Part-Time Work

Many Amsterdam High School students engage in part-time work. It is necessary for students under 18 years of age to secure working papers for their after-school job. Applications are obtained in the main office. It is not necessary to have a job in order to obtain working papers. Many times there are requests that students be allowed to ride the bus to work after school. This is not permitted per Board of Education policy. Students are bused to and from school ONLY. A social security number is necessary for everyone. Therefore, all students should obtain one as soon as possible.

Procedure For Events And Activities

Whenever a student organization wishes to have a performance, dance, or other event, the following procedure must be followed:

• After club advisors have selected a date, it must be cleared with the building principal. This includes submitting a building use form.

• All monies must be deposited in the Student Activity Fund.

• Advisors are responsible for obtaining security personnel, along with chaperones.

Media Center

The Media Center is open for reading and reference by students and teachers from 8:00-3:00 p.m. every day school is in session. Periodicals are used in the media center only. Back issues are registered at the desk. Books that are loaned by the school to the students are expected to be returned in good condition. If books are lost, damaged or show unreasonable wear, the borrower will be expected to pay for them. All books are to be properly checked out by the supervisor before student use. No student will be able to take a final exam until his/her book is returned. Students are encouraged to use the Media Center for reference work. The Media Center is not an area for social discussions. 

Media Hours

The Media Center is open beginning one-half hour before morning classes begin, throughout the school day and for one hour after school. Students who come to the Media Center individually must show the librarian a pass signed by the teacher indicating that permission to come has been given.

Media Rules

The following media rules are necessary in order to provide students with adequate media services. Failure to comply with these rules may cause the loss of library privileges:

• All students are entitled to use the library and check out books and other related media materials.

• No books or other media materials will be taken from them media center without being checked out.

• Books may be checked out for two weeks and renewed for another week.

• Encyclopedias and certain reference books may be checked out on a limited basis only after making arrangements with the media specialist.

• Books and other library materials on reserve must be checked out with the media specialist. These materials can be picked up by the borrower at the end of the school day and are due the next morning before school begins, unless other arrangements have been made with the Media Specialist.

• All magazines can be checked out for a week and renewed for a second week.

• Lost books and material must be paid for at a rate according to age and value of material or book.

• The borrower will pay damage to books and other library materials beyond reasonable wear.

• Library materials are the responsibility of the student who has checked them out and should not be left unattended within the school setting. 

• Students wishing to check out old periodicals from the storage room for research must obtain them from the media specialist.

• Students wishing to use the Internet independently must have a signed Internet acceptable use form on file with the Media Specialist per Board Policy #5610, 5610-R and 9610.

The Mediation Program

The purpose of the Mediation Program is to detect and to resolve minor student-student disputes before they can escalate into serious problems. Mediation is non-judgmental and confidential. The purpose is to have the students themselves decide how the problem should be resolved and to write up their own agreement or contract.

Teachers may refer students involved in minor disputes to Mediation. Give the students' names to either assistant principal, and they will talk to the disputants. Because Mediation is voluntary, both parties have to be willing to resolve the problem. Nothing that is illegal can be mediated, such as drugs, alcohol or serious physical violence. The types of cases that are most appropriate are those involving gossiping, rumors, name-calling, boyfriend/girlfriend difficulties, etc.

The mediators work in Teacher-Student teams. Whenever possible, the student mediators will be taken from study hall rather than from class. When it is not possible, however, we will have to ask you to excuse a student from class. The student will always have a pass from one of the teacher mediators, but you ALWAYS have the final say as to whether that student may leave your class. Don't be afraid to say "NO". We will try to keep disturbances to a minimum. The students have been told that it is their responsibility to notify you and to make up the work. Please let us know if there is a problem. If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of the Mediators.

Sexual Harassment/Policy And Procedures

The Board of Education Policy #9140 prohibits sexual harassment of or by employees, applicants for employment, or students. This policy applies to conduct during and relating to school and school sponsored activities.

Sexual harassment is inappropriate and offensive. All students have a right to be educated in an environment free from sexual harassment. All School District employees have a right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment. If you feel you are being sexually harassed, please see the building principal.

Discrimination

The District does not discriminate against any employee or student on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, handicap or age. Furthermore, no person shall be subjected to any unlawful discrimination in the admissions practices of any vocational education program or activity.

El distrito no discrimina en contra de ningun empleado ni estudiante a base de raza, color, pais de origen, defecto fisico ni de edad. Ademas, el distrito no subjeta a ninguna persona a cualquiera discriminacion ilegal en sus practicas de admision a cursos o programas vocacionales.

Amsterdam High School Code Of Conduct

The Amsterdam High School Code of Conduct has been revised to comply with the New York SAVE Legislation. In addition, the AHS Safety Plan has been aligned with the District Plan as well.