Student Handbook

Attendance and engagement matter. These two factors have a pronounced impact on a student's academic success. Please monitor and connect with your child if he/she/they are not attending class. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development, and possible academic failure. Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment, and scholastic achievement. No single factor may interfere with a student's progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absence.

ATTENDANCE IS CONNECTED TO PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS AND EVENTS.

According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure that every child under his/her care and supervision receives adequate education and training and, if of compulsory attendance age, attends school.

Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation is seriously disrupted by excessive absences. In most situations, the work missed cannot be made up adequately. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are more employable after leaving school. For at least these reasons, the district believes that a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn full class credit: (1) satisfy all academic requirements and (2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this policy.

To excuse a pre-arranged absence a form must be filled out and turned in at least 3 days prior to the absence. In the case of an emergency, a parent or guardian may call /email within 48 hours of the absence.Currently, absences are reported for each period throughout the day.Parents/Guardians should verify correct contact information with the school office to ensure delivery of automated attendance calls (970) 328-2930
Parents/Guardians should also frequently monitor PowerSchool to track student attendance: https://ps.eagleschools.net/public/

The following shall be considered excused absences:

1. A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences that cannot be taken care of outside of school hours shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature with 3 school days’ notice. A medical emergency would be an exception to the requirement of the three-day notice.2. A student who is absent for an extended period due to a physical disability or a mental or behavioral health disorder.3. A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.4. A student who is participating in any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.5. A student who is suspended.As applicable, the school and/or district may require suitable proof regarding the above exceptions, including written statements from medical sources.If a student is in out-of-home placement (as that term is defined by C.R.S. 22-32-138(1)(h), absences due to court appearances and participation in court-ordered activities shall be excused.  The student’s assigned social worker shall verify the student’s absence was for a court appearance or court-ordered activity.

An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s record. The parents/guardians of the student receiving an unexcused absence shall be notified orally, electronically, or in writing by the district of the unexcused absence.

In accordance with the law, the district may impose academically appropriate opportunities that relate directly to classes missed while unexcused.

The administration will develop procedures to implement appropriate penalties. The school administration will consider the correlation between course failure, truancy, and a student dropping out of school in developing these procedures and shall implement research-based strategies to re-engage students with a high number of unexcused absences.

Students and parents/guardians may petition the district Truancy Officer or other District level designee for exceptions to this policy or the accompanying regulations provided that no exception shall be sustained if the student fails to abide by all requirements imposed by the district as conditions for granting any such exception.

The maximum number of unexcused absences a student may incur before judicial proceedings are initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is ten days during any calendar year or school year.

When a student has an excessive number of absences, these absences negatively impact the student´s academic success. Absences due to suspension or expulsion will not be counted in the total number of absences considered for purposes of identifying a student as "chronically absent."

If a student is identified as "chronically absent," the principal or designee will develop a Truancy Prevention plan to improve the student´s attendance. The plan will include best practices and research-based strategies to address the reasons for the student´s chronic absenteeism. When practicable, the student´s parent/guardian will participate in the development of the plan.

Nothing herein will require the principal or designee to identify a student as "chronically absent" prior to declaring the student as a "habitual truant" and pursuing court proceedings against the student and his or her parents/guardians to compel the student´s attendance in accordance with state law.

If a student is absent without a signed parent/guardian excuse or if the student leaves school or a class without permission of the teacher or administrator in charge, the student shall be considered truant.  A “habitually truant” shall be defined as a student of compulsory attendance age (17 years old) who has four total days or 28 periods of unexcused absences from school in any one month or 10 total days or 70 periods of unexcused absences during any school year. Absences due to suspension or expulsion shall not be counted in the total of unexcused absences for purposes of defining a student as a “habitually truant.

The school shall establish a system of monitoring individual unexcused absences. When a student fails to report on a regularly scheduled school day and school personnel have received no indication that the parent/guardian is aware of the absence, school personnel or volunteers under the direction of school personnel shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian by telephone.

A plan shall be developed for a student who is at risk of being declared habitually truant with the goal of assisting the child to remain in school. The plan shall also include strategies to address the reasons for the truancy. When practicable, the student´s parent, guardian or legal custodian shall participate with district personnel during the development of the plan. Appropriate school personnel shall make reasonable efforts to meet with the parent, guardian or legal custodian to review and evaluate the reasons for the student´s truancy.

In accordance with law, the district may impose appropriate penalties that relate directly to classes missed while truant. Penalties may include a warning, school detention or in-school suspension. Academic penalties, out-of-school suspensions or expulsion shall not be imposed for any truancy.

The administration shall develop regulations to implement appropriate penalties for truancy. The school administration shall consider the correlation between course failure, truancy and a student dropping out of school in developing these regulations and shall implement research-based strategies to re-engage students with a high number of truancies.

Students are allowed ONE DAY to make up assignments for each excused absence. Responsibility for assuring that make-up work is completed rests with the student.  Make-up work completed within the requisite timeframe for excused absences may receive full credit. 

Make-up work may be allowed following an unexcused absence or following a student´s suspension from school with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive to attend school. This work may receive full or partial credit to the extent possible as determined by the building administrator.

Although the school staff facilitates the make-up work process, the prime responsibility for assuring that make-up work is completed in a timely and quality manner rests with the student and parent/guardian. Make-up work may be provided upon the student's return. During the time of suspension, make-up work shall be provided which shall receive up to 100% academic credit. Because learning takes place in the classroom that is experiential and cannot be made up, students and parents/guardians should realize that there are educational consequences to missing classes.

Tardiness is defined as the occasion when students are not in their assigned classrooms when a class bell rings. A (TU) tardy unexcused will be on the attendance record in PowerSchool if the student arrives late to class. An absence (A) is marked if the student does not arrive to class. A TAU is marked if the student arrives after a period of time in which instruction time has been lost and will count as an unexcused absence.

Five (5)+ TU in a week’s period will result in the student being assigned detention. Because of the disruptive nature of tardiness and the detrimental effect on other students, appropriate penalties may be imposed for excessive tardiness. 

Failure to serve assigned consequences may result in suspension from school as defined under the discipline code for “Continued willful disobedience, persistent defiance or refusal to obey school staff” and “repeated interference with school’s ability to provide educational opportunities”. 

28 or more unexcused/unresolved period absences (U, WO, A) or 140 or more total period absences (less than 28 unexcused/unresolved period absences plus excused absences) will result in loss of privilege to participate in the Homecoming Dance, Winter Formal, Prom, etc. Every 5 tardies (TU/TAU) count as an unexcused absence.

28 or more unexcused/unresolved period absences (U, WO, A) or 140 or more total period absences (less than 28 unexcused/unresolved period absences plus excused absences) will result in loss of privilege to participate in the Battle Mountain Graduation Ceremony. Every 5 tardies (TU/TAU) count as an unexcused absence.

Students will be unable to attend Summer School for classes if they have 10 or more unexcused/unresolved absences (A/U/WO) in that class. Every 5 tardies (TU/TAU) count as an unexcused absence.

The school's main interest is to encourage students to correct undesirable/unacceptable behavior, attendance, or attitude problems whenever reasonably possible.  

At each intervention step, the intent is to assist the student in identifying the problem, understanding what new behavior is necessary, and encouraging the student to accept accountability for his/her actions.The following is a list of progressive disciplines that can be applied for violation of school rules: 

• teacher-managed interventions 

• administrator conference with student

• administrator conference with parent and student

• detention 

• community service

• in-school suspension

• out-of-school suspension

• alternative placement (Red Canyon HS, World Academy-Online)

• expulsion

• Electronic Device Infractions (District Policy JICJ)
• Throwing Objects to Cause Damage or Harm (District Policy JICDA-19)
• Interference with School's Ability to Provide Educational Opportunities/Disruption (District Policy JICDA-25)
• Profanity, Vulgar or Inappropriate Language (District Policy JICDA-20)
• Disobedience, Defiance, or Refusal to Obey School Staff (JICDA-18)

• Tobacco/Nicotine Possession or Use (District Policy JICDA-14, ADC)
• Sexual Harassment (District Policy JBB, JICDD-8)
• Damage to or Stealing of School or Private Property (District Policy JICDA-1 and 2)
• Assault (other than 3rd degree assault (District Policy JICDD-2)
• Violation of Criminal Law (that has an immediate effect on the school or general safety or welfare of students or staff) (District Policy JICDA-9)
• Alcohol or Drug Use, Possession, and/or Under the Influence, including Paraphernalia (District Policy JICH-R)
• Sale, Purchase, Distribution, and/or Exchange of Drugs or Controlled Substances, including Alcohol (District Policy JICH-R)
• Dangerous Weapons (Carrying, Bringing, Using, or Possessing) (District Policy JICDD-1, JICI)
• Violent or Agressive Behavior, Including Fighting (3rd degree assault) (District Policy JICDD-2 through 6)
• Directed Profanity, Vulgar Language, or Verbal Abuse (District Policy (JICDA-6)
• Lying or Giving of False Information (District Policy JICDA-21)
• Scholastic Dishonesty (Cheating, Plagiarism, or Unauthorized Collaboration) (District Policy JICDA-22)
• Continued, Willful Disobedience, Persistent Defiance, or Refusal to Obey School Staff (District Policy JICDA-26)
• Behavior On or Off School Property Detrimental to the Welfare, Safety, or Morals of Students or School Personnel (District Policy JICDA-24)
• Repeated Interference with the School's Ability to Provide Educational Opportunities/Disruption (District Policy JICDA-25)
• Sending, Receiving, and Possessing Inappropriate Photos (District Policy JICJ, JBB)
• False Accusations of Criminal Activity Against a District Employee (District Policy JICDA-23)
• Bullying (Including Cyberbulling) (District Policy JICDE, JICDD-6)

Students are expected to know their responsibilities as well as their rights.  These are explained in this handbook and the District Policies Regarding Student Handbook.   

• Students are required to correctly identify themselves to adults when requested to do so.    

• Students who deface, damage, or lose school property will be held liable for the cost and/or replacement of the item and may be subject to disciplinary actions. Students who do not reimburse the school for damages could be subject to the withholding of transcripts and diplomas.  

• Students will show control, self-restraint, and respect for others. Students will refrain from any inappropriate public displays of affection in the school building.  

• Students will refrain from making any comments/remarks that could be interpreted as harassment.  

BMHS will not tolerate any behavior that is discriminatory in nature.

BMHS is a closed campus for ALL with the exception of 11th and 12th grade students. During the academic day “off campus” includes anywhere off BMHS property.

• Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches, tablets, and personal computers shall be TURNED OFF when class begins and not turned back on until the class ends.

• Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches and tablets, shall be kept out of sight at all times.    

• Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches, tablets, and personal computers may be used during transition times, at lunch or between classes.

• If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are to go to the office or use a classroom phone with teacher permission.

• Students may not use AirPods or headphones during class.

• Students may not use Smart Watches to message or communicate with others during the day.

• While on school transportation students may use their cell phones and other electronic devices in “silent mode” provided the use of the device, as determined by the supervising staff member or bus driver, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern or otherwise violates the School District’s Code of Conduct for Students or other parts of this policy.

Students must have an approved electronic pass (Smartpass) in order to be in the hallway. We use a one in, one out system. 

* 1 student out of a class at any given time.

* No hall passes during the first 10 and last 10 minutes of class.

* Students who abuse the hall pass system will result in the student being placed on a "No Pass" list by the teacher or admin.

* Defiance (at any time) - refusal to follow rules, habitual problems, or defiance towards BMHS staff will result in additional consequences. 

We want our students to be present and engaged in their learning process.

Assemblies of a varied nature will be scheduled. Expected behavior for these events includes: 

• Go directly to the assembly area and be seated in the assigned area.

• Remain attentive, courteous, and silent during any speech or performance. Students who are disruptive or behave inappropriately will be subject to school discipline.

• No signs, posters, noisemakers, or other objects may be brought into the assembly without prior approval by the administration.

• Go directly to the assigned classroom area immediately following the assembly.

Drop off and pick up for students is located on the North side of the building. For the safety of all, please do not drop off/pick up students in the parking lots. It creates an unsafe environment and and strains students and staff parking.

A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program.  District-wide standards on student attire are intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and improve school order and safety. Administrators recognize that students have a right to express themselves through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school.

Any student deemed in violation of the dress code shall be required to change into appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school immediately.

a. Clothing shall be school-appropriate.

b. Shoes must be worn at all times.

c. Acceptable clothing, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments are those that do not:

• Bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back, and breasts (such as halter tops and spaghetti straps)

• Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, or are of a sexual nature

• By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attributes denote membership in gangs that advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior

• Contain material that is obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous

• Threaten the safety or welfare of any person

• Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct

• Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process

Fire and lockdown drills will be practiced periodically during the year for safety measures. Students should be familiar with the procedures and the exit routes from each of their classes. If there is an emergency, under no circumstances should parents call the school or attempt to enter the building.  Students are to remain with their teacher during drills.

Reunification procedures will be practiced every 3 years. Students will be required to follow staff instructions and remain with the assigned group throughout the process until reunified with guardians, if necessary.

Student parking at school is a privilege. Student vehicles must have a current parking pass displayed.  Parking passes are free and available in the front office. Students must park in student-designated parking only. Violators could be stickered, ticketed, booted, and/or towed at the owner’s expense.

Students are cautioned not to bring cash (other than lunch money) or personal valuables to school.  Valuables must be stored in the lockers or locked cars. We have no insurance to cover the loss or theft of valuables. Please be advised that neither the school nor the district will be responsible for personal or school property that is lost or stolen from the school

Off Periods:  If students are in the building, they must go to the Library/Media Center during all off periods (M - F). Please, no food/drink in the Library/Media Center (water is the exception). 

Lunches: Monday, Tuesday, Friday - lunch (50 min) occurs during the 4th or 5th period (off period). The BMHS Kitchen is open for the first 30 minutes of lunch (see Bell Schedule). Wednesday & Thursday lunch is a 36 minute designated lunch period for all students and teachers. 

Wednesday & Thursday off periods:  All students have a designated off period either Wednesday (4th period) or Thursday (5th period). If students are in the building, they must go to the Library/Media Center during all off periods. Please, no food/drink in the Library/Media Center (water is the exception).

Dances are for the benefit and pleasure of the students of BMHS. If a student wishes to invite someone not enrolled at BMHS to a school dance, the student must fill out a guest approval form and return it to the main office for administrative approval two days before the dance. The student then becomes responsible for his/her guest. (Note: Any students younger than 9th grade or older than 19 will not be admitted to a BMHS dance).

All fundraisers must be pre-approved by the Activities or Athletic Director. All fundraising must be for an approved BMHS club or sport. Anyone not adhering to this policy will not be allowed to continue and could face possible disciplinary actions.

Battle Mountain High School offers summer school to all students who need to retrieve credit in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. The program begins the week after finals and extends for two weeks. Students must receive a minimum of a 1 in a class in order to be eligible for Summer School. Students will be unable to retrieve credit for classes if they have 10 or more unexcused absences in that class. Every 5 tardies count as an unexcused absence. Classes are for Pass/Fail credit only and will not change a student’s GPA. Failing grades will remain on the transcript along with a separate line for Summer School. There could be a charge for tuition for each class taken.

All students will be issued a student ID card/badge (Lunch/SMART Tag for transportation) with the student's first and last name, school name, and a barcode, which is attached to their student ID. Please note: Students need to bring and carry their ID to school every day as it gives them free access to home games/events. 

* Student ID cards/badges will be required when coming through the line for meal service.

* The first ID card is free; lost cards will be charged $5.00 to the student.

The Media Center has many resources to assist students with homework assignments, personal information needs, research projects, and reading for fun. Students may use the Media Center for research or a quiet place to study before school or after school until closing. The Media Center enables students to access information from a variety of sources. Students are expected to behave responsibly while using the Media Center. Food and drinks are not permitted in the Media Center.

The Media Center Staff are available to assist with:

• Chromebook questions and instruction

• Reading recommendations

• Reserve on materials that are checked out

• Multimedia projects

Students may check out library materials for a three-week period. They can renew their check out of the materials at the end of the three-week period. Students will be charged late fees and will be responsible for any lost or damaged materials

Ms. Allison Bender

Ms. Kristan Carey

Mr. Mark Fitzwater

Mr. Josh Wright

The counselors collaborate with teachers, parents, students, and the community to deliver a program that will help all students succeed in school as they transition into their post-secondary plans.  Counselors respond to students’ needs with direct intervention, crisis intervention, consultation, collaboration, and referrals. Counselors provide guidance either directly or through technology such as Xello. Counselors provide individual student planning throughout the year and during registration will meet with each student individually to plan their coursework and future. The department has an open-door policy and makes every attempt to respond to all of our students and families in a timely fashion. Visit https://bmhs.eagleschools.net/ under “Academics” and “Counseling” for more information.

Parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for a student’s health. The school nurse and/or health assistant are regularly scheduled in the building. The State Board of Health requires students to be fully immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, mumps, and Hepatitis B as appropriate. A completed Certificate of Immunization must be on file at the school. Students may not enroll without presenting proof of immunizations to the school. 

Ninth graders and new students to the Eagle County School District are screened for vision and hearing. A health care plan may be necessary for a major health concern that requires ongoing support at school, emergency care that affects learning abilities, or school participation.  

Medication should be taken before and after school, if possible. If it is necessary for medications, such as antibiotics, to be taken at school, permission forms must be on file with the school health assistant. Controlled medications need to be dispensed through the health office. Please contact the school nurse for further information.  

No medications, including “over the counter”, can be given to students at school. Students may carry their own “over-the-counter medication” in the original container provided they have a “self-carry” form on file with the health assistant. They can also leave it in the health room. Students who become ill at school must obtain a pass from their teacher to report to the health office. The nurse, health assistant, or secretary will contact the parent/guardian for permission to go home if necessary. Under no circumstances should a student leave school without checking out through the main office.

Payment for fees is accepted in cash, check, or credit card. The preferred method is through the PowerSchool Parent Portal (not the student portal) Edutrak. See below for more information. Failure to pay fees in a timely manner could result in loss of extracurricular privileges, withholding of the student’s diploma, or the inability to walk at graduation. 

EduTrak (also referred to as SmartSchoolK12) is used by Eagle County School District to collect and process fees for things like sports and activities. This platform allows families to make payments online using a credit or debit card for all of their students across the district. Note: Some fees may be waived for students who qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch. Parents/guardians who already have a Parent PowerSchool account can log in to EduTrak with the same credentials. If you need assistance navigating the new platform, reference these detailed instructions (also available in Spanish).

• A student is permitted to use only the locker assigned to him/her.

• Lockers are to be treated with care, kept neat, clean, and free of materials or markings that are in poor taste or may damage the finish or lock.

• Report problems with your locker immediately to the office.

• Lockers are the property of the school and may be inspected at any time by school authorities.

• BMHS provides the lock for the lockers. No personal lock is allowed on a school locker and will be removed.

Visitation is limited. Guests must check into the main office and receive/wear a visitor’s pass throughout their time at BMHS. Non-BMHS students are not allowed on campus without prior consent from the Principal. If inquiring about a transfer to BMHS, contact the Counseling department.

• Clubs must be cleared through the Activities Director prior to any club activity. The sponsor must be approved by the BMHS Administration.

• Scheduling of all activities, fund-raising drives, dances, or use of the building before and after school, etc., must be cleared through the Athletic or Activities Director.

• All bulletins, advertising, or signs of any nature must have prior approval of the club advisor/activity coordinator and the Athletic or Activities Director prior to being displayed. These must be removed immediately after the activity by the group who put them up.

• All contracts, agreements, and purchases made for a club in the name of BMHS must have prior administrative approval.

To be eligible to represent a high school in any extracurricular activity, a student:

• Must abide by all rules of the school, District, CHSAA, and the Western Slope League.

• Must meet the building principal’s and/or athletic director’s standards of conduct and sportsmanship.

• Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a minimum of five classes (2.5 units of academic credit) per semester. The student may not be failing, at the time of participation, more than one class.

• A “conditional” or “incomplete” grade shall be considered the same as a failure when determining eligibility.

• School suspensions result in the participant not being allowed to practice, play, compete, or perform, during the period of suspension.