Student Handbook

Holy Names High School

Student Handbook

This Handbook provides valuable information on selected policies and procedures of Holy Names High School. Since students and parents are held accountable for supporting and cooperating with school regulations, they should be very familiar with the contents of this Handbook. The school retains the right to modify or change these policies based upon its mission or professional and business concerns.

HNHS Mission Statement

Holy Names High School, a small Catholic school for young women, provides an academically challenging college preparatory education in a vibrant learning environment. Our diverse community nurtures spirituality, encourages artistic expression, and promotes justice, preparing the next generation for leadership and service.

Four Pillars

Faith
Scholarship and the Arts
Commitment to Growth
Service and Justice

School Symbols

School Motto: Noblesse Oblige

School Ring: The school ring is received during the junior year at the ring ceremony. A blue or red stone of the student’s choice is set within gold or silver. Around the stone is the school name. On one side are the welcoming doors of Holy Names and the year the school was founded, 1868. Students choose a design reflecting a school activity or achievement for the other side of the ring.

School Colors: Red and Blue

School Mascot: Monarch

HNHS School Song

Holy Names forever; may your spirit guide and guard

In our school days and hereafter, when life’s way proves all too hard.

We will cling to noble standards; to the wrong we’ll never yield.

Noblesse Oblige, our high school motto, to spur us onward, in ev’ry chosen field.

Loyal, yes, ever loyal, let us cheer for red and blue.

Let every heart sing, let every voice ring, with our joyous praises true.

It’s ever onward our course pursuing; may the years prove our noble aim.

We’ll ever loyal be to alma mater, Holy Names.

School Prayer

O God, we dedicate all that we do today to honor you.

We ask your blessing on all that we think, do or say.

Blessed be the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, now and forever.

Blessed Marie Rose, pray for us.

Where/Who to go for...

Academic Questions	Teacher, Department Chair, Counselor, Director of Academics
Activities	Director of Student Activities
Attendance	Main Office
Change of Address/Telephone	Main Office
Clubs	Club Moderator/Director of Student Activities
College Information	Counseling Office
College Scholarship Information	Counseling Office
Counseling	Counseling Office
Detention	Main Office
Extended Absence Requests	Counseling Office
Financial Information	Business Office
Lockers/Locks	Director of Student Activities
Lost and Found	Main Office
Parking Permits	Director of Academic Services
Room Reservations	Events Coordinator
Schedule Difficulties/Changes	Counselor/Director of Academic Services
Student Visitor Pass	Main Office
Testing Information	Counseling Office
Transcripts	Director of Academic Services
Tuition and Fees	Business Office
Withdrawal from School	Principal and Director of Academic Services

Academic Information

Holy Names High School offers a college preparatory curriculum, including courses in English, foreign languages, mathematics, physical education, religious studies, science, social studies, technology, and visual and performing arts. Each year at schedule planning time, all students are given an updated curriculum booklet. Parents and students should familiarize themselves with the important information about graduation requirements, school honors, and college requirements.

Academic Integrity: Holy Names expects high standards of academic honesty and integrity from all members of the school community. These standards demand that all materials submitted to fulfill academic requirements or co-curricular requirements (homework, tests, papers, assignments, etc.) must represent a student’s own effort under the particular circumstances established for the work. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as the theft and use of another’s ideas or writings as one’s own, with or without the knowledge of the other person. This includes not properly citing sources from a written work and/or sources taken from the Internet and/or other electronic resources.

Cheating: Cheating is defined as using unauthorized notes, materials, and/or resources of any type (the help of another student, looking at another paper, etc.) on any exam, quiz, paper, and/or homework assignment. Allowing another student to copy from one’s own exam, paper, and/or homework is also considered cheating. Because violations of academic integrity are considered breaches of ethical behavior which undermine the values of honesty, responsibility and fairness expected in an academic community, they will be met with serious consequences.

Consequences: To be determined by the Assistant Principal and/or Principal, may include, but not be limited to, the following:

First offense – “No credit” on test/assignment, detention(s), disciplinary referral, and parent contact.

Second offense – “No credit” on test/assignment, suspension, disciplinary probation, and student removed from any and all elected or leadership positions for the remainder of the school year.

Third offense – Dismissal from Holy Names High School

School Records: Unauthorized access to/or alteration of school/teacher files will result in a suspension or expulsion.

Academic Honors: Scholarship is recognized and encouraged at formal honors assemblies. A complete list of honors is published in the curriculum booklet.

Academic Probation: Academic probation is incurred when a student’s GPA falls below 2.0 or when she receives two or more D’s and/or one or more F’s for the preceding marking period. A student on academic probation will be closely monitored by her counselor during this period. In addition, any student on academic probation will be assigned a mandatory study hall. While on probation, a student is not eligible to participate in co-curricular activities. A student who is on academic probation may submit a waiver request to the administration to remain eligible to participate in activities for a period not to exceed one quarter in length. A waiver can be granted to a student only once during a school year. A student who incurs academic probation may be ineligible for financial aid and/or continued attendance at Holy Names High School.

Adding and Dropping Classes: Students may add classes only during the first two weeks of the class. The last day students may initiate a request to drop a class without the penalty of failure (W/F recorded on transcript) is at the time of the first progress report for that class.

Course Expectations: At the beginning of the year, each teacher provides her/his students with a list of academic and behavioral expectations for each class, including policies on grading, homework, etc. Parents and students must sign the signature portion of the expectations sheet and return this to the teacher within a week of its distribution. Copies of class expectations should be kept at home for reference.

Examination Permits: Examination permits are issued each semester by the Business Office when all outstanding financial and other school obligations have been cleared. Check payments will not be accepted to clear financial obligations noted on an Exam Clearance Blue Slip. (Refer to Delinquent Account policy on Contract of Financial Responsibility.) No semester/final examination may be taken until this permit is presented to the teacher. A student who misses an exam because her permit was not issued will receive an incomplete in the class until the exam is taken.

Exams/Tests: Semester exams are scheduled for definite dates and times. During the semester, students are not required to take more than two assigned tests on a given day. In order to have a third test postponed, at the time the test is announced the student must inform the teacher that this would be her third test for that day.

Field Trips: Field trips are scheduled in various classes to enrich students’ understanding of the course content. Students and parents will be notified in advance when their class is scheduled to take a field trip. Parents must complete and sign the school permission form in order for the student to participate in the trip. Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of the school permission form. A student who is going to be absent from class because of a school-sponsored activity/field trip should contact her teacher(s) to obtain assignments at least one day in advance of her absence.

Graduation: Students must complete the graduation requirements (see the curriculum booklet) in order to receive a diploma. Any F incurred in a required course and received prior to the second semester must be made up in order for a student to participate in graduation. If a senior receives an F in a required course at the third quarter and she fails the class at the semester, she will not participate in the graduation ceremony. However, if the student is passing the class at the quarter and fails at the semester, she will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. In either case, she will not receive her diploma until she has provided written verification that she has passed a class which meets the graduation requirement.

Midsession: Midsession provides students and faculty with valuable opportunities to enrich educational experiences. Through a variety of programs not ordinarily available during the regular term, Midsession places emphasis on classes which provide enrichment and increase the student’s global vision or provide opportunities for career exploration or service in the community.

Notice of Student Achievement: At mid-quarter, progress reports will be mailed to parents. Teachers are free to send notices at other times, as deemed necessary. If subsequent to progress reports and prior to finals, a student’s grade places her in danger of failing the course, the teacher will notify the parents. However, the primary responsibility of keeping track of progress lies with the student and parents. To facilitate this, the school provides on-line access to a student’s grades through PowerSchool at: https://hnhs.powerschool.com/public/pw.html. User ID's and passwords are given to parents at Back to School Night.

Report Cards: Report cards with academic grades, teacher comments, conduct ratings, and school attendance records will be distributed at the end of each quarter. First and third quarter grades are indicative of a student’s progress and are not recorded on the permanent record. Semester grades are recorded on the student’s permanent transcript. Any request to review the validity of a grade must be made to the teacher (or during the summer to the assistant principal) within two weeks of receiving the report card. Please note: A grade of D does not meet the subject requirements of most colleges. A student should contact her counselor immediately for make-up information if she receives a D in a subject required for college entrance or in a subject which is a prerequisite for a more advanced class.

Grading Scale:

A	100 – 93%
A-	92-90%
B+	89-87%
B	86-83%
B-	82-80%
C+	79-77%
C	76-73%
C-	72-70%
D+	69-67%
D	66-63%
F	Below 60%

Transcript: The GPA summary listed on the Holy Names High School transcript includes the unweighted academic GPA, based on a 4.0 scale, which is a cumulative grade point average of all courses taken by the student during her entire high school history (from 9th through 12th grades). A weighted 9-12 GPA is listed reflecting a 5.0 scale for honors and AP classes. Also listed are two forms of the university GPA: an unweighted university GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) and a weighted university GPA (based on a 5.0 scale for honors and AP courses). The university GPA is comprised of a grade point average of all courses that meet the UC A-G Requirements. (This includes all courses on the transcript marked with a “P” from the 10th through 12th grades.)

Testing Program: The PSAT/NMSQT is given in October to all sophomores and juniors. A two-hour version of the College Board Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT I), the PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal and mathematical abilities important to college work. The results of this test are also used in determining National Merit Scholarship qualifiers. Students who are applying for college take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, (SAT I), Achievement Tests (SAT II), and/or the American College Test (ACT) on designated Saturdays during their junior and senior years.

Service Learning Program: Holy Names High School continues its original mission to educate young women to be leaders in a society in need of transformation where they can witness the Gospel, respond to the needs of the poor, and address urgent global issues. The service learning program offers students opportunities to awaken social awareness, to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to issues of justice and peace, to reach out in interaction with the poor, to care for the environment, and to interact with peers in other cultural contexts, reflecting on these experiences in a faith context. Service-Learning experiences are integrated into the Theology curriculum. Each student will follow the Service-Learning curriculum for her grade level. These requirements are detailed on the HNHS website.

HNHS Concussion Management Policy

Concussions are a unique type of injury due to the fact that they have a significant effect on one’s cognitive performance and a recovery timeline that is unpredictable and significantly influenced by presence of cognitive stressors. One of the initial treatments is a reduction in academic activity, whether in the form of school attendance, homework limitations, and/or testing restrictions. Unfortunately, since there is no predictable course/timeline for recovery, there is not a consistent treatment that we are seeing from physicians. While Holy Names High School is generally able to make reasonable accommodations while students heal from injury, there may be accommodations that the school cannot make because they will impact the acquisition of skills necessary for mastery of a course. In the event that the school cannot make the accommodations recommended by the student’s doctor, the counselor, parent and principal will meet to determine educational options outside of HNHS.

Please note: Our teachers are instructed to make accommodations for students with diagnosed concussion ONLY if the Academic Services Specialist has contacted them. This is to help mainstream our policy to ensure that the appropriate steps are implemented for your student’s successful recovery and return to learning.

Steps following sustaining a possible concussion:

Notify Athletic Director and Academic Services Specialist of possible concussion.
Schedule a doctor’s visit to determine the diagnosis. The doctor’s diagnosis should include a note stating athletic and academic status (this may include academic accommodations during recovery).
Once a concussion is diagnosed or suspected, notify the Academic Services Specialist by phone or email. The Academic Services Specialist will notify the student’s counselor and teachers. Teachers will only be notified if the student has a note from her physician.
Upon returning to school, the student will check in with the Academic Services Specialist and follow the steps outlined in their academic plan.
Any significant changes made by the doctor throughout the course of treatment need to be communicated (with a note from the physician) to the Academic Services Specialist
Upon being cleared by the physician, the student MUST meet with the Academic Services Specialist so that the counselor and teachers can be notified, by the Specialist, of your student’s full recovery.

Citizenship Information

Attendance

Absence: An absence occurs when a student misses more than 10 minutes of a class. Any exception to this policy must be requested by the student and her parents and cleared by the administration. Any absence from an 85 minute class will count as two absences. If a student arrives between 10-45 minutes into the 85 minute block, she will be marked for one absence. Tardiness in excess of 45 minutes will count for two absences. A student who has 15 absences during the course of a semester, either continuously or intermittently, may not receive credit in that class.

If a student is absent on a given day, parents/guardians are required to contact the school by 9:00 a.m. to excuse a student, even if her teachers or counselor have been notified. Messages may be left on the attendance voice mail line 24 hours a day (510 450 1110 x 220). Notes are not accepted as excuses except in the case of medical or dental appointments.

When reporting an absence, please give the following information:

Spell the student’s full name slowly, last name first.
Give the date of the absence, the reason for the absence and the expected duration of the absence.
State your relationship to the student.

Excused Absence: An absence is considered excused only for the following reasons: illness of the student, serious illness or death in the family, medical or dental appointments (verification note by doctor required), court appearance, or extraordinary circumstance that school administration would deem adequate. It is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work.

Unexcused Absence: Absences, which have the consent of a parent, but are not one of the listed reasons for an excused absence, are considered unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in disciplinary action usually including but not limited to detention. Any student on campus must report to every class, assembly, or activity scheduled for the time she is on campus. No student may be excused by a parent or a teacher to be other than the place for which she is scheduled. No student may be excused from a class activity or assembly to complete an assignment for another class. Any such absence, even if the student is working elsewhere on campus, is considered a cut. Students who become ill during the day must report to the main office. No student may leave school during the day unless she checks out through the main office. Failure to comply with this procedure makes the student’s absence liable to be recorded as a cut. Every absence and tardy, even if it is excused, is recorded on the permanent record and noted on the report card. Students with an excused absence can make up written assignments and tests; however, it is often impossible to make up class discussions, lab work, and class presentations.

Skipping/Cutting Class: Cutting or truancy is defined as any absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parent/guardians or the school. Cutting may result in no academic credit being given for work missed, plus disciplinary action.

Absence/Participation in Co-curricular Activities: A student must be present for school for at least 50% of the scheduled classes, in order to participate in co-curricular activities that same day (e.g., sports, dances, concerts). Exceptions to this policy must be cleared in advance with an administrator. Policies regarding attendance on prom day will be explained prior to the event.

Absence Due to Illness: If you expect that your daughter will be out of school for more than three days due to illness, in addition to contacting the school office, contact her counselor. Any student absent for three days or less should obtain assignments from the school website.

Absence Due to Travel: Prior to making any financial commitments, parents requesting a student’s absence for travel in excess of three school days, (including absence for college visits) should send in writing to the Assistant Principal, an explanation of the proposed trip. The Assistant Principal will then be in contact with the counselor who will gather information from the student’s teachers in regards to her academic status and the possibility of making up work for the proposed absence. Parents will then be contacted to discuss the ramifications of the absence. After this communication, the parents make the final decision to allow the absence and to take responsibility for the academic consequences.

Early Dismissal: If for some reason a student needs permission for early dismissal, her parent/guardian should contact the attendance clerk as early in the day as possible. The student is then given a permit which is presented to her class teacher when it is time to leave. Before departing, the student must report to the main office and her parent/guardian must sign her out.

Tardy: Students are expected to be on time and present at all classes and assemblies unless officially excused. If a student arrives late to a class or assembly, the teacher will mark her tardy. Students who are late to school, class, or assembly must report directly to the office and obtain an admit slip. All names will be reported to the Assistant Principal and recorded in Power School. Students who miss an entire class through tardiness or through a failure to make prior arrangements with the classroom teacher for special circumstances should realize that this constitutes an unexcused absence and is recorded as a “cut,” which will have academic and/or disciplinary consequences. Any student whose tardies reach seven in a semester, regardless of the reason, will be assigned to detention. The one exception will be for medical appointments. If a student has a medical appointment scheduled for the beginning of the school day, she must bring a slip from the doctor or dentist excusing the tardy and that tardy will be eliminated from the total. Any student who fails to appear for detention will receive a disciplinary referral, a $50.00 fine and will be reassigned for additional hours of detention. Detention will be held after school and are two hours in length. Dates and times will be determined and announced by the Assistant Principal. In the case of excessive tardiness, the Assistant Principal may: 1.) Assign after-school detentions and issue Disciplinary Referrals as needed and/or 2.) Request a parent conference to discuss concerns and solutions to student tardiness.

Behavior/Discipline

Behavior Expectations: Since the mission and purpose of Holy Names is to educate students within the context of a Christian value system, attendance at HNHS signifies the student’s willingness to study that value system and to show respect for it in word and action. Within this value system, respect for God, for self, and for each individual in the school community is the chief guide and motive for appropriate behavior. Any conduct, whether on or off-campus, even if not associated with a school function, that adversely affects the good name and reputation of HNHS may be considered grounds for disciplinary action by the school. The administration reserves the right to waive and/or deviate from any and all disciplinary regulations for just cause at their discretion.

Courtesy is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior. As a learning community, it is our responsibility to define courtesy and to live up to that definition. As a school community, we hold ourselves and one another accountable for interactions that foster respect and trust. In general, courtesy means that we interact with one another in positive, respectful ways.

Consider the following examples of courteous behavior:

Saying "please" and "thank you"
Paying attention in class
Socializing with friends during passing periods and lunch, not during class
Asking questions and interacting with peers and teachers
Asking for, accepting, offering, or declining help graciously
Allowing teachers and peers to complete statements without interruption
Throwing away trash after lunch or break and keeping the hallways clean throughout the school day
Recycling all materials and placing all trash in appropriate bins
Cleaning your own workspace
Reporting safety concerns or other issues that require attention to a staff member

At HNHS, it is expected that students treat each other, the faculty and staff, administration, indeed, any adult, with respect, courtesy, and cooperation. Further, HNHS personnel will treat one another, the students and their families in courteous ways.

Detention: Detentions are scheduled on weekdays after school for two hours. Students are expected be on time. Students will be notified when they have incurred detention and instructed when and where to report. They are expected to serve detention on the day assigned, unless prior arrangements are made with the Assistant Principal. Any student who fails to appear for detention will receive a disciplinary referral, a $50.00 fine, and will be reassigned for additional hours of detention. Detention is a consequence for student actions which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Accumulation of seven or more tardies in a semester (See Attendance)

Behavior problem
Cutting class
Disregard for the uniform and free dress policies.

Behavior Referral: Minor disciplinary infractions within the classroom or elsewhere in school are handled by faculty members as the situations arise. In addition, a teacher may wish to file a behavior referral with the Assistant Principal and counselor. A behavior referral ordinarily indicates that the student must take action to correct the situation before it becomes a more serious problem.

Class Conduct Grades: Students receive a conduct grade in every class at the end of each grading period. Students will receive an S (Satisfactory) if their participation and behavior in class is acceptable. Grades of N or U are unacceptable. A grade of N indicates that improvement is needed in the student’s conduct or cooperation. A grade of U indicates that inappropriate behavior has been consistent throughout a significant part of the grading period. Any student who receives two N's or one U for a marking period will receive disciplinary consequences that will include a disciplinary referral and detention. Three or more grades below satisfactory (N or U) or two U's will automatically place the student on citizenship probation.

Disciplinary Referral: Disciplinary referrals are given for continued infractions of school regulations or for other seriously unacceptable student behavior. Disciplinary referrals may be given by the Assistant Principal or school administrator. Among the causes for issuing a disciplinary referral are the following violations of acceptable behavior:

Inappropriate behavior in or out of the classroom; e.g., continued disregard of teacher warnings; disrupting the class; insolence or profanity in expressing oneself; any serious action indicating lack of respect for others.
Cutting class
Excessive tardiness
Cheating (see Academic Integrity statement)
Failure to attend detention
The accumulation of three reports for uniform infractions, cell phone confiscations, and/or for eating in the halls
Unauthorized off-campus
Damaging school property (Parents will pay for damages)
Smoking on campus or within a two-block radius of school or at school functions, such as athletic events

Citizenship Probation: Probation may result from either a single serious violation or from failure to improve after a student has been repeatedly warned. Probation indicates that the student is no longer in good standing with the school and that her continued membership in the HNHS community is in serious jeopardy. Probationary status lasts for at least one quarter, or for any other prescribed time established by the Assistant Principal and/or Principal. A student on probation may not participate in co-curricular activities or represent the school in any event. The following are among the causes that may result in citizenship probation:

Fighting or involvement in a physical altercation by participation, encouragement, or incitement of the same
Stealing (taking an item, failing to pay for an item, or refusing to return a borrowed item)
Cheating on a final exam
Any offense for which a student may be suspended
Bullying/Harassment/Cyberbullying
Repeated poor citizenship grades

A student who is on citizenship probation for multiple behavior infractions will be placed on a disciplinary contract specifying the particular behavior that must be corrected in order for the student to remain in school. Citizenship probation may make a student ineligible for financial assistance for the next quarter. The Discipline Review Board meets as necessary and at the end of each semester to review the status of all students who have been on citizenship probation that semester to determine whether they have satisfactorily met the conditions for continuing their attendance at Holy Names. The Discipline Review Board includes the Principal, Assistant Principals, and Counselor.

Suspension/Expulsion: Serious offenses that merit immediate action may result in suspension from class or from school for a period of up to five days. The use of this penalty is at the discretion of the Principal and the Assistant Principal. The suspended student will not receive academic credit for the duration of the suspension. Any student who has been suspended is automatically on citizenship probation. The following are among the grounds for which a student may be suspended and/or expelled:

Possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs on school premises or at a school sponsored event, or appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at such an event, whether on or off campus
Fighting (See above--Probation)
Willful defacing or otherwise injuring any property, real or personal, belonging to the school or to individuals (Parents will pay for damages)
Use of profanity or vulgarity
Assault or battery or any threat of force or violence directed toward any member of the school community at any time or place
Openly and persistently defying school authority; continued willful disobedience
Abuse or harassment of other students or school personnel
Use or possession of any weapon or dangerous instrument capable of doing bodily harm or the use or possession of any item suggestive of a weapon
Disregard for detention

Harassment: Holy Names affirms the dignity of every individual in the school community. Each person should expect to attend school or work in an environment free from harassment of any kind - physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or electronic. Harassment involves any behavior which creates an intimidating, hostile, demeaning, or offensive atmosphere for another person. It includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment. Sexual harassment involves directing unwelcome innuendoes or sexual advances toward another person. However, other behaviors such as taunting, bullying, threatening, slandering, or spreading rumors about a person can also constitute harassment, as well as any kind of ongoing annoyance including so-called practical jokes, abusive language or offensive body language.

Harassment is a matter for disciplinary action. Anyone found to have harassed another or filed false or frivolous charges will be subject, depending upon the nature of the action, to serious consequences. While protecting the free expression of student opinion, HNHS considers unacceptable any oral or written statements or expressive actions which discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, age group, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. Any such slurs show disregard for the dignity of each person. Since the Holy Names High School community is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of its diverse student body, students who violate this standard of expression may be subject to disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion. Any student or staff member who believes she/he is being harassed by any member of the HNHS community, (students, parents, personnel) should report the incident(s) to the Assistant Principal or to the Principal. Every complaint will be promptly and, insofar as possible, confidentially investigated. In determining whether a specific act or pattern of behavior constitutes harassment, the perspective of a “reasonable person” shall be the norm.

Dismissal from School: Any student on citizenship probation is subject to review for continued attendance at Holy Names. The Discipline Review Board ordinarily reviews the student’s status. If, in the estimation of the board, the student’s pattern of behavior shows no significant positive change, the student will not be permitted to return to Holy Names.

Expulsion: In extraordinary cases, at the judgment of the Principal, a student may be immediately expelled.

Uniform & Dress Code Information

Holy Names High School takes pride in the appearance of its students. HNHS prepares young women for lives of leadership and service and with this purpose in mind, the dress code is enforced. The Assistant Principal will exercise final authority on the interpretation, observance, and implementation of all issues pertaining to the dress code. Students that violate the dress policies will be expected to change into proper uniform and will incur disciplinary consequences. All students are expected to comply with the following dress code.

Uniform Regulations

Holy Names High School has partnered with Dennis Uniform to provide a full uniform program. All uniform items must be purchased through Dennis Uniform.

Shirts: Polo shirts must be white, navy or red with the HNHS logo. The white oxford and white blouse may also be worn daily. Plain turtleneck shirts and long sleeved crewneck shirts in red, white, black or navy may be worn under the polo shirts. No HNHS athletic and or PE shirts may be worn as a uniform shirt.

Skirt: Regulation Hamilton plaid or navy blue pleated skirt is to be worn no shorter than three inches above the knee. Appropriate leggings are allowed under the skirts. Leggings must be solid navy, black, or white. No sweatpants are allowed under the skirt.

Pants: Navy blue twill pants may be worn as an option to the skirt. No jeans, sweatpants, or sweat-type pants are allowed. Pants must be purchased from Dennis Uniform. NO "skinnies," or ANY jean-like pants are permitted.

Shorts: As an option to the skirt, navy shorts or skorts purchased from Dennis Uniform Company may be worn. Shorts MUST be visible under polos. The shorts should be walking short length. Shorts are not acceptable for formal uniform or for Mass.

Sweater/Cardigan: Navy blue or red pullover sweaters or vests, or navy HNHS cardigan purchased from Dennis Uniform may be worn. The navy HNHS cardigan is required on formal uniform days. A polo shirt must always be worn with the sweater or cardigan. NO non-uniform sweaters or sweatshirts are allowed.

Jackets: Dennis Uniform and HNHS (Monarch Store) have several outerwear options for purchase. The navy HNHS zippered fleece jacket may be purchased from Dennis Uniform Company. The Holy Names High School wool jacket may also be worn in place of, or in addition to, sweaters. Personal jackets or coats may be worn in white, beige, navy, black or brown. HNHS teams and clubs desiring to wear team or club outerwear on specified days must request approval from the administration.

Shoes: Shoes must have closed toes and backs. No flip-flops may be worn. No excessively high heels may be worn. Slippers are not acceptable.

Socks: Nylons or anklets, knee socks or tights in the following solid colors only: neutral, white, or navy blue are the only socks permitted with the uniform. Patterned tights are not permitted.

Headwear: Hats and head scarves may not be worn with the uniform, except for religious reasons. Cloth headbands may not exceed three inches in width and must be solid red, white, navy or the uniform (Hamilton) plaid.

Neck Scarves: Neck scarves may be worn in white, navy blue and red.

Any item not listed is not part of the uniform.

Dress Code Information

Every student must wear one white HNHS polo and/or HNHS white Oxford shirt and a navy monogrammed cardigan sweater for mass and all designated formal assemblies.
All clothing is to be neat and clean.
Clothing which is ragged, patched, faded or which displays inappropriate words or decorations is unacceptable. Torn jeans are never allowed.
Clothing which is judged inappropriate or immodest is unacceptable.
Extreme styles of clothing are inappropriate for school and may not be worn.
Hair is to be neatly groomed at all times. Extreme hairstyles, colors, or hair decorations are unacceptable and may not be worn.
The use of make-up and jewelry is to be appropriate and moderate. One very small studded nose piercing is allowed. No other facial piercings are allowed.
Sunglasses, hoods and hats may not be worn inside the school building.

Athlete Dress: On game days only, teams may wear the approved sports uniform top or the team shirt provided by the Athletic Department. All other rules and expectations of the student dress code must be observed on game days. Athletic apparel, sweatpants, practice shirts, and sweatshirts from previous sports seasons are NOT allowed during school hours, except for wear at practices.

Formal Dress Code: The following uniform should be worn for Thursday assembly, as well as for special dates, such as Mass and other special events that are announced by the administration.

Uniform skirt or pants (NO shorts)
White HNHS Oxford or white HNHS polo and monogrammed cardigan
White turtlenecks or plain white cotton shirt may be worn under white HNHS shirt.

Free Dress Regulations: Listed below are the regulations that govern Free Dress.

Pants: Torn jeans, cut-offs, skin tight lycra, sweatpants, or pajama bottoms are not permitted. At no time can leggings be worn without shorts or skirt.
Shorts: Only walking shorts are permissible. Short shorts may not be worn.
Shirts/Blouses: Shoulders must be covered at all times. Crop tops, tank tops, and midriff-baring apparel are not allowed.
Dresses/Skirts: Modest, appropriate daytime wear is expected. Shoulders must be covered. Halters, backless or strapless dresses are not acceptable. Very short skirts or dresses are not allowed.
Shoes: Very high heels or bedroom slippers are not allowed. No flip-flops may be worn. Sandals may be worn only on "free dress" days and MUST have a back strap.
Headwear: Hats or hoods may not be worn. Headscarves may be worn only on "free dress" days, except for students who wear them as part of their faith practice.

Technology

Student Mobile Devices and the HNHS 1-to-1 Initiative

Holy Names High School views the use of technology and student mobile devices as essential to the personalization of learning and preparing students for the future. Chromebooks - simplified laptop computers which essentially function as a gateway to the Internet via Google’s Chrome Operating System (Chrome OS) and the Chrome browser - are assigned to each student during the school year to provide access to the Web, Google Apps (including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Groups), and other modern Web tools.

Responsible Use of Technology

Before using Holy Name High School’s technology system and the Chromebook devices provided to each student through the HNHS 1-to-1 Initiative, each student and her parent/legal guardian will receive and shall read in their entirety the HNHS Responsible Use Policy and the HNHS 1-to-1 Student Mobile Device Handbook. The student and her parent/legal guardian shall then sign and return the signature forms from both documents, indicating that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by all specified and implied user responsibilities, obligations, and restrictions contained therein. These responsibilities, obligations, and restrictions will remain in effect while the student is enrolled in Holy Names High School. If at any time either document is updated, revised, or modified by the school, both the student and her parent/legal guardian will be required to review and sign the new version of the agreement in order to continue using the school’s technology system.

Digital Representation

Digital photos and videos may be taken of students during on and off-campus school activities by designated HNHS personnel. These media may published on HNHS social media sites, the yearbook or marketing materials. Parents/students may opt out by indicating so on the registration form in SchoolAdmin or by emailing the Assistant Principal.

Counseling Information

Counseling Services: Holy Names High School offers a wide variety of counseling services including assistance in educational planning, follow up on academic problems, standardized testing, interpretation of test scores, study skills, college entrance planning, and career planning. This department offers a comprehensive program with a special focus at each grade level: ninth grade focus is on adjustment, time management and goal setting; tenth grade focus is on career exploration; eleventh grade participates in a special Chrysalis Project aimed at the college application process; twelfth graders receive assistance with every step of college application and financial aid.

The counseling office contains a wealth of material available for student use. Additional counseling software and materials are available in the computer lab and in the library. Preparation for college and the college entrance procedure is regularly explained to the students. Each year at scheduling time, the counselor reviews with every student the progress she is making toward her college/career goals. At Back-to-School Night and at other parent meetings scheduled throughout the year, parents at all grade levels receive information about college requirements and school programs.

Work Opportunities: Listings of job opportunities are available through the Counseling office.

Personal Counseling: In addition to academic counseling, counselors will assist with school or home difficulties, social concerns, or other areas that a student may wish to discuss. Either the student or her counselor may initiate a conference; parents are encouraged to contact their daughter’s counselor should a concern/need arise. A student in need of on-going help will be referred for external counseling.

Co-Curricular Activities

Ambassadors: Ambassadors is a group of students selected to represent HNHS at elementary school visits and at events on campus for prospective students and parents. Ambassadors serve as hostesses for various school events.

Athletics: Holy Names High School is a member of the Bay Counties League as a larger part of the Bay Area conference. The athletic program supports the school’s philosophy to uphold the importance of education while nurturing a student’s personal wellbeing and healthy lifestyle. It is committed to teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, and respect for self and others. At the end of each season, awards are presented to team members who attend practice regularly, participate in games, and make a positive contribution to the spirit and morale of the team.

California Scholarship Federation (CSF): CSF fosters high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship among students of senior high schools in California. Membership is neither mandatory nor automatic; those whose semester grades meet CSF standards may apply.

Campus Ministry: Campus Ministry provides opportunities for the school community to celebrate and deepen its Christian identity through retreats, liturgies, prayer services, and community service projects. All campus ministry members are enrolled in an after school leadership class which is taken for credit.

Drama: Participation in Holy Names drama/musical productions is an activity for which students may receive academic credit.

LINK: This team of junior and senior leaders is specially trained and committed to assisting with the orientation of new students. They provide activities and events to welcome and include the freshwomen in the Holy Names High School community.

Model UN: Model United Nations is open to any student who is interested in learning more about government and international relations. Students prepare for and participate in the UC Berkeley Model United Nations Conference held every year in March. Regular meetings are held and students are expected to do required reading and independent research.

National Honor Society: Beginning in the junior year, students are eligible for membership in the National Honor Society. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, service, leadership and character. Selection is made by the five appointed members of the faculty council with input from other faculty members.

Student Council: Student Council is a group of elected student body officers and class representatives meeting regularly under the supervision of the StuCo Moderator and serving as the governing body for student affairs. Individuals and/or groups are encouraged to attend Student Council and to voice their concerns. All student council members are enrolled in an after school leadership class which is taken for credit.

Note: Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and/or initiate new efforts based on student interest. Campus clubs may vary from year to year depending upon student interest and moderator availability.

Dances

Dances are sponsored by the student body. Dances are intended to be fun, but safe and comfortable experiences.

General Dance Regulations

Only currently enrolled Holy Names students and their male guests may attend on-campus dances. All guests must be currently enrolled in high school. Guests over age 18 must be approved by the Assistant Principal. No guest over age 20 will be allowed to attend the dance.
Dances are ordinarily scheduled from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. Students will be admitted to the dance up to 60 minutes after the doors open, and Holy Names students may leave no sooner than 30 minutes prior to its end. Exceptions to this rule require prior communication with parents.
Students and parents should determine in advance the student’s transportation to leave the dance. Students are required to be picked up immediately after the dance. If a parent is late, they are subject to a fine.
Guests must be high school students and must have an approved guest pass. Guest pass forms are available four weeks prior to the dance and must be returned at least four days before the dance.
Guests must present a photo ID at the door. Any guest whose name does not appear on the approved guest list may not enter the dance. If a student invites a guest, she is expected to attend the dance.
School regulations regarding the possession/use of drugs and alcohol will be strictly enforced at all dances.
All guests to HNHS sponsored dances may attend at the discretion of the HNHS administration. Guests are subject to search before entering the dance.
Students must be present at school at least 50% of the day on the day of the dance to be eligible to attend the dance.
For the Holy Names sponsored Senior/Junior Prom, Holy Names student attendance is limited to currently enrolled juniors and seniors. No guest over age 20 will be allowed to attend the dance. Former Holy Names High School students may only be guests with the permission of the Assistant Principal.

Note: Additional regulations regarding prom are published prior to the event.

Appropriate Dance Behavior

All dancing, at organized events or otherwise, is to be appropriate for a Catholic high school event.
Offensive language, gestures, and dancing are not acceptable.
Dances that are sexually explicit are not allowed.
Holy Names students are expected to dress appropriately and modestly for school-sponsored activities and to inform their guests of the appropriate attire for the same. Hoods, hats, and/or sunglasses may not be worn once the student is admitted to the dance.
Chaperones at dances will be members of the school administration, faculty, and parents. If in their judgment student behavior or dancing is inappropriate, they will ask students to stop what they are doing. Failure to comply with the dance policy may result in disciplinary consequences, including, but not limited to, removal from the dance.

General Information

Student Services

BART Shuttle: The Holy Names shuttle service provides a ride to and from Holy Names High School and the Rockridge BART station. Students will not be picked up or dropped off at any other locations. Students must have a signed permission slip on file with the driver before she may be transported. The shuttle is scheduled to run once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The driver will make every attempt to keep the shuttle on schedule. Students who miss the morning shuttle will have to find another way to get to school. The school is not responsible for arranging transportation for students who miss the shuttle. Students who miss the afternoon shuttle should call their parents to request a ride. Riding the HNHS shuttle is a privilege. To ensure safety, all school policies apply to students who ride the HNHS shuttle.

Buses: In order to facilitate transportation, the AC Transit Company provides an extended-service bus #651 between Second and Broadway and the HNHS campus before and after school. Schedules are available in the main office.

Cafeteria Service: Cafeteria service is usually available from break through the end of the day. Snacks, breakfast/lunch entrees may be purchased at that time. Students may also bring lunch from home. Microwaves are provided in the cafeteria for student use.

Food should not be brought into the main building except for organized and supervised events or meetings. Students are required to observe the posted cafeteria rules. Utensils and condiments are provided only to students who purchase meals. Please plan accordingly.

Library: The library is open during school hours.

Lockers: Only locks purchased from the school may be used on school lockers. Lockers are to be kept locked at all times. Lockers are the property of the school and are subject to inspection. Students may decorate the inside of their lockers, but only student council decorations may appear on the outside of lockers. The combination of each student’s lock must be kept on file with the school.

Student ID Cards: Student identification cards are issued to all students at the beginning of the school year when all the required registration procedures are completed. If a student body card is lost, a new one can be obtained from our school photographer for a modest fee. Forms are available from the student activities office.

Health & Safety

Illness: If a student becomes ill at school, she should alert her teacher. Parents will be notified to pick up the student if it is determined the student is too sick to remain on campus.

Transportation to School-Sponsored Events: Parents or school personnel are encouraged to drive for field trips or school-sponsored activities, once they are cleared through the business office, when public or chartered transportation is not used. Licensed student drivers may drive themselves to school-sponsored events.

Drug/Alcohol Policy: Holy Names High School is committed to providing a safe environment for all its students with respect to and in agreement with the school philosophy. Illegal substance use in the school poses a serious threat to the academic, social, and emotional health of all students. In addition, California laws concerning adult responsibility with respect to the use of drugs and alcohol by minors is very specific. Consequently, it is the school’s responsibility to make every effort to reduce the threat, discipline the offender, and refer the individual(s) for counseling and/or other needed services. If a student sells or distributes drugs or alcohol, the consequence is automatic expulsion. In the case of disciplinary violation involving the use of drugs, including alcohol, the student will be asked to undergo a professional drug and alcohol assessment. The student will be suspended until such time as the assessment is completed. Any time a student is suspended for disciplinary reasons, she is also placed on citizenship probation for a period of ten school weeks. Failure to complete the assessment will result in the student’s dismissal. The result of this assessment will be among the factors considered to determine the student’s continued enrollment at Holy Names. The Principal shall determine whether law enforcement officers should be notified. If notification is made, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or emergency card designee(s) will be informed.

Miscellaneous Information

Building Regulations: The school opens at 7:15 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified. The Main Office is ordinarily open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students must vacate the building at the 4:30pm bell, unless they are with a faculty supervisor. No student may be in the building before or after hours or on weekends unless she is specifically under the supervision of a faculty member or a coach. Parents are responsible for having students picked up from school by 5:30 p.m. on regular dismissal days and immediately after dismissal on earlier dismissal times. The school is not responsible for the supervision of students after the campus closes. Students are expected to be courteous and to follow the directions of school personnel who open or close the building. Custodial personnel are not authorized to grant students or parents access to the building outside regular building hours.

Cars: All are asked to drive cautiously in the vicinity of the school and on the front drive. Limited on-campus parking is reserved for seniors as a senior privilege. Parking permits are required and may be requested from the Assistant Principal. Students who park in the neighborhood are expected to observe parking ordinances and respect private property. Out of consideration for the neighbors, students are not to park in the Jacobus Street alley. Cars are permitted to come on the back campus to drop off students.

Cell Phones: All cell phones are to be turned off or on silent at all times during class periods and passing periods. A cell phone may be used ONLY during break and lunch period outside, unless otherwise directed by the classroom teacher for a class assignment. If used without permission in class, during assemblies or school-sponsored activities, cell phones are subject to confiscation and will be held for the duration of the day.

Change of Address: All changes of address or telephone numbers are to be reported immediately to the main office receptionist who will see that all records and lists are corrected accordingly.

Closed-Campus Policy: The school maintains a closed-campus policy during normal school hours. State laws prohibit any student from entering the campus of another school without the knowledge and approval of school officials. All visitors to the campus must report to the main office. A student may bring a visitor to school only after arrangements have been made at least one day in advance with permission from the Assistant Principal of Students or Principal. Visitors of current students are not allowed on special schedule days, during exam time, or during the week immediately preceding vacations or the close of the semester.

Private Parties: Parents are notified in writing of school-sponsored activities/events. Under no circumstance does the school sponsor or assume any responsibility for pre-or post-activity parties or any other parties/activities that are not a part of the official co-curricular program. If any doubt exists as to the nature of an event, parents should call the Assistant Principal.

Permission to Leave Class/Campus: If for some reason a student needs permission for early dismissal, her parent/guardian should contact the attendance clerk as early in the day as possible. The student is then given a permit which is presented to her class teacher when it is time to leave. Before departing, the student must sign out in the main office.

Telephones: The main office telephone is a business phone and may not be used by students for incoming or outgoing calls. Parents are requested not to call the school with messages except in case of real emergency. No student will be called to the telephone. In emergency situations during the school day, the receptionist may authorize a student to call home from a phone available in the main office.

Communication with Parents

School Communications: Parents are regularly kept informed of school activities and student progress. Parent meetings in September and throughout the year provide important information about school policies, programs, and procedures. Our school website has the school calendar and is updated regularly. An electronic newsletter is also sent regularly. A set of expectations for each class the student takes is sent home for parent signature at the beginning of the school year. At the midpoint of each quarter, academic progress reports are mailed home, and report cards follow at the end of each quarter.

Conferences with School Personnel: School personnel will call parents as situations needing parental attention arise. Parents are always free to contact the teachers, counselors, or administrators. For academic concerns, parents should first contact teachers who are usually available after school. Counselors or administrators may be contacted during the school day. Appointments should be made to guarantee the availability of school personnel.

Student-Eighteen Years Old: All school procedures, policies and regulations continue to apply to students who are 18 years of age or older as long as they are enrolled in the school. The student must reside with her parents or a guardian approved by her parents. The school shall continue to direct all official correspondence and other matters to parents concerning their student’s grades, disciplinary status, tuition statements, graduation privileges, and so forth.

Emergency Procedures

Earthquakes: Each classroom teacher will direct the students as to earthquake procedures. No one should leave the building unless given specific directions to do so. After an earthquake, students who are on route to school should continue to school; if on route home, they should continue home.

Evacuation Drills: In each classroom, directions are posted regarding emergency procedures in the event of a fire, fire drill, or other emergency. Students and teachers should be familiar with these directions. The signal for a fire drill is a repeated ringing bell. On hearing this bell or at the direction of faculty, the students leave the building and move quickly in silence to the designated exits and areas. If the alarm sounds when a student is not at a class or assembly, she should leave the building and go to the designated assembly area.

Financial Information
A comprehensive summary of the school’s financial policies and personalized tuition information can be found on the Contract of Financial Responsibility, signed at registration on SchoolAdmin.

Tuition is payable by direct debit – annually, semi-annually, or on a 10-month payment plan – managed by Smart Tuition. Debit dates are on the 5th and 20th of the month. Smart Tuition assesses a late fee for payments not received by the due date.

A service fee of $25 is charged for checks returned by the bank for non-sufficient funds (NSF). The school reserves the right to refuse personal checks after a second NSF occurrence or for payments required to receive an exam permit. No personal checks will be accepted after April 30th.

Suspension for Unpaid Tuition: If tuition payments become two months in arrears, the student may be suspended from the school until the debt is cleared or other appropriate arrangements have been made with the school business manager. Students may not take semester exams until tuition is paid in full.

Delinquent Accounts and Exam Permits: If a student’s account is past due, the student will not be cleared to take semester examinations, begin the new term, participate in activities, or register for the following academic year and will receive an “incomplete” grade until all financial obligations are cleared. Students may not begin the next semester with an outstanding balance. Clearance to take exams is issued by the Business Office. Cash, credit card, cashier’s check, or money order are the only forms of payment that will be accepted for past due fees.

Early Withdrawal Policy: Students are accepted with the understanding that they will remain enrolled at Holy Names High School for the entire academic year. Consequently, it is expressly understood by the parent(s), and /or guardian(s) and the school that if a student does not complete the full academic year, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are still obligated to pay tuition for the full semester plus a $200.00 withdrawal fee. All other school fees are non-refundable. A Withdrawal Form must be completed and submitted to the Principal’s Office in order to process requests for transcript and health records. Without a completed withdrawal form, the parent/guardian may be responsible for a full semester's tuition. Holy Names reserves the right to request the withdrawal of students who do not maintain satisfactory scholarship or who fall short of the standards of conduct which the school has established. In such cases the parents are responsible for the full charges for the semester in which the withdrawal takes place.

Financial Assistance Program: Holy Names High School offers limited financial assistance on the basis of financial need. Students who receive financial assistance must be in good academic and citizenship standing. Holy Names does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, or religion in the administration of this program.

HNHS Student Expectations

As a member of Holy Names High School, each student is obliged to be considerate and respectful of other students, faculty and staff. In keeping with this basic attitude of respect, each student is expected to:

Arrive at school and classes on time and keep absenteeism to a minimum
Exhibit respect for the school environment by the way she cares for property (her own, other person’s, the school’s) e.g., not leaving garbage around, not bringing food or drink into the hallways, or not damaging property
Wear the Holy Names uniform with pride and observe the uniform regulations
Be aware that she represents the entire Holy Names High School community. Therefore, it is important to be conscious of inappropriate behavior, language, tone of voice, etc., at school, on public transportation, and elsewhere.

HNHS Parent Expectations
We recognize the responsibility of parents as primary educators and acknowledge our collaboration with them. Further, we believe that the collaboration of administration, faculty, staff, students and parents is essential to the success of the school program. Therefore we strive -

To establish and maintain a positive and cooperative relationship between the home and school, joining parents as partners in the educational process.
To grow as a total Christian learning community, emphasizing those patterns of interaction which promote community: respect for persons, open communication, trust, responsibility, concern and celebration.
In support of this HNHS philosophy, parents are expected to uphold the mission, goals, and policies of HNHS.

For Assemblies & Study Hall

In assemblies and study hall as in class, a student assumes personal responsibility for her own conduct. Each student will receive a citizenship grade for assembly and study hall based on her adherence to the following expectations:

Cooperate with other students, teachers and staff.
Respect others and value the contributions of individuals, whether at homeroom, in a meeting, guest presentation, or performance.
Demonstrate respect for others in attitude and behavior, remembering that body language speaks as loudly as verbal comments.
Assume responsibility for the atmosphere of homeroom or assembly by participating appropriately in the event.
Give opinions, suggestions, and feedback in homeroom and class meetings.
Follow directions of the student leader, guest speaker, or faculty member.
Listen attentively and respond appropriately in homeroom and at assembly. At an assembly applause is the appropriate response. Avoid loud cheers or noises unless it is a spirit rally.
Refrain from chewing gum, eating, or drinking in homeroom/auditorium.
Wear white polo or white Oxford shirt and school cardigan for designated formal assemblies.

“Schools in the Diocese of Oakland, mindful of their primary mission as effective instruments of the educational ministry of the Church, and to witness the love of Christ for all people, shall admit students of any race, color, racial and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students in the respective schools. Schools in the Diocese of Oakland do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, racial or ethnic origin in the administration or education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.”