Part IX: Instruction

• A student graduating from Oxford High School must earn a minimum of 24 Carnegie Units of credit. Students graduating after the 2014–2015 school year must attempt all state mandated end of course assessments.

• The counting of units for graduation begins in the ninth grade.

• There is one diploma offered at Oxford High School in accordance with state and federal guidelines. However, there are various pathways available to meet the needs of all students. A detailed description of this process may be found in the current curriculum guides issued to students and may be found on the school website.

• A high school diploma will be issued to those students who meet the graduation requirements outlined in the curriculum guide.

• Guidelines for each diploma endorsement are listed in the OHS curriculum guide.

• Certificates of attendance are issued to students on an individual basis who have not earned a diploma based on Board criteria.

Oxford High School graduations are held at Lamar Field. In case of inclement weather an alternate site will be identified through radio, social media, and website announcements. Tickets for admission to the alternate site will be issued to seniors for distribution to their families.

Dress and Conduct
Candidates for graduation must adhere to a strict dress and conduct code. Students who fail to adhere to the codes or who have any outstanding school debts may not be issued a diploma. The graduation ceremony is considered an extracurricular activity and is not a guaranteed event for any student. Participation in this extra-curricular activity is based on a student’s behavior and adherence to proper decorum. Any deviation from the prescribed dress/behavior of the activity or the possession of any device that might detract from the ceremony may be viewed as grounds for removal from the activity.

 

 

All instructional texts, including digital resources are the property of the Oxford City Board of Education. Damage or loss of any kind is the responsibility of the student as well as replacement/repair costs.

State-owned textbooks and laptops are loaned to students for use in the various subjects and, as such, should be treated as borrowed property. In case of abuse or loss of books, a pupil must pay for the textbook or laptop in accordance with the scale set by The State Department of Education and local procedures.

Remember that the student is responsible for any book or computer issued in his/her name. The student’s name should be written in the space provided on the inside cover of a textbook. All books should be covered to minimize wear and tear. Students should not leave textbooks issued in their name in other students’ lockers. Students and parents are trained on safe handling, storage, and laptop usage. Also, they are required to complete and sign an Appropriate Usage Agreement prior to a device being released to a student. Students must follow these guidelines and procedures to ensure laptop security and appropriate use on and off campus.

 

The use of the library at Oxford High School and the checking out of books from it are considered privileges and should be handled as such. All lost library books are to be paid for in the library office. Note: Unpaid fines and lost books must be taken care of before a student may receive a report card.

Oxford High School supports and encourages the education of exceptional children by providing classes for exceptionalities.

Calculating Course Scores and GPA

Calculating Course Scores (Averaging Measurement Topics for the Final Course Score) is completed by using measures of student proficiency on defined course standards.

Calculating Course Scores for Classes of 2023 and 2024

Step 1 
For courses using SRG (Standard Reference Grading), the overall performance for each individual proficiency scale will be averaged in Powerschool using the simple averaging of 4th quarter scale scores (1-4). Teachers always have the ability to override this score if evidence supports a different level of proficiency than the calculated score.

Measurement Topics	Score 2 Proficiency Scale LT 1	Score 2 Proficiency Scale LT 2	Score 2 Proficiency Scale LT 3	Report Card Topic Mid Assessment	Score 3 Proficiency Scale LT 1	Score  3 Proficiency Scale LT 2	Score 3 Proficiency Scale LT 3	Measurement Topic Final Score
MT 1	1	1	2	2	3	3	3	3 = 90
MT 2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2 = 70
MT 3	1	1	2	3	3	3	3	3 = 90
MT 4	2	2	2	3	3	3	3	3 = 90
MT 5	1	1	2	2	2	3	3	4 = 100
Final Course Score (average of each Measurement Topic score):								88  (B)

 

Step 2 
For courses using SRG, the measurement topic scores will be converted to a number in the range of 0-100 for use in calculating the overall course grade. Converted scores for each unique measurement topic in a course will be averaged to determine the final course score.

Step 3 
The course grade of 0-100 is calculated by averaging each measurement topic's final score. The average is equated to a letter grade using the conversion table below.

Step 4
This grade will be recorded for official use on student transcripts and permanent academic records. 

Calculating GPA for the Classes of 2023 and 2024

• Oxford High School will utilize a weighted GPA for the class of 2023 and 2024. 

• Students will earn the specified quality points for each final course grade. 

• The conversion will happen automatically in Powerschool at the end of semester-long or year-long courses.

• A current or projected GPA can be calculated at any time.

• Dual Enrollment Credit and AP Courses will receive an additional 10 points added on to their final course score; quality points will be awarded based on the final course score.

 

Course Score	Letter Grade	Quality Points
100-110	A+	5.5
90-99	A	4.5
80-89	B	3.5
70-79	C	2.5
60-69	D	2.0
0-59	F	0

* Dual Enrollment and AP Courses=10 points are assigned to the final course score numeric average

 

Calculating Course Scores for Class of 2025 and Beyond

Step 1 
Overall performance for each individual proficiency scale will be averaged in Powerschool using the simple averaging of 4th quarter scale scores (1-4). Teachers always have the ability to override this score if evidence supports a different level of proficiency than the calculated score.

Measurement Topics	Score 2 Proficiency Scale LT 1	Score 2 Proficiency Scale LT 2	Score 2 Proficiency Scale LT 3	Report Card Topic Mid Assessment	Score 3 Proficiency Scale LT 1	Score  3 Proficiency Scale LT 2	Score 3 Proficiency Scale LT 3	Measurement Topic Final Score
MT 1	1	1	2	2	3	3	3	3
MT 2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
MT 3	1	1	2	3	3	3	3	3
MT 4	2	2	2	3	3	3	3	3
MT 5	1	1	2	2	2	3	3	4
Final Course Score (average of each Measurement Topic score):								3.00  (A)

Step 2 
Scores for each unique measurement topic in a course will be averaged together to determine the final course score of 1-4. The average is equated to a letter grade using the conversion table below. 

Step 3
This grade will be recorded for official use on student transcripts and permanent academic records. 

Calculating GPA for the Class of 2025 and Beyond

• Oxford High School will utilize a weighted GPA for the class of 2025 and beyond. 

• Students will earn the specified quality points for each final course score. 

• The conversion will happen automatically in Powerschool at the end of a semester course or end of a year long course. A current or projected GPA can be calculated at any time.

• Proficiency on all scales is not a requirement, however a student must have a minimum final course average of 2.0 to move onto the next course.

• Dual Enrollment Credit and AP Courses will receive an additional point added on to their final course average and then quality points will be awarded based on the final course score. 

 

Calculating Course Score		Calculating GPA
Final Course Score	Letter Grade	Quality Points
5.0	A+	5.5
4.0	A+	5.0
3.5 - 3.99	A	4.5
3.0 - 3.49	A	4.0
2.75 - 2.99	B	3.5
2.5 - 2.74	B	3.0
2.00 - 2.49	C	2.5
1.5 - 1.99	D	2.0
0 - 1.49	F	0

* Dual Enrollment and AP Courses = 1 point is assigned to the final course score.

In order for a student to receive a 5.0 Course Score they would have to earn a 4.0 in an AP or DE course and then receive the 1 point assigned to the final course score.

Note: No numerical average that is used for eligibility, awards, scholarships, or for any other external reason will be used for internal awards or recognition specifically related to Oxford High School.

Certain courses include administrative costs associated with lab or equipment needs. Students are provided a list of these costs and a timeframe for when they are due. Students needing to work out a payment plan need to notify the teacher. All payment plans must be approved by the administration.

The nature of certain courses at Oxford High School may require an elective class cost for instructional supplies. The following list of courses will make the following requests:

 

Miscellaneous and Administrative Costs
Computer Usage Agreement	$50.00
Parking Permits	$30.00
Parchment Cost (Seniors Only—Transcript Cost)	10.00
Schedule Change (Non-essential Changes)	$25.00
Student ID/Activity Card (Admission to all “home” school/sponsored activities)	$75.00

*All students enrolling in the following classes must pay the required cost*

 

Elective Courses
Physical Science	$15.00
Chemistry AP Exams	$15.00 $97.00
AP History	$15.00
AP Calculus	$15.00
AP English	$15.00
AP Biology	$30.00
AP Physics	$30.00
AP Psychology	$15.00
AP Computer Science	$15.00
AP Statistics	$15.00
AP Chemistry	$30.00
AP Environmental Science	$30.00
AP Government	$15.00
AP Music Theory	$15.00
AP 2D Art	$30.00
AP Seminar	$15.00
AP Human Geography	$15.00
Computer Science	$15.00
Earth and Space Science Environmental Science	$15.00 $15.00
Physics	$15.00
Driver Education	$30.00
Spanish	$15.00
Choir (Show Choir is Required to purchase uniform)	$50.00
Band (Auxiliary are required to purchase uniform)	$125.00
Theatre	$30.00
Visual Arts	$30.00
Photography	$15.00

 

Career Tech/Business Courses
*See below for breakdown of multiple classes. To be considered multiple classes one must take two or more classes in the same field of study. (ex.: Accounting and Law/Society or Therapeutics and Human Body Systems)
One Semester Class	$15.00
One Class	$30.00
Two Classes in the same program/field of study	$50.00
Three Classes in the same program/field of study	$60.00
Graphic Arts Classes	$30.00
TV Production Classes	$30.00
Health Science Classes	$30.00
Business Education Classes	$30.00
Education Training Classes	$30.00
Engineering Classes	$30.00
Modern Manufacturing	$30.00
Greenpower	$30.00

The cost for the course is paid to the Main Office. Students should obtain and keep a receipt to prove payment. OHS asks that elective class costs be paid in full by the second full week of each semester.

 

Examinations are administered periodically to pupils in order to better evaluate academic progress. Each department will issue testing and assessment/evaluation criteria for all students as approved by the Administration. Daily tests (pop tests) may be given without notice.

The following will be the procedure for ranking senior class:

• Grade computation will begin with the ninth grade transcript and may include all credit awarded classes. 

• The top 5 students in each Academy will be determined by cumulative grade point average.  The top 5 in each Academy will be recognized in the graduation bulletin.

• Only students who have completed honors requirements in one of the Academies will be used to calculate the top 25 overall academic students. Only core subject grades will be used to determine ranking. Elective and/or required courses in any other department will not be included in calculating the top 25. Valedictorians and salutatorians will be the top ranking students who have completed honors requirements within one of the Academies.  

• Valedictorians and salutatorians must be enrolled at Oxford High School for their entire senior year.

• Valedictorians and salutatorians will be determined at the end of the 3rd Nine weeks of their senior year.

• The top 25 ranked seniors receiving honors endorsement will be seated in front of their class during the commencement ceremonies.  (Any student ranked for top 25 honors must be a full time student attending Oxford High School in good standing, and in compliance with attendance rules.)  All other graduates will then follow in alphabetical order by Academy.

 

Various school organizations and community clubs recognize certain students each year for their contributions to academic and community life. The Awards Committee is comprised of teachers and staff who select the school award recipients and furnish a listing of students as possible candidates for the community awards.

Regular homework is encouraged and is considered to be an essential part of academic success. School work is necessarily organized in such a way that study (homework, projects, reports, etc.) outside of school hours is necessary for the student to enhance educational development. Homework will be a part of departmental guidelines.

 

For a complete explanation of promotion standards, see the Oxford High School Curriculum Guide.

 

For a complete explanation of grade computation, see the Oxford High School Curriculum Guide.

All high school students will have the opportunity to earn exemptions during the fall and spring semester. All exemptions will be based on attendance and grades for each individual class. If a student accumulates any unexcused absence in a specific class period, the student will not receive exemption for that period. The semester average and number of absences in that class determine whether or not a student may exempt the semester exam.

The following formula will apply:

Semester Average	Attendance
60-69	Perfect Attendance
70-79	One or fewer
80-89	Two or fewer
90-100	Three or fewer

Mid Year Assessment/End of Year Assessment Exemption (9th, 10th, and 11th Grade)

Ninth/Tenth graders can be exempted from their Mid-Year/End of Year Assessment if they meet the exemption requirements in the chart below. We will give students exemption letters on Monday, December 5th. The letter will state that parents are giving them permission to miss IF they are exempt. This gives you and the student until Friday, December 9th to determine exemption status.

The following formula will apply for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders:

Course Score	Attendance
Not Yet 1	Must take the Mid Year Assessment
Close to Meeting Standards 2	Must take the Mid Year Assessment
Meeting Standards 3	Three or fewer
Exceeding Expectations 4	Four or fewer

 

Oxford High School, with the strong support of the great city of Oxford and the great vision of the Board of Education, is proud to bring in the latest and best technology available to Oxford High School students. The integration of technology will allow for students to submit work online and build a portfolio of academic excellence. It will allow for teachers to create an online curriculum for their students as well. Students will be expected to take the utmost care of the device afforded them in the classroom.

Use of the device will be monitored closely. Any student who is found to have abused this privilege or damaged a device will be held accountable to pay for the device and or lose their computer privileges for the remainder of the academic calendar year. Any student engaging in inappropriate computer use is subject to disciplinary action and or suspension of their device privileges for a length of time deemed necessary by administration. The integration of technology will better prepare our students for post secondary education and beyond. All students at OHS will develop an individualized, digital portfolio, which aligns with their academic strengths, personal interests, and post secondary goals.

Device Repair and Replacement
In the event of a lost, stolen, or broken device, the $50 Usage Agreement will cover up to two repairs due to accidental damage. 

If a student has more than two accidental damages, the costs for repairs or replacements will be the responsibility of the parents or guardians. Costs charged for damages are determined by the cost of replacement and repair parts provided by Apple.

1. Come to class prepared with computers and other necessary materials.

2. Be an active participant in class. Listen well and take part in class.

3. Ask questions to clarify problems.

4. Plan your day and schedule time for homework.

5. Use what is learned and apply it to new situations.

6. Strive to do the very best work possible.

 

Gifted students are those who perform at high levels or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities may refer a student for gifted screening. Additionally, all second grade students will be screened for gifted referral. This screening process will analyze gifted behaviors, creative and academic talents. Students will be taught a series of lessons which will produce work samples and products that will be used in the screening process.

For each student referred, information is gathered in areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established state criteria. The total number of points determines if the student qualifies for gifted service.  To make a referral for screening, contact the school's guidance counselor.

Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with federal regulations may be directed to Title IX and Title VI coordinator, Dr. Christy Shepard, or Section 504, Mrs. Laura Phillips, Oxford City Board of Education, 402 Main Street, Oxford, Alabama 36203 Phone 256-241-3140. 

 

Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents certain rights regarding their child’s educational records. Oxford High School designates student names, grade levels, addresses, and phone numbers as directory information. During the course of the year information is released to legitimate 2 and 4 year colleges, military recruiters, prospective employers and graduation product vendors. Any parent wanting their child’s information withheld from any/all of these entities should submit a written request to their child’s guidance counselor. If you would like to review the material in your child’s folder, you may call the school and schedule with the secretary a time to review the records. To review an IEP, you should contact the Case Manager who works with your child. If you feel that any information in the records is false or misleading, you may request to have the information changed by discussing the issue with the principal.

Oxford High School limits those who have access to the files or their contents to those persons who have legitimate educational interest in the child. These people would include District Administration, School Administration, Counselors, Teachers, and Personnel who maintain the records. When requested, we share needed information with the Department of Human Resources and supply any information subpoenaed by a court of law. Should the child transfer to another school, we honor a “request for records” from the child’s new school.

If you wish us to release information in your child’s records to anyone else or any other agency (such as a member of the medical community or post secondary schools), we will do so provided you have signed a release. (Generally, the requesting agency will have you sign a release, and they will send us a copy of that release).

From time to time, your child’s school may wish to publish examples of student projects, group photographs, or student recognitions on the Oxford City Schools’ Internet server. A student’s personal information will NOT be published on any Oxford City Schools web sites. Pictures used on the Oxford City Schools’ web sites may include but are not limited to students when they are involved in projects, when they are in large groups, or when they receive recognition. Selected school materials to be published on the web could include: art work, written papers, videos, class projects and/or computer projects.

Internet Usage

Students may not be allowed computer access until this form has been completed, signed, and returned. If you have any specific questions regarding the policy, please contact the Technology Coordinator at your school. 

The complete text of the Oxford City Schools’ Technology Acceptable Use Policy can be found in the Code of Conduct and on the Internet at: http://www.oxford.k12.al.us/

Curricular Activities Participation

Any school dances and/or activities to include Prom, Homecoming Court, Co- Curricular/Extra Curricular Activities, etc. held at the school or any 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 and guests are required to abide by all school rules and regulations at any 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 “adequately progressing” and in “good standing” while attending Oxford City Schools and their guests are allowed at any school functions. “Adequately progressing” and “good standing” includes but is not limited to a student’s academics, attendance, and discipline as determined by the principal.

 

All students are required to participate in P.E. activities.  All students are graded according to proficiency of standards, participation, attitude, and observance of specific rules governing safety and use of equipment.

Participation 
All students are required to participate in P. E. activities. If a student is injured or ill  they must: present a doctor’s note OR Students who are temporarily ill for up to two days should bring a note from their parents stating the nature of the illness OR students that are injured or ill without a note from a parent or doctor should be referred to the nurse. For extended exemptions (over 3 days), a written doctor’s excuse is required.

No student shall engage in nor should any be subjected to bullying, violence, threats of violence or intimidation by any other student that is based on any of the specific characteristics set forth in this policy. Students who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions as specified in the Student Code of Conduct, subject to the investigating school administrator’s authority and decision.

“Bullying” means a continuous pattern of intentional behavior on or off of school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function including, but not limited to, cyberbullying or written, electronic, verbal, or physical actions that are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a student, or by the association of a student with an individual who has a particular characteristic, if the characteristic falls into one of the categories of personal characteristics contained in this policy. To constitute bullying, a pattern of behavior may do any of the following

• Place a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property

 • Have the effect of substantially interfering with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of a student

• Have the effect of substantially disrupting or interfering with the orderly operation of the school.• Have the effect of creating a hostile environment in the school, on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function.

• Have the effect of being sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student

“Hostile environment” means the perception by an affected student that the conduct of another student constitutes a threat of violence or bullying and that the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, would agree that the conduct constitutes bullying, threat of assault, or assault.

“Violence” means the unjustified infliction of physical force by a student with the intent to cause injury to another student or damage to the property of another student.

Threat” means a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action to cause fear of harm. The intention may be communicated through an electronic, written, verbal, or physical act to cause fear, mental distress, or interference in the school environment. The intention may be expressly stated or implied and the person communicating the threat has the ability to carry out the threat.

“Threat of violence” means an unjustified expression of intention to inflict injury or damage that is made by a student and directed to another student.

“Intimidation” means an unjustified threat or other action that is intended to cause fear or apprehension in a student.

“Student” as used in this policy means a person who is enrolled in Oxford City Schools public school system.

(a) Students are expected to treat other students with courtesy, respect, and dignity and comply with the Code of Student Conduct. Students are expected and required (1) to comply with the requirements of law, policy, regulation, and rules prohibiting bullying, violence, or intimidation; (2) to refrain from inflicting or threatening to inflict violence, injury, or damage to the person or property of another student, and (3) to refrain from placing another student in fear of being subjected to violence, injury, or damage when such actions or threats are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any personal characteristic of the student that is identified in this policy.

(b) Bullying, intimidation, violence, or threats of violence are prohibited and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences and/or sanctions if the perpetrator of such action is found to have based the prohibited action on one or more of the following personal characteristics of the student:

• Race
• Sex
• Religion
• National origin/Disability

Consequences for Violations

A series of graduated consequences for any violation of this policy will be those outlined in the Code of Student Conduct or any rule or standard adopted under authority of this policy. 

Reporting, Investigation, and Complaint Resolution Procedures

Complaints alleging violations of this policy may be made on a Board-approved complaint form available in the handbook, on the website, or at the school’s office. The complaint must be delivered to the principal or the principal’s designee either by mail or personal delivery. Incidental or minor violations of the policy may be presented and resolved informally.

The complaint form developed to report violations of this policy will include a provision for reporting a threat of suicide by a student. If a threat of suicide is reported, the principal or the principal’s designee is authorized to inform the student’s parent or guardian of the report unless at the discretion of the school principal or the principal’s designee apparent cause of the threat of suicide is child abuse or other significant harm from a parent or guardian.

 Upon receipt of the complaint, the principal or the principal’s designee will determine if the complaint alleges a serious violation of this policy. If the principal or the principal’s designee determines that the complaint alleges a serious violation, the principal or the principal’s designee will undertake a reasonably prompt investigation of the complaint. The investigation will entail the gathering of relevant facts and evidence taking into account the circumstances of the complaint. If the investigation establishes a violation, appropriate disciplinary sanctions may be imposed on the offending student(s). Other measures that are reasonably calculated to prevent a recurrence of the violations(s) may also be imposed by the principal or the school system.

 Acts of reprisal or retaliation against any student who has reported a violation of this policy or sought relief provided by this policy are prohibited, and are themselves a violation of this policy. Any confirmed acts of reprisal or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary sanctions that may include any sanction, penalty, or consequence that is available to school officials under the Code of Student Conduct. A student who deliberately, recklessly, and falsely accuses another student of a violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

Promulgation of Policy and Related Procedures, Rules, and Forms

This policy and any procedures, rules and forms developed and approved to implement the policy will be published on the website of each local board of education and school, shall be available at each school office, and shall be included in the student handbook that is distributed to each student at the beginning of each school year.

 

Student Bullying Complaint Form

Report of Violence, Threat of Violence, Harassment, Intimidation, and/or Bullying

This form is used to report violence, threats of violence, harassment, intimidation and/or bullying that is believed to have occurred during the current school year on school property, at a school-sponsored activity or event off school property, or on a school bus. Please deliver or mail to the principal’s office.

School Name (Circle one): OHS OMS CEH CES DES OES
Student Name: __________________________________________Grade: _____________ Date of Incident:________________ Time of Incident:________________________ Location of Incident:______________________________________________ 

Person Making Report (Circle one): Student       Parent       Other

Reported Victim(s):_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Reported Perpetrator(s):_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

The incident resulted in a threat of suicide by the victim (circle one): YES NO
 

Description of conduct leading to the complaint (attach additional sheets if needed)

 

Other important information

 

Signature of person making this report: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Date:__________________ 

Signature of school official accepting this report: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Date:__________________

Please note that the submission of a complaint does not automatically substantiate that misconduct has occurred. The school administration has the authority to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing. 

 

Title IX

In accordance with Title IX (20 U.S.C. §1681, et seq.), and its regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106), the Board strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex or gender in its programs or activities, including sexual harassment, as defined by law and Board policy. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX regulations may be referred to the Board’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both. Sexual harassment complaints will be filed and reviewed under the Board’s student sexual harassment policy or its employee sexual harassment policy as applicable. All other complaints under Title IX will be filed and reviewed according to the Board’s general complaint and grievance procedures. The Superintendent is authorized and directed to designate a Title IX Coordinator, whose duties will include but not be limited to receiving and responding to Title IX inquiries and complaints, and compliance with the regulations.