Level 1 - Student contacts the teacher to resolve the problem.
Level 2 - Situation is referred to the department supervisor.
Level 3 - Situation is referred to the principal.
Level 4 - Situation is referred to the superintendent.

Hunterdon Central Regional High School values intellectual integrity and the highest standards of academic conduct. Hunterdon Central students are responsible for following proper scholarly procedure. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, will not be tolerated at Hunterdon Central. They are offenses that violate each of the six pillars of character: caring, citizenship, trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, and fairness. In the case of academic dishonesty, the student may be subjected to a full range of penalties including, but not limited to, reprimand and loss of credit for all of the work that is plagiarized. The student's vice principal will be notified, and the student's name will be entered in an academic integrity file. Disciplinary consequences may also be assigned for additional violations.

The following are some examples of academic dishonesty:

• taking someone else’s work and submitting it as one’s own work;
• giving or receiving answers by use of signals during a test/exam;
• copying with or without the other person’s knowledge during a test/exam;
• doing any part of a class assignment for someone else;
• using unauthorized notes during a test/exam;
• copying other students on assignments that were to be done independently;
• taking parts of or the entire work for class assignments from another student(s) and submitting it as one’s own work;
• fabricating data;
• altering answers on a scored test and submitting for a grade change;
• submitting essays/compositions that one has submitted in a previous class without the permission of the teacher;
• use or consultation of unauthorized materials or use of unauthorized equipment or devices on tests, quizzes, assignments, or examinations.

Plagiarism is a distinct kind of academic dishonesty: a person plagiarizes when he/she steals another person’s ideas or words and falsely presents them as the plagiarist’s own product. This is most likely to occur in the following ways:

• using the exact language of someone else without the use of quotation marks and without giving proper credit to the author;
• presenting a sequence of ideas or arranging the material of someone else, even though such is expressed in one’s own words, i.e., paraphrasing, without giving appropriate acknowledgement;
• submitting a document written by someone else but representing it as one’s own;
• padding items of a bibliography or falsifying information in a works cited page;
• submitting data which have been altered or contrived in such a way as to be deliberately misleading.

The Board of Education recognizes that the primary responsibility of the school system is to educate all students to the maximum levels possible. Although the academic program has first priority, student activities are an important part of the total learning experience. The Board of Education, therefore, has an obligation to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a full range of activities, while ensuring that the student's academic progress is sufficient to support this participation.

We reserve the right to remove students from athletic participation or from participation in student activities for conduct unbecoming of a HC student as defined by the HC Code of Conduct. Student spectators are also expected to adhere to the NJSIAA Spectator Code of Conduct. Any student found to be involved in hazing activities will be immediately and permanently removed from the team. As needed, disciplinary action will be taken including, but not limited to, an anti-bullying investigation.

Any student who wishes to compete in interscholastic sports must meet the minimum credit requirements established by the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and the HCRHS Board of Education. Eligibility for activities will be determined on a semester-by-semester basis. All incoming freshmen are automatically eligible to participate in athletics. Currently enrolled students at HCRHS must have accumulated 30 credits at the end of the previous school year to be eligible for a fall or winter sport. All students must be passing the equivalent of 15 credits at the end of the first semester. A mid-year report will be generated at the end of semester 1 to determine eligibility. All students are required to take a minimum of 30 credits every school year. Counselors encourage any student who wants to participate in athletics to schedule 40 credits. Students should check with counselors if they have any questions about eligibility.

Hunterdon Central offers its students a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum in a challenging academic environment. The majority of our students respond by earning exceptional grades. We believe that the achievements and abilities of our students cannot be represented by a single statistic, but rather by a combination of courses selected, grades earned, and scores achieved on SAT, ACT, and AP tests. In accordance with NJSA 18A:71B-85.5, class rank information may be released as it pertains to mandatory requirements for scholarship eligibility. Class rank information will be released directly to the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, or other similar scholarship programs. This internal class rank shall be kept confidential and in accordance with HCRHS District policy will only be released to the requesting scholarship provider or service academy.

The College & Career Center provides hands-on guidance and counseling, with a focus on college planning, the college admissions process and career exploration. The center is also used to host college visits, presentations, individual parent and student meetings, as well as assistance with essay review and resume writing. Students can work with Naviance, a software program offering a wide range of college search tools, career assessments and admissions data based on Hunterdon Central alumni.

To schedule an appointment with the College & Career Counselor, please email Jennifer Nuechterlein at: jnuechte@hcrhs.org or call (908) 284-7146.

Free discussion of controversial issues –– political, economic, social––shall be encouraged in the classroom whenever appropriate for the level of the group.

Pupils shall be taught to recognize each other's right to form an opinion on controversial issues, and shall be assured of their own right to do so without jeopardizing their relationship with the teacher or the school.

PEER MEDIATION: this program uses trained students to mediate conflicts between other students. It has been employed successfully at HCRHS. Students who choose this option, rather than resorting to violent or aggressive behavior, will increase the probability of achieving their goal and will lessen the possibility of punishment.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS: each student is assigned a counselor who is available to help in times of conflict. Counselors may meet with students individually or in small groups. They are a good first step in the resolution of problems.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELOR: the Student Assistance Counselor is trained to help students with substance abuse and other issues. The SAC is a resource for those who may have concerns about themselves, family members or friends, and alcohol and drugs.

Students may make an appointment with their counselors by completing an appointment request form available in all counseling services areas. Students are encouraged to contact their counselor to discuss academic progress, post high school planning, personal/social issues, or any other problems or concerns they may have.

HCRHS Counseling Services supports the academic component of the high school through a series of both planned and informal activities designed to assist students to understand themselves better, to cope with the normal problems associated with growing up; and to become contributing citizens. The goal of the Counseling Services process is to meet the individual needs of each student and to help students achieve a productive high school experience. Counseling Services are designed to help students with their educational, vocational, and social development.

Click to view information in: Program of Studies

Click to view information in: Program of Studies

Click to view information in: Program of Studies

Click to view information in: Option II Information

Seniors who have an originally scheduled block 1 or block 4 study hall would be permitted to request approval to sign in at the end of block 1 or sign out at the end of block 3. Classes will not be adjusted or changed to accommodate students’ preference for this option.

For late arrival, students must report to the Commons Entrance between 8:50 AM and 9:00 AM daily for attendance and to check for passes. Any student who accrues more than 3 unexcused tardies to B2 will forfeit his/her late arrival and be scheduled for a B1 study hall.

To be eligible for "Early Out/Late Arrival", 12th grade students:

1. must make an appointment with their school counselor and secure appropriate approval paperwork, which is sent via school email
2. must have earned a minimum of 100 credits by the end of the 11th grade
3. must be enrolled in courses approved by their counselor that ensure eligibility for graduation
4. must be scheduled for at least 30 credits
5. will be subject to guidelines pertaining to student-athlete eligibility for the sports seasons
6. will be responsible for their own transportation to and from school
7. will not be guaranteed student parking privileges
8. must obtain written permission from parent/guardian
9. must sign in at the senior house office if they wish to remain in school during their early dismissal periods.

A family life education curriculum which will be in compliance with New Jersey administrative code and developed under the supervision of the superintendent with the active participation of teachers, administrators, pupils, parents/ guardians, physicians, members of the clergy and representative members of the community shall be available to all parents/guardians.

Any pupil whose parent/guardian presents to the principal a signed statement that any part of the instruction in health, family life education or sex education is in conflict with their conscience, or moral or religious beliefs, shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given, and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result. Students excused from instruction will be provided alternative instructional content and activities aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education and the Hunterdon Central health education curriculum. The Board of Education alone, upon recommendation of the superintendent, shall determine the content, sequence and materials of family life education.

Hunterdon Central's grade scale is a modified 10-point scale that uses “pluses” and “minuses,” and increases the grade point weight for Honors courses and for AP courses. Note: The AP weighting only applies for students who have taken the AP Exam administered by the College Board.

WP - Withdrawal - Passing
WF - Withdrawal – Failing
I - Incomplete
M - Medical Excuse

Click to view a detailed explanation of GPA calculation in: Program of Studies
.

Requests for graduation in less than four years will be considered on an individual basis. Students who graduate early are NOT permitted to participate in activities or athletics after the close of the semester or quarter in which they graduate. Procedures are outlined in the School Board’s policy on accelerated graduation. It is important that students considering this option consult with their counselor, so all course and credit requirements can be met.

Students who want to graduate at the end of the first semester should make their intentions known by September 30 of the current school year.

Parents should check with their insurance providers to see how early graduation might affect health and auto insurance.

Click to view, download and print:
HCRHS Graduation Requirements Chart

Click to view, download and print:
New Jersey State High School Assessment Requirements

As per NJ Administrative Code 6A:14-4.8 and 6A:16-10.1, out-of-school home instruction is available when a student is absent from Hunterdon Central Regional High School 10 or more consecutive days or 20 cumulative days due to illness, injury, or enrollment in a rehabilitation program. Eligibility is determined by the school physician. A total of 10 hours of home instruction per week, or 2 hours per full day of absence is provided. Students may be approved for up to 30 days. Extensions may be considered upon submission of documentation. Students will be referred to the Child Study Team when home instruction exceeds 30 calendar days for classified students and 60 days for non-classified students.

Home Instruction Grading:

• Students on home instruction for less than 30 days will receive a grade from the classroom teacher.
• Students on home instruction for 30 days or more will receive a Pass-Fail grade from the teacher of record.
• Pass-Fail grades received on home instruction are not calculated in a student’s grade point average (GPA) at the high school level.

Honor Roll - Students who receive an 82.5 or better as a Final Grade in all subjects will qualify for the Honor Roll. An incomplete in any subject or a withdrawal passing (WP), a withdrawal failing (WF), or withdrawal (W) disqualifies a student from the Honor Roll. The Honor Roll is published and posted at the end of the school year. Principal’s Honor Roll - Students who receive a 92.5 or better as a Final Grade in all subjects at the end of the school year will qualify for the Principal’s Honor Roll. An incomplete in any subject or a withdrawal passing (WP), a withdrawal failing (WF), or withdrawal (W) disqualifies a student from the Principal’s Honor Roll. The Principal’s Honor Roll is published and posted at the end of the school year.

1) A grade of Incomplete (I) will be given only when there is just cause, e.g., work missing due to extended absence or illness. Otherwise, students are expected to submit work on time. While it is permissible to accept work that is late, students are expected to complete all work prior to the end of the marking period.

2) Unless there are extenuating circumstances, students are expected to resolve incompletes no later than 10 school days from the end of the marking period. Unresolved “I’s” will be automatically turned into ther earned grade after 10 days. If an extension is sought, a request must go through the subject supervisor.

3) Students must be informed by the last day of the semester if they will receive an incomplete. At that time, students will be made aware of the ten-day requirement.

Access to student progress is available 24/7 on Aspen. Students and parents can utilize their assigned login information to view student progress throughout the school year. Along with daily progress, mid-year and final course grades will be posted for viewing.

The aims of the HCRHS National Honor Society are to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to encourage character development. Service in the Honor Society includes giving time, effort and talent, not for personal gain, but for the class, school and community; willingness to do committee work; showing courtesy to teachers, students, and staff; and representing the school in various types of competition. The National Honor Society is a select group of students who are chosen during their junior year to be members because of outstanding qualities of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Information regarding the philosophy, purpose, selection, and membership in the Hunterdon Central Chapter of the National Honor Society is available upon request from the advisor. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times; however, students will be given reasons for their failure to pass the final selection. Appeals can be made to the faculty committee and to the principal. It is to be understood that all records relating to behavior and observance of school and community rules, regulations and laws will be examined. All information submitted by the student is expected to be truthful.

Only in those cases where satisfactory adjustment cannot be made by the superintendent and the staff shall communications and complaints be referred to the Board of Education for resolution.

The board directs that no religious belief or non-belief shall be promoted in the regular curriculum or in district-sponsored courses, programs or activities, and none shall be disparaged. The instructional program of the school, however, should inform pupils of the many beliefs and customs stemming from religious, racial, ethnic and cultural heritages, in order to broaden the pupils' understanding of and tolerance for the multiple ways of life enjoyed by the peoples of the world.

Pupil-initiated expressions to questions or assignments which reflect their beliefs or non-beliefs about a religious theme shall be accommodated.

Any instruction in the school which may be contrary to a pupil's religious beliefs and teachings shall be viewed as optional for the pupil.

The transcript will denote:

1. Name of course;
2. Institution, school, college, university and/or situation, where, and/or how, the coursework was taken;
3. Grade issued by the institution (HCRHS equivalent); or grade issued by certified staff member under the guidelines established by the Curriculum Committee when course work was approved. Credit issued by institution (at a maximum rate of 35 hours per credit); or credit awarded by certified staff member under the guidelines established by the Curriculum Committee when course work was approved; or as certified by the principal under 6A:8-5.1(a) 1.ii.
4. Transfer coursework will count towards WGPA or GPA. Outside course work may count towards WGPA or GPA as pre-approved by the Principal’s Credit Committee.

The annual HCRHS Program of Studies can be found on Hunterdon Central’s website, here

.Students should discuss their course selections with their counselor and with their parents, to make sure the courses they choose best meet their needs. Enrollment in some classes may be limited due to room space or staff availability. Students will be placed on a waiting list for these courses, and counselors will notify students as space becomes available in them. Students should select carefully, because changes will not be made unless there are errors or omissions.

Due to the increase in class sizes, students who fail or receive a loss of credit in required courses will not automatically be scheduled to repeat the course during the same school year. Students should be aware that failure in courses may affect athletic eligibility and Senior students' ability to graduate in June.

The School-Based Youth Services Program provides a comprehensive set of services to students including counseling, recreational and drop-in programs, employment and career counseling, and referral and linkages to community services on an appointment-only basis. Students may request an appointment, and services are confidential. However, after the initial contact, a signed consent form from a parent is needed if services are to be ongoing. If there are problems in school, School-Based staff will work with students and school personnel to help resolve these problems.

The School-Based Program’s offices are located in the grade-level counseling services areas. Students must call 284-7117 to set up an appointment. Since the program is administered out of the Hunterdon Medical Center, it is available year-round and operates when school is closed. If a student wishes to be seen at the Hunterdon Medical Center, he or she may contact a counselor by calling 788-6401.

Special education services are provided for those students who are determined eligible for classification under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services include, but are not limited to, self-contained classes, resource center classes, in-class support, and in-class assistance provided by paraprofessionals. Specialized programs are available for students who require a more therapeutic environment, as well as for students with multiple disabilities. Appropriate programs and services are reviewed annually in the IEP meeting facilitated by a Child Study Team Case Manager. The Child Study Team (CST) staff includes: school psychologists, social workers, and learning disability teacher consultants. CST services are available for evaluative purposes to determine if students are eligible for special education and related services through a referral process. All requests for an CST evaluation must be accompanied by a signature. Email requests without a signature will not be accepted.

The Student Assistance Program addresses concerns about addictions. Prevention programs, early identification of high risk students, and intervention services are means of addressing alcohol and drug use as well as other addictions and their related behaviors. The counselors provide confidential counseling and help students and their families find appropriate rehabilitation and treatment facilities when required. Referrals can be made by the students themselves, staff, parents or other concerned individuals and should be directed to one of the student assistance counselors, whose names and numbers appear in the General Information section of this handbook.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records and the obligations of the institution, primarily in the areas of release of the records and the access provided to these records. The New Jersey Department of Education regulations (N.J.A.C. 6:3-6.1 and N.J.S.A. 18A:36-1a and 25-1 et seq.) have incorporated the requirements of FERPA. FERPA generally protects privacy rights with respect to "education records." "Education records" are records that contain information directly related to a student and that are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. 34 CFR § 99.3 "Education records." The rights afforded under FERPA rest with a student's parents until the student reaches the age of 18 or attends an institution of postsecondary education. 34 CFR §§ 99.3 "Eligible student" and 99.5(a). Generally, in order to disclose information from student education records, a parent or eligible student must provide his or her prior written consent. FERPA’s consent provisions require a specification of 1) the records that may be disclosed; 2) the purpose of the disclosure; and 3) the identity of the party or class of parties to whom the records may be disclosed. 34 CFR § 99.30. According to FERPA, personally identifiable information in an education record may not be released without prior written consent from the student unless the district has been instructed by law or court to do otherwise. However, FERPA has specifically identified certain information called directory information that may be disclosed without student consent. According to FERPA, a student can request that the institution not release directory information about him/her. Institutions must comply with this request, once received, if the student is still enrolled. Upon graduation or permanent departure of pupil from the district, the parent or adult pupil is hereby notified that a copy of the entire record is available upon request. Once information is no longer necessary to provide educational services to the pupil, that information will be destroyed, unless a request is received by July 15th of the year of departure. A permanent transcript and attendance record will be kept in perpetuity. A copy of the student record policy in its entirety is available upon request.

In accordance with NJAC 6:3-6.8 (Retention and Destruction of Pupil Records) the following policy is used for Child Study Team records: upon graduation or permanent departure of a pupil from Hunterdon Central Regional High School, the parent or adult pupil shall be notified in writing within 30 days by the Special Services Office that a copy of the pupil’s Child Study Team file will be provided to them upon written request. If not requested, HCRHS will keep a copy of the most recent evaluations, determination and IEP for 5 years from the date of graduation or permanent departure. After that time the CST records will be destroyed.

Any student wishing to sign out or transfer from Hunterdon Central must follow the sign-out procedure. Students/families should contact their counselor and/or the counseling services department to complete the required forms. Failure to follow the procedure will cause delays in records being sent to other schools, employers, etc.