Girls' High Policies
Absences from School: On the day a student returns to school, the student must submit an absence note, signed by her parent or guardian, to her advisor main. The note must contain the date and reason for the absence. Periodically, the school will check student attendance by means of phone calls and postcards regardless of whether an absence note has been submitted. Parents should inform the school of an extended absence and contact the student's counselor for her lessons. A doctor's note is needed for extended absences. Attendance records are listed on report cards. Unexcused absences are coded as illegal or truancy absences and can ultimately result in fines imposed by the city.
Absence Policy: Absence from school on the day of a sports event or extracurricular activity will result in the students' ineligibility to participate in that event or activity. Three or more unexcused absences during a report card period makes a student ineligible for sports or other extracurricular activities for the remainder of that report period and the next report card period.
Advisory: Students must report to advisory every day for the taking of roll and the reading of the FLIER. All school rules regarding eating, outer clothing, radios, tape players, and CD's apply to advisory. Students leaving advisory must have a Girls' High Sign-out Form with date, destination, and time filled in. It must be signed by the advisor. Lateness to or absence from advisory may be treated as a cut.
Assemblies: Programs in the auditorium are of two types: class meetings and programs that are related to academic and extra curricular activities. Each advisory (homeroom) is assigned a block of seats, and attendance is taken in the auditorium. Students are expected to be attentive and courteous. Books are to be placed under the seats. Students are not permitted to enter the auditorium after the program has begun. No outdoor clothing is to be worn in the auditorium. No food or balloons may be taken into the auditorium.
Attendance: All students must swipe in daily. Both swipe in and attendance in advisory are required to be officially present in school.
Attire/Dress: All students are required to conform to the school dress code. The dress code consists of black skirt or relaxed fit slacks to the ankle and a white shirt with the Girls' High logo. (These are available at the school store.) In an emergency, a plain white shirt with a colllar may be worn. In colder weather, a sweatshirt with the Girls' High logo or a sweater in white, gray, or black may also be worn. No flipflops or open-toed shoes may be worn. No hats or head covering are to be worn at any time, except for religious reasons. High heels are not recommended for everyday school use.
Beepers, Radios, Tape Recorders, and CD's: Beepers, radios, tape recorders, and CD's are not to be brought to school. Electronic devices will be confiscated and, on the second infraction, returned only to a parent. On the third infraction it will not be returned to the student or a parent.
Breakfast and Lunch Programs: Both hot and cold lunches may be purchased in the school cafeteria. Free and reduced price lunches are available for students whose family income meets federal guidelines. Breakfast is available from 7:25 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. at no cost. Food is to be eaten ONLY in the cafeteria and not in any other location in the school.
Class Rank: Class rank is cumulative from the 10th grade through the 12th. It is calculated at the end of each year. All major subjects are weighted based on level of difficulty: advanced classes, 1.1; honors classes, 1.15; advanced placement and IB courses, 1.2.
College Guidance: Our students are accepted by many prestigious institutions. We believe college acceptance is a four year process that begins in grade nine. Information is available about colleges, college majors, costs, and financial aid. Individual conferences with the counselors about these topics are scheduled for seniors and are available for other students. More than three hundred colleges and universities send representatives to visit the school. College Night is held for students and parents each fall.
Computers Usage: Computers with internet access are located in a varietyy of places throughout the building. All students are encouraged to use computers and it is helpful if the student has access to a computer with internet access at home. Before a student is permitted to use computers, the student and her parents must have reviewed the Computing and Internet Acceptable Use Policy (also in Spanish).
Counselors: The counselors' offices are opposite the main office in rooms 128, 129, and 130. Students are urged to contact their counselors when they experience academic, social, or emotional problems. Parents may also call for an appointment. Counselors are assigned according to the first letter of the student's last name:
Amirh Lewis (A-G), Melissa Doss (H-O), Sabina Sloan (P-Z)
215-276-5740 215-76-5326 215-276-5081
The Guidance at Girls' High Website is available at https://sites.google.com/site/guidanceatghs
CSAP: The Girls' High Comprehensive Student Assistance Program (CSAP) provides assistance and support to students who need assistance with academic, emotional or social development. Members of the CSAP team include the student, teachers, parent, an administrator and counselor. The nurse or other staff members may also be included as needed.
Deselection (Academic Failure): Any student who fails three or more courses or any student who cannot advance to the next grade will be recommended to return to their neighborhood high school. While it is expected that students who fail courses will make them up in summer school, students who are deselected are generally not readmitted.
Early Dismissals: Early dismissals are only granted for the following reasons:
(1) Emergency dental or medical appointments with physicians note;
(2) Emergencies involving death, accident, or illness;
(3) Religious Instruction; or
(4) Other legitimate reasons as determined by the school.
To gain approval for an early dissmissal, a student must bring a physician's note or written request from the parent to the office at least one day before the early dismissal is needed. We will not honor same day early dismissal requests or early dismissals on days of standard testing, midterm or final exams or other schoolwide activities. In order to ensure that your daughter is safe, office staff, using parental contact information on file in our office, will verify each request for an early dismissal.
Parents are urged to handle household matters involving their children outside regular school hours.
Elevator Passes/Medical Excuse from Gym: Students who request permission to be excused from gym classes or permission to use the elevator must present a doctor's note to the school nurse in the health room (opposite room 112).
Eligibility and Payment foe School Activities: Students and parents are aware that academic achievement is the primary focus for all students at Girls' High School. As a result, students earn eligibility for participation in school activities. To be eligible for participation in school activities including Contest, Class Days, dances, proms, athletic teams, and after school programs, students must pass all classes, maintain good behavior and attendance, and pay all fees on time. Three or more unexcused absences, two or more ratings of "3" in behavior, or a grade of "F" in any class or advisory on a report card will cause a student to be ineligible for participation in activities in the next marking period. Eligibility is reviewed at the end of each marking period.
In the case of prepaying for a school activity, parents and students take a risk that the student may be eligible when the payment is made and ineligible for participation at the time of the event. Once the contract has been signed with the vendor, money cannot be refunded if a student becomes ineligible or is unable to attend for personal reason. See Withdrawal of Privileges.
Emergency Drills: Emergency drills are conducted regularly. For Shelter in Place drills, student are sent to either the auditorium or the gym. In a lock down, quiet is maintaied, with the students remaining in their classrooms, which are locked.
Extracurricular Activities: A full range of activities is available for those interested in areas such as music, newspaper, yearbook, sports, and student government (the Service Club). Other activities are built around special interest clubs. Participation in these activities enhances personal development and is a plus on college applications.
Fire Drills: Fire drills are conducted regularly.Specific directions for exits to be used in a fire drill are posted in each room. Students are to exit the building quickly and quietly in single lines.
Flier: Daily messages are published in the FLIER, which is read each day during the advisory period and posted in each classroom. Students are expected to consult the FLIER to obtain important information about deadlines, procedures, and schedules.
Gym Uniforms: Gym uniforms are required for all students taking physical education. They may be purchased at specified times from the Athletic Association. The uniform consists of a white collar shirt, blue gym shorts, and sneakers. The cost of the shirt and shorts is $16.
Health Forms: Health forms are required by the nurse for all students. For new students, the nurse will announce a deadline by which these forms must be turned in. Immunization records must be up-to-date as per state law. Failure to comply may result in exclusion from school. (Click for Dental Forms)
Health Room: This facility is on the first floor opposite room 112. It is the resource center for health care and emergency aid. Except in emergencies, students must have permission from the teacher of the class to which they are assigned in order to visit the Health Room. Non-emergencies are treated during specified Health Room Hours. If a student becomes ill during the school day, and it is necessary for the student to go home, a parent or parent designee must come to school to escort the student home. Students are not released to go home alone when ill.
Homework: Homework is an important component of instruction and is assigned regularly. Both daily and long-range assignments are expected to be completed on time. Assignments turned in late, incomplete, or not at all will affect grades. The average daily time spent on homework should be between two and three hours.
Honor Roll: Students with all A's and/or B's and no "3" in behavior will be listed on the Honor Roll for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd marking periods. For the final marking period there is no Honor Roll. The permanent student record will be stamped "Distinguished" if the student has all A's or "Meritorious" if the student has A's and B's.
I.D. Cards: I.D.'s will be provided by the school and must be carried with the student's official roster at all times. I.D. cards will be required for entry to the school and for attendance, as well as other school business, including receipt of transpasses. Lost cards will be replaced. The fee is $5.00. The I.D. replacement fee can be paid in the Library on Thursday mornings and the new I.D. card can be picked up after school in the main office. An additional fee of $1.00 is charged for every day a student does not have her I.D. to swipe into school.
Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, tune to KYW 1060 for information about school closing. We are closed if they announce that all Philadelphia Public Schools are closed. You can also check for school closing information by calling the Snow Hotline at 215-400-4636 or at the school district web site: www.philasd.org. If school is not closed, students who do not attend or arrive on time will be marked absent or late.
Insurance: Optional insurance is offered to all students each year for a small fee. Students who do not have appropriate insurance coverage may not participate in the Girls' High sports program. See the school nurse regarding the option of free health insurance.
Lateness to School: Students must arrive at school in time to 1) swipe in, 2) pass through metal detectors, 3) purchase tokens or obtain a transpass, 4) eat breakfast, and 5) go to their lockers well before the bell that begins their school day. If a student is late to advisory, her advisor will mark her late to school. If a student is late to an assembly, or if she arrives after advisory, she is to swipe in and receive a late slip. The consequence for multiple latenesses will include detention, loss of privilege and exclusion from sports, trips, extracurricular activities, and/or school events.
Library: The library is centrally located on the second floor. It contains over 25,000 volumes, seventy subscriptions to a variety of periodicals, access to the internet, and audio-visual materials. There are also materials in microfilm form as well as a data base accessing computer which allows students to find and access information on almost any imaginable topic. The library's computerized borrowing system allows students to find specific books in more than 400 libraries throughout the state. Library hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. An I.D. card is required to check out a library book. Students wishing to use the irary during their assigned lunch period must obtain a pass from the lunchroom aide.
Lockers: Each student is a assigned a locker for outdoor clothing as well as a gym locker and combination locks for each. Neither lockers nor combinations are to be shared or changed. Students may not use their own locks. If a lock is lost, there will be a $5.00 charge to replace it. Defective or broken locks will be replaced at no charge. The outside of a locker may be decorated with paper that must wrap around and be taped on the inside. Decorations or pictures of an appropriate type may be taped or glued onto the paper. Personal pictures must be on the inside. All decorations are subject to scrutiny by the Administration. All decorations must be removed from lockers at the end of the school year. Students may go to their lockers only before school, before lunch, and after school. The School District has the right to inspect lockers at any time to protect the health, safety and welfare of the school community. Lockers must be cleaned out at the end of the school year by the designated date; items left in the locker will be donated to charity or thrown out.
Lost and Found: Property which is found in the school should be taken to the main office. Any loss of property should be reported to the main office. Unclaimed lost items will be discarded or donated.
Lunch Periods: All students must remain in the lunchroom unless they have a prearranged written pass to see their counselor, or a ticket to the library during their lunch period. Students may not loiter in the hallway, go to their locker, or leave the building during lunch.
Make-up Procedure: Each student is expected to complete assignments on a daily basis, and to be prepared for tests. When a student must miss a class it is the student's responsibility to arrange to make up all work missed, to request assistance, or to attend conferences. In case of extended absence, the student or parent should request assignments through the counselor. Homebound service may be requested for very extended illness.
Mentally Gifted: The Mentally Gifted (M.G.) program provides special opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability. Admission is through an M.G. testing program. All M.G. student goals are embedded in our rigorous curriculum.
Messages to Students: Parents should not contact students by cell phone or text message during school hours because this is distracting to classes and places her in jeopardy of losing her phone. If it is necessary to contact a student, messages should be given to a school secretary or counselor.
Nurse: The school nurse maintains medical records for all students. It is her responsibility to administer vision and hearing screenings and to see that all students have the proper immunizations as required by state law. The nurse does not dispense medication. Students without proper immunization updates will be excluded from school.
Open House: There are open houses for prospective students and their parents from both public and non- public schools during September and October each year. They include an overview of the programs and activities of the school and a tour of the building.
Outdoor Clothing: Outdoor clothing such as coats, hats, and gloves are not to be worn in or brought to advisory, assembly programs, or classes. Students should put outdoor clothing in their locker before school and retrieve it at the end of the school day.
Parent Visitation Night: Parent Visitation Nights are scheduled two times each year. Back-to-School Night is in September. At this time the teaching staff will provide information about courses and course requirements. Teachers are available to discuss student progress. In addition, the department heads, the counselors, the school nurse and the administrators are available to address other concerns or answer any questions about the school. This is also an opportunity for parents to join the PTDA (Parent- Teacher-Daughter Association) if they have not previously done so.
Pink Marble Hall: This is a whisper hallway. Talking is prohibited except for in whisper tones.
Possession or Use of Tobacco Products or Paraphernalia: Various Federal, State and local laws, as well as School District Policy, make the use or possession of any tobacco product by a student on school grounds illegal. Students found using or in possession of tobacco products arc subject to disciplinary action, and court action, in addition to confiscation of the tobacco product. Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff. pipe and/or chewing tobacco. The possession of cigarette lighters, matches, pipes. rolling papers, or other related items is prohibited. and violations will result in confiscation and disciplinary action.
Return of School Property: Failure to return or pay for school property when it is due will result in the withholding of report and exclusion from school activities including proms, participation in sports, concerts, dances, and graduation. Receipts for all returned property and for payments made for property should be retained until the beginning of the next school year in case of any error in giving proper credit for the return of property.
Recognition of Academic Excellence: Selected students are awarded membership in the Bailey-Williams chapter of the National Honor Society, in Mu Alpha Theta, the mathematics honor society, and in Foreign Language Honor Societies. All juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitiude Test (PSAT), and students achieving high scores are recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Program. Recognition of academic achievement culminates with graduation awards and scholarships. The school itself and its alumnae offer more than thirty scholarships and grants as well as various awards and prizes. In addition, graduates are the recipients of scholarships and grants from federal and state funds, fraternal and religious organizations, corporations, colleges and universities. High ranking students may graduate summa cum laude or cum laude.
ScholarChip: All students must swipe in every day with their student I.D. card. Replacement I.D. cards cost five dollars. Students will be fined $1.00 for each day they do not have their I.D. card to swipe in. See the section on I.D. Cards for replacement information.
Scholarships: About 90% of each Girls' High graduating class receives some form of scholarship aid. The counseling staff encourages students to apply for a multitude of scholarships available to students who meet established criteria. Information concerning state and federal programs is available from the counselors.
School Hours and Building Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Senior Sponsors: Each ninth grade homeroom section is assigned two seniors who provide orientation, helping students adjust to their new school.
Sports Program: Both interscholastic and intramural sports are offered. A list of all sports by seasons can be found under Extracurricular Actitivies.
Suspension: Students may be suspended for up to five days with or without loss of privileges. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the student on their return to school.
Teacher Conferences: Students may receive help, guidance, and encouragement from a teacher by making arrangements with the individual teacher. Some teachers have pre-established conference hours, while others make individual arrangements with students at their request. Parents wishing a teacher conference should call the school and leave a message for the teacher.
Telephones: Permission to use the main office phones will be granted to students in emergencies only. Also see policy regarding beepers and cell phones. Cell phones and messaging devices that are used in school will be confiscated and returned in accordance with School District Policies.
Test Days: In order to have a relatively even distribution of days for tests, and to avoid where possible any students having more than two major tests in one day, a Test day Schedule has been established. When school begins in an odd numbered year. Schedule I is followed; when school begins in an even numbered year, Schedule II is followed.
Schedule I Schedule II
English W,F M,TH
Foreign Language M,TH T,F
Mathematics, Computer T,F M,W
Science and Health Ed M,W T,TH
Social Studies T,TH W,F
Transpasses: Transpasses are distributed to eligible students on Friday in their advisory class. If a student does not receive her transpass on Friday, she may come to room 106A on Monday between 7:30 and 7:55 AM to receive her transpass. Students who are absent on both Friday and Monday may obtain a transpass on the day of her return to school by bringing an absence note to room 106A between 7:30 and 7:55 AM. A student ID must always be shown to obtain a transpass.
Transcript Office: Students may request official transcripts through the main office.
Tutoring: Students experiencing academic difficulty should discuss the problem with their teachers. Arrangements can be made for tutoring from volunteer members of the Service Club and candidates for the National Honor Society or by contacting the student's counselor.
Visitors: Visitors to the school must register in the main office. Prospective students and their parents or guardians are welcome to visit by making an appointment through the assistant principal's office. The assistant principal will provide them with a Visitor's Pass. Visits from graduates are restricted to Songs of the Season or by prearrangement with staff and/or administration.
Weekly Calendar: Notification of special schedules and events is made in the Weekly Calendar which is posted in every classroom. and is available on the counter in the main office.
Withdrawal of Privileges: Being on the delinquent property list, having a failing grade in any class or two or more ratings of "3" in behavior or three or more unexcused absences will result in withdrawal of privileges. These privileges include trips, participation in sports and other non-rostered extracurricular or school activities, attendance at dances or proms, and participation on stage in any assembly or program, or graduation ceremony. See Eligibility and Payment for Activities.
