School Policies

Students are expected to attend assemblies accompanied by the teacher to whom they are currently assigned. Any student not in attendance will be marked absent.

In order to increase the likelihood of academic success, it is expected that every student attend class, on time, every day. Parents and their student(s) are jointly responsible for ensuring the student’s regular attendance at school. See SLCSD Board Policy S-4 for more information.

Excused & Unexcused Absences: Absences must be excused (by a legal guardian) within one week of the student returning to school. Teachers must give students at least one week to make-up missed work upon the student’s return. Make-up work will not be entered into PowerSchool until the absence is excused. Absences not excused within one week, must have administrator approval to be cleared. It is the responsibility of the parent to excuse and monitor attendance in PowerSchool.

Extended Absences: Absences between 5 and 10 consecutive days are considered “Extended Absences” which require an approved ‘Extended Absence Form’ for absences to be excused. The student, parent, teachers, and counselor fill out the form; it then requires administrative approval (all prior to the absence). This form serves to notify the student of required homework and advanced notification of academic repercussions. Students missing more than ten days must have administrative approval or will be subject to withdrawal from Highland High. 

SLCSD Board 'Student Policy' S-4: Administrative Procedures Student Attendance and Exemption From School
Section VI. Truancy Notification and Peer Court Referral Process

A. In accordance with state law, a school administrator, his or her designee, or a truancy specialist (hereafter collectively referred to as “school administrator”) may issue a truancy notification to a student and the student’s parent for chronic unexcused absences.

B. A school/district administrator may impose administrative penalties on a school-age child who is:

1. in grade 7 or above, unless the child is less than 12 years old; and
2. truant.

C. The school administrator may issue a First Truancy Notification to students in grades 7 and above, who are at least 12 years old, and who have been truant at least five times during the school year.

1. Weekly attendance reviews through PowerSchool and PowerBI will identify students who have accumulated five unexcused absences.
2. The list should be reviewed to verify the accuracy of the information regarding student absences, and to determine whether a First Truancy Notification should be sent.
3. Student attendance will be monitored for students who receive a truancy notification and the school administrator will implement interventions as designated in the school plan.

D. The school administrator will issue a Second Truancy Notification to students who have 10 or more days of unexcused absences.

1. The school administrator will implement at least three interventions (see, section III.B.) as designated in the school plan.
2. School student services council meetings and peer court may be utilized if this intervention is deemed appropriate for the student and family.

E. The school administrator will issue a Third Truancy Notification to students who have 15 or more days of unexcused absences. This notification will be sent by certified mail or verification of personal delivery.

1. School administration will meet with parent and student to develop an attendance plan and monitor for 14 school days.

a. School administration will contact the district family school collaboration coordinator to review interventions and determine next steps if the final intervention was unsuccessful.

2. School administration and/or counselors will attempt at least one home visit prior to a court referral or a 10 day withdrawal.

3. If a student under the age of 18 continues to be absent after meeting with the school administrator, a court referral may be filed with assistance from the district family and school collaboration coordinator.

Class changes are allowed within the first two weeks of a semester. Changes are not guaranteed and based on availability. AP class changes require parent and administrator approval and will only be considered at the end of a quarter. Counseling Center - Highland High School (slcschools.org)

It is the position of Highland High School that destruction of property and/or vandalism shall not be tolerated. A student found guilty of property destruction may be immediately suspended from school pending a conference with parents and district officials. A fine may be imposed (or may be referred to police) for any student found guilty of vandalism to make full restitution for the damages.

Parents and their student(s) are jointly responsible to know and uphold the SLCSD Board Policy 'S-5 Student Dress Code'.

The use or possession of alcohol or drugs/illegal substances is prohibited on any school property by any person, in any building (owned or operated by the Board of Education), or at any activity sponsored by the school (whether or not it is held on Salt Lake City School District property). Policies of the Salt Lake City School District Board of Education will be followed at Highland High: 'S-3: Student Conduct and Discipline'. A criminal offense charge may also be filed, and police action may result.

Elevators are located near the center of the main building and in the west gym. Use is restricted to students with a physical disability, permanent or temporary, and will need parental permission to borrow an elevator key (from the Treasurer). A $50.00 fine will be levied for failure to return an elevator key.

Students who are in the halls without an authorized hall pass or office summons may be disciplined by school administration. 

• Students may only leave class with a hall pass.
• Students who are scheduled with Release Time, Work Release, or a Home Release period must leave the campus during that period. Non-compliance may result in discipline by administration or removal of the release period (class placement).
• Students are encouraged to eat lunch in the commons or in the courtyard, weather permitting. Hallways are not appropriate for eating lunch; classes are in session and should not be disrupted.
• After school students are allowed on campus only under the direct supervision of an adult. Students not under the direct supervision of an adult in the building will be asked to leave. 
• Students must not ride skateboards or similar items inside the school (halls, classrooms, etc.). Any item or object creating a disruption or causing damage is subject to confiscation.

Highland High is not responsible for the theft of personal items left unattended. Items must be kept with the student or secured in lockers during the school day (an alternative space will not be provided for these items). Any found items should be turned in to the Treasurer's office. 

Lockers are issued upon request through the Treasurer’s office. All lockers are the property of Highland High School and are assigned to students for their use and convenience. Students will be responsible for their assigned locker. Gym lockers are issued by Physical Education teachers or coaches. Lockers are subject to search by school officials at any time. Highland High is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Student’s may not share their locker or locker combination with another student.

Lunch accounts are to be maintained through My Payment Plus website: https://www.mypaymentsplus.com, not through the school Treasurer.

Questions? Please contact Highland’s Cafeteria/Child Nutrition Manager or the SLC School District Child Nutrition Department.
801.484.4343 ext.8103  |  Child Nutrition - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org)

An office summons form or “Pink Slip” is used when a student is called from class. Teachers will honor an office summons only if it has been signed by authorized personnel. Slips may be another color, depending on the office. False summons will be addressed by administration.

• Any electronic devices such as: portable stereos, speakers, headsets, cellular phones, handheld systems or related technology, shall not be allowed in classrooms unless given expressed permission from the teacher. A teacher or administrator may confiscate these items if used without permission. Speakers are not allowed to be used in hallways (unless approved and supervised by a teacher/administrator) at any time and may be confiscated if seen or heard. A parent/ guardian may be required to pick up any confiscated items from the Main Office.

To be announced...

Instances of cheating/plagiarism will be investigated by the teacher and administration, which may result in a failing grade on that assignment. Please refer to 'S-3: Student Conduct and Discipline'.

All visitors must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor’s tag. The principal, security personnel, or principal’s designee, has the authority to exclude from the school premises any person who may cause a disruption. Unauthorized visitors will be reported to administration and appropriate action will be taken, up to and including removal from school property. Unaccompanied students not-enrolled at Highland may be cited for trespassing during the school day.