Academic Procedures
Please see the PROGRAM OF STUDIES for complete information on the Hunterdon Central Academic Program.
- ACADEMIC APPEAL PROCEDURE
- ACADEMIC CONDUCT & INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY
- CHECKING STUDENT PROGRESS/MID-YEAR REPORTING
- CLASS RANK & GRADING SCALE
- CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
- COURSE CHANGES - DROP A COURSE
- COURSE LEVELS AND CHANGES
- COURSE WITHDRAWALS
- EARLY OUT / LATE IN FOR SENIORS
- FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
- GRADE POINT AVERAGES (GPA)
- GRADING SCALE
- GRADUATION
- HOME INSTRUCTION
- HONOR ROLLS
- INCOMPLETE WORK
- LOSS OF CREDIT APPEAL
- NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
- OPTION II
- RECORDING OF NON-TRADITIONAL WORK ON TRANSCRIPT
- RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
- REMEDIATION COURSES
- SCHEDULING
- STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
- STUDENT ASSISTANTS AND PEER MENTORS
- STUDENT RECORDS
- TRANSFER / WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
ACADEMIC APPEAL PROCEDURE
ACADEMIC CONDUCT & INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY
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.
Citations: "How is Plagiarism Defined at North Carolina State University?" Scholarly Communication Center of NCSU Libraries. 2004. 4 April 2005. Akers, Stephen. "Academic Integrity: A Guide for Students." Purdue University, 2003, and the "Honor Code of The College of William and Mary"
CHECKING STUDENT PROGRESS/MID-YEAR REPORTING
Students and parents can utilize their assigned login information to Genesis to view student progress throughout the school year. Along with daily progress, mid-year and final course grades will be posted for viewing. Although grades should not be regarded as ends in themselves, they do reflect how well students are progressing during the year.
Parents/guardians and students are urged to log into Genesis to view student progress weekly. If parents/guardians have questions concerning the academic progress of the student or questions concerning the student’s overall adjustment to the school, they have several options:
- Contact the classroom teacher.
- Contact the appropriate counselor.
- Contact the appropriate department supervisor. Only the final grade for each course appears on the student’s permanent transcript.
Click to access: Contact Information.
CLASS RANK & GRADING SCALE
Class Rank
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.
Grading Scale
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.
Grade | Numeric Equivalent | GPA | WGPA-HNS | WGPA-AP |
---|---|---|---|---|
A+ | (97-100) | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
A | (93-96) | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
A- | (90-92) | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
B+ | (87-89) | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
B | (83-86) | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
B- | (80-82) | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
C+ | (77-79) | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
C | (73-76) | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
C- | (70-72) | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
D+ | (67-69) | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
D | (65-66) | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
F | (below 65) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
WP - Withdrawal - Passing
WF - Withdrawal – Failing
I - Incomplete
M - Medical Excuse
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Free discussion of controversial issues –– political, economic, social –– shall be encouraged in the classroom whenever appropriate for the level of the group.
Students 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.
COURSE CHANGES - DROP A COURSE
A course drop may occur when a student no longer wishes to continue in a scheduled course. No record of a course drop shall appear on the student’s permanent transcript as long as the course is dropped by the deadlines outlined below.
Course drop deadline:
- 2.5 Credit Courses: 11 school days from the start of the semester - September 19, 2024 (Semester 1) and February 14, 2025 (Semester 2)
- 5.0 Credit Courses: 23 school days from the start of the semester - October 8, 2024
- 7.5 Credit Courses: 34 school days from the start of the semester - October 23, 2024
- 10 Credit Courses: 34 school days from the start of the semester - October 23, 2024
All course drops MUST be made in consultation with the counselor, teacher, parent(s), and department supervisor when appropriate. We are unable to accommodate requests for schedule changes related to teacher, period or convenience/preferential changes. If academically driven changes are necessary, a course drop form must be completed.
If the course being dropped is a 2.5 credit course, a 2.5 credit course that is in progress cannot be added. Students dropping a 2.5 credit course will be scheduled for Study Hall for the remainder of the semester.
If the course being dropped is a 5 credit course students will be scheduled for a study hall for the remainder of Semester 1. Students will be allowed to select a Semester 2, 2.5 credit course, that has an available seat in the open block created by the drop.
If the course being dropped is a 7.5 or 10 credit course students will be scheduled for a study hall for the remainder of the semester and will be allowed to select a Semester 2, 2.5 credit course, that has an available seat in the open block created by the drop.
Seniors requesting to drop a course will be required to contact the colleges to which they have applied to verify that dropping the course will not have an impact on admissions.
COURSE LEVELS AND CHANGES
Course Levels:
Initial course level placement is based on teacher recommendation, department supervisor recommendation and/or performance in prerequisite courses or placement exams. We encourage students to challenge themselves and recognize that “academic challenge” is one of the key determinants to learning. Students are also encouraged to evaluate the demands of their entire schedule when considering courses. Students should contemplate the risk involved when choosing courses that build upon previous courses and recognize that prior performance impacts the ability to achieve at the same level in subsequent courses. In addition, please understand that once a student has selected this course, the ability to make a subsequent level change is dependent upon seat availability. Please refer to the Course Changes section for level changes, course drop and/or withdrawal deadlines.
Course Changes:
A change in course level may occur when a course does not match the student’s academic skills level. All level changes MUST be made in consultation with the counselor, teacher, department supervisor and parent(s). A signed form will be required.
Course level change deadline: If the deadline falls on a weekend, school holiday or snow day the deadline will be moved to the next scheduled school day.
The Deadline for Academic level change in a 7.5 or 10 credit course is October 1st.
The Deadline for Academic level change in a 5 credit course is November 1st.
There must be an open seat in the course level the student is changing into in order for the change to be made. Maintaining acceptable class size will be a priority. Limit one level change per subject, per year. The student is responsible for missed work, and grades will follow the student when they make a level change.
COURSE WITHDRAWALS
-
2.5 Credit Courses: Semester 1 - November 15; Semester 2 - April 15
-
5.0 Credit Courses: Last day of Semester 1
-
7.5 and 10 Credit Courses: December 15
EARLY OUT / LATE IN FOR SENIORS
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 enter through the Commons and swipe in between 8:50 AM - 9:00 AM for attendance purposes and to check for passes. A designated staff member will be assigned to the cart and stationed next to security. Students who arrive after 9:00 AM must go directly to the House Office for a late pass. Any student who accrues multiple unexcused tardies to B2 will forfeit their late arrival and be scheduled for a B1 study hall.
To be eligible for "Early Out/Late Arrival", 12th grade students:
- must make an appointment with their school counselor and secure appropriate approval paperwork, which is sent via school email
- must have earned a minimum of 100 credits by the end of the 11th grade
- must be enrolled in courses approved by their counselor that ensure eligibility for graduation
- must be scheduled for at least 30 credits
- will be subject to guidelines pertaining to student-athlete eligibility for the sports seasons
- will be responsible for their own transportation to and from school
- will not be guaranteed student parking privileges
- must obtain written permission from parent/guardian
- must sign in at the senior house office if they wish to remain in school during their early dismissal periods.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
Family Life Education
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, students, parents/ guardians, physicians, members of the clergy and representative members of the community shall be available to all parents/guardians.
Any student 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.
Religious Beliefs & Customs
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 students of the many beliefs and customs stemming from religious, racial, ethnic and cultural heritages, in order to broaden the student's understanding of and tolerance for the multiple ways of life enjoyed by the peoples of the world.
Student-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 student's religious beliefs and teachings shall be viewed as optional for the student.
GRADE POINT AVERAGES (GPA)
There are two levels of courses utilized for the purpose of calculating weighted grade point average:
- Weighted courses are any course with an AP (Advanced Placement courses) or HNS (Honors courses) label. HCRHS has a grading scale that uses an increased grade point weight for Honors and Advanced Placement courses. For HNS courses, grade point equivalents increase 0.5. For AP courses, grade point equivalents increase 1.0. For example: Standard "B" = 3.0, HNS "B" = 3.5, AP "B" = 4.0. Students must take the accompanying AP Exam to earn AP weight, or only Honors weight will be earned (gained).
- Unweighted courses are any courses not designated AP or HNS.
Both weighted and unweighted grade point averages (WGPA and GPA) are calculated. Only the final grade achieved in each course is used to compute GPA and WGPA. Grades of P/F (Pass/Fail) and W (Withdrawal) are not included in the GPA calculation. Cumulative GPA and WGPA for final course grades are tabulated and posted on student report cards and the permanent record card at the conclusion of each semester.
GRADING SCALE
GRADUATION
Accelerated Graduation
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.
Graduation Requirements
Click here to view, download, and print the HCRHS Graduation Requirements Chart.
Click here to view, download, and print the New Jersey State High School Assessment Requirement.
HOME INSTRUCTION
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 45 days will receive a grade from the classroom teacher.
- Students on home instruction for 45 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 ROLLS
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.
INCOMPLETE WORK
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 their 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.
LOSS OF CREDIT APPEAL
Official notice and an appeal form will be sent should a loss of credit occur. Steps in the Appeal Process:
- The student/parent/guardian is to complete the appeal form attaching any documentation not previously on file.
- The appeal form is to be returned to the student's house office within 5 days of being notified of the loss of credit.
- The vice-principal, school counselor and case manager (where applicable) will add any additional input necessary for consideration. The form is then forwarded to the Appeal Board.
- The Appeal Board will convene at the end of each semester to review the documentation and make its recommendation to the principal.
- The principal will make the final decision and the student will be notified of the outcome.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
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.
OPTION II
Hunterdon Central Regional High School provides an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to pursue coursework outside of the parameters of the normal HCRHS curriculum. All students planning pursuit of alternate credit must meet with their Counselor and the subject area Supervisor to discuss goals before submitting the completed application. Students can explore this option to meet a graduation requirement, advance an academic level, to pursue college course work and/or to explore opportunities not available at HCRHS. More information on program guidelines, application process and deadlines can be found on the Option II Webpage.
Students who have taken course work outside of HCRHS and have obtained credit to be listed on the HCRHS transcript, may not take the HCRHS equivalent course for credit. Additionally, graduation credit requirements may only be met by courses taken in grades 9-12. High school level courses taken prior to grade 9 are not included in GPA or credits earned, nor are these listed on the high school transcript. Grade 9 begins upon graduation from grade 8.
RECORDING OF NON-TRADITIONAL WORK ON TRANSCRIPT
The transcript will denote:
- Name of course;
- Institution, school, college, university and/or situation, where, and/or how, the coursework was taken;
- 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.
- 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.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
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.
REMEDIATION COURSES
Any student attending Hunterdon Central Regional High School who received a final failing grade during the regular school year receives ZERO credits towards graduation for that course. Students who need the course, or want to earn the credits lost due to failing a course during the regular school year, may opt to:
- Repeat the course during a future regular school year.
- Enroll in an on-line or summer school program approved by HCRHS.
Students who repeat the HCRHS course during a future regular school year will receive the grade earned in the repeated course. The appropriate credits will be awarded to those who successfully complete the course work, and the repeated course will be counted in GPAs. The original failing grade will be maintained on students' permanent records and will be calculated into GPAs.
Students who enroll in an online or summer program must be enrolled for a minimum of 60 hours for a five-credit review course (a course originally failed). A pass/fail grade will be recorded, resulting in no adjustment to students' GPAs. The appropriate credits will be awarded to those who successfully complete the course work. The original failing grade will be maintained on students' permanent records and will be calculated into GPAs. Students may receive high school credit only for those courses taken at accredited summer programs that meet NJ State Department. of Education guidelines and are approved by HCRHS. The same course, if passed, may be taken for credit only once.
SCHEDULING
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.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
To receive an HCRHS Diploma, all HCRHS students must achieve a passing score on any required New Jersey State assessment(s) or other designated, substitute assessment(s) approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. Students who perform below statewide standards shall be provided with a comprehensive individualized assessment as specified in N.J.A.C. 6:8-3.4. On the basis of assessment students shall be provided with the services needed to remedy those identified deficiencies, which shall include but not be limited to the development and implementation of an individual student improvement plan.
In addition, the College Board national testing program includes the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT I and SAT II). Each is administered on annually scheduled Saturdays. Students taking the SAT I and SAT II can registeron the CollegeBoard Website. Students considering the ACT can register on the ACT Website PSAT/NMSQT fees and registration are processed by the high school.
The Counseling Services Department has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions on College Testing Webpage that can provide answers to many questions on these tests.
The Counseling Services Department will not submit PSAT, SAT I or SAT II scores with the student transcript. Test scores must be sent to colleges directly from the College Board. Instructions can be found here SAT Scoring Information. In addition to State and district standardized assessments, other evaluations are used to determine student proficiency in core curriculum content areas. These assessments may identify students who are not yet proficient in designated curricular areas. Also, the use of multiple indicators of a student’s performance validates the student’s need for additional assistance.
STUDENT ASSISTANTS AND PEER MENTORS
#A10/T10 COUNSELING OR VP STUDENT ASSISTANT, TECHNOLOGY INTERN OR IMC STUDENT ASSISTANT - 1.25 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
Grades: 9-12
Students with an interest in learning the functions of a specific HCRHS department can apply to become a Student Assistant or Technology Intern. This is an alternate educational program which permits students to engage in volunteer work for academic credit. Grading is on a pass-fail basis. The program will help HCRHS students acquire employability and interpersonal workplace skills. Students approved to be a “Student Assistant” will be available to assist with any school related task that does not involve confidential records or information. They will perform a variety of general and specific office and support functions of a responsible nature centering on activities of their assigned department. Responsibilities are frequently public in nature and the Student Assistant will learn interpersonal skills, and be able to interact with staff, public, and external constituents in a prompt and professional manner. Interested students can apply to become a student assistant only in lieu of taking a study hall. Students can become departmental assistants only with the written permission of a counselor and the administrator in charge.
#S10 PEER MENTOR – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 10-12
The Peer Mentor course offers students the opportunity to serve as peer supports for students with disabilities by serving as mentors in unit lunch, activity clubs, extra curricular activities and, where possible, common academic or elective courses. Students will learn about various disabilities, adaptations, accommodations and modifications for both physical and intellectual disabilities as well as barrier free environments. The course goal is to enhance the participation of students with and without disabilities as friends and members of the school community, to diminish stereotypes and negative perceptions of disabilities and to encourage opportunities for students with disabilities to interact with non-disabled peers. This course may be repeated.
STUDENT RECORDS
Interim Reports / Report Cards
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.
Records
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.
Transcripts
The transcript will denote:
- Name of course;
- Institution, school, college, university and/or situation, where, and/or how, the coursework was taken;
- 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.
- 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.
TRANSFER / WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
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.