Graduation Requirements * Grading * Honor Roll * Academic Honesty * Homework Policy * Internet Access/Computer Networks * Academic Awards * Incompletes * Progress Reports * Youth Options * Guidance/Counseling

Graduation Requirements

In order to be eligible for a high school diploma, students must complete the courses in the following areas:

Students must have earned all credits by the end of Semester II to participate in commencement exercises. Additionally, students transferring to the high school after their sophomore year are not required to take Career Workshop.

Grading

At WHS, each semester is divided into nine-week periods. Two nine-week periods equal a semester and there are two semesters in a school year.

Your final grades at the semester are determined by computing the first nine-week grade, the second nine-week grade, the average of both nine-week periods and the semester test grade and then dividing the total by four. Your semester final grade is the only grade that appears on your official transcript.

Return to top

Honor Roll

Each nine weeks, an honor roll is published in recognition of the students who have achieved academic honors. A student eligible for: Superior Honors must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 and above;
High Honors must have a GPA of 3.5-3.99; Academic Honors must have a GPA of 3.0-3.49.

At the end of first and third nine-week periods, the honor roll is based on the nine-week grades. In January and June, the honor roll is determined by semester grades. All honor students will have their names displayed on the honors board by the main office. Any student who does not wish to have his/her name published on the honors board must submit a written statement to this effect to the principal.

The valedictorian and salutatorian are named on the basis of accumulated grade point average in high school through the end of seven (7) semesters of their senior year. Honor cord recipients will be determined based upon achievement of a 3.6 grade point average of seven (7) semesters.

Return to top

Academic Honesty Policy
(Board Policy 312)

The Waunakee Community School District regards academic honesty as a cornerstone of its educational mission. It is expected that all schoolwork submitted for the purpose of meeting course or class requirements represent the original efforts of the individual student. Administration, faculty, students and their families are all important contributors to the upholding of this academic integrity in our school community. To this end, it is important that all involved understand their integral role in helping to promote this climate of academic honesty. All forms of academic dishonesty will make a student subject to disciplinary action. The following list provides examples of what a student will not do.

• plagiarize in written, creative, or oral work. (Plagiarism is using the ideas of another as one’s own without acknowledgment of the source.)
• submit work that is not original. Copying, “borrowing” from another source and giving it as one’s own work, and resubmitting work from another person or another class are all unacceptable practices.
• give or receive unauthorized assistance on exams.
• alter grades or other academic records, give false information, or forge.
• submit identical work in more than one course without the prior approval of the instructor. Students may further develop previous work with prior approval of the instructor.
• provide notes, signature, or other documents that are forgeries to school officials or teachers.

Teacher/Staff Responsibilities – Staff will:

• educate students during the first week of class as to what constitutes cheating and what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior;
• reference the Academic Honesty Policy and reinforced it on a regular basis;
• be vigilant in the supervision of all exams and alert to indications of cheating;
• carefully proctor tests to prevent cheating;
• secure grade book and marked documents so grades are private and confidential;
• secure test answers/answer keys from student access; and
• by precept and concept support these ethical commitments related to academic honesty.

Parent Responsibilities – Parents will:

• communicate to their son/daughter the values of moral and ethical behavior;
• refrain from placing undue pressure for high grades;
• be aware of a student’s need for a quiet time and a place for study;
• support the student’s efforts, but not edit, type, word process or in any other way do the work; and
• encourage the student’s wise use of time.

Student Responsibilities – Students will:

• protect his/her own work (Do not lend or borrow homework);
• not look at another student’s test or allow his/her test to be seen by another student;
• not talk during a test or about the test until all classes have had a chance to take it; and
• not use technology for inappropriate use.

Violation of Academic Honesty Policy

The following rules for conduct apply to all students in grades 5-12 and violation of the rules could result in consequences as described. In most cases the teacher is granted the authority to exercise his/her good judgment in applying the range of consequences described. The principal has the authority to exercise judgment in determining an appropriate consequence, but should strive to follow the procedure as outlined. Consequences and procedures for students in grades K-4 shall be established by the building principals.

Rules for Conduct

Students shall not engage in any act of deception or falsification of work product. This includes plagiarism by copying the language structure, idea and/or thought of another and representing it as one’s own work, and verbal or written statement of untruth.

Dishonesty, or cheating, is defined as:

• copying from others;
• having or using notes, formulas or other information in either written or programmable calculator or other technology based format without teacher permission;
• having or using a communication device such as a cell phone, pager, PDA or electronic translator to send or obtain unauthorized information;
• taking an exam for another student;
• providing or receiving information about all or part of an exam;
• having or using a “cheat sheet” that is not specifically authorized by the teacher;
• altering a graded exam and resubmitting it for a better grade; and
• working together on a take-home exam unless authorized by the teacher of the class where the take home exam is used.

Plagiarism in papers and assignments includes, for example:

• giving or getting improper assistance on an assignment meant to be individual work;
• acting as a provider of paper(s) for a student or students;
• making up data for an experiment (“fudging data”); and
• citing nonexistent sources (articles, books, etc.).

Examples of other forms of academic dishonesty include:

• misrepresenting academic accomplishments, such as tampering with computer records; and
• deceiving a teacher or making up a false reason or excuse to get special consideration on an exam or an extension for an exam or paper.

Use of computers in any of the following ways is prohibited:

• Unauthorized copying of any software;
• Copying or using another student’s data disk or flash drive information; and
• Unauthorized use of hard copy (printed material) to develop one’s own software.

Return to top

Disciplinary Actions 

Any action taken with respect to cheating shall take into account:

• First, the rights of those students whose educational opportunity was diminished because of another student’s dishonesty.
• Second, the rights of the student who has violated this policy and the need to provide an appropriate action.

Procedures for implementation of this policy shall include:

1. An explanation of this policy will be included in parent handbooks or mailed to parents/guardians annually.
2. Explanations of this policy and procedure will be included in all editions of the Student Handbook, copies of which are distributed to students each fall.
3. Explanations of the Academic Honesty Policy and Procedure will be presented orally to the students during the first week of classes at the beginning of the school year by the teacher. Students and parents will sign and date an Acknowledgment of Academic Honesty Policy form at that time.
4. In each incidence of alleged academic dishonesty, parents/guardians will be notified directly (by phone or a conference) and a brief written statement of the situation shall be provided to the principal by the teacher, with a copy to the parents/guardians.

Procedures for dealing with alleged academic dishonesty in grades 5-12 shall be cumulative throughout a student’s academic career in the Waunakee Community School District starting at fifth (5th) grade cumulative to 8th grade and then starting over at 9th cumulative through graduation from high school.

Cumulative Penalties shall be:

First Offense

1. The teacher who observes the alleged dishonesty, will confront the individual student, preferably not in the presence of other students, provide a written description of the incident to the student and permit the student to respond by providing a written or verbal statement of his or her viewpoint. The letter grade “F” will be issued for the assignment in cases of verified academic dishonesty.
   (a) Homework - The student will lose credit on the assignment and may receive a grade reduction for the marking period.
   (b) Test or Quiz - The student will lose credit on that test or quiz and will receive a grade reduction for the marking period. Extra credit cannot be used to compensate for loss of credit due to dishonesty.
   (c) Marking Period or Semester Exam - The student will lose credit on the exam and may receive a grade reduction for the marking period or semester.
   (d) If the first offense occurs while a student is enrolled at Waunakee Community High School, the student will be ineligible for membership or continued membership in National Honor Society.
2. The teacher will contact the parent/guardian by phone, make a documentation of the call, and send a copy of the disciplinary report (written description of the incident) to the parent/guardian.
3. The parent/guardian is asked to verify receipt of same with a signature and return it to the teacher no later than the following school day.
4. The teacher will submit a copy of the disciplinary report to the office of the principal.

If the matter is not resolved, the teacher will refer it to the principal.

Second Offense

1. Penalties and procedures as in the first offense; plus:
2. If the second offense occurs while a student is enrolled at Waunakee Community High School, the student will be held responsible for all elements of responsibility under First Offense parameters and will also be ineligible for position (title) of valedictorian or salutatorian.
3. Honor points will not be awarded to any student during the semester that a violation of the academic honesty policy occurs.
4. The teacher, who observes the alleged dishonesty, will confront the individual student, preferably not in the presence of other students, give a written description of the incident to the student and permit the student to respond by providing a written or verbal statement of his or her viewpoint. The letter grade “F” may be recommended for the course in case of verified academic dishonesty.
5. The teacher will submit a copy of the disciplinary report to the office of the principal.
6. The principal will contact the parent/guardian by phone, make a documentation of the call, and send a copy of the disciplinary report (written description of the incident) to the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian will be asked to participate in a conference with the principal to discuss possible disciplinary action.

Third Offense (High School Only)

1. All penalties and procedures as in first and second offense will be applicable under the third offense; plus the student:
   • will be ineligible for position (title) of honor student at graduation.
   • will be ineligible for any scholarships controlled or sponsored by the district.
2. Penalties for the third offense will remain in effect for the student’s entire high school career.

Return to top

Homework Policy
(Board Policy #313) - Homework that contributes to the growth and development of the student is valuable. Homework will be given at all grade levels.

Homework will be assigned to:

• Supplement, support, and extend learning through home-related activities.
• Reinforce classroom instruction by providing necessary practice, integration, and application.
• Help students become resourceful and work independently.
• Acquaint and involve parents/guardians with what their children are learning in school.

The Board of Education recognizes the professional judgment of the classroom teacher to determine the appropriate amount and relevance of homework. The amount of time needed for homework will obviously vary according to the individual student’s age, needs, capabilities, and motivation. The students should obviously take the time to learn the material and properly prepare the assignment. When long-term projects are assigned, students need to manage their work time appropriately. These long-term projects should never by considered one-night assignments. The teacher has the responsibility to check the quality of homework and provide some method of evaluation.

Each student must be personally responsible for work missed due to an absence. Makeup work should be completed as soon as possible upon the return of the student to school. For extended absences, the student should make special arrangements with the teacher(s), counselor and/or principal.

Responsibility of Parents/Guardians: While students should assume the major responsibility for completing homework assignments, parents/guardians should be encouraged to take an active interest in students’ homework by:

a) promoting a positive attitude toward homework;
b) providing a consistent time and suitable place for study;
c) making resource materials available whenever possible; and
d) communicating special circumstances which may affect the student’s ability to complete assignments to the teacher.

Return to top

Access to Internet and Other Computer Networks

Responsibility: Some of the information that can be found on the Internet may be considered inappropriate or immoral by some parents. The Waunakee Community School District will attempt to keep students from accessing such information. However, it must be understood that the student is responsible for his/her own actions.
The smooth operation of the computer network and Internet depends upon the proper conduct of the users. These guidelines are provided so that students and staff are aware of their responsibilities. If anyone violates any of these provisions, his/her account could be terminated, future access could be denied, and additional consequences imposed consistent with district policy, relevant codes, and agreements.

School Network/Internet - Terms and Conditions of Use

1.     Acceptable Use
1.1. The Waunakee Community School District has established the computer network for a “limited educational purpose”, which includes classroom activities, career development and teacher-approved self-discovery activities.
1.2. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Waunakee Community School District.
1.3. Transmission of any material in violation of any national or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted, harassing, threatening, or obscene material.
1.4. Pirating, which is the illegal copying or selling of software or copyrighted material, is prohibited.
1.5. Students and staff may analyze legislative proceedings and matters of public concern and communicate with elected officials via the computer network. However, fund-raising for political activities may not be conducted using the network.

2.     Privileges
2.1. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.
2.2. Each student or teacher who receives an account will receive training in proper use of the network. That instruction may include additional guidelines not mentioned in this policy.
2.3. School administrators will determine consequences for inappropriate use as provided in this policy.
2.4. An administrator, teacher, or other staff member of the school may request the system manager to suspend specific student user accounts until the incident is reviewed.

3.     E-mail
3.1. Electronic mail (E-mail) privileges or accounts may be given to students for specific assignments. You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. (See “Acceptable Use” above).

4.     Security
4.1. Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the network, you must notify a system administrator, technician, lab assistant, or your teacher. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.
4.2. Do not use another individual’s account or password.
4.3. Attempts to logon to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges.
4.4. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied network access.

5.     Network Resources
5.4. The district will filter web sites that contain obscene material, advocate violence and other illegal acts, interfere with the educational objectives of the school, or make excessive demands on network resources.

6.     Vandalism
6.1. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to modify, damage or destroy data, software, operating systems, or equipment, or intentionally disrupt the system.
6.2. This includes, but is not limited to, the loading or creation of computer viruses.

7.     Consequences for Violations of the Acceptable Use Policy
7.1. Violation of any provision of the Acceptable Use Policy may lead to termination of access.
7.2. Students and staff will receive notice of an alleged violation and an opportunity to respond before an extended termination of access.
7.3. The district may temporarily deny access to maintain network function or prevent a criminal act pending the disciplinary process.
7.4. First time violations of a minor nature may be addressed through teacher or administrative counseling.
7.5. Termination of access does not prohibit the district from pursuing or implementing other disciplinary measures.
7.5.1. Acceptable use violations that are severe or repeated may result in additional sanctions beyond termination of access up to, and including, expulsion (students) and dismissal (staff).
7.5.2. Individuals may be subject to action under existing Board of Education policies, school rules, and contractual agreements.
7.5.3. The district will contact appropriate local, state, or federal authorities if there is any suspicion of illegal activity.

8. Privacy
8.1. Files in individual, unshared, student folders should not be viewed by other students.
8.2. Files in individual, unshared, staff folders should not be viewed by other staff, with the exception of the system administrator, technical personnel, and supervisors.
8.3. Files in shared folders are not private.
8.4. The system administrator and technical personnel have the ability to access personal files, including E-mail.
8.5. Regular network maintenance and monitoring may detect violations of the acceptable use policy.
8.6. The system administrator and technical personnel will investigate unusual activity on the network and may access personal files in the course of such investigations.
8.7. The district has the capability to monitor Internet access and may check an individual’s record of access.

9.     The Waunakee Community School District (WCSD) makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or
implied, for the service it is providing.
9.1. The WCSD will not be responsible for any damages suffered by the user. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, miss-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the users own negligence or your errors or omissions.
9.2. The WCSD is not responsible for any costs, liabilities or damages caused by the way you use the computer network.
9.3. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk.
9.4. The WCSD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Return to top

Academic Awards

Students will have the opportunity to earn academic awards based on their semester GPA’s. Point values are assigned to the GPA and the points are totaled toward academic awards to be presented during the school year.

Semester GPA Points
3.00-3.49   1
3.50-3.74   2
3.75-4.00* 3

Award Points
Certificate 6
Letter       12
Medal      18
Pen Set   21

Return to top

Incompletes

Students at WHS have two weeks to remove an incomplete grade from their report card. After two weeks, the grade for the incomplete work turns to an “F”. Talk with the teacher immediately after receiving an “I” in any class.

Return to top

Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent to the parent/guardian of students to indicate student performance. This report may show positive academic achievement or unsatisfactory performance after the first three weeks of each nine-week period.

Return to top

Youth Options Program

(See Board of Education Policy #343) - Eleventh and twelfth grade students may enroll in the Youth Options Program and enroll at institutions of higher education (UW system, Wisconsin Technical College or a private non-profit institution or tribally controlled college in the State of Wisconsin) to take courses, which lead to credit granted toward high school graduation. For more information, see your School to Career Coordinator. The application for the Spring Semester 2012 is due to the guidance office by October 1, 2012. The application for the Fall Semester 2012 is due to the guidance office by March 2, 2012.

Return to top

Guidance/Counseling Department

Our counselors assist students in their academic, personal/social and career decision-making. Counselors believe that the primary purpose of the school is to help you acquire skills, knowledge, and values that will help you succeed. However, learning can be difficult when personal and academic difficulties are foremost on your mind. Private discussions with your counselor give you a chance to explore your ideas, thoughts, and feelings. In addition, counselors facilitate small group discussions related to specific topics such as relationships and family change. Groups consist of 8-12 students and meet weekly or biweekly throughout the semester. Students are invited to groups based on self-referrals and referrals from parents/guardians and teachers. If you do not want your child invited to join a guidance group, please contact us at 849-2115.

For more information or to see one of the counselors, visit the guidance/counseling office to make an appointment with:

Susan Bishop, (A-C);
Barb Fassbender (D-K);
Marcia Kuntz (L-Sc);
Jane Glynn (Se-Z).

Student Scheduling Guidelines

The Guidance Staff would like to thank you for your careful planning in February for your course selections for the following school year. Parents were informed via a letter that students were provided the opportunity to make a final adjustment to their schedule by May 13, 2009. This deadline was necessary in order to meet curriculum & faculty needs as well as maintain balanced classes. Schedule changes will be made after that date only for the following reasons: 

1. If you pass a scheduled class during summer school;
2. If you fail or do not complete a prerequisite course;
3. If you are placed in a math, science or English class which a teacher finds inappropriate for your ability;
4. If you are missing a required class;
5. If a clerical error was made in assigning your classes; and/or
6. To accommodate apprenticeship and co-op programs.

Please note that we cannot make schedule changes for a change in teacher, lunch hour or to get a particular block free. 

Return to top