STUDENT LIFE
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Chapter 12 of the Rules and Regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education entitled “Regulations and Guidelines on Student Rights and Responsibilities” addresses itself clearly to the material contained in the discipline section of this handbook and to other information contained in this handbook. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mandates that local school boards establish reasonable rules and regulations to govern the operations of the schools under their jurisdiction. It is through this mandate that the Twin Valley School District has established rules and regulations regarding student rights and responsibilities. The text of the Chapter 12 regulations is available to any student upon request.
Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Attending or participating in extracurricular activities, including clubs, athletics, and dances, is a privilege. As such, the administration (Superintendent, Principal, Athletic Director) has discretion of disciplinary action depending on the nature and severity of any incident; the student’s academic, behavioral, and attendance records; and outstanding obligations. Breathalyzer screening may be implemented to promote student safety at extra-curricular events.
Program of Studies
Please click this hyperlink to be transferred to our program of studies site for information on classes and grades.
Dances
Dances are not required but are special additions to Twin Valley High School social life. With privileges come responsibilities. In order to continue having dances the following rules must be maintained:
1. All school rules apply to students during the dances.
2. Middle school students may not attend senior high dances; senior high students may not attend middle school dances.
3. Students are totally responsible for the actions of any guests that they bring to school dances.
4. No one will be admitted after the dance has run for one-half hour (example: 7:00 p.m. dance, no one admitted after 7:30 p.m.) without prior permission.
5. No one is allowed to leave the dance early and return to the dance. Once students leave, they are not readmitted.
6. No loitering in the parking lot during the dances.
7. Only pre-signed guests (students other than TVHS students) may attend dances. Students bringing guests must obtain a
“Dance Guest Pass” from the High School Office.
8. Graduates of Twin Valley High School may attend high school dances only as guests of present Twin Valley students (one guest per student). These students must be signed up prior to the dance.
9. The stated dress code for school is in force for dances.
10. Dances end promptly at 10:00 p.m. for senior high. Please make sure that rides home are available at the 10:00 p.m. ending time of the dance.
Dress Code
Act 46 of 1998, Section 1317.3 of the PA School Code states:
Board of Directors in any school entity may impose limitations on dress or may require pupils to wear standard dress or uniforms. Dress policies may be applicable to one or more school buildings within the school entity. A school and its students are being observed at all times. A well-groomed and neatly dressed student body sets a tone and positive atmosphere conducive to learning. Students should be neat, clean, and dress responsibly in ways that reflect good taste and modesty. When representing the school at off-campus events, students should dress appropriately or as directed by a school official. Please observe the following guidelines when considering how to dress for school:
1. Clothing and accessories that refer to or promote alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs are not permitted in school.
2. Clothing and accessories that display inappropriate words, slogans, logos, obscenities and double meanings are not permitted in school.
3. Hats, visors, bandannas, headphones, hoods and other (unapproved head coverings, and sunglasses may not be permitted to be worn in school. Students will remove these items they may be wearing as they enter the building.
4. All clothing needs to be worn appropriately with no undergarments exposed.
5. Clothing that is ripped above the knee, revealing, or distracting, is not permitted in school.
6. All shirts/blouses must have sleeves or at least 3 inches of material covering the shoulder and encircling the arm.
7. Shorts and skirts must be of fingertip length and no shorter than mid-thigh.
8. Shirts and tops must be long enough that they can be tucked in trousers. Midriff areas must remain covered at all times and cleavage not be exposed.
9. Jewelry that incorporates spikes, studs, chains, drugs, or alcohol is not permitted in school.
10. Oversized jackets may NOT be worn in classrooms or halls during the regular school day.
11. Clothing that may pose a safety concern or problem is not permitted.
12. Leggings, spandex, or other tight fitting material must be covered by an outer garment. Yoga pants and pajama pants are not permitted.
13. Oversize clothing is not to be worn.
14. Footwear must be worn at all times. Flip-flops and sandals are allowed. However, individual departments may establish guidelines for footwear/dress in light of safety concerns.
15. School Administrators reserve the right to make judgments as to proper grooming and dress. Our wish is to provide for each person’s individuality while at the same time maintaining certain standards of dress that will reflect positively upon the school, the student, and the community. Exceptions may be made for clothing worn in support of school-sponsored activities.
Dress for Physical Education
1. Students with a medical excuse will be provided with an alternative assignment that they must work on.
2. For safety purposes students should avoid zippers, pockets, buttons, etc. A student whose uniform presents a safety hazard will be asked to change.
3. All clothing should be worn properly: clothing may not be worn inside out: shorts/pants must be worn around the waist and should not be cut- off.
4. Students are not permitted to wear or use school issued athletic equipment in physical education class.
5. For safety purposes, NO jewelry of any type is to be worn during physical education class.
6. Street clothing may not be worn under the required uniform.
7. Torn, soiled, or offensive smelling clothing is not acceptable.
Failure to follow these rules may result in administrative action as follows:
First Offense: Mandatory Clothing Change/Parent Contact
Second Offense: Mandatory Clothing Change and 2 Detentions
Additional Offenses: Mandatory Clothing Change and ISS
Hallways
Appropriate hallway behavior is expected at all times. Loud and disorderly behavior in the halls is not permitted at any time. Food and flavored drinks may not be consumed in the halls. Food and drinks may not be removed from the cafeteria, with the exception of breakfast (which must remain in a brown paper bag until arrival in 1st period class). Water and sports drinks in clear plastic containers are allowed. Public displays of affection are not permitted. Consequences may be given for these actions.
Homeless Information (McKinney-Vento Act)
The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth. B.E.C. 42 U.S.C. 11431 outlines procedures for deciding placement, enrollment, and determining responsibility.
What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?
“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”
What situations fit this definition?
Staying in the home of others due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, or similar circumstances.
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (i.e. leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing option.
Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth.
Refugee and migrant youth.
How does McKinney-Vento help these students?
The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes:
Immediate enrollment
Free and reduced school lunch
Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents
Help from school setting up transportation service if the student qualifies
Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing
Help from school with basic school supplies
Help from school with any basic clothing needs
The District contact is Dr. Christopher Watson, Director of Student Services, and he can be reached by phone at (610) 286-8600 x8530.
Library
Library Passes
1. All students are to have a designated purpose for using the library.
2. Students must sign-in and sign-out of the library using LibraryTrac
3. Research passes (all or part of the period) are issued by classroom teachers to students for a specific assignment or project utilizing the library resources.
Library Conduct
While silence is not required, students should speak softly and conduct themselves without undue commotion. Students who do not adhere to these rules will be given a warning. Repeated offenses will result in Restricted (research pass/seated alone) or Suspended (before/after school) Privileges.
Library Check-Out Periods/Fines
Magazines, Reference Books, Pamphlets - Overnight only Books - Two weeks; Videos - 3 days/$1.
Overnight overdue materials - $0.50 per period after 9 a.m. Students are encouraged to return all materials on time. Failure to do so may result in limited borrowing privileges.
Lockers
Hall lockers are assigned by request in the high school office. Gym lockers are assigned by physical education teachers.
Lockers are provided for the convenience of students and should be kept locked at all times. This applies to hall lockers and gym lockers. The school cannot assume responsibility for things that are missing or taken from lockers. Students may use their lockers at any time as long as they are not late for class. Lockers should be cleaned periodically and kept free of food and drink. Stickers and other decorations should not be used. A fee will be charged to students whose lockers require special cleaning due to such items defacing lockers.
Special Note: Lockers are school property and are only on loan to students. All lockers are and shall remain the property of the school district. Students should not expect that their lockers and contents thereof are subject to privacy from searches and possible seizures. School administrators or their designees maintain the right to open and examine any student hall or gym locker at any time, with or without the student present especially if there is reason to suspect the presence of illegal, disruptive, and/or dangerous materials or substances. Students should not share a locker with any other student.
Personal Property
The Board will not be responsible for the personal property of students or other persons using the school facilities.
Risks
Adventure Based Activities
Students have the opportunity to participate in many optional adventure based activities while attending Twin Valley High School. It should be understood that some of these activities involve risk of physical injury. Therefore, care should be taken when deciding to participate in an adventure based activity.
Agriculture Sciences
Students have the opportunity to participate in many optional agriculture science programs while attending Twin Valley High School. It should be understood that sometimes, the handling of animals may involve risks. Therefore, care should be taken when deciding on which class to select.