Field Guide for Parents New to Lexington / Questions about the School Culture and Activities

Questions about the School Culture and Activities

What is the procedure for visiting campus.

Visitors Policy

Parents who are dropping off or picking up children are welcome to remain on campus as long as it reasonably takes to do so. However, coming to campus to speak with school staff or faculty is generally only permitted with an appointment. To maintain safety and security, all visitors are expected to report to the Main Office of the school before going elsewhere on campus. If a visitor disrupts or interferes with the work of students, teachers or other employees by behaving inappropriately or insisting on visiting at inappropriate times, the Principal or Superintendent may place limitations on the individual’s ability to visit the school, including, but not limited to, requiring appointments to be made before visiting, being accompanied by school staff when on school grounds, or being barred from entering any school buildings.

Student Visitors
Students are not permitted to have visitors on campus, with the following exceptions:
1.	Visitors on sanctioned exchange programs.
2.	Visitors who have received permission, in advance, from the student's dean.
In all cases, visitors must adhere to the following conditions:
1.	All visitors must check in at the start of the school day with the appropriate dean and wear a visitor's badge obtained in the main office.
2.	All student visitors must provide permission from the parent/guardian of the student with whom they are visiting.
3.	The student visitor and the student he/she is visiting must remain together at all times.
4.	The student must understand that he/she is responsible for the inappropriate behavior of his/her guest and the consequences thereof.
5.	Student visitors are welcome until the end of the school day, (3:00 p.m,) at which time they must leave campus.
If you have questions about the LHS School Visitor Policy speak to the principal.

How do students and parents learn about clubs and other activities? How soon should my child get involved in extracurricular activities?

One of the best ways for students to become connected to the school community is to join one or more of our many extracurricular activities. Participation in activities will enable your child to make new friendships with a broad range of students, develop new skills, build his/her self-confidence and develop a sense of responsibility and accountability. Many students find that when they are involved in activities they do a better job at managing their time than if they have no activities. In addition, there is a strong correlation between participation in school activities and academic achievement. Encourage your child to sign up for at least one activity during his/her freshman year. Although it is a good idea to take a risk and try out different activities, it is best to pursue a few activities throughout the four years in high school, rather than switching each year to new activities. Most students report that their participation in their activities and athletics is one of the most meaningful, most memorable and most important aspects of their high school career.

In the fall there will be an activities fair for ninth- and tenth-graders on Friday, September 23, 2011, 7:45-9:25 a.m. Each registered club or activity will have an opportunity to present itself to the students. Students will be invited to sign up. Names of LHS clubs and organizations are also listed in the Student/Parent Handbook. It is important to understand that the clubs and activities change each year according to student interest.

What performing arts opportunities are available to LHS students? What is the time commitment for these activities?

The performing arts program at LHS is very strong, popular, and sought out by a wide range of students. Performance groups include: chorus, a variety of vocal a cappella ensembles, orchestras, bands, jazz ensembles, jazz improvisation classes and several dramatic groups. Most LHS music ensembles are offered as regular courses. There are many performances by the music groups. Check the LHS Newsletter and Minuteman or <http://lhs.lexingtonma.org/Dept/PerfArts/calendar/calendar.html> for time and dates.

The Drama Department presents two major productions each year: a musical production in late November and a dramatic production in May. There are many opportunities for students (including freshmen) to participate in the theater productions, both on and off stage. Students audition for the theater productions; rehearsals are demanding and a high degree of commitment is expected.

How does the athletic program work at the High School? Do freshmen have an opportunity to play on teams?

Lexington High School has a very strong athletic program with 52 teams in 25 sports. LHS is a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and participates primarily in the Middlesex League. There is a high level of student participation on our interscholastic teams. The opportunity to play varies greatly from sport to sport. Most sports have freshmen, junior varsity and varsity teams. Some LHS sports do make cuts of students who try out. Others do not make cuts and welcome all new students who want to join. Typically, cuts are made in the sports which allow for a small number of participants per game.

Participation on a high school athletic team presents challenges to students which they may not have experienced previously due to the significant daily demands throughout the season. The rewards are great, but so too are the commitment and discipline required. Students must learn to manage their evening study time wisely after playing on a team every afternoon. As a parent, you will also find yourself making adjustments in your family life if your ninth-grader participates in athletics.

Due to budget constraints there is a student athletic fee of $300 per sport per student for the first two sports (free for third sport), with a cap of $600 per family. If your child plays a fall sport, pre-season practice typically begins the Monday before school starts. Before a student will be allowed to practice, he or she must submit a completed Health and Permission Form and Physical Examination Report. Once school starts, students practice or compete every day after school (in the evening for girls’ and boys’ swimming and early a.m. and/or evening for girls’ and boys’ ice hockey). Practices end at different times but typically before 5:30 p.m. Most coaches have practice on weekends and during vacations.

Often, games and tournaments are scheduled to take place during vacation periods. Please refer to <http://lhs.lexingtonma.org/Dept/Athletics/>. Physical Education home page: <http://teacherweb.com/MA/LexingtonPublicSchools/lexingtonhighschoolsheehane/>.

What is the attendance policy for the High School?

Lexington High School has clear and strictly enforced attendance and tardiness policies which are based on state law and school policy. These policies are fully explained in the Student/Parent Handbook. It is our responsibility as educators and parents to develop in our students a sense of the importance of good attendance and promptness in their daily activities.

If a student should be excused from school due to illness or other good reason, a parent or guardian must call the Dean’s office on the day of the absence to report the student absent. Your homeroom assignment is on your schedule. The homeroom designation includes the room number and the Dean overseeing that group of students.

If the administrative initials are ND, Ms. DeFeudis is the administrator and Mrs. Sampson is the secretary to call for attendance issues. (781-861-2320, ext. 7020)
If the administrative initials are DL, Mr.Lautman is the administrator and Mrs. Kinney is the secretary to call for attendance issues. (781-861-2320, ext. 3070)
If the administrative initials are CC, Mr. Caliri is the administrator and Mrs. Ashness is the secretary to call for attendance issues. (781-861-2320, ext. 1420)
If the administrative initials are JK, Ms. Kilpatrick is the administrator and Mrs. Couture is the secretary to call for attendance issues. (781-861-2320, ext. 5020)

You are urged to read the full attendance policy in the Student/Parent Handbook.

What is the LHS student governance system?

The Student/Faculty Senate is a policy-making body. All matters of concern to the school community are appropriate for discussion by the LHS Senate subject to the scope and jurisdiction of the Senate Constitution. Freshman elections are held in the fall.

The Class Councils include the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and the other council members. The Class Council plans social, community service, and fund-raising activities. Freshman elections are held in the fall.