Dohn Community High School
 
STUDENT/PARENT
HANDBOOK
 
2011-2012
Dohn Community High School
608 East McMillan Street     Cincinnati, Ohio 45206-1926
Phone: 513 281-6100     Fax: 513 281-6103
 
Administrative & Office Personnel
 
Kenneth J. Furrier, Chief Administrative Officer
Nancy Byrd, Administrative Assistant
to the Chief Administrative Officer
 
Building Administration
 
Ramone Davenport, Principal
Andrea Allen, Secretary/Registrar
Shamika Hankerson, Secretary/Receptionist
 
Faculty
Eileen Arnold, Counselor
Diane Burns, On-line Coordinator
Pieter Elmendorf, Transition Math & Science
Jennifer Gajus, English
Andre Gault, Security
Heather Hale, Intervention Specialist
Nathan Hawkins, Transition English & Social Studies
Linda Hazard, Careers
James Lamping, Science
Thomas Mack, Social Studies
Vincent Panzeca, Science
Jessica Riewoldt, English
Beth Sharp, Math
Carlos Snow. Discipline & Security
Branden Taylor, Intervention Specialist
David Theurer, Math
Nathan Traylor, Social Studies
Curtis Wells, Tutor
Cemantha Wolljung, Tutor
 
Dohn Community High School is a tuition-free community school sponsored by Kids Count of Dayton.  The school’s governing body is the Board of Trustees, Michael Bauer, President.
 
www.dohnschool.org
 
WHAT'S NEW AT DOHN
Dohn Dollars: Here is an incentive program where students can earn Dohn Dollars by improving grades, staying out of trouble or improving their attendance. Dollars can be redeemed for phone cards, school supplies, tee-shirts, extra slices of LaRosa's pizza on Friday (while the supply lasts), and other items of value.
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Dohn Parents Points Program: Dohn Community High School charges a general school fee of $80 to partially cover the cost of the school uniforms, computer program licenses and field trip costs. The fee can be paid on a monthly payment plan. Parents can reduce the fees they owe by participating in various school activities. Fees can be reduced to a minimum of $20. Each point earned reduced the school fee by $1.00. Points may  be used only to reduce your school fees.
A sample of activities that earn points are:
Returning the Free & Reduced Lunch Form, the Emergency Medical Form, or the Ethnic and Racial Background form no later than Friday, August 20. Each form is worth 5 points, or $5
August Orientation & Cook Out: By attending the August Orientation program for students and parents, parents can earn 15 points, worth $15. Both student and parent/guardian must attend.
Dohn Parent Organization: A new organization for parents/guardians that will meet monthly. The purpose is to share ideas on how DCHS can be a better school. Outside speakers will be invited to discuss topics of interest. Seven meetings are planned - and you can earn 2 points per meeting, or a total of 14 points ($14).
Parent Teacher Conferences: Attending a parent conference is worth 5 points for each conference attended. Conferences are scheduled for October 15, January 3, April 4 and May 26. You can earn a total of 15 points - which means a $15 reduction in the school fees.
Parent Education Program: DCHS and the Walnut Hills Christian Church are jointing forces in promoting the Family Support Network. The goal of the program is to create a system of care, education and support for teenagers and their families. The program will be geared at building family unity and reducing juvenile delinquency. It will complement an additional program for students scheduled at school. You can earn 10 points for this program, or $10.
Help with School Activities: Parents who attend a basketball game, help chaprsone a school field trip, or help with the Winter Holiday Luncheon can pick up 5 points per event (maximum of 15 points, or $15).
Additional ways of earning points and reducing your school fees will be announced throughout the school year.
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Wellness Education: In partnership with the Melrose YMCA, all DCHS students will be transported to the Melrose YMCA for a series of planned activities all designed to improve the health and physical fitness of our students. Activities will include physical fitness and exercise, taekwondo classes, hip-hop dancing and arts and crafts.   The program will meet the student’s physical education graduation requirements.
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Transition Program: The school’s transition program is designed for high school age students who have been out of school for a period of time, who have difficulty in adjusting to a public high school, or who are unable to attend the regular school program due to circumstances beyond their control.  The program includes instruction in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies plus a Career Discovery component. The goal of the program is for students to “transition” into the regular school program. Enrollment in this program is determined by the school. Transition students must follow all school rules and regulations as found in this handbook.
Introduction
 
The Student Handbook provides students and their parents with an overview of the policies and procedures that govern a student’s academic achievement, behavior and attendance while attending Dohn Community High School. It is the responsibility of each student and parent to become familiar with the handbook’s content.
 
Mission Statement
Dohn Community High School is a small, personalized, non-traditional high school, committed to serving educationally at-risk students in a safe, orderly environment by developing the basic academic, career, and social skills needed to pursue options following graduation.
 
Academic Program
All DCHS students are required to complete an academic program of study designed to prepare students for the Ohio Graduation Test and to either continue their education beyond high school, to successfully enter the world of work, to own their own business or to enter the military.
DCHS Graduation Requirements
English 9, 10, 11, 12 (4 credits)
Math I, II, III, IV (4 credits)
Science (including 1 credit in Physical Science and 1 credit in Life Science) 4 credits
Social Studies (including US History and US Government) 4 credits
Career Discovery (1 1/2 per year at DCHS, up to 6 credits)
Health 1/2 credit
Physical Education (1/2 credit per year, up to 2 credits for DCHS Total Graduation Requirements:  24 1/2.
All class taken at DCHS are required.
 
Transfer Credit and Official School Records: Credit earned at another high school will be accepted by DCHS upon receipt of an official school transcript issued by the former school.
 
Promotion/Graduation Requirements: The following will be required for grade level promotion and graduation:
Freshman/9th Grade          0.00
Sophomore/10th Grade      6.00
Junior/11 Grade                   12.00
Senior/Grade 12                   18.00
Graduation                          24.50 + passing the five  subtests of the Ohio Graduation Test
 
Participation in the Commencement Program: The Commencement exercise will include only those students who have successfully completed the requirements for graduation listed on pages 3 and 4, as certified by the Superintendent, or those students who have been deemed eligible to participate in such exercises in accordance with the terms of their IEP.
 
Transcripts: Each senior will be issued a high school transcript in  the summer following their senior year. Students who need official transcripts will be given two at no charge. A $2.00 processing fee will be charged for each additional transcript.
 
Academic Calendar: Dohn Community High School operates on a four-quarter, two-semester schedule. While grades are issued at the end of each quarter and used to determine the semester grades, only the semester grade is recorded on the student’s record. Semester grades determine the credit earned, class rank and grade point average.
 
The academic schedule for the 2010-2011 school year is:
 
Qtr         Begins                   Mid-Term           Ends           Instr Days
1              Aug 18                   Sept 15                  Oct15                    42
2              Oct 18                   Nov. 10                 Jan. 3                     42
3              Jan. 4                     Feb. 9                    Apr 4                    57
4             Apr 5                     May 4                   May 25                 37
 
Class Work: Regular attendance in all classes is important if students are to earn passing grades. Students are expected to participate fully in all classroom and school activities. All assigned work must be completed to the best of the student’s ability and meet deadlines as established by the teacher and the school.
 
Passing Requirement: In order to earn a passing semester grade and earn credit in classes, students must pass the 2nd and 4th quarter, regardless of the previous quarter’s grade. A grade over-ride is allowed, but requires an OK from the principal.
 
Make-up Work: Students who fall behind due to unexcused absences must be caught up in all work by the end of each quarter and semester. The grades of students who do not complete all assigned work will be lowered.
 
School Books & Educational Material: Students are not permitted to remove from the school building any school-owned textbook, manual or other reading material unless checked out with the teacher. Students who do not return school material will be charged the replacement cost of the book or manual.
 
Credit Recovery Program: Students who are deficient in credit can remediate those deficiencies in the school’s credit recovery period, held during the 6th period.
 
Before/After-school Teacher Help Sessions: Students who need extra help in any class may receive individual help before school or in the afternoon every school day except Friday. Parents who want their children to participate in this program should contact the school.
 
Career Discovery Program: The school’s Career Discovery program requires each student to complete off-site learning activities that develop skills necessary to succeed in the world of work through job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, community service, part-time employment and other approved activities.
 
Controversial Materials: Parents who object to the use of specific educational material should notify the principal. The principal will attempt to resolve the issue with the parent. If the matter remains unresolved, a committee made up of teachers and parents will be appointed to review the material and submit their findings and recommendations to the superintendent. The superintendent’s decision may be appealed to the Board of Trustees.
 
Student Discipline
 
Dohn Community High School is a school of choice that students have elected to attend. All students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct when at school, while attending school activities, or traveling to or from school. Behavior that disrupts learning, or is disrespectful of others will not be tolerated. No student has the right to prevent another student from learning. Students whose behavior is disruptive will be disciplined and, in extreme cases, removed from the school. The student Code of Conduct is posted in the bulletin board by the main lobby, and is reprinted in this handbook on pages 23-29.
 
CD/DVD Players/Electronic Devices: CD and DVD players, CD and DVDs, iPods, MP3 players, hand-held video games, radios, pagers, and other electronic equipment or devises are prohibited in school and on school grounds. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined. Prohibited items will be confiscated and held for parents to pick up. The school assumes no liability for lost or stolen items.
 
Cell Phones: Due to continuing problems with unauthorized and inappropriate cell phone use during the school day, students are not permitted to use a  cell phone or other electronic devise while in class. Students who violate this policy will have their cell phone  or electronic devise confiscated. The school assumes no responsibility if the confiscated item  is lost or stolen.
 
Smoke-Free Environment: DCHS is a smoke-free school. Smoking is prohibited in the school building and on school grounds at all times. Students who violate this policy will be suspended. Repeated violations will result in additional suspension or expulsion.
 
Student Searches: The school has a legal right to search students, their school lockers and their personal property to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment. A search will be conducted whenever there is a reasonable cause to believe that a student is in possession of items prohibited by the school’s Code of Conduct. Refusal by a student to submit to a search may result in the police being called and additional disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion.
 
Disciplinary Consequences: Discipline is viewed as an instructional process to help students develop self-discipline, appropriate school work habits and social skills. It is recognized that violations of the student code of conduct requires consistent consequences to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment. All students have a right to learn, and no student has the right to disrupt the learning of others.
 
The school employs a broad range of disciplinary options designed to ensure appropriate student conduct. A student’s failure to follow the Student Code of Conduct will result in teacher or administrator intervention that may include, but not limited to, the following:
•Reminder or warning
•Teacher and/or administrator/student conference
•Parent contact
•Teacher and/or administrator/parent conference
•Teacher and/or administrator assigned detention
•Removal from class
•Parent shadowing
•Removal from school pending parent conference
•Suspension
•Expulsion
•Withdrawal from school
 
Detentions: A detention may be assigned by a teacher or administrator for inappropriate school or class behavior. Detentions may be assigned to be served before or after school. The student will be given one-days notice of the detention. If a student fails to serve the detention, consequences will be assigned, and may include additional detentions, suspension, or in the case of repeated violations, expulsion.
 
Removal from Class: A teacher may temporarily remove a student from class by sending the student to the assistant principal’s office for inappropriate behavior, or if the student’s behavior disrupts the learning of others. Possible consequences include any of the interventions listed above.
 
Parent Shadowing: The administration may provide a parent with the option of shadowing his/her child to school for one to ten school days in place of a suspension. The decision to offer this option rests with the school.
 
Emergency Removal Pending Parent Conference: The administration may temporarily remove a student from school for inappropriate school or class behavior that is so chronic or severe that it threatens to disrupt the education of other students, or threatens the health, safety or well-being of the student, other students, or staff. The student may be removed for up to 72 hours or until a meeting with the student’s parent/guardian is held.
 
During the removal, a parent conference will be scheduled to determine what disciplinary action, if any, may be taken and whether the student may return to school and if so, under what conditions.
 
Out-of-School Suspensions: The administration may suspend a student from school for up to ten school days for inappropriate school or class behavior, for any serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct or repeated violations of the Code of Conduct. With permission from the school, students may do school work while suspended.
 
Expulsion: The administration may suspend a student for ten school days and recommend expulsion to the superintendent. Expulsion will be considered for major and/or repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
 
A recommendation for expulsion is required for the following offenses:
•False bomb threats or false fire, tornado, or disaster alarm; or tampering with the fire alarm system.
•Arson or starting a fire
•Gang activity, included, but not limited to graffiti, signs or signals, tattoos, and clothing or accessories
•Possession or use of dangerous weapons or objects, including replicas or facsimiles
•Hazing and/or harassment
•Possession, use, sale, purchase, transmission, and/or trafficking in alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any banned, controlled, or illegal substance, including look-alikes, placebos, or substitutes.
•Sexual assault
•Defacement, damage or destruction of school property
Students serving a suspension or expulsion may request permission from the school to make-up missed school work.
Certain violations of the student code of conduct may result in a student being expelled for one year. These include:
• bringing a firearm or knife to school or school event
• possessing a firearm or knife on school property or school event
• committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult that results in serious physical harm to a person or damage to property
• making a bomb threat to a school building or any building at which a school activity is occurring.
 
With permission from the school, students may do school work while suspended.
 
Due Process Rights: Whenever disciplinary action is required, students will be given their due process rights in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code 3313.66, 3313.661 and 3313.662.
 
Appeal Rights: Parents and/or students may appeal a teacher’s disciplinary decisions to the principal. Parents may appeal the principal’s disciplinary decisions to the superintendent. For disciplinary decisions up to and including suspensions, the superintendent’s decision is final. Expulsion decisions may be appealed to the Expulsion Appeals Committee of the Board of Trustees of Dohn Community High School.
 
Parents who wish to appeal the superintendent’s expulsion decision must submit a written request to the superintendent indicating the basis for the appeal. This request must be submitted within five working days of the superintendent’s decision. An appeal hearing with the Expulsion Appeals Committee will be scheduled within 10 days of receipt of the written appeal. The committee’s decision will be given by certified mail within 3 working days.
The initial disciplinary action remains in effect during the appeal process and the student, if suspended or expelled, may not attend school or any school function, nor may they be in the school building or on school grounds.
 
Dress Code Policy
 
Dohn Community High School students are expected to comply with the school’s dress code policy, to be neat and clean, and to take pride in their appearance. Students must wear the school uniform every day they are in school. Students who violate this rule will be disciplined.
 
The school’s dress code policy is as follows:
 
Shirt:
• Students must wear the school’s official uniform shirt (blue polo shirt with school logo).
• Undershirts may be worn under the uniform shirt. Undershirts must be appropriate, with any questions concerning appropriateness decided by the principal.
• The shirt must be tucked in at all times.
• Shirts of appropriate size must be purchased and worn.
• School sweat-shirts may be worn
 
Slacks/Skirt
Students must wear plain black, khaki, or navy blue slacks or skirts. Jeans, shorts, and other colors are not permitted. Pants/slacks must and worn at waist level, and worn with a buckled belt (maximum width two inches). Boys must use a belt and wear their slacks waist high. Drooping is not permitted.
Skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length.
Slacks/skirts must be of appropriate size.
 
Additional Requirements
• Shoes with heels in excess of two inches, sandals and flip-flops are not permitted
• Jackets, coats, sweaters, and sweatshirts may not be worn over the uniform shirt in the building
•Hats and other head wear may not be worn inside the building
 
 
•Hazing and/or harassment
•Possession, use, sale, purchase, transmission, and/or trafficking in alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any banned, controlled, or illegal substance, including look-alikes, placebos, or substitutes.
•Sexual assault
•Defacement, damage or destruction of school property
Students serving a suspension or expulsion may request permission from the school to make-up missed school work.
Certain violations of the student code of conduct may result in a student being expelled for one year. These include:
• bringing a firearm or knife to school or school event
• possessing a firearm or knife on school property or school event
• committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult that results in serious physical harm to a person or damage to property
• making a bomb threat to a school building or any building at which a school activity is occurring.
 
With permission from the school, students may do school work while suspended.
 
Due Process Rights: Whenever disciplinary action is required, students will be given their due process rights in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code 3313.66, 3313.661 and 3313.662.
 
Appeal Rights: Parents and/or students may appeal a teacher’s disciplinary decisions to the principal. Parents may appeal the principal’s disciplinary decisions to the superintendent. For disciplinary decisions up to and including suspensions, the superintendent’s decision is final. Expulsion decisions may be appealed to the Expulsion Appeals Committee of the Board of Trustees of Dohn Community High School.
 
Parents who wish to appeal the superintendent’s expulsion decision must submit a written request to the superintendent indicating the basis for the appeal. This request must be submitted within five working days of the superintendent’s decision. An appeal hearing with the Expulsion Appeals Committee will be scheduled within 10 days of receipt of the written appeal. The committee’s decision will be given by certified mail within 3 working days.
The initial disciplinary action remains in effect during the appeal process and the student, if suspended or expelled, may not attend school or any school function, nor may they be in the school building or on school grounds.
 
Dress Code Policy
 
Dohn Community High School students are expected to comply with the school’s dress code policy, to be neat and clean, and to take pride in their appearance. Students must wear the school uniform every day they are in school. Students who violate this rule will be disciplined.
 
The school’s dress code policy is as follows:
 
Shirt:
• Students must wear the school’s official uniform shirt (blue polo shirt with school logo).
• Undershirts may be worn under the uniform shirt. Undershirts must be appropriate, with any questions concerning appropriateness decided by the principal.
• The shirt must be tucked in at all times.
• Shirts of appropriate size must be purchased and worn.
• School sweat-shirts may be worn
 
Slacks/Skirt
Students must wear plain black, khaki, or navy blue slacks or skirts. Jeans, shorts, and other colors are not permitted. Pants/slacks must and worn at waist level, and worn with a buckled belt (maximum width two inches). Boys must use a belt and wear their slacks waist high. Drooping is not permitted.
Skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length.
Slacks/skirts must be of appropriate size.
 
Additional Requirements
• Shoes with heels in excess of two inches, sandals and flip-flops are not permitted
• Jackets, coats, sweaters, and sweatshirts may not be worn over the uniform shirt in the building
•Hats and other head wear may not be worn inside the building
•Sunglasses may not be worn indoors
•Gold teeth caps are prohibited
 
Field  Trips: Students must follow the school dress code on all school sponsored field trips (school uniform shirt and slacks or skirt; jeans are not permitted). Students not dressed appropriately will not be allowed dto go on the field trip.
 
Off-Site Learning Activity Dress Code: Students participating in an off-site learning activity sponsored by the school must dress in a manner consistent with professional dress expectations for employees at the site. Students must follow all school rules when participating in off-site learning activities (such as no smoking, etc)
 
Attendance
 
Students are expected to attend school and classes daily and to arrive on time. At a minimum, a 93% attendance rate and a 93% punctuality rate must be maintained by all students in all classes. Students whose absence or tardy rate exceed the above minimum will be subject to disciplinary action, including detentions, court referral or participation in the school’s attendance recovery program. Both excused and unexcused absences count in determining a student’s absent percentage.
 
Excused Absences: The following reasons are valid reasons for being absent from school:
• Student illness
• Death in the immediate family
• Religious observance
• Court appointment
• Needed at home
 
In order for an absence due to the above reasons to be considered excused, the parent must contact the school no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the absence and must send a written note to school with the student on the day of his/her return.
 
Student absences for any reason other than those listed above are considered unexcused unless prior approval by the assistant principal has been secured by the parent.
 
It is the students’ responsibility to make up all missed school work due to the absence within time limits established by the school.
 
Excessive Absences: Students who are absent five days in a row, seven days during a month, or 12 days during a school year may be referred to court. Students may “work off” absent days in the school’s attendance recovery program.
 
Early Dismissal: Students who need to be dismissed early from school must present a parent note to the school secretary prior to 9:30 a.m. The note must state the reason for the early dismissal and the time the student needs to leave school. The request must also include a phone number where the parent can be reached to confirm the request. If the request is approved, the student will be given an Early Dismissal Form. All students must sign out at the front office before leaving school and sign in if they return to school before school is dismissed.
 
The School Day - from A to Z
 
Arrival: Classes start promptly at 9:00. All students must be in their classes, seated, quiet, and ready to learn before at 9:00 a.m. in order to avoid being marked tardy. (Students who are excessively tardy will be required to make up lost time after school in a detention.)
 
Students may enter the building as early as 8:30. When entering the building before school, all students must report to the cafeteria unless they have written permission to do otherwise from the assistant principal.
 
The cafeteria is located on the second floor and may be reached by the stairs located in the southeast corner of the building.
 
Dismissal: School is dismissed at 3:02 p.m. Students are expected to leave the building and school grounds immediately unless they are participating in a teacher help session or some other activity sponsored by the school. Loitering on school grounds or in the vicinity of the school is prohibited.
After-school activities: Students remaining in the school building for an after-school activity must report to the activity immediately and must remain under the direct supervision of a staff member while in the building. When the activity is over, the student must leave the building immediately.
 
Closed Campus: Dohn Community High School operates as a closed campus. Students are not permitted to leave the building without permission from the time they enter the building in the morning until the 3:00 dismissal time, or if participating in an after-school activity, until the activity is completed. Students should never trespass on private property while coming to school in the morning or leaving school in the afternoon.
 
School Fees: All students are required to pay a school fee of $80.00. The fee helps defray the cost of student computer licenses required by Apex Learning and Kuder Career Planning program, uniform shirts, and materials required in many of our classes, especially English and Science. The fee is reduced for returning students who do not need any uniform shirts and to those students who attended DCHS summer school. In addition, parents can reduce the fee significantly by attending various parent activities sponsored by the school. A monthly payment plan is also available.  School records will not be released unless all fees are paid.
 
Breakfast/Lunch: DCHS offers breakfast and lunch as part of the Federal School Lunch Program. Breakfast will be served from 8:40-8:55; lunch from 12:14-12:44 for students in the main building and 11:30-12:00 for students in the Transition Program.  Students are responsible to keep the cafeteria clean and neat. All waste products should be placed in the containers found in the cafeteria.
 
Students may be eligible for a free or reduced meal as part of the federal government lunch program. Parents must complete the 2010-2011 Free and Reduced Price School Meals Family Application before students are eligible for the reduction in the price of the meal. Parents who have questions concerning this program should call the school at 281-6100.
 
The cost of breakfast and lunch for a student is:
                                Breakfast           Lunch
Free                       $0.00                    $0.00
Reduced              $0.25                     $0.25
Full                        $1.50                      $2.50                                    
  
Food in the building: Consumption of food and drink is limited to the school’s cafeteria. Students may not chew gum, consume candy, food, drink or snacks in the classroom at any time.
 
Transportation: Eligible students receive Metro Bus passes. The pass requires a $0.50 fare and is valid from 6:00 to 9:30 a.m. and from 1:00 to 4:45 p.m. Students who participate in the school’s after-school program and leave school after 4:30 will receive a special Late Dismissal Pass from the school. Students who do not behave properly on a bus are subject to disciplinary action. A $10 fee, payable to Cincinnati Public Schools, is charged for lost passes.
 
Student Parking: Limited parking is available on school grounds. Requests for student parking must be given, in writing, to the principal. Students failing to do so will be subjecdt todisciplinary action which mayh include towing.
 
Lockers: Students will be assigned a locker to keep their coats and school supplies. A combination lock will be provided. Students will not be allowed to wear coats or jackets during the school day. Students are urged not to tell anyone their locker combination. Locks not provided by the school will be removed.  Since lockers are school property, the school reserves the right to search student lockers.  The school assumes no liability for loss of property stored in the student locker. Lockers are located on the second floor, in the cafeteria. Students can go to their locker before school, during lunch, and after school. School records, including report cards and transcripts, will not be released for students whose lock is removed from the locker.
 
Hall Passes: Students are expected to remain in their classrooms while class is in session. If the student has a legitimate reason to be out of class, the student must possess a hall pass completed and signed by the teacher indicating the time and destination of the student.  The pass must be returned to the issuing teacher when the student returns to class.
 
Restrooms: Students may use the restrooms before school, during class changes, during lunch and after school. Students should do their part in keeping the restrooms clean.
 
Fire/Tornado Drills: The school will conduct a variety of drills throughout the school year designed to help students evacuate the building in a quick, quiet and orderly manner ir seek shelter in the event of a tornado. Classroom teachers will give students instructions prior to the drill. While some drills will be announced, many will be unannounced.
 
Inclement Weather/School Closing: School closing due to inclement weather will be broadcast over local media outlets. DCHS will close when Cincinnati Public Schools are closed due to dangerous driving conditions. The school will not close if CPS is closed due to a heat emergency or for days they are closed due to teacher inservice programs.
 
Messages/Deliveries: Unless an emergency situation exists, the school will not delivery messages or packages to students during the school day.
 
Telephones: School telephones are restricted to school personnel for official school business only. Students are not permitted to use school telephones. If students need to contact a parent, they should notify the school staff member who will contact the parent on the student’s behalf if it is determined the contact is necessary.
 
Visitors: All visitors must report and sign in with the secretary in the front lobby. Visitors who wish to speak with a staff member should call in advance to make an appointment to make sure the staff member is available. Staff members are not available when they are teaching a class. Staff member may be contacted directly by telephone or e-mail. See back cover to extention numbers and e-mail addresses.
 
Searches: The school has the right to search persons, property and packages entering or leaving the building whenever there is reasonable cause to conduct the search in order to ensure the safety of the staff or students or the security of the building.
 
Use of medication during the school day: The school is not responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. The administration of prescribed medicine during school hours will be permitted only when failure to do so will jeopardize the health of the student, or the student will not be able to attend school. The responsibility for administering any medicine shall rest with the parents and their child. Certain board approved policies must be following before any medicine can be administered to students.
 
Parents of students who may need to take medicine must contact the principal and secure a copy of (a) school policy dealing with taking medicine during the school day; and (b) secure copies of forms that must be completed by the student’s physician. Medicine cannot be given to students during the school day without the above forms completed and on file in the school.
 
This policy covers taking medicine and the use of an inhaler or any other medically-approved device.
 
Computer Use Agreement
 
The purpose of this agreement is to make sure all users of the Dohn Community Internet/Network Access Policy understand the way in which the Internet is to be used.
 
Scope: This policy applies to all users of the DCHS internet services.
Policy statement: Dohn Community High School encourages users to make effective use of the internet. Such use should be lawful and appropriate, and limited to serving the education mission of the school.
Use of the internet: The school expects all users to use the internet responsibly and strictly according to the following conditions. Student use of the internet is restricted to sites authorized by APEX Learning Systems, Kuder Career Inventory or other sites specifically approved by the student’s teacher or school official.
The user shall not:
• alter the system in any way
• use obscene or inappropriate language
• view any site that can be considered pornographic
• visit any site that promotes discrimination, racial or religious hatred, illegal acts, or provides information which a reasonable person may consider offensive.
• place unauthorized information, viruses, or harmful programs in the system
• use the network for non-educational purposes
• use another user’s password
• add or attempt to change the system in any way
• use the network for financial or political gain, or for any commercial activity, legal or otherwise
• download, copy or use licensed or copyrighted material unless authorized by a school official
• intentionally wasting system resources of materials
• try to access another person’s folder, work or files
• use the internet in furtherance of or violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• download or store music
The school reserves the right to access any material stored in the school’s computer system and will remove any material which the school, at its discretion, believes may be unlawful, obscene, pornographic, abusive, or objectionable, or fails to further the educational mission of the school.
 
The school and/or network resources are the exclusive use of the registered users. The user is responsible for the use of his or her account/password and/or access privilege. Problems that arise from the use of the user’s account are the responsibility of the account holder. The use of an account by someone other than the registered account holder is forbidden.
 
By signing this policy, the student user and the parent/guardian of the user, assumes full responsibility for usage and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the school, all school personnel, and the data acquisition site from any and all losses, costs, claims, or damages resulting from the student user’s misuse or abuse of access privileges. This includes, but is not limited to, any fees or charges incurred through the purchase of goods and services. The student user and his/her parents/guardian agree to cooperate fully with school personnel in the event the school initiates an investigation into the student use/misuse of access privileges. Any student misuse of computer privileges will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
 
Student Code of Conduct
 
The student Code of Conduct is based on the idea that learning takes placed in a disciplined environment and that students have a responsibility to use the services and facilities of the Dohn Community High School for the purpose of education. Rules that regulate student behavior have been adopted by the Dohn Community High School Board of Trustees in order to operate the school in an efficient and orderly manner. Other acts not listed may exist in disciplinary action if the behavior is disruptive, hinders other students’ learning, violates the right of others or is considered to be inappropriate.
Any student who engages in the following types of conduct is subject to disciplinary measures ranging from verbal reprimand, suspension, expulsion, emergency removal, or permanent removal from school. Students found in violation of the weapons policy of the school are subject to a one-year expulsion from the school. 
School personnel will consider a variety of factors in deciding the discipline that should be administered to a student. Students who help other students violate the code of conduct will also be disciplined.
The Code of Conduct applies to any Dohn student in the custody or control of the school, in the school building or on school grounds, in the general proximity of the school building or school grounds, at a school-sponsored function or activity or on school sponsored transportation vehicles. The Code also governs student conduct at any time, both on and off school grounds, when such conduct reasonably relates the health, safety, or welfare of Dohn students, interrupts the educational process of Dohn Community High School or another school, or in the judgment of school officials, is considered school related.
Listed are the steps to be followed by the administration when student misbehavior occurs:
Level 1; Under level 1 punishment, the misconduct will be addressed by the teacher and the teacher may either: (a) verbally reprimand the student; (b) provide an oral or written notification to parents; (c) issue a classroom detention; (d) conduct a teacher conference with the parents; (e) separate the pupil from peers; (f) issue detention; and/or (g) deny the pupil classroom privileges. Repeated offenses may result in up to a 10 day suspension or possibly expulsion, as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Level 2: All the steps listed in Level 1, plus the following: Under level 2 punishment, if the same acts of misconduct continue or if serious acts of misconduct occur, a conference with the parent/guardians, teacher and/or Principal is held in order to discuss the incidents and appropriate corrective action plan and/or disciplinary action. Appropriate corrective action may include suspension.
Level 3: All of the steps in Levels 1 and/or 2, plus the following: The pupil may be suspended for up to 10 school days.
Level 4: All of the steps in Levels 1, 2, and/or 3, plus the following: The pupil may be expelled for up to 80 days, unless one year is allowed or mandated by law.
Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized. See the Student Code of Conduct for a list of behaviors and the corresponding punishment.