School rules and good sportsmanship apply.
Poor sportsmanship may cause the event to be forfeited and the citation of our school by the league and/or the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Fans exhibiting unsportsmanlike behavior may be ejected from the venue.
Policy on Sportsmanship:
The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity permeate our culture. The values of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all activity disciplines. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others. Good sportsmanship is viewed by the EPC as a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fail play, ethical behavior, and integrity. The EPC and its member schools reserve the right to eject any spectators whose conduct is detrimental to good sportsmanship. Misbehavior at sporting events may lead to prosecution or school disciplinary actions.
Student Participants:
Treat opponents with respect; shake hands prior to and after contests as indicated by the sport’s protocol.
Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by contest rules, and display no behavior that could incite the fans.
Cooperate with officials, coaches, and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing school and community.
Spirit Groups:
Lead desired crowd response using only positive cheers, sign, and praise without demeaning or antagonizing opponents.
Treat opposing spirit groups and fans with courtesy and respect.
Know the rules and strategies of the contest in order to cheer at proper times.
Recognize outstanding play of both teams.
Maintain enthusiasm and composure, serving as a role model of positive behavior.
Parents/Students and Other Fans:
Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school activities, not a license to verbally assault others.
Respect decisions made by the officials.
Be a role model by supporting teams in a positive manner, including the content of cheers.
Respect other fans, coaches, and participants.
Be a fan, not fanatic.
(Bullying, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, Hazing)
Purpose: To maximize learning, every individual deserves a safe, comfortable environment, without interference.
Definitions:
Bullying – A person is bullied when he/she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he/she has difficulty defending himself or herself.
Examples of behaviors that are considered bullying and that make an individual feel uncomfortable in their environment:
Verbal – written or spoken put-down, threats, gossip, comments, or name-calling.
Physical – unwanted touching, pushing, shoving, tripping, pinching, tickling, stalking, spitting, shunning, or exclusion.
Sexual – verbal or physical unwelcome and unwanted conduct of a sexual or sexist nature, sexual propositions or threats, lewd comments or jokes, sexual gestures, obscene noises, leering, inappropriate or unwanted touching, unwanted use or display or pornographic materials.
Racial/Ethnic/Religious – any harassment referring to a person’s race, national origin, or religion.
Cyber Bullying – Verbal or psychological bullying that occurs on the Internet through e-mail, instant messaging, or personal profile websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram; and via cell phone by text messages or digital pictures.
Steps an individual should take if bullied:
Walk away.
Talk to a teacher, counselor, and/or administrator.
Write down the following:
What happened (who said/did what)?
When and where it occurred.
Who else saw it?
How it made you feel.
What you did or said.
Who you told about this.
If comfortable, tell the person that his/her behavior (be specific) is bothering you and tell that individual to “stop.”
Class Cut/Truancy will result in disciplinary action of either In-School or Out-Of-School Suspension. Progressive disciplinary action will be followed.
Between 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. students may only enter or exit the high school via the main lobby doors. Once transported to campus, students may not leave the high school building or campus without written permission. Doing so will result in disciplinary action and/or possible out-of-school suspension. Student may be searched upon re-entry.
All unexcused/illegal absences will result in an inability to make-up any missed graded assignments, quizzes, or tests. A grade of zero (0) will be given.
The third (3) day of unexcused/illegal absence will result in a first offense truancy letter (warning). The letter will be sent to the parent/guardian of the student with three or more unexcused/illegal absences.
Continued truancy, beyond three (3) unexcused/illegal absences, will result in a second warning letter and a possible loss of parking privileges. Contact will be made with both the student and parent to schedule a SAIC (Student Attendance Improvement Conference). Upon the sixth (6) day of an unexcused/illegal absence; in accordance with Act 24 of the Pennsylvania Compulsory School Attendance Law; a referral to the magistrate may be made if the student is under the age of 18.
Act 24 may also remove the truant student from his/her motor vehicle driving privileges for ninety (90) days on the first offense and for six (6) months for each subsequent offense. Unlicensed truant students will be prohibited from applying for a learner’s permit for ninety (90) days on the first offense and for six (6) months for all succeeding offenses after their 16th birthday.
After eight (8) days of absence in a semester, a medical excuse will be required for any subsequent absences. Parents/Guardians will receive notification by mail that such a medical excuse is required. At that point any excuse not signed by a medical professional will be recorded as unexcused or illegal.
Students, 18 years or older, who are absent for ten (10) or more consecutive unexcused days will be dropped from the active membership roles by the high school administration.
Students, 18 years or older, who have twenty (20) or more unexcused absences will be dropped from the active membership roles by the high school administration.
All unexcused/illegal absences or truancies automatically deny the student the right to make up work and assignments missed during the period of unexcused absences.
Detentions are held from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. All students will be given at least a 24-hour notice prior to their detention assignment. Detentions will only be rescheduled for emergency reasons with advanced notice from a parent/guardian.
Students who are absent from school when they have been previously assigned a detention will automatically serve their detention upon their return to school. Students are to bring academic work to detention. The classroom management plan will be enforced during this time.
Failure to serve detention will result in further disciplinary action.
Students will adhere to the discipline code as published in the School District Policy available online. Consequences for disciplinary referrals are determined on an individual basis, at the discretion of administration, in compliance with the school district policy and are progressive in nature.
Expulsion is a school district disciplinary act implemented by the School Board and Superintendent that excludes a student from school for a period exceeding ten (10) school days, or requires permanent removal from the school due to chronic or serious offense(s) as defined in the school district policy.
The following offenses include, but are not limited to resulting in expulsion accordance with Board policy:
Second offense of possession or use of controlled substances.
Possession of large amounts of controlled substances.
Selling or dispensing controlled substances.
Possession of weapons or look-alike weapons in violation of Board policy.
Assaulting any district employee.
Repeated acts of misbehavior for any and all offenses after full suspension.
Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization recognized by the Board of Education.
The Board directs that no administrator, coach, sponsor, volunteer or district employee shall permit, condone or tolerate any form of hazing.
The Board encourages students who have been subject to bullying and/or hazing to report such incidents promptly to the building principal. The principal will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation as per board guidelines (see board policy number 247 and 249).
NOTE: If any attempt during the course of the harassment investigation to resolve or have the conflict cease is unsuccessful, the administration reserves the right at any time to refer the incident to the Whitehall Police Department. It will then be at the discretion of the police department whether harassment charges are filed in reference to Pennsylvania Crimes Code 2709 Harassment.
In-School Suspension is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Parents will receive a phone call notifying them about their child’s ISS. Students are to report to the assigned classroom with all textbooks and assignments. Teachers will forward work to students who are assigned to ISS. Students must complete all academic work while in ISS. The classroom management plan will be implemented and followed.
If absent on the scheduled ISS date, the student will be notified of their rescheduled date. LCTI and Diversified Occupation students who serve In-School Suspension will remain at Whitehall High School for the entire school day.
If a student accumulates a total of six (6) or more demerits during the school year as a result of suspensions, the student is removed from all extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. This includes, but is not limited to, athletics, music groups, theater, field trips, prom and dances, fundraising events, clubs, parking privileges, and may include graduation ceremony.
A student may appeal the duration of their Loss of Privilege with written documentation to school administration, justification based on, but not limited to, grades, discipline, and attendance.
For the purpose of this policy:
1/2 day ALC @ LCTI = .5 demerit
1 ISS = 1 demerit
1-5 days OSS = 2 demerits
6-10 days OSS = 3 demerits
Out of School Suspension is used as a sanction for students whose violation of rules are serious in nature such as harassment, destruction of property, possession of a weapon, fighting, violation of safety, chronic disruption of the educational process, or repeated offenses which resulted in In-School Suspensions, and/or be referred to the police. Disorderly conduct citations may also be issued for chronic disruption of the educational process including profanity and excessive classroom disruption.
Parents will receive a phone call notifying them about the Out of School Suspension and a written notification. A parent conference is required for reinstatement from three to ten days of Out of School Suspension.
Students are not permitted to attend school or any school functions for any reason during an Out of School Suspension. This includes events on the Whitehall-Coplay School District campus and Whitehall-Coplay School District events at other venues. The Out of School Suspension is in effect until the day the student is reinstated to school. Hence, students with Friday Out of School Suspension may not attend Saturday or Sunday events.
Detentions are held from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. All students will be given at least a 24-hour notice prior to their detention assignment. Detentions will only be rescheduled for emergency reasons with advanced notice from a parent/guardian.
Students who are absent from school when they have been previously assigned a detention will automatically serve their detention upon their return to school. Students are to bring academic work to detention. The classroom management plan will be enforced during this time.
Failure to serve detention will result in further disciplinary action.
The principal and/or his/her designee has the authority to suspend a student (In-School or Out-of-School Suspension). The following examples include, but are not limited to, the offenses that warrant suspension or expulsion. The suspension may take place during school hours or after the school day.
Fighting
Use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, “vape pens,” or any other Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS)
Use or possession of controlled substances
Truancy
Destruction of school property
Stealing
Use of profanity (oral or written)
Cutting classes
Disruption of the educational process after a request or command to cease all actions (verbal or physical) which distracts other students’ attention, concentration, or performance
Activating false fire alarms, issuing a bomb threat, or any action threatening the safety of the student body and/or staff
Disregard for safety procedures while on school property
Student drivers who do not register for a parking permit
Extortion of money or services
Chronic lateness to class
Leaving the school building without permission
Reckless driving or speeding on campus
Behavior leading to ejection from school functions
Chronic discipline infractions
Bus misconduct
Terroristic threats
Harassment/Bullying
Other acts of misconduct deemed serious in nature by the principal or designee may result in similar disciplinary action
In-School Suspension is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Parents will receive a phone call notifying them about their child’s ISS. Students are to report to the assigned classroom with all textbooks and assignments. Teachers will forward work to students who are assigned to ISS. Students must complete all academic work while in ISS. The classroom management plan will be implemented and followed.
If absent on the scheduled ISS date, the student will be notified of their rescheduled date. LCTI and Diversified Occupation students who serve In-School Suspension will stay at Whitehall High School until 2:45 p.m.
Out of School Suspension is used as a sanction for students whose violation of rules are serious in nature such as harassment, destruction of property, possession of a weapon, fighting, violation of safety, chronic disruption of the educational process, or repeated offenses which resulted in In-School Suspensions, and/or be referred to the police. Disorderly conduct citations may also be issued for chronic disruption of the educational process including profanity and excessive classroom disruption.
Parents will receive a phone call notifying them about the Out of School Suspension and a written notification. A parent conference is required for reinstatement from three to ten days of Out of School Suspension.
Students are not permitted to attend school or any school functions for any reason during an Out of School Suspension. This includes events on the Whitehall-Coplay School District campus and Whitehall-Coplay School District events at other venues. The Out of School Suspension is in effect until the day the student is reinstated to school. Hence, students with Friday Out of School Suspension may not attend Saturday or Sunday events.
Public display of affection within the educational environment is unacceptable. Teachers will be instructed to use good judgment when observing students who are involved in public displays of affection. However, if a teacher deems that a particular situation is inappropriate, he/she will bring the problem to the student’s attention immediately. Chronic offenders will be subject to disciplinary action such as detention or suspension.
The Whitehall-Coplay School District is a tobacco free campus. No cigarettes or tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, “vape pens,” or any other Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) are allowed anywhere on the campus. Any student who is suspected of tobacco product use and/or possession is subject to a search by school administration. Possession and/or use will result in a referral to the School Resource Officer and progressive consequences as detailed below:
1st Offense (Poss./Use) 1 day In-School Suspension
2rd Offense (Poss./Use) 1 days Out-of-School Suspension
3rd Offense & Subsequent Admin Discretion (Minimum 2 days OSS)
The principal and/or his/her designee has the authority to suspend a student (In-School or Out-of-School Suspension). The following examples include, but are not limited to, the offenses that warrant suspension or expulsion. The suspension may take place during school hours or after the school day.
Fighting
Use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, “vape pens,” or any other Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS)
Use or possession of controlled substances
Truancy
Destruction of school property
Stealing
Use of profanity (oral or written)
Cutting classes
Disruption of the educational process after a request or command to cease all actions (verbal or physical) which distracts other students’ attention, concentration, or performance
Activating false fire alarms, issuing a bomb threat, or any action threatening the safety of the student body and/or staff
Disregard for safety procedures while on school property
Student drivers who do not register for a parking permit
Extortion of money or services
Chronic lateness to class
Leaving the school building without permission
Reckless driving or speeding on campus
Behavior leading to ejection from school functions
Chronic discipline infractions
Bus misconduct
Terroristic threats
Harassment/Bullying
Other acts of misconduct deemed serious in nature by the principal or designee may result in similar disciplinary action
Tardiness can hinder your success. Ample time is permitted between classes. The rules concerning tardiness are as follows:
If you arrive at school or the first period of the day after 8:00 a.m., you must report to the attendance office and receive a late pass. Failure to acquire a late pass will result in further disciplinary action. Students arriving late from doctor appointments must bring a note from the doctor’s office or parent/ guardian.
After eight (8) excused late arrivals in a semester, a parental note will no longer be sufficient. A medical excuse will be required. Parents/Guardians will receive notification by mail that such a medical excuse is required. At that point any excuse not signed by a medical professional will be recorded as unexcused or illegal.
Any student who arrives after 11:00 a.m. will be marked as a half-day absence.
Any student who attends LCTI and arrives late to school must supply their own transportation to LCTI or remain at WHS. Students may not drive to LCTI.
To be eligible for after school activities, students must report to school by 11:00 a.m.
Unexcused tardiness to school includes, but is not limited to, the following: car trouble, missed bus, alarm clock didn’t work, oversleeping.
A written excuse from a parent/guardian regarding tardiness must be presented upon arrival to school on the day of the tardy. Any assignments or assessments given during unexcused class time may result in a zero (0).
Beyond 8:00 a.m. {Per Quarter}
1st and 2nd offense Warning
3rd offense One Detention
4th offense Two Detentions
5h offense Office referral with Two Detentions
6th offense & subsequent In-school suspension, parent notification, and loss of parking privileges for the semester.
Whitehall High School does not permit student personal devices of any kind to be used in the classroom. For more information please refer to school board policy 237.
The unexcused absence is used to designate an absence of a student who is 17 years or younger. The illegal absence is used to designate an absence of a student under 17 years of age. Such reasons as visiting relatives, oversleeping, babysitting, missing the bus, working, shopping, etc. are not acceptable and will be treated as unexcused or illegal absences.
Minor Infractions (Teacher Discretion)
Warning / Documentation
Detention(s)
Parent Notification
Multiple offenses may result in major infraction
Major Infractions (Administrative Discretion)
Pass/Hall restriction
Administrative detention(s)
In-School Suspension(s) (parent notification by phone call/mail)
Out-of-school suspension up to 10 days (parent notification by phone call/mail)
Students suspended out of school are not permitted on school grounds or to attend/participate in extracurricular activities
Administrative referral to Whitehall Township Police Department
Restitution if appropriate
Other consequences as determined by administration
Expulsion from WCSD – requires School Board hearing
In accordance with state guidelines, certain offenses are reportable to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.