Student Handbook » High School Information

High School Information

 
 
Office hours: Marion High School office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year.
 
Talk to a teacher: Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher. However, please understand that teachers may be unable to speak with you if they have students, but will return your call or respond to your message as soon as possible. See the above link for contact information for individual staff members.
 
Visit us: Parents are invited to visit their school, but we ask that all visitors follow certain procedures. Click here for more information.  
 
Meet with a teacher: Parents wanting to meet with their child’s teacher must call the office and set an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. This is a requirement written into the teacher contract which the administration is required to honor in good faith.   
 
Questions/concerns: Communication is the key to developing a partnership between educators and parents, and we encourage parents to be involved in their student’s education.
 
If you have a question or concern dealing with in-class events, we would ask you to talk with the teacher first. If you feel your question or concern was not handled to your expectations, we would then ask you to follow the chain of communications established by MCS:
  1. Teacher
  2. Building Principal
  3. Superintendent
  4. Board Member
Your cooperation and support will greatly enhance our success in meeting the needs of the students. We are looking forward to serving you and your family. 
Vision Statement: 
 
Marion High School, in partnership with our families and community, will strive to meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of our students. MHS will be a place where a collaborative community develops curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessments to ensure all students learn.
 
Mission Statement: 
 
The Mission of Marion High School is to provide an environment rich in educational opportunities that challenge and inspire all students to achieve their highest potential as productive members of a global society.
 
School Motto: 
 
Be a Giant! Strive for excellence every day.
The Board directs that the assignment of students to schools in the Corporation will be in the best interests of students and the best use of the resources of Marion Community Schools.

The high school principal shall assign students to the appropriate grade, classes or groups consistent with the directions received from the Superintendent. In all cases, assignment of students shall be made in the manner that will afford each student the greatest likelihood of realizing his/her potential. (Board Policy 5120)
At Marion High School, doors open to students at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Click here for more schedule information. 
 
  • Students should NOT be dropped off before doors open. Entry areas are not supervised before then. Any students in the building earlier than 8:30 a.m. must be with a staff member, coach, or club sponsor.

  • Every student is expected to be ready to begin when class starts. (This means they need to be dropped off a few minutes earlier than that, so they have time to get to class!) Students arriving late must check in at the main office. Please contact our school office if you need clarification on specific tardy procedures.
All lockers made available for student use on the school premises are the property of the school corporation. Lockers are made available for student use in storing school supplies and personal items necessary for use at school. Lockers are not to be used to store items which cause, or can reasonably cause, or can reasonably be foreseen to cause an interference with school purposes or any educational function or which are forbidden by state law or school rules. 
 
The student's use of the locker does not diminish the school corporation's ownership or control of the locker. The school corporation retains the right to inspect the locker and its contents to ensure that the locker is being used in accordance with its intended purpose and to eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen material, and to prevent the use of the locker to store prohibited or dangerous materials such as weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco products. 
 
Lockers will be assigned by the office. Students who experience difficulties with lockers and need repairs should report this to the office. Students should never share their lockers or combinations with other students. Students should never store valuables in their lockers. (Board Policy 5550)
Articles that are found anywhere in the building should be turned in immediately to Student Services. Students who lose an article at school will be expected to identify and reclaim the lost item within a period of 10 days.
The cafeteria operates a federal breakfast and lunch program. Breakfast is available daily prior to the start of Period 1. Students who bring lunch from home will also eat their lunch in the cafeteria. All students will have a 30-minute lunch period. (Click here for meal cost information.)
 
The cafeteria is a place where good human relations can be developed. Here, each student is expected to practice the general rules of good manners. Rules of courteous behavior which make the lunch period pleasant and relaxed will be maintained.
Any student who wishes to drive an automobile or other motorized vehicle to school must obtain a registration form from the Main Office. This form is to be completed by the student and student’s parents/guardians. It is to be returned to the Main Office prior to the student driving to school. Only those students who have completed a registration form, received administrative approval, and received a parking permit will be permitted to drive to school. (Board Policy 5514.01)
 
Students are not allowed to park in the front circle or in the staff and visitor parking lot in front of the auditorium.
 
Driving to school is a privilege not a right. If a student violates the driving regulations, parents may be notified and the privilege of driving to school may be suspended and/or other disciplinary action is taken. 
 
With reasonable suspicion, the administration shall be permitted to inspect the contents of any vehicle on school grounds. (Board Policy 5550)
Students will not be interrupted during class time for telephone messages or personal messages unless it is an emergency.
 
Balloons and flowers will not be delivered to students at Marion High School.
 
Food deliveries are not accepted.
 
Personal items, such as lunch money or physical education clothes, may be picked up in the Main Office during passing periods.
 

Attendance

Marion High School believes it is vital to students’ success to attend all classes on time daily. It is unlawful for a parent/guardian to fail, neglect, or refuse to send their child to school. Indiana Code 20-33-2-28
 
 
See the following sections for additional information specific to attendance at Marion High School.
Parents are required to notify the school office when a child is absent from school.
 
Please call the office between 8 and 9 a.m.
 
If a call cannot be made, you can send a message to your school's attendance secretary or send a note to school with the child on the day he/she returns explaining the absence.
 
Documentation of absences must be received within six school days of the absence. It is unlawful for a parent/guardian to fail or refuse to produce a certificate of the illness or incapacity later than six days after the certificate is demanded by Marion High School. IC 20-33-2-18
 
  • Parents are encouraged to plan and schedule family trips, vacations, and activities during times that do not cause a student to be absent from school. Days missed will be counted as absences. For unavoidable pre-planned absences, we ask that you report your plans via an absence form available from the attendance office at least six days prior to the scheduled absence.  
 
  • Students must maintain 95% attendance over their high school career to be considered for the waiver process. 
 
  • Students must report to their scheduled classes and lunch on time. Students are not allowed to leave the lunch room without permission. 
 
  • Every effort should be made to schedule medical, dental, and other appointments outside the school day. Appointments may be verified by the school. 
All school work missed during an absence will need to be made up under the guidelines of the teacher.
Tardiness is defined as follows: Students must be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings. Students who are not in the classroom will be considered tardy. 
 
Students who arrive late to school must report to the attendance office to obtain an admit pass to class. Even when a parent or guardian calls in, the student is counted as tardy. 
 
The count starts over for tardies at the beginning of each semester. Truancies are cumulative for the entire school year.
 
If a student is late to class during a Tardy Sweep, a Level 2 or above consequence is assigned. (See the MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports for more details.)
 
Marion High School makes attempts daily in the morning and afternoon via auto caller to contact the home phone number for all period tardies. MHS encourages parents to provide a cell phone as their home phone number.
 
Marion High Schools interventions regarding tardies are as follows:
 
Number of tardies  /  MHS interventions
1st  /  warning from teacher; auto phone call
2nd  /  warning from teacher; auto phone call
3rd  /  warning from teacher; auto phone call; personal phone call made to the home by the teacher
4th  /  personal phone call made to the home by the teacher
5th  /  referral to administrator for disciplinary action; one day In-School Suspension (ISS)
6 or more tardies  /  referral to administrator for disciplinary action; additional days of ISS possible
According to the Indiana Department of Education truancy is defined as “a student’s absence from school without the permission of a parent/guardian.” 

Further, Indiana Code 20-33-2-11 defines habitual truant as "a student who is chronically absent, by having unexcused absences from school for more than ten (10) days of school in one (1) school year.” (Click here for more attendance information.)
 
Marion High School makes attempts daily in the morning and afternoon via auto-caller to contact the home phone number in for all period truancies or unverified absences. We encourage parents to provide a cell phone as their home phone. 
 
Marion High Schools interventions regarding tardies are as follows:
 
Offense  /  MHS interventions
1st (one day or seven periods truant)  /  phone call; conference with parent/guardian
2nd (two days or 14 periods truant)  /  May result in the assignment of In-School Suspension (ISS) 
3rd (three days or 21 periods truant) /  May result in ISS; attendance contract; absence letter sent
4th (four days or 28 periods truant)  /  MHS parking permit revoked; may be assigned two days ISS
5th (five days or 35 periods truant)  /  absence letter sent
6th (six days or 42 periods truant)  /  probationary status checked; may result is ISS, OSS, or other disciplinary actions
7th (seven days or 49 periods truant)  /  same as 6th offense
8th (eight days or 56 periods truant)  /  may result in ISS, OSS or other disciplinary actions; home visits are made as able
9th (nine days or 63 periods truant)  /  same as 8th offense
10th (ten days or 70 periods truant)  /  probation referral; additional truancy can result in OSS pending expulsion; driver’s license may be revoked

Behavior Expectations

The following are minimum expectations for student behavior in common areas of the school.
 
>> See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports for more information.
 
In any emergency situation, follow all emergency procedures, announcements, and staff instructions.
 
Be Safe
  • Sit in your assigned seat immediately.
  • Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  • Report all problems to the bus driver.
  • Follow all bus rules (click here for details).
 
Be Responsible
  • Be on time to the bus.
  • Remain in dress code.
  • Be sure to have a written note from your parent/guardian if you are going to ride a different bus.
  • Keep food and drink sealed on the bus.
  • Vandalism is a disciplinary and potentially criminal issue. See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports.
 
Be Respectful
  • Use appropriate volume, tone, and polite language.
  • Respect the bus and the driver.
  • Show consideration for other people’s property.
Be Safe
  • During school, leave the building only when permission is granted.
  • Walk on the sidewalk. Watch for moving vehicles in parking lots, and follow all traffic laws.
 
Be Responsible
  • Prepare for weather and wear appropriate attire.
  • Clean up after yourself and others.
  • Register your vehicle and display a valid MHS parking tag at all times.
  • Park only in one spot and only in designated student parking areas.
  • Vandalism is a disciplinary and potentially criminal issue. See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports.
 
Be Respectful
  • Use polite language.
  • Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  • Show consideration for other people’s property.
  • Respect the facility and grounds.
Be Safe
  • Enter only at designated doors.
  • If a line forms, stand on sidewalks or in designated areas, not in driving lanes.
  • Proceed in an orderly fashion through the entry way.
  • Wipe your feet at the door to avoid slipping in the hallways.
 
Be Responsible
  • If entering before the first bell, go directly to the cafeteria
  • After the first bell, go directly to your locker to put away your coat and get materials for class.
  • Be on time for your classes.
  • Silence all electronic devices.
  • Report to the main office if you are arriving late to school.
 
Be Respectful
  • Speak in conversational voices.
  • Remove your hat once inside.
  • Listen to announcements and follow instructions from staff.
Moment of Silence:
There shall be a daily observance of a moment of silence in each classroom or on school grounds. During the moment of silence, all students shall remain seated or standing and silent and make no distracting display so that each student may, in the exercise of the student’s individual choice, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede another student in the exercise of the student’s individual choice. (IC 20-30-5-4.5)
 
Pledge of Allegiance:
Students will be given a daily opportunity to recite voluntarily the Pledge of Allegiance in each classroom or on school grounds. The principal will determine the appropriate time when school is in session for the recitation of the Pledge.
 
A student is exempt from participation in the Pledge of Allegiance and may not be required to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance if:
  1. The student chooses not to participate; or
  2. The student’s parent chooses to have the student not participate.
Students who are exempt from reciting the Pledge shall remain quietly standing or sitting while others recite the Pledge and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts other students who are reciting the Pledge. 

During the Pledge of Allegiance, a student participating in the recitation of the Pledge should face the flag with their right hand over their heart or in an appropriate salute if in uniform.  
Be Safe
  • Walk, keep to the right side of the hall.
  • Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  • Talk to your classmates out of the way of traffic.
 
Be Responsible
  • Move efficiently in the hallways.
  • Clean up after yourself and others.
  • Get to class on time.
  • Remain in dress code.
  • Keep food and drink out of the hallways.
  • Vandalism is a disciplinary and potentially criminal issue. See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports.
 
Be Respectful
  • Use appropriate volume, tone, and polite language.
  • Follow all school rules at all times.
  • Respect the facility.
  • Have pass in hand when in hall any time other than passing periods.
Be Safe
  • Enter the classroom in an orderly fashion.
  • Sit in your assigned seat immediately.
  • Follow all classroom rules.
  • Be aware of evacuation routes from any specific classroom you are in. Information should be posted clearly on a classroom wall. If you do not see such information, please alert your teacher.
 
Be Responsible
  • Attend school and class every day on time.
  • Have your books, writing utensils, notebooks, and homework ready at the start of class.
  • Remain in dress code.
  • Keep food and drink out of the classroom.
  • Vandalism is a disciplinary and potentially criminal issue. See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports.
 
Be Respectful
  • Keep your head up and stay awake during class.
  • Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  • Raise your hand to participate.
  • Use appropriate volume, tone, and polite language.
Be Safe
  • Wash your hands after using the restroom.
 
Be Responsible
  • Use the restroom during passing periods; if you have been given a pass to visit the restroom any other time, you must carry your pass with you.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • If you notice a large mess, please inform your teacher or the main office.
  • Follow instructions from staff.
 
Be Respectful
Be Safe
  • Form organized line.
  • Remain seated inside the cafeteria.
 
Be Responsible
  • Have your lunch money or ID ready to pay for lunch.
  • Clean up after yourself and others.
  • Listen to the announcements.
  • Remain in dress code.
  • Use the restrooms in the east hallway only.
  • Vandalism is a disciplinary and potentially criminal issue. See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports.
 
Be Respectful
  • Use appropriate volume, tone, and polite language.
  • Respect the facility.
  • Take your tray up and put trash in the trash cans.
  • Keep food and drink inside the cafeteria unless otherwise instructed.
Be Safe
  • Access appropriate websites.
  • Keep backpack and belongings out of aisle way.
  • Push in chair when not in use and when you leave.
  • Never provide personal information unless you are sure you are on a verified website.
  • Beware of phishing scams; do not click links or open attachments in suspicious emails.
 
Be Responsible
 
Be Respectful
  • Be considerate of others.
  • Use equipment and materials properly.
  • Use appropriate volume and language..
Current open hours vary, and will be posted / announced as necessary. Students must have a pass to enter the library if not visiting with a class.
 
>> Click here for information about the library and its resources
 
Be Safe
  • Keep backpack and belongings out of walkway.
  • Push in chairs when not in use and when you leave.
 
Be Responsible
  • Library materials may be checked out for 14 days with the option of renewal. An overdue notice will be delivered for materials that are not returned on time. If a student has a book overdue for more than four weeks, or the book is returned damaged, he or she will be sent a bill for the cost of the book.
  • Theft or attempted theft of library materials or ripping pages from magazines and security tags from books will be treated as vandalism. Vandalism is a disciplinary and potentially criminal issue. See MCS Rules, Consequences, and Supports.
  • The library’s computers and printers are for research or classroom use only. Students who are found using web materials inappropriately will face possible loss of library computer privileges.
 
Be Respectful
  • Be considerate of others.
  • Use equipment and materials properly.
  • Use appropriate volume and language.
  • No food or drink (unless part of an event held in the library)
  • A respectful learning environment is to be observed. Come to the library to study, do research, work on class projects, or read.
Be Safe
  • Leave the building in a timely manner; no students are allowed to stay after school without supervision from a staffer, coach, or club sponsor. If you are waiting for a ride more than a few minutes after dismissal, you must report to the main office area to do so.
  • Proceed in an orderly fashion.
  • Walk on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks. Go directly to your bus or other vehicle. 
  • Watch for moving vehicles and obey all traffic laws.
  • If walking or biking, proceed directly off campus, and be aware of your surroundings.
 
Be Responsible
  • Do not leave class prior to dismissal.
  • Take home assignments, books, and other materials needed to complete your work.
  • If you are staying after school, proceed directly to the meeting place where the responsible adult is waiting. Students cannot be in the building unattended by a staffer, coach, or club sponsor.
 
Be Respectful
  • Listen to announcements and follow instructions from staff.
  • Use conversational voices while exiting.
  • Use care when opening and closing doors. No slamming, shoving, etc.
  • Clean up after yourself and others.
Be Safe
  • Follow all school rules and the athletic code.
  • Arrive and depart on time using appropriate entrances and exits
 
Be Responsible
  • Silence electronic devices.
  • Be on time and be prepared.
 
Be Respectful
  • Show civil behavior toward all officials, opponents, and authority figures.
  • Listen to announcements and follow instructions from staff.
  • Behave appropriately to the setting and according to the student handbook.
  • Show school spirit and sportsmanship.
  • Appreciate participants’ efforts.

Graduation Requirements

For Indiana’s Graduation Pathways, students must meet criteria in the following areas:
Meet the statutorily defined diploma credit and curricular requirements.
 
 
Must complete at least ONE of the following:
  • Complete the Project-Based Learning or Service-Based Learning requirement (several courses MHS offers count toward this requirement; see the MHS Course Description guide here)
  • Complete an internship (Work-Based Learning)
  • Obtain the work ethic certification
  • Hold employment outside the school day (verification required)
 
Must complete at least ONE of the following:
  • Fulfill requirements of Academic or Technical Honors Diploma (see diploma requirements here)
  • Complete and hold the scores of one of the following tests:
    • SAT score of 480 in ELA and 530 in Math
    • ACT score of 18 in English, 22 in Reading, 22 in Math, 23 in Science (must meet 2 of the 4)
    • ASVAB 31+
  • Earn a state or industry recognized certification
  • Complete an apprenticeship
  • Earn at least 6 high school credits in a career pathway with a C average or higher
  • Earn a C average or higher in at least 3 AP or DC courses (one of these must be in core content)
 

Student Services / School Counseling

All School Counselors are located in the Student Services office.
 
Every attempt will be made to accommodate each student’s request of courses for his/her schedule. However, there are times when every selection cannot be accommodated due to the number of available sections in a given course or periods offering those courses and other courses may be substituted to fulfill graduation requirements.

Students who want to drop or change a class once school starts must meet with their counselor to discuss the reason for the request and obtain a Course Change Form. Once the Course Change Form is returned with the appropriate signatures the students schedule will be adjusted.
 
Valid reasons for changing a course:
  • Schedule conflicts
  • Physical inability to take a class due to accident or illness 
  • A faculty member may initiate a change if, in the opinion of the faculty member, a student is inappropriately placed 
  • Extenuating circumstances
 
Requests that will not be honored include:
  • Teacher Preference
  • Period Preference 
 

Course Change Procedure (beginning first day of school)

Student must pick up the Course Change form from his/her guidance counselor and discuss the reason(s) for the request.
 
Drop/Add Timetable:
 
  • Week 1 - No record or grade 
  • Week 2 THROUGH 1st midterm - Grade of “W” with no effect on GPA 
  • After 1st midterm - WF-withdraw/fail, counts as an F on GPA
 
For all requests initiated after week 1, student will only be allowed to add a study hall or take credit recovery, (if appropriate) in place of the dropped class.

Students enrolling in yearlong courses are expected to remain in those courses for the entire year unless there is a clear indication that the student is failing the course at the end of the semester and the teacher recommends that the student not continue.
In order to graduate with less than 8 semesters of attendance, a student must have completed ALL 40 credits required for graduation, completed all graduation pathway requirements and be approved to graduate early using the early graduation application process. (Board Policy 5464)
>> Click here for this information
 
(Board Policy 2271)
Foreign exchange students are classified as juniors and may not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Grade-point average for all students is determined by adding the numerical value of each grade earned and dividing that sum by the number of classes attempted. Marion High School operates on a 4-point scale.
 
  • A = 4 points
  • B = 3 points
  • C = 2 points
  • D = 1 point
  • F = 0 points
 
Example: At the end of a student’s 9th grade year they have attempted 14 classes, earning 3 As, 5 Bs, 3 Cs, 2 Ds and 1 F.
 
A - 3x4 = 12
B - 5x3 = 15
C - 3x2 = 6
D - 2x1 = 2
F - 1x0 = 0
____________
 
TOTAL = 35
 
GPA: 35 divided by 14 = 2.5
 
NOTE: Be aware that it becomes increasingly more difficult to affect the GPA later in high school because, as the number of credits increases, each semester’s grade points have less of an effect. Therefore, it is very important to strive to do your very best and start out strong!
 
 

Weighted grade calculations

For students who have completed courses that are weighted, their GPA is adjusted using the following formula: A weighting factor of .2 is multiplied by the total number of weighted courses taken and then divided by the number of semesters completed. The quotient is added to the GPA established by the actual grades earned in all course work. Each semester the added weight is re-figured depending upon the total number of weighted courses completed up to that point. A grade of a C or better must be earned for the grade to be weighted.
 
Example: At the end of a student’s 10th grade year they have earned 33 credits (4 in middle school, 28 in high school and 1 in summer school). They have 20 "A"s and 13 "B"s.
 
A - 20 x 4 = 80
B - 13 x 3 = 39
____________
 
TOTAL = 119
 
GPA: 119 divided by 33 = 3.60
 
Extra weight:
6 credits were weighted (6 x .2 = 1.2 extra weight)
1.2 divided by 4 (number of semesters) = 0.3
3.60 GPA + 0.3 = 3.9 weighted GPA
 
NOTES:
  • Weighted grades will only be awarded for courses that have been offered and are available through Marion High School. Therefore, if a student transfers into Marion with weighted grades, only those courses listed as a Weighted Course for Marion High School would transfer in as a weighted grade.
  • To receive the weighted grade in an AP, a student MUST take the AP examination.
  • For a complete list of weighted classes, review the current Course Description Guide
Honor roll is determined at the end of each semester from classes taken for credit according to the following GPA requirements:
 
  • High Honor Roll: 3.6 GPA
  • Regular Honor Role: 3.2 GPA
>> Click here to view this information
All colleges insist that grade-point averages be computed on a standard 4-point scale. Students are strongly cautioned that grades of “C” or below, weighted or un-weighted, are NOT acceptable for competitive admissions. 
 
The primary importance of weighted grades lies in the determination of class rank. Colleges ARE concerned about a student’s ranking within his/her class. To be in the top 10, 15, or 20 percent of one’s graduation class can be a significant factor in admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.
 
It is left to the high schools to determine the system for figuring class rank. Marion High School uses weighted grades for this purpose.
The students with the highest GPA at the conclusion of their senior year will be awarded the designation of valedictorian (highest GPA) and salutatorian (second highest GPA).
 
In order to qualify for these awards a student must have completed eight semesters of high school and must have been enrolled at Marion High School for at least the last four full semesters prior to graduation.
>> Please review the current Course Description Guide for more information on available courses, weighted grades, GPA, and more.

Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities

Student organizations have an important place in the educational program of our schools. New clubs/organizations must be approved by the building principal per Board Policy 2430.
 
For the current list of MHS student organizations, click here.

Please note: Student activities, clubs, or club sports that are not school sponsored or sanctioned are not governed by Marion Community Schools student participation guidelines and policies. 
All eligible MHS students in grades 9 through 12 may participate in athletics. (Board Policy 2431)
 
>> Visit the MHS athletics website to learn more about our teams.
 
For the complete current list of official MHS athletic teams, along with eligibility rules and all other athletic department rules, please contact the MHS Athletic Department, 765-664-2941. 
Student publications and productions are permitted as a means by which students learn, under adult direction and with the rights and responsibilities of public expression, in a free society.
 
Publications shall include any audio, visual, or written materials such as tapes, banners, films pamphlets, notices, newspapers, books or other like materials. Productions shall include theatrical performances as well as impromptu dramatic presentations and vocal and instrumental performances.
 
Publications and/or productions may be available to any student attending this school and must, therefore, generally be suitable for all students in this school.
 
Publications or productions may be prohibited which are not protected by the right of free expression because they violate the rights of others. (Board Policy 5722)
 

PLEASE NOTE: All Student Handbook information on these linked pages apply to all Marion Community Schools buildings, unless otherwise noted.

 

>> Use the links at right or below to navigate to other sections of the Student Handbook.