phone caddy in each classroom, laptop bags, etc.). This includes the use of headphones (i.e. ear buds).

• Cell phones will be in the silent mode only. Recommended that phones are set to "Do Not Disturb" or equivalent during the school day.

• In an emergency, students may ask the classroom teacher for permission to use their cell phone.  

• With classroom teacher permission, students may use their device during individual work to listen to music, reference appropriate educational material, use the calculator, etc.

• Students should refrain from playing games on their devices during the school day.  They should be using their time to enhance their individual learning.  

• Cell phones are not to be used during school hours to take pictures, video, or record audio in any way that would be in violation of other school board policies. 

Students are reminded that having a cell phone during the school day is a privilege not a right.  If a cell phone is not used according to guidelines then restrictions may be placed on that student’s cell phone use, such as, turning the phone into a teacher or the office, keeping the phone in the student’s locker, or asking the student to leave their phone at home.

Consequences:

1. Teacher/student puts cell phone on teacher desk or cell phone caddy for rest of class.

2. Teacher takes the cell phone, the administrator retrieves it from the classroom, and the student gets the cell phone at the end of the day. Additionally, student must turn in their cell phone upon arrival at school for three (3) days.

3. Continued cell phone use in the classroom, will result in administration confiscating the cell phone. A parent/guardian will be required to pick up the device from the school. The student will be required to turn in the cell phone for three (3) days.

*Refusal to follow the teacher directive is insubordination and will result in more significant cell phone restrictions and/or consequences. 

Dance Guidelines

1. Any student leaving one hour prior to the conclusion of the dance will sign out with the time noted and not be readmitted. 

2. Students attending the dance must be in attendance within one hour of the starting time or will not be admitted. Students coming later than one hour must have secured administrative approval in advance.

3. Dances are for grades 9-12.  Students below Grade 9 will not be admitted.

4. Students are expected to exhibit proper behavior while at the dance. Dancing that involves lewd or suggestive moves, or behavior that could be harmful to others will not be tolerated and offenders may be asked to leave the dance. 

5. Guest Passes: Any student not a member of the Lewisburg High School must have a guest pass with signatures of the Lewisburg High School student and an administrator in advance of the dance.

6. School Dress Code Guidelines will be in effect during school dances.

Entrances and Exits

When students arrive at school in the morning, they enter the building through the front or back entrance. The school will open by 7:25 A.M. each day. Once students arrive on school property, they are expected to enter the building. Students may have access to main corridor and cafeteria until they are dismissed to their 1st period class. Students should go to their lockers and then report to their first period class by 7:50 A.M. Those who wish to meet with a teacher and have prior permission to meet with the teacher before 7:35 A.M. must come in through the front office and identify the teacher they are meeting. During the school day, the only door of the building that will be open is the office entrance in the front of the school. When leaving school for an early dismissal, students will exit using the front entrance after signing-out in the office reception area.  Appropriate exits are designated in the building evacuation plans in case of an emergency.

Code of Conduct

General Guidelines:

Many of the following rules are the subject of specific School Board Policies, which are on file in the offices of the Superintendent and each Building Principal and can be viewed on-line: www.lasd.us.

All students are expected to:

1. Assist in maintaining an attractive educational setting conducive to learning.  This includes keeping the walls, lockers, and furniture free of graffiti, placing all trash in proper receptacles, and using a tray at lunch. Only closed drink containers are permitted in the hallways.  Students may take water into the classrooms in plastic containers that can be closed to minimize accidents.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, assisting with clean up, Detention, Suspension. 

2. Learn and achieve in an educational climate that emphasizes academic integrity.  We hold high expectations for honesty, individual merit and accomplishment for all students.  Students are expected to do their own work, properly cite all reference resources, and refrain from behaviors considered cheating.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Detention or Suspension, and an alternative assignment. 

3. Be in a classroom or assigned area when the bell rings.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, Detention, Suspension. 

4. Be courteous and respectful to other students, faculty, staff, and administrators at all times.  Violence or threats of violence or any form of harassment including sexual orientation is prohibited!  Vulgar or obscene language, racial remarks, and indifference or sarcasm are prohibited. 

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, 1-3 Days of Detention, Suspension. 

5. Have an eHall Pass approved by the staff member they are going to see when moving through the hallways at any time other than the normal passing time between periods or going to the bathroom.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, Detention, Suspension

6. Refrain from the possession or use of tobacco and vaping products on school premises.  The term tobacco also includes any oral device that provides or is designed or intended to provide a vapor of nicotine and/or other substance(s). The term shall include any such devices, whether they are manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, or under any other product name or descriptor. (LASD Policy 223).

First Violation: The student shall receive a warning against further infractions of policy and law, shall receive up to 3 days of “in-school” suspension, take a vape/tobacco education course, and receive a citation. See Athletic Eligibility Section for suspension from extra-curricular and school sponsored activities. 

Second Violation: The student shall receive up to 5 days of suspension and receive a citation. See Athletic Eligibility Section for suspension from extra-curricular and school sponsored activities. 

Third Violation: The student shall receive up to 10 days of suspension and receive a citation.  Any further violations could result in “Out of School Suspension” and/or referral to the Board for a Formal Hearing. 

7. Refrain from drug and alcohol possession and use.  The Lewisburg Area School District is a drug and alcohol free environment.  School Board policy will be enforced.  All illegal, prescription and over the counter drugs, medications to include look-alike drugs are included in our policies that cover all school sponsored activities and bus transportation.  Police will become involved in any violation according to policy.  No student in the district can disregard the School Board Policy without placing himself or herself in jeopardy of expulsion by the School Board (see LASD Policy 227-A).

• Consequence for Violation: Up to 10 days out-of-school suspension, arrest by police and enforcement of School Board Drug and Alcohol Policy, which may result in permanent expulsion from school (LASD Policy 227).  Additional consequences are outlined in LASD Policy 122.

8. Refrain from excessive displays of affection during school hours.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, 1-3 Days of Detention, Suspension

9. Follow the established procedure for early dismissals.  Students are not permitted to leave the building without administrative permission.  Students must “sign out” and “sign in” at the computer in the main office.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, 1-3 Days of Detention or Suspension 

10. Keep weapons out of school. The bringing onto, the possession and/or storage of weapons on school premises, at school-sponsored activities, field trips or on school transportation is strictly prohibited and is a violation of law.  (The term “weapon” includes but is not limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool; nunchaku stick; brass or metal knuckles; firearm including handgun, shotgun, rifle, bb or pellet gun; chemical agent; explosive device; any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury, weapon look-a-likes, and weapon replicas.)  Students must inform the Administration or the Faculty if a possible explosive device or weapon is in school.

• Consequence for Violation: Arrest by police, 10 day out-of-school suspension and possible expulsion (LASD Policy 218.1).

11. Refrain from fighting on school property.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Detention, Suspension, possible expulsion and arrest/citation

12. Attend class.  Cutting class will result in disciplinary sanctions.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, Detention, Suspension. 

13. Exhibit appropriate conduct in the cafeteria.

• Consequence for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, Detention, Suspension. 

14. Refrain from vandalizing school property or equipment.  Students are financially responsible for all textbooks and other instructional materials provided to them by the school.  Care should be taken that books and other materials are returned in good condition.  Students should not mark school furniture, walls, equipment, etc., or tamper with fire alarms, extinguishers or controls for lighting and/or heating.  Anyone who willfully destroys school property through vandalism, arson, or larceny, or who creates a hazard to the safety of other students, will be referred to the proper law enforcement agency and required to pay replacement costs.

• Consequence for Violation: Arrest by police, replacement cost, up to 10 days of suspension, and possible expulsion.

15. Refrain from demonstrating disrespectful behavior toward a teacher or staff member including the use of inappropriate language.

• Consequences for Violation may include: Up to 10 days of in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion (depending on severity), and/or possible arrest.

16. Comply with attendance guidelines.  Truancy laws apply to all students. (Unexcused absence)

• Consequences for Violation may include: SAIP meeting after 3 unexcused absences, detention, Citation after 6 unexcused absences.

• Refer to Attendance guidelines in student handbook

17. The use of cellphones or other electronic devices by students to listen to music, text, record video or audio, or to take photographs is permitted only with the permission of the classroom teacher and the permission of all persons being photographed or recorded.  Making any photograph or recording without the knowledge /permission of the person(s) is strictly prohibited. 

• Consequences for Violation may include: Loss of cell phone privileges, Detention, In-school Suspension, Out-of-school Suspension

18. Refrain from making a bomb threat or any form of terroristic threat. This includes pulling and/or setting off fire alarms. 

• Consequences for Violation may include: Out-of-school Suspension, Possible expulsion and arrest

19. Refrain from behaving in an inappropriate and/or unreasonable manner.

• Consequences for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, 1-3 days of detention, Suspension

20. Refrain from the possession or distribution of pictures and images of a lewd, sexual, or pornographic manner. Any student who receives an image of a lewd, sexual, or pornographic nature while in school or at a school-related event is required to report this incident to school personnel immediately.  If a student is found to have received this image involuntarily, they will not be disciplined.

• Consequences for Violation may include: Suspension, Possible expulsion and arrest 

21. Refrain from possessing lighters, matches, other incendiary devices (fireworks), and/or tobacco paraphernalia including e-cigarettes.

• Consequences for Violation may include: Suspension and Possible expulsion, Citation

22. Students are expected to pay for all food obtained in the cafeteria (students receiving a free or reduced lunch must also go through the checkout line). 

• Consequences for Violation may include: Retraining sessions, detention, Suspension, Citation

NOTE: The foregoing are guidelines.  The school district specifically reserves the right to increase the penalty based upon the totality of the circumstances, which shall take into consideration the degree and risk of harm to others. In such circumstances where the Administration determines a violation to be severe, it can result in out-of-school suspension, referral to the Board for possible expulsion, and/or referral to the proper authorities for appropriate action.

Senior Privileges:

Senior students are given the opportunity to enjoy senior privileges, such as, use of the Senior Lounge for study halls and lunch. The senior privileges may change on a year-to-year basis as a result of student requests and discussion with the faculty. The school administration has the right to revoke senior privileges based on academics, attendance, and student behavior.

Cafeteria Regulations:

In order to make the cafeteria a safe and enjoyable place to eat during lunch period students are asked to adhere to the following procedures. Failure to comply with cafeteria regulations will result in referral to the office by the cafeteria supervisor.

1. Keep the cafeteria free from litter. Students who are found throwing paper or food or who leave their trays or scrap materials on the tables will be asked to clean the area. Persistent and willful violation of this rule will result in disciplinary sanctions. 

2. Behave in a courteous manner. Students are expected to show respect toward one another, the faculty lunchroom monitors, and cafeteria personnel at all times.

3. Chairs are to be used for sitting, and tables are to be used for eating or working. Any other use of these tables and chairs is not acceptable (such as sitting on tables, putting feet on chairs, etc.)

4. Students should use a tray when eating any food. Vending machines will not be operable during the lunch periods.

5. Students will be permitted to use the bathroom during lunch but not allowed to go to their locker. Any requests to go to the nurse, Guidance, or any other location should be made to the staff members on lunch duty and sign out procedures should be followed.

6. Students may purchase food from the cafeteria or pack their own lunch. Students may not bring food from outside restaurants into the cafeteria at lunchtime. Food that is brought in from outside restaurants (by parents or students returning from an appointment) must be consumed in the main office.

Expectations and Rules for Study Hall:

1. Students who are assigned to study hall must have school assignments or reading material with them.

2. Students MAY be allowed to go to the Learning Commons if they have notified their study hall teacher and followed proper sign-in and sign-out procedures.

3. Students may be excused from study hall to meet with a teacher when the student has an Ehall pass approved by the requesting teacher and it is presented to the study hall teacher. The student is to return to the study hall with an Ehall pass from the requesting teacher at the end of the conference, etc.

4. Students are expected to maintain an environment in study halls that is conducive to learning. Collaborative learning activities must be approved by the study hall monitor.

Food and Drink:

In both our Auditorium and Gymnasium food and drinks are not allowed. This holds true both during school hours and for events held in these locations after school hours.

Commencement:

Commencement is a time of great joy and celebration for both students and parents. Since this is a formal occasion, it is important for every class member to respect the ceremony and help make it a positive and dignified activity. Please remember that commencement is a privilege, not a right. All students and guests are expected to follow a few simple rules of protocol.

Any behavior that is disrespectful to the ceremony or to the participants on stage will not be tolerated. Graduates and their guests must keep in mind that this ceremony is for all graduates, not for individual students. Students and guests who exhibit inappropriate behavior during the ceremony will be removed by security and charged with disorderly conduct. 

All graduates must be fully clothed under their graduation gowns. Proper attire is as follows:

• Boys – Dress shirts (preferably light in color), dark tie, slacks, shoes and socks.

• Girls – Dresses, skirts and blouses, dress slacks and blouses, shoes and stockings or socks.

• Make sure your cap and gown is ironed prior to the ceremony. (They become quite wrinkled in the package.)

• Wear your graduation cap so that the mortarboard is flat on the top of your head. Place the tassel on the right side. You will move it to the left as part of the ceremony.

• Signs and notes on graduation caps or gowns or any part of the body are not permitted. Remember this ceremony is for all the graduates and their families.

• All students will be subject to a final review of their attire prior to the ceremony. 

• Students who are not appropriately attired will not be allowed to participate.

Academic Integrity

The development of students as individuals and responsible citizens is an important goal of our high school. As students grow intellectually and socially, they must also develop a positive set of personal values to understand and respect others.  Before they can understand others, students need to develop self-esteem; as they gain respect for themselves and their abilities, they can more readily perceive and deal with the challenges in their ever-changing world. In order for the school to help students achieve these goals, students need to see and feel a positive value in the learning process. This can best be done in an educational climate that emphasizes academic integrity. Wanting all students to learn and achieve, we hold expectations for honesty and individual merit and accomplishment. 

Behaviors that are Considered Cheating

1. Paraphrasing material from another source without acknowledging original author

2. Copying material for course work from a source without acknowledgment

3. Fabricating references or a bibliography

4. Inventing data

5. Altering data

6. Ensuring the availability of books or journals in library by deliberately mis-shelving them so others can not find them

7. Allowing own course work to be copied by another student

8. Copying another student’s course work

9. Doing another student’s coursework for them

10. Submitting a piece of course work as an individual piece of work when it has actually been written jointly with another student 

11. Premeditated collusion between two or more students to communicate answers to each other during an examination

12. Copying from another student’s examination

13. In a situation where students mark each other’s work, marking the work more generously than it merits

14. Taking unauthorized material into an examination (crib notes)

15. Illicitly gaining advance information about the contents of an examination

16. Lying about medical or other circumstances to get an extended deadline or exemption from a piece of work

17. Lying about medical or other circumstances to get special consideration by examiners

18. Submitting course work from an outside source (student sells paper or essay to others)

19. Stealing an examination

20. Taking an exam from someone else or having someone take exam for you

21. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete assignments. Examples of AI include, but are not limited to ChatGPT or Gemini.

Instructors may utilize web resources that allow students to peer edit, properly cite sources, and to develop good writing skills. These web resources will also inform students and teachers if students have inadvertently or intentionally plagiarized work.

Students violating Lewisburg Area High School academic integrity through cheating may be subject to the following sanctions at the teacher’s or administrator’s discretion:  suspension or detention and required to complete an alternative activity or assessment.  Students should be aware that suspensions from school are reported on the Common Application required by many post-secondary institutions and lack of academic integrity often has a detrimental effect on acceptance.  

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, it is the student’s responsibility to provide clear and convincing evidence to demonstrate that their work complies with these standards. Students are, therefore, strongly encouraged to preserve rough drafts of documents, including outlines and other notes taken in the drafting process, and to utilize applications that preserve edit history of documents (e.g. Google suite of applications).

Guidance/Counseling Services

The school counseling staff is focused on the educational, social and emotional development of all students. The school counselors hope to assist each student in gaining a meaningful, rewarding educational experience.  From orientation to the high school through post high school planning, the counselors are ready to help students achieve to their level of potential.

For purposes of scheduling and record keeping, students are assigned a counselor as follows: students whose last name begins with A – H: Mrs. Jennifer Cecco; students whose last name begins with G - O: John Gradwell; and students whose last name begins with P – Z: Mrs. Jennifer Sands. The Guidance Office has the use of two computer-based programs, Naviance and Career-Cruising, both of which are comprehensive college and career readiness programs that help districts and schools align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals and connecting learning to life. In addition, career information, college catalogs and handbooks, military information, information about technical school, and financial aid handbooks are available for student use.  We welcome all students to come anytime to make an appointment with a counselor!

Pupil Record Policy

As required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Lewisburg Area School District has a written policy regarding the control of data in student records. LASD Policy #216 may be viewed on our website at www.lasd.us.  Parents may request to review the records by scheduling an appointment through the school counselors. Parents have the right to inspect, review, copy and request correction of their child's school records.

Transcripts

Requests for Student Records to be sent to colleges or prospective employers are to be made in the Guidance Office. Please allow two weeks for the processing of transcript requests. Transcript requests will not be sent until all student obligations are fulfilled. 

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons is open to all students during the school day. Students are encouraged to come to the Learning Commons to study, read, perform research, work on a group project, get technology assistance, or just meet friends and relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

You will need to have an Ehall pass that has been approved to come to the Learning Commons. If you are coming to the Learning Commons from a study hall, please be sure to check in with your study hall proctor before you come to the Learning Commons. Students should remain in the Learning Commons for the duration of their study hall. If there is a class in the Learning Commons, please show the students and their teacher respect. During advisory time, students are allowed in the Learning Commons if they are not on the failure report. The Learning Commons is closed to all students on Tuesday during Advisory.

Students are expected to be respectful of the Learning Commons as well as everyone who is in the Learning Commons.  Beverages are permitted if they are in a mug with a securely sealed lid. Open beverages are not permitted. There is a Keurig machine in the Learning Commons behind the circulation desk that you may use if you supply your own K-cups and mugs. 

Lockers

Students should also make every effort to keep their personal property locked in their lockers. Lockers should be kept locked at all times. Students shall have only a limited expectation of privacy in their lockers.  

1. Each student will be assigned a hall locker to use during the school year. Locker combinations will also be issued; lockers should be closed and locked at all times.

2. Students should never share lockers, allow others to place materials in your locker or share combinations.

3. If a locker is broken or the lock does not operate properly, the student should report this information to the office.

4. Lockers are the property of the school. Students should refrain from any actions that would cause damage to lockers.  Students are not permitted to write on the outside or inside of their locker. Students are financially responsible for any damage to lockers caused by such actions. Items left in hall lockers and gym lockers at the end of the school year will be discarded.

5. Students will be assigned gym lockers and should keep all valuables, clothing, sneakers locked at all times.

Lost and Found

Every year, hundreds of items are lost during the school year. Students should assume personal responsibility for their own property. The school makes an effort to see that lost items are returned to their rightful owners. However, a countless number of items are left unclaimed each year in the lost and found box in the main office.

National Honor Society

The Vicki S. Fennell Chapter of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools has been established to "create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in students of the Lewisburg Area High School."  

Membership Selection Procedures

1. To be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society a student must be a second-semester junior or senior. The student must have attended Lewisburg Area High School the equivalent of one semester. A junior must have a cumulative GPA of 95% or higher at the end of the first semester of his/her junior year; a senior must have a cumulative GPA of 95% or higher at the end of the first semester of his/her senior year.

2. Students who are eligible scholastically will be notified, and told that for further consideration for selection to the National Honor Society Chapter they must complete the Candidate Information Form. 

3. A five-member faculty council, appointed annually by the principal, will review all student applications on the basis of service, leadership and character. 

4. The faculty council may invite comments on candidates from the entire faculty however recommendation for selection will be made by the five appointed members of the faculty council. 

5. Candidates receiving a majority vote of the faculty council will be inducted into the chapter.

6. The principal will review the applications of all students not recommended for selection. 

Discipline of Existing Members

Students falling below the academic standards set for admission to the National Honor Society will receive a warning and given five weeks to correct the deficiency. The Faculty Council may suspend or dismiss students from the National Honor Society who violate school rules or the law.

Parking and Driving to School

Students wanting to park in the school parking lot must complete the registration form that is available on the school's website or through use of QR codes posted throughout the school. Students will then be issued a parking hangar to hang from their rearview mirror. There is no fee for a parking tag.

Students who park in faculty, visitor, or another student’s parking space will be considered a violation, they will be asked to move their vehicles and consequences may be incurred such as detention or loss of parking privileges.  

Any student who is repeatedly late to school (disciplinary referral for unexcused tardies) may have their parking privileges suspended for a period of time or revoked for the remainder of the school year. Cars may be towed at the discretion of the administration.  

All local and state laws must be observed while driving to and from school. Violations will be reported to the proper authorities for action. A violation on the way to or from school may result in the loss of driving privileges in the school zone regardless of other action taken by the authorities. A duplicate report of the violation will be made and sent to the parent or guardian.

Physical Education Requirements

Physical education is required by state law and is to be taken by all students who are not excused for medical reasons. Only a medical excuse, issued by a health care professional, is accepted as a legitimate reason to be excused from Physical Education class. All excuses should state a time when the student may be able to resume normal activities or state when the student will be reevaluated by the health care professional. 

Searches

The Board acknowledges the need for safe storage of books, clothing, school materials and personal property and may provide lockers for storage purposes. It shall be the policy of the Board that all lockers are and shall remain the property of the school district. As such, students shall have only a limited expectation of privacy in their lockers. No student may use a locker as a depository for a substance or object that is prohibited by law, Board policy or district rules, or constitutes a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of the school building or the building itself. The Board reserves the right to authorize its employees to inspect a student's locker at any time, based on reasonable suspicion, for the purpose of determining whether the locker is being used improperly for the storage of contraband, a substance or object the possession of which is illegal, or any material that poses a threat to the health, welfare or safety of the school population. The Board authorizes the administration to conduct random general searches of lockers when the district has a compelling interest in protecting and preserving the health, safety or welfare of the school population. Prior to an individual locker search, the student shall be notified and be given an opportunity to be present. However, when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion of a threat to the health, welfare or safety of the school population, a search may be made without prior warning.  The Principal or designee and another staff member shall be present whenever a student locker is inspected based on reasonable suspicion. The Principal or designee shall open a student's locker for inspection on the request of a law enforcement officer only on presentation of a duly authorized search warrant. The Principal or designee shall be responsible for promptly recording in writing each locker inspection: such record shall include the reason(s) for the search, persons present, objects found and their disposition. The Principal or designee shall be responsible for the safekeeping and proper disposal of any substance, object or material found in a student's locker in violation of law, Board policy or school rules.  School officials are authorized to search a student's personal possessions or motor vehicle parked on school property when there is reasonable suspicion that the student is violating law, Board policy or school rules, or poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the school population. Students shall assume responsibility for maintaining the security of their lockers.  Illegal and prohibited materials seized during a student search may be used as evidence against the student in a school disciplinary proceeding. Searches conducted by the administration may include but not be limited to utilization of certified drug dogs, metal detection units, or any device used to protect the health, safety and welfare of the school population.

Reference LASD Policy 226 

Student Schedule Change Procedure 

The selection of an appropriate schedule is an important consideration that deserves the careful attention of students and parents/guardians. Students should read the Curriculum Guide, consider carefully the courses that are available, and review the high school graduation requirements when planning a schedule. Please review the following scheduled change guidelines:

1. Schedule changes will not be made for convenience purposes or for a teacher change. 

2. Any changes after the second cycle of the first marking period, are strongly discouraged. All changes will require a parent/teacher conference. Any changes in the student schedule will result in a W/P (Withdraw Passing) or a W/F (Withdraw Failing) grade being recorded on their permanent record. W/F will affect Honor Roll for the marking period in which the change was made; a W/P or W/F will not affect grade point average.

3. Any course change between the midpoint of the first marking period & the 45th day (end of first marking period) will require the student’s marking period current grade to transfer to the new course.

4. After completing 45 days of a course (the first marking period), NO schedule changes will be made for the course. No year-long courses will be allowed to be added or dropped.

5. Priority will be given to seniors for graduation requirements. Then, other students who are missing core classes. Followed by students who do not have 7 credits will be added next. Lastly, other requests will be considered.

6. Students who elect to attend SUN Area Career & Technology Center (SUN Tech) must remain at SUN Tech for one complete cycle (6 days) prior to considering a change back to the home school. Withdrawals from SUN Tech will require a parent conference with guidance & administration at the Lewisburg Area High School. All withdrawals must occur before the 20th day of school.

Student Government

Each year a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer are elected for each class and for Student Council. Representatives to Student Council are also elected each year. It is the duty of these representatives to bring to the Council's attention grievances and suggestions from their classmates and to report action of Student Council to homerooms. 

Student Spectator Behavior/Sportsmanship

Lewisburg Area High School enjoys a winning sports tradition. The community, faculty and staff, coaches and players, and student body all take pride in our athletic accomplishments. The school’s reputation should not be placed in jeopardy because of unsportsmanlike behavior. Therefore, the following expectations for student behavior and sportsmanship will be in effect for this school year:

General Expectations

• Students in attendance at after-school events are expected to have fun by demonstrating positive enthusiasm without causing harm, harassment, danger or embarrassment to others or to the school.

• Any student who is absent from school because of illness or unexcused reasons may not attend extracurricular activities on the day of the absence (excluding approved educational trips and college visits). To be eligible to attend extracurricular activities on any day, a student must be in attendance from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the school day.

• Students are to follow all rules that are in effect during the school day at after-school events. (Use of controlled substances, swearing, fighting, etc.)

• Students are to demonstrate respect toward fellow students, opponents, players, coaches and officials.

• Students are expected to demonstrate respect and pride for the school.

• During the National Anthem students are encouraged to stand. All students should remain quiet and respectful during announcements and until the end of the anthem.

• Proper language is to be used. Language that is offensive to others, disrespectful or deemed inappropriate will not be tolerated. High school events are a family activity.  Individual and group vulgarity is unacceptable, as is verbal harassment and booing of players, coaches, and officials.

• Obscene gestures are unacceptable.

• Dangerous and boisterous behavior, such as pushing, shoving or fighting and passing of students, is not acceptable.

• Respect is the key to good sportsmanship. Opponents should be respected. They are not enemies, but fellow teenagers who happen to attend other schools.

• Signs and noisemakers are not permitted at athletic contests without prior permission from Administration or the Athletic Director.

Students who do not show good sportsmanship or follow the above expectations may be asked to leave the contest and/or be banned from future contests.

PIAA public address announcement reading prior to athletic contests:

Lewisburg Area High School and PIAA promote the highest ideals of good sportsmanship. Actions or language meant to demean contestants, teams, spectators, and officials are not in the highest ideals of interscholastic education and will not be tolerated. Let today's contest reflect mutual respect. We request your cooperation in supporting todays' contestants and contest officials in a positive manner. Offensive and unsportsmanlike language or conduct will not be tolerated and may serve as grounds for removal. Please respect our student-athletes, coaches, contest officials and game administration with your cooperation to promote a safe, positive game environment. Thank you.

Student Debt and Eligibility

High School students who incur a financial obligation in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00), will be sent a letter from the Superintendent notifying his/her parent/guardian that his/her student will be placed on the extracurricular ineligibility list effective two (2) weeks from the date of the letter. Similar notification will be provided to the student by the High School Administration. Payment of the financial obligation or the establishment of and follow through with a mutually agreeable plan to eliminate the debt will result in the student immediately regaining his or her eligibility.

Taping and Photographing

We have the responsibility to control the educational environment, to ensure quality instructional time, and protect the privacy rights of all persons. Events that can be taped or photographed include sporting events, plays, concerts, and special school functions. Please check with the principal and teacher for permission to tape or photograph other events. Students may be photographed during the school year for use in local newspapers, yearbooks, website, or school social media sites. If you do not want your child photographed or videotaped for any reason, please notify the school office in writing.

Technology

Lewisburg Area High School views the use of technology and digital resources as an important component of its educational program and expects that all students will use electronic resources as an essential part of their learning experiences. Each student enrolled full-time will be assigned a laptop computer for individual use during the school day. All students are expected to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy and the Student Laptop Guidelines at school and off-site. The use of VPN clients and/or other means to bypass the school filter and network are strictly prohibited.

Visitors

Guests and visitors must register in the office. Student guests are permitted to visit for one-half of a day only under special circumstances with advance permission or approval from the principal. Graduates and past students of Lewisburg Area High School are considered visitors. 

Working Papers (Permits)

All working permits are to be secured through the main office.

Athletic Eligibility Requirements for Athletic Participation

Lewisburg Area High School is a member school of the Pennsylvania Inter-scholastic Athletic Association (P.I.A.A.) and abides by all regulations and conditions set forth in its constitution. A copy of the P.I.A.A. Constitution is available in the Principal’s Office for review by any and all interested parties.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Board of School Directors of the Lewisburg Area School District recognizes that extracurricular activities are a vital part of our school district’s educational programs and adopts the following standards for student participation in these activities.

Administrative Guidelines

Definition

Extracurricular activities shall include all school-sponsored activities that are not a direct extension of the planned curriculum.  Some examples of extracurricular activities are high school clubs, intramural sports, interscholastic sports, musicals, drama productions, student government, literary staffs, and school-related societies. Middle school exploratory clubs and activities are considered part of the planned curriculum and are not extracurricular activities.

Academic Eligibility

1. A student’s cumulative academic standing for the marking period is run at 1:00 P.M. on each Wednesday and students are notified if they are on the eligibility report. Students have the ability to improve their grades until 3:00 P.M. on Friday. If a student remains on the eligibility report at the end of the day on Friday, the student is not academically eligible to participate in extracurricular activities from Sunday through Saturday the following week. A student must not be failing more than one subject to remain eligible for extracurricular activities. If school is closed on a Friday, the principal will determine if the student meets the eligibility requirements of this section.

2. A student who is failing more than one planned course at the end of any one marking period will be ineligible for the next 15 school days. At the conclusion of this time period, a student’s progress will be examined, and, if he/she is not failing more than one course, the student will be readmitted into extracurricular activities. If a student is still failing more than one course, the student will remain ineligible for the balance of the marking period. A student whose eligibility is determined on the basis of final grades may correct academic deficiencies by successful completion of remedial work in an approved summer school program.

3. A student’s final grades at the conclusion of the school year will be used to determine his/her eligibility for the first marking period of the next school year. A student whose eligibility is determined on the basis of final grades may correct academic deficiencies by successful completion of remedial work in an approved summer school program.

4. A new student enrolled for the first time must comply with the above requirements. The student’s standing will be determined by the preceding grading period based on the records obtained from the school the pupil last attended.

Attendance

A student who is absent from school because of illness or unexcused reasons may not participate in extracurricular activities on the day of the absence.

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities on any day, a student must be in attendance from 9:00 a.m. until the end of the school day. The exception to this will be for excused early dismissal after 9:00 a.m. for reasons other than illness.

A student who has been absent from school during a semester for a total of twenty (20) or more school days shall not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities until he/she has been in attendance for a total of sixty (60) school days following his/her twentieth day of absence. This may be waived for the following exceptions: consecutive absences of five (5) or more school days due to a confining illness, injury, death in the immediate family, court subpoena, or quarantine.  Attendance at summer school does not count toward the sixty days (60) required.

Citizenship

As representatives of Lewisburg Area School District, participants in extra-curricular activities are expected to exhibit exemplary behavior that may be beyond that required of non-participants of extra-curricular activities. Failure to exhibit such behavior may result in suspension or dismissal from extra-curricular activities.

Behavior

A student may be removed from participation on the basis of behavior that is inconsistent with the objectives of the extra-curricular program. The school principal will decide on the removal of a student and the duration of the student’s non-participation. The student’s behavior during school and non-school hours, in and out of season, is subject to penalty under this policy.

No student will participate in an extra-curricular activity while serving a suspension from school. It is the intent of this statement to include both in-school and out-of-school suspensions.

Drinking of alcoholic beverages, use or possession of drugs (including tobacco), or other illegal substances, or committed a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony that violates the spirit of LASD Policy #122.

First Offense:                                 

Any student who is determined to have used tobacco, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, alcohol and/or drugs, or committed a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony that violates the spirit of this policy shall be ineligible for participation in any extracurricular activity or school-sponsored event for thirty (30) calendar days. In the event the violation occurs during the summer vacation period, the thirty (30) calendar day ineligibility period begins with the first day of extracurricular activity.

                                                           Second Offense:

                    Any student who commits a second offense involving tobacco, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, alcohol and/or drugs, or is convicted of a summary offense, misdemeanor or felony that violates the spirit of this policy shall be ineligible for participation in any extracurricular activity or school-sponsored event for one (1) calendar year. The student may be afforded the opportunity for reinstatement after ninety (90) calendar days based on an individual plan developed by the building principal and reviewed and approved by the superintendent.

 Third Offense:

Any student who commits a third offense involving tobacco, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, alcohol and/or drugs, or is convicted of a summary offense, misdemeanor or felony that violates the spirit of this policy shall be indefinitely ineligible for participation in any extracurricular activity or school-sponsored event without opportunity for reinstatement.

Responsibilities

The school shall notify a student of his/her eligibility. Each student involved in an extra-curricular activity shall sign a form indicating that he/she is aware of and agrees to the provisions of this policy.

It is the responsibility of the teachers, coaches, advisors, and support staff to cooperate in the application of this policy both in its restrictive and supportive aspects.

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES 

In the event an athlete is accused of team rules:

1. The charges against the athlete will be clearly explained to the athlete by his/her coach.

2. The athlete will be afforded the opportunity to respond to the charges in writing.

3. Should it be determined by the coach that disciplinary action is to be taken, said action should be taken solely on the evidence presented in this matter and consistent with previously communicated team expectations, rules, and consequences.

4. Disciplinary action taken is to be communicated by the coach to the athlete’s parents, the athletic director, and building principal.

5. Disciplinary action may be appealed to the building principal.

In the event an athlete is accused of the use of tobacco, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, or a violation of the law:

1. The charges against the athlete will be clearly explained to the athlete by the building principal or designee.

2. The athlete will be afforded the opportunity to respond to the charges in writing.

3. Should it be determined by the building principal or designee that disciplinary action is to be taken, said action should be taken solely on the evidence presented in this matter and consistent with Board of School Directors Policy #122.

4. Disciplinary action taken is to be communicated by the building principal or designee to the athlete’s parents, the athletic director, and superintendent.

5. Disciplinary action may be appealed to the building principal in the event the action was taken by his/her designee. If the action was taken by the building principal, the appeal is made to the superintendent whose decision will be considered final.

Any identifiable image, photo, or video that implies an athlete has used or been in the possession of alcohol or drugs or is the act of a crime shall be considered confirmation of a violation of the code of conduct. Since there is often no way to establish a timeframe when or location where an image was taken, it shall be a responsibility the athlete must assume. It is also understood that persons may attempt to implicate an athlete in a situation where he or she might be in violation of the code of conduct. This is further rationale for expecting athletes to not place themselves in the presence of illegal alcohol or drug use or criminal activity.

Interscholastic Sports Insurance Program

1. The Lewisburg Area School District Board of Education has approved the purchase of an Interscholastic Sports Insurance Program (Grades 7-12). The program covers all players, student coaches or managers, as well as band members, cheerleaders, and majorettes. Coverage is provided during games, practice sessions, and while traveling to and from the events.

2. The insurance does not provide "blanket coverage" and cannot be expected to pay all bills in full. Therefore, in the event of an accident/injury, the following steps should be taken:

   1. The injury should be reported to the athletic trainer and/or coach or supervisor immediately. 

   2. After the Coach or Athletic Trainer, in conjunction with the school building secretary, completes an Accident Report Form, it will be forwarded to the parents/guardians. The parents/guardians should complete their section of the form and send it to the Insurance Agency designated.

   3. Parents/guardians should also file a claim with their own health insurance company in order to be assured of receiving as much coverage as possible.

3. Specific information regarding the Interscholastic Sports Insurance Program will be provided for parents and students prior to students' participation in any interscholastic sport.

Travel To and From Contests

All members of athletic teams are expected to travel to and from contests by means of school-arranged transportation. Part of the educational process of athletics is sharing the joy of victory and the agony of defeat after contests. This is part of team unity. When an athlete must go to or return from a contest by means other than that provided by the school, only the parent of the athlete may transport him/her after providing the coach with a written request.