2024-25 Family Handbook

Direct Dial Numbers

FOR DAYTIME USE 

• Main Office - (563) 332-7001

• Activities Office - (563) 332-4516

• Attendance Office - (563) 332-7000

• Student Services - (563) 332-7005

Fax Numbers

• Main Office/Activities - (563) 332-8761

• Student Services/Registrar/Nurse - (563) 332-2326

Voicemail may be accessed via the switchboard after 4 pm by dialing (563) 332-7001 followed by the extension number you wish to reach.  A complete directory of extensions is available through the voicemail system.

Student Services

All Bettendorf High School Students have an assigned counselor.  Students are assigned by the first letter of their last name as follows: 

Counselor - Last Name by Alpha
Amy Harksen  - A - Da
Jerad Hoaglin  - Db - Hi
Emily Smith - Hj - Mc
Shelby Schalk - Md - Sc
Loralee Cole - Sd - Z

Mrs. Shelley Hilton-Cullum - Social Worker
Career Center - Mrs. Haleigh Hoyt, Career Readiness Coach

Building Hours

BHS is open from 7:30 am – 4 pm.  Students must be under the direct supervision of staff before and after the school day (7:30 – 8:10 am & 3:25 – 4 pm) or remain in the Commons.  BHS Staff and Administration are not responsible for student supervision before and after school. BHS doors will be open at 7:50 am for students to enter on a daily basis. 

Appearance/Dress Code 

To create a safe and productive learning environment, students must follow a dress code that demonstrates physical cleanliness and school-appropriate attire and appearance. Students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students who need assistance with appearance/clothing should go to the Student Services Office.

Some articles of clothing that are acceptable outside the school setting may not be considered appropriate for the school day, and as a result, should not be worn to school. Students are expected to wear clothing which is suitable for learning and promotes respectable student-teacher relationships, as well as student-student relationships. The responsibility for the dress and grooming of a student rests primarily with the student and his or her parents or guardians, although the school administration maintains the right to determine the appropriateness or suitability of any student attire. Additionally:

• Attire or grooming depicting or advocating violence, criminal activity, gang-related activity, use of alcohol or drugs, vaping, pornography, or hate speech are prohibited.

• Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and shoes. Clothing must cover the chest and torso and lower extremities. Shorts with a minimal inseam and unreasonably short skirts are not acceptable. Shirts must cover the abdomen, cleavage, the majority of shoulders and back (spaghetti strap, tube tops, etc. are not allowed)  during normal classroom activities.   

• Clothing may not be see-through and must cover undergarments.

• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, and other activities in which unique hazards or specialized attire or safety gear is required.

• Hats and other head coverings are not permitted except as a practice of religious beliefs or medical necessity.

• Apparel designed for outdoor wear (coats, sunglasses, etc.) shall remain in student lockers during the school day.

• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon are prohibited (examples: mace, pepper spray, utility knives, pocket knives, lighter, etc. 

• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups is prohibited.

A student who violates these standards shall first be asked to resolve the infraction. Should the violation continue, students will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Coats

Clothing designed for outdoor seasonal wear must be stored in lockers during school hours. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, bulky coats, parka coats, letterman coats, blankets and light jackets designed for outdoor wear. Students are encouraged to wear sweatshirts, fleece material, and puffy vests if needed during the school hours.

Public Display of Affection

Positive relationships between students are encouraged through verbal communication. However, students shall refrain from all Public Displays of Affection (PDA) while on campus or while attending and/or participating in a school-related activity. PDA includes any physical contact that may make others in close proximity uncomfortable or serves as a distraction for themselves as well as the learning environment. Display of Affection—or PDA—includes physical contact including, but not limited to, cuddling, and kissing at school or a school-sponsored activity between two students typically in a relationship.

Cafeteria Expectations

Lunch is a time for socializing and relaxing.  Students are expected to follow all school policies during lunch. All students are expected to clean their table, discard any waste in trash cans, and respect all adult supervisors. Any student not meeting these responsibilities will be considered insubordinate and may be assigned to restricted seating in the cafeteria for a designated period of time. Continued violations may result in the students' loss of cafeteria privileges and their assignment to the in-school suspension room during lunchtime.

Cell Phones/Personal Electronic Devices  

The use of cell phones/personal electronic devices during the curricular day is a privilege, not a right. The district wants to ensure that cell phones or other personal electronic devices (i.e smartwatches, earbuds) do not interfere with classroom instruction or cause problems for students or staff while on district property. Staff and students will teach, review and discuss why this is critical supporting students to transition into the learning environment. Students may use cell phones/personal electronic devices at BHS under set guidelines. To prevent classroom distractions and preserve academic integrity, cell phones/personal electronic devices will not be seen on person or heard during class time (this includes hallways/bathrooms) unless directed by the classroom teacher. Cell phones/personal electronic devices will be stored in backpacks or in the pouches which are available in each classroom upon arrival.  If a student has the cell phone/personal electronic device out during the school day they will be asked to put it away. We want to ensure students develop strong skills to follow through with instructions and rules. A student who refuses to put the device away or turn it over to the office will be considered insubordinate and receive an office discipline referral for technology violation with appropriate consequences.

• Bettendorf High School is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or other electronic   devices.  Students choosing to bring cell phones/personal electronic devices to campus are permitted to use during lunch and designated passing times only.  The telephone in the Main Office is available for student use before school, after school, and in between classes.

• The use of non-district owned recording devices on school property and at school events shall be regulated. Students, parents and community members will not be permitted to take recordings of other students or employees during school hours unless the recording is authorized in advance by building administration. Due to the privacy of students, Tik toks  and other media formats should not be created during school hours unless authorized by a staff member for school use.  Students and employees found to violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures consistent with board policy and applicable student and employee handbooks. This policy will not be construed or enforced in a way that infringes on employee activity otherwise protected by law. See Board Policy 804.6 - Use of Recording Devices on School Property for additional information. 

• Cell phones with cameras and other portable handheld technology devices capable of storing and/or transmitting and/or receiving images are banned from use for any purpose in locker rooms and restrooms at ALL times. Students may be disciplined for any use of handheld technology devices in school locker rooms or restrooms. At no time are students or visitors authorized to video capture, photograph, or audio record others in the school building, on school property (to include school vehicles), or at school activities (unless prior approval has been given to the audience to record a public performance, such as a game, honor assembly, concert, contest, etc.), without the consent of a teacher, coach, or school administrator.  

• Cell phones may not be used to conduct any activities which violate state and/or federal law, Board policy (Acceptable Use Policy, Academic Policy, Unlawful Harassment Policy, and Bullying Policy) or school rules and can result in a search of cell phone by security and/or school personnel.

• Inappropriate or illegal use of a device or a prohibited item will cause the item to be taken away from the student and returned at a later date determined by the administrator.  Students found in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline and, in cases where a law may be violated, law enforcement may be contacted.

We teach, prompt in bell ringers and remind students of cell phone expectations to support transitioning into the learning environment for the day. Consequences for violation of this policy include, but are not limited to:

• 1st Offense: All students are expected to follow school technology procedures and policies. Students who are found with cell phones or personal devices will be prompted by staff to put away in an effort to make responsible decisions and follow school expectations. The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.

• 2nd Offense: Staff will remind students of the options to put the phone away or have it confiscated by the classroom teacher.  The phone will be returned at the end of the class period the day the phone was taken.  The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.  

• 3rd Offense: Staff will remind students of the options to put the phone away or have it forfeited to the main office/or set location. The main office will follow holding cell phone/personal devices procedures and the student will have to arrange for a parent/guardian to pick up the item at the end of day. The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.

• 4th Offense: Students will be reminded of the school process and forfeit the device to the main office/or set location.  A guardian will be called to pick up the device from the main office and have a conference with the student and staff.  The violation will be documented with a minor or major office discipline referral using a range of responses.

The use of cell phones or other electronic communication devices for harassment, cheating, plagiarism or other inappropriate purposes may result in suspension from school, loss of academic credit, and the loss of cell phone use privileges on campus for the remainder of the school year.  The mere presence of a cell phone during an exam/quiz is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of testing protocol.  Electronics used in this manner may result in the student(s) receiving an F grade and students may lose credit for the course in addition to a suspension from school. Cheating of any kind may result in a suspension from school sponsored events, including fine arts & athletic events.  The length of suspension will be determined by the administration.

Dance/Guests at Dances

The Bettendorf High School Student Council sponsors two formal dances, Homecoming and Prom, which guests are allowed to attend. The Student Council also sponsors numerous informal events for current Bettendorf High School students only. All school regulations are applicable to any dance or other school sponsored activity. Photo identification is required for admission to all dances. No junior high or middle school students are permitted to attend any high school dances.

Formal Dance Policies (Homecoming and Prom)

• Only individuals twenty years of age or younger are permitted to attend.

• Students in the ninth grade are prohibited from attending the Prom or After Prom Event (APE) activities.

• When a student from another school is invited to attend a Bettendorf High School formal dance, the BHS student issuing the invitation is required to follow dance policies.

  • These policies include a BHS dance permission form signed by the principal from the visiting student's school indicating the student is in good standing with his/her school.

  • If the invited guest is not currently attending school, the Bettendorf High School student inviting the guest must obtain a permission form in the Activities Office and return the form to the Activities Office at least three days prior to the dance. Photo identification for the guest is required when the permission form is returned and must be displayed for entry to the dance.

  • A Bettendorf High School student may invite only one guest to each formal dance.

• Students who leave the building or facility after the dance has started will not be readmitted to the dance.

• Party buses will not be permitted on any property in which a BHS event is being hosted.  Students who travel to/from a school sponsored event on a “party bus” will not be admitted to the event.

• Students are required to follow BHS school policies at school sponsored dances.

• Students must be in good standing in order to attend BHS dances or seek administrative approval.

Deliveries for Students

In an effort to maintain an educational climate and ensure the safety of students and staff, BHS does not deliver food, flowers, packages, or gifts of any kind to students for individual special occasions. Parents and friends are encouraged to celebrate student accomplishments and special events through the home address of the student.  Food deliveries from food chains will not be accepted.

Food and Beverages

Building cleanliness is an important component of a learning environment. For the safety of ALL students and staff due to food related allergies or needs we ask that all food and beverages be consumed in the cafeteria and commons.

Identification - Physical and Digital ID cards

A major facet of building security is the ability of staff to easily identify students and others walking the halls.  To create this awareness, all staff are required to wear a photo identification badge. Each student will be issued a physical ID and a digital ID (Minga) which they must be prepared to display when requested. Replacement cards and lanyards may be requested through the Green Room for a replacement fee.

The identification card will provide students with:

• Computer access.

• The ability to check out library materials.

• The ability to purchase food through the school lunch program.

• The ability to leave or enter the building for open campus /open lunch.

• Access to Activities if they have purchased an Activity Pass

Library/Media Center

The library/media center is available for student use from 7:50 am to 4:00 pm.  Computers and printing capabilities are available for student use. Students are required to present a pass to the media clerk, signed by a teacher, when reporting to the library when school is in session.  Fines are 10 cents per day for overdue books.  I.D. badges are required to check out library materials and computer access.

Lockers

Students have the opportunity to request a hall locker each year. Students are to use only their assigned lockers and are reminded to spin the dial every time to secure it. DO NOT give your locker combination to another student and DO NOT share your locker with others (unless you have signed a sharing agreement). If the locker is broken or items have been stolen from the locker, immediately report this information to the Security/Main Office. Students are responsible for providing their own lock for their gym locker during the quarter in which they participate in PE.  Students should make sure their items are securely locked while utilizing the PE lockers. 

Music Devices

Students are welcome to use their headphones/earbuds   during passing time, lunch period, before and after school.  We highly recommend that students only use one earbud to ensure they have auditory access to announcements and or directions given by staff.  This recommendation is important for safety reasons. The use of any personal device with the purpose of broadcasting music publicly is prohibited. Students in violation will have to relinquish the item to staff. 

On and Off Campus Defined

The Bettendorf High School campus is defined as the high school facility, grounds and parking lot.  Bettendorf High School and district policies apply to all students in any district building, grounds of any district building, or parking lot. In addition, any breach of appropriate student conduct by a high school student occurring on district property will be responded to by an official of the high school.  Freshman students who exit the designated lunch area are considered off campus and will be assigned a consequence.

 Off campus privileges are based on a student’s credit status (not by year in high school)

• Seniors (4th year of high school and minimum of 21 credits)  - Permitted to leave perimeter doors for lunch and open block if eligible.

• Juniors (3rd year of high school and minimum of 14 credits) - Permitted to leave perimeter doors only for lunch if eligible.

• Sophomores (2nd year of high school and minimum of 7 credits) - Permitted to leave perimeter doors only for lunch if eligible with guardian consent.

• Freshman (1st year of high school) - Not permitted to leave perimeter doors at any time and must remain in the cafeteria for the entire lunch period.

Open Block

Seniors with an open block who choose to stay on campus are required to remain in the Commons.

Open Lunch/Open Campus Policy

Open lunch privileges are extended to junior and senior students with fourteen or more credits.  Open campus privileges are extended to students in their fourth year of school with twenty-one or more credits. Parents or guardians of junior and senior students, who do not want their students to have open lunch/open campus privileges, must contact an administrator at Bettendorf High School and indicate their request in the form of a letter.  The student will be assigned to a supervised area or encouraged to enroll in an additional class where available space remains. Open lunch/open campus is a privilege that is earned by students who remain in good academic standing and who demonstrate positive attendance and disciplinary behaviors.  Junior and senior students who qualify for open lunch may, on occasion, have their lunch times switched to accommodate course testing.  Sophomore students with 7 or more credits can be granted off campus privileges for lunch time only with parent/ guardian permission.  Parents or guardians must fill out the permission form that will be sent via BHS main office. 

Parking Procedures

Students who drive to school are to park in the NORTH or SOUTH lots, except in designated staff spots. Please observe the speed limit of 10 mph. Students who park their cars improperly in fire lanes, faculty areas, etc. will be given a school ticket and may be towed. The fine for parking or reckless driving ticket is $15 to be paid in the Activities Office. Unpaid fines will be applied to student fees. A continuous problem with improper parking will result in a loss of the student's school driving privilege.  Reckless driving on school grounds will result in the loss of the student's parking privileges for a minimum of two weeks up to the entire school year and a citation. This includes exiting at designated entrances and entering at designated exits.  The term of suspension of privileges will be based upon frequency of violation and the risk to safety of others.  

Students who park their cars in any marked handicapped spaces will be issued a school citation for the first offense.  The second offense will merit a state citation issued by the Bettendorf Police Department.  On the third offense, the students’ car will be towed at the owner’s expense and the student will lose all parking privileges.  Note: Students are NOT permitted to park in front of BHS along the boulevard or in the lot in front of the Administration Center. 

Theft/Loss of Student Property 

Students are advised to leave all valuables, including cell phones and money at home.  The staff of Bettendorf High School is not responsible for the loss of any student property.  Students should report stolen property to the security office for investigative purposes and the potential recovery of the stolen/lost article.  Students are advised against leaving items unattended and unsecured. 

Notifying the School of a Student’s Absence

On the day a student is absent from school, parents/guardians must telephone the Attendance Office (563-332-7000). Parents will be notified by the school (recorded message to household phone number) when students miss one or more classes during a school day. This contact will be made if the school is not notified by a parent call or notification from a school official for a field trip, etc. The purpose of this contact is to notify parents of an unverified absence.

• If the office is not notified by 8 am the following day, that absence will be considered unexcused.

• Students are required to provide written verification from a doctor or dentist.

• Written notes excusing absences from parents/guardians will not be accepted.

Advanced Personal Leave Form

The parent or legal guardian is strongly encouraged to call the Attendance Office (563) 332-7000 three days prior to the absence if a student will miss three or more school days in a row or will not be in school for a designated final exam day. The student will then be provided an Advanced Personal Excuse Form outlining student, parent and staff responsibilities. Only then will the student's teachers indicate on the form that arrangements have been made to satisfy course requirements. The completed form should be returned to the Attendance Office prior to the absence(s).

Appointments

Parents/guardians should try to arrange medical, dental, and legal appointments during non-school hours to minimize lost class time. If a student needs to be excused for a particular period, parents/guardians must call the Attendance Office before the student exits the building. Students should report to the Attendance Office where they will be issued a verification form, which is to be signed and returned to the Attendance Office upon returning.  Once the form is returned to the BHS Attendance Office the absence will be marked excused. Failure to return the verification form will result in an unexcused absence.

Excused Absences

According to state law, the school is responsible for establishing guidelines and determining "reasonable excuse" for absences. 

The following will be accepted as reasons for EXCUSED ABSENCES:

• Student illness or accident

• Recognized religious holidays given prior approval by the building administrator/designee provided dates are presented 3 days prior to the religious holiday

• Death or serious injury in the immediate family

• Medical, dental or legal appointments which cannot be made other than during school time

• Family vacations when accompanied by parents and approved by the administration

• Educational trips, which have been given prior approval by the administration

• Securing driver’s license/ permit or passport (verification must be provided)

• Emergency absences as approved by administration

A parent must provide a reason for a student absence to be considered excused. Simply stating "personal" is not considered an excused absence.  

BHS strongly encourages all students to get involved in school-sponsored activities, therefore missing class to attend one of these activities will not be considered an absence. However, the student will be expected to make up for assignments missed.  

College Visits

Juniors and seniors are excused to visit a college or technical school they are considering attending. Two college visits per year will be excused provided the parent notifies the Attendance Office prior to the day of the college visit prior to the date of the visit.  If a student requires more than two college visits, the principal will need to authorize the additional visit and verification from the admissions office of the date of visit must be provided to the Attendance Office.

Unexcused Absences

BHS understands that there are a variety of reasons that a student may miss school. However, the following are examples of reasons that are considered unexcused absences or a truancy.

• Absence without parent's knowledge or permission.

• Failure to notify the office of absence on the day of absence or illness.

• Off-campus without permission.

• Transportation problems not verified.

• Work.

• Skipping class or elopement

• Senior pictures, tanning, haircut, etc.

• Providing childcare.

• Senior skip day.

• Securing driver’s license/ permit or passport.

• Oversleeping.

• Anything not listed under excused absences

Unexcused Absence Process

In cases of an unexcused absence, parents will be notified of the absence by the high school attendance office with a tape recorded message to the parent/guardian contact information listed on Infinite Campus. When a student accumulates up to five unexcused absences, the absences will be documented in the student information database and staff will work with the student and their parents to communicate and address the concerns regarding attendance. 

When a student accumulates 5 or more unexcused absences from class following teacher intervention, a referral to administration will be submitted. The student will meet with a member of the administrative team and a consequence, which may include but not limited to a detention, will be assigned. A conference including the student, parent(s), teacher and administrator may also be scheduled to resolve the issues. An attendance contract may also be written. Persistent non-attendance may result in, but is not limited to, the following actions:

• Additional detention/quiet study or home suspension

• Loss of credit based upon truancy following 5 or more unexcused absence per term

• Referral to the Scott County Attorney for compulsory attendance aged students

• Medical documentation for each excused absence may be required on the fifth absence. The Bettendorf High School Health Office staff is available to assist with health screening for families.

• An attendance contract may be developed to remediate the situation. The parent(s) and/or guardian(s) must sign and agree to the contract.

• Other action(s) as deemed appropriate by the building administrator may be taken.

Students with excessive absences may require a nurse screen in order for an absence due to illness to be excused.

Tardies

Students are expected to be on time so that teachers can focus on beginning instruction for all students in a timely manner.  Students who arrive late to school are to report to the Attendance Office for check-in and to get a pass to class. Students who arrive late to class with an approved pass will have their tardiness excused by their teacher. Teachers will address tardiness at the classroom level initially. Students who continue to be chronically late to class may be referred to administration for additional intervention or consequences for their failure to arrive at class on time. 

Consequences for Unexcused Tardies

• 3rd Tardy - Teacher conference with student, confirmed parent contact

• 5th Tardy - Teacher conference with student, confirmed parent contact, referral to administration, consequence from administration

• 10+ Tardy - Referral to administration, additional consequence from administration

Make-Up Work

All work missed while a student is absent must be made up if credit is expected. Make-up assignments are the responsibility of the student and teacher. It shall be the responsibility of the student to promptly find out what work was missed and how and when it is to be made up. It is the expectation that assignments/tests will be made up on the day the student returns when information was given before the absence. The time allowed for make-up is to be arranged with each teacher, and is dependent on the individual circumstances surrounding the absence. Make-up work not completed within the time span arranged will not receive credit. 

Pre-announced testing may require make-up on the day of return depending on student availability. With ANTICIPATED absences, students must make arrangements before leaving school or arrange to submit completed work on the day of their return.  These would include absences resulting from religious holiday, bereavement, appointments, trips and school initiated activities. 

At BHS we strive to prepare our students for life after high school. We want our students to “Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Ready” as students demonstrate PRIDE. Daily expectations are tied to the three pillars (Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Ready).

PRIDE Definitions

• POISE Demonstrating composure and self-control

• RESPECT Being considerate of self, others and surroundings

• INTEGRITY Being honest and guided by a strong moral compass, even when no one is watching

• DETERMINATION Demonstrating grit and perseverance 

• EXCELLENCE Maximizing potential and giving your best effort

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence based framework that helps schools design effective environments and supports that, when implemented with fidelity, increase teaching and learning opportunities for all students. PBIS allows our staff to proactively teach, model and reinforce positive behaviors expected of all Bettendorf High School students.

Academic Letter

Promoting student academic recognition provides incentives that are highly beneficial to continued academic and personal success. The Academic Letter Award recognizes academic achievement in a positive light and gives students the incentive to seek excellence in learning and in other academic activities.

Academic Letter Criteria:

• A student must be enrolled as a full-time student at Bettendorf High School (Minimum 3.5 credits for G.P.A. per semester for grades 9, 10, & 11; minimum 3 credits for G.P.A. per semester for grade 12).

• A student must earn a minimum of a 3.4 grade point for two consecutive semesters at Bettendorf High School.

• After receiving an Academic Letter, students who earn a 3.4 grade point or above for any semester thereafter will receive a gold bar to signify continued academic excellence.

• All credit awarding classes count for grade point credit.

Class Status and Privileges 

All students will earn the privileges as a member of a class based upon the number of units of credit they have accumulated. The following is a list of credits required for a student to be considered a member of each class:

9th Grade = 0-6
10th Grade = 7
11th Grade = 14
12th Grade = 21

A student must be enrolled full time in order to meet state requirements and participate in extracurricular events.  Freshman – Junior level must be enrolled in 4 courses at the high school.  Seniors may be enrolled in 3 courses at the high school with one off block if they are on track to graduate with their class.

Credit Deficient

Each student will be noted in the student information system for grade level based on a cohort (years in high school); however, students who are credit deficient will be noted within the system.  Student privileges (off campus, off blocks, etc) will be determined by credits not cohort.  Students must complete all graduation requirements regardless of the number of years in high school.

Credit Recovery

If a student fails a course they may be eligible for credit recovery.  Online learning is available for students who wish to retake a failed course and recover the credit. Students should consult with their school counselor for additional information.  Courses completed through credit recovery do NOT count toward NCAA requirements and serve ONLY as credit recovery toward graduation requirements. Completion of credit recovery courses does not waive the scholarship rule, allowing students to be eligible for extracurriculars.

Dual Credit/College Connection Individualized Registration (CCIR) Program

Bettendorf Community School District provides several opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school. Full time students have access to dual credit courses that are listed in the curriculum guide and CCIR courses in partnership with Eastern Iowa Community College.  A student may request to enroll in a community college course offered by the college in which there is not a comparable course offered at BHS. These courses are adopted by the board of directors of the school district. 

A student must meet all registration and orientation requirements to participate in a Dual Credit or CCIR course.  Lack of performance in a Dual Credit or CCIR course may result in being withdrawn from the course unless there are extenuating circumstances. Note regarding 504 plans and Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.): Under typical college enrollment, students who have 504 plans or IEPs are required to advocate for their own needs and accommodations.  As current high school students, any BHS student taking a dual credit course will have the assistance of their counselor to make initial contact and transmission of their plan to the instructor, but are encouraged to advocate for themselves with ongoing support as needed from their counselor and Scott Community College High School Advisor

Please note: Due to district requirements community college attendance does not excuse students from Advisory/Pride time which are instructional time for students. If a student's college course requires them to miss PRIDE or Advisory the student is responsible for getting the information they have missed and completing any tasks assigned. 

Extended Learning Program (ELP) 

Students who have been identified for Extended Learning Program (ELP) services will be scheduled into ELP designated advisories beginning with 9th grade. Students will receive information and have experiences specific to post-secondary planning, career exploration, and networking with other students in Bettendorf and other districts. Additionally, there will be quarterly sessions offered around topics designed to enhance the ELP experience for 9-12 graders. 

Grade Point Average (GPA)

All Bettendorf High School courses use the A,B,C,D,F system. To compute your grade point average, use the following point values: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0. Add the numerical equivalent for every course and divide by the number of courses taken to find your GPA.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from Bettendorf High School and participate in the graduation ceremony, a student must earn twenty-six (26) credits and complete an individual career and academic plan (ICAP) and all modules associated with ICAP. Certain core courses are required from the academic disciplines listed below. 

A student must earn 26 credits to participate in graduation exercises.

Early Graduation

Bettendorf is a four-year high school, but occasionally students may desire an earlier completion. This may be arranged and approved on an individual basis. Below are the application deadlines for each of the three terms.  See your counselor for applications. All students requesting early graduation are required to meet with their school counselor to review their post secondary plan before submitting an early graduation application.

 Early Graduation Application Deadlines 

1st Term - September 2

2nd Term - November 11

3rd Term - February 3

Repeating a Course for Graduation

A student may repeat any course at Bettendorf High School to improve a final F grade only.  Under some circumstances, a student may be allowed to repeat a course in which they earned a D grade with prior approval from administration. Credit can be awarded only once and a student cannot gain additional credit or lose credit by repeating a course where credit was already earned.  Both grades will be recorded on the student's transcript and calculated into their grade point average. A student will be allowed to repeat a course only if available space remains in that course following normal registration procedures. If the mid-term grade in a repeated course indicates little possibility of improvement in the grade, the teacher may recommend withdrawal from the course.

Honor Roll

Honor Roll is designed to recognize outstanding effort in academics and is determined on a semester basis. Honor roll requirements are as follows:

• A student must be enrolled as a full time student at Bettendorf High School. (minimum 3.5 credits for G.P.A. per semester for grades 9, 10, and 11; minimum 3 credits for G.P.A. per semester for/o/bhs/page/hall-of-honor grade 12).

• All classes taken at B.H.S. for G.P.A. will be used when computing the student's grade point average.

Academic requirements for honor roll status are: Highest Honor Roll - 4.0 | High Honor Roll - 3.50 | Honor Roll - 3.25

National Honor Society 

National Honor Society at Bettendorf High School membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in four areas of evaluation: character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Standards for selection are established by the national office of NHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs. Students are selected to be members by a Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each May.

Readmission Procedure

Students who are administratively dropped from Bettendorf High School as a result of negative behavior, unexcused absences, and/or lack of academic progress must schedule a re-enrollment meeting with an administrator as part of the process to return as a student. The meeting should include a parent/guardian, the student, and the high school principal or designee.

Schedule Changes 

PLEASE SELECT YOUR COURSES CAREFULLY. Schedule changes will be approved only for the following reasons:

• Failure in a sequential class

• Level Placement (example: Algebra I teacher recommends move to Pre-Algebra

Schedule changes will not be permitted if the change results in a class size that falls below staffing guidelines. Thus, students are responsible for accepting and adhering to the course of study for which they registered. Students may drop or add an eligible course during the first three days of first and third quarters only. Schedule changes will not be permitted once the second or fourth quarters begin.  Students requesting a schedule change for either the second or fourth quarters must do so through Student Services before the quarter begins.

Transcripts

Three transcripts of a student record will be provided free of charge and sent directly to the college or school where the student has applied. Please email Mrs. Buntemeyer at kbuntemeyer@bettendorf.k12.ia.us or you can go to the high school Student Services office and fill out a request form.

Transfer Credits into Bettendorf High School

A current Bettendorf High School student may transfer a maximum of one credit per semester from an outside accredited institution with prior approval from the school counselor. This credit may be counted towards the student's graduation requirements.

Withdrawal from a Course

A student wishing to drop a course following the deadline of any term must have administrative approval.  Circumstances regarding the request to drop may result in an F grade.