Concord Community Schools

CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING TIMES

Student Arrival - 7:50am. Doors unlocked

Class Start Time - 8:20am. Students arriving after 8:20am will be considered tardy. If a student arrives after 8:35am they will be considered truant.

Class End Time - 3:20pm

HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Philosophy 

The purpose behind Concord High School’s Dress Code is to maintain a professional learning environment that prepares students for work life beyond high school. We also wish to allow students the opportunity to openly and appropriately express themselves and to create a judgment free zone that allows students to feel comfortable in how they choose to present themselves within the learning environment. Students not adhering to the dress code will be asked to replace his/her clothing with more suitable attire. Continued violations will be evidence of insubordination and will result in disciplinary action.

School administration reserves the right to determine if student attire is inappropriate or interferes with the learning environment. 

In keeping with the above philosophy, and in order to reduce misunderstanding:

• Students must wear a shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and sides under the arms), pants (or equivalent such as a skirt, leggings, a dress, or shorts), and shoes.

Students may not wear: 

• Anything that depicts violent or hateful imagery or includes language or images directly or indirectly referencing profanity, pornography, alcohol, drugs, sex, gangs, violence or other illegal activities.
• Clothing that inappropriately reveals undergarments 
• Shorts, skirts, or holey jeans where undergarments, buttocks, or discrete areas are visible
• Spaghetti strap tank tops, tube tops, halter tops or any attire where the bare midriff 
• Anything that obstructs the face or ears (i.e non-health related masks)
• Full head-coverings including hats and hoods (head coverings for religious or medical purposes will be approved by administration)
• Shirt necklines that do not provide adequate coverage and/or do not adhere to our dress code philosophy 
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses that do not adhere to our dress code philosophy

Enforcement

All students will be treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

When possible, students will be addressed privately when there is a concern about dress code such as: sending a pass from the office, in the hallway with a respectful distance from other students or other individuals, and/or electronically referred to the office for the issue to be addressed. 

The expectation is that respectful nondiscriminatory verbiage will be used that does not accuse students of purposefully distracting other students with their clothing. 

If the above procedures have not been followed, students are asked to contact an administrator or complete the Administrative Appointment form linked to the Student Resource Page.

STUDENT BACKPACKS/BOOKBAGS (GRADES 7-12)

Only small backpacks and purses that can fit under the student's seat are permitted. In some classrooms or labs, teachers will assign an alternate location. 

MEDIA CENTER POLICIES 

The Media Center is open from 7:45 am - 3:45 pm. Students can come to the Media Center during the school day if they have a written pass from their teacher. Any student wishing to check out Media Center resources must use a current school ID at the time of check out. Students are able to check out five materials at one time. These materials may be checked out for three weeks. Students must renew or return overdue books and pay for lost or damaged books before a new book can be borrowed. Students will be assessed a fine for lost or damaged materials. The amount charged for damaged books will vary based on the damage, age, and original cost of the book. Concord High School Media Center does charge for damage that is not caused by reasonable use. 

LOST AND FOUND

The lost and found area is in the Cafeteria and Main Office. Students who have lost items should check there or with office or administrative staff. Unclaimed items may be discarded at the end of each semester/semester and prior to each school break.

CAFETERIA INFORMATION

Parents/students cannot, or have a delivery service, bring in restaurant food to be eaten in the school cafeteria.  

Ala’ carte items are available for purchase at CHS.  

All students must stay in the lunchroom with food or drinks.  

Applications for the school's free and reduced-priced meal program are distributed to all students.  If a student does not receive one and believes that s/he is eligible, contact the main office.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Work permits are processed by the employer, not the school.

The school does not encourage students to take jobs outside of school that could interfere with their success in school.

STUDENT FUNDRAISING

Students participating in school-sponsored groups and activities will be allowed to solicit funds from other students, staff members, and members of the community in accordance with school guidelines. The following general rules will apply to all fundraisers:

1. Students involved in the fund-raiser are not to interfere with students participating in other activities in order to solicit funds.
2. A student will not be allowed to participate in a fund-raising activity for a group in which s/he is not a member.
3. All fundraisers must be approved in advance by the principal.
4. Any fundraisers that require students to exert themselves physically beyond their normal pattern of activity, such as “runs for …..,” will be monitored by a staff member in order to prevent a student from over-extending himself/herself to the point of potential harm.
5. No student may participate in a fund-raising activity conducted by a parent group, booster club, or community organization on school property without the approval of the principal.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

All absences not verified by a parent/guardian will be considered unexcused. At the teacher’s discretion credit may be given for any course work completed in spite of an unexcused absence; however teachers may inform students in their syllabus/rules that no credit will be given if the absence is unverified or truancy.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCE PROCEDURES

Three (3) Excused/Unexcused Absences

• Parent is notified by text message and email message of student's pattern of absenteeism.

Six (6) Excused/Unexcused Absences

• Parent is notified by text message and email message of student's pattern of absenteeism.

• Building administration conducts an informal attendance hearing with the parent and/or student.

• Referral is made to Concord's Attendance Officer to schedule a formal attendance hearing.

   

Eight (8) Excused/Unexcused Absences

• Parent is notified by text message and email message of student's pattern of absenteeism.

• Formal attendance hearing is held with parent, student, administration, student's counselor and Concord's Attendance Officer.

• CCSPD conducts home visit to follow-up on welfare of the student.

Ten (10) Excused/Unexcused Absences

• Parent is notified by text message and email message of student's pattern of absenteeism.

• Department of Child Services referral is made concerning the students' excessive absences.

• CCSPD conducts home visit to follow-up on welfare of the student.

• Junior high school and high school refer student to Elkhart County's Chronic Truancy Intervention Program (CTIP) for a Level 2 intervention through probation.

TRUANCY

Unexcused absence from school (truancy) is not acceptable. Students who are truant may receive no credit for school work that is missed. After 10 days of truancy in any school year, a student will be considered a “habitual truant” which may result in the following:

1. assignment to an alternative placement with loss of participation in school activities and events such as prom, dances, clubs, etc
2. a poor work-ethic grade which will become a part of the student’s permanent record which may be sent to employers and post-secondary schools;
3. a loss of parking permit;
4. a loss of driver’s license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles; 
5. A referral to Probate Court (CTIP)
6. a report to local authorities concerning lack of parental responsibility in providing proper care and supervision of a child.

Any student who is absent from school for all or any part of the day without a legitimate excuse shall be considered truant, and the student and his/her parents shall be subject to the truancy laws of the state.

If a student, under the age of eighteen (18), is truant for more than 10 days during a school year, s/he will be considered an “habitual” truant and may be reported to the proper authorities and to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for suspension of his/her driver’s license.

PERIOD TRUANCY (High School)

Period truancy may be considered as any absence to or from class that extends beyond an appropriate number of minutes for the task at hand. Examples of period truancy could be: student fails to attend class for the entire class period, Student arrives 15 or more minutes late to class, student spends an unnecessary number of minutes out of the classroom, and student leaves class without permission from the teacher. Students who are truant will be subject to disciplinary action that includes but is not limited to:

1. Tuesday or Wednesday School
2. In-School Suspension
3. Out of School Suspension
4. Student Cannot Attend Prom and/or School Dance
5. Parking permit revoked 

TRUANT TO SCHOOL

Students that arrive at school unexcused, and more than 15 minutes late will receive consequences for repeated infractions including suspension.

EARLY DISMISSAL

No student will be allowed to leave school prior to dismissal time without either a written request signed by the parent or the parent contacting the school office to personally request the release.

TRANSFER STUDENTS AND ATTENDANCE

After 10 unexcused absences (Phase 2 of the Chronic Truancy Intervention Program), Concord may discontinue the enrollment of a transfer student for the following school year.

• TRANSFER REQUEST APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

Absence from school due to suspension shall be considered an authorized absence, neither excused or unexcused.

A suspended student will be responsible to make-up school work missed due to suspension upon return to school. It is recommended that a student complete missed assignments during the suspension and turn them into the teacher upon his/her return from the suspension. Assignments may be obtained from the classroom teacher beginning with the first day of a suspension. Make-up of missed tests may be scheduled when the student returns to school. The student will be given credit for properly-completed assignments and a grade on any made-up tests. Students must stay off of school property, and not attend any school event, during their suspension period.

TARDIES TO SCHOOL

Being prompt is a life skill that is emphasized at Concord Community Schools. Tardies are defined as not being in an assigned room when the bell rings. Schools and teachers are encouraged to consider promptness as a part of their classroom management plan and may take individual disciplinary action beyond the normal tardy policy.  

Each student is expected to be in his/her assigned location throughout the school day. If a student is late in arriving at school, s/he is to report to the attendance office before going to his/her first assigned location.  Students who arrive at school after the tardy bell will be asked to throw any food or drink away prior to entering the building.  Any  student who is late for class less than 15 minutes shall report to class and be disciplined by the teacher. Students who are late more than 15 minutes of the class period may face disciplinary action, and attendance will be marked as an unexcused absence. Parents and students are reminded that bus service is provided for students.  Therefore, problems such as car trouble and other driving-related problems are not excuses for tardiness.  Moreover, students will not be excused for oversleeping or missing the bus.

Students who are tardy to class will be subject to the individual teacher’s classroom tardy policy.  Separately, the school will assign consequences such as 30 minute detentions, 2 hour detentions, ISS, or OSS.  Students with excessive tardies may be required to sign attendance contracts and may receive the following discipline:  in-school suspension, out of school suspension, loss of participation in extracurricular activities, loss of driving privileges, and revocation of work permits.

Hall Sweep- Periodically, administration may perform a hall sweep. All students in the hallway after the tardy bell has rung will receive a detention, Tuesday/Wednesday School, and/or other consequences by administrative decision.

STUDY TRIPS

Study trips are academic activities that are held off school grounds. There are also other trips that are part of the school’s co-curricular and extracurricular program. No student may participate in any school-sponsored trip without parental consent.

1. Attendance rules apply to all study trips.
2. While the corporation encourages the student’s participation in study trips, alternative assignments will be provided for any student whose parent does not give permission for the student to attend.
3. Students who violate school rules may lose the privilege to go on study trips.

Parents who participate in our trips (although for some study trips, parent involvement may be limited by transportation availability or reservation limitations). Please be aware of the following guidelines:

1. Adults must have a finished background check through the Concord Education Center.
2. Adults must refrain from smoking for the duration of the trip.
3. Adults must comply with the same school rules, procedures, dress, and other policies as their student, whether or not in the presence of students.
4. Parents who are participating in the study trip experience will be expected to ride the bus.
5. Uninvolved siblings are not allowed to join parents on the study trips.
6. Adults who attend may be asked to supervise a small group of students, based on criteria as established by the school.

EACC AND WBL DISMISSALS AND PROCEDURES 

2-Hour Delay for both Concord and Elkhart Area Career Center

EACC students must leave at the end of their 2nd period class of the day. They will be excused from 3rd period for not attending class in this occasion. Concord will provide bus transportation. Elkhart Area Career Center will be notified of Concord students’ late arrival so that the Annex bus will delay departure.

Concord on Regular Schedule or 2-Hour Delay with No Career Center in Session

All Career Center students must attend their regular Concord classes on school days that the Career Center is not in session. Transportation home will not be provided to PM Career Center students after 3rd hour. Students may stay in the Media Center or get a ride home.

WBL students are responsible for following the schedule outlined at their assigned business.

GRADUATE OUTCOMES

1. Be a knowledgeable learner
2. Be a lifelong learner
3. Be a critical thinker
4. Be technologically literate
5.  Be a responsible citizen
6.  Work collaboratively

COURSE SELECTION AND REQUEST FOR CHANGES

Students will select courses for the next school year during the spring semester. A decision of this nature should be considered with parental aid. Factors to be considered in selecting courses are:

• requirements for graduation;
• significance of the course to the student’s overall program and educational/career goals;
• purpose of the course; or
• possible prerequisite(s) for other courses. 

All requests for changes must be submitted in writing by the last day of the spring semester. The following guidelines will be used in honoring changes/requests made after that date. 

1. Changes will be made during the first two weeks of a semester for the following reasons. The student:

• Does not meet prerequisite(s) for the course;
• Does not meet grade placement requirement of the course;
• Already has credit in this course;

• Is placed in an inappropriate level; 

2. After consultation with the teacher and counselor, students may withdraw from band, dance, choir, or other co-curricular at any time, but in each case, they will be assigned to an open regular class. 

3. No course changes are allowed after the second week of each semester. 

Note: Schedule changes after the second week of either semester will be according to administrative decisions. No other course changes are allowed; course changes may raise eligibility issues.

GRADES

Concord High School has a standard grading scale, as well as additional notations that may indicate work in progress or incomplete work. The purpose of a grade is to indicate the extent to which the student has acquired the necessary learning. In general, students are assigned grades based upon test results, homework, projects, and/or classroom participation. Each teacher may place a different emphasis on these areas in determining a grade and will so inform the students at the beginning of the course work. If a student is not sure how his/her grade will be determined, s/he should ask the teacher.

The school uses the following grading system:

I = Incomplete

P = Acceptable achievement

N = No grade assigned

A+ 100 B+ 89-88 C+ 79-78 D+ 69-68

A 99-94 B 87-83 C 77-73 D 67-63

A- 93-90 B- 82-80 C- 72-70 D- 62-60

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

To calculate a grade point average (G.P.A.), assign a point value to each course grade and divide by the total number of credits. For partial-credit courses, use the fractional value of the grade. For example a half credit course with an earned grade of C would be .5 x 2=1. Then add this to the other grades earned for total points earned. This total is then divided by the total credits earned to determine the G.P.A. This can be done by grading period, semester, year, or for a series of school years.

Each letter grade used to determine class rank has the point value as follows:

A+ = 4.00 B+ = 3.33 C+ = 2.33 D+ = 1.33

A =   4.00 B = 3.00 C =   2.00 D = 1.00

A- =  3.67 B- = 2.67 C- = 1.67 D- = .67

Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year (and not retroactively), selected courses receive special G.P.A. weighting as an incentive to encourage course enrollment. These weightings are identified in the course description guide for each specific course. In general, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit (pre-approved university credits) are weighted by a value-added .50; courses labeled “Honors” have a value-added weighting of .25. On a few occasions, the course description guide specifies weighting for courses that do not carry these official labels.

Example:  A = 4.0 Honors A = 4.25 Advanced Placement/Dual Credit A = 4.50

B = 3.0 Honors B = 3.25 Advanced Placement/Dual Credit B = 3.50

GRADING PERIODS

Report cards are issued following final exams at the end of each semester; they are mailed home. Progress reports at the end of the first six weeks or each semester are available at Parent/Teacher Conferences. PowerSchool gives parents secure Internet access to their student’s grade, attendance, and conduct data directly from the school’s student information system. During grade verification periods, this information may be tentative. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers via e-mail or telephone any time there are concerns about the student’s progress.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

1st Semester - October 18

2nd Semester - March  22

End of semester

1st Semester - December 22

2nd Semester - June 1

SEMESTER FINAL EXAMS

All classes may administer a final assessment, and that grade will count not less than 10 or more than 20 percent of the semester grade. All teachers will clearly communicate their specific weighting of the final assessment during the first week of class. 

INCOMPLETE GRADES

A student is given an “I” for incomplete only if extended illness or some other situation beyond the student’s control prevents completion of work by the end of the grading period. An “I” counts as a failure in computing academic athletic eligibility. A student is given no more than one day for each day absent to make up work. The maximum limit is two weeks, after which the “I” becomes an “F” if not resolved with the teacher.

The student receiving an “I” has the responsibility to contact the teacher to determine what work is expected and the date it is due. The teacher will then inform the student what is expected in order to meet the grading requirements and the date by which the “I” must be cleared. Once cleared, the teacher will share the grade change with Student Services for posting on transcripts. These “I’s” may not be reflected in honor roll/class rank.

CUMULATIVE RECORDS

A cumulative record is kept for each student who enrolls at Concord High School. This record includes such information as (1) courses taken, (2) grades and credits earned, (3) test scores, (4) attendance records, (5) health records, and (6) discipline records.

HONOR ROLL

The high honor roll recognizes students who receive a grade point average of 3.67 or better on a 4.0 scale. All courses which receive credit are included in the computations. Those achieving a 3.67 CGPA at the end of the 1st semester of the current school year will receive an invitation to the academic honors banquet. Students identified as the Top 10 seniors at the end of the 1st semester of their senior year will be recognized at the academic honors program.

EARLY GRADUATES/EARLY RELEASE

Early graduates - Students who complete all graduation requirements as well as standardized testing requirements and pathway requirements for diploma acquisition may have the opportunity to be labeled as an early graduate. Early graduates need to understand that academic awards including class rank are determined 12-weeks into the second semester based on the student’s cumulative high school academic career.

Early release - Students who complete all graduation requirements as well as standardized testing requirements for diploma acquisition may have the opportunity to be participate in the Early Release Program. This program allows for students to carry less than a full academic load, while still working toward graduation requirements. A student interested in this program will work with his or her counselor to determine whether or not qualification for the program can established garnering parent permission for participation. Participants may not drop an AP course to participate in the program. Early Release students need to understand that academic awards including class rank are determined 12-weeks into the second semester based on the student’s cumulative high school academic career.

VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN

The academic awards of valedictorian and salutatorian will be determined at the end of the second semester. The awards are based on the cumulative GPA rounded to the nearest 100th of a point. Students may not have more than half of their credits in pass/fail credit courses. (Pass/fail credit courses do not count towards grade point average.) The principal will formally notify recipients of these awards.

CAREER CENTER GUIDELINES

The following is a list of guidelines that have been established for Concord High School students who attend the Elkhart Area Career Center.

1. The CHS attendance and tardy policy will apply to students while they are attending the Career Center.
2. An excessive number of absences from one school or the other may result in disciplinary action. An example would be if a student was absent several times from the Career Center and never absent from CHS.
3. Food and drinks should not be brought into CHS when returning from the Career Center in the afternoon.
4. If students are suspended from CHS, they are not permitted to attend the Career Center or CHS while their suspension is in effect. This rule also applies in the reverse manner if students are suspended from the Career Center.

EACC students will be dismissed during the regular schedule. On Monday, they will be dismissed after 5th period. On Tuesday - Friday, they will be dismissed after the second class block.  Career Center bus will be outside of McCuen Gym doors and will leave at 11:40 a.m.

WORK BASED LEARNING(WBL) PROGRAM GUIDELINES 

Students participating in the Work Based Learning program or internship are required to sign a contract, which may or may not be stricter than handbook guidelines.

ENROLLMENT IN COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

Any high school student (grades 9-12) providing s/he meets the requirements established by law, the corporation, and the eligible institution. Any interested student should contact their school counselor to obtain the necessary information; students are encouraged to seek advanced approval of coursework taken if they wish for that coursework to count for high school credit.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT

To measure student progress, students will be tested in accordance with State standards and corporation policy.

Additional group tests are given to students to monitor progress and determine educational mastery levels. These tests are used to help the staff determine instructional needs.

Classroom tests will be used to assess student progress and assign grades. These are selected or prepared by teachers to assess how well the students have achieved specific objectives.

Vocational and interest surveys may be given to identify particular areas of student interest or talent. These are often given by the student services staff.

If necessary, intelligence tests, speech and language evaluations, individually administered achievement tests, and other special testing services are available to students needing these services. Depending on the type of testing, specific information and/or parent consent may need to be obtained. The school will not violate the rights of consent and privacy of a student participating in any form of evaluation.

The Department of Education requires that Concord Community Schools must take the responsibility to notify all members of the school community the test security measures in each school building. Therefore, with any standardized test taken by students, it is important that students, parents, and staff members understand that at no time should test materials, test questions, or student responses be discussed in any manner unless and until such materials are released by the Indiana Department of Education. Please feel free to contact the building administrator with any questions or concerns regarding test security.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer School is an option for all students to get extra opportunities to earn credits or to gain initial credits. Summer school occurs within the first 3 weeks of summer break. Course offerings may change each session. Transportation will be offered to in-district students provided the request occurs within the time frame allotted. 

Students who are enrolled in summer school must adhere to the following rules:

• Students must be in session each day from 7:45 am to 12:15 pm
• Students are not allowed to have more than 1 absence during the summer school session. If a student is absent more than once, then they will be removed from summer school and will lose the opportunity of earning a credit
• Arriving 20 minutes late will result in an absence
• If students have behavior or work engagement problems, then there is potential for them to be removed from summer school
• Cost for summer school will be dependent on the course students are enrolled in

PROMOTION, PLACEMENT, RETENTION, AND GRADUATION

A student’s progress toward graduation and receiving a diploma is determined by completing required coursework, earning the necessary credits and passing the graduation examination program. A student is only promoted when the necessary requirements are met or the student has completed the goals and objectives of an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.). It is the student and/or parent’s responsibility to keep in contact with his/her counselor and teachers to ensure that all requirements are being met. Information about credit and course requirements is available in the Student Services Office, and a counselor will be pleased to answer any questions.

INTERVENTION TEAM

An intervention team, composed of teachers, school counselors, and administrators provides a variety of options in helping students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, or social difficulties. This team collects and evaluates objective data about students who are referred by school staff, students, parents, or community sources. Strategies are developed to help teachers, students, and families work together more positively and productively. Follow-up contacts assess the effectiveness of these recommended strategies.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDs) - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

At CHS, any student use of a Personal Electronic Device would be at the discretion of School Administrators and Classroom Teachers. Students are permitted to use them freely during passing periods and lunch in an appropriate manner. 

As students continue academic and social growth it is essential that they become fluent and responsible digital citizens of technology. The goal of these policies are to provide students with safe access to technology resources to support their academic growth. Possession of a cellular telephone or other electronic device by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.The following policies apply at all times while on school premises including school buses or at school sponsored events, regardless of the location.  

No student shall knowingly use a SED (Student Electronic Device such as cellular phone, tablet computer, smartwatch, pager, music device, digital camera, electronic equipment, etc.) to violate any student code of conduct, including the district technology agreement and/or bullying, harassment, and threat policies. The misuse of PEDs in a manner which constitutes an interference with a school purpose, educational function, invasion of privacy, or act of academic dishonesty; or is profane, indecent, or obscene is not allowed and may result in consequences including loss of technology privileges as well as suspension and/or expulsion from school. Student Electronic Devices are prohibited during any school testing or assessments.

Photographing, audio recording, video recording or otherwise recording individuals without their permission is strictly prohibited in Concord Community Schools.  Any student sending, portraying, sharing, possessing inappropriate pictures or videos of themselves or of other people will be considered in direct violation of the Concord Community Schools code of conduct which may result in disciplinary up to and including suspension or expulsion as well as law enforcement notification.

If school personnel have reasonable suspicion to believe a student has violated a school rule or policy through using a SED, that device may be confiscated and subject to reasonable search by School Administration.  Confiscated items will be placed in the main office and parents may be contacted and required to pick up the confiscated item from the main office.  School administration may refer the matter to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity which may result in law enforcement confiscation of a student’s electronic device. 

If a student violates the Student Electronic Device Policy and refuses to turn over their electronic device, they will be considered "Willfully Disobedient" and more severe school consequences may be assigned.  

When Student Electronic Devices are brought to school, students bring these items at their own risk. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cell phones or other Student Electronic Devices.

Academic and learning supports: To ensure fair and equal opportunities, students may use district-approved AI/NLP tools as a learning aid when used ethically and responsibly. The district allows the use of approved AI tools that support learning, skill development, and accessibility. AI should be used as a supplement to, not a substitute for, critical thinking and independent problem-solving.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Mission Statement

The mission of all co-curricular activities is to provide opportunities for positive educational, physical and/or social activities to our students within and beyond the normal school day.

The student will:

1. Interact appropriately with peers
2. Demonstrate leadership
3. Experience connection to Concord High School community
4. Serve the community and develop personal growth

Student Activities and Clubs

All student activities are supportive of the school mission and character goals. All clubs sponsored by Concord Community Schools are designed to be social organizations and provide students with opportunities to interact in a positive way. Extracurricular activities do not reflect the school curriculum but are made available to students to allow them to pursue additional worthwhile activities such as recreational sports, drama, etc. All students are permitted to participate in the activities of their choosing, as long as they are in good standing with the school. 

The school has many student groups that are authorized by the school. It is the school’s policy that only authorized groups are those approved by administration and sponsored by a faculty member. 

Formation of New Clubs

The formation of new clubs is encouraged whenever a sufficient number of students show an active interest. Students wishing to begin a new club must complete the application and schedule an appointment with the assistant principal to discuss formation of the new club. Volunteer faculty sponsors are required for all clubs—prior to their initial approval and in order to maintain club status. Any clubs that are inactive for two years will be considered closed. Re-activation requires following the steps for formation of a new club. All clubs must support the character emphasis of the school and be in compliance with community standards. Clubs and teams organized outside of school are not school activities; some rent our facilities, but these activities are community programs.

Dances (Grades 7-12)

Dances are held periodically and are sponsored by various clubs and organizations to raise money. The following regulations apply to dances:

1. Students must present ID cards for admission to the dance.
2. Chaperones (including the sponsor, teachers, and administrators) are required.
3. Students are not allowed to leave the dance and return.
4. Dances will be limited to current Concord students except for Prom. Outside guest forms must be completed and returned to the high school main office the Wednesday before the dance for administrative approval. 
5. All school rules and regulations will apply.
6. Failure to comply with dance rules and requests of chaperones will result in removal from the dance without a refund of fees.
7. All dances must be scheduled through the principal’s office.

Non-School Sponsored Clubs and Activities

Non-school-sponsored groups may meet during non-instructional hours. The application for permission can be obtained from the principal. Membership in any fraternity, sorority, or any other secret society is not permitted.  All groups must comply with school rules and must provide equal opportunity to participate. No non-corporation-sponsored organization may use the name of the school or school mascot.

Concord High School follows all policies outlined in the Student Behavior Standards for Concord Community Schools.  These policies can be found under the Student Behavior section of the Student Handbook page on the District Website.  The information below provides additional policies related to Concord High School.

 STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Before or After School Detentions 

A student may be detained after school or asked to come to school early by a teacher, after giving the student and his/her parents one (1) day’s notice. The student or his/her parents are responsible for transportation.

Student Removal From Class 

The teacher in charge of that class or activity may remove a student from a classroom or activity for a period when s/he poses a threat to a safe, orderly, and effective educational environment. 

After School Detention-Wednesday/Thursday School

Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday school will be in session for 2 hours.

Assigned students will attend a continuous 2-hour study period during which time they will be permitted one 10-minute break. Each student shall arrive with sufficient educational materials to be busy during this time.

Failure to attend Tuesday/Wednesday/ Thursday School may result in suspension or expulsion.

In addition to school rules, the following rules shall apply to Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday school:

1. Students are required to have class assignments with them.
2. Students are not to communicate with each other unless given special permission to do so.
3. Students are to remain in their designated seats at all times unless permission is granted to do otherwise.
4. Students shall not be allowed to put their heads down or sleep.
5. No radios, cards, magazines, or other recreational articles shall be allowed in the room.
6. No food or beverages shall be consumed.
7. Students shall not be allowed to use the telephone or to go to their lockers.

Transportation to and from Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday school shall be the responsibility of the student or the student’s parent.

Student Driver’s License Suspension

For students under the age of eighteen (18), the Indiana Legislature has passed Laws IC9-1-4-29, IC9-1-4-33, IC9-1-4-33.4 and IC20-8.1-3-17 which (1) prohibit the issuance of an operator’s license, learner’s permit, temporary motorcycle learner’s permit, and motorcycle operator’s license and (2) invalidate a person’s license or permit if:

1. A student has been suspended from school on two or more occasions during a school year,
2. A student has been expelled from school,
3. A student has been excluded from school due to misconduct,
4. A student is considered to be a habitual truant.*

Concord Community Schools may declare a student as habitually truant if s/he has unexcused absences and exceeds the six (6) or more days from any class during any one semester. Concord High School is required to report the names of students with the listed violations to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. *While of the ages of 13 and 14, a “habitual truant” is hereby defined as a student who willfully refuses to attend school in defiance of parental authority for any two (2) days in any one semester.

Self-Transportation to School

Driving to school is a privilege which can be revoked at any time. Students who are provided the opportunity to ride school transportation are encouraged to do so. Students and their parents assume full responsibility for any transportation to and from school not officially provided by the school.

The following rules shall apply:

1. Students shall complete the Student Parking Permit Google Form in the CHS Student Resource Page and provide their driver’s license to the Bookkeeper (a photocopy will be made).  The parking permit will be issued for $10 each year. Parking permits must hang from the rearview mirror and have the permit number facing the front of the vehicle.

2. Students must park in designated student parking only. 

3. Parking lot speed limit is 15 mph.

4. Failure to comply with these rules will result in loss of privileges and/or disciplinary actions for the student.

5. When the school provides transportation, students shall not drive to school-sponsored activities unless written permission is granted by their parents and approved by the principal.

6. Students must park in the student designated parking lot (McCuen Gym/Jake Field/BPAC Lot) The following violations may result in fine up to $5 per violation. Continued violations may result in additional fines, suspension of driving privileges, towing of vehicles at owner’s expense or other disciplinary action.

• Parking in an unmarked space, restricted or no-parking area
• Parking in visitor parking area 
• Parking in a handicapped area (without a state permit). This may also result in a ticket from the Concord Community Schools Police Department and the vehicle being impounded
• Parking in a faculty lot
• Failure to have a visible, current CHS Parking Permit
• Driving privileges may be suspended or revoked for the following violations:
• Reckless driving or speeding (15 mph limit on school grounds).
• Excessive vehicle noise.
• Excessive tardiness, truancy or absences where driving is determined to be a factor.
• Any accident on school property when the student is at fault.
• Failure to follow posted parking regulations and signs.
• Failure to yield right of way to buses.

8. To drive to school, all students must be licensed drivers, and it is recommended that their automobiles be covered by insurance. The school is not responsible for the automobile or its contents. If the student doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, this may also result in a ticket from the Concord Community Schools Police Department and the vehicle being impounded.

9. Student vehicles may be subject to search if there is a reasonable suspicion that a student’s vehicle contains an item that is in violation of school policy.

CHS ATHLETIC POLICIES

STUDENT ATHLETE HANDBOOK

SECTION I: PHILOSOPHY

1. Purpose: Concord High School believes that interscholastic athletics is an integral part of the school’s total educational program. Athletics presents leaders with a unique opportunity to instill desirable qualities, among which may be principles of justice, fair play, good sportsmanship, respect for rules and authority, respect for others, respect for one’s own health and physical well-being, development of leadership, group pride, teamwork, self-discipline, and self-sacrifice. In general, athletic activities have a positive effect on the development of constructive attitudes for citizenship and life skills.

2. Athletics is a Privilege: Concord High School recognizes student participation in competitive interscholastic high school athletics as a privilege, not a right. Student participants assume varying degrees of responsibility and sacrifice. It is the duty of all participants, including managers, trainers, cheerleaders, mascots, and statisticians, to conduct themselves in a manner that is becoming to themselves, their family, their team, Concord High School, and the community.

3. Academics: Concord High School’s relationship with students in athletics is preceded by the relationship with students in academics and curricular activities. Although athletic participation may be important for the total development of the individual, curricular activities are the primary concern of both student and staff. Concord High School academics and athletics are partners for educational excellence.

4. Multiple School Activities: Concord High School believes that students can potentially benefit by participating in a variety of school curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Co-curricular and extracurricular activities include but are not limited to athletics, performing arts, speech, and academic competitions. Co-curricular and extracurricular leaders, coaches, and sponsors will not discourage students electing a variety of activities when conflicts are manageable. They will work together to resolve and minimize scheduling conflicts. Furthermore, coaches and sponsors must communicate concerns to students and parents whose combination of activities present irresolvable conflicts or unreasonable stress on the student. In these rare cases, students may be required to make a choice.

5. Multi-Sport Participation: Concord High School recognizes many benefits from multi-sport participation and insists that coaches avoid promoting sport specialization. Coaches must support all athletic programs and will encourage students to participate in all sports where unique talents exist. Furthermore, coaches will work together to establish strength and conditioning programs that meet the unique needs of the individual participant.

6. Winning: Concord High School is committed to the concept of “participants first, winning second.” Although winning is an assumed goal of every contest, the primary goal of athletic department personnel is to value and promote the physical, social, and emotional development of our participants as well as preparing participants to win. The ideals of sportsmanship, ethical behavior, commitment, self-discipline, and an intense work ethic will be expected and modeled. Opportunities to promote developmental growth and the ideals of sportsmanship and ethical behavior will not be sacrificed in an effort to win. Successful programs and coaches will create a competitive and structured environment in which participants develop, have fun, and strive to win. 

7. IHSAA By-Laws: Concord High School is fully committed to abiding by all rules and regulations of the Indiana High School Athletic Association with particular emphasis on Rule 8, Section 1: “Contestants’ conduct, in and out of school, shall be such as not (1) to reflect discredit upon their school or the Association, or not (2) to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment in the school. It is recognized that principals, by the administrative authority vested in them by their school corporation, may exclude such contestants from representing their school.”

8. Training Rules and Conduct: The use of tobacco, alcohol, and other intoxicants is detrimental to a participant’s health and athletic performance. Furthermore, Concord High School supports the principle that all its participants, due to their highly visible representation of their team and school, accept greater responsibility for modeling positive behaviors. It has been widely recognized that drug and alcohol usage can cause serious physical, mental, and emotional harm. A student participant who uses drugs can be a danger to himself/herself, teammates, or opponents. All participants are entitled to drug-free participation by their teammates. Concord High School will offer interscholastic athletic participation only to drug-free participants. Athletes are required to abide by the Code of Conduct for the full calendar year (abstinence being a vigilant twelve-month responsibility).

Concord High School shall respond systematically and professionally to students’ problems as they appear in athletic activities. We shall use procedures that acknowledge and respect the civil, personal, and due process rights of the student involved. We shall enlist the support and involvement of staff members and agencies to achieve a comprehensive program. The policies presented in this document reflect our understanding of a balance between the school’s need to maintain its primary educational purpose and its duty to respond to individual needs of students.

SECTION II: GENERAL POLICIES

1. Academic Requirements (IHSAA BYLAWS; RULE 18): To be eligible scholastically, students must have received passing grades at the end of their last grading period in school in at least six (6) full-credit subjects or the equivalent and must be currently passing in at least six (6) full-credit subjects or the equivalent. The equivalent at Concord High School under the 7-period day schedule effective July 1, 2023 is (5) five full-credit subjects. If a student is taking a non-graded class, such as office aide, he or she must still meet the requirements of passing six (6) full credit subjects. Grading periods refer to the four grading periods established on the Concord Community Schools School Calendar.  A student who does not meet the aforementioned criteria shall be ineligible until the next grade certification: progress report or semester report card.  

2. Attendance:  A participant must be in attendance the entire school day in order to participate in contests, unless excused by the principal or his/her designee. The day following a contest is also important in regard to school attendance. A participant is expected to be at school for the first period. By staying home to rest after an athletic contest, a participant puts sports ahead of academic progress; that is a notion that is unacceptable to the Concord Athletic Department. Students with an excess number of late arrivals or other attendance issues may be placed on an attendance contract, established through the Athletic Office in consultation with the student, parent, and coach.

3. School Suspension:  A participant suspended from school will be ineligible to attend any practice or contest during the term of the suspension. If the suspension includes a school vacation of three or more school days, the participant may be permitted to participate in certain practices as approved by administration but would be ineligible to participate in any interscholastic contests until the suspension is complete.

4. Citizenship: A participant will be governed by local, state, and federal laws, IHSAA rules and regulations, the Concord High School Student-Athlete Handbook, and the Concord High School Student Handbook.

5. Practice Regulations: Participants are expected to attend all practices punctually. Illness or other extreme emergencies are the only good reasons for missing practices. The participant or parent should always inform the coach when he/she will be missing from a scheduled practice/contest. Each coach will set the practice/contest attendance policy for his/her sport. Scheduling practices during a vacation period will be left to the discretion of the coach.

6. Establishing Team Roster:  Each coach is hired for his/her knowledge and expertise in the particular sport. It is within the coach’s discretion to establish who will be the members of a particular team or squad. It may be necessary to cut participants after conducting try-outs for a particular team. It is noted that there is no final cut and that team members may be dropped from a team anytime during the season.

7. Dropping a Sport:  Any participant quitting a team will forfeit all athletic awards earned in that sport for that season. In addition, the participant shall not be permitted to participate in another sport until the season for the sport he/she dropped is completed. The only exception is by mutual consent and agreement of both coaches involved. Participants serving a suspension, as outlined in Section III, must complete that season in good standing for the suspension to qualify. Participants dropping a sport, or not finishing in good standing, must serve the entire suspension in the next sport season in which they participate.

8. Participant Status: Students will establish participant status by trying out for and securing a position on any athletic team as player, manager, trainer, cheerleader, mascot, or statistician. Once establishing participant status, students will maintain such status during the school year of participation and the immediately succeeding school year. Students trying out for any team will establish and maintain participant status during the tryout process but will relinquish participant status if the athlete fails to make the final team roster. Students who quit a team or are removed for disciplinary reasons do not relinquish participant status.

9. Awards and Participant Recognition: All participants who earn participant status as defined above and finish the season in good standing, as reported by the coach on the season summary form, will be recognized in that sport. Participants will earn recognition awards based on the level of participation. Coaches will communicate requirements for earning varsity letters to parents and participants prior to the start of each sport season.

   All participants will be recognized at a season ending recognition program. Participants must attend the awards recognition   program to receive awards, unless excused by the coach in advance. The athletic department will award a certificate, six-inch chenille “C,” and chevron to the participant for his/her first varsity letter. Participants earning varsity letters will have the opportunity to purchase an athletic jacket. A participant will be granted additional certificates and chevrons for additional varsity letters earned. Freshman and junior varsity participants will receive certificates recognizing their participation.

   An “athletic achievement” plaque will be presented to any senior participant earning 7 or 8 varsity letters during his/her high school career and an “outstanding athlete” plaque will be awarded to any participant earning 9 or more varsity letters during his/her career.

   Participants violating training rules as identified in Section III, following the season and prior to the recognition program, may be excluded from attending the award program.

   Students who are academically ineligible at the end of the season may attend the recognition program.  However, any awards earned will be withheld until the next grade check.  If the student regains eligibility, awards will be presented at that time.  If the student is still ineligible, all awards are forfeited. 

10. Patches: The CHS Athletic Department wants to encourage athletes and athletic teams to achieve as much success as possible. One way of showing athletic accomplishments is through the wearing of patches on jackets. The following policy regarding patches is in effect for all varsity sports.

• All patches are ordered through the athletic department with the recommendation of the head coach and the approval of the athletic director.

• The CHS Athletic Department will purchase all IHSAA tournament championship patches for individuals and teams. For individual sports, the athletic department will purchase a maximum of one patch per level of competition.

• The CHS Athletic Department will purchase NLC championship team patches.

• The CHS Athletic Department will purchase State Finals patches for teams who place in the top four or individuals who are medal winners at the State Finals in their respective sports.

• Student athletes may purchase patches for an all-state team or being recognized by a local media for an all-area team. Students may also purchase patches for individual conference championships and various all-conference teams.

• Only patches issued by CHS may be displayed on letter jackets.

11. Definition of Sport Season and Contest:  A sport season begins with the first authorized practice date as defined by the IHSAA and ends on the date of the awards program. Scrimmages are considered contests, not practices.

12. Equipment:  All athletic equipment must be turned in promptly when called for, and missing items must be paid for. Athletic awards may be withheld or further participation suspended if equipment is not returned or if restitution is not made for missing equipment.

13. Participation Fee:  All participants will be required to pay a $20 participation fee once per school year. This fee will help defray athletic department expenses.

14. Team Guidelines:  A coach may establish team guidelines that apply to his/her particular team regarding physical appearance, attendance, tardiness, etc. These guidelines may be more stringent than what other policies require, providing they are reasonable and are not in conflict with school, athletic department, or corporation policies. The head coach will determine the appropriate disciplinary action for the participants violating these guidelines.

15. Conflict with Other School Activities: Students trying out for any athletic team should consider the demands that academics and athletic participation place on their time. Moreover, students and parents should thoroughly understand and carefully consider the dedication and time required of students wanting to participate in athletics with overlapping seasons. If students choose to participate in athletics and another activity simultaneously, they must be dedicated to fulfilling the expectations of each program prior to the start of the practice season. In an effort to avoid placing a student in a difficult position, the coach(es) and/or sponsor(s) will communicate with each other and attempt to reach a compromise and resolution, well in advance of any conflicting events. Students are expected to comply with the coach(es) and/or sponsors. In rare cases, when coach(es) and/or sponsor(s) cannot reach a compromise and resolution, the student will be required to make a choice.

16. IHSAA Pre-Participation Physical Examination and Consent, Acknowledgement, and Release Form: Prior to participating in any athletic program, all Concord High School participants must submit the IHSAA Pre-Participation Physical Examination & Consent, Acknowledgment & Release Form. This form also contains a fact sheet for both parents and students in regard to concussions, as well as an acknowledgement form that must be signed. The physical examination must be dated between April 1 and the student’s first practice in preparation for athletic participation and be performed by a physician holding an unlimited license to practice medicine. The parent or guardian and student shall provide written consent to the student's participation acknowledging the IHSAA rules and regulations, disclosure policy and inherent risks of injury involved in athletic participation. 

17. Awareness of Concord High School Student-Athlete Policies: Receipt of this handbook and signature of the Handbook Receipt indicates that participants and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are aware of the Concord High School Student Athlete Policies within this document. Head coaches will conduct informational meetings for parents at the start of each sport season.  Parents are highly encouraged to attend these meetings. These policies will be enforced throughout the calendar year.

18. Student Managers:  Many teams use student managers at the discretion of the coach.  Managers are considered part of team and have the ability to earn awards in a similar manner to the athletes.  Managers are expected to comply with all athletic department rules and policies outlined in this handbook. It is recognized that the duties of student managers vary widely from sport to sport. Therefore, the policy for managers not meeting the academic eligibility requirements outlined in Section II, Part A shall be determined and communicated by the coach prior to the season.  Depending on the duties of the manager in that sport, penalties may range from suspension from contests to dismissal from the team. 

SECTION III: TRAINING RULES & CONDUCT

1. Acts of Delinquency: A participant shall not commit a delinquent act. A delinquent act includes, but is not limited to, theft, vandalism, harassment, or any other conduct that is not in accord with acceptable behavior or the law.

2. Hazing: The Concord High School Athletic Department prohibits any form of hazing.  All CHS students, regardless of grade or experience, have a right to participate in our programs without having to endure hazing.  Activities resembling hazing should be reported to a coach or administrator.  This policy also prohibits the use of any camera, video recorder, or other recording device in any locker rooms being used by Concord High School athletes.  

   1. Enforcement -   The punishment for a participant in violation of Section III, Parts A & B shall be determined by school administration after consultation with the participant’s coach.  Punishment may vary depending on (1) the degree and type of involvement of the participant; (2) the severity and type of damage to, or value of, the property involved; (3) the participant's conduct; and (4) previous violations of any section of the CHS Training Rules & Conduct.

3. Tobacco: Participants shall not be in possession of or use any tobacco or nicotine product, including electronic cigarettes.

4. Alcohol: Participants shall not be in the possession of, consume, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage.

5. Other Substances and Intoxicants: Participants shall not be in the possession of, use, or be under the influence of any controlled substance, which includes, but is not limited to a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, synthetic drug, or intoxicant of any kind.

   1. Enforcement: A participant found in violation of Section III, Parts C, D, or E will be suspended from athletic participation as listed below:

       

• First violation:  365-day suspension.  Student may elect to use the “One-Time Option” to reduce his or her suspension.  The “One Time Option” is explained in Part G.

• Second violation:  365-day suspension.  Student may elect to use the “One-Time Option” only if it was not used for a previous violation.

• Third violation:  Student shall be suspended from athletics for the remainder of his or her career at Concord High School.

6. Close Proximity:  A participant shall not be in attendance at an activity where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are in the illegal possession of other individuals present.

   1. Enforcement: The punishment for a participant in violation of Section III, Part F will be determined by school administration after consultation with the participant’s coach. Punishment may vary depending on (1) the degree and type of involvement of the participant; (2) the participant's conduct; and (3) previous violations of any section the CHS Training Rules and Conduct.

7. One-Time Option: A participant found to be in violation of Section III, Parts C, D, or E may elect to have his/her punishment reduced to one-third of the participating season and/or next season in which they participate. To qualify for this option, participants must admit to the violation and comply with all requirements outlined by the Concord High School Student Assistance Coordinator. This will include an assessment and follow-up. Follow-up may include counseling or education. The participant and parent(s) will also consent to mandatory participant drug screening for one full calendar year. Concord High School personnel will determine the frequency of the drug tests.

Expenses for required follow-up are the responsibility of the participant or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). The parent(s) and/or participant must agree to pay for a maximum of three tests. The school will assume the financial responsibility for any additional tests. A participant will regain eligibility to participate in contests following the one-third of season suspension, assessment and satisfactorily participating in or completing the required follow-up. If follow-up obligations outlined by the Student Assistance Coordinator, are not timely met, the participant will be considered in violation of this clause and will be suspended immediately from participation in athletics for the remainder of the 365-day suspension. The option will only apply to one 365-day suspension imposed on a participant.

8. Punishment Not Exclusive:  Any suspension or punishment administered under this code shall be in addition to any suspension or punishment prescribed in the Concord High School Student Handbook.

9. Suspended Athlete Status: A participant serving a suspension or other disciplinary action under this code remains and shall be treated as a participant during his/her suspension or disciplinary action. His/her conduct shall continue to adhere to the terms of the code during that time. If an athlete violates the athletic code while already serving a suspension, any additional suspension will begin after the first suspension is complete.

10. One-Third of a Season: To determine one-third of the season, count each regularly scheduled contest, as defined by the IHSAA, the pre-season scrimmage (if applicable), and the first contest in the sectional; then compute one-third of that number. The result will be the number of contests that the participant must remain on suspension. The fractional portion will not count as a contest.

A violation with less than one-third of the season remaining will cause the participant to forfeit all letters and awards for that season and the participant will remain on suspension into the next sport season in which he/she normally participates. If the participant finishes the season in good standing and is an eligible member of the squad, he/she may earn, upon recommendation of the coach, any individual letters and awards he/she might be entitled to receive.

11. Practices and Suspensions:  Whether a participant will be allowed to continue with his/her practices while on suspension from any athletic team will be the decision of the head coach involved upon consultation with the athletic director.

12. Investigative Procedure: The principal(s), athletic director, assistant athletic director, school resource officer, dean of students, and coaches shall enforce all rules and regulations described in the Concord High School Code of Conduct for Athletes, the Concord High School Student Handbook, and of the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Any alleged violation of the rules shall be investigated by any or all of the above-named school officials and/or law-enforcement officials. If the investigation results in a suspension from athletics, the participant and his/her parents or guardians will be informed in writing of the suspension.

13. Discipline Review: Any participant who is disciplined, or his/her parent(s), may request a meeting to discuss disciplinary actions by notifying the principal in writing within ten (10) days after receipt of written notification of an athletic disciplinary action resulting in a suspension.

14. Self-Referral: Concord High School emphasizes the role of parent(s) as critical to the success of providing an effective deterrent for participant use of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, and tobacco. Parental permissiveness and enabling are important risk factors to consider. We encourage parents to take a firm stand on substance use and stress the need for parental support and accountability in our efforts to establish an effective deterrent.

In an attempt to support parents and their efforts, Concord High School has established the “Self-Referral” policy. This policy encourages parent(s) and/or participants to come forward voluntarily to acknowledge violations of Concord High School Athletic Department training rules regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, and tobacco. Parent and/or participants, who are willing to come forward voluntarily, may earn a waiver. A waiver nullifies any suspension of contests. The following criteria must exist if a waiver is to be considered.

1. The parent and/or participant must come forward voluntarily to acknowledge violations of Concord High School policies regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, and tobacco prior to any investigation by or other notification of school personnel or a law enforcement agency. An investigation is defined as an attempt to validate an alleged violation of athletic department policy. The involvement of a law-enforcement agency automatically constitutes an investigation. (Example: If the police are called to a party where alcohol is present, an investigation automatically begins.)

2. The parent and participant agree to work through the Concord High School Student Assistance Coordinator to complete the following:

   • The participant receives an assessment related to the problem from a professional agency.

   • The parent(s) and participant provide written consent for the Concord High School Student Assistance Coordinator to contact the professional agency completing the assessment to access results of the parent(s) and/or student.

   • The parent(s) and participant pledge to complete any and all recommendations of the professional agency following the assessment understanding that all expenses are the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or student. Students choosing not to follow the recommended resolution may jeopardize further participation and/or recognition in the sport or activity. 

   • The participant and parent(s) will consent to mandatory participant drug screening for one full calendar year. Concord High School personnel will determine the frequency of the drug tests.

The parent(s) and/or participant must agree to pay for a maximum of three tests. The school will assume the financial responsibility for any additional tests.

Concord High School students may qualify for this waiver once during their career. If a participant is in violation of Section 3, Paragraph B, C, D, or E within 365 days of the self-referral, the student will be immediately suspended for the remainder of the sport season in which he/she is currently participating. Additionally, the participant will be held accountable for subsequent “Enforcement” as outlined in Section 3, Paragraph B, C, D, or E. The “One-time Option” may apply. If applicable, the suspension will begin in the next sport season in which he/she participates. Furthermore, if the recommendations outlined by the professional agency performing the assessment are not timely met, the waiver will be revoked and the participant will be suspended immediately from participation in athletics for a period of 365 days from the date of the “Self-Referral.”

SECTION IV: DRUG EDUCATION AND RANDOM SCREEN POLICY

A. Purpose: Alcohol and drug abuse are serious problems in today’s society, and schools are not immune from such problems. Concord High School recognizes that serious attention is being given to alcohol and drug abuse problems in private business and industry, in government, in schools, and in the colleges throughout the country. This policy is consistent with Concord High School Athletic Department philosophy statements regarding the use and abuse of drugs, alcohol, intoxicants, and tobacco. It is meant as a proactive measure to eliminate participant use and abuse of drugs, alcohol, intoxicants, and tobacco.

The purposes of the program are to:

• Prevent drug, alcohol, intoxicant, and tobacco usage.

• Educate participants and parents as to the serious physical, mental, and emotional harm caused by drug, alcohol, intoxicant, and tobacco use and abuse.

• To assist participants who might be tempted to use drugs, alcohol, intoxicants, or tobacco to say no and have a sound reason for doing so.

• To prevent injury, illness, and harm as a result of drug, alcohol, intoxicants, and tobacco use.

• To maintain an interscholastic athletic environment free of drugs, alcohol, intoxicant, and tobacco use and abuse.

• To expose and educate participants to a procedure frequently and increasingly used in society.

The drug education portion of this program will provide an opportunity for participants and parents to gain a greater awareness of substance use and abuse issues. Information will be provided to encourage participants, with support of their parents, to choose a drug-free lifestyle. The testing portion of this program requires participants to submit to a form of a collection process, which may include urine or saliva analysis or another approved method. The high school administration will use a procedure to ensure that the privacy rights of individual students will be protected. The fact of testing and the results of testing of any student participant may be disclosed only to authorized school personnel (athletic director, assistant athletic director, principal and/or designee, Student Assistance Coordinator, coach(es) of the student’s sports). This program will not affect the policies, practices or rights of Concord Community Schools in dealing with drug or alcohol possession or use where reasonable suspicion is obtained by means other than the random sampling provided for herein.

B.   Selection Procedure: Randomly selected drug screening is based on a computer-generated program from a database of all students qualifying as participants under Section II, Part H, “Participant Status.” Each student is assigned a number in a continuous field, and the random selection is made from this series of numbers. The database will be maintained and updated by the Concord High School Athletic Department. At the direction of the Concord High School Athletic Department, a designated person will make a random draw. This person will not have access to student names that correspond with identification numbers. The designee will contact the Concord High School Student Assistance Coordinator to communicate the selected numbers. The Student Assistance Coordinator will identify which students have been selected for testing. These students will be notified to appear for a drug-screen collection at an appointed time in an identified collection facility.

C.    Notification Procedure:

• The Concord High School Student Assessment Coordinator will be notified of all negative results. Communications will be made by phone or fax with student number and no names.

• In the event of a positive test, lab personnel will contact the collector and/or school designee to determine if the positive test was a result of over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

• Validated positive test results will be reported to the Concord High School Student Assistance Coordinator and athletic director.

• The participant, parent, and coach will be notified.

D.   Consequence of a Positive Test:  A positive test result will validate usage. Consequences of validated use will coincide with the consequences outlined in Section III.

E.  Testing Window:  When called for a test, a student will have three hours to produce a specimen.  Students who do not produce a specimen in this time period will be treated as a refusal to test.

F.  Refusal to Test or Tampering with Specimen: Refusal to provide specimen sample or tampering with the specimen will be treated as a positive test. 

G. Request for Drug Test Based on Reasonable Suspicion: Concord High School reserves the right to drug test any student participant for reasonable suspicion of drug, alcohol, intoxicant, or tobacco usage. Documented physical symptoms, observations or information implicating the use of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, or tobacco will qualify as reasonable suspicion.

Parents and participants will be notified of the requested test. Failure to honor a requested test could result in an athletic suspension. Concord High School will be financially responsible for all tests requested based on reasonable suspicion.

Positive test results, or refusal to test, will result in subsequent consequences as outlined in Section III.

Secondary Links

• Powerschool link: PowerSchool Parent Resource
• Digital Learning Resource page
• Jamf-Application to download Apps.  Apps must be approved by school board.
• Qustodio-App where parents can monitor student devices. 
• Canvas link: Canvas Parent Resource

Enroll your student in Concord Community Schools

Attendance and Truancy Prevention Policies 

Transportation 

• Requesting Transportation

• Bus policies and procedures

• Parent transportation 

  • Individualized drop off/pick up procedures based on school  

• Self transportation 

  • Student driver expectations

School Meals

Free and Reduced Lunch form

Lunch Account Information

Daily School Schedule

Academics 

• Curriculum
• Testing 
• Multi-Tiered Systems and Supports/Interventions and Special Education supports

Students rights/responsibilities 

Student Expectations 

• Dress Code
• Behavior/Discipline 
• Gang Involvement/Enforcement 
• Bullying policy 
• Cell phone/personal electronic devices

Technology

• Responsible use policy
• Information about student devices 
• Cost to replace devices 

Social Media Policies and Digital Citizenship 

Nurse and Immunization Information  

School Safety

 CCS Statement on Threats 

Student Activities

• Clubs/after school activities 

Athletics