Student Handbook

Academic excellence is the standard at Wichita High School East. Students are expected to arrive to each class on time, work diligently with each teacher, comply with classroom and school rules of conduct, and complete all classroom assignments.

Wichita High School East's policy on Academic Integrity reflects the values of the District’s mission statement, and the belief that students should be held accountable for their actions. The faculty and staff of East High assume that students are honest until their actions demonstrate intent to deceive or misrepresent themselves or others. Violations of classroom standards include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating on formal examinations or classroom assignments.
• Plagiarism, i.e.: purposely attributing the work of another to oneself.
• Misrepresentation of the type, amount, or person completing class work or projects where grades for credit are given, or intentionally misleading faculty or staff in their efforts to reach correct conclusions.
• Falsification, forgery, or alteration of any document or data base pertaining to academic, attendance, or other school records.

Students who violate standards of integrity are subject to disciplinary action deemed appropriate for the infraction by classroom instructors and/or administration.

One of the major high school initiatives in USD259 is student advocacy. At East High, advocacy time is called Ace Time and is scheduled every Wednesday. Students are assigned to a teacher who will monitor academic progress, review transcripts, provide activities to increase student awareness, promote student involvement, and encourage students to challenge themselves. Ace Time also allows students to receive college and career information and review assessment information.

The administrators are responsible for the well-being of the students whose last names begin with the letters noted, or in the IB or AVID programs. Attendance and discipline questions should be directed to the appropriate administrator.

Please see the Office Contacts page for a list of administrators and their contact information.

Physical Examination and Online Registration: All USD 259 student-athletes are required to complete the online registration process through Rank One Sport before participating in conditioning or practice for a sport. Registration can be completed using a computer or mobile device. After a medical provider completes the current KSHSAA physical form, verify all student/parent/legal guardian signatures, and upload the form pages to your account. The physical exam must be completed annually by a medical provider on or after May 1 to be good for summer activities and the August-May school year (e.g., physical completed on May 1, 2024, or after, is valid for participation June 2024-May 2025). Online Registration and approval must be complete before a student may participate in any athletic practice/conditioning/camp. 

Eligibility: To participate in KSHSAA sponsored activities a student must have passed 5 classes of unit weight the previous semester and must currently be enrolled in and attending 5 classes of unit weight. A student will become ineligible if their class schedule drops below 5 classes. A student must also be in good standing and meet the requirements of the transfer rule (if applicable).

Competition: Activities on the interscholastic level are a part of the total educational program at Wichita High School East. East High is a member of the Greater Wichita Athletic League (GWAL) and a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).

Please call the Attendance Office clerk at (316) 973-7207 any time your student will not be in school. 

If leaving a voice mail, please give the following information:

• Name of the parent or guardian calling
• Student's name and grade (plus ID# if possible)
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence; please be specific

East High School Policy: There is a direct correlation between regular attendance and academic achievement. It is expected that each student will attend all classes every day. Doctor and dental appointments, job interviews, etc., should be scheduled outside the school day or on days that school is not in session.

In accordance with Board Policy 1460, the parent must notify the attendance clerk at (316) 973-7207 or in person when a student is absent. Notification should be made prior to the absence and must be made no later than 72 hours after the date of the absence. Failure to notify the school will result in the absence being recorded as unexcused. Request to be absent forms can be picked up at respective administrator’s office or from the attendance clerk.

BOE Policy 1460: “Regular school attendance is required of all pupils enrolled in elementary and secondary schools under Kansas compulsory attendance statutes (KSA 72-1113). The Kansas Compulsory School Attendance Law makes parents responsible for requiring a child under their control or charge who is between seven (7) and under eighteen (18) years of age attend school on a continuous basis.” Parents must assume primary responsibility for assuring that pupils who have reached the age of 7 years and under the age of 18 years comply with this requirement unless exempted by statute. 

Please note: A student accumulating more than 96 hours of medical/illness absences, will require a doctor’s note in order to be excused per BOE policy.

BOE Policy 1461: “In compliance with requirements of the Kansas Compulsory School Attendance Law, reports shall be filed with appropriate authorities when a child is not enrolled in a public school or non-public school or when a child is enrolled in school and is inexcusably absent - TRUANT.”

3,5,7 Rule: When a student is inexcusably absent for a substantial part of a school day on either three (3) consecutive school days, or five (5) school days in any semester or seven (7) school days in any school year, whichever of the aforementioned occurs first. Student’s attendance pattern must meet this rule before he/she can be reported to the Office of DCF or to the Office of the District Attorney.

When a student is truant, parents/guardians and student can expect:

1. Notification of non-attendance is given by the ParentLink automatic telephone system.
2. Referral to internal support (school administrator, counselor, social worker, school resource officers).
3. Efforts made to reconnect student/family to school.
4. Written notification of non-attendance given to parent/guardian.
5. Referral to the appropriate state agency if attendance does not improve.

Missed Assignments: It is the responsibility of the student to complete assignments which are missed when absent from a class. The teacher shall make reasonable efforts to encourage and assist the student in the completion of missed assignments.        

The AVID system at East High School is designed to help students become successful scholars. The goal of AVID is to ensure that students develop the necessary skills and work habits that lead to college and career readiness in our global society. The AVID classroom will meet the needs of students through (1) rigorous modes of instruction; (2) high intensity experiences involving immediate feedback, and attention from the teacher and tutors; and (3) a variety of activities and resources. The AVID curriculum builds heavily on the WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading) methodology to improve student success in all subjects.

Students are expected to behave in a manner that is appropriate for high school age individuals and complies with all BOE policies. These behaviors would include attending classes, working on all tasks assigned by teachers, and complying with all reasonable requests made by school staff members. The right to attend a Wichita Public School carries with it the obligation to maintain acceptable behavior. We will not tolerate any person or persons threatening or intimidating students or staff.

Battery or Assault of Staff Member:

BOE Policy 1462: Any pupil who is found to have committed battery (as defined in AIP #1) upon any school district staff member at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.

Any pupil who is found to have committed an assault (as defined in AIP #2) upon any school district staff member at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.

Bullying:

BOE Policy 1464: Pupil Behavior – Regulations Administrative Implemental Procedures, No. 2. USD 259 will not tolerate any type of bullying (physical, cyber, relational aggression) of a pupil by another pupil, employee, or others. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action against any pupil or employee involved.

Bullying is:

• Purposeful behavior that intends to cause harm or distress.
• Is usually repeated over time.
• Occurs in a relationship where there is an imbalance of power.
• Cyber bullying sent via cell phone include harmful text or images using internet or digital media sources to send or post information.

Drugs or Alcohol - Possesion or Use:

BOE Policy 1465: Any student who intends to or is selling, manufacturing or trafficking (as defined in AIP #1) alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, inhalants and/or other controlled or uncontrolled substances, such as, but not limited to, over the counter medications or unauthorized prescription drugs, or any student who possesses such substances in an amount that exceeds the reasonable personal need of the average user of the substance possessed (as determined in accordance with AIP #2), at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the Wichita Public Schools for 186 school days. For information about the request for school assignments pending a final decision of an extended suspension/expulsion, please see BOE P1472 – Pupil Makeup Work.

Any student who possesses, uses, or appears to be affected by or whose conduct appears to be altered by alcoholic beverages, drugs (except as medically prescribed) and/or other controlled substances, such as, but not limited to, unauthorized prescription drugs, or possesses drug paraphernalia at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Weapons - Possession or Use:

BOE Policy 1466: Any pupil who is found to have brought or to have been in possession of a weapon, as defined in KSA 72-89a01, including any firearm or replica firearm at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.

Any pupil who is found to have brought or to have been in possession of any article (as defined in AIP 1c) at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.

Any pupil who uses any article (as defined in AIP 1d) to inflict bodily harm or to place a person(s) in fear of bodily harm at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district for 186 school days.

Student involvement in gang activity could result in a 186-day expulsion from USD 259. 

Emergency Safety Interventions:

BOE Policy 5116: The use of physical restraint may be used as a last resort when any student presents an immediate danger to self or others or, in certain instances, is engaged in the violent destruction of property. Emergency Safety Interventions, or ESI, must be performed in accordance with K.A.R. 91-42-1 and 91-42-2.    

Every effort will be made to prevent the need for the use of restraint, which should only be employed where less invasive alternatives are infeasible. Restraint is never to be used as punishment or discipline, as a means of coercion or retaliation, or as a convenience.

Building hours for students are 7:40 am – 3:30 pm.

All students must be off campus by 3:30 pm unless they are participants in supervised East High extra-curricular activities.

Students attending evening activities (games, dances, etc.) should be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the activity has ended. Any student not picked up by this time will not be allowed to attend future activities that season.

The library is open before school, during lunch, and after school. All students who are not scheduled with a class must have a pass to use the library during class periods. Students should have schoolwork to complete during class periods. No passes will be accepted from study hall unless the student has made prior arrangements with library staff.

Cell Phone and Electronic Devices:

BOE Policy 1464:  Pupil Behavior – Regulations Administrative Implemental Procedures, No. 14: High Schools: While in the school building, students may use Personal Electronic Devices during class time for instructional purposes as approved by each teacher, before and after school, during passing periods, and at lunch. At all other times, these devices may not be used unless permission is granted by a teacher or administrator.

Computer Use Policies:

Parents and students are required to read BOE Policy 1232 regarding student use of computers and the Internet at East High School. Failure to abide by the student acceptable use and internet safety guidelines could result in the loss of normal computer access at the discretion of administration. Depending on the nature of the offense, other actions – including legal – may be taken against a student.

Note: Circumventing the district Internet filter (see "Inappropriate Use" – section 4m and 4q) by using proxy sites is a violation of Board policy and disciplinary action will result.

See our Activities page for more information.

The district uses the ParentVUE online portal to give parents to access information about their student's attendance, assignments, and grades. Students are also able to access this information through StudentVUE. ParentVUE also allows parents to quickly and easily update their family contact information, which is vital in order to maintain strong home-to-school connections. 

Parents and students are encouraged to check ParentVUE/StudentVUE on a weekly basis.

East High electronic communication is a vital part of a positive home school connection. Listed below are electronic and voice communication networks that will alert and connect students, parents, and staff.

ParentLink: ParentLink is a communication system via email, text, and voice messaging that contacts parents regarding special school events and activities, and when a student is recorded absent from school or a class, as well as in emergency situations (weather related, cancellations, safety situations, etc.). 

Principal’s Week-at-a-Glance Newsletter: Each Sunday at 4 pm, parents and students will receive an electronic newsletter from the principal. A link to the newsletter will be provided via email, text, and social media. The newsletter includes information on upcoming events as well as special information on school-related topics.

ParentVUE contact information must be up to date to receive all district and school communications. 

Offices will NOT accept flowers, candy, or similar deliveries for students.

Any staff member who deems a student’s clothing to be in violation of the dress code will send the student to an administrator. 

• Student IDs, on a lanyard, around the neck, are required at all times.
• All tops and shirts must cover the entire torso in a modest manner. This means tops must meet the beltline and the material over the shoulders must be of a solid material.
• Footwear is to be worn at all times.
• Clothing with obscene or disruptive pictures or language is not allowed.
• Any attire deemed to be gang-related is prohibited. Any clothing displaying the bandana paisley pattern is not allowed.

Administration reserves the right to make the final decision on appropriate dress in accordance to BOE Policy 1464 A.I.P.12.

All students are required to be in attendance during finals and take a final exam in all enrolled courses both 1^st and 2^nd semester. No early final exams will be allowed.

Illness or Injury:

Parents should notify the school nurse if there are any health conditions that may require medical attention, such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.

Students who are ill should request a pass from their teacher and report to the nurse. Students must have a pass to go to the nurse’s office.

In case of serious illness, a student may be dismissed from school after a parent or guardian has been contacted by the nurse and transportation has been arranged.

All dismissals of students who are ill are made by the nurse. Parents are asked not to take a sick student from school without following the appropriate procedures. All students must check out through the Attendance Office.  A student who fails to follow these procedures will be considered truant from class and/or school.

If a student knows that they will be absent from school for a prolonged period of time for a medical reason, it is the student's responsibility to notify the nurse, counselor, or the attendance clerk. A student returning to school after a prolonged absence is to present a doctor's note stating that the student may return to school. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all assignments missed during an absence.

Immunizations:

State Law requires a complete set of immunizations for admission to school. Parents were notified in the summer of 2024 if their student needed immunizations. Verification of the immunization update may be mailed to the nurse during the summer, faxed to the nurse at (316) 973-7299, or brought with the student during enrollment. Any updates must have a doctor signature, health department stamp, or hospital official’s signature/stamp. Any questions can be directed to the nurse’s office at (316) 973-7176.

Medication:

By board policy, medication is administered at school only upon written request from both the parent and a licensed physician or dentist. This includes both prescription and over the counter medication. The medication must be brought to school in the correctly labeled container. Please see the nurse for questions, or to obtain the “Authorization for Medication/Procedure” paperwork. Any questions can be directed to the school nurse at (316) 973-7176.

Students are expected to wear their student IDs on their East High lanyard around their neck at all times. IDs should be unaltered with the student’s name and face visible on the ID card.

If you lose your Student ID or come to school without it, you must purchase a new one in the Main Entrance Office, O100. $3 per ID and $3 per lanyard. You will be obligated each time.

Or students can go home and will receive an unexcused absence.

The IB experience is internationally recognized as one of the most rigorous college-preparatory curricula available, with over 5,400 IB world schools around the globe. East High IB students complete the pre-IB courses as underclassmen and move forward in junior and senior years with either the IB full diploma program or course/certificate track. Students complete courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, and optional courses in Fine Arts. Full diploma candidates also complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay, participate in community service projects, and complete a Theory of Knowledge course. Students following either the IB diploma or course/certificate track may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.

Any student wishing to apply for admission to the International Baccalaureate Program should contact Emily Tanner at (316) 973-7017 or refer to the IB Program website. 

Student lockers are the property of the school district and may be periodically inspected for cleanliness or storage of illegal items. A student's rights will be protected if a locker search is initiated by a law enforcement official. Students should keep their lockers clean and should not leave money or valuable items in school lockers. Students should not share lockers unless assigned by security. All duplicate books will be removed and returned to the department chairperson. Contact security personnel regarding problems with lockers.

All items should be taken to the security office on the first floor across from the Hangar entrance. Call (316) 973-7278 or check with the personnel in the security office, C105, when an article is lost.

East High School does not provide insurance for personal items that may be stolen or lost. It is suggested that parents contact their homeowner's insurance agent to inquire about coverage.

Students may be assigned lunch detention by an administrator for disciplinary reasons. Lunch detentions are 30 minutes and held in Room G106. Any student who does not serve on day assigned is subject to in-school suspension.

Student obligations are due at the end of each semester. All obligations not paid at the end of the school year may be turned over to a collection agency.

The Big Do Open House is an East High tradition and takes place each year in September. Check the school calendar for the date and plan to join us to meet the teachers. East High clubs will also have food, merchandise, and activities available for purchase.

Parent Teacher Conferences are a great way to stay involved in your student's education. Parents have the opportunity to discuss their student's progress, review assignments, learn about future projects, and to strengthen the connection between home and school. 

Parent Teacher Conferences are held twice a year in October and February. 

• All vehicles must be registered with security.
• Purchase $10 parking decal in Main Entrance Office, M100.
• The parking decal sticker must be displayed in the lower driver’s side back window. This sticker is not transferable to any other vehicle and is required for East High parking privileges.
• Vehicles must be parked with the nose of their vehicle into the parking stall. You cannot back into a parking stall.
• Students who do not follow the regulations will be ticketed. A $10 fine will be assessed for each violation. Students who do not follow these rules may have their parking privileges revoked.
• Vehicles without stickers are required to park off campus.
• YELLOW lines – open to all students.
• ORANGE lines – Seniors only.
• WHITE lines – Staff only.
• Speeding and reckless driving could result in the loss of parking lot privileges and a $50 fine.
• Vehicle Searches: Vehicles parked on school property are subject to searches within the limits of the law at the discretion of administration. This can include the use of law enforcement canine units.
• Boot: Students parking illegally are subject to having a “boot” placed on their tire. The boot will be removed between 3:30–3:45 pm the day it was applied. Operating the vehicle with the boot may cause damage to the vehicle.

Grades will be posted every two weeks. Parents are encouraged to use ParentVUE and students are encouraged to use StudentVUE to access grades and attendance information.

Mid-Term Progress Reports are available each 9 weeks and may be accessed through ParentVUE.

Official Report Cards will be available at the end of each semester grading period through ParentVUE.

Fire, Tornado, and Emergency Drills will be conducted in accordance with state law throughout the school year.

All students are required to pass through the Opengate Metal Detectors when entering the building.

Laptops can be placed on the table or lifted up over the scanners.

The follwing doors are available to enter the building, beginning at 7:40 am. Only the Main Entrance and B-Building remain open past 8:00 am.

• Main Entrance #1 
• Circle Drive #37 
• Stoop Entrance #35 
• West Entrance #31 
• B-Building (Students who leave or return from B-Building will be rescanned each time they enter)

During the spring of each year, the master schedule is determined by student needs and enrollment course selections. Student and teacher schedules are established for the entire school year. The schedule change procedure is designed to assure that students will start all their classes on the first day of the semester, increasing their chances for success. (Course selection during enrollment is extremely important.)

Schedule change requests may occur for the following reasons:

• Schedule is missing class periods.
• Duplication of course.
• Requesting a Pass Card – SENIORS ONLY.
• Replace a study hall with an actual class.
• Missing a required class for graduation.

Schedule change requests are NOT made for the following reasons:

•  Request withdrawal from Advanced Placement Course(s).
•  Preference for a different teacher, period, or semester.
•  Preference to be with a family member or friend.
•  Change of mind about taking a course.
•  Student or Parent request.

Per BOE Policy 1227, schedule change requests are to be discouraged except for valid educational reasons.

Lunch fees can depend on family income. Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application annually to qualify for free lunch and adjustments to school fees. 

The district uses LINQ Connect to pay for meals.

East High follows a one-lunch schedule. This schedule allows all students to participate in activities during a common time period. Staff and students are encouraged to conduct club activities, tutoring sessions, and make-up work during this time. Board of Education policy mandates that freshmen and sophomores remain on campus. Any policy violation will be met with disciplinary consequences. Juniors and seniors may leave campus during lunch.

Lunch is served daily in the cafeteria. The menu includes a variety of hot and cold entrees. Special offerings daily include a large variety of fruits and vegetables on the choices bar, and other fresh options. Lunch and breakfast carts are available in the building.

Though the lines may seem long, most students are served within 20 minutes. Students should not cut in line nor allow others to cut. Your ID is your lunch card, so have it available when getting a meal. Students can only get meals with their own ID.

BOE Policy 1116/1119: USD 259 will not tolerate sexual harassment of a pupil by another pupil, employee, or others. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action against any pupil or employee involved, including possible expulsion of the pupil and termination of the employee. Others who violate this policy shall be reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and may be prohibited from being on school property and/or attending school activities. Administrators who fail to follow the policy or fail to investigate complaints shall also be disciplined.

Sexual Harassment is:

• Unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior that interferes with your right to get an education or to participate in school activities.
• Words or conduct of a sexual nature that offend, stigmatize, demean, frighten, or threaten you because of your sex.
• Uncomfortable, embarrassing or threatening.
• A situation that happens once or many times.

Harassment is:

• Verbal or physical behavior that puts another person down or shows hostility towards another person or group of persons based on their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability.
• Creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment.
• Behavior that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s educational performance or opportunities.

All signs and posters must be approved with a signature and date in the lower right-hand corner by a sponsor and/or administrator. Signs and posters may be removed one month from the date posted. Signs and posters are only allowed to be posted on blue strips in the hallways.

Getting to class on time is a very important component of a quality education.

Students who are late to class not only miss out on important beginning of the class instruction, but they also interrupt the learning of other students. It is important that classes are free from interruption and that students be available for organized class activities as soon as the bell rings. A tardy is defined as any student not in the classroom when the bell rings. 

Students have a 7 minute passing period and are expected to take care of personal needs during this time. No passes are issued the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of each class (first 15 minutes of 1st Hour); passes for the remainder of class are at the teachers’ discretion. Misuse of passes will result in student being placed on No-Fly List.

Tardy/Not in Class:

• Students arriving late to any class will be Swept to the Hangar and then escorted to class.
• Students found in the hall/restroom/neighborhood will be Swept to the Hangar and then escorted to class.
• Students who are hall swept multiple times in one school day will be escorted to their administrative office where parent contact will be made, the policy reviewed, and consequences assigned.
• If students are late to the same class period excessively, parent contact will be made, the policy reviewed, and consequences assigned.

Textbooks and other instructional materials are the property of the Wichita Public Schools. They are provided for the use of students who are enrolled in district schools with the expectation they will be returned in the condition they were issued less reasonable wear and tear. Students who lose or damage instructional materials will be charged the replacement cost of the lost or damaged item(s). Each student shall return all textbooks issued to the student at the time they withdraw from the school, at the end of first semester for all classes that do not continue, or at the end of the school year. Students shall write their names inside in the appropriate place and properly use and care for the textbooks.

Each student, or their parent/guardian, shall be responsible for textbooks not returned or damaged by the student. Any student failing to return textbooks or pay for lost or damaged items may have holds placed on diplomas or transcripts, and may be excluded from graduation ceremonies, extracurricular activities and sports, and special events. All fines must be paid by no later than the last instructional day of the school year. All fines not paid at the end of the school year may be turned over to a collection agency. The costs of books and materials are available in the district’s Textbook Manager System.

Students must live 2.5 miles or more from their assigned school to qualify for transportation to that school. Students who miss their bus will be expected to arrange their own transportation. Students on buses arriving after 8:15 am should report to the Main Entrance Office.

Riding the bus is a privilege. Every student riding the bus has this privilege as long as they follow the rules and regulations set forth by the State and the local Board of Education. The privilege to ride the bus may be suspended or revoked if the rules and regulations are not followed.

The district does offer the FirstView app that helps families track their student's school bus. Families will need a security code from the school office to use the app.

After school is dismissed on Wednesdays, students have the opportunity to attend tutoring from 2:30-3:10 pm in the Commons and from 2:30-6:30 pm in the Hangar.

All in-season athletes are expected to attend tutoring in the Hangar on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:10 pm.

For questions regarding tutoring, contact Ms. Gonzales.

Vending machines are to be used at your own risk. The East High offices cannot give change or refunds. NO EXCEPTIONS.

All concerns are to be directed to Wichita Vending at (316) 524-2254.

All visitors to East High, including parents, must enter through the Main Entrance, Door #1, located on the south side of the school near the gym and check in through the visitor management system, HallPass. Visitors will receive a visitor’s badge that must be worn at all times.

The safety of students, staff, and parents is the Wichita Public Schools' greatest priority during the threat of dangerous conditions.

Emergency plans are in place should tornadoes, lightning, hail, or other weather conditions present a safety concern. 

If schools are to be closed or activities canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions, the information will be posted on the Wichita Public Schools' website main page, displayed on all school websites, and sent out via ParentLink and social media.