Student Handbook

Main Office
(610) 444-6620

Counselor Office
(610) 444-6636

Nurse Office
(610) 444-6615

Attendance Office
(610) 444-6638

Dr. Lorenzo G. DeAngelis Jr.
Building Principal
ldeangelis@kcsd.org
(610) 444-6620 ext.30036

Mr. Duane Kotz
Assistant Principal: A-G
dkotz@kcsd.org
(610) 444-6620 ext.30004

Mrs. Chanel August
Assistant Principal: H-P
caugust@kcsd.org
(610) 444-6620 ext.30048

Mr. Jeff Thomas
Assistant Principal: Q-Z
jthomas@kcsd.org
(610) 444-6620 ext.30010

Mr. Sean Harvey
Athletic Director
sharvey@kcsd.org

School Counselors

Ms. Logan Buchanan
lbuchanan@kcsd.org
Last name beginning with A-G

Mrs. Margaret Snyder
msnyder@kcsd.org
Last name beginning with H-P

Mrs. Michelle Sojo Carro
msojocarro@kcsd.org
Last name beginning with Q-Z

Mrs. Sylvia Cintora
scintora@kcsd.org
Current and Former ELD

Ms. Sara Cannillo
tennis@kcsd.org
504 Coordinator and Testing Coordinator

Vision

The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) is an inclusive community that nurtures, prepares and empowers ALL, showing everyone they matter in their journey to succeed in the world.

Mission

To inspire innovative thinkers by fostering inclusive, supportive relationships, and developing resiliency through rigorous, relevant, educational experiences.

Core Values

• Integrity
• Resilience
• Student-Centered
• Accountability
• Collaboration

School Colors

Royal Blue and White

School Mascot

Blue Demons

Welcome to Kennett High School!
The faculty and staff extend their best wishes to you for a successful school year. We are proud of you and the talents that you bring to Kennett. We hope that you will work hard to utilize those talents in the best way possible. We expect our students to accept what our staff is offering and excel. Another expectation is that our students show Kennett PRIDE - Personal Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence! We expect positive behavior, strong work ethics, and awesome school spirit!

Your Student Handbook includes the Code of Student Conduct, Dress Code, Discipline, Attendance and Grading Policies as well as all pertinent information that all students and parents should become familiar with regarding the Kennett High School. The handbook contains information which will help you learn what is expected of you at Kennett High School. As a member of this school community you are expected to follow the expectations that have been established for the welfare of the entire student body. These rules are in effect any time you are under the jurisdiction of the school (e.g. field trips, school buses, activities, and events).

As you progress through Kennett High School, we hope that you will develop a sound base for academic skills, an understanding of and respect for yourself and others, and a love of learning for now and for the future.

KHS Administration

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry or disability, or any other legally protected classification, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act may contact the Title IX Coordinator at 610-444-6600.

Instructional Calendar English

Instructional Calendar Spanish

Be sure to go to the Calendar section at kcsd.org to see important dates for your District and your school.

Marking Periods

• Marking Period 1 ends October 29
• Marking Period 2 ends January 20
• Marking Period 3 ends March 25
• Marking Period 4 ends June 10

Your Day

Normal School Hours

• 7:40am - 2:35 pm

2-Hour Delayed Opening

• 9:40am - 2:35pm

When a delayed school opening is declared, bus pickup and starting times will start two hours later. 

Communication

Kennett Consolidated School District Website: kcsd.org

Kennett High School Website khs.kcsd.org

Get more information about our mass notification system, text messaging, District newsletters, social media, TalkingPoints (two-way, multilingual family engagement messaging platform) and more about communication at our kcsd.org communication section of the website or in our District Student and Family Handbook.

Bell Schedule 2025 - 2026

2-Hour Delay Bell Schedule 2025 - 2026

Two of Kennett High School’s core values essential to student success are integrity and honesty. The KHS faculty and administration believe that these critical character elements are crucial to academic success. Without these virtues, our students cannot grow in their studies.

We expect all KHS students to uphold the principles and practices of integrity and honesty in their scholastic efforts. Academic integrity requires that students produce work reflective of their individual skills and abilities, as well as uncompromised by unauthorized and inappropriate assistance.

When students adhere to the academic integrity practice, they:

• Demonstrate acquired knowledge or use teacher-approved resources on exams, tests, and quizzes.
• Produce work, including writing, images, etc., that reflects their own individual thoughts unless approved otherwise. When students utilize external sources, the sources must be accurately and appropriately cited.
• Responsibly contribute to the completion of collaborative work.

When students violate the academic integrity practice, they:

• Dishonestly enhance the quality or accuracy of their work through the assistance of external sources (peers, electronic means, and copies of completed work).
• Plagiarize the ideas and work of others without appropriate and accurate citation.
• Use another student’s work to copy or provide work to be copied by another for homework and/or other assignments.

If students violate the academic integrity practice, the Kennett High School Administration will apply the following consequences. In addition, the Kennett High School Administration reserves the right to elevate/adjust the consequences based on the severity of the incident.

• First Offense:
  • Students will earn a “0” on the assignment.
  • A conference will be held with teacher, administrator, student, and parents.
  • Potential forfeit of eligibility for/or membership in the National Honor Society.
• Second Offense and Beyond:
  • Students will earn a “0” on the assignment.
  • A conference will be held with teacher, administrator, student, and parents.
  • Students may lose privileges to participate in extra-curricular and/or athletic activities.
  • Potential forfeit of eligibility for/or membership in the National Honor Society.

Note: These infractions are subject to communication to colleges/universities/post-secondary institutions.

*Please refer to the District Code of Student Conduct for a full outline of all student expectations.

To be eligible to participate in any KHS activities such as Dances, Sporting Events, Athletics Junior Prom, Musicals, Plays, Marching Band, etc., students must be in good standing with school regulations and expectations. The administration will determine student eligibility with regards to attendance, discipline and academic performance.

We expect all KHS students to uphold the principles and practices of integrity and honesty in their scholastic efforts. Academic integrity requires that students produce work reflective of their individual skills and abilities, as well as uncompromised by unauthorized and inappropriate assistance.

Athletic Academic Requirements

• Eligibility will be determined weekly.
• If a student receives 2 or more failures for the week (i.e., at the close of each Friday), he/she will be ineligible for the following week (the period of ineligibility is from Monday to Sunday). If, by the following Monday, a student is no longer failing 2 or more courses, he /she becomes eligible at once.
• Any student who receives 2 or more failing marks at the end of a marking period will be ineligible for a period of fifteen school days.
• Any student who receives 2 or more failing marks for the year will be ineligible for a period of fifteen school days beginning the first day of school.
• A student is not permitted to drop a subject to become eligible.
• The eligibility requirements apply to all subjects regardless of the amount of credit awarded to a particular subject.
• The principal may exclude an athlete from participation for the remainder of the season if he/she becomes ineligible on 2 separate occasions.

Attendance for Athletic Eligibility

• Any student absent during a semester for a total of 20 or more school days may not be eligible to participate in any athletic contests until he/she has been in attendance for a total of 60 school days following the 20th day of absence.
• Any member of an athletic team not in school by 11:00 a.m. is not eligible to play in a scheduled contest on that day without permission from the Principal.
• Any student on OSS will not be permitted to participate in any contest or practice during the suspension period.

Athletes Violation of Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

The use and possession of tobacco and vapor products, illegal controlled substances and performance enhancers shall be prohibited at all times. “Possession” shall include “constructive possession” (such as could arise from attendance at a party where minors were consuming alcohol). A student’s violation of this prohibition may result in suspension or dismissal from a team. Pending investigation of a charge of a violation of this policy, the accused athlete will be allowed to participate on a team. If the District determines that a violation has occurred, the student shall be suspended or dismissed from the team. See Drugs and Alcohol (School Board Policy 227) regarding drugs and alcohol.

Kennett High School Athletic Policies

A more detailed version of the Athletic Policies is online at the Athletics section of the high school website.  Every athlete is given a copy of the Athletic Policies that he/she and a parent must sign stating they have read and understood the Policies for Athletes.

Required Forms and Fees Needed to Participate in KHS Athletics

In order to try out/practice for any PIAA sponsored sport at KHS, you must have the completed PIAA CIPPE Forms, and the KCSD Athletic Participation Form and Fee turned into the KHS Athletic Office. These forms and fees must be completed and turned into the Athletic Office prior to the 1st official starting date of the sport in which you are participating, i.e., you cannot participate (tryout/practice) until all of these are turned in.

All forms can be found in the Main Office, the Athletic Office, and at the Athletics tab of the KHS Website.

Students in Alternative Settings

Students who have been transferred to an alternative school setting for disciplinary reasons are prohibited to be on the KHS grounds without the authorization of a school administrator. It is the school’s position that those students are not allowed to participate in any KHS dance, activity, function or athletic event until they have successfully completed their program, returned to KHS, or have received prior administrative approval.

At Kennett High School, we know that every minute in the classroom matters. This year, we’re introducing a new way to measure attendance to better reflect the time students spend engaged in learning.

What's Changing

In the past, attendance was measured by days present or absent. Starting August 25, 2025, we will track attendance by cumulative minutes in class. This means that partial absences—such as late arrivals, early dismissals, or missed class periods—will add up and count toward total absences.

Examples:

• Missing 1 period in a 9-period day = 1/9 of a school day absent
• Missing 1 period in a 5-period day = 1/5 of a school day absent

Partial absences count toward the 10 parent-excused absences allowed each year. The way you report absences remains the same—timely notes are key to avoiding unexcused time.

Attendance Notifications

We are committed to working with families to maintain strong attendance. Here’s how notifications will work:

• You’ll be contacted after any unexcused absence using the contact information in the Skyward Family Access Portal.
• After the equivalent of 3 unexcused absences, the District will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) and offer a School Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC).
• Ongoing concerns may lead to community program involvement or, in rare cases, legal action. (Truancy-related suspensions or transfers are not permitted.)

Daily Communication

• If your student is absent from 1st period, we’ll send a message by 9:40 a.m.
• If your student misses one or more periods during the day, you’ll receive an update after 4:00 p.m.

Families can always check current attendance in the Skyward Family Access Portal.

Forming responsible habits regarding attendance and promptness is important. Parents are expected to support the goal of punctuality by having their children arrive on time, remain in school for a full day, and schedule appointments after school hours. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires children to attend school regularly until they are 18 years of age.

Excused Absences

Every student absence requires a written excuse note that must be submitted to the Attendance Office (KHSattendance@kcsd.org) in the form of:

• Handwritten note from parent/guardian
• Email from parent/guardian
• Talking Points from parent/guardian
• Medical note from a licensed medical practitioner or a licensed practitioner of the healing arts

The absence note should contain ALL of the following information:

• The student’s legal name
• Student’s ID number
• Grade level
• The exact date(s) of the absence
• The reason for the absence
• Signature of parent or guardian

The excuse note must be submitted within three (3) days of the absence or the absence will be considered unlawful.

• If an excused absence note is not received within a three (3) day period following the absence, the absence will become unexcused or unlawful.
• For students under the age of 18, the absence will become unlawful.
• For students 18 or older, the absence is unexcused.
• An unlawful absence from school may result in a Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC), a truancy citation or a fine imposed by the District Judge.

When a student is absent, parents must submit a written excuse within three (3) days. Any missed days shall be treated as unexcused unless a valid written excuse is received within this timeframe. Excused/lawful absences are listed on the attendance section of the website under the Our District tab.**

Excused Absences

A student may be excused from school for the following reasons*:

• Illness: Including being dismissed by school staff for health reasons.
• Professional Health Care: Visits to licensed practitioners for therapy or medical services.
• Family Emergency: Urgent family situations.
• Recovery from Accident: Healing from injuries sustained in an accident.
• Required Court Attendance: Necessary legal obligations.
• Death in the Family: Funeral observances following a loss.
• Participation in Specific Events:
  • Projects sponsored by 4-H or FFA groups (with prior written request).
  • Musical performances for national veterans' organizations (with a signed excuse).
• Religious Holidays: Observing holidays recognized by a bona fide religious group (with prior written request).
• Educational Tours or Trips: Non-school-sponsored tours or college visits (with prior documentation and approval).
• Other Urgent Reasons: Includes circumstances related to homelessness and foster care.

*Note: The District may place limits on the number and duration of some absences.

Unexcused Absences

Any absence without a valid written excuse is considered unexcused. Examples include babysitting, waking up late, or vacations. Absences are deemed unexcused until a valid written excuse is provided within three days. Examples include:

• Employment (excluding work release)
• Oversleeping
• Missing the bus
• Babysitting
• Staying home to do school work
• Vacations that are not pre-approved

The first ten absences can be excused with a parent note. After ten (10) absences—even if some were excused with medical notes—any further absences require a medical professional’s note; parent notes will no longer be accepted.

Tardy to School

The school day starts at 7:40 a.m. and students are expected to be in their block 1 or 2 class by 7:40 a.m.

• If a student is arriving late to school (after 7:40 a.m.), they must report to the Attendance Office (in the Main Office), sign in, and obtain an admit-to-class slip.
• A written excuse (not email) note needs to be submitted to the Attendance Office the same day.
• If a student accumulates excessive tardies to school, they may be referred to a Restorative Intervention.

Absence Notification Call

The District uses an automated call and email to communicate with families about absenteeism daily. Any student who is not present to school before 9:30 a.m. will automatically receive an absence notification call and email.

If you believe that you received the call or email in error, please contact the Attendance Office at  610-444-6638, or KHSattendance@kcsd.org or by replying to the email absence communication you received.

Planned Absences

For any planned absence of three (3) or more days, please complete the KCSD Extended Absence Form and submit to the Attendance Office no later than two (2) weeks prior to the absence.

• Extended absences can be approved up to ten (10) school days (This is not in addition to the 10 days allotted per board policy).
• The approved days will be considered excused.
• Any missed days beyond the approved days will be considered unexcused.
• Students are responsible for all assignments/assessments missed during the period of the approved extended absences.
• No planned absence will be approved during state assessments or final examinations, unless approved by the Principal.

Early Dismissal

On the morning of the early dismissal, please provide a written note (email is acceptable, KHSattendance@kcsd.org) to the Attendance Office containing the following information:

• Student’s full name
• Date of early dismissal
• Reason for early dismissal
• Signature of parent or guardian
• Grade level
• A telephone number where the parent can be contacted for verification

An email notification will be sent to the student’s bluedemons email alerting them the dismissal is confirmed. If a student has an early dismissal, but returns back to school, they must sign back into school at the Attendance Office.

Athletic teams who have an early dismissal due to transportation do not need a parent note as these dismissals are arranged through the Athletic Office.

TCHS Attendance

Students who are absent from both KHS and TCHS are responsible for providing absence notes to both schools.  If a student attends TCHS, but is absent from KHS for 2+ blocks (classes), they will be considered absent for the day. 

Field trip forms or job shadow observation forms must be submitted to the KHS Attendance Office for approval at least 1 week in advance of the field trip/job shadow.

Truancy

Students who accumulate three (3) or more unlawful absences and/or who continue to be unlawfully absent will be subject to the following:

• Referral to their school counselor and administrator 
• Participation in a Student Attendance Intervention Conference (SAIC)A Notice of Violation (NOV)
• Court appearance with a District Judge and possible fines (student and parent/guardian) 

Class Attendance

Class attendance will be verified each period by the teacher in the electronic Gradebook attendance system. If it is determined that a student has cut a class, the teacher will submit the student’s name to the Assistant Principal who will determine if the absence is excused or unexcused and take appropriate action. 

Students are expected to arrive on time and attend all of their scheduled classes and study halls. Regular attendance is an expectation for successful completion of the course. Students must make arrangements with their teachers to make-up missed school work, assignments and/or assessments. 

See the “Missed/Make-up Work” section of the student handbook for more information on this topic.

Lateness to Class

Students will be given three minutes to pass from one class to the next. Excessive lateness to class may result in a referral for Restorative Intervention.  

Care of School Property

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies and equipment supplied by the school. Students must pay for lost textbooks. Students who maliciously damage school property will be disciplined accordingly and will be responsible for paying damages.

Course Selection

Education Planning guides and course selection forms are distributed to 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students in January. Teachers make placement recommendations in all required courses based upon student achievement. A listing of requested courses is mailed, usually in March. Draft
schedules are mailed in August. Please be advised that schedule changes cannot be made during the school year.

Personal Electronic Devices

Personal electronic devices are the responsibility of the student. It is strongly suggested that these items remain locked in a secure location during the school day. Students will be permitted to use their electronic devices (including headphones but excluding laptops) in the hallways during their
lunch period and during class when the teacher approves.

All teachers and support staff will develop classroom expectations for acceptable use in their classroom. Students may not talk on a cell phone at any time during the school day (7:40 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.), unless approved by a staff member to do so.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FAILURE TO FOLLOW ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROCEDURES DETERMINED BY CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF WILL RESULT IN A DISCIPLINE REFERRAL.

Library Media Center

Located on the third floor of the High School, the Library Media Center serves the information needs of Kennett High School. The mission of the library program at Kennett High School is to ensure that students and staff members are effective users of ideas and information, empowering them to become informed and responsible contributors to society.

Open daily from 7:15 – 3:15 p.m., with extended hours twice weekly until 4:30 p.m. , the library is available for classroom instruction, student research, computer use, and recreational reading.

The library currently subscribes to over 20 electronic resources, including reference and periodical databases, electronic books, and specialized subject programs. Most of these resources can be accessed from home, using catalog.kcsd.org. Home passwords are available from the library staff.

The library also sponsors numerous programs throughout the year to promote literacy, including a book club. Additional information about library procedures and resources can be directed to the library media specialist at 610-444-6617.

A quiet, productive environment will be maintained in the library. Students using library computers must comply with the KCSD Acceptable Use policy. Library privileges will be suspended for those students who disrupt other students or use resources inappropriately.

Internet Regulation

The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) will provide access to the local network and Internet for staff members and for students having the consent of their parents/guardians. The purpose is to locate material to facilitate learning and teaching through interpersonal communications.

This access is intended for information gathering, research, and collaboration, i.e., to foster the educational purposes and mission of the School District and shall solely be used for educational purposes.

KCSD will also provide access to staff and faculty for accomplishing District business. These purposes shall serve as the only reasons for the use of the networks and/or internet and they shall not be used for personal purposes.

School librarians, teachers, and staff will work together to help students develop critical thinking skills necessary to discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their age and developmental levels, and to evaluate and use information to meet educational goals that are consistent with the district’s strategic plan and student learning outcomes.

Gym Lockers

Students are responsible for using their school issued gym locker for the purpose of securing their belongings during physical education class. Do Not leave your belongings in your gym locker on short combination, on the locker area benches or the floor.

The school will not be held responsible for stolen items. Please report any problems that you may experience with your gym locker immediately to your gym instructor or a school administrator.

Lockers

Student locker assignments will be issued at the beginning of the school year by Block 1 teachers. Lockers need to be secured on a daily basis and not kept on short combinations. Students are encouraged to leave their valuable items at home. If they decide to bring them to school, they should
be locked in their lockers.

Each student is responsible for the articles in the locker and the school cannot assume responsibility for any loss. However, lockers remain the property of the school and school officials retain the right to search lockers at their discretion.

Release of Names to Armed Services

By state law, every public high school in Pennsylvania is required to release the names, addresses, and phone numbers (if published) of each senior to representatives of all branches of the Armed Services. Parents of juniors and seniors who DO NOT wish to have your name released to the
military recruiters, must put their request in writing to have their child excluded and send the request to the high school principal.

Restorative Practices

All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive. Restorative practices is a social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within
communities.

Popular examples of restorative processes include affective statements, community-building circles, small impromptu conferencing, after-school restorative sessions, and setting classroom agreements or norms. In the Restorative community, it can take three to five years to fully implement restorative practices within a school site.

School Store

The School Store is operated by the Business Department with the help of FBLA members. The store will post its hours for students to buy school supplies and/or Kennett Gear.

Senior/Junior Option

Senior Option allows students to opt out of up to four periods during Senior Year if they meet specific criteria. Junior Option allows students to opt out of up to two periods during Junior Year if they meet specific criteria. Criteria can be found on the Senior/Junior option application form through the counseling department.

Smartpass

Student Expectations

• Students will be required to use SmartPass each and every time they ask to leave the class; this
• includes but is not limited to requests to use the…
  • Bathroom
  • Water fountain
  • Printer
  • Support(s) (Counseling, Nursing, Restorative, etc.)
• Students must have permission to leave the room
• Students must end the pass when they return from the bathroom
• Students who repeatedly fail to end their pass could have consequences that may impact future bathroom use
• Students who are instructed to wait (in the queue) to use the bathroom, must wait until access is granted.
• If the student and teacher agree that the situation is an emergency, the teacher will adjust the pass for the student to go to the restroom.
• Consequences for pass misuse
• Progressive Discipline
  • Teacher conversation (initially)
  • Reported via SmartPass
  • Office referral after 3 infractions

Students are expected to carry some type of pass from the teacher while in the halls.

Student Council

The High School Student Council is the "voice" of the student body. Its purpose is to represent the students, present their ideas and suggestions to the faculty and administration, and to plan special events.

Student Drivers

Driving a car to school and parking on school property are privileges granted by the school. A non-refundable permit fee is charged for the school year. There are a limited number of parking spaces on campus for Seniors only. Any underclassmen found in violation of parking illegally on campus could lose the privilege to park on campus as a Senior.

The following regulations apply to all student drivers:

• All vehicles must be registered with the office of the Assistant Principal.
• Parking is at your own risk and KHS will not be held liable for any damage or theft that may occur involving your vehicle.
• Students are to observe the No Parking areas and other traffic control signs.
• If you will not be using your parking spot, you must report this to the Assistant Principal. Do not give your parking spot to someone else to use. A parking permit is for the use of the registered driver only and not to be transferred to other students.
• Cars are to be parked in the front end first.
• Students are to operate vehicles in a safe and reasonable manner at all times. All drivers are to obey the Motor Vehicle Code of Pennsylvania.
• The student parking spaces are in front of KHS in the lower parking lot (below the wall) in the designated student spaces. You do not have a specific spot; however you may only park in the designated student parking spaces.
• Students violating any of these regulations may be subject to:
  • School disciplinary action
  • Loss of driving and parking privileges on the school ground
  • Possible citations from the local police
  • Possible vehicle towing
• Students who accumulate any 5 disciplinary infractions, including late to school or late to class, will have their driving privileges suspended for one week.
• Students who accumulate 6 disciplinary infractions, including late to school or late to class, will have their driving privileges suspended for one month.
• Students who accumulate 7 disciplinary infractions, including late to school or late to class, will face the possibility of having their driving privileges suspended for the duration of the school year.

Students are expected to dress appropriately for school and related activities. Any type of attire that is disruptive to the school environment and is unsafe, is not acceptable. The following approved school board policy will serve as the guidelines for unacceptable dress:

• Any clothing judged to be disruptive to the school environment is considered improper dress.
  • Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, buttons, haircuts, or other items or markings which are offensive, associated with gangs, or supportive of discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, marital status, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
  • Tops that expose midriffs, single strapped shirts or strapless shirts, sheer or netted tops or similarly revealing clothing are not permitted.
  • Shorts of appropriate length may be worn. Students wearing shorts of questionable length may be sent to the nurse. Skirts must be an appropriate length so as not to be revealing upon sitting, standing or bending over.
  • Undergarments and/or undergarment straps must not be visible outside clothing.
  • Pants must be worn at the waist.
• Hats, scarves, and other head coverings, except for medical, religious, or cultural purposes, are not to be worn inside the building.
  • Hair nets, bandanas, hoods, sweatbands, and the like are not permitted.
  • Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.
• Footwear must be worn at all times. For the purpose of health and safety, it is necessary that all students wear shoes that will protect feet from dropped objects and stumbling accidents. Slippers are not permitted.
• Articles of clothing and/or accessories advertising alcohol, tobacco products, weapons, or drugs, or displaying obscene, abusive, violent, or sexually suggestive materials are not permitted in school or at school functions.
• Coats and jackets or garments designed for protection from the outside weather may not be worn during the school day.
• Students may be required to wear or remove certain types of clothing or jewelry while participating in physical education classes, shops, labs, extra-curricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety or to meet with activity requirements.
• Exclude chains, and/or spikes on clothing, collars, or anywhere on an individual.
• Students are strongly advised to avoid wearing or bringing items of value (excessive amounts of money, valuable jewelry, credit/bank cards, electronics, etc.) to school as they may go missing during the school day. Such items are not the responsibility of the school.
• It is recognized that not all situations and conditions can possibly be covered by a dress code. Therefore, the principals of the building must reserve the right to evaluate all items relative to school dress, so that an educational atmosphere is maintained which fosters and promotes effective and efficient learning for all students.
• Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item, and if necessary, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to disciplinary action. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline.

Grading Scale/Quality Points
 

Descriptor: Excellent

• Percentage: 97 - 100
• Letter: A+
• Regular: 4.33
• Honors: 4.83
• Advanced Placement: 5.33

Descriptor: Excellent

• Percentage: 93-96
• Letter: A
• Regular: 4
• Honors: 4.5
• Advanced Placement: 5

Descriptor: Excellent

• Percentage: 90-92
• Letter: A-
• Regular: 3.67
• Honors:  4.17
• Advanced Placement: 4.67

Descriptor: Above Average (Advanced)

• Percentage: 87-89
• Letter: B+
• Regular: 3.33
• Honors: 3.83
• Advanced Placement: 4.33

Descriptor: Above Average (Advanced)

• Percentage: 83-36
• Letter: B
• Regular: 3
• Honors: 3.5
• Advanced Placement: 4

Descriptor: Above Average (Advanced)

• Percentage:  80-82
• Letter: B-
• Regular: 2.67
• Honors: 3.17
• Advanced Placement: 3.67

Descriptor: Average (Proficient)

• Percentage: 77-79
• Letter: C+
• Regular: 2.33
• Honors: 2.83
• Advanced Placement: 3.33

Descriptor: Average (Proficient)

• Percentage: 73-76
• Letter: C
• Regular: 2
• Honors: 2.5
• Advanced Placement: 3

Descriptor: Below Average (Basic)

• Percentage: 70-72
• Letter: C-
• Regular: 1.67
• Honors: 2.17
• Advanced Placement: 2.67

Descriptor: Below Average (Basic)

• Percentage: 67 - 69
• Letter: D+
• Regular:  1.33
• Honors: 1.83
• Advanced Placement: 2.33

Descriptor: Below Average (Basic)

• Percentage: 60 - 66
• Letter: D
• Regular: 1
• Honors: 1.5
• Advanced Placement: 2

Descriptor: Did not meet standards

• Letter: F
• Regular: 0
• Honors: 0
• Advanced Placement: 0

Use of Incomplete Grade for Marking Period

On occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to give a grade of "Incomplete. " This should be done infrequently and on condition that the failure to perform assigned work is because of circumstances beyond the control of the pupil, e.g. illness. The "Incomplete" work should be made up before Progress Reports are issued in the marking period. In the event that the student does not make up the work, a failing grade must be given for the assignment. This mark should be averaged with the others to arrive at the marking period grade.

Final Examinations

Comprehensive Final Examinations are given in all semester and full year courses. An Exam Schedule will be used and students must take each of their Final Examinations on the designated exam dates.

Final Average

Making period grades account for 80% of the final grade for all courses. Semester examination grades account for 20% (*10% for semester 1 and 10% for semester 2) of the final grade for all courses.

• The final grade for year-long courses is computed based on the quality points earned as follows:
  • Multiply the quality points for each marking period by two, add to the quality points earned by the semester examinations, and divide the total by ten.
• The final grade for one-semester courses is computed based on the quality points earned as follows:
  • Multiply the quality points for each marking period by four and add to two times the qualitypoints earned in the examination and divide the total by ten.
• Course grades transferred from any other secondary school will be equated to grades earned in equivalent courses at Kennett High School.
• All Advanced Placement courses will be accepted using the maximum 5.33 quality point scale.
• Honors equivalent courses will earn weighted scale points only if comparable courses exist at Kennett High School.

Rank in Class

The rank in class is a listing of the cumulative grade point averages from highest to lowest within each graduating class. The rank list is based on the weighted achievement scale. No numerical distinction is made between students who rank in the top 5% of their class. Students may be excluded from rank listings at the discretion of the Principal.

Honor Roll

Honor rolls are prepared after each marking period based on the un-weighted performance GPA in accordance with the following criteria.

Quality Points and Grade Point Average

In order to foster the highest level of learning and to enable each student to fulfill his/her potential, two grade point average reporting systems shall be maintained. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by converting the final grades for all high school courses, prorated by the amount of credit assigned to the course, to a numerical quality point scale. All high school courses are included in the computation of the GPA.

GPAs are reported using two scales: an un-weighted performance scale with a maximum 4.33 quality point value, and a weighted achievement scale where Advanced Placement (AP) courses are valued at a maximum 5.33 quality points and courses titled Honors (as they appear in the Kennett high School Educational Planning Guide) are valued at a maximum of 4.83 quality points.

Honor Roll

Distinguished Honors

• Minimum GPA: 3.75
• Additional requirements: No grade below B- and all courses must be graded*

Honors

• Minimum GPA: 3.25
• Additional requirements: No grade below C and all courses must be graded*

*Exceptions for medical waivers in electives for physical education

Late Assignment Expectations

Late work practice will be at teacher/course discretion. Late assignments may incur a penalty for being submitted after the due date. If teachers have a written policy on their late work practice, it must be
posted on their Schoology pages.

Schoology Expectations

To provide students, parents, case managers, and interventionist consistency and continuous access to assignments, resources, feedback and communication, it is expected that teachers include the following information in their Schoology pages:

• Post assignments, (both in-class and homework with due dates), and any resources essential to student learning (YouTube, handouts, worksheets, syllabus, rubrics, etc.).
• Post daily objectives (content/learning or what was taught).
• Post weekly (advance) notification regarding projects, tests, and quizzes.

Summer School

Final grades from summer school courses will be included in the student’s academic record but will not be weighted. Students are encouraged to repeat any failed course in summer school.

It shall be the policy of the board to acknowledge each student's successful completion of the instructional program appropriate to the student's interests and needs by the award of a diploma or certificate at fitting graduation ceremonies.

The board shall award a high school diploma to every student enrolled in this district who meets the requirements of graduation established by this board. There shall be only one diploma awarded by this district and no distinctions shall be made between various programs of instruction. The requirements for graduation shall be the completion of work and studies representing the instructional program assigned to grades nine through twelve. In addition, each student will complete a graduation project which is a state requirement and approved by the KCSD Board of Education.

Requirements for Graduation

Subject	Credits
English	4
Social Studies	4
Mathematics	4
Science	4
Health/PE	1.2
Humanities	2
Electives	6
Graduation Project	Required
Total	25.2

 

Minimum Credits to Be Promoted To:

Senior	18
Junior	12.8
Sophomore	6.4

 

Please note: The health and Physical Education requirement for 11th and 12th grade students has been waived.  Students take Health and Physical Education for only two years, usually in the 9th and 10th grades. 

Graduation Project

To graduate from Kennett High School, all students must undertake and complete a graduation projectthat meets the requirements of the Pennsylvania Curriculum Regulations on Standards andAssessment. The state of Pennsylvania requires that each project compromise four components: written, research, technological and an interview.

The purpose of this project is to assure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize andevaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding. This is a staterequirement for graduation and has also been approved by the KCSD Board of Education.

Components are expected to be completed by the end of January of the student's junior year. Students that have not met this deadline will not be eligible to attend prom. Any student who has not completed a graduation project by the end of Junior year will not be eligible to receive a senior parking permit. Should you have any questions, please contact the graduation project coordinator.

Act 158

State Requirements According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PA high school students are required to demonstrate academic proficiency through one of its recently-expandedPathways to Graduation. Students may now:

• Achieve Keystone Exam proficiency in Algebra, Biology & Literature;
• Earn a Keystone composite score of 4452 or higher;
• Complete an alternative assessment;
  • PSAT of 970+
  • SAT of 1010+
  • ACT of 21+
  • Acceptance into a four-year institution of higher education
• Demonstrate success in career and technical education; or
  • Successfully completed 4-semesters at TCHS and/or OHSPSA (Technical College High School/Octorara Homeland Security and Protective Services Academy.
• Provide three pieces of approved college and career readiness evidence.
  • Industry-recognized credentialization (For example, CPR Certification)
  • Acceptance into a 2-year accredited non-profit institution
  • Attainment of Proficient or
  • Advanced on ANY Keystone exam Successful completion of the KHS Graduation Project
  • Guaranteed letter of employment or military enlistment

These recent changes are a result of the adoption of Act 158, which aims to shift Pennsylvania’s reliance on high-stakes testing to accommodate the diverse learning styles of all students.

For more information, please visit the Act 158: Pathways to Graduation Toolkit.

The National Honor Society is an organization founded by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1921. Membership in NHS is an honor bestowed upon a student. This honor recognizes the student who possesses the qualities of good character, service to the school and community, leadership and scholarship. To be eligible for membership selection, a student must meet the following qualifications:

• The student must be in his/her junior or senior year.
• The student must have attended Kennett High School for the Equivalent of at least one semester.
• The student must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.75.
• The Student must demonstrate involvement in at least two school activities prior to and during the time of selection. Future activities are not eligible for consideration. This means that winter and spring sports aren't eligible as a current activity for seniors, and spring sports aren't eligible as a current activity for juniors. Activities consist of co-curricular and extra-curricular sports and clubs associated with the Kennett High School.
• Students must have completed forty (40) hours of community service. This may include the hours required for the KHS Graduation Project.

Students who meet these qualifications will be considered candidates for selection. Selection of seniors will be conducted following the first marking period. Selection of juniors will be conducted following the second marking period.

If a student wishes to pursue his/her candidacy, he/she must complete an activity information form which verifiably documents his/her high school co-curricular and community activities and leadership positions. Every faculty member will be given a ballot to evaluate those who seek membership. Each faculty member is asked to give a number value from 1 to 5 to evaluate the student's leadership, service, and character as it is perceived in the classroom and school-related activities.

A rotating Faculty Council, representative of the faculty and selected by the principal will review the results of the faculty balloting and Student Activity Resume in order to make the final selection. The Faculty Council bases their selection on the results of the faculty data, and more weight is put on the leadership component to make the final determination. Students will be notified by mail as to whether or not they were selected for candidacy. A student is not considered a member until he or she participates in the N.H.S. Induction in the spring, but will be able to participate in activities once the candidacy is approved.

Guidelines

Leadership

The following guidelines are used in defining leadership, service and character.

The student who exercises leadership:

• Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
• Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
• Exercises influence on peers in up-holding school ideals
• Contributed ideas that improve the civic life of the school
• Is able to delegate responsibilities
• Exemplifies positive attitudes
• Inspires positive attitudes
• Demonstrates academic initiative
• Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business effectively
• and efficiently, and without prodding demonstrates reliability and dependability
• Is a forerunner in the classroom, at work, and in school or community activities
• Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted

Service

The student who serves:

• Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude
• Participates in some outside activity: Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; church groups; volunteer services for the aged, poor, or disadvantaged; family duties
• Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
• Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
• Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition
• Does committee and staff work without complaint
• Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students

Character

The student of character:

• Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously.
• Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
• Upholds principles of morality and ethics
• Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
• Shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
• Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom
• Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies.
• Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others

Students who are selected for membership in the National Honor Society will be inducted in a formal ceremony held in March. Parents and faculty will be invited to attend. To remain a member, a student must maintain all of the standards used in selection. Students who do not maintain these standards may be removed from the organization or put on probation.

Recall, Reflect, Restore

The fundamental hypothesis of Restorative Practices is that human beings are happier, healthier, more productive, and more likely to make positive changes in their own behavior and in their communities when we do things with them, rather than to them or for them or not at all.
      International Institute of Restorative Practices -- IIRP

By focusing on communication and healing, restorative practices help students develop emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills, ultimately leading to a healthier school community. Please refer to the District Code of Conduct for the disciplinary matrix.

Lunch Restriction:

• Behavior Reflection
• Restorative Conversations

After School Restorative Practices:

• Behavior Reflection OR
• Tardy Reflection
• Work Completion

Intensive Restoration:

• Repeat Behavior Reflection
• Accountability Project
• Work Completion
• Exit Ticket
• Teacher Communication
• Full OR ½ Day Commitment

Counselors

Our school offers services for all students. Counselors work with students in course selections, career alternatives, interpretation of test scores, and personal problems. When students have concerns in anyof the above areas, they are encouraged to make appointments to meet with their counselors.

Child Abuse Reporting

All school district employees are mandated reporters and must report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. The superintendent, building administrator,director of pupil services, district social worker, school nurse, and school counselor will be apprised of any suspected abuse or neglect.

Kennett Intervention Team (KIT)

The KIT team is a student assistance team based on the Pennsylvania Student Assistance Team model. The KIT team is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. The
primary goal is to help students overcome these barriers in order that they may achieve, remain in school, and advance.

The team is composed of professionally trained KCSD staff and a liaison from a community alcohol and drug agency. The team receives referrals from parents, teachers and students. Referral sources, as well as information shared with the team members, are held in confidence. The team functions by gathering information about student’s performance in school and working with parents to formulate a plan to help those students to be more successful. Intervention plans may include accessing community and school resources that may be of assistance to the students and his or her family.

Psychological Services

District psychologists provide services to students, parents, and to the schools to which they are assigned. They participate in team meetings regarding individual student concerns; provide student counseling and specific skills instruction related to mental health and social behavior. They facilitate and participate in functional behavior assessments and the development of behavior support plans for individual students.

Social Work Services

School social workers provide services to students, families, staff, and the community, in order to help students attain maximum success in the educational setting. The primary role of the social worker is to provide case management services to students and families. This includes referring students and their families to community agencies for additional resources, providing supportive counseling, making home visits and functioning as the liaison between school, home, and community resources.

School Nurse (Nurse’s Office)

The school nurse provides health services to all Kennett students in accordance with Pennsylvania School Law and PA Department of Health regulations.

The school nurse provides first aid for injuries occurring in school, on way to and from school, or in school related activities as well as acute illness during school hours.

• The school nurse cannot provide first aid for injuries which have occurred outside school hours.
• Parents will be contacted regarding frequent health room visits to discuss student needs.

Students experiencing illness or injury should report to the school nurse.

• Students will not be admitted to the nurse's office without a pass except in the case of any emergency.
• The nurse will contact parents or emergency contacts if it is necessary for the student to be dismissed from school due to illness or injury.

Guidelines For Keeping Students Home From School

• Fever >100 degrees
• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Unidentified rash
• Draining eye/eyes
• ·Severe upper respiratory infection
• Severe/persistent cough
• Diagnosed with Flu, COVID or an infection requiring antibiotic treatment

Students may return to school when:

• No Fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication)
• No Vomiting or Diarrhea for 24 hours
• 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for infections requiring antibiotics

Please send documentation from your healthcare provider to the school nurse following illnesses or for any injury requiring restricted/modified activity.

Medication Administration

Medication should be given at home whenever possible. When necessary to take medication in school
the following policy must be adhered to:

• Signed Physician Order for medication administration
• KCSD Request for Medication Administration Form, completed and signed by parent
• IF physician signs this form, a separate order is not needed
• Medication provided in a labeled pharmacy bottle (pharmacy will provide a spare bottle for school
• use if you ask), or in original packaging if over the counter medication

Medications must be locked in the nurse’s office.

• Federally controlled medication (such as ADHD prescriptions) and narcotics must be transported by
• a parent or responsible adult and delivered directly to the nurse.
• Students are not permitted to carry any medication in school, including acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• and ibuprofen (Advil).
• The ONLY exceptions are Emergency Medications (insulin, asthma inhalers, and epinephrine
• autoinjectors)

For further information, refer to School Board Policies on the Use of Medication and Possession of Asthma Inhalers/Epinephrine Auto Injectors (No. 210 and No. 210.1) regarding the administration of medication in school.

Screenings

• Height, Weight and Vision screenings are conducted on every student each year.
• Hearing screening is performed in 11th grade.
• A report of screening results will be sent home by the end of the school year.
• Referrals for failed vision or hearing screenings are sent home at the time of testing.
• Please contact the nurse with questions or concerns

Physicals

Eleventh grade students must have a physical during their eleventh-grade year or within one year prior to the eleventh-grade year. Provide a copy of a physical completed by a private physician along with updated immunization record to the school nurse.

Physicals are offered once a year at school with parental consent, for any student without a private physician or families experiencing hardship. Immunizations are not provided at school physicals.

Please contact the school nurse with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s health and wellness.

Students who are 14 to 17 years of age who seek employment in Pennsylvania must have working papers issued to be legally employed. There are restrictions as to the length and type of jobs for which minors may be hired. Without working papers on file, employers could be fined and insurance
questions could arise should an injury occur on the job.

Because each state has different laws, working papers are issued by the state in which the job is located. Kennett High School can issue working papers only for jobs in Pennsylvania. Applications for working permits are issued through the guidance office.

Since a working paper is a legal document, we must have a copy of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate or passport for proof of age. Students who have been promised a job in Pennsylvania need to complete a Working Permit Application. This form requires a parent signature and proof of birth date.

Once the application has been completed, a working permit will be issued to the student. Students who are 18 or older or have completed their high school education do not need working permits.

Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to apply for admission to fifteen different vocational/technological programs at TCHS.

Students in grade 11 may apply to participate in the Teacher Academy program or the Allied Health Science Program as seniors. These programs are partial day programs. A member of the KHS counseling department will describe the programs available to students in classroom presentations to
all ninth grade students.

Separate recruitment meetings for the Allied Health, Teacher Academy, and Applied Engineering programs will be held at later dates. A subsequent field trip to the TCHS campus will be scheduled for any interested students.

Students who wish to be considered for admission to TCHS must submit a completed application form to the guidance office by January 15.

Admission to TCHS programs is competitive. TCHS personnel make admissions decisions. Applicants are judged based on the following criteria: CareerScope scores, grades, attendance, discipline record, essay, and teacher recommendation.