Parent Info
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INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS
IS LISTED BELOW IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY HEADING.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ AND REVIEW THIS INFORMATION
WITH YOUR OVERLEA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT.
ABSENCE DUE TO FAMILY VACATION : Parent(s) and guardian(s) are encouraged to schedule family vacations that coincide with regularly scheduled school vacations and holidays. Requests to excuse absence due to family vacation and/or travel will be denied. Please be informed.
ABSENTEEISM : (See “Attendance Policy”) Regular attendance to school is a priority. Maryland and State standards expect students to be absent from school fewer than ten days per year. Students who are absent 20% of scheduled school days are subject to withdrawal from school.
ADMINISTRATOR/COUNSELOR ORGANIZATION : Students are assigned alphabetically (by student's last name) to administrators and guidance counselors. Please see the chart below to determine your assignment.
Administrators:
Ms. E. Parker
Principal
Mr. C. Demback
AP - Falcon Academy (grade 9) Coordinator
Ms. A. Hearn
AP - Grade 11
Ms. P. Spaight
AP – Talon Academy (grade 10)
Coordinator for grade 12 by alphabetical order
Mr. B. Malinowski
Athletic Dir. - Athletic Programs, Physical Facilities; use of facilities
Counselors :
Ms. J. Stump
Grade 9
Ms. M. Allender
Grade 10 - 12
Mr. S. Tormey
Grade 10 - 12
Ms. K. Wing
Department Chairperson, Grade 10 -12
*Students in grades 10-12 will be assigned in alphabetical order
ASSEMBLIES : Although the instructional program is rarely interrupt, we do occasionally schedule assemblies, which we consider valuable educational experiences. For this reason, requests for early dismissals which coincide with assemblies will usually be denied.
ATTENDANCE POLICY : Regular attendance and promptness to school and class are vital to the academic success of each student. Every family is encouraged to discuss the importance of promptness to, and attendance in, all scheduled classes. Under guidelines established by the State Board of Education, a student who misses a class more than ten percent of the days for unexcused reasons shall fail. A student who misses more than twenty percent for any reason is subject to failure of the class work portion of the course grade. In other words, students who miss three days (in any marking period) for unexcusedreasons such as truancy or indifference will fail the course. Students who miss five days (in any marking period) for any reason, are subject to fail the classwork portion (fifty percent of the total grade) of the course. For these reasons, it is imperative that regular attendance becomes a priority for all students. Please, discuss the importance of regular attendance with your child.
After an excused absence, a student has THREE DAYS TO MAKE UP MISSED WORK. All students are required to supply a written note from parent(s) or guardian(s) explaining the absence or lateness. Notes for absences are due no later than the third day after returning to school; notes for lateness to school are due the day of the lateness.
Please be informed - Students who are absent 20% or more of the time may be subject to administrative withdrawal from school. You will be notified in writing, by the principal or assistant principal, that your child is in danger of dismissal. It is in the best interest of students to adhere to BCPS policy regarding attendance. To avoid the interruption of services to your child, please respond promptly when notified by a school official regarding attendance.
Seniors who are absent 36 days from school shall be withdrawn. Please avoid this dramatic consequence by regular contact with school officials and your insistence your child attend school regularly.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT : On Thursday, September 6, you will have an opportunity to visit classes and meet the faculty to receive an overview and requirements of courses. Following a brief meeting of all parents in the school auditorium at 6 p.m., you will follow your child's schedule. Each class period will be ten minutes. (Refer to last page of newsletter.)
CELLULAR TELEPHONES : As of July 2002, Maryland law prohibits the use of cellular telephones on school grounds. Although owning and/or possessing cell phones is legal (and permitted), the use of them is STRICTLY PROHIBITED from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. IMPORTANT: Use of cellular phones while riding on school buses is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and may result in loss of bus services privileges. If a student uses a cell phone in school, the first offense will result in confiscation of the phone until the end of the school day. On the second offense a parent is required to come to school to retrieve the student’s cell phone. Students who refuse to relinquish phone will be suspended for three days for failure to follow school rules and failure to follow directions.
CHECKS: We do not accept checks for payment of school obligations. Cash, money orders and certified checks are accepted.
DAILY BELL SCHEDULE : Please note the daily bell schedule for the 2007-2008 school year. Homeroom will begin at 7:45 a.m. and the last class will end at 2:15 p.m.
Warning Bell 7:40 a.m.
Period 1 (Mod 1) 7:45 - 9:06 a.m.
Homeroom 9:11 - 9:19 a.m.
Travel Time 9:19 - 9:24 a.m.
Period 2 (Mod 2) 9:24 - 10:45 a.m.
Travel Time 10:45 - 10:50 a.m.
Mod 3 (A Lunch) 10:50 - 11:20 a.m.
Period 3 (Mods 4,5,6) 11:20 - 1250 p.m.
Mod 4 (B Lunch) 11:20 - 11:50 a.m.
Period 3 (Mods 3,5,6) 10:50 - 11:20 a.m. & 11:50 - 12:50 p.m.
Mod. 5 (C Lunch) 11:50 - 12:20 p.m.
Period 3 (Mods 3,4,6) 10:50 - 11:50p.m.
Period 3 (Mods 3,4,5) 10:50 - 12:20 p.m.
Travel Time 12:50 - 12:55 p.m.
Period 4 (Mod. 7) 12:55 - 2:15 p.m
Dismissal
EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARDS : In the interest of school safety, accurate emergency information is essential. Enclosed you will find two emergency cards. PARENTS OR GUARDIANS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE CARDS. List your home, cell and work numbers on the cards. You may also add beeper numbers or email addresses. These cards will be collected in homerooms between August 29 and September 8. During a medical emergency the school must be able to contact you. After September 8, no student may participate in extra-curricular activities without submitting a completed emergency card.
EARLY EXCUSES : In the interest of student safety, the following guidelines have been established regarding early excuses from school. From time to time, students will need to leave school before dismissal. Parents/Guardians are asked to make every effort to schedule appointments so that they do not conflict with instructional hours. In the event you decide your student needs an early dismissal, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
Students who are being picked up from school by a parent/guardian should show a note from the parent/guardian to the front office secretary between 7:00-7:40 a.m. The front office secretary will verify the validity of the note by calling the parent. Therefore, the note should include the student's name, name/signature of parent/guardian, the reason for leaving school and the phone number we can use tocontact you. We believe this will add an additional layer of security for all students. The parent/grandparent/guardian who is picking up the student MUST come into the main office and BE PREPARED TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION.
For students who drive themselves or walk from school, the process is very similar. A note from the parent/guardian must be submitted to the main office between 7:00-7:40 a.m. An Overlea High School staff member will verify the legitimacy of the note by contacting the parent or guardian. Once the note is verified the student will be allowed to leave school at the predetermined time.
If a parent cannot be reached to verify the validity of the note, the STUDENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. Therefore, it is imperative you inform the office when work or home phone numbers or addresses are changed.
We will not release students to persons who are not listed on the emergency card. We are unable to take telephone approval since we are unable to verify callers.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES : Electronic devices designed for personal entertainment are prohibited. These include CD, MP and tape players, as well as radios. Any device being used during school hours is subject to confiscation by school officials. Students are encouraged to leave electronic devices at home. As with phones, parents must retrieve them after the second offense. We will return them, at the end of the day, for the first offense.
FALL ATHLETIC PRACTICE : If you are interested in participating in fall athletics, please report to Overlea High School on Wednesday, August 15 th . For information relating to athletics and health physicals, please go to highschoolsportsnet.com or call Mr. Bruce Malinowski, Athletic Director, at 410-887-5428 for additional information. Please come to the practice with your signed parent permission form and your completed medical form on August 15 th. The practice schedule for the first week will be announced at that time. A student-athlete may not practice or participate without completed paperwork.
FREE AND REDUCED PRICE BREAKFAST/LUNCH APPLICATIONS AND SCHOOL
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PARENT PREPAYMENT FORM FOR 2007-2008 : Applications for Free and Reduced Breakfast/Lunch and Breakfast/Lunch Parent Prepayment Form will be available to your child from his/her homeroom teacher or the cafeteria manager. If your student was a participant in the Free/Reduced Lunch program last school year, he/she will receive breakfast/lunch for the month of September. Please remember that all students, even those who registered for this program last year, must register for this school year's program. Please return the completed application as soon as possible, since processing applications takes approximately ten days.
GYM UNIFORMS: Students are required to wear uniforms during physical education classes. Uniforms may be purchased at the school store, located in the cafeteria. Cost of the uniforms are:
Sizes Sm., Med., Large $20.00; X-Large $21.00; XXL $22.00; XXXL $23.00
HALLWAY PASSPORTS/EXCUSE FROM CLASS: Every quarter, students receive “Hallway Passports.” The Hallway Passport is the “hall pass” on which permission to travel throughout the school is written. In the interest of school safety, NO STUDENT MAY LEAVE A CLASSROOM WITHOUT A COMPLETED HALLWAY PASSPORT. For this reason, the hallway passport is a valuable document and should be kept secure by each student.
HOMECOMING: Homecoming festivities will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2007
LATENESS TO SCHOOL AND TO CLASS: Please click on the link below.
LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS: From time-to-time students lose money, jewelry, phones and other expensive possessions in school. To prevent this misfortune, we recommend that valuables, including expensive jewelry, be left at home. Also, it is strongly suggested students refrain from bringing large amounts of money to school. Overlea High School is not responsible for lost or stolen items due to negligence. Students should not share lockers or locker combinations with others.
PARENT/GUARDIAN VISITATION : Sometimes parents/guardians visit school and ask to speak to their student(s). This tends to be very disruptive to the school program; therefore, in an emergency we will deliver messages to the student(s) unless you are taking the student out of school.
SATURDAY SCHOOL : On select Saturdays during the school year, we offer class from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. The Saturday School program is an alternative to suspension. In certain cases, when students misbehave, the administrator may assign Saturday School as an alternative to suspension. During this three hour class, students complete missing class work assignments, participate in discussion regarding proper behavior in school, and conduct community service to the school. Punctuality to the Saturday class is essential as no one will be admitted after 8:30 a.m. Assignment to Saturday class will be done with parent/guardian notification. Failure to report to an assigned Saturday class shall result in suspension from school.
SCHOOL INSURANCE : This year the school system will offer Basic and Economy student accident insurance packages for student purchase. The coverage plans include 24-hour coverage, school-time coverage, football coverage, and an optional dental plan. Insurance forms will be available to students beginning August 28.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES : In an effort to save you money, we recommend that you send your child to school with the following supplies: a 3-ring binder, pens (blue or black), pencils (#2) and loose leaf paper. Teachers will tell students specifically what other supplies may be needed during the first week of school.
SEXUAL ABUSE AND/OR HARRASSMENT : Any person who has been a victim of sexual abuse should report the incident to any staff member who will in turn report to the Department of Social Services. Please encourage your student to report any incidents of sexual abuse or physical or verbal harassment.
SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS : This program is a statewide initiative that places Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) counselors on-site at various schools throughout the state. These counselors monitor and respond immediately to attendance issues, referrals for disruptive behavior, suspensions, and drop-out issues for students who are under the DJJ's Supervision. They will help deter disruptive and delinquent behavior and assist the families of the students, especially siblings, who may be experiencing similar difficulties in school. Prevention and early intervention services are also being offered to other-at-risk students who are either referred by the school administrators or who are in crisis. Overlea High is fortunate to have Probation Officer, Ms. Maria Kaminski, working with us to assist your child.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR : Of particular concern to the faculty and staff of Overlea High School is providing a rich educational experience in which students learn respect and tolerance for others, and one in which civility toward everyone is expected. Students are reminded that whenever a staff member asks afor his/her name, the answer should be prompt and direct. Parents, please discuss this simple expectation with your child.
At the beginning of the year, school administrators will review the Baltimore County Behavior Handbook with all students. All students will receive a copy of the BCPS Student Behavior Handbook. We ask that you, too, read and familiarize yourself with its contents. Please sign and return the last page of the handbook during the first week of school. This is a BCPS requirement.
STUDENT DRESS: Student dress and grooming are the responsibility of the student and his/her parents or guardians. The school, too, feels the obligation to prepare students to dress and behave appropriately in various situations (regular school day, field trips, athletic events, work, formal and informal social gatherings). Parents are requested to ensure that students adhere appropriate dress. Shirts containing printed statements and/or pictures that endorse sexual activity or violent behavior, the use of drugs or alcohol, or that demean others due to race, religion, national origin, or sex are not allowed. Sunglasses, hats, caps, headbands, bandannas, visors or coats are not to be worn in thebuilding during the school day. Footwear is required in the school building at all times. During the months of August, September, May, and June, hot weather may dictate wearing apparel suited for hot temperatures. However, short-shorts, swimwear, backless garments, spandex tights/shorts/skirts, bare midriffs, and muscle shirts are not appropriate for school.
COATS: Students are required to leave their coats in lockers during the school day. In the interest of school safety, no coat which is designed to be worn outdoors, shall be permitted in classrooms during school hours.
Here is a short summary of expectations for student dress:
Please be informed:
-Midriffs must be covered
-Backs and shoulders must be covered by the same garment
-Shorts and skirts must be longer than the length of your arms and fingers when held at your side
-Shirts must be "outerwear" (as opposed to underwear).
-Shoes should be firmly attached to the feet (and not present a hazard to anyone).
Clothing inappropriate for school:
* See OHS Dress Code included in this informational packet for specific expectations.
STUDENT LOCKERS : All students will be assigned a locker on the first day of school, in homeroom. All hall lockers have a built-in combination lock. Although lockers in the boys' locker room have a built-in combination lock, male students must still bring their own combination lock to use on their gym lockers. Overlea High School shall not be responsible for loss due to theft.
STUDENT PARKING : Students who register with the School Resource Officer are permitted to park in the student parking area. Students who fail to register their vehicles may be subject to disciplinary measures and/or forfeiture of parking privileges. A $5.00 fee will be charged to offset the cost of the parking sticker. The Baltimore County Public School System is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal property on the parking lot. A vehicle's registration does not guarantee a place to park. Parking is first-come, first serve. The area designated for faculty and staff members may not be used by student drivers, including the parking lot behind the gymnasium. Students must obey all traffic laws, including posted speed limits. Students will be charged if they break Maryland vehicular laws.
STUDENTS PROGRESS:
Report cards are issued four times a year:
Monday, November 15, 2007 Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008 Mailed home during June
Parents are encouraged to communicate with school personnel by contacting your child's teachers, counselor, and/or administrator to ensure your student's success in school. Each BCPS employee has a voice box accessible by dialing 410-887-5241. Also, all teachers have email addresses. Use first initial and last name , (e.g: Jane Doe would be jdoe@bcps.org). M any BCPS personnel have the same email names. You should check “Properties” to ensure you are reaching the intended person.
Teachers will issue interim reports to all students in every subject. This individual report will provide an update of student progress for every course the student is taking. These reports will be delivered to students during class halfway thru of every quarter.
On three occasions during the school year, there are scheduled Parent/Teacher Conference Night, from 5-7 p.m. These occasions are scheduled so parents, students, and teachers can meet and discuss student progress. The dates are:
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
STUDENT USE OF LAVATORIES : Few issues are of greater concern for students. To minimize the occasions when students leave their classes, we encourage students to be mindful of their needs and plan their visits to the restroom. Each quarter, students will be issued a specific number of bathroom passes that can be used to leave instruction in an emergency. Students can use the lavatories located near the cafeteria at lunch time without using their passes. Lavatories are available to students before and after school.
STUDENT'S SCHEDULE : Included in this mailing are schedules for upperclass students. Student schedules are created based on the course registration (which occurs in the spring). Because teachers were hired and assigned to Overlea by course requests and alternate selections of students, schedule changes are difficult to make. However, if there is a computer error or if you have any questions about your schedule, please report to the Student Services Office on the following days:
Wednesday, August 15 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seniors
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 16 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sophomores
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Juniors
If you have any questions, please call the Student Services Office at 410-887-5243.
TARDINESS/PUNCTUALITY : Punctuality is a priority at Overlea High School. Students are expected to be on time for school and all classes. Students should be in first period class by 7:45 a.m. Any student who arrives to school after 7:45 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (and report to the main office to sign-in). Three unexcused lateness results in one unexcused absence.
Students who are late to class or school without permission shall be denied entry to class and will be sent to a study room for detention (for the entire period.) Lateness to class will be recorded as unexcusedabsences. Three unexcused absences in any class shall result in failure for the quarter. Therefore, to avoid such dramatic consequences any student who is late must be accompanied by a parent after 7:45 a.m. or must have a signed hall pass from an Overlea High School staff member.
TELEPHONES : When an emergency situation prompts you to call your son or daughter at school, we will make intentional efforts to verify the identity of the caller because of security concerns. Please limit telephone calls that interrupt the instructional program. In any case, messages will be delivered to students at an appropriate time so that classroom instruction will not be interrupted. We will allow students to use their cell phones, in the office, if you must speak to them because you have an emergency.
Student Use of School Telephones : In response to concerns by parents and guardians regarding telephone access to Overlea High School, office phones are not available to students. Because of the limited number of telephone lines at Overlea, students should use the pay phones for personal use. Students are permitted to use the pay phones nearest the cafeteria during lunch time.
For student-initiated phone calls, students may request permission from a teacher to use a pay phone (for 50 cents).
In all other cases, the school nurse or administrators may decide to make a phone call on behalf of the student.
(Students are reminded that as of July, 2002 by Maryland law the use of cellular telephones and pagers
is prohibited on school grounds. See Cellular Telephones)
TRANSPORTATION: Students are REQUIRED to carry their bus cards and will be, at any time, be requested to show it to school officials, including bus drivers. In fact, without a bus card, a student may not ride the school bus. While at bus stops and when riding BCPS busses, students are subject to all BCPS policies and regulations. Students who ride buses should report to the bus stops assigned last spring. Bus cards will be distributed in homeroom during the first week of school. Bus stop information is enclosed. Please arrive at the bus stop by 6:30 a.m. on the first day of school. Students in the Academy of Finance magnet program and special education programs who live outside of the area will receive separate bus information in August. Students may not change their bus or bus stop without written permission from an assistant principal or the principal. Failure to get permission will result in suspension from the bus for a designated period.
In the interest of safety, students are urged to travel to and from school in pairs. Students should also notify parents if they are planning to remain after school. Students must be under the direct supervision of faculty members when they stay after school.
Your bus stop number is listed on the upper right hand corner of the label on the front of the mailing envelope. Please check enclosed bus stop list, included, to locate your bus stop.
YEARBOOK: Seniors in the Class of 2008 will be photographed on July 26, 2007, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the library. Appointment cards will be sent to each senior by LifeTouch. If you do not receive an appointment time, please report on July 26, 2007.
Overlea High School
Dress Code
We are committed to providing a first-rate education for all students.
We want every student poised for success in college, military service and/or the workplace.
As we work to create a more positive, civil, academic-centered environment at Overlea High School, we recognize a need to clarify our dress code. The purpose of the dress code has always been:
The administration and faculty appreciates the cooperation of every parent and student as we begin another school year. While we realize fashion styles are varied and students express themselves through style choices, we are committed to making students aware of what constitutes appropriate attire at school and at work. Overlea’s dress code will be in effect during the school day and at school-sponsored activities unless we announce a relaxation of the dress code.
The OHS Dress Code prohibits these items: