Welcome to Carmel High School. During this time, you will make decisions which will affect you significantly for years to come. You are sincerely encouraged to make the very best of your experience here. The following is our school philosophy developed by CHS stakeholders:

We believe all students deserve the opportunity to develop their potential in order to establish and maintain responsible citizens’ roles in a dynamic society. It is the shared responsibility of the school, home, and community to view education as a lifelong process. CHS is committed to the pursuit of excellence, acknowledging that the quest itself is the most significant aspect of achievement. By recognizing and allowing for individual differences and special needs, CHS encourages and inspires you to think intellectually, emotionally, and socially for the benefit of society.

Your challenge is to implement this philosophy while you are a Greyhound in good-standing.  This means you:

• Attend school regularly (in-person)

• Treat others with respect and kindness

• Dress for success

• Take pride in yourself, your work, and your school

• Use good judgment and represent yourself well

• Believe in yourself

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

As a member of the Carmel Clay school community, Carmel High School is dedicated to fostering an environment which promotes education and wellbeing regardless of ability, age, appearance, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. All educational programs, activities, and interactions are enriched by celebrating uniqueness as well as commonalities. Respect for human diversity will be encouraged, followed, and enforced by the Carmel Clay schools. 

Carmel Clay Schools is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disabling conditions, or national origin including limited English proficiency. For further information, please contact the Human Resource Director, 5201 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN 46033.

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Dr. Tim Phares Principal

Mr. Brad Sever Assistant Principal 

Ms. Valerie Piehl Assistant Principal

Mr. Joe Schaller Assistant Principal

Mrs. Amy Skeens-Benton Assistant Principal (Freshman Center)

Mr. Toby Steele Assistant Principal

Mr. C.J. Glander Assistant Principal

Mrs. Katie Overbeck Assistant Principal

Mrs. Brittany Wiseman Assistant Principal

Miss ShaDe’ Watson Assistant Principal (Freshman Center)

Mr. Jim Inskeep Athletic Director

Mr. Jeff Hester Assistant Athletic Director

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

Officer Blake Lytle

Officer Cristhian Rodriguez

Officer Hunter Rogowski

Officer Ashley Williams

SCHOOL SECURITY STAFF

Alan Vickery - Security Monitor Door 21

John Faas - Security Monitor; Special Event Traffic

This student handbook contains important information for students, parents and staff regarding the daily operation of Carmel High School. Included are policies, procedures and penalties related to student infractions of various laws and rules, including those in the areas of attendance, discipline, Student Supported Resource Time (SSRT), and many others. These policies, penalties, procedures, and rules will be administered in a spirit of consistency, fairness and flexibility; thus, exceptions to a statement in this handbook occasionally may be made with the approval of the principal or his designee.

Carmel High School enjoys a long tradition dating back to 1887 when the cornerstone for the first CHS was laid on a building located on the Southside of the town of Carmel. A second building was opened in 1923 on the present school site and housed K through 12 students until 1958. The present high school\ building dates from 1958. Since that opening there have been additional construction projects that have expanded and renovated the building. From 1964 until 1995 CHS was a grade 10 through 12 high school. The ninth grade began attending CHS once again in 1995.

In 1954 CHS became a fully accredited member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Over 90% of Carmel’s recent graduates have attended college, yet attention has been given to vocational training facilities and programming.

Carmel High School is recognized nationally for its academic excellence. In 1983 it was one of the first schools in the nation recognized for excellence by the United States Department of Education. A similar award was made by the governor of Indiana the same year. 

Activities at Carmel High School have been the focus of community pride. Radio station WHJE, the 400-watt high school student-operated radio station, has been in operation since 1963 and is Hamilton County’s only 24-hour radio station. CHTV provides 15 hours of video programming to Carmel cable users each week.

The co-curricular clubs at Carmel High School have excelled competitively in both state and national contests.  Academic Super Bowl, Ambassadors, Chem club, DECA, Economics club, National History Day, and Science Olympiad teams have all won state and national titles. Hilite, the school newspaper, Pinnacle, the yearbook, and WHJE, the radio station, as well as Marching Band, Orchestra, and Choir have all received state and national awards for excellence.  Carmel High School is the home of the largest high school dance marathon in the nation for student participants and dollars raised for a children’s miracle network hospital.  

The greyhound has been the school’s mascot since the early 1920s and athletics have been a source of community activity and pride throughout the years. CHS offers 20 sports in interscholastic competition. Students are also offered many extracurricular and intramural opportunities through an extensive activities program.

BLOCK 8 SCHEDULE

We believe the Block 8 class schedule 

• provides a wider variety of learning experiences for students
• provides greater instructional flexibility for the classroom teacher
• increases student and faculty attendance
• reduces the number of student disciplinary referrals
• reduces the stress level of both students and staff

A unique feature of the CHS Block 8 schedule is the inclusion of Student Supported Resource Time (SSRT). An SSRT/homeroom period occurs during G2 of the 8-period rotation. Important information regarding this period is provided below.

Statement of Purpose

Student Supported Resource Time (SSRT) is time provided during the regular school day to allow students fuller access to resources they need for:

• making up class assignments or tests
• getting help from teachers
• seeing counselors or administrators
• completing forthcoming assignments
• acquiring remediation
• studying
• sponsors meeting with club officers

The SSRT period, which is the second block on “gold” days, may also be used to complete non-classroom-related tasks which in the past have taken regular class time. Examples include student election speeches, convocations, cap, gown, and announcement ordering and delivery, field trips, surveys, etc. 

Assignment of Students

With a few exceptions in which students are pre-assigned to a particular teacher or department, students are assigned by grade which are monitored by classroom teachers. This homeroom serves both as a traditional homeroom in which announcements and administrative tasks are accomplished and as the SSRT study room. Students begin the SSRT period in this room each time it occurs. 

Time Structure

Expectations of Students

1. Each student reports to his/her SSRT homeroom at the start of G2. This time is, at the very least, to be used as study time. Students must come to SSRT each day with study or reading materials sufficient for the entire block. Sleeping is prohibited. 

2. A student who wishes to leave his/her SSRT for an approved reason must obtain a pass, prior to going to SSRT, from the staff member to whom he/she will report. A student may not obtain an SSRT pass from a substitute teacher. SSRT teachers may not give passes for students to leave the room.

3. Students are to obtain SSRT passes to the Media Center from one of their academic classroom teachers. 

4. A student must show the pass to the SSRT teacher and sign out on a log sheet provided. The student must list all intended destinations. Upon arrival to his/her destination, a student must sign in on a log sheet.

5. Students are expected to remain in each session for the entirety. Regardless of whether a student is in a classroom or media center they are to remain in that area until the end of the session. 

6. Students are not allowed to work in unsupervised areas (café, hallways, commons) during SSRT. Group work should be conducted in the Media Center with appropriate passes written. 

7. A student who is truant for any reason from his/her assigned destination will be subject to the school wide truancy policy.

Students may go to the following locations during SSRT period:

• SSRT homeroom
• Media Centers
• A teacher’s classroom or teaching/office area
• A counselor’s office
• An administrator’s office
• Other locations approved and supervised by teachers/administrators

Expectations of Staff

1. Each SSRT teacher keeps a log of all students who present passes to leave the room. No student is to leave SSRT without showing a pass that has been obtained from the teacher of his/her intended destination prior to arriving. (Exception: a counselor or an administrator may send a pass to the SSRT room to have a student sent to his/her office). 

2. SSRT teachers are not to give any student a pass to leave the room except in the event of extreme emergency. Restroom passes are to be given very sparingly, and only one student should be excused to use the restroom at a particular time. Each pass should be written and signed individually by the teacher. Bricks, paddles, etc. are not to be used.

3. Teachers/monitors at resource destinations must check passes of arriving students and have them sign a log sheet he/she will have prepared as a result of giving passes the previous day. Names of students who do not report to a particular destination should be reported to the Student Services office. 

4. A student may stay in one location for more than one session as long as the pass is signed
accordingly.

5. Students may not leave early from a particular destination. Teachers are asked not to dismiss students from a session prior to the end of it.

6. Classroom teachers are asked to encourage students who need help to see them during SSRT period.

7. For future reference, passes and logs should be stored by SSRT homeroom teachers and the teacher/monitors of resource rooms until the end of the semester.

8. Counselors and administrators will send students back to SSRT homeroom following appointments. Such may occur prior to or following the SSRT session break times.

9. A teacher must sign each pass with his/her last name written legibly and in full (no initials or abbreviations) and indicate the appropriate time.

10. An SSRT teacher will not allow students to be in unsupervised areas. 

Media Center SSRT

The CHS Library is open during SSRT for students who have school work to complete that cannot reasonably be undertaken other than in the Media Center. Students wishing to use the Media Center during SSRT can utilize the following steps in order to visit the library during SSRT.

• Acquire a completed Library SSRT pass from a core teacher

• Report to SSRT in your regularly scheduled classroom 

  • Allow classroom SSRT teacher to take attendance

  • Watch/listen to announcements

• The SSRT teacher will release you to go to the library

• Have your Student ID available before going to the library

• Present your Library SSRT pass and Student ID at the entrance to the library where a staff member will direct you to next steps for check-in

Students should expect to maintain a learning environment while working in the library for SSRT.  No passes to the Carmel Café can be provided. Please realize all procedures are in place to secure a safe environment for all students during their time outside of a supervised classroom.  Students must stay the duration of the session or sessions as indicated on the pass.  

ATTENDANCE

A student’s attendance is essential to learning—learning that includes not only factual subject matter but also attendance habits, work habits, attitudes, and ideals. Reading the material and performing satisfactorily on tests does not compensate for the loss of insight gained during class discussion, explanation, or supervised work. Furthermore, every student contributes to one another; therefore, a student who is absent short-changes those who are not.

Every absence, whether excused or not, interrupts the student’s understanding of the material being presented and weakens their interest in the continuing program. Research shows that educational achievement is directly related to attendance.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The School Board, as an agency of the State, is required to enforce regular attendance of students. The Board recognizes that the presence in the classroom enables the student to participate in instruction, class discussions, and other related activities.  As such, regular attendance and classroom participation are integral to instilling incentives for the student to excel. The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for the attendance of students. The Superintendent shall also ensure that the Board’s policy on attendance and the Corporation’s administrative guidelines are made available to all parents and adult students.

Attendance shall mean to be physically present in a school or at another location where the school’s educational program is being conducted, during regular school hours on a day in which the educational program in which the student is enrolled is being offered. Attendance need not always be within the school facilities, but a student will be considered to be in attendance if present at any place where school is in session by authority of the Board.

The Board shall consider each student assigned to a program of other guided learning experiences, authorized under Policy 5370, to be in regular attendance for the program provided that they report daily to such staff member they are assigned for guidance at the place in which the student is conducting study, and regularly demonstrates progress toward the objectives of the course of study.

Attendance shall be required of all Corporation students, except those exempted under other provisions of State law, during the days and hours that the school is in session or during the attendance sessions to which the student has been assigned.

Exceptions to compulsory attendance that shall be recognized by the school corporation as provided by state statute are:

A. service as a page or honoree of the general assembly (I.C. 20-33-2-14)

B. service on a precinct election board or helper to a political candidate on the date of an election (I.C. 20-33-2-15)

C. subpoena to appear in court as a witness in a judicial proceeding (I.C. 20-33-2-16)

D. service in active duty with the National Guard for not more than ten (10) days (I.C. 20-33-2-17)

E. participating as a member of the Indiana wing of the civil air patrol for not more than five (5) days (I.C. 20-33-2-17.2

F. participating in an educationally related non-classroom activity which is consistent with and promotes educational philosophy and goals of the school corporation, facilitates the attainment of specific educational objectives, is part of the goals and objectives of an approved course or curriculum, represents a unique educational opportunity, cannot reasonably occur without interrupting the school day, and is approved in advance by the school principal (I.C. 20-33-2-17.5)

For any of these exceptions a student shall not be recorded as absent from school.

The Superintendent shall require, from the parent of each student or from an adult student who has been absent for any reason, a written statement of the cause for such absence.  The Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of absences. The Board considers the following for excused absences:

• illness verified by a note from the parent (up to 10 a school year)

• illness verified by a note from a physician

• recovery from accident (verified by a physician’s statement)

• required court attendance (verified by court documentation)

• professional appointments – Parents are encouraged to schedule medical, dental, legal, and other necessary appointments other than during school hours.  When appointments are necessary during the school day, the student shall report back to school immediately after the appointment with a signed statement from the doctor, dentist, lawyer, counselor, etc.

• death in the immediate family

• observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday

• college visitation (verified by documentation from college)

• military connected families’ absences related to deployment and return

• such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent or permitted by law.

An unexcused absence is any absence not covered under the definition of excused absence or an exception to compulsory attendance.  An out of school suspension shall not be considered an unexcused absence.

Repeated instances of unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action up to suspension or expulsion of a student.

The school assumes that a student who is unable to attend the last two blocks of a particular day because of illness is unable to participate in extracurricular activities the same day.

Requests by parents to the school to give students ACEs early for jobs, vacations, and a variety of other reasons are unfair when weighed against the priorities of students’ attendance at school and the important business of finishing the grading period. The school calendar is published early to help parents and students schedule around final test time. ACEs will not be given early.  See details in the ACE  section of the handbook. 

The student, parent or legal guardian, and the school must cooperate to achieve the school’s philosophy of education where school attendance is concerned; however, students must be encouraged to exercise self-discipline within the framework of the stated policy. The framework itself must be flexible enough for educationally sound exceptions. 

When a student has accumulated ten absences (40 total periods), the attendance record is reviewed. The parents/guardians may be notified that a doctor’s written excuse will be required to excuse any further absences for the semester.

A parent/guardian conference will be requested with one or more of the following steps taken. 

1. Loss of privilege to attend field trips.

2. Eligibility for extracurricular activities and various programs such as TCP or capstone may be denied.

3. Placing a student on homebound instruction per doctor’s request.

4. Referring the student to Project ACES attendance program. 

5. Change of the course schedule including, but not limited to withdrawal/withdrawl fail from course (s). 

6.   Filing of truancy papers.

7.   Request for Expulsion.  

TRUANCY

Truancy is absence from school for all day or for any single period of the day when the absence is initiated by the student without parental consent under circumstances not covered by law or recognized by the school. If a student cuts class (has not left the building and is absent from a portion of one class or more than one class without permission of the school and/or parent), the consequence will be the same as those for truancy. In dealing with truancy, the term “instance of truancy” shall be used, and it should be understood that this expression defines a period of truancy that may vary in length from one instance to the next. The disciplinary actions for truancy may be:

If truancy is not a FULL day: 

• 1st Instance of Truancy: The absence will be unexcused. Students will “make up” time missed by serving a detention to equal the hours missed.

• 2nd Instance of Truancy: The absence will be unexcused and the student will serve Saturday Detention equaling the hours missed. 

• 3rd Instance of Truancy: The student will be assigned additional Saturday Detention and/or additional school consequences.

• 4th Instance of Truancy: The student will be assigned In-School Suspension. 

• 5th Instance of Truancy: Out-of-School suspension and/or individual disciplinary action will be taken by administration during a conference with parent(s) and student.  

If truancy is a FULL day of school: 

• 1st Instance of Truancy: The absence will be unexcused.  The student will be assigned Saturday Detention equaling the hours missed.

• 2nd Instance of Truancy: The absence will be unexcused and the student will serve In-School Suspension.

• 3rd Instance of Truancy: Out-of-School suspension and/or individual disciplinary action will be taken by administration during a conference with parent(s) and student.  

HABITUAL TRUANCY

According to Indiana Code 20-33-2-14, a habitual truant is defined as a student who has ten or more days of unexcused absences. A student who has been designated as a Habitual Truant may not be allowed to participate or continue to participate in extracurricular activities and/or co-curricular activities.

The Superintendent or an attendance officer having jurisdiction shall report a child who is habitually absent from school to an intake officer of the juvenile court or the Department of Child Services.

PROJECT ACES - ATTENDING CLASS EQUALS SUCCESS

Project ACES is designed to assist students with Excessive Excused Absences and Unexcused Absences.  

The goal of Project ACES is to ensure that every child attends school as required by Indiana Law so that each child will receive the necessary guidance and knowledge to become a productive member of the community. Parents will be mailed a letter when their student has accumulated 7 days or 28 periods of absences. When students have been absent for 10 days or 40 periods, the school may request a doctor’s note for any future absence.  

Excused absences not included in the ACES Program are:

• Recognized Religious Holidays 

• Death in the immediate family 

• Court Appearances, Jury Duty 

• Serving as a page for the State Legislature 

• College Visitation (verified by documentation from college)

• Driver License Examination 

• Immigration, passports 

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING ABSENCES

All Carmel Clay Schools use School Dismissal Manager to report absences, late arrivals, appointments, and changes to dismissal. Using School Dismissal Manager is preferred to help manage absences and eliminate large quantities of calls to front desk staff.

Our priority at Carmel High School is to help students socially, emotionally, and academically learn and grow.  A student's regular attendance in all classes is vital to that growth.  We value working together with all stakeholders to help all students maintain regular attendance in order to achieve their academic and life goals.

1. Parents or legal guardians are requested to use School Dismissal Manager (see directions above) or call the 24-hour attendance voicemail line (317) 571-5915. If a School Dismissal Manager message or call is not received by 10:00 a.m. the day after the absence, the absence will be considered unexcused.

2. A School Dismissal Manager message or telephone call will be required each day the student is absent unless prior arrangements have been made.

3. Absences and appointments can be scheduled in advance via School Dismissal Manager. and guardians are encouraged to enter appointments and absences as far in advance as they are able.

4. When reporting an absence through School Dismissal Manager, please complete all required information.

5. When reporting an absence through voicemail, the parent or guardian should give the following information:

   1. their name and relationship to student

   2. student’s name (please spell) and grade in school

   3. reason for absence

   4. the date of absence

6. Upon returning to school the day following an absence, the student should go directly to class. If there is a question about the absence, the Student Services Office will contact the student.

7. If a student leaves the school building during the school day, the student must sign out with the attendance office. Students must sign in at attendance upon returning to school that day or arriving at school after the school day begins, even if returning or leaving during a passing period.

8. Failure to properly sign in or out could result in the student’s absence being marked as unexcused and consequences may be issued.

PREARRANGING AN ABSENCE 

1. Prearranging for Appointments:

To prearrange your student to miss school for a specific period, periods, or day due to an appointment, please report the absence as far in advance as possible. Attendance office personnel can take this information and schedule your son or daughter’s absence for any date from now to the end of the school year. School Dismissal Manager is the preferred method for informing the school of any upcoming absences or appointments. If an appointment is anticipated to last longer than two and a half hours, parents are expected to indicate this when the absence is pre-arranged. After parents have reported the absence to the school, students are to obtain a Prearranged-Absence Pass from the attendance office on the day they will be leaving early. Passes may be picked up from the Attendance office before school or during a passing period. The teacher is to sign the pass prior to the student leaving for the appointment, and the student will sign out at the attendance office before leaving school. The student will retain this pass. Upon returning to school following the appointment, the student is to report to the attendance office to sign in and to have the pass stamped. The Prearranged-Absence Pass will serve as the student’s admittance to class. If the Prearranged-Absence Pass is not obtained from the attendance office PRIOR to leaving school or if the student does not sign out, the time missed will be considered unexcused. It is the parent/student responsibility to inform the teachers of their prearranged absence from school. The following consequences may be assigned if the procedure is not followed: 

a. 1st offense- warning

b. 2nd offense: A detention will be assigned. 

c. 3rd offense: Detentions will be assigned.

d. 4th offense: Saturday detention

e. 5th offense: Out-of-School suspension and/or individual disciplinary action will be taken by administration during a conference with parent(s) and student.  

2. School sanctioned activities: 

Attendance for all school-sanctioned activities will be handled through the school.

3.  Extended Absences:

A parent/guardian should report one week in advance any extended absences of more than 3 days. The student must come to Student Services to meet with an administrator to discuss the absence and pick up a form to communicate the upcoming absence to their teachers.  It is the student’s responsibility to request missed work and arrange times to complete missed assessments for any work they miss during their absence.  The make-up time allotment is one day to make up the work for each day’s absence, beginning the day the student returns following an absence. Extensions to make up missed work beyond the end of a grading period will not be permitted. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule make-up work with their teachers and failure to make these arrangements may result in a zero being entered for missed work. Please note that Canvas and other instructional materials are often inaccessible outside of the continental United States so students should plan accordingly. In addition, teachers plan their lessons in accordance with the school calendar and are not obligated to provide schoolwork in advance of an absence. Filling out a pre-arranged absence form allows CHS to acknowledge the upcoming absence and help the student plan to complete their missed work, but that does not mean the absence is “excused” for purposes of state reporting of attendance.  In the event a student has an absence of 10 or more consecutive school days, they will be coded as UNE (unenrolled) until they return to school. A reminder that a student’s ability to earn attendance privileges and incentives may be affected by any extended absences -- and may also result in follow up by the Hamilton County ACES program to support student attendance. (Note: There is a different process for any absences during ACE week – for ACE week absences, see the process outlined in the ACE section of the handbook.)

4.   Students who have a planned absence of 10 or more consecutive school days will be removed from the CCS system.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guarding to re-enroll their student upon completion of the extended absence. Any work or tests that occur during this period will not be made up and grades will not be recorded. Teachers plan their lessons in accordance with the school calendar and are not obligated to provide schoolwork in advance of an absence. Please note that canvas and other instructional materials are often inaccessible outside of the continental United States.

5. Parents going out of town should leave emergency contacts/guardians and pertinent information with Student Services.

MAKE-UP FOR ABSENCES

All assignments should be made up regardless of the reason for the absence. The designated time limit is one day of that class for each day’s absence, beginning the day the student returns following an absence (that is, one blue or gold day is allowed for each blue or gold day missed).  It is the responsibility of the student to schedule make-up work with their teachers.

A student who is absent the day of a test is expected to take it upon returning to school if they were aware, or should have been aware, of the test. (Note: the same test may or may not be given for make-up.)  A teacher may use appropriate professional discretion in administering this rule for students with medically excused absences.

TARDINESS

Tardiness is defined as any appearance of a student beyond the scheduled time that a class begins in that room.

1. Excessive tardiness is a disciplinary problem that can lead to consequences assigned by an administrator.  Each occurrence of tardiness will be documented.

2. The Student Services Office will handle tardiness with the assistance of teachers. The following disciplinary procedures will be in effect for tardiness:

a. 1st Tardy -  A warning will be issued for the first tardy of a semester

b.    2nd Tardy - One detention will be assigned and parent contacted

c. 3rd Tardy - Two detentions will be assigned and parent contacted. 

d. 4th Tardy - Two-hour Saturday detention will be assigned and parent contacted. 

e. 5th Tardy - Four-hour Saturday detention will be assigned and/or additional disciplinary action may be taken by administration after a conference with parent and student.  

LOCKDOWN/SEVERE WEATHER SITUATIONS

Students will NOT be released to parents during an emergency school lockdown or during a severe weather situation.   All students will be required to report and remain in their assigned locations until conditions are safe.  These procedures have been established for the protection and safety of our students.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

For more information on this section, please refer to CCS School Board Policy 4895.

Anti-Harassment & Non-Discrimination Policy

Please click the link below to access the Carmel High School Behavior Code

Carmel High School Behavior Code

The school provides multi-faceted counseling services to assist students with academic, post-secondary and career planning as well as personal counseling. All students and their parents are encouraged to take advantage of the many services of the Counseling Center. To find the name of a student’s counselor, please go to:  https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/chs/student-services/counseling

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1976

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. There rights are:
 

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five (45) days after Carmel Clay Schools receives a written request;

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student will be so notified and provided the opportunity for a hearing. Additional information concerning the hearing will be provided when notified of the opportunity for a hearing;

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent; and

4. The right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
    

FERPA permits the disclosure of education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student under certain circumstances. One of those circumstances is to other school officials, including teachers, within Carmel Clay Schools whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. For purposes of FERPA, “school official” includes: teachers, professors, instructors, administrators, health staff, counselors, attorneys, clerical staff, trustees, school board members, members of committees and disciplinary boards, contractors, including online service providers, volunteers, or another party to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions. 

Additionally for purposes of FERPA, “legitimate educational interest” means direct or delegated responsibility for helping the student achieve one (1) or more of the educational goals of the Corporation or if the record is necessary in order for the school official to perform an administrative, supervisory or instructional task or to perform a service or benefit for the student or the student’s family.

RECORDS RELEASE FORMS

Public law requires a signed release for the school to forward transcripts to employers or postsecondary schools. Students should have the form on file before leaving school.

Certain “directory information” including the student’s name, address, date of birth, and other similar information may be released unless parents notify the school that they do not want such information released without prior consent.

MILITARY RECRUITERS

Federal law requires public school districts, upon request, to release the name, address and telephone number of secondary school students to a recruiting officer of any branch of the United States Armed Forces or an institution of higher education who requests such information. A secondary school student or the parent may request, by informing the school in writing by the end of the first week of the school year, not to include this contact information (name, address or phone) without prior consent of the parent.

SCHEDULING PROCEDURES

In addition to complying with the graduation requirements prescribed by the State of Indiana and Carmel High School, students may select their courses of study within the framework of the following procedures and suggestions:

1. All students must attend school all periods each semester. Because of the requirements of Core 40, all students are expected to enroll in seven periods of class. Exceptions to the minimum course requirements must be made through the Counseling Center and approved by the Principal.

2. Seniors who are part of the CHS Transition to College program must take a minimum of four  courses each semester from the list of courses approved for this program.  Additional information about the program is available in the CHS Program of Studies.  

3. Students and parents must be advised that not all subjects can be offered in the master schedule during every period.

4. To be eligible scholastically, athletes must have received passing grades at the end of their last grading period in school in at least five full credit subjects or the equivalent and must be currently enrolled in at least five full credit subjects or the equivalent. Seniors participating in the CHS Transition to College Program who are taking four classes will be considered full-time students (they are fully enrolled in the requirements of the program) and must be passing a minimum of three credits.  Seniors in the program who take more than the four required courses, must be passing a minimum of five credits to be eligible. (Semester grades take precedence.)

Subjects for which two or more credits per semester are earned toward graduation shall be considered as an equivalent number of required subjects. A combination of 2, 3, or 4 partial credit subject grades may be substituted for 1 or 2 full credit subject deficiencies. Audited courses will not be considered in determining athletic eligibility.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Carmel High School students are encouraged to invest quality time in planning their schedules for the coming school year.  Such planning should consist of consultation with parents, school personnel, fellow students, college personnel, and anyone who might provide insight in helping students make wise decisions in planning their academic programs.  

The administration and counseling staff of Carmel High School allow ample time for a student and parents to make a firm decision regarding the student’s program plan for the following year.  Each student is given the time from the initial scheduling meeting until May 1 to make revision requests to the schedule.  

After May 1, changes in a student’s schedule will be made for either semester for the following reasons only:

• Errors made by the school in developing the schedule.

• The school’s need to balance class sizes.

• Medical reasons with documentation.

• Change in program placement for students with learning problems, such as adjustments in or assignments to special services or resource classes.

• Request to take courses to qualify for the Academic Honors Diploma or Core 40.

• Failure of a course required for graduation.

• Failure of a prerequisite; i.e., anything that would prevent a student from going on to a requisite course as published in the Program of Studies.

• Failure of a course required for entrance into post-secondary education.

• Request to add a course required for college (with documentation from the college).

• Adding a seventh course to replace a study hall.

• A student has failed with a teacher previously in a course, and they get the same teacher for exactly the same course.

• A student requests to attend the full year rather than be a mid-year graduate.

• Move-in students who may need a second or third study hall because we are unable to match courses.  (This applies only after the tenth day of each semester.)

• Adding a class to continue the sequence of a year-long course.

• Adding a required course in lieu of an elective class.

The rationale for adhering to only the above stated reasons for a schedule change is based upon:
i) maintaining the academic rigor of the student’s schedule; ii) the expectation that the parent and student carefully studied the Program of Studies in choosing the best curricular preparation; iii) the imbalance that occurs in the elective departments’ enrollments; iv) the fact that staffing decisions are based upon student course selections and course changes could affect the balance of our staffing efforts. 

Occasionally, there will be individual situations arise that will be reviewed by school personnel to determine whether or not a schedule change is needed or can be granted.  These situations will be considered with feedback from the student, teacher, parents, counselor, etc.  The respective department chair will base the decision whether to allow a change or withdrawal based on this information.  Any appeal is made to an assistant principal.  

COURSE WITHDRAWALS

1. A withdrawal after 10 school days in a semester course follows the procedure listed above and must be approved by the respective department chair.  An approved withdrawal

• becomes a “W” if a student is passing the course at the time of withdrawal which will not be factored into the student’s cumulative GPA.

• Becomes a “WF” if a student is failing the course at the time of withdrawal.  A “WF” counts the same as a “F” when computing the grade point average.

3. Loss of credits will accrue to the student who has withdrawn from school due to dropping out completely or expulsion.  “W’s” will be marked on the student’s permanent record.

AUDITING OR RETAKING CLASSES

Students who wish to retake a course in order to improve the grade may do so in consultation with their counselor and may be referred for an evaluation by our academic departments and approval of the principal.  Students wishing to improve a single semester grade for a yearlong course will be allowed to retake the entire year if they choose to do so.   When retaking a course, the highest academic grade earned will appear on the transcript  and an “R” for retake will replace the lower academic grade that was repeated,  The higher grade will be associated with the credit and factored into the student’s GPA. The “R” will remain on the transcript with a notation that the course was retaken, but will not be included in the calculation of the student’s GPA. In order to place into a higher-level course than what was recommended by the Carmel Clay School System, a student may request to sit for a placement exam prior to starting the next sequence course to determine placement. Incoming ninth graders with high school credit earned in middle school may retake those courses at Carmel High School after consultation with their high school counselor and may be referred for an evaluation by our academic departments and approval of the principal. When retaking a course previously taken in middle school, the course, credit and grade earned in middle school will not be a part of the Carmel High School transcript. In some cases, students transferring to Carmel High School may audit a class if the audit is recommended after appropriate evaluation by an academic department and is approved by the principal. During the regular school year, an audit or retake may be denied if placing a student in a particular class for this purpose causes the class size to be excessive. Again, the principal will make the decision in such cases. Before enrolling in non-CHS courses, the student must have permission from their CHS counselor to enroll and to apply the specific course toward CHS diploma requirements. A maximum of eight credits earned from other approved accredited programs will be accepted.
 

REMOVING MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES FROM HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT:

• When removing grades for a year-long course, both semester grades must be removed. Students may not remove just one semester of a year-long course.

• Middle school grades must be removed by the end of August of senior year to ensure the student’s academic record is accurate prior to sending initial transcripts for college applications. 

• Once credits are removed from the transcript, the opportunity to receive credit for these courses will not be available at a later date.  

COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying to colleges should be a positive and exciting experience as you prepare to pursue your post-high school goals. By taking the following steps, you will likely minimize your stress and put your best application forward:

Become familiar with and login to Naviance often:  Naviance is an online resource that helps CHS students make their post-high school educational and career plans. Through Naviance you can research colleges, sign up to talk with college representatives who visit CHS, learn about upcoming events, and more! When you are ready to apply to colleges, you will make requests for documents needed for your college applications through your Naviance account. These documents include transcripts, secondary school or counselor reports, and letters of recommendation. 

Take note of all deadlines: Once you get organized you must identify all of the deadlines for your applications. Many colleges maintain several different deadlines, and it is especially important to be aware of the deadlines to apply for full scholarship consideration, honors college admission, housing, and more. These deadlines often occur earlier than the final application deadline. Some schools will offer different application windows such as Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admissions. It is important that you understand the differences, and then make a decision about which option is the best for you. 

Get Organized: Once you have an idea about the colleges to which you plan to apply, you should create an organizational system that works for you for completing your applications. Be sure to build time into your schedule to work on applications, and create a place/space for keeping all of your application materials organized (either a physical organization system or an electronic one.) Be sure you use a current email address that you check often, since much of the application and admission information is communicated via email.

Make sure all parts of the application are submitted: 

1. Complete the application(s) online.  Applications are available online and can be accessed from the individual college/university admissions website. Many colleges accept or require the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) to be considered for admission. You should be certain to note which schools use the Common Application. This allows you to complete ONE application and send it to several different schools. NOTE: once you have created a Common Application account you will need to link it with your Naviance account.   

2. Request that your transcripts be sent to those schools to which you are applying. You do not have to wait until your part of the application is complete before you request your transcripts to be sent. Your application will not be considered complete without your transcript. You will request your transcripts through your Naviance account.

3. Send your SAT and/or ACT scores to schools that require them. To send your scores, you must login to the account you created when you registered for the ACT (www.actstudent.org) or SAT (www.collegeboard.org) and request that your scores be sent for a fee. Many students take advantage of the opportunity to send up to four free score reports when they register for the exams.

4. Be sure that all other required application parts or documents are submitted, including: counselor forms, letters of recommendation, essay responses, extracurricular resumes, etc. NOTE: when asking for letters of recommendation, please do so at least two weeks in advance of your earliest deadline, and please take care to make the request respectfully. 

Plan ahead, and do not wait until the last minute.   Be sure to plan ahead and do not put yourself in a position to miss a deadline by procrastinating. NOTE: you do not have to (and should not) wait until your part of the application is complete to request transcripts, letters, secondary school reports, and test scores. Colleges and universities do not have to receive all pieces of the application at the same time. Instead they will place all application items in your file no matter what order they receive them. DO NOT wait to request these items, as it takes time for counselors, teachers, and the testing agencies to process the requests. DO only make these requests for schools to which you are definitely applying. 

Use your resources! Your counselor is your first best resource to help you navigate the college application process, but there are many additional resources available in the Counseling Office that you may find helpful.  The College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) offers special programming for CHS students and parents as well as individual appointments with CCRC College Advisors. Be sure you stay informed about the opportunities for exploring college and career options, understanding the financial aid process, and identifying scholarship opportunities. Check your Naviance  account OFTEN for information and updates about programming and resources!

PEER CONFLICT MEDIATIONS

Peer mediation is a process that allows students in conflict to work together with a student mediator to resolve a dispute.  A select group of CHS students are trained to assist their peers in a safe and confidential setting as peer mediators. They do not make decisions for either party, but facilitate a win-win resolution that allows both sides to avoid further conflict. Peer mediation is voluntary and can be initiated by students, teachers, counselors or administrators.  Students may request assistance through Student Services.   

SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID

Information concerning student scholarships and financial aid is available in the Counseling Center and its Career and College Resource Center.

SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION

Registration is the process of providing the Selective Service with the name, address, phone number, and other related information about one’s self. It is a civic and legal responsibility. Even though no one is currently being drafted, men are REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH SELECTIVE SERVICE as soon as they reach age 18.  Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S Post Office.  Registration can also be completed on-line at https://www.sss.gov/register/

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Students who are receiving Social Security benefits and will become 18 years of age during the school year must be enrolled in a minimum of four periods both semesters in order to continue receiving benefits.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Prior to withdrawing from school, student and parent must notify Student Services Administration.  No student under the age of eighteen may withdraw from school without an exit interview.

GRADING

Grades convey an evaluation by the teacher of the student’s progress in school.

The scale of letter grade to achievement is:

Carmel High School’s grading scale is as follows:

100-93 A           76-73  C

92-90  A-          72-70  C-

89-87  B+           69-67  D+

86-83  B            66-63  D

82-80  B-           62-60  D-

79-77  C+           59-Below F

HOMEWORK POLICY

Carmel Clay Schools believes strongly that successfully completing homework and class work are important components to achieving academic success. CHS students are expected and required to complete and turn in class work and to make up missed work. Failure to do so may result in appropriate consequences. 

SEMESTER GRADES

In order for a student to be excused from their final exam that day, they must provide medical documentation to Student Services.  If a student doesn’t have a doctor’s note, they are expected to come in to be seen by our Health Center nurses.  If the Health Center staff finds the student to be too ill to attend, the absence will be considered medically excused.  If the Health Center staff finds the student well enough to attend, the student will be expected to stay and take the final exam. If medical documentation is provided and they are feeling better before the end of the week, students are allowed to make up the exam with their teacher(s) during the week of finals if the teacher(s) and the student can work it out.  If unable to test during the week of finals, the student will take their exam(s) either when they return from winter break or the week after school is out in June.  This may require entering in an Incomplete for the student’s grade until the exam is taken.  Students who are not medically excused and/or have not been preapproved through Student Services to take finals at a later date, will receive a zero for their final exam. 

PREARRANGING FINAL EXAMS

Students are not permitted to take any final exam prior to the time it is scheduled. Prior to final exams beginning, students should contact Student Services to seek approval to reschedule final exams for a later date and time. Approved rescheduled final exams will be given when students return from winter break or the week after school is out in June.  Students that do not prearrange a final exam will receive a zero, unless a doctor’s note is received, if the exam is not taken at the scheduled time. 

DURING THE FINAL EXAM PERIOD

All students should be taking the final exam during the final exam period.  Allowing students to take their exams earlier violates the above listed policy re: taking final exams early.  Approval for a special circumstance would come from the Student Services office.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Cheating and plagiarism compromise the integrity and character of students and does not align with the mission and philosophy of CHS. Academic dishonesty occurs when a student engages in any behavior or uses any unauthorized device/program (including but not limited to cell phones, calculators, artificial intelligence (AI), and/or other electronic devices) which gives the student an unfair advantage or represents work that is not their own. Examples of these behaviors include, but are not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, talking during assessments, using cheat sheets (paper or electronic), looking at or copying another student’s work, and/or relaying information to students in other classes about specific information covered in that class. Should an incident of cheating occur, teachers will conference with the student, contact the parents, and provide an alternative assignment/assessment.  In addition to these steps the teacher may choose to complete an office referral.  After an investigation indicates academic dishonesty took place, the student’s consequence for a first offense may result in an out of school suspension. A second offense may lead to a withdrawal (W), if currently passing, or withdrawal while failing (WF) of the course. This strong course of action should be a deterrent for students from participating in academic dishonesty.   

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE

From our school’s philosophy statement: Carmel High School recognizes that it is the shared responsibility of the school, home, and community to instill the fundamental principles of American democracy and the view of education as a lifelong process. Two core values of the United States are the concepts of equal opportunity and fair play. In matters of law, business and academics, no individual should be allowed an unfair advantage over another. We have an obligation to teach our citizens that the route to success is paved with self-discipline, hard work and personal integrity. In order to fulfill that duty and reinforce the positive standards taught at home, Carmel High School requires all of its students to adhere to the letter and spirit of its Academic Honor Code.

Responsibilities 

School will: 

Teachers will: 

Students will: 

Parents will:

Support their child and faculty in adhering to the Academic Honor Code 

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

To compute the grade point average, the total number of grade points earned is divided by the total credits attempted (not the total credits earned). Averages are figured cumulatively. In other words, the total points for all semesters of school work are divided by the total credits attempted for all semesters. Carmel High School utilizes a weighted grading system to recognize and reward academic work in selected honors courses and courses that follow a national curriculum or are given college credit by an accredited university. The grades of students entering Carmel High School from a school using weighted grades will be converted to Carmel High School’s point values. The weight given for courses and the list of weighted courses are outlined below. Note:  Calculation of grade point average for any purpose will be computed using four decimal places and expressed to the nearest thousandth.

GRADE REPORTS

Grades will be available online through PowerSchool. A final grade report will be issued at the conclusion of the semester.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

A student will be given an “I” for Incomplete if extended illness or some other reason beyond the student’s control prevents him/her from completing work on time. An “I” counts as a failure in computing academic athletic eligibility and in computing a Grade Point Average. A student will be given no longer than one day for each day absent to make up work. The maximum limit will be two weeks after which the “I” will become an “F” or “W”, depending upon the situation. Any extension of this time limit must be approved by the principal or his designee. A grade of “I” makes the student ineligible for any Honor Roll.

Every teacher who gives an “I” has the responsibility to:

1. Communicate with the student before the end of the grading period to inform him/her of:

a. What is expected of him/her in order to complete the required work for the grading period?

b. The date the “I” is to be completed

2. Report the grade promptly to the CHS Registrar for processing

Every student who receives an “I” has the responsibility to:

1. Communicate with the teacher to determine what work is expected of him/her and the date it is

COMMENCEMENT

Commencement exercises will include those students who have successfully completed requirements for graduation as certified by the high school principal.  Those students who are within (2) credits of meeting graduation requirements may participate in Commencement exercises.  No student who has completed the requirements for graduation shall be denied a diploma as a disciplinary measure.  A student may be denied participation in the ceremony of graduation when personal conduct so warrants. Students who have been expelled or are under the parameters of a waiver to expulsion may be denied the opportunity to participate in commencement ceremonies. Students that are expelled or agree to the parameters of a waiver during their graduating year will be denied the opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony.   

Students who complete 38 of the 40 credits required for a diploma at Carmel High School prior to a change in residency may transfer the remaining two credits back to Carmel High School and participate in commencement. Students and parents of students who wish to participate in commencement must agree to the following rules and regulations in addition to any reasonable rules as may be necessary to insure a solemn and dignified graduation for the graduates, the families, and the school:

1. All seniors who expect to participate in the commencement exercise must attend all practice sessions and remain for the duration of the ceremony..

2. Each male graduate is expected to wear dress shoes, socks, dress pants, a dress shirt and a tie.

3. Each female graduate is expected to wear dress shoes. A dress or dress slacks should be worn under her gown.

GRADUATION QUALIFYING EXAMS

For information on the Graduation Qualifying Exam please see the Program of Studies.

CORE 40 WITH ACADEMIC or TECHNICAL HONORS DIPLOMAs

The Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma and the Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma are special diplomas which a student may earn if he/she meets specific criteria as defined by the State of Indiana. Complete requirements for these diplomas can be found in the Carmel High School Program of Studies.

GRADUATION BEFORE EIGHT FULL SEMESTERS

The curriculum is designed to give maximum benefit to students who enroll for eight full semesters of high school courses; however, circumstances sometime make it necessary for students to terminate their high school education early. Students who wish to explore the possibility of graduating before completing eight semesters should see their counselors.

Procedure

1. Complete seven semesters of high school as required by Carmel High School.

2. Make arrangements with the counselor to graduate early.

3. Complete an application signed by parents and counselor.

4. Pay cap and gown fee prior to end of first semester (amount is subject to change).

Early Graduation to Attend College

1. Follow same procedure as for seventh semester graduation.

2. Notify the counselor prior to December 1 of the seventh semester.

3. Obtain approval from the Principal.

4. Demonstrate proof to the Counseling Center that the student has been accepted to and will attend college.

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES 

The distinguished graduate program is a recognition given to the top 125 seniors who score the highest number of points from the chart listed in the program of studies. Around 35 of those students will receive the highest recognition of distinguished grad while the remaining will receive the honor of commended graduate. The purpose is to recognize students who excel in academics, service and leadership, and extracurricular activities. 

PHILOSOPHY

Interested students should have the opportunity to develop their potential as athletes in activities appropriate to their level of ability. In this spirit, CHS provides a program of interscholastic athletics which promotes participation for qualified students within the rules and regulations of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Carmel High School Athletic Department. It is the goal of our school to provide such opportunity as a further means of developing the intellectual, emotional and social maturity of our students, while at the same time teaching the importance and worth of teamwork and sportsmanship. CHS athletics also provide a unifying influence upon our student body and between our school and community. 

Finally, as is true in all aspects of education at CHS, our athletic program is committed to the pursuit of excellence, acknowledging that the quest itself is the most significant aspect of achievement.

PROFILE OF CHS ATHLETIC PROGRAM

CHS has developed a rich tradition in athletics. The entire school and community take pride in the accomplishments of the Greyhound athletic teams. 

CHS is a member in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC). Other member schools include Ben Davis, Center Grove, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, Pike and Warren Central. Conference champions are awarded in all 19 sports plus an “All-Sports” Trophy for both boys’ sports and girls’ sports. 

Boys are offered an eleven-sport program including cross country, football, soccer and tennis in the fall; basketball, swimming and wrestling in the winter; and baseball, golf, lacrosse and track in the spring. Girls are offered an eleven-sport program including cross country, golf, soccer and volleyball and cheerleading in the fall; basketball, cheerleading, and swimming in the winter; and lacrosse, softball, tennis and track in the spring. Unified Sports are offered in the fall (flag football) and in the spring (track and field).

All students with sufficient ability are eligible to participate provided they meet the scholastic standards and conduct requirements as established by the CHS Athletic Board and IHSAA.

CHS ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

The CHS Athletic Department distributes a handbook each year with updated information concerning the specifics of the program. Athletic handbooks can be obtained from the Activities Office or the Athletic Department website. The head coaches for each sport should be contacted for specific information concerning their sport.

CARMEL SCHOOL SONG

Cheer, Cheer for old Gold and Blue,

Come on team, we’re all proud of you,

We’re all loyal to our High,

Send up a cheer that will reach the sky

Although the odds be great or small,

Old Gold and Blue will win over all,

While our loyal Hounds are fighting

Onward to victory!  (Yell after singing school song)

C—C—CAR;  M—M—MEL;  CAR—MEL

Carmel!  Carmel!  Carmel!

CARMEL FIGHT SONG

Fight on for Carmel High

Show them we’ll meet their challenge

Gold and Blue will always see you through.

We’ll stand beside you loyal and true,

We’re shouting.

Mighty our team will stand

We’ve got the spirit that’s best in the land.

We’re shouting fight, fight Carmel High School

Onward to victory.

CARMEL ANTHEM ALMA MATER

Loyal to our Carmel High

We stand to Gold and Blue.

For her mem’ry raise in song

To Carmel fair and true.

Grant us wisdom; Grant us strength

To see each challenge through.

Ever proudly through the years

Our hearts remain with you.

None compare in all the land;

All Hail to Gold and Blue.

BOOKSTORE

The Bookstore stocks textbooks, paper, pencils, other educational supplies, and is in charge of lost and found items. It is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and is closed for thirty minutes following the lunch period.

CAFETERIA AND LUNCH

Students at CHS have 3 cafeterias where they can eat lunch: Freshman Cafeteria, Greyhound Station, and Main Cafeteria. Breakfast is offered daily in Main Cafeteria and Greyhound Station. Freshman Cafeteria is designated for freshman students only. Each cafeteria offers several menu choices and ala carte items to select from daily. The USDA school lunch and breakfast program is offered to all students. School lunches consist of an entrée, 1-2 servings of vegetables, 1-2 servings of fruit, and an 8oz milk. Ala carte items are also available for an additional cost. Parents are highly encouraged to create an EZSchoolPay account to  deposit funds into their child’s meal account (www.EZSchoolPay.com), however checks made payable to Carmel Clay Food Services and cash are also permitted. Please refer to the district food service website for prepayment meal account information, meal prices, and menus. https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/services/food-service

When finished eating, students are asked to carry their trays to the conveyor belt, discarding all food, paper and milk cartons and placing the recyclable plastic items and beverage cans in the proper containers for recycling. All items brought from home are considered trash whether plastic or paper. Students are asked to go to and from the cafeteria quickly and quietly because many classes are in session during the lunch periods. 

Students are not permitted to leave the school campus during their lunch periods. They are to remain in the cafeteria-commons area. A student may visit the Counseling Center with a pass or go to the Media Center before the bell rings.. Students are not to be in any other areas of the building during their lunch period. Students may not use a food delivery service during school hours. 

Carmel Clay Schools, in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Education School Lunch Division and the United States Department of Agriculture, has agreed by school board policy to provide a free lunch or a reduced-price lunch to any student who applies and whose parents’ income is at or below certain levels on an established income scale. Application forms are available in the Main Office and families can apply online.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

It may be necessary for the school to close or be delayed due to extreme weather conditions. Notification regarding weather-related closings, delays or early dismissals will be posted on the district and school websites, district social media page and on local news stations. In addition, a School Messenger email, phone call and text message may be used to notify parents. Please be certain your family has established a plan for weather-related closings, delays or early dismissals.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS

Fire and tornado drills are conducted for the students’ protection. When the fire alarm sounds, all students are to evacuate the building in a quiet, prompt, and orderly manner. When the tornado alarm sounds, students should follow the designated procedures. Each classroom is posted with instructions for each drill. Teachers will explain procedures and details.

INCLEMENT WEATHER - ACTIVITIES

The following will serve as the CHS policy concerning school activities scheduled for days of inclement weather:

“School activities” would include, but not be limited to, meetings, practices, rehearsals, work sessions, competitions, and performances.

All activities will be cancelled on days when the Carmel Clay School Corporation (including offices) is closed due to inclement weather.

All activities will be cancelled on days when school is dismissed early due to inclement weather.

Activities may be held on days when classes have been cancelled before the school day begins due to inclement weather if:

1. The weather and/or road conditions have improved, and

2. There are no penalties imposed upon students who are unable to attend due to the weather conditions or unavailability of transportation.

Those who are immediately responsible for school sponsored activities (i.e., teachers, sponsors, advisors, directors, coaches, etc.) should seek approval from the appropriate building level administrator if there is a question as to whether or not weather and/or road conditions have improved sufficiently to hold an activity.

The director of transportation shall direct building administrators to cancel or postpone any school activity which requires bus or van travel if in the director’s opinion such travel would be unsafe due to inclement weather.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Carmel Clay Schools recognizes its responsibility relative to student, employee, and visitor health and safety, and the need for development of a comprehensive program

designed to provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment on Corporation property and at Corporation-sponsored activities. Carmel Clay Schools’ administrator designated to monitor, facilitate, and answer questions pertaining to these indoor environmental quality procedures is the Director of Facilities and Transportation;  317-815-3962.

PESTICIDES

Carmel Clay Schools is committed to providing a safe environment. While pesticides protect children from pests that may be found in the school and its surrounding grounds, under some circumstances they may pose a hazard to children.  Therefore, pest control practices may involve a variety of chemical and non-chemical methods that are designed to control pests effectively while minimizing potential pesticide exposure.  For information regarding pest control, please contact the main office, and the name and phone number of a specific contact person will be provided.  Carmel Clay Schools will provide notice of planned pesticide applications to parents who have requested advanced notice during the student registration process. Unless an emergency is declared, Carmel Clay Schools will give notice at least forty eight (48) hours prior to the date and time the pesticide application is to occur. The notice will include the date and time of the pesticide application, the general area where the pesticide is to be applied and the telephone number to contact for more information.  In case of emergency pesticide applications, because of immediate threat to the public health, the school shall give written notice as soon as possible.

ACCIDENTS

Each and every accident in the school building, on the school campus, at athletic practice sessions, or at any sponsored event at school or away must be reported immediately to school personnel sponsoring the activity. An accident report is also to be filed with the nurse.

DRIVER EDUCATION

Driver Education is offered by Central Indiana Educational Service Center at CHS. Information is available in the activities office.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Carmel Clay Schools designates the following items as Directory Information: a student's name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; photograph; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; height and weight, if a member of an athletic team; dates of attendance; date of graduation; awards received; or any other information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy, if disclosed. The corporation may disclose directory information to any individual, other than a for profit organization, even without a parent’s prior written consent.

Parents and eligible students may refuse to allow the Corporation to disclose any or all of such "directory information" upon written notification to the Corporation within twenty (20) business days after receipt of this Student Handbook.

LOCKERS

A locker will be available to every student to store school supplies and personal items necessary for use at school. These lockers will be issued by the Activities Office at the time students purchase books. The Activities Office will handle any locker problems. Only school locks may be used to secure lockers.

The school places upon the students the responsibility for removing locker contents at the end of the year. Lockers are for the students’ use, yet remain the property of the school. The school does not assume the responsibility for items presumed stolen or in any way missing from lockers.

MESSAGES & DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS

The school feels obligated to communicate emergency messages from parents to students immediately; however, cannot communicate other messages. CHS offices will not deliver items to students.  Utilization of food delivery services is prohibited.  

RENTAL TEXTBOOKS

All textbooks are available to students on a rental basis. The book rental fee payment deadline will be announced.

Each student is responsible for any and all damages done to his/her assigned textbooks. Damages include pencil or ink markings, torn covers, bent corners, deliberately torn pages, water, gum, food damage, highlighting, etc. Each student will be fined according to severity of damage. Fines range from $1.00 to the full price for any text that cannot be reissued. It is the responsibility of each student to carefully check his/her textbooks for any previous damage which missed being repaired. Any textbooks found to be damaged must be returned to the Bookstore by the FIFTH DAY of the semester or the assigned student will be accountable. For an added class, the student has one week from the date the textbook was issued.

Lost or stolen textbooks are the responsibility of the student. The full price of the book will be charged and if later found, a refund, less handling fee, will be given.

All textbooks must be turned in to the bookstore by the end of the school day the last day of school, or the student will be charged the full price for the books.

Refunds for Class Changes

Refunds will be given only for class changes made during the 10-day period at the beginning of each semester and only for changes resulting in a refund over $5.00.

To Receive Refunds

Refunds for Withdrawals

Any mid-term grad or student withdrawing from school is required to turn in ALL textbooks to the Bookstore for proper credit. Refunds cannot be processed until all textbooks have been accounted for.

VISITORS

Parents and guardians are always welcome to visit school. Conferences with teachers, principals and counselors should be made by appointment. As always, safety is a top priority at CHS. All visitors are required to scan their driver’s license or state identification card to enter the school. This increased level of security will allow the school to better track visitors and help increase the safety and security of our students and staff. As visitors enter the building, they will be required to scan their identification card and be issued a badge to wear. Visitors will scan their ID and return the badge prior to leaving the building. Once the school day has begun, only the front doors by the Main Office, door four by Student Services, and the main entrance to the Freshman Center will be unlocked for visitors to enter the building. Student visitors will not be allowed.

WORK PERMITS

Indiana Code 22-2-18.1-26 sets new requirements that no longer require employers to secure a work permit from a minor employee through their school. However, any Indiana employer who employs five or more minor employees must register themselves as a youth employer, and provide information about their minor employees. This new requirement goes into effect July 1, 2021

MEDIA CENTER

The CHS Media Center houses over 45,000 resources in a centrally located facility comprised of five classrooms, two multimedia labs, a small conference room, a makerspace, and a myriad of other spaces for various functions. Students are encouraged to make use of the facility as often as possible, and are welcome to speak with a library teacher at any time for assistance in research or other services.    

A valid CHS student ID number is required to check out resources from the library. Most print materials circulate for a three-week period. Select AV equipment may also be checked out overnight. The charge for a lost or destroyed item is the cost of the replacement.  

Transition to College students are welcome to spend release periods in the CHS Library. Please scan in before entering the library and scan out at your time of exit. Video game playing is not allowed in the library.   

Students are welcome to use the library throughout the day with a pass or freely before/after school or during lunch. Students should stop at the front desks in order to check-in before entering the library. To access the CHS Library during SSRT, students must have a valid student ID from the current school year and a completely filled out and signed CHS Library SSRT pass from a core teacher. (See the CHS MEDIA CENTER SSRT section for complete details.)  

Students may attend the CHS Library during lunch sessions with a lunch packed from home. An abbreviated lunch cart is available for purchase of lunch.  An educational setting must be maintained for the classes who are present and sometimes the library will not be open for lunch in order to accommodate classes working in the library. Signs will be posted in advance to warn of necessary closings. Please remove all garbage before exiting the library. Students should arrive before the bell and remain in the library until the end of the lunch period. 

HEALTH CENTER INFORMATION AND MEDICATION POLICY

The primary goal of the health center is to promote student health and development in order to advance academic success.  All students must have a written pass to be evaluated in the health center, with the exception of diabetic students and student injuries.  A written pass will not be issued by the health center for students to return to class. 

A child with a contagious illness or fever should not be sent to school.  Any student with a fever should be kept home until the student has been fever free for 24 hours without medication (temperature below 100.40 F).  Any student whose temperature is above 100.40 F will be sent home from school.  All other student illness, including vomiting and diarrhea, will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Health-related school dismissals will be done at the discretion of the school nurse.  Students cannot be pre-arranged to go home for illness; they must come to the health center to contact a parent. Students will not be allowed to leave school property unless a parent or authorized designee is notified and gives consent. 

Parents who are going to be out of town should notify the school with information regarding who will be responsible for the student in the parent/guardian absence, thereby giving authorization to release the student to the designated person in the event of illness or injury.

Use of Medications

In consideration of student health and welfare, all medication required during school hours, except those subject to IC 20-33-8-13 (student possession and self-administration), will be administered by the nurse or designated, trained staff under the following conditions:

1. Transportation of Medication: ALL medication, both prescription and non-prescription, must be transported to and from the school health center by a parent or guardian.  Students are not permitted to have any medication or drug in their possession. 

2. Storage of Medications: ALL medication, prescription or non-prescription, must be stored in their original containers labeled with the student’s name and expiration date. All medications, with the exception of emergency medications, must be stored in a locked cabinet or drawer.  Emergency medications should be stored in a secure area that is inaccessible to children and must be unlocked and immediately available to school personnel at all times when students are present. 

3.  Prescription Medication:  Prescription medication must have a current, written order of a physician, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, OR prescription (label affixed on container) including name of the drug, drug dosage, route of administration, directions or interval for the drug to be given, and name of the licensed healthcare provider prescribing the medication. 

4.  Non-Prescription Medication: Non-prescription medication must be accompanied by a current, written order of a physician, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, including directions for administration. Directions should include name of the drug, drug dosage, route of administration, directions or interval for the drug to be given, and name of the licensed healthcare provider prescribing the medication. Please write your student’s name on non-prescription containers.

5. Parent Consent to give Medication: Carmel Clay Schools requires a parent/guardian signature giving consent for the school to administer any medication.  The consent of the parent/guardian shall be valid only for the period specified on the consent form and in no case longer than the current school year or program year.  For daily medication, it is the student’s responsibility to come to the health center to receive the medication at the designated time.  If it becomes necessary to give a student medication that is not kept at school, a parent or legal guardian may come to the school and administer the medication.

6.  Student possession and self-administration:  In accordance with Indiana statute, students are not permitted to self-carry or administer any medication, with the exception of students with acute or chronic medical conditions that require emergency medications (i.e. Epi-pen, inhaler, insulin, Glucagon).  An annual health plan with both parent and physician signatures must be received stating the nature of the medical condition and that the student has been instructed how to self-administer the medication.

7.  Analgesics:  The school nurse will administer analgesics (generic Tylenol or Advil) as needed, if parent consent is on file.  At the elementary level (K thru 5), a parent/guardian will be notified when analgesics are given.

8.  Benadryl:  The school nurse will administer Benadryl, as needed, for life-threatening allergies.   A parent/guardian will be notified when Benadryl is given.

9.  Products unapproved by the FDA:  Carmel Clay Schools does not honor any requests to administer any products not approved by the FDA, including but not limited to herbs, homeopathic medicines, vitamins, cultural treatments, salves, and nutritional supplements.

10. Administration of Low Hemp THC Extract, including CBD oil, by School Personnel:  Carmel Clay School Personnel will administer a low THC hemp extract substance, including CBD oil, if at a minimum, all of the following criteria are met:

• The parent has provided the school with written permission to administer this product to his/her child and has verified that the product was acquired from a retailer that meets the requirements listed in SEA 52;

• Product has come in original packaging and is unopened;

• Student’s healthcare provider has provided the school with a prescription to administer the substance which includes the dose, route and time of administration; and

• Product has been approved by: (1) the federal Food and Drug Administration or the federal Drug Enforcement Agency as a prescription or over the counter drug: or (2) meets the packaging requirements of SEA 52.

11. Emergency Stock Medication:  Carmel Clay Schools may store emergency stock medication, as permitted by Indiana statute, to be administered in emergency situations.

12. Medication Documentation:  All medication administration will be documented and kept on file in the health center.

13. Medication Termination: If medication needs to be terminated, the parent/guardian will provide written notification to the school indicating the date medication consent is withdrawn.

14. Medication Disposal:  At the close of the school year, ALL medications must be picked up by the student’s parent or designated adult.  Medications left in the health center will be destroyed.

Meningococcal Disease
Indiana law requires each year that parents/guardians be informed “about meningococcal disease and its vaccine” (IC 20-30-5-18). Meningococcal disease is a dangerous disease that can strike children and youth. The disease can progress rapidly and within hours of the first symptoms, may result in death or permanent disability including loss of hearing, brain damage, and limb amputations. Symptoms of meningococcal disease often resemble the flu and can include a fever, headache, nausea, and stiff neck, making the disease difficult to diagnose. The bacteria that causes meningococcal diseases are transmitted through air droplets and by direct contact with an infected person. Fortunately, there is an immunization available and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine meningococcal immunizations at 11 to 12 years old. For teenagers, immunization is recommended at high school entry and incoming college freshman. Please talk with your child’s health care provider about meningococcal disease and vaccination.

WHERE TO GO, WHOM TO SEE FOR HELP 

Activities/Athletics Office

Bookstore

Counseling Center and College and Career Center

Student Services Office

WHO’S WHO PROGRAMS

Parents and students are requested to contact the school principal or counselor when receiving literature related to various Who’s Who type programs or other requests for student names. These programs are often subtle attempts to sell a product and do not exhibit bona fide interest in the welfare of the individual student.

ITEMS FOR EASY REFERENCE

Main Switchboard 317-846-7721

Main Office FAX 317-571-4066

Freshman Center 317-571-4620

Freshman Center FAX 317-571-4625

Attendance 317-571-5915

Attendance FAX 317-571-7924

Counseling Center 317-571-5922

Counseling Center FAX 317-571-4056

10-12 Nurse’s Office 317-571-5916

Freshman Center Nurse’s Office 317-571-4624

Up-to-date information via twitter

Carmel High School @chsinfo

College and Career Center @CHSCollege411

CCS Transportation Info @MyCCSBus

PTO @CarmelHS_PTO

Internet Addresses Concerning Carmel High School:

https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/chs

http://www.carmel.instructure.com/

https://succeed.naviance.com/auth/signin

CCS School Board Policy 8330 Student Records