Updated 3-11-2025

This Handbook is so you will know your rights, responsibilities, and expectations when attending SHHS.   We believe students perform more successfully when they have the information needed to become well-informed decision makers.  Please review this handbook so you may refer to this important instructional tool. 

South Harrison High School has a strong tradition of student scholarship and citizenship.  This occurs because student initiative and responsibility, along with a knowledgeable, caring and respectful staff, plus a caring supportive community, make our high school unparalleled in academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities.  We find students experience success at SHHS when they are committed to school, maintain good attendance, act in a respectful manner, prepare for class, and participate in extracurricular activities.

 Student standards are as follows:

• Respect property: yours, the school’s and other people’s

• Do not interfere with anyone’s educational learning, including your own

• Treat everyone in the building with respect and courtesy

• Make sure that academic achievement takes precedence over other activity

• Observe all policies and rules

 We ask you to review the following pages so that you become knowledgeable not only of “YOUR RIGHTS” as a South Harrison Student, but also, “YOUR RESPONSIBILITY” for being an important member of the South Harrison community.

South Harrison High School fosters an environment that promotes personal responsibility for all students through community, collaboration, and parental support.  Administration, teachers, and support staff provide a safe and trusting atmosphere that allows development of life-long skills that will allow students to succeed in a globally competitive society.

Please look for newsletters each month on the school website.  You are also encouraged to view the school and county websites for additional information.  Please view the newsletter link and the master calendar link for upcoming events and dates.

Parents are encouraged to communicate with our staff members.  You can find current email addresses on our website, email access through Livegrades, phone conferences during planning periods, and personal communication by appointment.

To schedule a conference a parent may call or email the requested party.  A conference will be scheduled that will be convenient for the staff member and parent.  Evening conferences (one per semester) will also be provided.

Daily communication with staff and students will be made within the morning announcements.  The daily announcements will also be posted on the school website for viewing.

 The HCBOE provides each student with textbooks for his/her classes. It is the responsibility of the student to take care of the books.   If a book is not returned at the time a student leaves a class, a lost book fee will be assessed.  When considering lost textbooks, it is the responsibility of the student/parent to see that the school receives either the textbook or the assessed fee.   Students not paying these fees will not be allowed to graduate.

School issued iPads will be provided to all students.  Students are responsible for any damages to the equipment and must follow the acceptable use policy which will be signed and returned prior to use.

Class dues are $25 and collected each year to reduce the amount of fundraising needed to cover expenses for prom, graduation, and other needed expenses.  These are due by Oct. 31 or a $5 late fee will be imposed.  In the case where the class dues present a significant financial burden on a household, please contact the school administration for alternative options.

It is strongly recommended that all student bags, backpacks, book bags, sports bags, band equipment be placed in the student’s locker when school begins and kept there until dismissal.  Backpacks, bags, purses, etc. take up a lot of space in the classroom, and become a hindrance at times during class activities.  Students may be asked by the classroom teacher to keep items in their locker as part of their classroom rules.  Students who refuse to comply with classroom rules are subject to disciplinary action.  It is the student’s responsibility to properly secure their belongings. 

Lockers are the property of the school.  Students are assessed a $5 fee to utilize a locker for the school year.  Locks will be provided for each locker.  No outside locks may be used.  Students are advised to secure materials and valuables in the locker.  Each student will be assigned a locker.  It is the student’s responsibility to keep the locker neat and clean.  Upon reasonable suspicion, the administration has the right to search the locker and its contents.  A lost lock will require an additional $5 fee for replacement.

Cell phones and ear buds and other electronic devices (excluding the school issued iPad) are not permitted to be used during the school day.  Electronic devices that are used during the school day are subject to confiscation by school personnel and disciplinary action according to HCBOE policy.  Students are expected to put the device away in their locker once the bell rings to begin the academic day.  South Harrison High School and Harrison County Schools shall not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic devices of any kind. 

Students are encouraged to participate in our “healthy food service program”.  Lunch is available as well as our dual breakfast option.  As of the 2016-17 school year, all student meals are free of charge.

Students are encouraged to participate in our “healthy food service program”.  Lunch is available as well as our dual breakfast option.  As of the 2016-17 school year, all student meals are free of charge.

Parents are asked to make the staff aware of any allergies a student may have.  This information will be kept in the office and distributed to all staff members to avoid any situation.  The staff will take every precaution when purchasing and using classroom materials, cleaning supplies or any items.  We do have students with severe allergies to certain type of materials.  Students are asked not to spray any type of propellant in the classrooms, hallways, locker rooms or lunch area.  Please be advised that other may have a serious condition that could be life threatening.  If unsure, please ask.  We want to keep everyone safe.

Students will be given a form to complete at the beginning of the year to be notified when pesticides Level 3 and 4 are to be applied to the school.  Please fill out the form and return to be notified.  If you have concerns throughout the year, please contact the school.

Forms may be obtained in the office.  The cost of a student parking permit is $20.00.  No permits will be issued until the forms and payment have been received.  The parking permit decal must be displayed at all times.  Please refer to the South Harrison High School Student Motorized Vehicle Registration and Waiver Form and the Harrison County Schools Policy and Administrative Regulations Guide.  Student driving and parking privileges can be suspended or revoked at any time by school administration for violation of rules.

Any student not within walking distance of South Harrison High School who chooses to drive, must park on school property and follow all parking rules and regulations.

Students attending United Technical Center (UTC) are not permitted to drive, unless a signed UTC Driving Agreement Form is on file in the office.  The agreement must be signed by both the student and parent/guardian for it to be valid.  Bus transportation is provided each day to UTC. Students returning from UTC for afternoon classes will each lunch in the cafeteria and are expected to be in class by 12:05pm.

Upon entering the building, all students are to proceed to the cafeteria.  Doors to the academic wing will be off limits and no student will be permitted in the academic area until the 7:35 AM bell.   All bus room rules are to be followed.  Violation of the bus room rules will result in disciplinary action. 

The South Harrison High School guidance counselor is available to assist you through your educational journey through high school.  You can receive help with solving difficulties, scheduling of classes, assistance with getting a summer job, completing applications for scholarships, finding out about educational events and opportunities and much more.  Please visit the website for information, view the newsletter for information brought to you from the counselor, or call for an appointment.  If the counselor cannot help, we will find outside sources available to assist you in your search or request.

The student council is an organization through which students may express their opinions and assist the staff with the organization of the school.   This is an integral part of the school because this is where students promote leadership and initiative.  The officers and elected members is the voice of the student body bringing concerns, wishes, and improvements needed to enhance the school setting. 

South Harrison High School has many clubs and activities for students to participate to share interests.  This is a time where students can share interest, find friends, encourage leadership roles and engage in new and exciting activities.  Keep an eye on the web page, newsletter, and announcements to find out about sign ups and meetings.  Being involved will make your high school career much more memorable.

Students may participate in extracurricular activities that are not an extension of an instructional class (i.e. football, basketball, track, cheerleading, etc.). To be eligible the student must have maintained a 2.0 average during the immediately preceding semester. Athletes must pass a physical exam and meet all other WVSSAC rules.  The South Harrison High School Athletes’ Code of Conduct outlines the behavioral expectations of all student-athletes at South Harrison, as well as the consequences for violations.  The Athletes’ Code of Conduct must be signed and returned by the student and parent/guardian prior to participation in extra-curricular activities.

South Harrison High School has multiple programs going on continuously.  To promote a student, group activities, or school events, the occasional release of directory information (student’s name, address, and phone number), video clips and photos needs to take place.   If a family DOES NOT want such information released to the public domain (newspapers, radio, TV, etc.) they must notify the school in writing of such on our WVEIS Form.

SHHS will periodically conduct emergency drills/codes.  As these occur, students are to respond appropriately depending on the need of the drill.  Teachers are trained for emergency drills/codes (Red, Orange, White, Blue, & Green) and will provide students with the necessary instructions.

Students may not use cell phones to call home for illness or any other reason during the instructional day.  All student phone calls in school must be approved and made through the office.  For each child’s security, students are not allowed to call out, nor will they be called to the phone. Office personnel will deliver messages when appropriate. Only emergency calls will be made for students. Forgotten homework, uniforms, band instruments, etc., or notes to stay with friends are not emergencies. Please try to take care of these things at home before your child comes to school.

Students are not to display public forms of affection in any manner.  See HCBOE policy ag5600A.7 for further information and disciplinary consequences for these behaviors.

Schedule changes must be made with the first five (5) days at the beginning of each term.  Changes can only be considered if a slot is available. 

• Sophomore - 6 credits

• Junior - 12 credits

• Senior - 19 credits

Students will be assigned to an AA group based upon their credits at the beginning of each school year.  This status will be used for all grade level privileges.  Please refer to the Harrison County Schools Policy and Administrative Regulations Guide for further information.

Development of a Credit Recovery Policy for SHHS students -approval of committee's policy.

*Faculty approval of LSIC's presentation to the BOE of Credit Recovery Requirements:

 Credit Recovery is only offered to:

• students who have completed a course without passing but did score at least a 40% overall in said course.

• students who had less than fifteen absences from the course in which they are attempting to earn credit.

• students who have attempted a course twice and still have not passed regardless of percentage.

• students who have completed their second year in high school.

***Credit Recovery during the school day is based on special circumstances for fourth year (or higher) high school students expected to graduate in that calendar year once credits are recovered. The special circumstances are as follows:

• Those students are unable to take Credit Recovery after school.

• They have space in their schedules that allows them to work on Credit Recovery.

• They have been pre-approved by a counselor or administrator.

• Grading Scale

The following grading scale applies to all courses offered for High School in the state of West Virginia.  A student’s grades shall not be lowered as a disciplinary action except in cases of academic dishonesty.

“Incomplete” grades are registered as a letter grade of “F.”  Refer to HCBOE po5421 for all High School Grading policies.

Using school computer equipment, software, and the Internet is considered a student privilege.   Parents and students are required to annually sign off on a Computer Use Agreement that reviews this privilege/responsibility.  Contracts will be distributed, collected, and placed within each student’s permanent file.  See HCBOE po7540.03 for further details.

Advanced Education Information of Harrison County

A note of caution: many students and parents fear that advanced classes will lower the student's GPA and therefore choose to select an easier course load.   Let us explain how this hurts your child.

1. Advanced classes better prepare your child for college success.

2. Advanced classes will help your child perform better on his/her college entry exams.

3. Better exam results can help earn the Promise Scholarship and other merit scholarships.

4. College admissions offices will not be fooled with a 4.0 GPA if it doesn't include the rigorous classes that the high school has to offer. Most colleges and universities consider a rigorous curriculum very important in their admission process.

Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes better prepare students for college by offering challenging, college-level work.

Students perform better on college entrance exams (SAT and/or ACT).

Most college admission officers consider a rigorous high school curriculum a very important admissions factor when selecting in-coming students.

AP courses are audited and approved by the College Board. They must meet demanding course requirements before being approved. They are taught by trained, motivated teachers and the curriculum is equivalent to college level work. National AP exams are offered in May. Students have the option of taking them, but are highly recommended they do so. A passing grade of 3, 4, or 5 can earn college credits. Visit college websites to learn of each college or university's AP requirements.

AP classes better prepare students for college success. Studies indicate that students who take two or more AP courses have a significantly higher chance of graduating in four years. The curriculum helps the students develop better study habits to handle college-level work.

AP classes can improve writing skills and problem solving techniques.   AP courses will help to increase college entry exam scores. This is especially important when considering the Promise Scholarship. Currently, students must have a composite score of 22 on the ACT exam or a combined score of 1020 on the SAT exam to qualify for the Promise Scholarship.   A passing grade of 3, 4, or 5 can earn college credits. Each college or university determines AP eligibility.  Successful AP exam results can earn college credit, therefore, saving money.

As the name implies, students who successfully complete these classes can earn both high school and college credit. Currently there are two WVU classes available to juniors and seniors and several Fairmont State classes available to seniors. Class options and availability vary each year. Credits transfer to most colleges and universities. It is the student's responsibility to verify college course requirements.

You can complete your college degree in less time.

You can enhance your preparation for college and increase chances for success.

You will adjust to a more advanced level of education, making the transition from high school to college much easier.

You will save money.

We expect students to be present in school and actively learning. When a student is absent, parents are advised to:

1. Send a written note upon the student’s return

2. Please be advised, a student may have no more than five days per semester excused by a note from the parent/guardian.  Beyond those five parent notes, absences must be excused by a medical practitioner (doctor, dentist, physical therapist, etc.)  If a student fails to bring a written note within three days of their return to school, the absence will remain as unexcused for the semester/year per WV Code.

3. Homework: Homework is an integral part of many classes and is a legitimate task. It is a type of independent study that occurs outside of the classroom. Students at SHHS are expected to complete all homework assignments promptly and accurately within the teacher and Harrison County guidelines.  If absent, students are to follow the guidelines set by the teacher and county.

 Penalties for unexcused absences:

Please refer to HCBOE po5200 for all attendance related procedures. 

To maximize time on task during the instructional day, it is imperative that students are on time.  Students must report to the office when tardy to either school or class to receive a classroom admittance slip.  South Harrison High School utilizes the RAPTOR Sign-in system which prints an admittance slip which the student must take to their teacher to be allowed into the classroom.  Individual student tardiness will be tracked using the RAPTOR reports.  Students will receive disciplinary action for tardiness according to HCBOE ag5600A.11.

• Students are to remain in class unless they have permission from the teacher to leave.

• A limit of one student allowed out of class at all times.

• Students given permission to leave the classroom must have their pass with them.

(The school instructional day runs from 7:35 – 2:53)

Regardless of age (18+ year old students)

1. Students shall not be dismissed from school early without permission from the school administration.  Upon presentation of an appointment card from a physician or dentist, etc. and, with a request signed by the parent, a student may be dismissed from school for such an appointment (but only for that time indicated upon the appointment card).

2. Without “official appointment cards” and administration approval, students will not be dismissed early from classes.

3. If a parent picks up their child after school, the parent must wait until the dismissal time of 2:53. 

4. A student who leaves class early will be counted absent for the entire class period and excused/non-excused rules will apply.

5. A student who leaves school without permission from the administration shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

6. Students are not permitted to call home requesting that parents pick them up without permission from the school administration.

If a student becomes ill at school, he/she should secure permission from the teacher and report immediately to the office. The administration will determine what action is to be taken and will communicate with parents when appropriate. At no time is a student permitted to leave school without permission from the administration and without signing out after receiving such permission.

SHHS operates a closed campus. Students must remain on the school grounds from the time they arrive until dismissal.  (For required procedures on leaving school early see our section on “Early Dismissal from School”). The administration at all times must know who is entering the building and why they are joining us.

No visitors, except those on official business, will be allowed on school grounds. ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE TO SIGN IN AND OBTAIN A VISITORS PASS (THIS IS A STATE LAW). No student is allowed to bring other students or relatives to school to visit or to attend classes (See Parental Visitation for exceptions).

**Unauthorized visitors will be reported to state and local law enforcement agencies**

Such students (and parents of students) approved to attend SHHS will be required to sign individual contracts of “Attendance and Behavior”. The school administration reserves the right to return the student to his/her home school.

In obtaining an education at SHHS, one of the most important lessons you will learn is how to get along with others. While discipline does not appear as a subject, it does underlie the entire educational structure. Discipline is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. Discipline is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for others.

 Probably the most important aspect of any successful school is respect for one another. Respect is not given; it is earned by both students and staff members through their interactions with one another. It is the policy of the SHHS Administration to support those who are respectful of one another and to discipline those who are not. IT IS BOTH THE TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO IMMEDIATELY INFORM THE ADMINISTRATION IF RESPECT DOES NOT EXIST WITHIN THE LEARNING/WORK PLACE. With an understanding of the purposes of discipline in a school, students may develop a correct attitude toward it, and not only do their part in making SHHS an effective place of learning, but develop the habit of self-restraint. It has been the custom for students of SHHS to recognize the appropriate behavior for a given situation and conduct themselves accordingly. It is expected that this custom will continue and that students will exhibit the courtesy that has brought many compliments to our school.

 At South Harrison High School:

1. Everyone has the right to learn (and no one has the right to interfere with that process);

2. Everyone’s dignity, welfare, and material possessions will be respected;

3. Everyone shall refrain from using vulgar or offensive language;

4. Everyone is expected to attend ALL scheduled classes; and,

5. Individual teachers will have additional expectations about appropriate student behavior within their classrooms.

(See the Harrison County Schools Policy Manual for more information.)

Students should fully understand that any staff member has the authority to correct misconduct at all times through the submission of a discipline report outlining his/her concern to the School Administration.

SHHS will have a PRO on campus during school hours for the entire school year.  The PRO provides educational services for our students, staff, and parents.  Additional information is available in our administrative office on the services the PRO provides for our school. 

All students are eligible to attend Homecoming.  If a student chooses to bring an outside guest (a student that is not currently enrolled at South Harrison High School) they must have an approved guest form on file with the dance coordinator.  Prom is a more formal event and is limited to upperclassmen (Juniors & Seniors) only.