Admiral Peary Vocational-Technical School

Student Handbook

Introduction

A vocational-technical school is an extension of sending school districts. Admiral Peary AVTS is an extension of Blacklick Valley, Cambria Heights, Central Cambria, Conemaugh Valley, Northern Cambria, Penn Cambria, and Portage Area school districts. Also attending are students from Bishop Carroll. The basic principle underlying vocational-technical education is to provide graduates with a marketable skill for entry level employment or prepare them for postsecondary education. We are confident that you, if you have the desire, will learn and acquire the knowledge and experience at Admiral Peary AVTS to enter the world of work, or higher education with the background to be uccessful in your chosen field.

Admiral Peary AVTS Personnel

Administrative Services

Executive Director -- Mr. Mark Kudlawiec
Principal -- Mr. Ken Jubas

Business Services

Business Manager -- Mr. Jeffrey Vasilko
Business Office Clerk -- Mrs. Bartoletti

Administrative Support Services

Administrative Secretary -- Ms. Becquet
Administrative Secretary -- Mrs. Bartoletti

Network Services

Computer Network Technician -- Mr. Bailey

Maintenance Services

Mr. McCoy
Mr. Farabaugh
Mr. Chalan
Mr. Allenbaugh

Instructional Services

Agriculture -- Mr. Whitesell
Auto Body Repair -- Mr. Driskel
Auto Mechanics -- Mr. Brown
Carpentry -- Mr. McKavish
Childcare -- Ms. Saylor
Cosmetology -- Mrs. Natcher
Electrical Technology -- Mr. Claycomb
Engineering Related Technology -- Mr. Meidinger
Entrepeneurship, Sales & Marketing -- Mrs. Dell
Food Management & Services -- Ms. Sabol
Health Occupations -- Mrs. Settle
Horticulture -- Mr. Shriver
HVAC/Plumbing -- Mr. Diantoniis
Masonry -- Mr. Vescovi
MET/CAM -- Mr. Dolges
Networking Technology -- Mr. Thomas
Welding -- Mr. Kish

Learning Support Instructor -- Ms. Hudak
Learning Support Instructor -- Mr. Kuzemchak

Guidance

Guidance Counselor -- Mrs. Wurm

Cooperative Education/School-to-Work

Co-Op Coordinator -- Mr. Dolges

Adult Education

Adult Education Secretary -- Mrs. Bussard

Instructional Support

Mrs. Bailey
Mrs. Bussard
Mrs. Cobaugh - (School LPN)
Mrs. DeBalli
Mrs. DeRubis
Mr. Dumm
Mr. Hamula
Mr. Jacobs
Mrs. Jubas
Mr. Parfitt
Miss. Semetosky
Mr. Stanich
Miss. Stiles

Student Responibilities

Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, including punctuality, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his or her fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of instructors, students, administrators, and all others who are involved in the educational process. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner, so as not to offend or slander others.

It is the RESPONSIBILITY of the students to:

Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves accordingly.

Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.

Dress Code -- Students should refer to the Policies Section on Dress

Assume that until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed, it is in full effect.

Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.

Be aware of and comply with state and local laws.

Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.

Attend school daily, except when excused and be on time to all classes and other school functions.

Make all necessary arrangements for making up work when absent from school.

Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by state and local school authorities.

Collect soda cans for recycling. Proceeds are to be used to fund student activities.

Student Rights

Laws and rules are made to protect the individual and groups of individuals as they function in society. The application and enforcement of the following policies and guidelines are dependent upon the individual student's acceptance of responsibilities for the well being of his/her fellow students. The regulations contained herein are consistent with the Regulations and Guidelines on Student Rights and Responsibilities adopted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education on September 13, 1974, and the Admiral Peary AVTS policies on students rights and responsibilities. Students may review these publications by obtaining copies in school libraries and the office of the school Director.

Bell Schedule

Morning Session

8:00 am - 8:12 am

All students report to room 204

8:12 am - 8:15 am

Students report to class

8:15 am

Classes Begin

11:00 am

Classes Dismissed

Afternoon Session

11:35 am - 11:47 am

All students report to room 204

11:47 am - 11:50 am

Students report to class

11:50 am

Classes Begin

2:35 pm

Classes Dismissed

Tardiness

Any Student arriving after 9:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. without a valid excuse will be marked absent for the class session. Examples of valid excuses are as follows: MD excuses, court hearing, probation officer, etc.

Policies

Work Breaks

Student breaks in the shop routine are determined by the individual instructor. All students are confined to their program area during breaks and are not permitted to loiter the halls or exit the building. Food and drinks may be consumed in the program area and classroom only during the scheduled break. (During breaks students are to be involved in some type of educational activity. EX: video, news, trade journals) A break is a privilege that few schools permit. When this privilege is abused, breaks are suspended.

Students should not be in the hallways during class time, unless they have a legitimate reason for being there and have a hall pass signed by their instructor. Students leaving the class area or school building without instructor knowledge or permission leads to a points which will be assessed by Mr. Kudlawiec.
When students use the restrooms, they are to use the restroom that is closest to their classroom.

Care of School and Equipment

Each student is responsible for items assigned for his/her use. If a book or article of equipment is lost or damaged, the instructor should be informed immediately.
Any equipment or tools lost or broken through misuse must be replaced with the same brand of tool, paid by the student responsible.

One of the most expensive costs in any public building is the repair of damages caused by malicious mischief. Destruction and defacing of property results in expenditures that reduce the amount of money that can be spent on education.

Lockers and Searches

Each student has an assigned locker. The instructor is responsible for a system for lockers. Students are responsible for items stored in their lockers. If students use a lock that requires a key, the instructor must have a duplicate key. If a combination lock is used, the instructor must have the combination.
Lockers assigned to students are property of the school and are subject to periodic inspection and search. Metal Detectors will be used periodically.

Cost of Materials

Students will bear the cost of materials used for jobs or repairs on personally owned articles or vehicles. The cost is determined by the instructor.

Dress

The State Department of Labor sets a standard of dress for safety and health. Any style of dress that creates a safety or health hazard to himself/herself or others is not permitted. Admiral Peary AVTS will pay the cost of the first uniform for new students. Any other uniform needs must be met by the student. Laundering of uniforms is required on a regular basis as outlined by the program area instructor, but no less than monthly. Students are not permitted to apply any symbols, signs or use any form of marking pencil to deface their uniform. Students are responsible for replacing uniforms when they become permanently damaged. School uniforms (purchased at Admiral Peary at a reasonable cost) must be used by all students in all areas. Work shoes, safety goggles and/or hard hats may be required in some areas. Students are assigned and will be able to change clothes in the locker room for their program area. Students are requested to pay particular attention to this dress standard. Students must dress and groom themselves to meet fair standards of safety and health; not to cause substantial disruption of the educational process. Students shall dress appropriately for school and shall avoid extremes in make-up, hairstyles, clothes, etc. Items NOT approved include: sleeveless shirts, tank tops, cut-off shirts above the waist, obscene or suggestive sayings on garments, thongs, miniskirts, hats, or see through tops. Students are not permitted to wear clothing that advertises alcohol or tobacco products. Skirts and dresses are not to exceed mid thigh in length from floor.
Students are permitted to wear shorts to school in conjunction with sending school policy. Shorts are to be no higher than mid-thigh. Spandex and cut-off sweats are not permitted. Students not adhering to the standards are subject to disciplinary action.
Students are not permitted to wear any type of hat, bandana, visor, etc., while in the building, including program areas. The only type of head dress which will be permitted would be required head dress for the specialty area. EX: hardhat, bumphat, hairnet. Admiral Peary will issue the first head dress in accordance with the program area. This head dress will be the property of the student upon completion of the program. No exterior writing will be allowed on the head dress. Body piercings are acceptable as long as they are not a disctraction to the educational process and meet industry standards in health and safety. Piercings considered a danger at the discretion of the Administrator or Instructor will be forbidden.

Driving and Transportation

Students are not permitted to drive to the Vo-Tech without a permit.
Bus transportation is provided from the home school to the AVTS and back to the home school. When it is necessary to drive a vehicle to the AVTS, the student must get a parking permit at least one day in advance. This permit, signed by the parent or guardian, must be approved by both the home school principal and Mr. Kudlawiec.
This permit is for the driver only; he/she is not permitted to carry passengers!
Violation of driving/passenger policies will be assessed according to the Point System which has been instilled.

Faculty Respect

All instructors share equality in authority and are responsible for the acceptable behavior of the students at all times. This fact is stated so that the students can properly react to behavior guidelines set forth by any faculty member. Under no circumstances are students permitted to address instructors by their first names!

Field Trips

Students going on field trips are required to submit a Parental Permission Form with the signature of a parent or guardian. These must be turned in prior to the field trip. Field trip forms are available in the office.
Students are reminded that when they go on field trips, they are representing Admiral Peary AVTS and should dress in accordance with the occasion.
Any student suspended, In-School or Out-of-School by Admiral Peary AVTS or the sending school will not be permitted to participate in field trips or other extra curricular activities (VICA, DECA) anytime during the school year. The Administration is the only authority which has the right to waive this regulation.

Fire Drills

Periodic fire drills are held in compliance with State Regulations. The instructor will provide information for the drills and will designate someone to close doors, turn out lights etc. When the fire alarm sounds, move quickly and quietly, but do not push or run. Stay with the instructor outside the building.

Grading

Beginning the 2003/04 school year, Admiral Peary will now be utilizing a computer aided grading system (ClassMate). This system will be used to assess the student in the areas of Work Ethic, Knowledge, and Skills. All areas will grade all the students with the following scale:

90-100
Excellent

80-89

Very Good

70-79

Average

60-69

Below Average, but passing

0-59

Failing

The following is a list of Work Ethic Grading Guidlines:
Present -- (Attnedance, Punctuality) Attends class, arrives/leaves on time, notifies instructor in advance of planned absences, completes assignments on time.
Productivity -- Follows safety practices, follows directions and procedures, makes-up assignments and participates. Teamwork -- Respects the rights of others, respects confidentiality, is a team worker, is cooperative, displays a customer service attitude, demonstrates mannerly behavior, respects rights of others, demonstrates mannerly behavior, respects rights of others, demonstrates mannerly behavior in interactions with students and instructor. Attitude -- Demonstrates a positive attitude, appears self-confident, demonstrates problem-solving skills, ability to reason. Appearance -- Displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.

Accident and Sickness

In the case of an accident, the instructor will contact the school Health Instructor.
If a student becomes ill, he/she should tell the instructor. The instructor will notify the office. If ambulance services are required, the Admiral Peary AVTS and the Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association have a working agreement whereby students and employees will be served.

Insurance

Students are encouraged to purchase the accident insurance in their home schools. Medical bills will not be paid by Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School. Accident insurance is not available at Area Vocational Schools.

Course Changes

Admiral Peary attempts to be flexible enough to permit changes where possible. Students must change their course, if they desire, in the first week of school. Students are only permitted to change their course one time. However, due to the limited number of spaces available in each course area, a change can only be made if a space exists. Any student desiring a course change must complete a Program Change Request, which can be obtained in the guidance office. If the student can be accommodated, a change will be made.

Student Visitors

Visitors must make advance arrangements, at least 24 hours in advance, to visit the school. Students from home schools, are not permitted to ride the bus here unless the home school principal notifies Admiral Peary administration the day before. Visits of a personal nature are not permitted.
Anyone visiting the school must abide by the rules and regulations of Admiral Peary AVTS, including safety regulations.

Acceptable Use Policy for Network Access

Network access is available to students and teachers in the Admiral Peary AVTS to provide vast, diverse, and unique resources and information for utilizing the School's network. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. With access to computer networks all over the world through the Internet comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The Admiral Peary AVTS has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. The Admiral Peary AVTS firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may access material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the School. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. If an Admiral Peary AVTS user violates any of these provisions, his/her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signatures at the end of the Consent Form are legally binding and indicates the third pary (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.

Network Access Terms and Conditions

Acceptable Use: The use of your account and/or computer privileges must be in support of the educational objectives of the Admiral Peary AVTS. Use of other organization's networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyright material, threatening, or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.

Privileges: The use of the network and other type of computer equipment and/or software is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges. Administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the sytem administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of the Admiral Peary AVTS may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts and/or privileges. The administration of the Admiral Peary AVTS reserves the right to inspect any user's computer at any time, with or without the knowledge of the user. Such inspection may include access to hard drive(s) of the user's computer.

Network Etiquette: You are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
Be polite. Do not get abusive in your message to others. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden. Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers or those of other students or colleagues. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be public property of the Admiral Peary AVTS.

Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the network, you must notify a school administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's account. Attempts to log on to the network as system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access.

Vandalism: Vandalism will result in the cancellation or suspension of privileges and possible restitution for damages. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, destroy, or alter data, equipment, or other services.

Exception to Terms and Conditions: The Admiral Peary AVTS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Admiral Peary AVTS will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, incorrect deliveries or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The Admiral Peary AVTS specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the Admiral Peary AVTS. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supercede all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. I understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

Consent Form: An Internet Use Agreement Consent Form must be on file for each student prior to the student using the Internet. Required signatures include student, parent or guardian, and instructor.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

LEAs (Local Educational Agency) must annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights under FERPA. 34 CFR 99.7. The annual notification must include:

The procedure to inspect and review education records;

The procedure to request amendment of education records;

A specification of criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest if the agency or institution discloses or intends to disclose personally identifiable information to school officials without consent;and

The right of parents to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) in the Department. (A model FERPA notification for LEAs is available on FPCO's Website-www.ed.gov/office/OM/fpco.

The following new provisions apply to educational agencies and institutions that receive funds from any Department Program.

LEAs are required to develop and adopt policies -- in consultation with parents -- regarding the following:

The right of parents to inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to students.

Arrangements to protect student privacy that are provided by LEA in the event of the administration of a survey to students containing one or more of the eight protected items of information noted above (including the right of parents to inspect, upon request, a survey that concerns one or more of the eight protected items of information.)

The right of parents to inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for students, and the procedure for granting a request by a parent for such access.

The administration of physical examinations or screenings that the school may administer to students.

The collection, disclosure, or use of personal information including items such as a student's

Student Services

Guidance

Guidance services are available at Admiral Peary AVTS for any student to consult freely on any question or problem that may concern him/her whether it is vocational, social, educational or of a personal nature. One of the major goals of our guidance program is to assist the student in developing himself or herself to the fullest of his/her ability and personality. The school's objective is to see that each student may develop a sense of responsibility, an awareness of opportunities, and the ability to make sound choices and decisions. Job placement services are also provided through the guidance counselor. Students should feel free to approach the counselor for information or to discuss the resources of the guidance office.

Coooperative Education

The Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program, is a cooperative effort by parents and students, the school, and business and industry to help bridge the gap between the school and the world of work. At a certain point in the learning process, application of learning can be more effective through actual work experience. Thus, the Co-Op Program takes the school curriculum beyond the four walls of the high school and uses the community as its classrooms. The Co-Op Program is intended for twelfth grade students and is designed for work experience in an occupational area compatible with the student's chosen course. Students participating in the Co-Op Program attend their home school for one-half day for related or academic studies, then report to their assigned employers for the remaining half-day. Selection for the Admiral Peary AVTS Co-Op Program is a cooperative effort. People involved in the selection process include: the vo-tech instructor, the home school guidance counselor and the cooperating business or industrial representative. The final determination is made by the cooperative education coordinator. In addition, parents are requested to sign a training agreement indicating their permission for the student to participate in the program. Attendance and grades are very critical when considering students for Co-Op. Any student suspended during the school year or found to violate the tobacco policy is not selected for the Co-Op program.

S.A.G.E. Testing

Upon completion of application to Admiral Peary, students are required to participate in the System Assessment for Group Evaluation. Students are assessed in the areas of reasoning, math, and language development; interest; temperament; learning styles; and eleven aptitudes. Their scores are then matched with occupations to determine potential success. SAGE Testing plays a major role in program placement for students.

NOCTI Testing

Each year the PA Dept. of Education requires students who have completed their technical program and will graduate from high school to take the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) Job Ready Assessment. This test is offered nationwide to determine students' knowledge and skills necessary for employment in their occupational field. The assessment consists of a 3 hour written test and a 3 to 4 hour performance test which is evaluated by individuals from business and industry. Students whose test scores meet or exceed the National average on both the written and the performance tests receive a PA Skills Certification from the PA Department of Education. This can be of value in becoming employed or pursuing post-secondary education.

Student Activities and Clubs

Three active clubs are important functions of Admiral Peary AVTS. All students are eligible and encouraged to belong to one of these. They are as follows:

DECA
(Distributive Education Clubs of America) - For students in Marketing and Retail Trades.

VICA
(Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) - For students in all other courses.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
For students in all classes who wish to participate in volunteer work at Laurel Crest Rehabilitation and Special Care Center.

Behavior and Discipline

Each student must realize that he/she is attending Admiral Peary AVTS by choice. Therefore, the student has the responsibility of taking advantage of the opportunities offered. This includes acting in a manner that will not interfere with the learning and work of other students and instructors. There is no place in any school for people who do not respect the rights of others. The Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School is a department of each of the sending schools. When disciplinary action is taken in either school, it also applies to the other school. For example, if a student is suspended by the home school, he/she is also suspended at Admiral Peary AVTS. If an instructor sends a student to the office for disciplinary action, the student reports to Mr. Augustine. We have had a minimum number of discipline problems in the past; it is hoped that we can maintain this standard.

Policies and Guidelines of Student Control

The following acts are considered to be violation of the official policies and regulations of the Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School. When violations occur, building administrators have the right to refer the student offender to the Administrative Director for a hearing and subsequent action. The Director has the right to exclude the student for a period exceeding ten (10) school days and may expel the student offender permanently. School Administrators also have the right to refer the offense to the appropriate civil authorities if the offense constitutes a violation of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It shall be understood that offenses resulting in personal injury and property damages shall result in the student and the parents being held responsible for all damages to the extent provided by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Insubordinate Action

A deliberate refusal to follow the instructions of a member of the school staff or the use of auditory and visual obscenities shall result in a three (3) day suspension.

Profanity and Pornography

Use of abusive language or visual obscenities and/or possession of pornographic materials will result in a three (3) day suspension.

Stealing

Students caught stealing private or school property will receive temporary suspensions. Charges will be filed with a magistrate.

Alcohol/Drugs

Students found to be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol/drugs shall be temporarily suspended for up to ten (10) days. A report of the incident will be sent to the local Magistrate's Office for possible charges.

Second Offense
Students found to be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol/drugs shall be suspended ten days out-of-school and charges will be filed with police. Students will be referred to the home school superintendent for an expulsion hearing.
All school employees shall have the responsibility for reporting known or suspected usage of dangerous drugs by students or other employees. The following rules shall apply:

The Director shall be notified that a violation has or may have occurred.

If the Director agrees that a violation has occurred or may have occurred, he/she shall notify the student's parents and the police.

If a violation has occurred, the student will be suspended until a satisfactory agreement can be reached by the student, parents, and the administration. The Director shall determine what constitutes a satisfactory agreement.

In the event that it is not certain that a violation has taken place, no action will be taken by the administration.

With regard to situations whereby a student is suspected of being under the influence of drugs, the administrator in charge will observe the situation to determine whether he/she wants to talk to the student. If drug usage is established, the administrator shall notify the student's parents and the Director. A repetition of this situation will result in a suspension until a satisfactory agreement is reached by the student, parents, and the Director. In the event there is evidence that immediate medical help is needed, a nurse will administer first aid and/or call a physician. At all times a complete written record of the situation shall be kept by the administrator and placed in the student's file. This policy will include Title 35 Health and Safety PA School Law, Chapter 6, Drugs, Poisons and Dangerous Substances. Any student in possession of substance or drug paraphernalia will be subject to dismissal, up to ten (10) days, notification given to parents or guardian and/or charges filed with magistrate. Students are not permitted to bring beverage containers of any kind to Admiral Peary. The beverage containers will be confiscated and disposed. Smoking, possessing or using tobacco products within or around the school property is prohibited in accordance with Ordinance #98 of Cambria Township and Act 145 of 1996, the School Tobacco Control Act for school districts. Violators will be referred to Mr. Augustine for disciplinary action and to the local magistrate.

FIRST VIOLATION - Referral to magistrate

SECOND VIOLATION - Three (3) Day Out of School Suspension and referral to magistrate

This policy includes ALL school activities and field trips.

Act 145 of 1996: Use of Tobacco in Schools

Senate Bill 1315 became Act 145 of 1996 when signed into law by Governor Ridge on December 4, 1996. The law clarifies the School Tobacco Control Act for school districts. The major changes are: possession is now included, unlighted tobacco is added and the definition of tobacco is changed to include lighted or unlighted material and smokeless tobacco.

The new law defines possession or use of tobacco products or smokeless tobacco by a student in a school building, a school bus or on school property owned by, leased by or under the control of a school district as a summary offense.
This law became effective February 3, 1997, 60 days after the Governor signed it.
The relevant parts of the law follows.

Offense defined: A pupil who possesses or uses tobacco in a school building, a school bus or on school property owned by, leased by or under the control of a school district commits a summary offense.

Grading: A pupil who commits an offense under this section shall be subject to prosecution initiated by the school district and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more that $50 and pay court costs. The court may admit the offender to an adjudication alternative in lieu of imposing the fine.

Nature of Offense: A summary offense under this section shall not be a criminal offense of record.

Definitions: As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Pupil" - A person between the ages of 6 and 21 years who is enrolled in school.
"School" - A school operated by a joint board, board of directors or school board where pupils are enrolled including area vocational-technical schools and intermediate units.
"Tobacco" - A lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other lighted smoking product and smokeless tobacco in any form.

Disruption of Educational Process

In order to protect students against loss or damage as well as prevent disruption in the educational process, student radios, tape or cassette/CD players, electronic games or other toys are not permitted in the school building. If such items are found in a student's possession, the items will be confiscated and returned to the student or parent at a later time.

Serious Disruptions of Educational Process

These disruptions include:

Setting fire on school property

False fire alarms

Tampering with fire extinguishers

Bomb scares

Endangering other students

Any student involved in the commission of the above offenses shall be suspended for ten (10) days. Such offenses shall be referred to the proper authority for appropriate police action. Students shall be required to pay for the refilling of the fire extinguishers and for other damages related to the preceding acts.

Assault/Weapons

A student who assaults a school employee shall be suspended for ten (10) school days and referred to the Director's Office for a hearing and appropriate action. Such offenses shall also be reported to civil authorities. The Admiral Peary AVTS requires that the weapons policy be adhered to pursuant to Act 26 of 1995 of the Pennsylvania School Code, Section 1317.2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any student who is determined to have brought or have in his/her possession a weapon onto any school property, any school-sponsored activity or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school-sponsored activity, students will be referred to the home school Superintendent for an expulsion hearing. The Director of Admiral Peary AVTS may recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The Director or other designated administrator of the school shall, in the case of an exceptional student, take all steps necessary to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 91-230, 20 U.S.C. 1400 SEQ.). The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following: A weapon being used as part of a program approved by an individual who is participating in the program; or
A weapon that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school property for the purpose of obtaining access to public or private lands used for lawful hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities. Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the authority of duty of Admiral Peary AVTS to make an alternative assignment or provide alternative educational services during the period of expulsion. Admiral Peary AVTS shall report all incidents involving possession of a weapon prohibited by this section as follows: The Director or Assistant Director shall report the discovery of any weapon prohibited by this section to local law enforcement officials. The Director or Assistant Director shall report to the Department of Education all incidents relating to expulsions for possession of a weapon on school grounds, school sponsored activities or public conveyances providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity. Reports shall include all information as required under Section 1302-A. As used in this section, the term "weapon" shall include, but not limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchakus, firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

Vandalism

Willful destruction or defacing of school and personal property shall result in suspension at the discretion of the administrator with restitution being required including costs of labor and materials.

Falsification of Passes and Excuses

Falsification of excuses for absence and other passes will result in a one-day suspension requiring a parental conference for readmission.

Fighting

ALL students guilty of fighting on school property shall be referred to the Administration for suspension and to the District Magistrate for prosecution.
Names of students may be turned over to the District Magistrate for disorderly conduct violation or fines at the discretion of the Administration.

Bus Regulations

Student misbehavior constitutes a very serious hazard to the safety of all passengers. All violations will be referred to the sending school.
Students should observe the following regulations:
Students must recognize the authority of the driver.
Students shall ride only the assigned bus unless given written permission by school authorities. Students shall stand off of the roadway when the bus approaches.
Students shall not board or depart until the bus is at a complete stop.
Students shall be cited for destruction of equipment, swearing, disobeying the driver, hazing and extortion, smoking, fighting, throwing objects, lighting matches, hanging out bus windows, failure to remain seated.

Suspension and Expulsion

All expulsions shall be consistent with Board Policy. At the discretion of the school administrators, suspension may be internal or external. Students suspended for serious infractions including vandalism, use of tobacco, obscene words or actions, intimidation or extortion, insubordination, theft, possession of weapons and dangerous objects, and other serious disruptions of the educational process may appear before the Director for an expulsion hearing. Those students who habitually cut class, are tardy, or who are chronically absent may be referred to the Assistant Director's office at the discretion of the instructor. Suspension will be In-House as often as possible at the discretion of the Assistant Director. All suspensions are progressive. Students who are suspended or found to violate the tobacco policy, may not participate in student organization activities, School-to-Work, and Cooperative Education activities for the remainder of the school year.

Attendance and Absenteeism

Regular attendance is essential for the student to progress in his or her course of study and is a major interest to prospective employers. A student cannot learn if he/she is absent. Instructors will count attendance when computing grades because they are not only teaching work skills but also work habits and work attitudes. The graduation certificate reflects the number of hours completed by the student. When a student is absent for any reason, he/she must present an excuse signed by parent or guardian. If a signed excuse is not presented within three (3) school days, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Students will receive a zero for that day with no opportunity to make up work. For all absences, an amount of homework will be prescribed by the instructor and completed assignments will be kept on file.
After three (3) consecutive sessions of absence, the student's instructor will be required to call the parent or guardian to arrange for make-up work. Punctuality is a characteristic that everyone should develop while in school. Employers do not tolerate tardiness. Students who arrive to class after the roll has been submitted to the office must report to the office to have their names removed from the absentee list. Failure to do this means the student will be counted as absent for that day. For every minute late, two minutes will be assigned toward detention. Suspended students must request assignments from the instructor upon notice of suspension and submit completed work upon returning to school. Students absent from class for a home school related activity must have prior approval from the class instructor in order to be excused. Students requesting early dismissal or to use private transportation are to submit a written request from their parent/guardian to the Assistant Director prior to the requested dismissal time. The parent/guardian or others must come to the school office to sign the student out. Prior to dismissal, all students are to remain in their class area. Students are not to be in the hallway or outside of the building. Excessive absences affect the student's eligibility to attend DECA/VICA activities. For example any student missing 20 or more days of school are not eligible to attend the Kennywood trip in May.

Student Obligations

All obligations must be met before a student can be promoted to the next grade or graduated. Such obligations shall include completing and handing in make-up work within established time schedules.
Students are responsible for handing in books and paying all debts. If a student moves to a new address or has a change in phone numbers, it should be reported to the office immediately. Students will also be supplied with Health Cards, which are to be completed, listing the current address, phone number and other pertinent information applicable to each student.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated by Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School's Operating Committee in matters over which it has jurisdiction. Sexual harassment by Operating Committee members, Administrators, Certified and Support Personnel, Students, Vendors and any other persons having business or contact with this school is prohibited. Persons found in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, including, but not limited to reprimand, probation, demotions, suspension or termination, or other sanction as determined appropriate by the Operating Committee. This policy is on file in the school office.

Hazing Student

Any forcing another student to undergo humiliation or abusive ordeal such as an initiation will be referred to the office. First offense leads to a one day suspension.

Parent/Faculty Conferences

Any parent requesting a conference with a member of the faculty will make an appointment by calling the AVTS office to arrange for the conference. No appointment will be made during the time a teacher has class or assigned an activity.