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Central Information and Programs

We continue our commitment to our founding documents based on the Coalition of Essential Schools Ten Common Principles by perpetually examining and re-examining the student experience. A SAU39 Strategic Plan, research based and inspired by next generation thinking, is being developed to further guide our work. 

By honoring our fundamental beliefs, while continually investing in innovative thought and design, Souhegan High School is uniquely positioned to offer an authentic student learning experience. 

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Inclusion and Heterogeneity

Souhegan is a school of inclusion. It is our belief that all students can learn, and that as much as possible, all students should be given the opportunity to challenge themselves academically across the school’s curriculum. Mixed ability grouping exists in most classroom settings. Students with individual learning challenges are supported in meeting high standards and are given adequate time and resources to achieve those standards.

Community Council

 

NH Scholars Initiative Pathways

NH Scholar (Core Distinction)

NH Scholar w/STEM Emphasis (Minimum 3.2 GPA)

NH Scholar w/Arts Emphasis (Minimum 3.2 GPA)

 

NH Scholars (Core Distinction)

English - 4 years

Mathematics - 4 years, must include Core Math 3 or beyond

Science - 3 years of Labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or alternative

Social Studies – 3.5 years

Languages - 2 years in same language

 

NH Scholars w/STEM Emphasis

English - 4 years

Mathematics - 4 years, must include Core Math 3 or beyond

Science – 4 years, including 3 years of Labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or alt.

Social Studies – 3.5 years

World Languages - 2 years in same language

STEM – 1 year Technology, Engineering, Computers, Advanced Manufacturing, etc.

Minimum 3.2 GPA
 

NH Scholars w/Arts Emphasis

English - 4 years

Mathematics - 4 years, must include Core Math 3 or beyond 

Science - 3 years of Labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or alternative.

Social Studies – 3.5 years

World Languages - 2 years in same language

Arts - 2 years chosen from Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, etc.

Minimum 3.2 GPA

New Hampshire Scholars Program

Community Council is the governing body of the school. Community Council consists of 50 members including students, teachers, support staff, administrators, school board members, and community members. Student representatives hold the majority of seats. The Council guides the school’s practices in a manner consistent with our guiding documents and the Souhegan Constitution. Community Council provides students an authentic opportunity to be a primary voice in their school. 

 

We maintain a strong discipline-based structure while also emphasizing the connections among those disciplines. We require students to master a core curriculum in math, science, English, social studies, the arts, technology, health, and wellness while also engaging in work that integrates disciplines. Teams and paired classes promote interdisciplinary collaboration by teachers. Most humanities classes are taught in an interdisciplinary setting. 

Disciplines and Interdisciplinary Studies

Drop/Add Procedure for Courses

 

Careful thought and planning go into developing an appropriate schedule with each student. Changing a schedule is not a simple process. Students considering a course change need to take the following steps in order to drop and/or add:

 

  1. The student speaks with the teacher and explains the reasons for wanting to drop the class.

  2. If, after speaking with the teacher, the student still wants to drop a course, she must make an appointment with a counselor to discuss the implications of dropping the course. 

  3. If the student and counselor decide that a change should occur, the student receives a Drop/Add form. The student collects the signatures of the parent, teacher, counselor, and advisor. In Division I, students dropping an elective course will choose an alternative elective. Juniors must maintain a minimum of 6.5 credits and seniors a minimum of 5.5 credits

  4. Once all parties have signed the Drop/Add form, it is returned to the counselor for a final signature and processing.  The counselor will make the change in the student’s schedule. A copy of the completed form will be given to teachers of both the added and dropped courses. Only then, may a student stop going to the dropped class and attend the added one.

  5. There is a designated drop/add deadline for both yearlong and semester courses. The drop/add period is the first five school days of each semester for a semester course, and the first ten school days of the first semester for a year-long course.

Students who drop a semester course beyond the add/drop deadline will receive a WNC in the course. Students who drop a full year course beyond the deadline, but before December 15 will receive a WD for the course. Grades for any term completed will remain on the transcript. Students withdrawing after December 15 will receive a WNC for the course, which will factor into a student's GPA as an NC. Students who drop or withdraw from courses do not receive credit. 

Seniors who wish to make changes to their schedule after they have applied to college should consult with that college prior to the changes to determine how it may impact their acceptance eligibility.  It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the college admissions requirements. 

Transfer Students

 

Transfer students are expected to present transcripts of previous high school grades at time of entry. Following is a list of how grades from previous schools will be combined with future grades from Souhegan.

 

  1. The name of the previous school and years attended will appear on the Souhegan transcript.

  2. Whenever possible previous course names and grades will be maintained.

  3. Weighted grades will be “unweighted” in order to ensure consistent calculation of all students’ grade point averages.  Grades will be weighted for AP and dual enrollment courses beginning with the class of 2023.

  4. Unweighted grades from all high school courses will be used to determine G.P.A.

  5. In cases where numerical equivalents of prior letter grades are different from those at Souhegan, prior letter grades will be maintained.

  6. Although Souhegan High School does not utilize grades of D+, D, D-, and F, prior grades will be translated into G.P.A. according to designated numerical equivalents.

Sports/Eligibility

Students must pass four courses (not including advisory) during the previous reporting period in order to compete as a member of an athletic team or other activity where students perform or compete for the school.  Summer school grades are not used in determining athletic eligibility for fall season sports.

Early Graduation

 

Students are encouraged to spend four years completing their high school education, choosing from the rich array of courses available. Meeting requirements in less time is possible, but not recommended in most cases. In some special circumstances, it is appropriate for a student to graduate early. We will work closely with these students to meet their needs. An appointment with a counselor is the first step for students exploring this option. The deadline for students considering early graduation to meet with a counselor is no later than 10 days prior to the start of the student’s junior year. In all such cases, final approval of the principal and completion of all Souhegan graduation requirements are required.

Off-Campus Privileges

 

Off-campus privileges are extended to all junior and senior students who have a signed parental form on file in the attendance office and have maintained good behavior as defined by the Souhegan Six.  Students must maintain scores of 2.0 or higher in all classes on their previous progress report to maintain off-campus privileges.  Seniors need to be current on their Senior Project checkpoints.

 

Junior and senior students who do not meet the above criteria may petition for privileges through the Dean of Students office at the time of progress reports. The school retains the right to revoke off-campus privileges or parking privileges for students who incur specific disciplinary infractions including the substance abuse policy. A campus monitor will help ensure consistent policy enforcement

 

Students in grades 9 & 10 (Division 1) are organized in teams for four periods of each day. Teams in grade 9 include English, social studies, science and math. In grade 10, teams include English, social studies, science and wellness. Learning Specialists and counselors are part of the teams in Division 1. Students are assigned heterogeneously to teams. 

 

Students in grade 9 and 10 are required to carry a full schedule of classes (7.5 credits including team classes and advisory). During off team time students in grade 9 take a class that introduces them to experiences in the arts. Students in grade 9 also participate in a wellness class. Students in grade 10 take a class in health and a class in wellness. During off team time students in grade 10 take math. Most students take three years of a world language. Additional elective courses are available in a variety of subjects. 

 
Students are encouraged to complete at least 20 hours of Community Service (service learning) by the end of grade 10 in order to prepare for the 40 hours graduation requirement. Also, the Division 1 experience culminates in a public exhibition of learning. 

Division I

 

The Division 2 experience offers students in grades 11 and 12 opportunities in college and career readiness. All students in Division 2 complete the Post Graduate Plan, Junior Research Project and Senior Project as part of their graduation requirements. Students may elect to expand their concentration in a number of academic areas such as science, technology, business, the arts, English or social studies, and world languages. 

 

Additional challenging programs are offered as part of the Advanced Placement Program and dual enrollment courses. Students may elect to take advantage of several extended learning opportunities such as, the work study program, independent studies, on-line offerings, and the career and technical programs at the Applied Technology Centers.  

 

Juniors register for a minimum of 6.5 credits, including six full credits and advisory. Juniors experience a transition from the Division I structure of teams to the world studies and world literature seminars. Seniors register for a minimum of 5.5 credits, including five full credits plus advisory. 

Division II

 

Students at Souhegan High School follow a modified and rotating block schedule. A double block class meets for one hundred minutes; a single block class meets for forty-eight minutes. Students in Division I are scheduled on team for four periods each day. Team teachers structure team time allowing extended blocks for some classes.  SAU 39 is currently examining the schedule structure for 20-21. Adjustments may be made to best fit the needs of our students for the coming academic year.  

Modified Block Schedule

Attendance Policy

 

All students need to participate actively in Souhegan’s curriculum. There is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement. Academic time with classmates and teachers is vital for learning. Sporadic attendance compromises achievement. All students are expected to arrive at school on time, by 7:20 for a 7:25 first period class, and attend all classes and activities. Families are strongly advised to plan vacations so that students do not miss school. Class time lost due to vacations can affect a student’s academic standing.

 

A meeting between the Dean of Students, parent/guardian, and student may be required when a student has been absent for seven or more days in one marking period. Steps that need to be taken to maintain good standing in the class will be discussed. If no meeting is held, a grade of ANC (administrative no credit) may be assigned for each class missed.

 

A parent must call the Attendance Office (press ‘1’ after dialing 673-9940) by 9:00 AM to report each day of a student’s absence. The Attendance Secretary will call the homes of all students whose parents do not notify the school.

Unexcused Absence (Truancy)

 

Unexcused Absences (truancies) are absences not sanctioned by the school. Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence from class or school. The school sanctions class absences and/or early dismissals for the following reasons: illness, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, medical and dental appointments, death in the immediate family, observation/celebration of a religious holiday, such good cause as may be acceptable to the Principal or permitted by law.

 

Any student more than fifteen minutes late for class will be considered absent from that class. An absence that has not been excused for any of the reasons listed above will be considered an unexcused absence. Ten half-days of unexcused absence during a school year constitutes habitual truancy. 

 

A half-day absence is defined as a student missing more than two hours and up to three and one-half hours of instructional time. Any absence of more than three and one-half hours of instructional time shall be considered a full-day absence.

Consequences for Unexcused Absence

(In a given class in a given marking period)

First Cut: Parents/guardians, counselor, and advisor will be notified and student will make up the class with the teacher (before or after school.) The student will be notified that five cuts in this class will result in a grade of ANC (administrative no credit) for the marking period. 

 

Second Cut:. Students will need to arrange to make up missed work within the teacher’s available office hours. Parents/guardians, counselor, and advisor will be notified and the student will serve two After School Programs (ASPs). ASPs run from 2:30-3:15 daily. The student will be notified that an additional cut in this class will result in a grade of ANC (administrative no credit) for the marking period.

 

Third Cut: Parents/guardians, counselor, and advisor will be notified and the student will be assigned one day of in-school suspension through the Dean’s office. The student will be informed that a grade of ANC (administrative no credit) for the marking period will be given (by the office). 

 

Fourth/+ Cuts: The student will serve one day of in-school suspension assigned through the Dean’s office. Parents/guardians, counselor, and advisor will be notified. Continued absences will result in additional consequences determined by the Dean of Students.


Appeal Process: A student may appeal an ANC in writing to the Dean of Students up to two weeks (10 class days) after the end of the marking period. If the student does not appeal the ANC or the appeal is denied the grade will be changed to a No Credit.

Extended Learning provides the opportunity for students to acquire skills and knowledge outside of the traditional classroom setting. Souhegan High School allows extended learning opportunities as a means of meeting the diverse learning needs of students with varied interests, talents and developmental needs. ELOs require a Souhegan High School faculty member as a cooperating teacher, and often involve a community partner. Any costs related to, and transportation to and from, an Extended Learning Opportunity are the responsibility of the student/family.  

How To Request an ELO

  1. Schedule a meeting with your school counselor to discuss possible ELO.

  2. Complete the ELO Request Form  https://tinyurl.com/ELO-Request-Form

  3. Once complete, you will be contacted via email to set up a meeting with the  ELO Coordinator

  4. You will then need to meet with the ELO Coordinator to review your ELO Request Form in order to determine IF and  HOW your ELO can be completed. Getting your ELO request approved can take some time, so plan as far in advance of when you want to start your ELO as possible!

  5. The student and ELO coordinator will identify appropriate cooperating teacher and/or community partner.

  6. Once the student’s eligibility is determined, and initial request approved, the ELO Coordinator will assist the student in preparing the ELO Design, using the ELO Design Template and other necessary paperwork. The ELO Design must be submitted for approval at least ten (10) school days prior to when the ELO is proposed to begin. Waivers to the ten (10) school day submission requirement may be granted at the ELO Coordinator’s discretion, provided all other criteria are satisfied.

  7. The ELO Coordinator will review the ELO Design with the committee or designee and a decision for approval will be made. If additional information is needed, it must be submitted within one week of receipt of the request. If approval is not granted, please refer to the ELO policy for appeals process.

  8. Once the ELO Committee has approved the ELO Design, the student must obtain parental/guardian approval using the ELO Agreement Form. In addition, approval may also be needed from leadership, student services, other certified educators, and/or community partners as necessary. If a community partner is involved, the Community Partner Agreement Form will need to be completed.

  9. If the student is approved for an off-campus ELO, the student and parent/guardian must sign an Off-Campus ELO Permission Form.

  10. All ELO Forms can be found on the links above, or may be obtained from a counselor or the ELO coordinator.

Guidelines for Approval of an ELO = online or college course

  • Courses taken outside of Souhegan High School at accredited, credit granting institutions (online, college or correspondence courses, for example) follow a separate process for approval by first meeting with their school counselor.

  • Courses that are required for graduation must be taken at Souhegan High School. If scheduling does not permit this, a student may submit a request to take a required course through an accredited program, online course and/or college course. Students need to meet with their counselor and complete a Request for Credit application. An administrator, consulting with the counselor, will determine if the request can be approved.

  • Students taking an ELO as part of their course schedule must adhere to the drop/add and withdrawal procedures.  

  • Students must provide documentation of their completed course to their counselor before credit can be awarded.

  • As with other ELOs, students will be responsible for any cost associated with a course outside of Souhegan.

Independent Study Variable Credit, Grades 10-12

Students who have a special interest not offered as a formal course may work with a cooperating teacher and ELO coordinator to design a course based on their needs and interests. Such studies must meet the equivalent of a course in terms of expectations and rigor. Independent studies are assessed on a Pass/NC basis, and the credit awarded varies depending on the scope of the competencies for the course.

Student Internship Variable Credit, Grades 10-12  

Students gain real world experience in a work environment under the supervision of a community partner. The ELO coordinator can aid students in finding a suitable internship site. Students must complete workplace hours, and demonstrate mastery of key skills and competencies outlined in the ELO Design. Credit is determined by the scope of the competencies mastered during the internship, including a reflection, presentation and often a research component.  

Project Based Learning Variable Credit, Grades 10-12

Project based learning allows students to complete an inquiry driven project tailored to an area of specific interest. Project based learning ELOs will include a cooperating teacher and a community partner that will aid the student in a mentorship capacity. To earn credit for a project-based learning ELO, students must achieve mastery of the competencies specific to their ELO design plan, which would include a reflection, research, product, and presentation component.

Online Variable Credit, Grades 9-12

The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School offers online courses, tuition free, to any student residing in NH. The Academy’s goal is to use the latest internet technology to provide our state’s high school students with anytime, anywhere internet access to a rigorous, personalized education. Souhegan students are expected to seek offerings at VLACS over other online high school course programs. See below regarding the approval process for online coursework. Check www.vlacs.org for more information about their offerings.  Students pursuing online courses should recognize that VLACS is an independent high school and has their own procedures, policies, and grading practices separate from Souhegan.  Students who enroll in VLACS (or other online courses) as part of their course of study, will follow the Souhegan withdrawal policies.

  1. Research the online course, syllabus and requirements

  2. Meet with your counselor  

  3. Fill out a online credit approval form, signed by a parent or guardian

  4. Submit the form for approval.

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Non-Discrimination Policies

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The Souhegan School District shall not discriminate in any of its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, and physical or mental disability. Further, it shall affirm equal opportunity in all of its educational programs, activities, and employment practices.

The policy is in compliance with the provisions of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, The Civil rights Restoration Act of 1991, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. Any person having inquiries concerning the Souhegan Cooperative School District’s compliance with the regulations which implement these laws may contact the District’s Gender/Title IX Coordinator, English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator, or the Superintendent of Schools, 1 School Street, Amherst, NH 03031, (603) 673-2690.

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs)

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