Sponsoring a Club

Club and/or activity sponsors are integral to the success of Heritage High School. Club/activity sponsors are the supervising adult working with students. The success of a club, organization, or activity depends on the interest, motivation, and leadership of the sponsor to ensure the success of the group, to display enthusiasm and to make club activities meaningful for everyone. Sponsors should encourage students in the area of service, both to the school and community.

1. No club, organization, or activity should meet without a sponsor present. Any and all activities need to have proper adult supervision to ensure the safety and security of students.

2. It is the sponsor's responsibility to complete and manage all internal and external paperwork in relation to fundraising, field trips, building use and meeting locations.

3. Remember, if your club/organization collects any monies for dues, fundraising, etc, it must be deposited daily. Complete a cash/check accounting form along with a deposit slip, and place in the dropsafe. Be sure to secure a money box if necessary from Janice Simpson, bookkeeper, at the onset of fundraising.

The value of student activities in the education of children and youth is recognized by the School Board. Activities provide opportunities to develop special interests and talents, to mature socially, and to experience the responsibilities of participation and management in organizations

Student activities are a part of the total educational program and are therefore subject to school supervision and regulations. Student conduct at such activities is governed by the same rules for students that apply at all other times they are under school supervision. In addition, students are expected to display good sportsmanship in competitive activities, whether they are participants or spectators, and to conduct themselves in a manner demonstrating respect for persons and property.

All student activities must be approved by the principal of the school. Student activities shall relate to the school’s curricular program and shall not interfere with the operation of the school. Each activity may establish reasonable qualifications for membership or participation governed by the following guidelines:

1. It shall be open to all qualified students, except that certain athletic teams may be restricted to members of one sex in accordance with federal regulations on sexual discrimination

2. It shall have a faculty sponsor approved by the principal

3. The use of school facilities and equipment must be scheduled in accordance with the school’s activity calendar and approved by the principal

4. All monies raised or collected are school funds and shall be deposited promptly with the school. The principal shall be responsible for the accounting and auditing of activity funds. Such monies shall be used only for the purpose raised or for purposes approved by the faculty sponsor and the principal.

No activity, club, or other group that unlawfully restricts its membership or operates as a secret society may be approved as a school activity nor shall it be permitted to engage in any activity within the school.

Dances are a part of the extracurricular program of the school primarily for the benefit and enjoyment of the students of that school. Conduct at school dances is governed by the same rules for students that apply any other time students are under school supervision. These include policies concerning: dress; the possession and use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; violence. Obscene or provocative dancing is also prohibited. Failure of a student or guest to comply with these rules may result in removal from the event or exclusion from future school dances and may result in additional disciplinary action, including expulsion.

All of the high schools in LCPS are members of the VHSL, which includes athletic competition as well as various drama, debate, forensics, and academic competitions. In order to be eligible for VHSL activities, students:

• must have been enrolled in a minimum of five subjects and passed five subjects the previous semester;

• may not repeat courses for eligibility purposes for which credit has been previously awarded;

• cannot have been enrolled in high school for more than eight consecutive semesters;

• must not have reached their 19th birthday on or before the first day of August of the year in which they are participating;

• must have completed a VHSL physical form in order to participate in athletics; and

• must not violate the VHSL transfer rule

For a complete list of eligibility requirements, contact the Athletic Director, Mr. James Totaro. Families considering special permission transfers under Policy §8-20 of LCPS, “School Assignment,” should contact their school’s athletic director concerning the VHSL transfer and other rules.