A note from the Assistant Principals

September 8, 2023

Hello!

We hope that this letter finds you well and enjoying the start to this school year. In this letter we want to share some of the frequently asked questions and issues that arise for students. Our hope is that by better understanding the handbook rules that there will be less confusion, fewer interventions needed, and an overall smoother high school experience. 

You can always refer to the handbook via this link.

Academic Integrity

HHS has a robust academic integrity policy to ensure that our school maintains a high level of fair and honest learning. 

What happens if I violate the policy?

If you violate the AIP, the teacher will inform you and the Associate Principal of the suspected violation. 

What is the consequence for violating the AIP?

This depends on if there have been previous infractions. There are baseline consequences as well as additional consequences for more serious infractions. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in Restorative Practice.

What is Restorative Practice?

This program is meant to help students take responsibility for their actions and to help students make amends with those they have harmed by their actions. Participation is voluntary and invitation is determined by the Associate Principal. 

Acceptable Use Policy

Hanover High School is a 1:1 school. This means that all students are given a school owned chromebook to use during the school year. All 9th graders are required to use school issued Chromebooks only. We allow other students to use their own devices (laptops, tablets, phones) for academic purposes in school, but use of technology in the classroom is at the discretion of the teacher. SAU70 and HHS mandate that all students and families read and sign the acceptable use policy which outlines what you can and cannot do on the school network and on school devices. The link to the policy is here: https://www.hanoverhigh.org/hhshandbook/student-policies/acceptable-use-policy

What happens if I tamper with a school owned device, such as a chromebook?

Tampering with a school device can lead to fees for fixing or replacing the device and can also lead to restriction of use on the school’s network.

Can I look at non-school related things when I am at school?

The answer is yes, but with guidelines. You should not be looking at non-school related things such as social media or non-class related websites during instructional time. As well, you cannot be using the school network to look at pornography or using bandwidth to stream movies or play games. These infractions can lead to loss of computer use at school or surrender of your chromebook. This includes improper use of the school network on personal devices as well. 

Do the same rules apply if I am using my own device and not a chromebook?

Yes. When you are logged onto the school network, no matter what device you are using, the school can see where you are browsing and what you are doing. We will speak to you directly if we notice any risky internet behavior. 

 

Advisory

Advisory is a mandatory part of the Hanover High School social emotional learning curriculum. As such, consistent attendance is expected. Advisory is considered a class and attendance is recorded. 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.

When are advisory and advisory lunch?

Advisory meets weekly on Thursdays from 12:00 to 12:35. Advisory lunch meets weekly on Monday from 11:10 to 11:50. 

What happens if I skip advisory?

The consequence for skipping advisory circle or lunch is the same as skipping a class. 

Can I get a Goldenrod for advisory lunch or advisory?

No. The school will not give goldenrods for advisory lunch or circle. We encourage you to plan accordingly for appointments. If you have an extenuating circumstance please connect with the administrator for your grade. 

 

Attendance

Attendance at HHS is important for all students regardless of participation in extracurricular activities.  Your participation in classes is part of your responsibility to yourself, but also to your classmates and your teachers. 

Can I participate in sports or extracurricular activities if I miss part of a day?

You cannot participate if you have missed part of a day of school. The only exception is when you have given prior notification of an absence (goldenrod) to the Main Office or a doctor’s note.

How do I know if I am eligible for extracurricular activities?

All students have the ability to check their attendance status through the student portal on Powerschool. We encourage you to enable notifications for attendance so that if an issue arises during the day you can address it before your after school event starts. 

How do I resolve an attendance discrepancy?

First, you should go see the teacher of the class where the discrepancy occurred. Then you and the teacher can correct any discrepancy with the Main Office. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this; not the Main Office staff. 

What happens if I miss multiple days?

Absences happen, but if you miss multiple days or half days that are not excused it becomes truancy. These absences could result in removal from the classes you have missed without credit. 

Are there consequences for being tardy to class?

Yes there are. Multiple tardies can lead to consequences such as schedule-up, detention during activity period or after school, and even suspension. Make sure you are on time to class!

 

Behavioral Expectations

The staff at Hanover High School expect that students will treat the staff, students, school and community with respect. We all have the responsibility to be good citizens of our school. Our school will not tolerate behavior that disrupts instruction or the positive atmosphere of the school. Verbal and physical harm is unacceptable, and there are consequences for not following these rules. Please see the following section of the handbook for more details:

 

Open Campus

Hanover High School allows 10th-12th graders to go off campus during periods of unscheduled time. 9th graders will be able to go off campus starting semester two with parent permission. 

How do I know if I’m eligible for open campus?

You must be passing all of your current classes and have parental permission, which is given through Infosnap. 

Can I lose open campus privileges?

Yes. You can lose open campus privileges as part of a consequence of missing class, failing classes or behavioral violations. As well, your parent/guardian has the ability to suspend your open campus privileges at any time. 

Do school rules apply during open campus?

Yes. You are subject to all school rules during your open campus time. 

 

Parking at Hanover High School

There is limited student parking behind the high school. 

How do I get a student parking space?

Parking spaces are given based on hardship applications first, then a lottery of seniors who apply.

What if I park behind the school without a permit or in a non student space?

If you park behind the school without a permit or in a non-student parking space there is a $40 ticket. Additional tickets may be given for repeat offenses and when appropriate, your car will be towed. Money from tickets goes into a driver’s ed scholarship fund. 
 

Personal Appearance at HHS

Hanover High School’s dress code aims to allow students to dress comfortably, in a way that allows them to express themselves. With that said, clothing choices must not disrupt instruction or the safety of students and staff in the building. 

What are the big “nos” for clothing?

Clothing that has vulgar symbols, graphics, or language are not allowed at school, nor is clothing promoting the use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. Your clothing cannot show exposed undergarments and your clothing cannot obscure or hide your face, unless it is for religious purposes. 

What if I believe my clothing choice is acceptable and a staff member does not?

If you disagree with a staff member who believes that you are in violation of the dress code you may set up a meeting with the associate principals to discuss your clothing choices. 

 

Study Flex and Office Hours

Study flex and office hours take place on Monday and Thursdays from 2:20-3:00. 

Who has Study Flex?

9th graders have Study Flex on both days. 10th graders have Study Flex on one of the two days. 11th and 12th graders do not have assigned Study Flex.

What are Office Hours?

Teachers are available to meet during these times to help all students and to meet with students who may have missed class or need to catch up. 

Am I required to attend Office Hours?

If you are requested to attend by a teacher then you must attend. Failure to attend Office Hours when requested will result in a cut and there will be resulting disciplinary action.

 

Associate Principals
Liz Murray
David Olson
 

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School News and Information
 

COVID Protocols for 2023-24 

With all staff and students back in the building we once again heighten our awareness of upcoming infectious diseases. The CDC declared the COVID 19 pandemic “Over” last spring. However they did not change the COVID policy recommendations when a person contracts the illness or is in close contact with someone who contracts it. 

So we in our district will again be following the current CDC COVID recommendations below:

When you have COVID-19, isolation is counted in days, as follows:

If you had no symptoms

• Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
• Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
• If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, the clock restarts at day 0 on the day of symptom onset

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home. 

You are likely most infectious during the first 5 days. Return to work or school on day 6 only IF your symptoms are lessening. Wear a mask through day 10.

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
• Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.

We are going to look into the ability to obtain COVID tests from the state. We will notify all families if we are able to pass them out. We realize that this can be a very real health equity problem and are working on this.

Please let the health office know if you have questions or concerns.

HHS Nurses

KIm Robertson, Lynn McRae, Candace Nattie

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World Language News

Starting next Thursday, there will be twenty Spanish students and three of their teachers visiting the HHS community.  They will be hosted by HHS families for about two and half weeks before they return to Alhaurín de la Torre just outside of Málaga.  It is the restart of the long-standing Mano a Mano Spanish exchange and we encourage everyone to mingle with them while they are here.  ¡Gracias! 

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Upcoming Counseling Department Dates & Events

We have a few events coming up for our ninth grade and senior families. In addition, we welcome individual and family meetings at any time. Please reach out to your school counselor to schedule! Not sure who your counselor is? Contact our Administrative Assistant, Beverly Balch, and she will help. Beverly can be reached at: counselingsecretary@hanovernorwichschools.org or (603) 643-3431, ext. 2136.

 

• 9th Grade Parent Night: Tuesday, September 12 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Please join us in the Hanover High auditorium to hear a panel of upperclass students discuss what it is like to be a 9th grader at HHS and answer audience questions. Optional tours of the building from 5:00-5:30. 
• In-class Senior College Application Workshop: Wednesday, September 13
  • School counselors will review college application procedures with seniors. Topics covered include completing the FERPA waiver, creating Common App profiles, and adding colleges to applying” in SCOIR. Here is the overview of the College Application Process for the class of 2024. 
• Senior Family College Application Night: Wednesday, September 27 6-7 PM on Zoom
  • School counselors will review the college application process. Topics include: student, caregiver, and counselor roles, the components of the college application, navigating the SCOIR and CommonApp platforms, and important dates and deadlines.  
    • Here is the overview of the College Application Process for the class of 2024.
• Last day to drop a semester 1 or yearlong course: Wednesday, September 27
• School Day PSAT (no school for 9th, 10th, and 12 graders): Wednesday, October 11 
  • All juniors have been signed up for the PSAT. If your junior will not be taking the test, please stop by Counseling to let us know or email  Beverly Balch, Counseling secretary at counselingsecretary@hanovernorwichschools.org. Here is an overview of the new digital PSAT and here is the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide, published by the College Board.
  • Sophomores may sign up to take the PSAT to be held on Wednesday, October 11. There are a finite number of tests available for sophomores, and sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis. If your sophomore would like to take the PSAT, they should come see Beverly Balch in the Counseling Office next week, between Monday, September 11 and Friday, September 15 to sign up.

Events & Opportunities

• This NH EMT Training Incentive Program offers a reimbursement grant that will pay eligible students to become an EMT. Students who complete the program and become certified are eligible for 8 college credits and 20% off tuition at UNH CPS or 10% off at SNHU. 
• Join Cindy Pierce at NESA for a FREE evening of discussion on social courage. Open to high school students and health educators. Thursday, September 21 at 6:45 PM. Pizza will be served! Register here.

Upcoming College Visits - Check SCOIR for times

• Monday 9/11
• Appalachian State (Virtual)
• Tuesday 9/12
• Kenyon College
• Syracuse University
• Muhlenberg College
• Wednesday 9/13
• Merrimack College
• United States Air Force Academy
• Keene State College
• Thursday 9/14
• Yale University
• University of Southern California
• Friday 9/15
• Washington University in St Louis
• Maine College of Art & Design

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From the School Psychologist:

 

Mental Health Matters!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

A "crisis" doesn't have to rise to the level of a life-threatening event to reach out for help.

Call or text the New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point at 833-710-6477 or

Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or

Chat online with a crisis clinician at NH988.com.

Free & Available 24/7

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Parents of 9th graders

Please join us on Tuesday, September 12 from 530-630pm in the HHS Auditorium for 9th Grade Parent Night. You will hear a panel of upperclass students discuss what it is like to be a 9th grader at HHS. Please come with questions! Optional building tour available at 5pm.