Regulations & Guidelines

Absences

State law requires that each student returning to school after an absence must bring a written excuse from the home showing:

(a) the student's name,
(b) the date or dates of absence,
(c) the reason for the absence, and
(d) a parent or guardian's signature.

The written excuse must be handed in by the 3rd day following the absence. If an excuse is not in the given school office within three days, the absence will be considered unexcused. Students with excessive absences will be required to submit a doctor's excuse for subsequent absences. This action will aid the school in determining the severity of the health problem and should eliminate absences that are not medically justified. If a doctor's excuse is not submitted the absence will be considered unexcused.

Family trips which are educational in nature must be pre-approved by the building principal in order to be considered an excused absence. The parent must provide the principal with a completed "Excusal From Attendance Form" a minimum of one week in advance so that the absence can be pre-approved and any necessary arrangements can be made for the completion of work missed. Forms are available in each building. Students must keep a diary during the trip to be presented to the teacher or administrator upon their return. This is in accordance with board policy.

All other absences will be unexcused or unlawful. A student under age 17 who accumulates three unlawful absences has committed a "first offense" under school attendance laws. The parent will be served a notice of the offense by certified mail. Any illegal absence after the first offense will subject the parents to fines and possible arrest.

Class work missed during unexcused absences may not be made up.

The district hopes parents will encourage their children to graduate. Parents who are aware that their child is thinking about dropping out are encouraged to seek the aid of the principal or counselor.

Bicycles

Only middle school and high school students may ride bikes to school. Bicycles are brought to school at the student' s risk and must be parked in designated areas during school hours. The school assumes no responsibility for damage or theft of bicycles. Bike locks are recommended as a precaution against theft.

Dress and Grooming Guide

Students should use discretion and reason able judgment in dress and grooming. The school believes that parents should guide and teach their children in the proper dress for school attendance. A good, wholesome appearance benefits the educational atmosphere of the school. Students whose dress and grooming are in very poor taste will be directed to correct their dress and grooming practices.

Family Trips

Parents planning trips which will take their children out of school should make arrangements with the building principal at least one week before the trip. The school policy on absence for family travel outlines specific guidelines which must be followed to insure that the absence is excused. Pre-approval is necessary and only trips of an educational nature will be excused. A planned absence form is required and available in each school office.

Homebound Instruction

If a student is to be absent from school for an extended period of time and is confined to home or hospital for physical disability, illness, or injury; or when such confinement is recommended for psychological or psychiatric reasons, parents should make arrangements for homebound instruction as soon as possible.

To apply for homebound instruction, parents should contact the building administrator who will for ward the parents' application to the Superintendent for approval. Applications for homebound instruction shall state the nature of the illness or disability, the probable duration of the confinement, and the appropriate recommendations by either a licensed physician or psychiatrist.

Suspension and Expulsion

The Hanover School Board has adopted a policy for the suspension and expulsion of students. Principals may suspend students for up to ten consecutive days. If a student is suspended for more than three days, the principal will conduct an informal hearing with the student and parent.

No student will be suspended or expelled without first being given the reasons for the action. the parent will be notified, and the student will be given the opportunity to respond to the charges.

If the school recommends suspension for more than ten consecutive school days, the school board will conduct a formal hearing. The board will decide on the length of the suspension, if any, or an expulsion from school.

Students may make up work missed while suspended. The request to make up work must come from the student.

Procedures for Special Education students, concerning suspension and expulsion, will be followed according to the PA Special Ed Regulations: Chapters 12, 13, 14 and 341.

The complete policy statement on suspension and expulsion is available at the administration office.

Tardiness

Tardiness is discouraged but may at times be understandable. Cases of excessive tardiness will be treated as a discipline matter and will accumulate to equal unexcused absences according to school procedures.

Truancy

Students must attend school regularly to receive the full benefits of the education offered by the Hanover Public School District. It is the combined responsibility of the student and parent to insure regular attendance at school.

Truancy will be dealt with promptly. The district depends on parents' cooperation to make sure their students attend school every day, all day.