School Information
Mission Statement
Approved by: HHS Mission Statement committee, 12/3/01, HHS Staff, 12/13/01, HHS Council, 12/14/01, Dresden School Board, 12/18/01
Mission Statement
Hanover High School is an active learning community that provides broad academic and co-curricular programs. We engage students’ minds, hearts and voices so that they become educated, caring and responsible adults. All students are given the opportunity and encouragement to use their
- Minds to pursue excellence, academic challenge, and personal success.
- Hearts to respect and care for the emotional and physical well being of themselves and others, and for the environment.
- Voices to contribute to the democratic process and the common good.
- School-Wide Core Competencies
- School Schedule
- Co-Curricular Activities
- Building Information
- School Visitors
- Academic Resources
- School Spaces
- Health Services
School-Wide Core Competencies
Academic Skills
Reads actively and critically.
Writes/creates effectively.
Speaks/ presents effectively.
Listens attentively and critically.
Identifies and utilizes a variety of resources for obtaining information.
Employs multiple strategies in critical thinking, problem solving, and performance.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills in a variety of forms in different disciplines.
Social and Civic Skills
Works effectively and responsibly as an individual and in groups.
Acts as a responsible citizen using the democratic process to address concerns and effect change in the community, state, nation, and world.
Demonstrates an understanding of the necessary balance between the resource needs of human beings and the finite nature of the environment.
Identifies and utilizes a variety of resources for obtaining information.
Employs multiple strategies in critical thinking, problem solving, and performance.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills in a variety of forms in different disciplines.
School Schedule
- The School Day
- Class Periods
- Unscheduled Time
- Lunch
- Classroom Eating Standards
- Activity Periods
- Advisory
- Field Trips
- Delayed Opening
- School Closing
The School Day
Class Periods
Class Periods
Class periods are 85 minutes long on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 40 minutes long on Wednesday with even class periods (2, 4, and 6) meeting on Monday and Thursday and odd class periods (1, 3, 5, and 7) meeting on Tuesday and Friday. Classes are expected to be in session for the full time specified. Students and teachers are responsible for keeping track of time and coming to class on time. There is a ten minute passing time between classes. On Mondays and Thursdays there is a 40 minute study flex/office hour period.
Unscheduled Time
Unscheduled Time
Definition: any time between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. when a student is not scheduled for class. The first priority of unscheduled time is instructional; it is not “free time.”
- Teachers are expected to utilize students’ unscheduled time.
- Recommended uses of unscheduled time include studying; pursuing teacher-directed activities; eating; quiet socializing in designated indoor areas; working in resource centers or studios, and socializing outdoors in designated areas.
- Unscheduled time is part of the school program, and students are governed by school rules wherever they are during this time.
- HHS may provide additional structure for students who do not use their unscheduled time effectively. Individual teachers may assign students to a particular resource room to provide additional structure and support. Parents may make such arrangements through their student’s counselor.
Lunch
Lunch
The Cafeteria is open from 7:45 am to 1:30 pm each day. Lunch is 40 minutes long on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 50 minutes long during Council on Wednesday. Monday is Advisory Lunch. Consistent attendance is expected and attendance is recorded. Students may also:
- Eat during their unscheduled time.
- Eat during their classes except when prohibited for reasons of safety or subject matter (e.g., chemistry lab, P.E. during exercise). In cases where a student demonstrates a lack of individual responsibility (e.g. leaving a mess), the teacher may restrict the student from eating in that class. (See below: Classroom Eating Standards).
- Students may eat in the cafeteria, atrium, classrooms, resource centers, hallways, and outside on school grounds. Eating is not permitted in the library, auditorium, computer labs, or gymnasium.
Classroom Eating Standards
Classroom Eating Standards
During the first week of classes, teachers are encouraged to discuss standards for eating in class and to work with their students in developing a classroom-eating standard that meets everyone’s needs. These standards should then be included in the teacher’s course standards.
If the needs of an individual student or group of students conflict with the teacher’s standards, either party may ask for a mediator (a counselor, department head, or administrator) to help find a solution which is acceptable to both parties.
If mediation does not resolve the conflict with the assistance of a mediator, then the case will be submitted to the Judiciary Committee for resolution. Judiciary Committee decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Judiciary Committee decisions will not override the restriction on eating where the teacher demonstrates that eating might cause a danger to anyone. In all other instances, Judiciary Committee decisions will follow the usual procedures outlined in this Handbook.
Activity Periods
Activity Periods
Activity Period is scheduled on Monday from 12:00-12:35 pm and activity lunch is scheduled on Fridays from 11:10-11:50. Council meets from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. on Wednesdays. On occasion and with advance notice, an extended activity period schedule can be used on any day of the week for a special event.
Advisory
Advisory
Advisory is a mandatory part of the Hanover High School social emotional learning curriculum. As such, consistent attendance is expected. Students are expected to be with their advisory group during these times. Campus is closed unless the advisory group goes on a walking field trip as a group.
Advisory Circle meets on Thursday 12:00 pm to 12:35 pm
Advisory Lunch meets on Monday 11:10 am to 11:50 am
Field Trips
Delayed Opening
Delayed Opening
In the event of a two-hour delayed opening, everything will be moved ahead two hours. For example, a bus that would pick up a student at 7:00 will pick the student up at 9:00. School will not begin at 8:00 a.m., it will begin at 10:00. If a delay turns into a closing, an announcement will be made via automated phone call, as well as on local radio stations by 8:00. If schools must be closed during the school day, similar notice shall be given prior to dismissing students. If road conditions change after schools have opened to prevent the safe return of students by school bus, notice shall be given as such. There may be days when only certain roads are closed. In these instances school will be open.
School Closing
School Closing
The Superintendent may close schools or delay opening in any or all schools at his discretion for such conditions as insufficient heat, communicable diseases, civil disorder, or when weather conditions prevent the safe operation of school buses on major routes. Notice of such closing shall be given as soon after 6:30 A.M. as possible via:
- Automated telephone call the recording on the Hanover High School phone system
- WMUR School Closings page
- top of the SAU 70 website
Co-Curricular Activities
Athletic Activities
Fall Sports | Winter Sports | Spring Sports |
X-Country | Indoor Track | Outdoor Track |
Golf | Boys Basketball | Girls Lacrosse |
Boys Soccer | Girls Basketball | Boys Lacrosse |
Girls Soccer | Swimming & Diving | Girls Tennis |
Field Hockey | Alpine Skiing | Boys Tennis |
Volleyball | X-Country Skiing | Baseball |
Football | Ski Jumping | Softball |
Boys Ice Hockey | Crew | |
Girls Ice Hockey |
Club Activities
Publications
Broadside
This school newspaper has become a forum for in-school political editorials as well as reporting Hanover High School events. Students from all grades may participate to make this publication meaningful for the school community.
The Hanover High School Yearbook
The Hanover High School Yearbook is directed by seniors under the supervision of a faculty advisor, significant contributions are made by student staff members from all classes.
Pen of Iron
The school literary magazine, The Pen of Iron, is a sounding board for students. In it, they can publish art, essays, poetry, and short stories. It is managed and produced by students with the help of a staff advisor.
Building Information
- Accessibility
- Maintenance
- Procedure for Requesting Use of the Building for a School Function
- Telephones
Accessibility
Maintenance
Maintenance
The school building is in excellent condition at the opening of school. The custodians alone cannot maintain the school in this condition and rely upon the help of each student and staff member in keeping the school clean. This involves putting litter and rubbish into rubbish bins, keeping artist’s talents in the Art Room and not in the bathrooms, and leaving classrooms ready for the next group. The appearance of our building and grounds is everybody’s responsibility.
Procedure for Requesting Use of the Building for a School Function
Procedure for Requesting Use of the Building for a School Function
To use a room or school facility during school hours, a student or teacher must clear a request through the Main Office receptionist. To use the building after school hours, a “Building Use Form” must be submitted to the Facilities Office so that the request can be cleared with the responsible parties. Because there may be competition for space, it is advisable to submit the request at least one week in advance, earlier if possible.
Telephones
School Visitors
School Visitors
All visitors must report directly to the Main Office. Visitors will sign in and receive a name tag to wear during their visit.
Parents and other interested adults are encouraged to visit in the schools during the school day. Because the Principal is responsible for all persons on school property, visitors are requested and urged to proceed first to the Main Office. The Principal may ask any visitor to identify themselves. The Principal may ask any person to leave the school grounds if they believe that person’s presence would disturb the educational process. They may call for outside assistance if necessary.
Visitors to the high school may be admitted if they have school business. Visitors are not welcome for strictly social purposes although occasionally an exception can be made with prior approval from the Principal or Associate Principal. Any student wishing to have a visitor attend classes with them must complete a Flamingo form, which they can obtain through the Associate Principal's office.
Academic Resources
Permanent Records
A permanent record for every student registered at Hanover High School is maintained in the school’s office. These records indicate the following:
- Legal name, birth date, place of birth, date of entry, date of withdrawal or graduation, and pertinent statistical information
- Final grades for the year
- Attendance for the year (PowerSchool Electronic File)
- Testing records
- School health record
These records are sent to the schools and colleges where a student applies. Employers, bankers and business organizations also request transcripts and personal recommendations. A student may see their file by making an appointment with a counselor.
Textbooks and Equipment
Textbooks and equipment are signed out to students. Students must initial a form confirming that they have received the specific materials. Students are held financially responsible for returning these materials in reasonable condition. Students will be billed for lost, stolen, or damaged materials. Students who have outstanding bills will have their portals locked and will not receive their diplomas until the bills are paid. If the book is found after the bill has been paid, then reimbursement will be made up to one year after the original payment.School Spaces
Resource Centers
Resource Centers
Resource Centers are areas in the school where students can go during their unscheduled time. Teachers are often available in the resource centers or in nearby classrooms or offices during their unscheduled time to meet with students.
Rules for student behavior in common areas:
Students sit only on the furniture- not the trashcans, windowsills, heaters, floors, or steps in the way that blocks passage. Book bags should not litter the floor. Students should not leave their book bags in the atrium or other common spaces while doing other things. A book bag left for a long period of time in the atrium or other common space should be brought to the main office.
Bill Cogswell Center for Mathematics (Math Resource Center - MRC)
The Bill Cogswell Center for Mathematics combines an office area with student work areas. The student work areas provide study carrels for silent individual work and test taking and tables for quiet group work. The resource area is staffed by the Math Educational Assistant and Math teachers; all are willing to help students with their questions.
English Resource Center (ERC)
The English Resource Center serves as the English Department Offices with tutorial help and some student conferences scheduled there. Specific course-related materials, places to use them, and adults to assist are found generally in the Media Center.
Science/World Language Resource Center
The resource center is a quiet but not silent study area staffed by an educational assistant. The resource center may be used for studying independently, working in small groups (four or fewer), or accessing science and world language materials. The educational assistant is available for helping students, monitoring tests, checking out books and materials for instructional projects, and assisting with copying machines.
Social Studies Resource Center (SSRC)
The Social Studies Resource Center will serve as the Social Studies Department Offices with tutorial help and some student conferences scheduled there. Specific course-related materials, places to use them, and adults to assist are generally found in the Media Center.
Common Areas
Counseling
The Counseling Office is an area where students can study, socialize quietly, and use numerous college, financial aid, private school, summer program and alternative learning reference materials.
Computer Labs
Computer labs are located in Rooms 272, the design lab, and the digital arts lab.
The Computer Lab is considered a quiet work area where individuals are required to respect the rights of others. Specific rules governing behavior will be displayed in the Computer Lab. Individuals are responsible for being aware of and obeying those rules. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the lab; habitual disregard for the rules may necessitate the loss of the privilege to use the resources of the Computer Lab. As always, students using any computing resources at Hanover High School must adhere to the guidelines described in the school's Acceptable Use Policy.
Room 272: The "upper lab" area contains Macintosh desktops, charging stations, and the Help Desk. The lab serves both individual users and classes and provides access to software to support instruction. Teachers are requested to schedule class time in the lab at least one week in advance. When classes are not scheduled, the lab is open to individual students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Design Tech Lab
The design tech lab is located in the basement and provides access to specific software used in technology and design courses. These computers are used in conjunction with scheduled courses and are available to students outside of class with teacher permission only.
Digital Arts Lab
The digital arts lab is located near the athletic entrance and provides access to specific software and printers used in art classes, including but not limited to InDesign and Photoshop. These computers are used in conjunction with scheduled courses and are available to students outside of class with teacher permission only.
Atrium
The Atrium is a singular and special place in the life of Hanover High School. It has evolved to become an informal space where the following can happen:
1. Socializing
2. Doing school work - especially group work
3. Thinking and reflecting
4. Club and group promotion and sale activities
5. Presentation & displays by outside groups & organizations
And in order for these things to happen well, some general expectations should be followed:
1. Watch the level of your noise - vocal and electronic
2. Be cheerful, social and pleasant
3. Clean up your table when you leave - even if it isn't your trash
4. Be an active citizen of the Atrium - keep it special
5. Remember - the Atrium is the first thing visitors to us see - make it good
Library
Hours:
7:30AM-3:30PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 7:30AM to 3:00PM Wednesdays
*Hours are subject to change based on staffing.
Purpose
The Hanover High School Library's primary purpose is to support and enhance the instructional program of the school. It serves as the focal point for all types of resources, print and electronic, in-house and online, and is the place where students can expect to receive help locating and using information. Students are encouraged to ask questions regarding their research, as well as their leisure reading needs, and to make suggestions for materials they would like the Library to purchase.
Student Expectations
The Library should be thought of as an environment where students are able to study, do research, and read. Students may use room 171 (the main area of the library) for group study and browsing whenever classes aren't scheduled into them. The level of noise should not exceed a normal conversational volume, and should not make it difficult for other students or the staff to do their work. While talking and studying in pairs or groups is permitted in Room 171 and the classroom area (172B), talking is not allowed in Room 172 (silent study). Silent Study is for silent, individual study and research when not in use by a class. The conference room (170B) is also available for silent study and/or small group work with permission from the library staff. The staff assumes that students will behave thoughtfully and responsibly while in the library. Any student whose behavior infringes on the rights of others to work in a quiet and purposeful environment may be asked to leave the library.
Media Center Resources
The resources available in the library are a necessary and integral part of the life of the Hanover High School community, therefore, everyone needs to be responsible for keeping the resources in good condition and easily available for use. Borrowers need to sign out what they use and return it, in good condition, at the specified time. Most library resources may be signed out on either an overnight or a monthly basis. Detailed circulation policies are on the library website. All resources should be returned promptly by the due date. Students are expected to be responsible for and thoughtful about the materials they use or borrow. When several sections of a course or several courses are given research assignments in the library, students are expected to act fairly and with respect for each other’s right to access needed materials and pursue their work at all times. The library staff may use several avenues to ensure that materials borrowed are returned, including loss of borrowing privileges until overdue materials are returned.
Confidentiality of Library User Records
The Hanover High School Library complies with the New Hampshire Library Records Confidentiality Law (HB 36) passed on July 21, 1989. “This act...protects the confidentiality of library user records. Library user records include library, information system, and archival records related to the circulation and use of library materials and services. These records are confidential and shall not be disclosed without the consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena or court order.”
Briefly, the law means that the Library staff cannot legally tell anyone what materials another patron has borrowed. Students or staff who wish to borrow materials signed out by another patron will not be told who has the material; a member of the library staff will attempt to obtain the needed material for the borrower.
Overdue notices
Overdue notices are emailed to students quarterly. The library does not charge fines for overdue materials, however, students will be billed for the replacement cost of the material at the end of each semester. Access to other library materials may be restricted until the bill is paid or the materials returned.
Other Libraries
Dartmouth Libraries
Baker Library is located across the green from Hopkins Center. Hanover High School junior and senior students are permitted use of library research facilities at Dartmouth College only after they have exhausted resources at the High School and Town Libraries and, through the high school, the State Library. To be permitted use of Dartmouth Libraries, a student must pick up an official permit from the High School Librarian. Students enrolled in Dartmouth College courses will receive their permits through the mail. Unless the student is enrolled in a Dartmouth Course, only one nonrenewable, two-week permit per student per year is allowed.
Howe Library
The Howe Library is located on East South Street in Hanover and is an attractive space for doing schoolwork and for reading. Students living in Hanover and Norwich are eligible for a library card at no cost. The school purchases cards for tuition students so that all students may use the library at no cost. To obtain a card, a student should go to the main desk at Howe.
Hanover High School will assist Howe Library with collecting fines from tuition students for overdue materials since use of the library has been arranged through the school. In these cases outstanding Howe Library bills will become a financial obligation to the school if Howe is unable to collect monies for overdue or lost materials.
Nick Beard Opinion Board
Nick Beard Opinion Board
Passed by The Council, Spring, 1992
Amended October 13, 2000
Purpose: To give teachers, students, parents and the community a place to share their opinions with the school community.
Location/Description: The opinion board will be placed centrally in the school.
Guidelines: The guidelines for the board will be as follows — (1) all opinions must be signed on the front of the submission and (2) all opinions must be in good taste (no profanity or personal attacks). Submissions must be of reasonable size to permit a variety of opinions to be displayed. These guidelines will be posted next to the opinion board.
Procedure: Anyone submitting an opinion may request that The Council place the issue discussed in the opinion on a future Council agenda. The opinions will be reviewed by the Guidelines Committee, a subcommittee of The Council. The Guidelines Committee will be composed of two students and one faculty member of The Council. Interested members may submit their names to the Moderator who will select the committee members. The committee’s responsibility will be to check that the submissions meet the two guidelines and to bring to The Council opinions (1) which the writer of the opinion has asked to have placed on The Council’s agenda and (2) which the Opinion Board Committee feels need The Council’s attention. Rejected submissions will be returned to the community member for resubmission. In the event of a controversy, the opinion will be submitted to J-Comm for a final ruling to ensure that the opinion is within the guidelines.
The opinions will be posted every Friday for a period of two weeks, and at the end of that time, if the person wishes to keep their opinion posted that person must resubmit it. An online opinion board, established by the HHS technology coordinator, exists in parallel with the hall board as a virtual representation. Opinions to be submitted to the online board must follow the guidelines identified above.
Health Services
Health Services
Student health services include traditional vision and hearing screening, first aid, injury assessment, dispensing prescription and over-the-counter medications, maintaining immunization records, and providing ongoing health counseling. High school students may carry over-the-counter medications kept in the original containers, but all prescription medications must be delivered in the original prescription container and kept locked in the Health Office to be dispensed by health personnel. A student who is sick and needs to go home should go to the health office to be evaluated by the nurse. A nurse will contact parents to make arrangements for the student to leave school. A student with a health concern is welcome to come to the health room with questions. As approved by Council and Administration in 2015, condoms are available free of charge in the Health Office.