Special Programs

STUDY HALL

Students in grades 9-11 may include up to one full-year period of a study hall within their schedule.  Seniors may take up to two full-year periods of a study hall.  The expectation of a study hall is that it is a quiet and respectful environment intended primarily for academic tasks.  Students do not earn academic credit for a study hall.

JUNIOR/SENIOR EXCUSAL 

Junior/Senior Excusal is directly linked to a student’s study hall and is a privilege that is earned.  Junior/Senior Excusal enables juniors and seniors who elect to take a study hall to enter the building late or leave early when their study hall period falls at either the beginning or end of the school day.  Parent permission is required.  In order for a student to remain on campus during a Junior/Senior Excusal, the student must gain prior administrative approval and sign in with the Attendance Office.  Additionally, students must arrange their own transportation to or from school.  Students arriving after a period has started will be marked as late.  Students who forgo Junior/Senior Excusal must report to class for the entire period.  Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action for lateness.

INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM

Students may engage in an independent study program by notifying their counselors of their desire to participate in this program.  Students who wish to participate in the independent study program are selected on the following basis:

• Desire to be enrolled in a course within the career pathway, which is impossible to schedule.

• Course will receive a grade and assigned course value, but the grade will not be included in G.P.A. calculations.

• Prior to approval, the course must be requested in writing by the student and parent in cooperation with the student’s assigned counselor and proposed teacher.  Additionally, the teacher must submit to the principal an outline of the course including curriculum, assessments, and assignments.  Course approval will be determined by the building principal.

• Agreement must be completed prior to the beginning of the course.

• Any exceptions to the above policy must be approved by the principal.

DIVERSIFIED CAREER OCCUPATIONS (DCO) THROUGH LCTI

The DCO Program is offered to qualified 11th and 12th grade students as an alternate method of earning credits toward graduation while gaining valuable workplace experience.  The program is delivered through weekly small group instruction at Whitehall High School and work-based experience, along with completion of weekly requirements.  The LCTI application, Workplace Training Agreement, and additional information is required to enroll students into the program.

GIFTED

If evaluated and identified as gifted, a student may develop an Individualized Education Program by working with their counselor to choose from the following options:

Honors/Academic Courses – Differentiated Instruction/Assignments

Advanced Placement Courses

Distance Learning

Independent Study

Dual Enrollment Courses

LCCC Course (1/junior year and/or 1/senior year)

Regular Course Offerings

Emerging Health Professions (An application process and interview for admission is required.)

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

As per School Board Policy #117 – “Homebound Instruction”, Whitehall-Coplay School District will provide homebound instruction for a maximum of five hours per week.  The student must meet the following requirements:

1. Has an illness or disability that will prevent attendance at school for more than ten (10) school days.

2. Presents a medical doctor’s statement attesting to the illness and the estimated length of confinement.  This request must be renewed by a doctor every three (3) months.

Requests for homebound instruction should be submitted to the student’s counselor.  Upon receipt of a medical physician’s signed request, the counselor will initial the request form and forward this paperwork to the building principal.  Students may earn up to a maximum of eight credits in a school year.  As per board policy, the program of homebound instruction provided to each student shall be in accordance with the standards established by the state.

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS

As per School Board Policy #105.2 – "Exemption from Instruction"  Any religious exemptions need to meet the requirements of Policy #105.2.  Parents/guardians must submit the request for religious exemptions prior to the course start date.