Policies and Procedures

This handbook is designed to aid students in their stay at Northshore High School. It contains the philosophy, rules, and regulations of Northshore High School. Northshore High School provides students with a quality education. Northshore High School also provides a full range of extracurricular activities to help students become well-rounded adults.

We are loyal to our school and have an overwhelming school spirit. Your participation in any of the various activities offered by NHS will help you feel this spirit. If you have suggestions to make NHS even better, be sure to drop a note in the suggestion box in Student Services, or talk to a Student Council representative or Student Council officer.

The Student-Parent Handbook, the NHS curricular guide, and the St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records will provide you with the answers to many questions you may have. If you cannot find the information you need in one of these publications, please feel free to ask any teacher or administrator for assistance.

Northshore High School Philosophy

The Northshore High School administration, faculty, and staff, including students, parents and community stakeholders will work together as a learning community engaged in a continuous process of strategic planning, shared decision-making, implementation of research based learning initiatives, and assessment of student performance to promote high student academic achievement and lifelong learning for all students.

Mission Statement

The mission of Northshore High School is to create a
challenging and caring community encouraging lifelong learning for all students.

School Spirit

What is school spirit? It is enthusiastic loyalty to one’s school. Loyalty indicates a feeling of sentiment rather than a sense of allegiance. It is belonging to a group rather than maintaining a selfish attitude. To display school spirit is to show others, and accept cheerfully, the responsibilities that are yours as a member of the student body. School spirit is a feeling of belonging to the school and of sharing that feeling. One way in which you can show your school spirit is by taking an active part in promoting the entire school program. By helping to keep your school running smoothly and by displaying a sense of pride in its individual teams, win or lose, you are displaying school spirit. When you accept the privileges of being a member of the school, you should accept the responsibility of doing your share to make it great and keep it strong. Do you have spirit?

FAQ

What does Student Services do?

What does the Front Office do?

What does the Counseling department do?

Important Procedures

Parental Involvement Policy

We, at Northshore High School, believe that in order for our students to reach their full potential a partnership must exist between the school and the students and their parents. We feel that a student is most productive and successful when all three work together. We will always continue to look for more ways to help parents become involved in meaningful aspects of their child’s education.

As members of the Northshore High community, parents are offered the opportunity to attend Open House in the fall semester, PSTA meetings, and New Student Orientation. Open House offers valuable information concerning their child’s education and gives the parents the chance to meet their child’s teachers and hopefully open the lines of communication between the two. The PSTA meetings are a way for parents to be involved in helping improve Northshore High as a school which would affect their child as well as others. Also, parent/teacher conferences are scheduled on a daily basis through the counseling office.

The following list provides a few helpful reminders of the opportunities existing for parents to assist the school and more importantly to assist each student.

As a school, we will continue to look for additional ways to strengthen the relationship that exists between our parents and Northshore High. Ultimately, our students, your children, will benefit from our strong commitment to helping them achieve and reaching all of their goals.

Elastic Clause

The administration reserves the right to take any steps, at any time, which in their judgment, are necessary for the well-being of the students and for maintaining the standards of the school. Any procedure, rule, or regulation preceding this clause is also subject to this clause.

Attendance

Students shall be expected to be in attendance every day scheduled by the St. Tammany Parish School Board. Students shall be excused from school for personal illness; serious illness in the family; death in the family or for recognized religious holidays of the student’s own faith; and shall be given the opportunity for makeup work.

Parent notes are still accepted to excuse an absence for illness; however, the absence still counts toward the five. Additionally, if a student is absent and sees a physician, those days are excused and exempted.

The new guidelines will not allow students to be excused for vacations or other family trips. As a result, parents should schedule vacations and necessary appointments during school breaks.

Extenuating circumstances will be considered but must be approved by the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance. The circumstances must be verified by a physician, nurse practitioner, or dentist in order to be considered as an official excuse from the attendance regulation. State law also allows exceptions based on the observance of special and recognized holidays of a student’s faith.

The only other exception to the law will be absences that are verified by the principal for the purposes of school system approved travel for education, a death in the family, or a natural catastrophe or disaster. Students who are participating in school-approved field trips and other instructional activities such as College Spring Testing (two days) and approved college visits will be considered present at school.

  1. Students shall not be excused for any absence other than those listed and shall not receive credit for assignments issued on those days missed.
  2. Students shall not be excused from school to work on any job, including agriculture and domestic service, even in their own homes or for their parents or tutors.
  3. Students participating in school approved activities which necessitate their being away from school shall be considered to be present and shall be given the opportunity for makeup work.
  4. Students who have extenuating circumstances and who are, therefore, eligible to receive grades shall not receive those grades if they are unable to complete makeup work or pass the course.

School Absence Procedures

  1. Excuses for absences must be written on a full sheet of paper and given to Student Services within two days of the absences. The note shall include: a) student’s full name; b) the day(s) the student was absent; c) the reason for the absence; d) parent or guardian’s name (and signature); e) date the excuse was written. Failure to send the note will result in the student not being able to make up work. Zeroes will be given. Excuses will not be accepted after two days of the student’s return to school.
  2. Upon returning to school, it is the student’s responsibility to work out a schedule with the teachers for making up work missed during the authorized absence.
  3. Upon the recommendation of the school principal, any student above the compulsory attendance age who has excessive absences that are unexcused may be dropped from the rolls for the remainder of the school term.
  4. Any student who is a juvenile and who is habitually absent or is habitually tardy shall be reported to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, and subsequently will be reported to the family or juvenile court of the parish or city as a truant child, pursuant to the provisions of Louisiana Children’s Code relative to families in need of services. A student shall be considered habitually absent or habitually tardy when either condition continues to exist after all reasonable efforts by the principal and teacher have failed to correct the condition after the fifth unexcused absence or fifth unexcused occurrence of being tardy within any month or if a pattern of five absences a month is established. (Ref: LA, R.S. 17:233).
  5. Students needing to make up excessive absences will be required to attend seat time. Seat time will be available the last eight Saturdays of each semester from 8:00am to 12:00pm in the school library. Students who have accumulated enough un-exempted absences to be assigned seat time will not be allowed to attend picnics or dances scheduled during the semester that seat time is owed.

Make-Up Policy

In order to make up assignments/tests, students must present a blue slip to his/her teachers verifying an excused absence upon returning to class within 2 days of the absence. Each teacher’s syllabus will include their make-up policy. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher to complete all make-up work in a timely manner.

Check Out Procedure

Northshore High School has a closed campus policy. Once students have arrived on school property, they cannot leave unless they check out through Student Services. Students are considered “on school property” once they arrive at a bus stop until they arrive home (if they ride the bus). If the student is driving, school property begins at entrance of Northshore High.

Students may check out during the first ten minutes of each class period or at the last ten minutes of the class period. Students will not be called out during the class period. Students that have a need to check out must follow the procedure listed below:

  1. A parent must call or write a note requesting that the student be allowed to check out. The note must contain the following:
    1. time of appointment; (NHS may call to verify appointment)
    2. name of person appointment is with
    3. a phone number where parent can be reached to confirm the note
    4. the phone number of the person with whom the appointment is made
    5. student’s means of transportation; or
    1. The student must notify the teacher that the student is not feeling well.
    2. The teacher will call Student Services and request that a parent be contacted for permission to leave. The student does not call the parent. Student Services must initiate the call.
    3. When the parent has been contacted, Student Services will call the classroom and instruct the student as to the parent’s directions.
    4. The student does as directed by Student Services.

    On exam days, short days or the day before a holiday a parent must come to school to pick up the student. Students may leave only at the end of the class period. The office will not interrupt a class to check out students. Students that leave campus or class without permission during exams, lunch, or at any other time will be disciplined accordingly.

    Late Arrival to School

    Students reporting to school after 7:25 are to check in through the front office. Students are issued an admit slip. The note will indicate if the tardy is excused or unexcused. Students will be warned on their 4 th tardy to school.

    1. On the 5 th tardy students will be given an afternoon detention from 2:50 to 3:20. Detention will be issued by the front office.
    2. On the 6 th tardy students will receive a Friday Detention.
    3. On the 7 th tardy students will receive a double Friday detention and they will be reported to the Supervisor for Child Welfare and Attendance.
    4. On the 8 th tardy students will be assigned 1 day of ISS and their parking permit will be revoked until the end of the semester.
    5. On the 9 th tardy students will be assigned 2 days of ISS.
    6. On the 10 th tardy and beyond, students will make up the time missed at the end of the semester during seat time. Failure to serve this will result in further disciplinary action.

    Student Medication Policy

    Parents are encouraged to work with physicians to schedule doses of medication that can be given at home for acute illnesses. Long-term illness and use of medication may require administration during school hours. In accordance with State law enacted to address the administration of all prescription and non-prescription drugs in schools, the St. Tammany Parish School Board has formulated the following regulations to be followed when a child must receive medication during school hours.

    Student Dress Code Policy

    Policies regarding dress and grooming stress the importance of reducing distractions that inhibit learning and are addressed as an attempt to enhance the safe learning environment of every student. Final interpretation of the dress code rests solely with the administration. The principal maintains the right to determine extremes in styles of dress and grooming. *Any article of clothing with suggestive symbols, words or advertisements of products or substances prohibited by the St. Tammany Board policy shall be prohibited.

    Uniforms will consist of the following options:

    Shirts

    Pants

    Shorts and Skirts

    Outerwear

    Grooming

    Other Requirements

    Electronic Device Policy

    Cell phone or other electronic devices (including but not limited to iPods, smart watches, iPads, MP3 players, and ear buds) that are visible (including in pockets of shorts/pants or sweatshirts) are considered in use. Cell phones/smart watches must be stowed in a backpack and turned to the OFF position during school hours. A cell phone/smart watch that rings during class or is being used to text is considered a disruption. Cell phones/smart watches are not permitted in bathrooms.

    Devices that are visible will be taken from the student and will only be returned to a parent/guardian with additional disciplinary action.

    *** Failure to give the device to a faculty or staff member upon request will result in an automatic suspension from school.

    Note: It is not the responsibility of NHS to investigate reports of missing electronic devices such as cell phones, earbuds, or other similar contraband that are brought to school by students. These items are considered contraband and therefore the school is under no obligation to recover them. Reports of missing electronic devices will be forwarded to the School Resource Officer if school officials feel it is appropriate.

    Northshore High School Discipline Policy

    The following Northshore High discipline plan has been established to promote desirable student conduct and behavior. The administration reserves the right to consider the academic placement, attitude, age, pattern of misconduct, degree of cooperation and any other aggravating or mitigating circumstances before taking disciplinary action. Acts of misconduct listed here are those classified as inappropriate student behaviors in the classroom or on the school grounds and those behaviors that disrupt the orderly educational process in the school or on the school grounds. These are listed under groups 1, 2, 3 of the Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records. Refer to the Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records for behaviors that seriously disrupt the educational process on the school grounds. These infractions and disciplinary actions for behaviors are listed under Groups 4 and 5.

    Electronic Device Policy

    Cell phone or other electronic devices (including but not limited to iPods, smart watches, iPads, MP3 players, and ear buds) that are visible (including in pockets of shorts/pants or sweatshirts) are considered in use. Cell phones/smart watches must be stowed in a backpack and turned to the OFF position during school hours. A cell phone/smart watch that rings during class or is being used to text is considered a disruption. Cell phones/smart watches are not permitted in bathrooms.

    Devices that are visible will be taken from the student and will only be returned to a parent/guardian with additional disciplinary action.

    *** Failure to give the device to a faculty or staff member upon request will result in an automatic suspension from school.

    Note: It is not the responsibility of NHS to investigate reports of missing electronic devices such as cell phones, earbuds, or other similar contraband that are brought to school by students. These items are considered contraband and therefore the school is under no obligation to recover them. Reports of missing electronic devices will be forwarded to the School Resource

    Officer if school officials feel it is appropriate.

    Consequences for Group 1, 2, or 3 Misbehavior

    Classroom Misbehavior

    Willful Disobedience

    Possession/Use of Tobacco/Tobacco Products/Lighter/ Electric Cigarette

    Possession and/or Use

    Off Limit Areas

    Dress Code Violation

    Leaving Class, Campus or Other Location w/o Permission

    Disrespect to Teacher/Staff

    Lying to school personnel; forgery

    2 nd offense – Friday detention

    3 rd offense- continue to advance on discipline ladder

    **Please refer to page 13 for State/National Testing Policy

    Testing Protocol

    Defacing or Destroying Property/Vandalism/Pranks

    Unauthorized Use of Computer or Web Site / Violation of Technology Agreement

    Using or Publishing Profane, Obscene, Indecent or Immoral, Libelous or Offensive Language, Including Racial Slurs, and/or Gestures

    Campus Disturbance

    In-school Support (ISS)

    Friday Detention

    Afternoon Detention

    Sexual Harassment

    The St. Tammany Parish School Board is committed to providing a safe and stable climate free from sexual harassment by students, Board Members, Superintendent, administrators, teachers, and other employees who have contact with or provide services for the Board or any other personnel associated with the Board and over whom the Board can exercise influence.

    The School System and the Board will not tolerate retaliation by anyone associated with the School System against one who files a complaint of sexual harassment.

    Some acts of sexual misconduct are considered criminal and are subject to prosecution. Northshore High School, the St. Tammany Parish School Board and the School System will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney in investigating and prosecuting such criminal offenses. Any person who alleges sexual harassment by a staff member should report their allegation to the principal. Any person who alleges sexual harassment by a student should report their allegation to the appropriate school personnel. Filing a grievance or otherwise reporting sexual harassment will not reflect upon the individual’s status, nor will it affect future employment, grades, or work assignments.

    Care of School Property

    The walls in the buildings, the furniture in the classrooms, gymnasium, library, cafeteria, etc., in fact, the building and whatever fixtures and equipment it contains are provided at great expense by your parents, the taxpayers. Every pupil should refrain from defacing or destroying school property. In order for our school grounds to remain clean, everyone may help by placing all paper and waste in proper containers. Any student damaging any school property, intentionally or through negligence, will be liable for such damages and subject to disciplinary action.

    Groups that need to hang signs in the building must first receive administrative approval. Hot glue guns, staple guns, strapping tape, electrical tape, nails or tacks should not be used. Signs should not be placed on painted wall surfaces, on windows or on the murals. Only masking tape should be used.

    Parking Privilege and Responsibilities

    The privilege of parking on campus is given to Seniors. If room is available, the privilege is extended to Juniors. A fee of $10.00 per year is charged for vehicle registration. Northshore High School assumes no responsibility for damage to vehicle while it is parked at Northshore High or for thefts that occur while vehicle is parked on school grounds. Drivers park at their own risk, park in appropriate areas, take care to properly lock the vehicle, and are careful to leave valuables at home. Items that must be left in the vehicle should be properly stored. Possession of a parking permit indicates that student has permission to drive to school. The permit does not guarantee a parking spot. Students may not sit in parked vehicles or return to vehicles during the school day, except when they have permission to leave campus.

    General Regulations:
    1. Eligible students who have provided a) proof of vehicle registration; b) proof of insurance; c) proof of grade classification; and, d) clearance slip (from school’s accountant); may purchase a parking permit for the current school year. Dates, times, and location for permit purchase will be announced.
    2. Parking permit must be securely attached to the rearview mirror of the appropriately registered vehicle. The parking permit is not transferable. If a car is sold and the permit is not available for return, an act of sale will be required. Permits are not transferable.
    3. A student’s driving privilege may be suspended:
      1. for continued excessive tardiness;
      2. 3 or more tickets that remain unpaid for more than six weeks;
      3. reckless operation of vehicle in parking lot;
      4. parking in restricted areas
      1. unregistered vehicle parked on campus;
      2. parking in non-designated areas;
      3. no parking permit visible (in wrong location; not properly secured;)
      4. permit on vehicle that has not been registered;
      5. parking in handicapped areas or sidewalks
      6. reckless driving; failure to follow posted directional arrows and signs
      FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PARKING REGULATIONS
      1. First offense results in driver being ticketed and fined $5.00. Driver has two weeks to pay the fine.
      2. Second offense results in driver being ticketed and fined $10.00. Driver has two weeks to pay the fine.
      3. Third offense results in driver being ticketed $15.00 and in losing driving privilege for six weeks. At the end of the six week period, driver must purchase a new sticker.
      4. Fourth offense results in driver being ticketed $20.00 and in losing driving privilege for one semester. A driver who drives while under driving suspension may be subject to school discipline.

      School Bus Regulations

      A. SCHOOL SPONSORED BUS TRIPS

      Students attending field trips, athletic events, and other school-related events are required to ride the school sponsored bus. An estimated time of return will be indicated on the permission slips. Parents must provide transportation to their own homes when buses return. No adult supervision will be provided beyond 15 minutes after the bus returns. Students must be picked up or drive home in their own vehicles prior to adult supervision ending.

      Students traveling to school sponsored events are required to observe all rules governing punctuality, conduct, and dress code as identified in St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline and Student Records and NHS Student Parent Handbook. Students are required to return on the same bus and are not allowed to leave the event in cars. Parents who wish to pick up their student must personally contact the sponsor of the activity. The school reserves the right to have these requests in writing at the beginning of the group’s season, or by the beginning of the week in which the event is being held.

      B. SCHOOL TRAVEL

      St. Tammany Parish School Board provides bus transportation for students to and from the home and the school. A pupil may be excluded from the bus for disciplinary reasons. Parents will be required to provide transportation during the time in which the child is excluded. Rules and regulations pertaining to bus conduct are distributed to students by bus drivers at beginning of the school year. It is the responsibility of the student to become acquainted with rules and regulations governing behavior on buses and at events scheduled on other campuses or at locations other than the school. These rules and regulations include use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and weapons, disrespect for authority figures, and fighting.

      C. FIELD TRIPS

      When field trips are scheduled to enhance the classroom work, students will be notified in advance of the date and time of the event; the return time of the bus; the cost of the event; and the need to contact the student’s teachers to learn of work that will be missed. The student will be excused from class, but will be required to complete all assignments, tests, and projects that are done during his or her absence. If buses are scheduled to return after the regular ending of the school day, adult supervision will not be provided beyond 15 minutes of the return to the school building. Parents must provide transportation for the student once buses have returned.

      Students are required to obey all St. Tammany Parish School Board and Northshore High School rules and regulations regarding dress code; appropriate conduct; use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons; fighting and other forms of misconduct. Refer to the St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records for more specific information.

      Fire/Tornado Drills

      FIRE DRILLS

      Fire drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important precaution. It is essential that when the first signal is given, everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible. The teacher in each classroom will give the students instructions. Exit maps are posted in each classroom.

      TORNADO DRILLS

      Tornado drills are also required as an important precaution. Instructions are posted in each classroom. It is necessary that students follow these instructions and their teachers’ instructions precisely.

      Lockers

      Each student who wishes to do so may use a hall locker to store textbooks. Students must use only the assigned locker and are cautioned against using the locker to store valuable items. The locker is loaned to the student and is subject to inspection by school administrators at any time. Lockers should not be used as safety deposit boxes because they can be forced open. The school is not responsible for money or articles stolen from lockers. Students may go to the lockers before school, between classes, and after school. Students may not leave class to go to lockers. Students should avoid giving their locker combinations to other students or leaving the lock set for later use.

      Gym lockers are available for use during PE class time. Students must provide their own padlocks for gym lockers. Students are advised that they should not leave money, jewelry and other valuables in the locker room during class time. Students are not assigned personal lockers in the gym so they should remove their items and the lock at the end of class. NHS is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

      Lost and Found

      Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money or expensive items to school. Students should avoid leaving book bags and other personal possessions unattended. The student, not the school, is responsible for his or her personal property. Students who find lost articles are asked to take these items to Student Services where these can be claimed by the owner.

      Food and Special Deliveries

      Students are not permitted to receive food deliveries or bring fast food items on campus. They must be consumed before entering school. Students will only be permitted to eat in the cafeteria or courtyard during breakfast and lunch periods.

      Parents/guardians/friends will not be permitted to drop off lunch or special food/gift deliveries to the front office. Additionally, any special deliveries (gifts, flowers, balloons, etc.) for students will not be accepted. Any food or delivery items left will be confiscated by the administration or staff.

      Lunch Program

      The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. To encourage good nutrition, a well- balanced lunch is offered at a reasonable price. The lunchroom management and your fellow students will appreciate your consideration in:

      1. Depositing all lunch litter in a wastebasket.
      2. Returning all trays and utensils to the dishwashing area.
      3. Leaving the table and floor around your place in a clean condition for others. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action by the administration.

      Students may purchase lunch through My Payments Plus or bring cash. Eligible students may apply for reduced lunch prices or for free lunch. Application forms are given to all students during first week of school. Forms may also be picked up in Student Services.

      Please see the School Meals page for more details, including Menus.

      Dances

      Students will be required to present a student ID before being admitted into school dances. Guest passes for non- Northshore High students may be required for dances. Passes are available two weeks prior to the scheduled dance and must be returned to the Front Office no later than the Wednesday preceding the dance. Guests to Northshore High dances must meet the following criteria:

      1. must be a high school student or a recent graduate under the age of 21.
      2. must receive signature from their own school principal
      3. has not been expelled from Northshore High School or any other school;
      4. have appropriate information on the guest pass form;
      5. remain at the dance until dismissal of all students.
      6. Must be cleared all debts on “Owe List”
      7. Any student who has been suspended twice will not be permitted to attend any dances.

      The NHS student and the guest are required to follow all NHS rules during the dance. Disciplinary action will be taken for those that behave inappropriately. Dances usually are scheduled from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Students may arrive up to ½ hour after the beginning of the dance and are allowed to leave after 10:00 P.M. All dances are “lock-in” dances. Once the student or guest arrives at a dance they will not be allowed to leave until the “lock-in” is over.

      Students may not be under the influence of alcohol (or other illegal substances) or have possession of alcohol on their person or in their vehicle or other mode of transportation. Students drinking any form of alcohol before a school dance will be deemed “under the influence.” The administration maintains the right to use local law enforcement and breath analyzers to determine if students are under the influence. Additionally, vehicles may be searched. Any alcohol or illegal substances found will result disciplinary action for all individuals in the vehicle and potentially may be subject to legal action. Note: Students guilty of alcohol offenses at dances or any other school activity will be suspended for 5 days. Any student found consuming alcohol at any school activity will be banned from attending any additional activities for the school year. Additionally, students will have to complete a counseling program. Party busses will not be allowed.

      Please download the Student Dance Behavior Agreement here.

      Class Fees

      The following fees are currently collected by the school:

      1. CLASS DUES – Each student will be required to pay $65 in class dues to offset the cost of events during senior year (picnic, graduation ceremony, etc.). This fee is spread out over the student’s four years ($5 freshman year, $10 sophomore year, $20 junior year, $30 senior year). All dues must be paid in full in order for a senior to attend Senior Prom.
      2. All cars must have an authorized parking decal. The cost of this decal is $10.00. Please purchase in the main office or at lunch in the commons.
      3. Some electives may require a fee for materials.

      Textbooks

      All textbooks at NHS are the property of the STPSB. Any loss or damage will result in a monetary fine. If a student loses a textbook, he or she will have to pay for it before another book will be issued. Writing in a textbook constitutes damage. Textbooks that have become wet for any reason will mildew and thus are a total loss. Students will be required to pay the full cost of water damaged books.

      Students should see the school librarian to pay for lost or damaged books. At the end of each semester, students must return the textbooks issued to him or her.

      Library

      The library is a place for students to get information for research purposes and to find materials for leisure reading. It is open before school, after school, and during lunch. All books, magazines, and reference materials may be checked out. Circulation and the card catalog are fully automated. The library has a networked CD ROM tower with encyclopedias, author databases, etc. Students may access an online full text periodical database from the library, classrooms throughout the school, and from home. The library is open from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

      Note: Students and parents must sign the Technology Use Agreement prior to having access to the Internet.

      Student Organizations

      Since the classroom work deals primarily with the mental or intellectual values associated with various subjects, the establishment of clubs has evolved to give students the opportunity to work with a group of like-minded young people in areas of interest outside the classroom.

      The purpose of clubs and organized efforts in our school are:

      1. to increase fellowship among groups of students with similar interest;
      2. to broaden the interests of students in different endeavors;
      3. to motivate and enrich classroom work;
      4. to develop worthy social ideals, attitudes and habits;
      5. to develop leadership qualities;
      6. to work together towards a common goal;

      Students seeking office or leadership positions must meet the following criteria: meet all eligibility requirements as stipulated in the group's constitution or charter;

      1. be "in good standing status;" See Regulations Concerning Clubs and Organizations section of this handbook.
      2. Have clearance slip from school's accountant indicating that all fees and fines have been paid

      Student Progress

      1. Interim reports: Issued at 4.5 weeks of each grading period to all students in all subjects. A robocall will be sent by the principal as a reminder to check JPAMS home. Refer to the school calendar for dates.
      2. Report cards: Issued at the end of each nine-week grading period. Cards are given to the student. The fourth nine- week report card is mailed to parents. Please be sure to maintain an updated mailing address. Refer to the school calendar for dates.
      3. Progress reports: Parents wishing to more closely monitor their child’s progress are encouraged to use JPAMS. If you have not received or have lost the logon passwords, please call the office.
      4. Final exams: Given the last week of each semester. Refer to the school calendar for dates.
        Students are not permitted to take exams early. They must get administrative approval for a make-up exam. Do not schedule trips or vacation during the exam week. The school calendar is available at STPSB.org and is put out (2) years in advance.

      Honor Roll Breakfast

      Students who have earned a 3.5 weighted or higher grade point average with the minimum grade of a B for the nine weeks will be invited to attend the PTSA Honor Roll Breakfast.

      NHS recognizes seniors with all A’s for the academic school year.

      Parent Conferences

      Parent request:

      Parents may request conferences with teachers, counselors, or the principal by telephoning the school at 649-6400. The school counselors will set up the conference with any teacher. Parents are encouraged to call for a conference with the teachers or administrators if they have questions that cannot be answered through email or a phone conversation.

      Discipline:

      A parent-student-teacher conference may be required as part of disciplinary action. The parent will be contacted to schedule the conference. A student may be excluded from class until the conference is completed. Conferences are scheduled before school or after school. If your student indicates they are having discipline problems in a particular class, please contact the individual teacher or the counselor to schedule a conference. A conference may help to avoid an office referral and disciplinary action.

      Accreditation

      Northshore High School is approved by the Louisiana State Department of Education and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

      Grading Scale/Classification/Class Rank

      GRADING SCALE

      The grading scale used by the entire school in all classes is the following:

      • 100-93 A = 4 quality points
      • 92-85 B = 3 quality points
      • 84-75 C = 2 quality points
      • 74-67 D = 1 quality point
      • 66- 0 F = no quality point

      STUDENT GRADE CLASSIFICATION

      • 9th grade 0 – 4.5 credits
      • 10th grade 5 - 10.5 credits
      • 11th grade 11 - 16.5 credits
      • 12th grade 17 credits or more

      CLASS RANK

      Students are ranked in class based on their number of quality points earned in grades 9 – 12 and not on GPA. Students have the opportunity to receive additional quality points by taking weighted honors, AP, gifted, DE Core courses in English, mathematics, science and social studies. An extra quality point will be given for an A, B, or C earned in a maximum of 16 weighted courses. Rank in class will be based on a maximum of 28 credits although some students may earn more than 28 credits. Students choosing to graduate early will jeopardize their standing in rank in class.

      Graduation Ceremony

      Participation in the public graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right, for the individual and his or her parents, and as such can be denied for reasonable cause or for punishment. In order to participate in the public ceremony, the student must have:

      1. Successful completion of the course of studies required by the state for graduation;
      2. Successful completion of LEAP 2025 tests; and
      3. Certification by school administrators as having followed the rules and regulations of the school to such a degree that the student has earned the privilege of being an active participant in the graduation ceremony. These rules and regulations specifically include:
        1. the section on suspension and expulsion as stated in the St. Tammany Parish Handbook on Attendance, Discipline, and Student Records;
        2. payments made for fees owed (includes homeroom fees, lab fees, athletic fees, parking lot fines, club fees, fees for dual enrollment, or online class fees); return of over-due library materials or payment for lost library materials; return of textbook that was issued to student by his or her teacher or payment for lost or damaged textbook; and
        3. adherence to rules and guidelines issued by administration related to practice and dress requirements. Requirements will be distributed in the fall semester.

        SPECIAL NOTE: All three requirements must be met before the student is allowed the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony.

        HONORS, AWARDS, RECOGNITION at graduation ceremony

        Honor graduates are those students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 (not rounded up) for four years of high school.

        The top ranked students are recognized individually at graduation and are presented with a medallion. The graduation committee, appointed by the principal, will select the commencement speaker and other student participants for the graduation program. Top candidates for commencement speaker will present the speech to a panel of judges. Criteria for the speaker will include: member “in good standing” in the senior class; indication of interest in giving the speech (by submitting a speech for consideration); speaking and writing ability; citizenship; character; well-rounded involvement at Northshore High School activities; leadership; attendance at Northshore High School for a minimum of four semesters prior to graduation. The graduation committee will select other speaking roles for the graduation ceremony.

        Graduation Requirements

        See your grade level guidance counselor for information regarding graduation requirements.

        TUITION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS (TOPS)

        Louisiana’s Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state merit-based scholarships.

        For more information about TOPS, visit www.osfa.state.la.us or call 1-800-259-5626, extension 1012.

        TOPS applications are completed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available in guidance after January 1st or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

        School Counselors and Related Services

        The school has four full time school counselors. Counselors are available before school, during lunch, and after school. Parents should call and make an appointment when a personal conference is requested with the guidance counselor.

        School counselors participate in class meetings at the beginning of the year to acquaint the students with the counseling services available. Additionally, parents and students can find current counseling information on the Northshore High School Counseling page.

        State and National Testing Procedures

        TESTING SECURITY POLICY

        Any student found cheating or in violation of the testing procedures will receive a zero on the test. In addition, the student will receive disciplinary action of one day out of school suspension. If the actions of the student result in the voiding of all class scores, additional disciplinary action may be taken.

        LEAP 2025 TESTING

        LEAP 2025 tests measure the knowledge and skills a student should have mastered by the end of the course. The results of these tests help ensure that all Louisiana students have access to a rigorous curriculum that meets high academic standards. These tests will assess student learning in the following high school courses:

        1. Algebra I
        2. English I
        3. English II
        4. Geometry
        5. Biology
        6. American History

        Any student enrolled in and/or receiving credit for an LEAP 2025 course, regardless of grade, inclusive of middle school students taking high school courses for high school credit, is required to take the LEAP 2025 test upon completion of that course.

        Students must meet the assessment requirements below to earn a diploma.

        Students must pass three LEAP 2025 Tests in the following categories:

        1. English I, English II
        2. Algebra I or Geometry
        3. Biology or American History


        PSAT:

        a practice test for the SAT that gives 11th grade students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. 9th and 10th grade students can take the test for practice. The test is administered on a scheduled school day in the fall. Registration is held during the month of September in the guidance office and a fee is required.

        ACT:

        the ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college- level work. This assessment is open to all students. By Louisiana State Law, all eleventh graders are required to participate in ACT state testing during the spring semester. For more information and online registration visit: www.actstudent.org.

        Career And Technical Education Compliance Notice

        Career and Technical Education courses are available at all STPPS secondary sites and are open to all students. STPPS adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. The Title IX and Title II Coordinator is Mike Cossé, 321 N Theard Street Covington, La. 70433; phone (985) 892-2276; email Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org.

        The 504 Coordinator is Candice Dozier, Harrison Curriculum Center, 706 W 28th Avenue Covington, La. 70433; phone (985) 898-3311; email Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org.

        All students have the opportunity to participate in Career & Technical Programs of Study including, but not limited to, areas of Health Care, Construction Crafts & Trades, IT Computer Technology, Culinary Programs, and Agriculture. Admission requirements for each course can be found in the student course guide/schedule packet of the individual campus where the course is being offered. Please contact the guidance counselor at the specific school site for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.

        Notificación Pública

        Cursos de carrera y educación técnica están disponibles en todos los sitios secundarios de STPPS y están abiertos a todos los estudiantes. STPPS se adhiere a las disposiciones de igualdad de oportunidades de las leyes federales y los derechos civiles y no discrimina por raza, color, origen nacional, religión, edad, sexo, orientación sexual, estado civil o discapacidad. La coordinadora del programa de Title IX and Title II es Mike Cossé, 321 N Theard Street Covington, La. 70433; teléfono (985) 892-2276; correo electronico Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org.

        La coordinadora de las services de 504 es Candice Dozier, Harrison Curriculum Center, 706 W 28th Avenue Covington, La. 70433; teléfono (985) 898-3311; correo electronico Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org.

        Todos los estudiantes tienen la oportunidad de participar en los programas de carrera y de estudio técnico, incluyendo pero no limitado a, las áreas de salud, artes y oficios de construcción, IT Tecnología de computadoras, programas culinarios y la agricultura.

        Requisitos de admisión para cada curso pueden encontrarse en el paquete de guía/calendario del curso de la escuela donde se ofrece el curso. Póngase en contacto con el consejero de la escuela para obtener información adicional, los requisitos del programa o cualquier duda que tenga.

        Thông Báo Hàng Năm

        Các khoá học Giáo Dục Nghề Nghiệp và Kĩ Thuật diễn ra ở các địa điểm hai của STPPS và dành cho tất cả học sinh. STPPS tuân thủ theo các quy định về cơ hội bình đẳng của luật liên bang và quyền dân sự và không phân biệt đối xử trên cơ sở chủng tộc, màu da, nguồn gốc quốc gia, tôn giáo, tuổi tác, giới tính, khuynh hướng giới tính, tình trạng hôn nhân, hoặc khuyết tật. Điều phối viên Điều IX và Điều II là Mike Cossé, 321 N Theard Street Covington, La. 70433; điện thoại (985) 892-2276; email Michael.Cosse@stpsb.org.

        Điều phối viên 504 là Candice Dozier, Harrison Curriculum Center, 706 W 28thA venue Covington, La. 70433; điện thoại (985) 898-3311; email Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org.

        Tất cả học sinh có cơ hội tham gia Chương Trình Học Nghề Nghiệp và Kĩ Thuật bao gồm nhưng không giới hạn các lĩnh vực như Chăm Sóc Sức Khỏe, Xây Dựng & Ngoại Thương, IT Công nghệ máy tính, Chương Trình Ẩm Thực, và Nông nghiệp. Yêu cầu cho mỗi khoá học có thể tìm thấy ở hồ sơ hướng dẫn khoá học và thời khoá biểu cho học sinh tại các trường tổ chức lớp học. Vui lòng liên hệ nhân viên tư vấn hướng dẫn tại các địa điểm trường học cụ thể để biết thêm chi tiết, yêu cầu chương trình và/hoặc các thắc mắc của bạn.

        Non-Discrimination Notice

        The St. Tammany Parish School Board does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, disability, or gender in its educational programs and activities (including employment and application for employment), and it is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of gender by Title IX (20 USC 168) and on the basis of disability by Section 504 (42 USC 794).

        Discipline Ladder

        • Tardies
        • Cell Phone
        • IDs
        • Dress Code
        • Failure to Serve
        • Skipping School or Class (Remaining on Campus)
        • Cheating/Lying/Forgery
        • PDA
        • Disrespect to Authority
        • Profanity
        • Traffic Violation
        • Skipping School (Off-Campus)
        • Fighting
        • Repeated Escalation