Souhegan Practices & Policies

Below are the practices and policies most frequently used in our building. For a full list of policies, please visit the Souhegan Cooperative School District Policies website as found here.

Academic Integrity
The fifth item listed on the Souhegan Six states: 'Be truthful; communicate honestly.' This applies throughout the school and has particular bearing on your academic work. Souhegan High School consistently encourages academic achievement but this is never justification for using the ideas, words, or thoughts of another person without acknowledgement of the other person's work. Academic integrity is violated when a student attaches their name to a paper or product and attempts to pass it off as their own work without proper citation.

Academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and cheating may include, but are not limited to:
• Copying homework or projects from other students
• Copying from or looking at another student's paper during a test or quiz
• Allowing someone else to cheat off of your work
• Asking or telling other students about an assessment's content
• Passing answers to other students
• Improperly using electronic translators (language classes)
• Cutting and pasting from an electronic source without proper citation
• Paraphrasing without proper citation
• Not citing any direct quotations or unique ideas
• Downloading papers or sections of papers without proper citation
• Having someone else write your paper (friend, parent, native speaker, etc.)
• Absenting yourself consistently the day of a test, quiz, or final exhibition in order to gain an advantage on the assessment
• Sharing answers with other students and/or electronically (calculator, cell phone, photo, etc.)
• Using any kind of "cheat sheet" during a test or quiz
• Manipulating data on a science lab write-up to make it appear legitimate

Academic dishonesty, plagiarism and cheating are unacceptable at Souhegan and consequences for these behaviors will be assigned accordingly. Examples of potential consequences include but are not limited to: a zero for the assignment, restricted day, in-school suspension, loss of off campus privileges, and completion of a learning module regarding academic dishonesty.

Artificial Intelligence /Large Language Models
Artificial Intelligence /Large Language Models (ChatGPT type interfaces) are impacting student learning. Teachers will be deliberate and purposeful in communicating expectations surrounding their use. It is imperative that standards of academic integrity be maintained - student work needs to be student work. Artificial Intelligence /Large Language Models have the ability to enhance student learning as well. AMS/SHS will continue to look for innovative ways to engage students and increase student achievement.

Cell Phone Usage
In order to respect the right to teach and learn, we ask everyone to minimize distraction by putting electronic devices (phones, headphones, airpods, earbuds, portable gaming devices, etc...) away for the duration of each class.

When directed by a teacher, students may use electronic devices appropriately.

1. If a student uses an electronic device when not permitted by the teacher, the teacher will verbally request that the student put that device away.

2. If a student persistently uses electronic devices when not permitted by the teacher, the teacher and student will have a conversation about respecting the right to teach and learn.

3. If, after the discussion between teacher and student, the student continues to use electronic devices when not permitted, that student will be asked to surrender their device to the teacher for the remainder of the period. *this could look different in each classroom (phone motel, on the board, on a
table in the front of class, etc)

4. If a student continues to use electronic devices when not appropriate even after discussions and surrendering their phone for the period, that teacher will contact home about appropriate use of electronic devices.

5. If no other interventions have helped the student use electronic devices appropriately, the student will be referred to the Dean of Students for next steps.

Drug and Alcohol Policy
The Souhegan High School Community supports a policy of total abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs, and abides by a policy which prohibits abuse of all legal drugs including over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs and inhalants.

The Souhegan High School Community believes that substance abuse is primarily a medical issue. Therefore, the main focus of policies and procedures is to provide medical assistance and support for those who are identified as potentially or actually in need of services. Disciplinary and legal matters need to be addressed within this context.

The Souhegan High School Community believes that policies and procedures should apply to all school sanctioned activities — academic and co-curricular — in a similar manner.

The Souhegan School Board recognizes the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, or dependency thereon, as a serious health, safety, legal, and security problem. Therefore, students are strictly prohibited from manufacturing, transporting, distributing (or representing what they are selling), dispensing (or representing that they are dispensing), possessing, using, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol on the school site. "School site" means any school buildings and land, the drug-free zone defined by RSA 318-B:27 and any school-owned vehicle or any other vehicle used to transport students to and from school activities or school property during any school-sanctioned activities, events, or functions such as field trips or athletic events, where students are under the jurisdiction of the school district. School site also includes off-school property during any school-sanctioned activities, events, or functions such as field trips or athletic events, where students are under the jurisdiction of the school district.

Any student who brings prescription or over the counter drugs onto the school site for ingestion, as prescribed by their doctor, will notify the school nurse and, unless approved by the school nurse, the medication will be kept in the nurse’s office.

School Counselors will maintain a list of area resources for substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation.

What happens if I'm involved with alcohol or other drugs?
Students suspected of violating any or all of the prohibitions stated in the School Board Policy on Student Alcohol and Other Drugs (JICH) will be referred immediately to the Dean of Students. All students who violate the alcohol and drug policy will lose off-campus privileges for 60 school days.

In the event a student appears to be under the influence of alcohol or some other drug on the school site, the student can expect the following:

• The parent will be immediately notified by the school authorities and asked to come to the school.
• The school nurse will conduct an “Impairment Assessment”. The student’s school counselor and/or advisor will be notified. If the Impairment Assessment indicates probable substance use, Section II will go into effect. If a student challenges the finding of the Souhegan school nurse, the student has the option of taking a blood or urine screen at a medical facility or lab within 24 hours. This appeal test must be a "chain of evidence test" for "drugs of abuse," and the test results must be sent to the Dean of Students. If the results are negative, there will be no further consequences. If the results are positive, then the student will be held accountable according to the existing Drug and Alcohol Policy. Further information or questions regarding this process may be directed to the Dean of Students.
• In severe cases, when the parents or the school doctor cannot or do not come to the school within the necessary response time, the nurse is authorized to call an ambulance to take the student to the hospital. Parents will be notified of this action and will be responsible for any incurred expenses.

A student found in possession and/or use of alcohol or other illegal drugs on the school site can expect the following:
• The parent and the police will be immediately notified by school authorities.
• First Offense: External suspension up to 10 school days with up to 100% credit for work missed. This may be reduced to three-days external suspension if the student agrees to seek out help in the form of an assessment by a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC). The student and parents must also agree to sign a release of information form for the school. A written report, including the LADC's recommendations, must be sent to the Dean of Students and the student's guidance counselor. Recommendations should be included in the report and must be complied with for a calendar year. If any part(s) of this agreement are not complied with or completed, the full 10-day suspension will occur.
[Note: If convicted in court for possession or use of illegal substances, the student will lose their driver's license for not less than 90 days but not more than one year (NH law 263.56-b).]
• Second Offense: External suspension up to 10 school days with a recommendation to the superintendent for an additional 10-days suspension with up to 100% credit for work missed. The suspension may be reduced to five days with no recommendation for an additional 10 days if the student completes a substance abuse assessment under the direction of a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC). The student and parents must also agree to sign a release of information form for the school. A written report, including the LADC's recommendations, must be sent to the Dean of Students and the student's guidance counselor. Recommendations should be included in the report and must be complied with as stated. If any parts of this agreement are not complied with or completed, the original suspension will occur.

The School Board reserves the right to suspend a student for an extended period of time, or permanently, for the failure to conform to this policy, as authorized by RSA 193:13 (Suspension and Dismissal of Pupils) and RSA 193:5 (Exemption from Attendance).

Souhegan High School Policy Related to Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco Use for Co-Curricular Activities
The use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or other controlled substances is strictly forbidden at all times including out-of-school activities.

Students involved in athletics or co-curricular activities where they represent the school either in competition or performance are affected by this policy. Souhegan High School recognizes that the use (defined as ingestion, possession, transportation, dispensing, distributing, or being under the influence) of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs, or dependency thereon, has serious health, safety, legal and security issues. Further, participation in co-curricular activities requires that students refrain from the use (defined as ingestion, possession, transportation, dispensing, distributing, or being under the influence) of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. If a student is found to be using (defined as above) substances, the student will be subject to the following consequences:

First Offense in High School
The student will be suspended from participation for 21 calendar days. If the number of days is greater than the remainder of the season, the days will be added on to the next season or activity in which the student participates. If the student seeks out help in the form of an assessment by a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor (LADC), the suspension can be reduced to 7 days. The student and parents must sign a release of information form for the student's guidance counselor and dean of students. A written report, including the LADC's recommendations, must be sent to the Dean of Students. Recommendations included in the report must be followed for one calendar year. If any part of this agreement is violated, an additional 14 days of suspension will result.

Second and Subsequent Offenses in High School
The student will be suspended from participation for one calendar year. If the student seeks out help in the form of an assessment by a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor (LADC) or enrollment in an appropriate program, the suspension from participation can be reduced to 28 days. If the number of days is greater than the remainder of the season, the days will be added on to the next season or activity in which the student participates. The student and parents must sign a release of information form for the student's guidance counselor and the dean of students. A written report, including the LADC's recommendations, must be sent to the Dean of Students. Recommendations included in the report must be followed for one calendar year. If any part of this agreement is violated, a suspension of one calendar year (starting from the date of the offense) will be implemented.

Self-Reporting
If a student voluntarily seeks out assistance for a substance or tobacco use problem by contacting his or her guidance counselor, the student will not be subject to suspension from participation provided that the student has not already been found by the school, parents, or the police to have violated the policy. The purpose of this part of the policy is to provide students with the ability to seek out help, not to circumvent the policy. If the student seeks out help in the form of an assessment by a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor or enrollment in an appropriate program, the student will not be suspended from participation. The student and parents must sign a release of information form for the student's guidance counselor and the dean of students. Recommendations are included in the LADC's report and must be followed for one calendar year. If any part of this agreement is violated, a suspension will be
implemented as outlined above.

Tobacco Product Policy
Similar to our Drug and Alcohol Policy, Souhegan High School believes that the use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, vapes) is both a medical and discipline issue. Policies and procedures are to provide both consequences for the action and education/support for those in need of services.

The policy for all students, staff, parents, and visitors needs to address the following goals:
• To prevent the initial use of tobacco products by the Souhegan community
• To deter and reduce the use of tobacco products among the Souhegan Community through educational programs
• To comply with all New Hampshire laws
• To retain a smoke-free building and campus at all times

Student users of tobacco of any age who are found to possess or use any tobacco products on Souhegan property or at any SHS sponsored event or field trip, at any time, can expect the following consequences:

First Offense (possession or use)
• Tobacco products and related items confiscated
a. 2 days in-school suspension OR
b. 1 day in-school suspension and required appointment with counselor or school nurse
• Parental, counselor, and advisor notification
• Refer to police for court action and possible fine up to $100.00

Second Offense (possession or use)
• Tobacco products confiscated
a. 5 days in-school suspension OR
b. 3 days in-school suspension and participation in approved tobacco cessation program
• Completion of an approved educational module during suspension
• Parental, police, counselor, and advisor notification
• Refer to police for court action and possible fine, up to $100.00

Third Offense (possession or use)
• Tobacco products confiscated
a.10-days external suspension OR
b. 5 days in-school suspension and participation in an appropriate program with a signed release and report to the student's counselor and an agreement to comply with the recommendations for one year
• Parental, police, counselor, and advisor notification
• Refer to police for court action and possible fine, up to $100.00

Fourth or More Offenses (possession or use)
• Tobacco products confiscated
• 10-days external suspension
• Parental, police, counselor, and advisor notification
• Refer to police for court action and possible fine, up to $100.00
• Refer to superintendent for possible further action

Staff members, parents, and visitors who violate the policy will be referred to the police for court action and possible fine, up to $100.00.

Video and Audio Surveillance
Video and audio surveillance at SHS are used to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all students, staff and visitors and to safeguard district buildings, grounds, and equipment. Please see policy EEAA for further information.

Student Misconduct Leading to Suspension or Expulsion
A student may be suspended or expelled from school for acts of theft, destruction or violence occurring on school property, at school-sponsored events, at bus stops and on bus routes; also, a student may be suspended or expelled for gross misconduct or neglect or refusal by the student to conform to the rules of the school. Suspension can occur for acts of theft, destruction or violence including homicide, assault, sexual assault, harassment, criminal mischief/vandalism, arson, burglary, and robbery. Suspension can also result from the illegal sale or possession of a controlled drug or alcohol and the unlawful possession or sale of a firearm or other dangerous weapon (explosives, clubs, and unlawful possession or sale of a firearm or other dangerous weapon (explosives, clubs, artificial knuckles, switch blades or knife blades). A weapon, or replica of a weapon, is considered any object which, in the manner it is used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of frightening, threatening, intimidating, or injuring another person. Suspension can occur for any act by a student that is deemed to be dangerous to the student, others, or the school community. Any student who is determined to have brought a firearm (as defined by 18 U.S.C. 921) to school without prior written approval by the superintendent of schools will be expelled for not less than one year (365 days). This expulsion may be modified by the superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law, and district policy. Authorized law enforcement officials are not included in this policy in the performance of their duties.

Notification of Amherst Police Department
The Board has a memorandum of understanding with the Amherst Police Department which requires the high school to notify the police whenever a serious offense has been committed. Students and parents should expect the police to be included in investigating such incidents.

Due Process and Procedures:

Level 1 Suspension Hearing (10 school days or less):
The Principal or the Dean of Students is authorized to suspend a student from school for up to 10 school days. The student is entitled to oral or written notice of the charges, an opportunity to present their side of the story and a written statement explaining any disciplinary action taken. An appeal of the
suspension may be made to the principal in writing within 24 hours and then to the superintendent.

(Note: Level 1 suspensions which do not involve the police may be appealed to either the Souhegan Community Review Board or the principal. An appeal of this decision may be made to the superintendent.)

Level 2 Suspension Hearing (11-20 Days):
The Superintendent is authorized to suspend a student beyond 10 school days. The student is entitled to a due process hearing (see below). The principal and the superintendent shall participate in any hearing when it appears that the length of suspension will be between 11-20 days. Appeal of a Level 2 suspension must be made to the school board. The superintendent must receive the appeal in writing within 10 days after the issuance of the suspension. The suspension will be enforced during the time that the appeal is pending.

Level 3 Hearing (Suspensions 21 or more school days or Expulsion):
The school board is authorized to suspend a student beyond 20 school days or to expel that student from school. Due process requirements for a Level 2 hearing and a Level 3 hearing, which are the same, are as follows: The student is entitled to know what they are charged with and the evidence supporting the charge. The student has the right to be represented by legal counsel at the non-public hearing, the right to present any evidence and to cross-examine witnesses. Formal rules of evidence do not apply; however, the school shall present evidence through exhibits and testimony in support of the charge. Certain evidence may be taken in private to respect the privacy rights of other students. A taped record will be made of the hearing and a written decision will be issued as soon as possible after the hearing.

Hearing Waivers and Appeals
The school board and parents may agree to waive, modify or extend certain procedural requirements of this policy, including the need for a hearing. Such agreements should be in writing whenever possible. Appeals from decisions of the principal shall be to the superintendent. Appeals from decisions of the superintendent shall be to the board. Appeals from decisions of the board will be to the State Board of Education or other body as designated in state law. In any appeal, the reviewing officials may rely on the record and any documentary evidence submitted at the hearing.

Attendance Policy
Souhegan believes in the concept of "student as worker" in the educational process. Therefore, attendance at school is a necessity for success. Conversely, sporadic attendance compromises the achievement of the individual. For this reason all students are expected to arrive at school on time, before 8:25 am for an 8:30 am first period starting time and attend all classes and activities. The parent/guardian and the student may be required to meet with the Dean of Students or Campus Coordinator to discuss reasons for perpetual absenteeism and steps to maintain good standing in the class.

Unexcused Absences & Truancy
Souhegan takes attendance seriously and complies with the NH law relative to attendance RSA 193.1 Duty of Parent: Compulsory Attendance by Pupil and the NH law relative to truancy: NH RSA 189 (189:34 Appointment, NH RSA 189:35 Truancy Defined and NH RSA 189:36 Duties).

Students are required to be in school every day that school is in session unless their attendance is exempt per NH law or their absence meets criteria to be considered an excused absence. Unexcused absences are not acceptable. Souhegan will address habitual unexcused absences consistent with the NH laws which include the filing of educational neglect petitions with the Court, and the pursuit of civil fines and penalties against parents and students who violate state laws.

The school sanctions class absences and/or early dismissals for the following reasons: personal illness (if in school, student must be dismissed by the school nurse), recovery from an accident, required court attendance, medical and dental appointments (with dated and approved note on office letterhead), death in the immediate family, observation and celebration of a bona fide religious holiday, tending to mental or behavioral health* and such other good causes as may be acceptable to the Principal or permitted by law.

Students may access up to three (3) days excused due to mental health. Per Policy JH, “The school will refer students to the school’s mental health professionals if the student is absent for more than 3 days in a semester due to mental health. The school will also refer students if they miss two consecutive days in a row due to mental health.“

Per Souhegan policy, in the event of an illness, parents must call the school and inform the District of the student’s illness and absence. For other absences, parents must provide written notice or a written excuse that states one of these reasons for non-attendance. The Principal may require parents to provide additional documentation in support of their written notice, including but not limited to doctor’s notes, court documents, obituaries, or other documents supporting the claimed reason for non-attendance.

Students who have not received approval by the school for an absence or lateness will have cut school. Anyone who is more than fifteen minutes late to class will be considered tardy from that class. Students who skip class or
are habitually late should expect to receive logical consequences from their teachers and administration for their choices.

Unexcused absences (truancy) are absences that are not sanctioned by the school. When a student is identified as truant or on the path to becoming truant, Souhegan administration, in conjunction with the student services
office will:
• Investigates the cause(s) of the student’s truant behavior
• Considers, when appropriate, modification of their educational program to meet particular needs that may be causing the truancy
• Involves the parents in the development of a plan designed to reduce the truancy
• Seek alternative disciplinary measures, but still retains the right to impose discipline in accordance with the District’s policies and administrative guidelines on student discipline

See attendance policy JH for more information.

Athletics and Activities Attendance Policy

Daily School Attendance
A student’s attendance record is final once daily attendance reports are published (based upon the PowerSchool SIS). It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to be sure to follow proper school procedures for absences and tardies at the beginning of each school day. The Athletic Office cannot override the official school attendance. There will be no changes once the report has been sent to coaches (exceptions to this will only be made if the absence was recorded in error).

Absences

• All students must be in attendance for all of their class periods and Advisory in order to participate in practice or an event that day.

• If a student-athlete is dismissed by the School Nurse due to illness; he/she is ineligible to participate in athletics that day.

• If a practice or contest is scheduled on a weekend or over a school vacation, the student must be in attendance the preceding Friday (or last school day prior) in order to participate.

• A suspension (in-school or out) is considered an absence from school. Once notified of the suspension the student is ineligible for extracurricular activities until returning to a full day of school.

• Exceptions, such as school field trips, college visits, family emergencies, funerals, religious holidays, and scheduled appointments, must be cleared through the Athletic Office prior to participating in the day’s events.

• Unique or extenuating circumstances not listed above may be excused at the discretion of the Athletic Director or Assistant Athletic Director.

Excused Tardies and Dismissals for appointments

• If a student has a legitimate appointment (for example: doctor, dentist, orthodontist), it is expected that the student attends school for as much of the day as possible.

Unexcused Tardies

• Student-athletes will be allowed three unexcused tardies without athletic consequence (we understand that “life happens”).

• On the 4th unexcused tardy: the student-athlete will not be permitted to practice or compete that day. The student is expected to attend practice or event but may not be in uniform or participate.

• On the 5th through 9th unexcused tardy: the student-athlete will not be permitted to practice or compete that day AND will not be permitted to participate in the next scheduled contest (if the 5th through 9th unexcused tardy occurs on a game day, the student sits that game and the next).

• On the 10th unexcused tardy the student will be excused from the team.

• The unexcused tardy count begins on the first day of the season and continues for the duration.

Any coach who allows a student to practice or compete when he/she should not have will be suspended from coaching the next contest.

Athletics & School/Family Vacations, Extended Absences
Every student-athlete is expected to be present for all team practices and contests. Because of scheduling demands set by the NHIAA and Division schools, many of our high school teams practice and/or play during scheduled school vacations.

Student-athletes who take school sponsored trips during the scheduled season should not be penalized. However, it must be understood that time away from practice and games will impact one’s ability to immediately return to competition. Student-athletes will be evaluated upon their return, if participation in a game or practice may be considered a health or safety concern, the Head Coach will not allow them to compete. This is to make certain they are not putting the student-athlete at risk for injury or that they are a detriment to the team.

If the student-athlete takes any other type of vacation, the student-athlete will be suspended for the same number of contests he or she missed while on vacation. Additional consequences may be imposed for missed practices at the coach’s discretion. Any issues or problems arising from this policy should be addressed to the Athletic Director.

Athletic and Co-Curricular Activities Eligibility Policy
Students wishing to participate in high school interscholastic athletics must complete the following in order to be eligible. A student MAY NOT participate until all items are completed and verified.

1. Online registration through PowerSchool for each season of participation
During this registration process, the parent/guardian will
• give permission for participation and provide emergency and medical information
• provide proof of health insurance.
• accept policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in this handbook.

Opportunities will be provided for families to use a school computer if other internet access is not available.

2. Proof of medical examination clearing student for athletic participation
This is required once in the student’s high school career. It is required prior to participation at any level. For students new to high school athletics, the physical must be dated on or after July 1 of the previous year. For example: for the 2019-20 school year the physical must be dated on or after July 1, 2018 (last summer). If necessary, please see the Athletic Department for information regarding locations of free or inexpensive athletic physicals.

3. Academic Eligibility – In addition to the NHIAA Eligibility By-Laws (article II), Souhegan also has the following requirement for athletics and co-curricular activity participation.
● Students must be passing 4 classes and advisory in order to participate in athletics.
● For fall sports, it is the second semester grades from the previous year which determines eligibility.
● For winter sports, first semester progress report grades determine eligibility for the beginning of the season.
● For spring sports, first semester final grades determine eligibility for the beginning of the season.
● If students do not meet eligibility criteria, they can apply for a waiver through the athletic office.

Students who do not meet these academic requirements at the beginning of a season may apply for an academic waiver through the athletic office. Mid-season waivers are not granted.

4. Impact Testing for contact sports
All freshmen, juniors, and students new to high school athletics in Souhegan who wish to participate in a contact sport will need to take the computerized Impact test. This test will provide baseline data which will aid in the return to participation in the event of a head injury. High school sports which do not require Impact testing: cross country, golf, swim (except divers), tennis, track (except pole vaulters), and unified sports.

5. Athletic User Fee Payment
Athletic user fees can be paid online during the registration process or by cash or check delivered to the athletic office in the respective high school. Checks should be made payable to “Souhegan School District”. There will be a $35 charge for all checks returned due to insufficient funds. Students may try out prior to this fee being paid but students will not be issued a uniform until the fee is settled (ie: paid, free/reduced lunch or financial hardship granted, family cap, 3-season athlete verified, or payment plan agreed to). Dual sport athletes (two sports in one season) are required to pay both fees.

Fee Waivers

• Students who qualify for free or reduced meals through the Food Services Program are exempt from athletic fees and should indicate this at the time of registration.
• Any student-athlete who is a three-season participant in good standing in the same school year will not be charged the user fee for the spring season.
• No family will be required to pay more than $400 in any single school year. Ice Hockey does not count towards the cap.

A fee waiver or payment plan may be requested if there are extenuating circumstances regarding financial hardship. This request can be made during the online registration process.

Parking Privileges
Senior and junior student parking on campus is allowed with a parking permit. An application for the permit can be obtained from the Attendance Secretary and must be completed with both parent and student signatures before a parking permit can be issued. Parking permits for sophomores will be issued on a lottery basis with a letter of request submitted to the Dean of Students.

A $100 fee will be charged yearly for the permit. Fees for new student’s/drivers will be prorated. Stickers are to be placed in the rear window on the driver’s side. If another vehicle, without a sticker, must be driven to school, the student must see the Attendance Secretary to obtain a temporary parking permit.

The school reserves the right to restrict the parking privileges of students at any time, due to but not limited to, the following:

• Improper conduct with a motor vehicle on school grounds at any time. This includes unsafe operation, excessive speed, and driving through any barricades or restricted areas. This includes unpaved roads intended for campus monitor or maintenance equipment or on grassy areas not intended to be roads for public access.
• Leaving campus without permission during a scheduled class period.
• Leaving campus when off-campus privileges have been suspended.
• Transporting a student off campus during the school day who does not have off-campus privileges.
• Transferring a parking sticker to any other student.
• Parking in an unassigned area.

Please note that the parking permit application states “Illegally parked cars will be towed at the owner’s expense."

Off-Campus Privileges
Off-campus privileges will be extended to students in Grades 11 and 12 who have a signed parental permission form on file in the attendance office, maintained good behavior, and have earned grades of all 'Cs' or above based on their previous semester reporting period. Grade 10 students who meet the above criteria in the last reporting term are eligible for off-campus privileges the 1st semester of their 11th grade year. Juniors and Seniors must be caught up on all of their graduation requirements to utilize off-campus privileges.

The school retains the right to revoke off-campus and/or parking privileges for students who are found in violation. A campus coordinator will help ensure consistent enforcement. Repeated violations from the school community will result in a closed campus.

Accountability for Students & Staff During Emergency Situations
To enable the Amherst Fire, Rescue, and Police Departments to know if they have a situation in which a rescue is required, in March 2007 the Community Council passed an accountability procedure to ensure the safety of all students and staff during the school day. Any student entering or exiting the campus at a time other than the normal start or end of the school day must sign in/out as appropriate via a provided QR code or in the Attendance Office in the main building. Signing in/out must be done at the same location. Students are not permitted to sign for anyone other than themselves. The consequences for failure to follow this emergency procedure are:

First Offense
• Loss of off-campus privileges for up to one week.
Second Offense
• Loss of off-campus privileges for up to two weeks.
Third Offense and Beyond
• Loss of off-campus privileges for an amount of time will be determined by the Dean of Students’ Office.

Harassment Policy
All students, faculty and staff will be provided a safe and harassment-free environment in which the entire community treats its members with respect and dignity. Harassment is defined as physical conduct, gestures, or verbal communication that have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. These behaviors interfere with a safe educational environment for all students and staff. Student misconduct that constitutes harassment or bullying under the Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Policy (Policy JICK) may constitute harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. In situations where the bullying may constitute sexual harassment, the requirements of Policy ACAC, Sexual Harassment Policy, must also be met. Where the bullying may constitute harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability, the requirements of Policy KED, Grievance Procedure for Alleged Discrimination, must also be met. Policies JICK, ACA, and KED can be found in their entirety on the SAU39/Souhegan School Board website.

Harassment by Bullying
Bullying is defined as a single significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student which:
(1) Physically harms a pupil or damages the pupil's property;
(2) Causes emotional distress to a pupil;
(3) Interferes with a pupil's educational opportunities;
(4) Creates a hostile educational environment; or
(5) Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying can also include actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a student's actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the student's association with another person and based on the other person's characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs.

Harassment by Hazing
Hazing is a form of harassment that includes rituals that belittle, degrade, injure, or dehumanize another person. The hazing of any students will not be tolerated. This includes those who are members of teams, clubs, or organizations or students who are new to Souhegan. (See policy JICFA)

Responsibility for Reporting of Harassment Issues:
Students have an obligation to report any form of harassment, experienced or witnessed, to any staff member, who will then forward the information to the Dean of Students. Staff members are required to report any incidents of harassment that they become aware of to the Dean of Students or their designee.

Consequences:
Refer to NH RSA-193:F. Violators of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Amherst School District, Mont Vernon School District, Souhegan Cooperative School District and SAU 39 does not discriminate in its education programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, pregnancy, language, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetics or veteran, marital or citizenship status. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Genetics Information Nondiscrimination Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and RSA 354-A.

Grievance Procedures to address alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination
Act of 1975 are contained in Souhegan School District Policy KED. Grievance procedures to address alleged violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 are set forth in Souhegan School District Policy ACA. Policies KED and ACA are available in their entirety on the SAU39/Souhegan School Board website, the Souhegan High School website, and at the SAU and Souhegan High School offices.

Visitors
Students who wish to invite a visitor to spend a day with them at Souhegan must ensure the following guidelines are observed prior to bringing a guest to school:

• Pick up and fully complete a Student Visitor's Permission sheet from the Attendance Desk at least one day prior to the visit.
• Students suspended from their school may not visit.
• Visitors over 18 years old need prior approval from the Dean of Students.
• On the day of the visit, both the host and the visiting student must check in with the Attendance Secretary before school begins and make sure everything is in order.

Yearbook
The purpose of our yearbook is to inform and entertain our audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects that have affected the school community over the course of one school year. The decision-making process for content in the yearbook includes the student yearbook staff with the help of the advisor/instructor. The staff is open to talking with the administration about theme, story ideas, and content. The staff encourages constructive criticism and suggestions before, during and after publication, but reserves the right as the final authority for the content of the yearbook. Purchasing a yearbook does not entitle the purchaser to any guarantees or rights regarding the book's content. The yearbook advisor and classroom instructor are the decision makers for the yearbook. If a student disagrees with the decision of the yearbook advisor and classroom instructor, the student may appeal to the principal for a review and final decision. There will be nothing published in the yearbook that is libelous, slanderous, obscene, or copyrighted, or that advocates illegal activities or may cause substantial disruption to the school. The yearbook is a school publication and is subject to all school and school board policies. Clothing, props (including but not limited to display of firearms, other weapons, drugs, tobacco or alcohol) and gestures etc. that are not appropriate in school are not appropriate for publication in the yearbook.

Portraits
Underclass portraits will be taken and submitted only by the school's contracted photographer to ensure the highest quality of reproduction. At least two opportunities will be provided for all students and employees to have their photos taken. Students who miss both the regular and make-up portrait days will not be included in the yearbook. If a student wishes to be excluded from the yearbook, they must submit a written request to the yearbook staff and a parent or guardian must sign it.

Seniors may, at their own cost, use the school's yearbook photographer or a photographer of their own choosing. Appropriate attire is required. Senior portraits (as well as any other picture/graphic placed in the yearbook) may not display anything that is inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to firearms, other weapons, drugs, tobacco or alcohol. Seniors who miss the deadline for submitting their senior portrait cannot expect to be included. Either a black & white or color wallet-size picture, or digital picture, should be submitted to the yearbook staff. The staff reserves the right to not include portrait pictures that do not meet their specifications.

Souhegan High School

Student Handbook

Souhegan High School