Student & Parent Handbook  

 

THOUSAND ISLANDS MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Thousand Islands Central School District is to assure that all students acquire knowledge and develop skills and work habits which will enable them to become productive members of society.  This mission is best accomplished when school personnel maintain high expectations for all students, create a positive school climate with an equal opportunity to learn, ensure a safe and orderly school environment, monitor student progress on a frequent basis, and promote effective home-school communications.  It must be understood that strong instructional leadership is a key element in accomplishing this mission.

HIGH SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The purpose of education in the Thousand Islands High School is to provide learning opportunities for each individual student that will enable him or her to fully develop into a happy and mature adult, who is capable of functioning effectively as an individual, as well as a contributing member of a democratic society in a changing world.  These learning opportunities should encourage the development of the attitudes, skills, and knowledge which are needed by the individual student to satisfy his/her purpose.  Thus, the Thousand Islands High School, in cooperation with the home and community, will provide a high quality of education which will best promote the growth, development, and well-being of the whole child.

1.       Some specific goals which we at Thousand Islands High School are working toward include:

2.       Development of skills in reading, writing, and listening.

3.       Development of good character and self-respect.

4.       Development of pride in work and a feeling of self-worth.

5.       Development of a desire for learning now and in the future.

6.       Learning how to respect and get along with people with whom we work and live.

7.       Creation of a cooperative working relationship involving student, parent, and teacher.

8.       Development of skills and attitudes that will encourage health and fitness for life.     

                                             

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Students 

A new school year presents opportunities for new beginnings, new classes, new teachers, new events, perhaps some new friends.

Since I am your new principal, we will be entering this 1999-2000 millenium year together, learning new faces and names, trying to open lockers and find the location of rooms in our newly renovated building.  I am sure we will have many questions, but I am also sure that we can help each other.

All of us have dreams and aspirations, goals to accomplish, things we wish to own, and opportunities we would like to grasp.  Dreamers are full of hope and expectation.  They attack the day looking for adventure, challenge and opportunity.  At Thousand Islands we are a collection of administration, faculty, and staff members who have a vision for our students and high expectations for ourselves; we are students who have dreams of accomplishment and opportunity.

Of course, any dream is mere idleness unless it takes hard work and dedication to make dreams real.  Nothing is impossible if we will work together as a team and encourage each other to live large lives full of challenges.

Thousand Islands High School is a special place.  We can be proud of what has been achieved in our classes, on our playing fields, and on our stages.

This year, let’s choose a positive attitude, work together to determine what we need to do to make improvements, and become dreamers who keep our dreams in front of us.  They will take us anywhere we want to go.

“The attitude you choose to assume toward life and everything it brings you will determine whether you realize your aspirations.  What you are capable of achieving is determined by your talent and ability.  What you attempt to do is determined by your motivation.  How well you do something is determined by your attitude.”  Lou Holtz (the motivational miracle worker who revitalized the Notre Dame football program by leading the Fighting Irish to nine bowl games and a national championship.)

Sincerely,

Claudia Kauffman

Principal

 

STUDENT TRANSFERS

Transfer in District

New students or those who are re-entering should report to the Main Office.  If possible, one or both parents should accompany the student for registration.  Then a guidance counselor will meet with the student to develop a class schedule, and arrange for an orientation to the school. 

Transfer out of District

A pupil who wishes to withdraw from school either permanently or because of moving from the school district, should conference with the guidance counselor, and have written parental consent to withdraw.  On the morning of the last day at school the student should come to the main office to receive a clearance form to be initialed by the teachers indicating that the student has completed all obligations with them.

VISITORS

We welcome guests to our school at any time.  Visitors should stop in the main office to let us know they are in the building.  We request that arrangements for classroom visits be made in advance.

Students from other schools may visit with advance approval of the principal.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation will be provided each day of the school year, with students arriving at school after 7:30 a.m.  Regular, extended, and athletic bus departures are at 2:35, 3:35, and 5:10 p.m., respectively.  Students are welcome in the building after school, if they are under the supervision of a teacher or coach.

A.M. Vocational students are to come to the high school on the regular bus runs in the morning for attendance and announcements, then report to the waiting bus to be transported to Vocational School.

Each bus has rules posted for student safety.

LIBRARY

The Library Media Center is a resource for all students and faculty.  This facility contains books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, videos, filmstrips, recordings, slides, computer references, and Internet access.  These materials support and enrich the curriculum, but also develop interests beyond the classroom.  Students with a pass from a teacher are welcome to visit the Library at any time.  Borrowed materials should be returned by the due date.

 STUDY HALLS

Learning to study properly is an important skill. Students, teachers and aides will maintain an atmosphere conducive to studying at all times.

1.        Attendance is mandatory.

2.        Privileges, such as lavatory or locker passes, may be extended or withdrawn at the discretion of the supervisor.

3.        Students are expected to sign out of the study hall. 

4.        Students wishing to make a short library visit may be issued a pass with a time limit noted on the pass.

5.        Talking should be kept at a minimum and then only with the permission of the study hall supervisor.

FIRE DRILLS

A fire drill evacuation plan is posted in each room.  Students should leave the building quietly and orderly, and are to remain at least 50 feet away from the building.  No one is to re-enter the building until the all clear signal is given.  Supervisors' directions must be followed carefully.

DRESS

School attire is an individual decision, which should show concern for safety, cleanliness, and respect for others.  A close correlation exists between good dress and a harmonious atmosphere.  The following guidelines have been developed by the Student Council and will be used in determining appropriate dress:

1)        All garments (skirts included) must be worn at mid-thigh or lower.

2)        Spandex may be worn only as an undergarment.

3)        Openback clothing is acceptable to the mid-back area.

4)        No hats, bare feet, bare midriffs, offensive letters, drawings or Pictures will be permitted.

5)        Appropriate dress will be required of students for school sponsored field trips, off-campus activities, and at performances or competitions.

  LOCKERS

Each student is assigned a hall locker and a gym locker. Locker combinations should not be shared with anyone.  The school district is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. These lockers are subject to inspection by an administrator.  Students are responsible for the contents of their assigned locker. Periodic locker cleanouts are scheduled throughout the year.  A $5.00 fee will be charged for damaged or missing locks.

  LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found file is maintained in the office.  All books and personal property should be labeled.  Students must pay for all lost, stolen, or damaged books.

  PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICES

Personal listening devices may be used only during lunch periods in the cafeteria.

  RECYCLING

Thousand Islands High School subscribes to environmentally friendly disposal of re-cycle materials.  Please use the proper containers for recycling.

SIGNS AND POSTERS

All signs and posters advertising school events must be approved by the high school principal.  These signs and posters will be taken down the day after the advertised event.