On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, welcome to Auburn High School!  We hope that everyone has had a relaxing and enjoyable summer, and are now returning to school refreshed and ready to face new challenges.  AHS is proud to be fully accredited again this year based on our students’ performance on SOL tests!  When you return, you will notice just a few new things for the 2009-10 school year.  Our band and choir rooms have received all new flooring, and all remaining carpet in classrooms has been replaced with tile.  Our art students have completed all of their mosaics around the school, making our halls look beautiful!  The installation of additional security cameras throughout the school will help to keep our schools safe.  We also welcome several new staff members to AHS, and we are looking forward to providing our juniors and seniors with the opportunity to earn college credits by taking dual enrolled courses through our new The College Zone program.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with useful information about AHS and the operation of our school.  Students and their parents/guardians should take time to read this handbook together.  Understanding our policies and procedures will help us to keep our school running smoothly.  You will see just a few changes in some of the policies and practices contained in this year’s handbook. 

Throughout the 08-09 school year, students worked to implement the newly restructured student government.  The new structure provided more effective student representation and involvement in matters of decision-making and student life at AHS.  We were pleased with the progress made last year, and we plan to continue the effort with just a few minor adjustments.   We also plan to continue our Anti-Bullying campaign, developed by Auburn High School’s Bullying Prevention Committee and first implemented in the 07-08 school year.  A growing number of AHS students continue to take a stand against bullying and receive training in intervention strategies!  

Along with many of the rules in this handbook, we have included our rationale for having them.  We hope this helps everyone to better understand what we believe are sound reasons for the rules that are in place at AHS.  You will also notice a number of privileges for students.  I trust that our students will continue to demonstrate their maturity and independence by using their freedom and responsibility wisely.

As a faculty, we believe that rules do not inherently jeopardize the positive environment and “culture” at our school.  The manner in which rules are enforced is what makes the difference.  We promise to apply common sense, reasonableness, and the “spirit of the rule” in the application of all rules and policies.  The faculty and administration are also committed to balancing fairness, equity, and consistency while allowing for individual circumstances in the enforcement of consequences for violations of rules/policies. We are fortunate to have a small school where we enjoy a strong sense of community and a close relationship between faculty and students.  We rely on this relationship when we must address students regarding misconduct and violations of rules, and strive to do so in a mutually respectful and positive manner. 

Students and their parents/guardians are always welcomed to discuss concerns, questions, suggestions, and their ideas with me.  I hope that everyone will take advantage of this sincere offer so that we can make our school comfortable for everyone.  As this school year progresses, we hope to provide more opportunities for students and their parents/guardians to become actively involved in the decision-making process and developing the vision for our school.  I look forward to working with those of you who are interested in continually improving our school.

At AHS, we enjoy a safe environment, a dedicated teaching and support staff, a strong school spirit, and pride in our sports teams.  Parents/Guardians have every reason to be very proud of the polite, mature, and respectful manner in which their children conduct themselves at school as well as their accomplishments.  “Eagle Pride” is truly pervasive in all that goes on at our school.  I am proud to be associated with the AHS staff and students as well as the Riner community.
   
A new school year provides each of us with the opportunity to have a fresh start.  I trust you will resolve to help to maintain Auburn High as the very best school.  The entire faculty and staff are available assist you in whatever way we can.  Please do not hesitate to call on us whenever you need help.

We are excited to begin another school year at AHS and hope that everyone has a great year!