Central High Student Handbook 

Students are expected to follow all classroom rules as determined by the classroom teacher, the Central High Student Handbook, as well as District policies. Central High School students will be respectful, responsible, and safe. Students will use respectful, appropriate language throughout the school day.

The Central High School Day

Central High’s School day begins at 8:30 AM - 2:40 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday's student schedule is 8:30 AM - 1:40PM.

Teachers are available to students and parents from 7:40-8:30 AM and 2:45-3:30 PM each day.

Academic and Behavioral Expectations

At Central High School, it is our goal to provide a safe, productive learning environment for our students. We strive to promote behavior and attendance that help students succeed, earn their high school diploma, and pursue coursework that will provide them with opportunities to earn college credit. The behavior and attendance policies explained in this document support these goals. We ask parents to join us in the support of these expectations by discussing these policies with their students at home.

We want the students to represent Central High School positively in the community and in our hallways. When we conduct ourselves in accordance with the expectations established in this handbook, all students know they can walk the halls, attend classes, and develop lifelong friendships with other students and staff, with pride and in a safe manner. 

Respectful Language: We expect each staff member and student to be treated with respect. The language we use toward each other needs to be respectful and dignified. Profanity and other derogatory language are unacceptable and will not be allowed. Students will be written up, and a restorative conference will be held with students and staff involved. 

Theft and Vandalism: Acts of vandalism, theft, and abuse of school buildings are prohibited. Students will be referred to the School Resource Officer for possible citations, and further school disciplinary action will result.

Cheating and Plagiarism: These acts will not be tolerated and, when identified, will result in a zero earned for the assignment, test, quiz, or any other work. 

Physical Contact: Physical contact, such as striking, pushing, or other inappropriate contact with another student or staff member, may result in suspension and police involvement.

Displays of Affection: Students will be permitted only to hold hands in the halls. All other forms of physical affection are considered inappropriate. Students observed participating in inappropriate displays of affection will be referred to the office. A conference may be held with the students involved. Written notification may also be sent to parents. Further repetition of inappropriate displays of affection shall result in a parent conference.

Bullying

The Sheboygan Area School District is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and secure learning environment for all students. Bullying and harassment disrupt learning and can negatively impact students socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Bullying is intentional behavior meant to intimidate, harm, or create fear. It can include physical, verbal, social, or cyber behaviors and may target actual or perceived personal characteristics. Bullying is prohibited in all schools, on school property, on buses, and at all school-sponsored activities. Bullying behaviors may result in additional disciplinary action, including referral to administration and, when appropriate, the School Resource Officer.

Students should report concerns to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or another trusted adult at school. Students may also ask an adult for help if they are unsure whether something is bullying or are concerned about another student’s well-being. 

Smoking/Vaping/Illegal Drugs

Smoking is prohibited on school grounds. Any form of suspected illegal drug use, including alcohol, may involve a search, citation, suspension, and possible removal from Central High School. E-cigarettes, vaping, nicotine pouches, or similar devices are not allowed on school grounds.

What does "Class Ready" look like?

1. When the bell rings for class, students should be in their seats and be ready for instruction. 

2. Cellphones and electronic devices should be unavailable according to school policy. 

3. Earbuds and headphones should be put away (not on head/neck or in/over ears). 

Restorative Practices

Central High School uses Restorative Practices to build positive relationships and strengthen our school community. Staff use strategies such as restorative questions, community circles, and conferences to help students resolve conflicts, repair harm, and understand how their actions affect others. While disciplinary consequences may still apply, Restorative Practices focus on accountability, communication, and relationship building. 

Cell Phone/ Other Electronic Devices

Students at Central High are not permitted to have their cell phones and other personal electronic devices during instructional time. Students are required to check in their cell phones at the beginning of each class period and may retrieve them from the designated cell phone caddy at the end of class. Other electronic devices should be put away. This includes headphones, earbuds, tablets, smartwatches, and any other personal devices. 

Personal electronic devices may be used before/after school, during passing periods, and lunch. 

If parents or guardians need to get in contact with their child, please contact the school’s office at 920-459-3520.

Central High School staff and students are expected to follow a policy related to "wireless communication devices" that brings the school in compliance with Wisconsin Act 42

Tablets and Laptops

Personal tablets and laptops may not be used as substitutes for a school-issued Chromebook. These devices will be treated as personal electronic devices. 

Each student will be issued a Classroom Chromebook that they are responsible for. Students may use wired headphones that plug into the Chromebook to listen to music when permitted by the teacher.

Progressive Discipline for Policy Violation

Offense 1: 

Confiscation of the personal electronic device by the classroom staff. If the student refuses to give their device to the classroom staff, the student will be sent to the Main Office for administrative confiscation to return to class. 

Offense 2: 

The student will be sent to the Main Office for administrative confiscation of the electronic device in order to return to class and for a problem-solving or formal conference with the student and staff. 

Offense 3 and Beyond:

Confiscation of the personal electronic device upon arrival to school, a problem-solving or formal conference with a parent or guardian, and an extended loss of electronic device privileges as determined by administration, such as checking in your phone to the office every day. 

Serious Noncompliance

Noncompliance with the policy that results in disrespectful, defiant, or disruptive behavior interfering with the instructional environment may lead to additional disciplinary action. This may include out-of-school suspension and referral.

Attendance Policies

Attendance is essential to students' overall success, likelihood of graduation, and participation in our early college and career pathways opportunities. We ask that all parents/guardians assist in ensuring their student(s) attend school daily. Should a student need to miss school due to illness or another excusable reason, a parent or legal guardian must call the Attendance Office at 920-459-6746 within 24 hours.Students may be excused for an absence up to 10 times during a school year, at which point a doctor note may be required to excuse the student. Students missing 3 consecutive days are required to bring a doctor excuse.Per Wisconsin state law, A student will be considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of 10 days of unexcused absences per school year (§118.153).

A habitual truant may face the following consequences:

• Mandatory parent meeting
• Referral to Social Services
• Truancy citations for parents and/ or students
• Night School

Lunch

Open campus lunch is a privilege that allows students to leave school grounds during the lunch period. This privilege may be revoked at the discretion of the administration. Students may eat outside the school building and at the surrounding restaurants and must dispose of all trash in proper trash bins. Students should represent the school in a positive manner while out in the community. 

Dress Code

Central High School respects students’ rights to express themselves in the way they dress. All students attending Central High School are also expected to respect the school community by dressing appropriately for an educational environment. 

1. Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other controlled substances. 
2. Tops must have straps or sleeves that fully cover undergarments. Clothing must provide appropriate coverage of the chest, back, and midsection at all times. 
3. Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the waist, fully fastened, covering undergarments and buttocks at all times.
4. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building. 
5. No blankets allowed in classes or halls unless part of a student’s approved school programming, IEP, or 504 plan. 
6. Face coverings, including ski masks and bandanas, may not be worn in a way that obscures identity or significantly alters appearance. Medical masks are allowed. 

The administration at Central High School reserves the right to determine what constitutes appropriate dress. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines will not be allowed to return to class until their clothing is deemed appropriate by Central administration. Parents/Guardians will be contacted if a student fails to meet the standard of the Dress Code.

Student Support and Resources

Please use the Central High website to view current staff, emails, and phone numbers at: https://central.sheboygan.k12.wi.us/about/administration-office-staff

If you have any questions about the behavior or attendance policies at Central High School, please contact principal Josh Kestell at 920-459-6745.