Mrs. Karen Biehle- Principal
Mr. Patrick Earley - Assistant Principal (10th-12th Grades)
Mr. Malcolm Buckner- Assistant Principal (9th Grade)/Athletic Director
Mr. Tom Nesselhauf - Activities Director

Festus High, our alma mater
Pleasant memories ne'er forgot,
Heavan and earth thy sons and daughters
Will thy blessing be.

And ere the setting sun shall vanish
All thy glory is thy lot,
Love and loyalty forever
Is our pledge to thee.

MASCOT: TIGER
SCHOOL COLORS: BLACK AND GOLD

Three cheers for Festus High School
Cheer Rah! Rah! Rah!
We have a team boys/girls
Now let's see you win

Faith in loyal school mates
They shall not lack
Cheer them as they fight
For the gold and black

FHS Rah! Rah!
FHS Rah! Rah!
Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah!
FHS Rah! Rah!

For Students Graduating in 2009 and Before: A total of twenty-three (23) units earned in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) are required for graduation. Specific graduation requirements are listed below.

For Students Graduating in 2010 and Later: A total of twenty-four and one-half (24.5) units earned in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) are required for graduation. Specific graduation requirements are listed below.

Students that follow the college preparatory honors curriculum must earn twenty-five (25) units of credit in specific courses.

To determine proper grade classification, the following schedule of units of credit earned are listed below:

Each student is required to enroll in an academic program totaling at least seven (7) hours each day. No classes wil be changed after the first week of school. A change of classes will be made with the recommendation of a counselor and with the approval of the Principal.

If a student receives an "incomplete" grade in a course, he/she will be required to remove the deficiency within a two-week period of time from the date the grade is given. In the case of illness, the Principal may extend the time. The teacher is responsible for reporting any change to the Principal's office.

Grade reports are made in each class at the end of each quarter. Grade reports at the end of the second and fourth quarters also report semester grades. Grade reports become a part of a student's cumulative record. Grade reports in each class are issued to each student. Before grade reports are issued, announcements to parents are made in local newspapers and the school district's newsletter. Progress reports are reports by teachers for all students during each quarter. This report includes the best estimate of the student's grade at the time of the report, the reason for any lack of satisfactory progress, and steps the student can take to improve. Other information regarding conference times with teachers or counselors is also included. Progress reports are issued during the fifth week of each quarter and are sent by the student to the parent's home. All teachers use the scale listed below for computing grades. At the end of the year, grade reports are mailed home.

PERCENTAGE AND LETTER GRADES
ALL NUMBERS ARE INCLUSIVE

HONOR ROLL

High Honor Roll: Students must have all A's or A-'s.

Honor Roll: Students must have a B average and no grade below a C.

ACADEMIC LETTER

Students who make the Honor Roll all four (4) quarters during the school year may also qualify for an academic letter by achieving a B+ or higher grade average for the school year, with no grade below a C.

A+ SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Festus High School has achieved state recognition as an A+ school. This means that students may qualify for free tuition at any Missouri Public Community College or approved post-secondary Vocational/Technical School by meeting certain eligibility requirements. For more information, contact the A+ schools coordinator or guidance counselor.

STUDENT CONDUCT
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility and respect for the rights of others, and to ensure the orderly operation of the senior high school. No code can be expected to list each and every offense, which may result in the use of disciplinary action; however, it is the purpose of this code to list minimum and maximum consequences for various offenses. The Code of Conduct is included as an insert to this handbook when given out.

SCHOOL GROUNDS AND OFF-LIMIT AREAS

Students are required to remain on school grounds during the entire school day. Once a student comes to school, he/she may not leave until the end of the school day. Leaving school grounds without the permission of the principal is not allowed.

STUDENT CONDUCT ON PROPERTY CONTIGUOUS TO SCHOOL PREMISES

Under Missouri Law, the School District has the authority to enact rules and regulations governing the conduct of students, both on and off school property, so long as the rules and regulations are reasonably related to maintaining the "good order and discipline" of the Festus R-VI District schools.

The Festus R-VI School District will exercise its responsibility to impose discipline for any conduct that has a detrimental effect on school operation. The district will be enforcing rules and regulations for the campus and prevent students from engaging in conduct (e. g., smoking, fighting, drug use, disrupting school, weapons, etc.) prohibited on school premises only a few feet from district property.

All students driving to school are required to purchase and display a parking permit. Students must park in the designated parking areas behind the high school. Parking is not allowed anywhere else other than the designated lots behind the school.

When acquiring a parking permit, students will be given a copy of the parking lot rules and procedures to read and sign. Failure to follow the rules and procedures will result in disciplinary consequences as explained in the guidelines.

The use of tobacco on or near school property is strictly forbidden. Possession of tobacco on school property will result in the confiscation of the material.

First Offense: Three-day suspension, telephone call to parents, and notification of infraction sent to parents by mail.

Second Offense: Five-day suspension with a parent conference before returning to school. Conference may be by phone or in person. Explanation to be made about subsequent offenses during conference.

Third Offense: Ten-day suspension with a parent conference before returning to school. Conference may be by phone or in person. Explanation to be made about subsequent offenses during conference.

The Board recognizes its share of responsibility for the health, welfare, and safety of the students who attend the Festus R-VI School District. Therefore, the use, sale, transfer, possession, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances, is prohibited. Prohibition includes on any school property, school-owned vehicle, or school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities. This is to be interpreted to mean all school-sponsored activities, events, or functions off school grounds (examples include field trips, Prom and other school dances, float-building, athletic contests, etc.) where students are under the jurisdiction of the Festus R-VI School District.

For the purpose of this policy, a controlled substance shall include any controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or imitation controlled substance as defined in the Narcotic Drug Act, Section 195.010, RSMo.

All medications, prescribed by an authorized prescriber, as well as all nonprescription medications, will be administered in accordance with Board policy JHCD, Administration of Medicines to Students.

All medications prescribed by a physician, as well as all nonprescription medications, will be cleared with the School Nurse or respective Principal or Superintendent before being taken.

In the absence of a physician's instructions, parental permission in writing is required for any student medication to be possessed or taken by a student while under the jurisdiction of the district. All medicine, prescription, or nonprescription, must be kep in the office. No student may carry medication with him/her or keep it in lockers. A written note from a parent or doctor must also be brought with medication to the office.

The administration or teachers shall have the right to conduct searches, which are reasonable in scope, of students reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy during or after school hours on school property, or at any school event, whether at the school or at some alternate location. Such searches shall be conducted in accordance with Board policy JFG, Interrogations and Searches.

Any student who, after being given an opportunity to present his or her version of the incident, is found by the administration and/or staff to be in violation of this policy shall be suspended by the principal for ten (10) school days and referred to the Superintendent of Schools for further discipline. A student will be suspended by the Superintendent for a minimum additional twenty (20) days, or a first time offender of the policy may request fifteen (15) days of out-of-school suspension, volunteering completion of an approved alcohol and/or drug counseling/rehabilitation program and fifteen (15) days of school suspension. Documentation for verification of enrollment participation in a drug and/or alcohol counseling program must be provided (this may include a possible referral for prosecution. All controlled substances shall be turned over to the local law enforcement agency). Strict compliance is mandatory. Failure to document completion of the approved drug and/or alcohol counseling program with the Superintendent of Schools will be cause for an additional fifteen (15) days of out-of-school suspension.

In the event that a student must be suspended from school as a result of misconduct or an offense against Board of Education policies, the Principal will explain to the student exactly why he/she is being suspended and give the student an opportunity to explain his/her acts. The student and parents or guardian of the student shall have the opportunity to appeal the Principal's decision of suspensions.

Students who engage in any unwarranted show of affection while on the school premises may, after being warned, be suspended from attending classes until parents are notified and their cooperation is solicited. Enforcement of these regulations shall be the responsibility of the administrative personnel with the help of the faculty. Suspension from school may be a recommendation when administrators deem it necessary for the good of the student body.

Dress and grooming are normally the responsibility of students and parents. However, students are expected to dress appropriately and to be reasonably neat and clean while at school.

1. Appropriate and acceptable clothing shall be defined as that which is not revealing, suggestive, gang-related, or disruptive to the educational process.
2. Clothing with vulgar slogans or symbols, racial slurs, and/or advertisements for drugs, tobacco, and alcohol will not be permitted.
3. Hats, bandannas, short shorts, sagging pants, belt chains, cut-off shirts, and muscle shirts are specifically inappropriate for wearing in the school building and/or class. Shoulders and midriff areas need to be covered during regular school hours. No low-cut tops or short skirts.
4. Personal stereos, headphones, and laser pointers are not to be brought to school and may be confiscated.

In the day-by-day operation of the school, the administration, along with the staff, will be responsible for making the final decisions concerning dress or grooming styles which violate health or safety standards or disrupt or interfere with the educational process.

Cell phones and beepers are not to be displayed, turned on, heard, or utilized during school hours (7:45 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.). If a student is found in violation of this policy regarding cell phones and beepers, the following disciplinary actions will be taken:

FIRST OFFENSE: The student will receive a warning, and the cell phone or beeper will be confiscated until after school. After school, the student may pick up the cell phone or beeper in the Assistant Principal's office.

SECOND OFFENSE: The cell phone or beeper will be confiscated. A parent must pick up the cell phone or beeper in the Assistant Principal's office. The cell phone will be held until a parent does so.

THIRD OFFENSE: In addition to the cell phone or beeper being confiscated and held until a parent picks it up in the Assistant Principal's office, the student will receive one (1) detention with the Assistant Principal (2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.).

FOURTH OFFENSE: The cell phone or beeper will again be confiscated and held until a parent picks it up in the Assistant Principal's office. The student will also receive one (1) day of ISS.

ADDITIONAL OFFENSES: Cell phones or beepers taken away after the fourth time will result in additional ISS, and a parent must pick up the cell phone or beeper.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Use of food and beverages is restricted to the cafeteria. Food and drink containers are not allowed in the halls and classrooms. Students are not allowed to have food delivered to them at school.

CAFETERIA

The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. To encourage good nutrition, a well-balanced lunch is offered at a reasonable price. The lunchroom management and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation in:

1. depositing all lunch litter in wastebaskets;
2. returning all trays and utensils to the dishwashing area; and
3. leaving the table and floor around your place in a clean condition for others.

No food or beverages may be taken from the cafeteria.

The cafeteria may be used before school as a place of leisure and to purchase breakfast items. Students may bring consumable foods to the cafeteria before first period.

LUNCH PERIOD AREAS

The following areas are open to students during their lunch period: the cafeteria, gym foyer, and the area outside the entrance to the gym foyer.

ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY

Students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for class. This is necessary for the student to receive maximum benefits from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.

In order for a student to successfully complete a class course, the student must not only satisfy academic requirements, but also exhibit good attendance habits.

1. Verified Excused Absences - Students receive a verified absence for:

a) personal illness;

b) professional appointments that cannot be scheduled outside regular school hours, provided appropriate documentation is submitted to the office when the student returns to school;

c) serious personal or family problems;

d) other emergency situations deemed necessary by the Principal; and

e) other unavoidable circumstances that are prearranged by the parent with the school administration and approved in advance. Students allowed prearranged absences must make arrangements with all teachers for completion of assigned work provided absences do not exceed the six (6) day per semester limit.

1. Unverified Absences - Absences that do not fall into the above listed categories. (Absences that do not fall into the above listed categories are considered unexcused.)

Procedure for Clearing Absences

When it is necessary for a student to be absent from any class, parents must call the school office (937-5410) the day the student is absent or before the student returns to school. A student who is absent more than six (6) times in any class will not be able to make up missed work in those classes without specific documentation form a health care provider or appropriate professional. Also, after a student misses six (6) days during a semester, the student will be placed on Medical Alert. This means students must bring a written documentation from an appropriate professional at the time they return to school if they wish to make up work missed after the sixth absence in a class. Students may make up all assigned work during the first six (6) days of absences provided the parent notifies the school of the absence prior to the student's return to school, and if the absence is due to one of the reasons stated above.

Tardy Policy

It is important for students to arrive for class on time each period. The following consequences will be in effect each quarter:

1st tardy - verbal warning from the teacher.

2nd - 4th tardies - after-school detention assigned by classroom teacher.

5th tardy (or more) - referral to the office for assignment to ISS or other disciplinary action.

*Failure to report for an assigned detention will result in a referral to the office.

*A phone call or note from home will not automatically excuse a student absence or tardy. Students whose arrival late in the morning results in an unexcused absence will be referred to the Assistant Principal for a conference and/or disciplinary action.

Signing In and Out of School:

Students will sign in at the attendance office whenever they arrive at school after the scheduled time to begin their first class. Any student who needs to leave school prior to his/her last scheduled class must have had a parent call the office, and report to the attendance office to receive permission to sign out and leave. Leaving school without approval will be considered truancy. Students who miss more than twenty-five (25) minutes of a class will be counted as absent from that class.

Discipline and Attendance:

Any student suspended from school for disciplinary reasons will receive a zero grade in all classes while under suspension. Work missed will not be allowed to be made up for credit.

Extracurricular Activities:

A student must be in attendance all day on the day of a contest or activity unless excused by a Principal for circumstances beyond the student's control. In the case that a student is absent any part of the day that an activity is scheduled (practice or performance), the student shall not be eligible to participate that day without approval in advance from the Principal. This applies to all extracurricular activities. Students with one (1) or more failing grade(s) and/or excessive absences may be kept from attending field trips.

School-Sanctioned or Sponsored Activities:

School-related activities are exempt from and will not count as school absences. Teachers must submit a list of students to be excused from class to the Principal's office at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled event or activity.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

The counselors help students with academic problems; sc

hool-related problems; selection of courses of study for each year; selection of college; technical school, or other post-high school plans; and testing and interpretation of test results. Students needing assistance in these areas are invited to make appointments before or after school or during student preparation periods with approval of the instructor.

The Guidance Office is open form 7:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Students are welcome to check out guidance materials or browse through materials in the office.

USE OF THE LIBRARY

Students are encouraged to use the library as much as possible. It is open for student use from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Students may check out a variety of materials. Students are responsible only for what is damaged or not returned.

So that the library can continue to provide the excellent materials that are available, students are asked to cooperate in checking out with the librarian or library assistant after each visit.

STUDENT ACTIVITY PROGRAM

A program of public-supported education designed to meet the needs of a democratic society must provide for a series of learning activities for all individuals in harmony with maturity, needs, abilities, and aptitudes. The school makes available a broad program of co-curricular activities so that all students have a wide selection in choosing activities.

Co-curricular activities have commendable educational values, and if wisely chosen and effectively administered, the moral and educational tone of the school environment will be improved. The Board of Education requires all teachers to assist with the co-curricular program when directed.

You, the student, your parents, and school personnel should work together in planning your program.

The Superintendent and Principal must approve all co-curricular activities before allowing them a place in the school program. Both the curricular and the co-curricular programs are evaluated annually.

Any student may participate in the activity program providing he/she meets the required standards as stated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Citizenship Standards are the first to be set by the association. He/She must be a good school citizen as judged by the Principal and faculty members. A student is not eligible when under suspension from school or any classes by his/her administrator. Any student whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon his/her school is not considered a good citizen. To be a good citizen, the student must meet the following qualifications:

·        He/She must be regular in attendance.

·        His/Her conduct at school must be satisfactory in accordance with standards of good school discipline. A student under suspension from school shall not be considered eligible until he/she is readmitted to and attends school.

·        He/She obeys the laws of his or her community. A student who has been apprehended because of a violation of the law shall not be permitted to represent his/her school until he/she has been cleared of charges or until he/she has satisfied his/her fine or penalty. A student placed on probation shall be considered a good school citizen while on probation and may be considered eligible providing he/she meets all other terms of the probations.

·        Other citizenship standards may be set up by coaches or sponsors with cooperation of the Principal.

Below are listed many of the activities and honors at FHS:

ACADEMIC AWARDS
Academic Letter
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
National Honor Society
Honor Roll and High Honor Roll (All grades A's or A-'s)
University of Missouri Certificate of Merit
Ralph B. Tynes Scholarship
University of Missouri Curator's Scholarship
Byrd Scholarship
Vinyard Scholarship
Wint Johnson Scholarship
Clark Berry Scholarship
Other Scholarships as Announced

HONORS
 Tommy Alexander Award (includes scholarship)
Student of the Month
Students of the Week
Girls' and Boys' State
Sophomore Pilgrimage
HOBY
Other Academic Honors/Awards as Announced
Mr. FHS/Miss FHS
Scholar-Athlete Award
Mr. Athlete
Miss Athlete
Mr. Football
Mr. Basketball
Mr. Track
Mr. Baseball
Miss Volleyball
Miss Basketball
Miss Track
Mr./Miss Tennis
Miss. Softball
Mr./Miss Golf

VARSITY SPORTS

Co-Ed:
Tennis
Golf

SOCIAL EVENTS
All social events are for our senior high students grades 9, 10, 11, 12 and their invited guests

Homecoming (Student Council sponsored)
Homecoming Dance (Sophomore Class sponsored) Grades 9 and up
Sadie Hawkins Dance (Senior Class sponsored) Grades 9 and up
Junior-Senior Prom (Junior Class sponsored) Grades 11 and 12
(Eleventh and Twelfth graders may invite a ninth or tenth grader as their guest.)

INSPIRATIONAL EVENTS
Baccalaureate Service (Senior Class sponsored)
Commencement Exercises (Board of Education sponsored)

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Membership in the National Honor Society is determined through selection by a faculty council based upon outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Each semester a list of juniors and seniors who have at least a B+ cumulative grade average in high school is given to the NHS advisers by the Principal's office. These students then meet with the Principal, who informs them of their scholastic eligibility, discusses the character, leadership, and service criteria, and explains the procedure to be followed for possible membership.

Students who feel the meet the other criteria for membership may obtain a Student Activity Form from one of the advisers, complete the form, and return it to an adviser, who schedules an interview of each candidate with the faculty council. Selection of new members is based upon 1) a summary of ratings from other faculty members, 2) information listed on the Student Activity Form (school and community activities during high school years), 3) a written essay by the candidate, and 4) information given during the interview with the faculty council. The selection of members is determined by a vote of the faculty council, with a majority vote in favor (three or more out of five) needed for selection as a member. Since all candidates are scholastically eligible, selection is based on the quality of character, leadership, and service shown during a candidate's high school years. New members are inducted into the National Honor Society in a formal ceremony to which parents are invited.

RENAISSANCE

Renaissance is a program of events and activities, the purpose of which is to promote, recognize, and improve academic achievement and school spirit. Renaissance involves all students, teachers, and staff members at Festus High School.

PUBLICATIONS

The publications class is comprised of students specially selected on the basis of their journalism potential. This class meets one (1) hour daily for academic credit. They are charged with the responsibility of publishing the school's yearbook, Tiger, and ensuring all school news is written and released to local newspapers.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council is the official student government of students at FHS. Student Council officers and class officers, president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and representatives are elected for one (1) year. The Student Council must approve the bylaws of any new school club.

TIGER KING AND QUEEN

The Publications Department sponsors the Tiger crowning. Members of the publications class crown the Tiger King and Queen at the Junior-Senior Prom. The royalty receive gifts from a local jewelry store. The candidates for Tiger King and Queen are members of the senior class. Two (2) lists are compiled of all seniors in school--one of boys, one of girls. Each student nominates ten (10) candidates from these two (2) lists. These votes are tallied and the ten (10) highest from each list are the King and Queen candidates. Students vote again. The boy and girl with the highest number of votes will be crowned Tiger King and Queen at the Junior-Senior Prom. The other nominees serve as attendants.

GENERAL INFORMATION
STUDENT VALUABLES

Students are cautioned to not bring large amounts of money or cameras to school, and if they wear glasses or watches, to keep track of them at all times. Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property. If it is necessary to bring any type of valuable to school, leave it at one of the offices for safekeeping. DO NOT LEAVE IT IN YOUR LOCKER.

STUDENT LOCKERS AND TEXTBOOKS

All students are assigned a locker at the time of registration. Underclassmen are assigned a locker partner. Students are responsible for the lock and locker to which they are assigned. Marking or writing anywhere on lockers is not allowed. Students may not use a locker other than the one to which they were assigned without permission of the Principal or Assistant Principal.
Students are responsible for books issued to them and will be required to pay for damaged, lost, or stolen books.

BULLETIN BOARDS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Principal assigns bulletin boards to student organizations. Before posting any notices or other information, official approval is necessary. Announcements by the office are posted on the window of the Principal's office and announced at the start of fourth period.

EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT

The school operates several work-study programs for academic credit: Prevocational Job Placement, Cooperative Occupational Education, and Basic Education-Vocational Rehabilitation. In addition to work-study programs, FHS also operates a job referral center through the Guidance Department for students who are seeking part-time jobs after school or on weekends. Questions regarding part-time jobs after school should be directed to a counselor.

LOST AND FOUND

Students may check for lost items at either high school office.

TRANSPORTATION TO JEFFERSON COLLEGE

Students enrolled in vocational/technical and prevocational classes at Jefferson College are required to ride the school bus to and from Jefferson College. The bus leaves promptly at 8:40 a.m. from in front of the office and leaves Jefferson College at about 11:15 or 11:20 a.m., returning to FHS. As attendance is taken on the bus, students who do not ride are considered absent.