AHS Handbook 22-23

1. Each student must complete a total of 220 credits including:

2. Each student must attain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of not less than 1.75 to graduate.

3. Each student shall complete a total of 20 hours of volunteer community service work prior to graduation, preferably at a non-profit, community-based, organization. Any hours not completed at a non-profit will be subject to administrator approval.

4. UC/CSU Admission "A-G" Requirements: Grades of C or higher required

1. AHS students will demonstrate academic integrity by completing their own work and being evaluated based upon that work.

2. Plagiarism is copying another person’s words, artistic expressions or ideas and presenting them as your own.

3. Cheating is a form of dishonesty where a student attempts to give the appearance of a level of knowledge or skill that the student has not obtained. This includes copying another person's work or letting someone copy from you, using unauthorized materials or tools, and collaborating on a test or assignment without authorization. A student who helps another student cheat is equally guilty.

4. Other academic misconduct includes acts which attempt to gain unfair advantages over other students including changing or altering grades, obtaining advance copies of tests or other materials, and submitting the same work for more than one class without disclosure and approval.

5. The consequences for cheating and plagiarism at AHS are as follows:

• The student who cheats or plagiarizes will earn a grade of zero for the assignment with no opportunity to make it up. Parents and administrators will be notified. Students who assist other students in cheating or plagiarizing will receive the same consequences.

• The student who commits a second offense, in addition to the above, may receive other consequences.

All Alameda Unified School District students are held to a high standard of behavior. Seniors are also privileged to participate in many positive school-sanctioned senior activities. These include; AUSD Graduation Ceremony, Senior Prom/Ball, Senior Banquet and Senior Picnic. Note: Student participation in any non-sanctioned activities (e.g. senior cut day or any senior prank) may result in disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to suspension, and may include loss of the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony.  

• Any senior’s first suspension will result in the denial of participation in one of the above senior privileges at the discretion of the school site administrator.  

• Any senior’s second suspension will result in loss of all remaining senior privileges, and may include the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony.

• Each semester, seniors who have more than one truancy notice and/or are not passing all of their classes with a D or higher during that semester will be ineligible to participate in senior activities that semester.

• Any senior with more than 10 unexcused period absences without a valid medical excuse may be denied participating in one of the above senior privileges at the discretion of the school site administrator.

1. Excused Absences: Excused absences can be verified by a parent calling the attendance office or sending a note which includes the student’s name, AHS ID#, reason for absence, date and time of absence, and the signature of the parent. When a student has an excused absence they are not allowed to be on campus or in the media center.

2. Unexcused Absences: When a student has an unexcused absence from school, the parents will be notified via email, text or phone depending on your preferences in our communications system. In addition, unexcused absences may lead to discipline by both the school and the district. These disciplines can include detentions and/or truancy letters and exclusion from school activities.

3. Clearing Absences: All absences must be cleared within three (3) days of a student returning to school by the parent. This can be done either by telephone, sending a note, or emailing the Attendance Office. The Attendance Office is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Students will only be assisted in the Attendance Office for an absence clearing purpose in the morning from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. during break time, and lunchtime. Teachers are not to send any student out of class during class time to the Attendance Office to clear any absence.

If you have any attendance concerns, please call or email our attendance staff, according to your student’s last name. If your student’s Last Name begins with the letter A - L, please call Patricia Derieg at 1-510-337-7022, extension 22757, or email: pderieg@alamedaunified.org. If your student’s Last Name begins with the letter M - Z, please call Cynthia Rosenthal at 1-510-337-7022, extension 22756, or email: crosenthal@alamedaunified.org.

A student is officially tardy if they enter the classroom after the final bell has finished ringing to begin the class period.

Tardy to the First Class of the Day: Students will be assigned lunchtime detention each day for tardiness to the first class of the day. Each day the attendance office will run a list of students with unexcused tardies to first period, 30 minutes into the school day. If a student is on this list, the office will send written notification that they must attend detention in the cafeteria that same day during the lunch hour. Lunch will be available for students to purchase from the cafeteria. A campus supervisor or school administrator will monitor detention.

Tardy to the Class After Lunch: Students tardy to their class after lunch will be assigned lunchtime detention the following day in the cafeteria.

Tardy to Other Classes: Teachers may have individual tardy policies and may hold their own detentions and consequences for tardiness to their classes, which can include classroom cleanup duties and may affect student grades. Students who are tardy to classes besides the first class of the day and after lunch, may be referred to the office for further discipline at the discretion of the Administration.

Persistent tardiness may result in the student being put on the exclusion list from the privilege of participating in the following school sponsored extra‐curricular activities, including but not limited to Athletic Teams, Drama, Band, Choir, Leadership (e.g., student body officers and representatives), School Assemblies, Sports Games and Dances (including Winter Ball, Junior Prom, and Senior Ball).

A student is considered truant if they are absent three class periods without a valid excuse in one school year, and/or are tardy for more than 30- minutes at the beginning of the period, or any combination thereof. Once your student reaches any combination of 3 missing class periods or 30 minute tardies, the attendance office will generate a truancy letter that will be sent home to the parent/guardian. After multiple truancy letters, a truant student maybe subject to prosecution and/or suspension/revocation of his/her driving privilege (Vehicle Code 13202.7). Moreover, a truant student is also subject to suspension/revocation of any work permit acquired at the high school.

All visitors must report to the welcome office before going to any other location on the campus. We do not authorize student visitors on campus. Any and all non-students with no apparent business to be on campus will be asked to leave campus immediately. All non-students without official business are notified that they are trespassing on school grounds. Returning to campus will result in Alameda Police being contacted for removal from campus.

1. Referral Process for Violating Classroom or School Rules: If a staff member writes a referral to the Dean after making attempts to work with a student and family on disruptive behavior, the Dean will work with the student, teacher and family on appropriate interventions. Subsequent interventions may include, but are not limited to:
   1. Parent/guardian accompanies student to school and attends classes with him/her
   2. Administrative Detention
   3. Teacher Suspension from class
   4. On Campus Suspension
   5. Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion from school
   6. Referral to Counseling services (if deemed appropriate)
   7. Community Service with an approved agency orgroup
   8. Other Restorative Consequences
2. Detention: Detention occurs every day at lunch in the cafeteria. During Administrative Detention, students are required to come prepared with school assignments and/or reading material and stay for the entire period. Use of phones is not permitted. Any student with missed detentions will be ineligible to participate in school sports and activities.
3. Teacher Initiated Suspension: A teacher may suspend any pupil from class, for any of the acts enumerated in California Education Code (Section 48910) for the day of the suspension and the day following. The teacher must contact the parent/guardian and hold a conference meeting the day of the teacher suspension. During the suspension, the student must be provided assignments for the classes missed.
4. Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards and Other Alternate Forms of Transportation are not to be utilized on campus during normal school hours or during extended school hours (games, activities, weekend campus activities, etc.). If used for transportation to/from school, students must store and secure them in the bicycle storage area or in a classroom at their own risk. Failure to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary action. AHS is not responsible for the loss or theft of any of these items.
5. Alameda Unified School District’s full progressive discipline policy can be found in the student handbook.

Alameda High School is a closed campus during instructional time, breaks and passing periods. Students may not leave campus for any reason unless they have an off-campus pass (exception: lunch period). Students who are caught off campus (except during lunch period) will receive lunch time detention.

Students remain in classrooms or instructional areas until dismissed by the teacher. Physical education students must remain in the gym area with the teacher until the passing bell rings. Each time a student (including all Student Office Aides) is given permission to leave the classroom for any reason, a signed pass must be issued by the permitting adult. Any student found loitering and/or wandering in the hallways will be directed back to class. Students outside of class during class time without a pass may be given disciplinary consequences including detention or exclusion from extracurricular activities.

Lockers are issued in the main office. If you do not want your locker, please notify the office specialist so it can be reassigned. Trading/sharing lockers is prohibited. Ninth grade students have priority for available lockers.

• All students are encouraged to dress in a manner that is comfortable and conducive to an active school day.
• Students should be able to wear clothing without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
• The student dress code should serve to support all students to develop a body-positive self-image.

• Top
• Bottom
• Shoes
• Clothing that covers specific body parts (genitals, buttocks, and areolae/nipples) with opaque material

• Hats, including religious headwear
• Hoodie sweatshirts (over head is allowed)
• Fitted pants, including leggings, yoga pants and “skinny jeans”
• Sweatpants, shorts, skirts, dresses, pants
• Midriff baring shirts
• Pajamas
• Ripped jeans, as long as underwear is not exposed
• Tank tops, including spaghetti straps, halter tops, and “tube” (strapless) tops
• Athletic attire
• Clothing with commercial or athletic logos provided they do not violate the guidelines in the ‘CANNOT Wear’ section below
• Sun-protective clothing, including but not limited to hats, for outdoor use during the school day. (Education Code 35183.5)

• Violent language or images
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity) or the use of same
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography
• Images or language that create a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class
• Visible underwear or bathing suits of similar design - Visible waistbands or straps on undergarments worn under other clothing are not a violation
• Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance)

The theft of any item should be reported to the teacher in charge, Dean or Assistant Principal. The theft of unauthorized items (such as cell phones, electronic devices, etc.) will not be investigated. We advise and strongly encourage students to leave expensive, personal property, large sums of money, etc. at home. AHS shall not and cannot be responsible for lost and/or stolen property.

Students who have a GPA of 1.75 or below, attendance below 95% and/or more than one truancy letter, and/or have been suspended from school will not be allowed to attend extracurricular activities, including dances. If a student is ineligible for participating in extracurricular activities, they may enter into an academic/behavior contract with the Dean of Students and necessary teachers in order to participate. Students who have been disciplined for alcohol, drugs, and/or fighting, will also be denied extracurricular privileges, but may enter into a probation contract with the Dean of Students in order to attend extracurricular activities. Probation contracts may only be granted once during a students’ high school career. Academic/ behavior and probation contracts are granted at the discretion of the AHS administration.

Guests must be 20 years old or younger and must be in grades 10 or higher. Bringing a guest to a school dance is a school privilege. A Dance Agreement must be signed by the AHS student and parent/guardian. Dances are for AHS students only. For some dances students are permitted to bring one guest with prior permission and a signed guest pass. All guests must be approved by the Administration. The privilege to bring a guest to an AHS dance can be revoked by an AHS Admin. Guest tickets must be paid for in cash. Deliberate misinformation on the guest pass form will be handled as a disciplinary issue. Students will not be admitted to any AHS dance without a current AHS Student Body ID Card. Guest must also have a valid student body card from school or a valid California ID. Freshmen are not permitted as a guest to Junior Prom and/or Senior Ball. Dancing must be appropriate for a school activity. Inappropriate dancing will not be allowed. Dances at AHS are a privilege, not a right. (Please refer to the guest pass form for the most current updates). Board Policy 5145.12 and Education Code 49050-49051.

Students going on field trips must obtain a form from a sponsoring teacher that is signed by the teacher and the student’s parents. No student may go on a field trip without the completed form. Students may be denied attending field trips if they are suspended from school.

• Earthquake: During an earthquake or earthquake drill, students and teachers should position themselves under desks and away from windows. If outside, students and faculty should get away from buildings and power lines.
• Fire: During a fire or fire drill students and teachers should evacuate the building to their assigned area. Drills, regularly held to comply with the rules of the Alameda Fire Department, are conducted in silence and with regulated speed under the direction of the classroom teacher according to the posted information in the classroom.
• Lock Down: “Lock Down” is the procedure used to protect the campus in the case of attack on campus. Students and staff are to move away from the doors and windows. The classroom doors and windows are locked and closed until any potential for personal harm is determined to be minimized. Phones should put away and not used as it can hinder emergency response teams effectiveness.

• Softball field (between the E Building and tennis courts on Encinal Avenue)
• Former Alameda Naval Air Station
• Thompson Field (at Clement and Walnut Street)

Applications for the free or reduced price lunch program are available on line in the AUSD website. Completed forms can be returned to the AHS Main Office or mailed to the District Food Services Department. Once the application is approved from District Food Services, the student can proceed to the cafeteria to get lunch. Student must show their AHS ID card.

Alameda Family Services School-Based Health Center offers basic medical care and counseling services to any student of Alameda High School. The Health Center provides resources and support groups regarding adolescent issues (i.e., chemical dependency, depression, etc.). Sports physicals and immunizations are also available. Students self-refer at any time during normal school hours. A signed parent permission form is required for services. Consent forms are available at the center, or call (510) 337-7006 to request copies by mail.

• Students must have an ID card to check out books.
• There is no limit on the number of books a student may check out.
• Magazines and pamphlets are available on the computer database.
• No food or beverages of any kind are permitted in the library.
• All general school disciplinary rules are enforced in the library.
• All materials checked out on your ID card are your responsibility.

Any student who is employed and is under the age of 18 must possess a Work Permit for each individual job site. Work Permit applications are available in the College & Career Center. Birth Certificates and the student’s original social security card are required when applying for the work permit. Students must have satisfactory attendance, citizenship and maintain a minimum academic grade point average of 2.0 in order to apply for and retain a work permit. Failure to maintain the qualifications will result in probationary status and then revocation if there is no significant improvement. Work permits are renewed annually each September.

Alameda High School encourages each grade level to have an active class government. Two Leadership classes are offered to help students develop their leadership potential and to learn about the responsibilities of government.

To run for office, a student must: ● have no F’s in the last quarter ● be currently passing all classes with a minimum GPA of 2.5 ● have no more than three unexcused and ten excused absences in the current semester ● maintain minimum progress toward meeting high school graduation requirements ● be a junior or a senior for student body offices

The Superintendent or designee may revoke a student’s eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities when a student’s poor citizenship is serious enough to warrant loss of this privilege. (Board Policies 6145, 6164)

• We aim to be competitive in relation to the talents of students seeking to play at any given level.
• We aim to field teams that challenge the players to perform to the very best of their ability.
• We aim to invoke the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship among teammates and opponents.

Please refer to school loop for the Athletic Participation Packet which includes the Student Athletic Handbook and Contract.

• An annual physical exam by a doctor dated after 7/1/22.
• An emergency medical authorization from parents.
• Permission of parent(s) or legal guardian for early sports dismissal. Alameda High School athletes are excused early for some athletic events. Students are responsible for missed assignments and class work.
• Permission of parent(s) or legal guardian for transportation. Students are transported to these events on buses and school vans, utilizing approved parent drivers in some cases.
• Transferring from one school to another school may affect a student’s athletic eligibility under North Coast Section and/or CIF rules. It is the student’s responsibility to see the Athletic Director for specific rules/regulations.
• A student on a high school team becomes ineligible if he/she plays on an “outside” team in the same sport during the student’s high school season of sport. (NCS: Article 6, Sec. 600)

If a student is ineligible academically to participate, he/she may request probationary status. Probation is granted for one quarter. A student may apply for and use probation only one time during his/her high school career.