Part I: School Operations

School doors are opened at 7:15 a.m. to start the school day and are closed twenty (20) minutes after the end of the school day. The school day may be extended on a scheduled basis for the purpose of offering tutorial programs. Students should report to their approved common area upon arrival on the school campus. Students are not allowed to sit in cars or stay in parking lot(s). Students are not allowed in the school building before the 7:15 a.m. bell rings unless they submit a note with a teacher’s signature or inclement weather (administration will decide).

Any student remaining in the building after the end of the school day should be under direct supervision of an Oxford High School faculty member. Loitering will not be permitted.

Students participating in school-endorsed and/or sponsored events and trips should remember that all policies and requirements outlined in this handbook apply to them regardless of the time of day or day of the week. Any time a student is absent from school, without administrative approval, participation in extracurricular activities will not be allowed. A student must be present for ½ the hours included in a school day to participate in extracurricular activities unless approved by the principal or designee.

When the superintendent deems weather conditions too hazardous for safe operations, schools will not open. This judgment will be made as soon as practical; the decision will be released to the news media by the superintendent’s office. Students should monitor media outlets for announcements. If conditions become hazardous during the school day, the superintendent will consider the best interest of the students in deciding whether the schools should stay open or close.

REMEMBER: OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS WILL BE MENTIONED BY NAME. WE ARE NOT A PART OF THE CALHOUN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Students who move to Oxford after having attended public or private schools in another system may be admitted to the grade certified by the school from which they are moving. Guidance personnel will request students’ records and evaluate transcripts for the purpose of grade placement. Students enrolling from any non-accredited program will be admitted based on board policy. These students may be asked to complete placement tests from OHS courses to determine grade and course placement. All students entering Oxford High School must have a parent/guardian present to register, must live in the Oxford School zone, and must have the proper immunization form from the State of Alabama. Parents must provide proper proof of residency.

Students moving from or entering Oxford High School are to report to the Registrar for instructions and necessary forms. Public Law 93-380, H.R. 69 will be followed.

Transcripts will not be released until all fees are paid and books and other required school materials are returned or paid in full. A transcript fee will be charged by the school.

Students wishing to withdraw from Oxford High School in good standing should report to the Registrar for proper instructions.

Student records are kept locked and on file in the OHS records room. Numerical averages (grades) on the permanent records correspond to the grading system indicated on the report cards.

Federal surveys are required each school year as directed by the Superintendent and the Federal Government. These surveys are conducted early in the school year, and students are urged to be cooperative in getting the survey cards completed.

The student’s progress report is issued four times per year on dates designated by the school. The fourth report acts as a student progress report and final report card for the academic school year. Evaluation of the student’s achievement and conduct is the responsibility of the teacher, and the grade represents a professional judgment.

Parent/guardian/teacher conferences are encouraged and may be arranged during the teacher's planning period or at other mutually convenient times. Conferences may not be held during class time. Teachers may return telephone calls during their planning periods or after school.

It is the mission of Oxford High School’s Counseling and Guidance Program to prepare every student socially, academically, and emotionally for present and future challenges. Students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career- planning opportunities in an environment that is safe, caring, and encouraging. The counselors at Oxford High School work with students, teachers, parents, and community members to empower students to reach their highest level as productive members of society. The Counseling and Guidance Program ensures that all students have multiple opportunities to acquire competencies in the three domains of Academic Development, Career Development, and Personal/Social Development. The four program delivery components and activities that are utilized in assisting students to achieve these competencies are as follows:

School Guidance Curriculum
The School Guidance Curriculum includes structured experiences presented systemically through individual and group activities from ninth through twelfth grades. It emphasizes decision making; self-understanding; study skills; and, career exploration, preparation, and planning.

Four-Year Planning
This Alabama State required component includes counseling activities that provide students with opportunities to plan, monitor, and manage their academic, career, and personal/social development through such activities as assessment and interpretation; academic advisement; development of four-year plans; and, student portfolios.

Responsive Services
These services include counseling or referral activities that meet the immediate needs and concerns of students, such as personal counseling, crisis counseling, problem solving, agency referral, and consultation.

System Support
This component includes indirect guidance management activities that maintain and enhance Oxford High School’s Counseling and Guidance Program and provides appropriate support to its academic programs. Responsibilities in this area include staff and community relations, professional development, test interpretation, data analysis, and curriculum development.

Notes to Students, Teachers, and Parents

Students
If your counselor is assisting others, do not wait (except for emergencies); instead, please sign the “Student Visit Sheet” and report to class immediately. Your counselor will send for you as soon as possible.

Teachers
Please do not release students from your class to see a counselor, unless you have a written request from the guidance office or unless it is an emergency.

Parents
If you have any questions or concerns for your student’s counselor, please don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment.The objective of our Guidance Department is to assist each student.  The counselor achieves this by utilizing Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance State Model for Alabama Public Schools 2003.  Whenever necessary, please feel free to telephone the counselor during school hours.

Class size, teacher load, technology and accreditation requirements must be considered when requests are received for a change in the student’s schedule. Schedules will be changed only by the principal or designee when there is an extreme emergency such as graduation requirements or other extenuating circumstances. Student courses are selected through the advisement process with the use of individual data, parent, teacher and student input, as well as the consideration of the student’s strengths and post secondary goals. Due to the complex nature of this process, schedule changes will not be considered unless the student is missing requested courses, has course work not meeting their academic needs, or if the student’s schedule does not allow them to attend course work at another approved institute of learning.

Schedule changes not considered an emergency will include a $25 change cost. An explanation of the process is detailed in the system’s Curriculum Handbook.

Students are encouraged to use the library for research purposes as well as personal enrichment. A student may come to the library during the time when his/her class is occupying the library. He/She may go individually with a pass from his/her classroom teacher during school hours (this pass must be presented to library personnel upon arrival).

It is essential that students and parents make every effort to communicate openly and frequently with the teachers, counselors, and administrators of Oxford High School in order for us to meet the needs of the student. Oxford High School will communicate through our reporting procedures, formal parent-teacher communication, and PowerSchool Learning management System, PowerSchool parent portal. It is important that parents and students inform teachers of any developments that may influence the student’s performance at school. Parents can contact the school to receive a password and pin number to access their child’s information from home. Oxford’s district calendar also includes student-led conference dates that are critical to the home- to-school relationship. These dates are on the system calendar.

Your involvement with your child’s education along with any information you share will enable us to successfully serve the educational needs of your child.

The Oxford High School staff desires to work with parents to achieve academic success while providing a safe and disciplined learning environment. Please understand that unless your concern involves a threat to the safety of your child and/or other students, the educational well-being of all students is best served by contacting Oxford High School at 256-241-3166 or by email, to make an appointment with a teacher or administrator. For security reasons all visitors must report to the main office. By making an appointment in advance, you ensure that the person you want to see will have the appropriate information readily available for you and will be able to address your concerns in a timely manner without interruption to the instructional program. 

Please visit our school website from the Board of Education website at www.oxfordcityschools.com for school announcements.

Parents and students must immediately inform Oxford High School of any changes of demographic information such as changes of address and home, cell, and work telephone numbers. Also, parents must update the student’s Medical Information history whenever necessary. This information is critical because the school may need to communicate with parents for academic or emergency reasons.

Delivery of flowers or balloons to students is not allowed during the school day.

Fraternities and sororities, which operate primarily for social purposes, are not allowed to function in Oxford High School. Initiations are prohibited.

Under no circumstances will hazing in any form be tolerated within the scope of the programs (including extra-curricular and co-curricular) sponsored by Oxford High School. Student leaders (team captains and members, club officers and members, etc.) are obligated to discourage and report hazing to their coach, teacher, and/or administrator. Hazing is any individual or group activity that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of another individual or group such as, but not limited to, banter, ridicule, criticism, bullying, humiliation, intimidation, physical activity or brutality, or by extracting unnecessary work or participation in a disagreeable, unpleasant, or illegal activity for the purpose of initiating or maintaining membership.

Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in any of the described acts and is prohibited on and away from school property.

Oxford High School reserves the right to limit participation in any extra-curricular or co-curricular activity because of inappropriate behavior at any time. Any student participating in hazing activity will be subject to criminal prosecution and/or suspension and/or expulsion by Oxford High School and/or the Oxford City Schools Board of Education.

Oxford High School will have a showing of class rings during the student’s sophomore year. Orders will be taken at the school. A deposit is required when selection is made. All money is collected and accounted for through the vendor(s).

Any school dances and/or activities held at the school or an off campus facility will be sponsored by a club or organization affiliated directly with OHS. The Code of Conduct is in effect at all school activities.

Students inviting guests must provide the name of the guests. Students and guests are required to abide by all school rules and regulations at school events. Guests will be admitted at the discretion of the school administration and on the basis of procedures prescribed by them. School officials reserve the right to deny entry to any person. All persons attending are required to abide by school rules. Only students in good standing while attending Oxford City Schools and their guests are allowed at these functions. This includes but is not limited to a student’s academics, attendance, and discipline as determined by the principal.

School day pictures are made in the first semester of the school year and are available for purchase. All students are required to have pictures made in the fall in order to be placed in PowerSchool and the yearbook. Various other pictures are made during the school year and are available for purchase.

Assemblies consist of programs conducted by faculty, guests, and/or students. Assemblies are scheduled for different occasions. Students are seated in assigned places according to grades. Students should file into the sports arena and assume their assigned place in a quiet, orderly manner. Students who seat themselves out of their grade area or who are loud and boisterous are subject to disciplinary action.

Pep rallies are held before games with other schools and are planned to encourage school spirit and to bolster school athletics. Students are seated in the order assigned for assemblies. The administrator will consider having pep rallies on a week-to-week basis. Time and location will be decided upon weekly.

We will not have hallway lockers this year.

Students should place a lock on their athletic/P.E. locker and give a spare key/ combination to their teacher. The school or school personnel are not responsible for stolen items.

Any vehicle brought on the OHS campus is subject to search by administrative personnel (or designee).

1. Driving privileges on Oxford High School campus are restricted to those students who have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, have been authorized and have the proper permit displayed.

2. Parking permits are in the main office. A valid Alabama driver’s license is required for issuance of permit. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. Vehicles without permits may be ticketed, towed away, and student owners may be subject to disciplinary action.

3. Safe driving must be practiced at all times. The speed limit on campus is 10 miles-per-hour.

4. Students are expected to park their cars and leave them immediately. Sitting in cars at any time is absolutely prohibited.

5. Parking is prohibited in the following areas: yellow curbs, front of main building, teacher parking lot, and any other designated area. Missing class to move a car from a prohibited area will result in an unexcused absence from class. Violators are subject to having their vehicle towed at the student’s expense. Students are also subject to disciplinary action for improper parking.

6. All students’ vehicles may be subjected to search if there is reasonable suspicion that drugs, alcohol, stolen property, weapons, or other contraband might be present in the vehicle.

7. The school assumes no financial responsibility for damage to cars parked on campus.

8. The school reserves the right to make necessary regulations. If a student refuses to observe driving/parking regulations, the school has the authority to refuse/revoke the parking privileges to that student.

9. Oxford High School strives to meet the needs of all disabled students. The principal will assist any student that requires special consideration.

Parking permits will be issued to students who pay the $30 fee to park and submit the required paperwork which includes but is not limited to a copy of the students drivers license, proof of insurance, and the tag number. Students that are involved in extracurricular activities requiring them in some instances to remain on campus after regular school hours may receive preferential parking over a student that dismisses on a regular basis at 2:55. Spaces will be issued as follows:

• The Upper student parking lot will be designated for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

• The Sports Arena parking lot will be designated for girl’s athletics.

• The gravel parking lot will be designated for sophomore and junior boy’s athletics and overflow.

• Highway 78 parking is designated for senior band.

• The Media Center parking lot will be designated for extracurricular students and seniors.

• Second street parking is designated for student overflow.

• The parking lot located in front of the OHS main building is reserved for teachers, staff, and senior baseball players.

• The bus parking lot is reserved for teachers and parents only during school hours.

• The CAC parking lot is designated for senior football players.

School personnel will issue students a number based on availability of spaces. The school reserves the right to designate specific spaces to students.

Pregnant students may report to the Guidance Department so that counseling services can be made available to assist students in academic matters. 

A student who has a contagious disease is not eligible to attend school for the period of time prescribed. A student who has a fever will not be allowed to remain in the classroom. Student illness or injury appearing to warrant emergency treatment is handled in the following manner:

1. The student will be sent to the school Nurse.

2. If the Nurse deems necessary, a parent or guardian is notified.

3. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, medical aid may be given to the student under emergency procedures.

In those instances in which the illness or injury does not appear to warrant emergency consideration, routine first aid procedures are used.

Homework assignments may be arranged through a counselor. This applies to illness that exceeds five (5) days. All such assignments must be completed and returned before other assignments are made. A student may also check Schoology for assignments and missed course content.

The guidelines for medication being given to a student are fully outlined in Appendix O of the Code of Conduct.

NOTE: NO STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO HAVE ANY TYPE OF MEDICATION IN HIS/HER POSSESSION WHILE ON THE CAMPUS OF OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL. ANY STUDENTS WITH PRESCRIPTION OR OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION IN THEIR POSSESSION THAT HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY CHECKED IN BY SYSTEM PERSONNEL ARE SUBJECT TO T.E. /O.S.S. OR POSSIBLE EXPULSION AND SUBJECT TO CURRENT LAWS.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to make dental and medical appointments for students either after school hours or on those days when school is not in session.

All students who take PE are required to dress out. PE equipment may be purchased at any store that carries these items. Students should check with their PE teachers regarding appropriate shoes and clothing. It is the responsibility of students to maintain the contents of their PE locker.

All students are expected to come to school prepared with the essential materials used for the class. Each teacher will communicate to their students what those supplies are by way of a course syllabus, PowerSchool, and/or E-mail. These items should be purchased before school since desire and/or need to purchase these items is not sufficient reason to leave class.

All objects that are lost may be reported to the main office or to the assistant principal’s office. All found objects should be turned into the main office.

Parties of any type are not allowed at Oxford High School during school hours.

For safety and management reasons no student at Oxford High School should have more than $20 in cash on their person in the school building. This requirement exists to curb theft and money exchange during the school day. Any fundraising receipts should be turned in before the end of 5th period.

A $30.00 additional charge will be added for any check returned to the school for insufficient funds. Should two checks drawn on the same account be returned, we reserve the right to refuse to accept future checks on that account.

Any fundraising must be approved by the principal. No outside fundraising (church, private, etc.) is allowed during the school day. Contests and activities that are sponsored by out-of-school agencies must be related to the schoolwork of the participating pupils before the principal may grant permission for the contests or activities to occur in the school. Organizations or groups within or outside the school may not use the school’s name in any contest or fund-raising drive without the written approval of the principal. Involvement in the many contests proposed and sponsored by civic groups and organizations is determined at the school level.

In order to prevent the exploitation of students and school personnel, the board prohibits the following practices:

The use of school employee’s time during the school day by agents or representatives of business concerns if not in the best interest of the school.

1. The raising of money by pupils except for organizations and activities sponsored by the school.

2. The use of the pupil’s or the teacher’s time to disseminate information that in no way improves the educational program.

3. The use of school time by outside organizations to promote projects not connected with the school.

4. The distribution of advertising material on the school premises.

5. Fundraising activities except those approved by the principal.

Telephones are installed for business purposes. Pupils are not permitted to use school business phones except in cases of emergency. Parents/guardians are asked not to call the school to speak to pupils or to leave messages except in case of emergency. Parents or guardians wishing to speak to a teacher are asked to call the school office and leave a message for the teacher to return the call. Teachers do not leave classes unattended to return such a call; however, they will return the call at a time not assigned for teaching.

Guidance counselors and principals are available to receive calls from a parent/ guardian as they are placed; however, should they not be free to speak to the parent/ guardian at the time of the call, they will return the call as soon as possible.

OCS Virtual Education
Students who are enrolled in the Oxford City School System or who meet the requirements in Oxford City Schools Policy 5.12 may apply for enrollment in the Oxford City Schools Virtual Education option. The Virtual Education Option offers 4 core courses (ELA, math, science, and social studies) in all grades. The deadline for enrollment in the virtual education option is the end of the 1st nine weeks of each school year.  Special situations may be addressed by school administration.  Virtual courses are not facilitated by Oxford CIty Schools teachers.  These courses are led by certified teachers that are employed by the course provider.   Students must meet their program's ongoing criteria to avoid being “dropped” from the course or the program.