The GRIFFIN

Sullivan County Junior/Senior High School Griffin Crest Coat of Arms
Sullivan County
Junior/Senior High School

Student/Parent Handbook

2025-26

THE GRIFFIN

2025-2026
HANDBOOK FOR
STUDENTS, PARENTS,
AND
FACULTY
SULLIVAN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
749 SOUTH STREET
LAPORTE, PENNSYLVANIA 18626
570-946-7001
AN EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Main Office

Lynn Eberlin, Principal (570) 946-7001
Jessica Templin, Secretary to the Principal (570) 946-7001, ext. 6013
Susan Kinsey, Attendance/Accounts Secretary (570) 946-7001, ext. 6014

Guidance Office

Sydney Dozier, Guidance Counselor (570) 946-7001, ext. 6018
Ashley Wade, Guidance Secretary (570) 946-7001, ext. 6017
Sullivan County High School is in compliance with all local, state and federal laws. The policy of the Sullivan County School District is not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, or handicap/disability in its educational and vocational programs, activities, and employment practices as required by Title IX and Section 504. Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy may be directed to the Compliance Officer, Superintendent of Schools, Sullivan County School District, P.O. Box 240, Laporte, PA 18626, or phone 570-946-8200.

Sullivan County Junior/Senior High School

The purpose of the Student/Parent handbook is to give school district students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending our school. In case of conflict between a Board Policy and the provisions of this handbook, the Board Policy most recently adopted by the Board will prevail.

Students and parents/guardians should be aware that this document is reviewed annually since policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process. These changes will generally supersede the provisions found in the handbook, which will become obsolete by the newly adopted policy. The handbook is not a contract between the school and parents/guardians or students. It can be amended at any time at the discretion of the district. If policy changes are enacted during the school year, the administration will communicate those changes to students, staff, and parents/guardians.

Mission Statement

The mission of Sullivan County School District is to Educate, Engage, and Empower our Griffin Family.

Vision Statement

The vision of Sullivan County School District is to instill in all students the desire to learn, create, and apply critical thinking for a lifetime through just, fair, and caring quality instruction and leadership while reflecting community values.

Contact Information

Superintendent’s Office (570) 946-8200
Director of Special Education (570) 946-8200
Sullivan County Jr/Sr High School (570) 946-7001
Sullivan County Elementary School (570) 946-7471
Website www.sulcosd.k12.pa.us

Sullivan County School District

777 South Street, PO Box 240

Laporte, PA 18626

(570)946-8200

Board of Directors

President: Gabriel Blasi
Vice-President: Mary Elise Nolan
Secretary: Shelly Jordan
Treasurer: Joseph Fitzgerald
Anthony Durland
Amanda Hoover
Scot Murray
Eric Reese
Jan Nace

Administration

Superintendent:
Samantha Kahler
Business Manager:
April Tourscher
Director of Special Education:
Dr. Randi Zwatty
Coordinator of Computer Services:
Eric Fessler
High School Principal:
Lynn Eberlin
Elementary Principal:
Stacy Stabryla

SCHS FACULTY AND STAFF

English Language Arts:

  • Danielle Kinsey
  • Kalyn Essick
  • Erin Shultz
  • Seth Stoner

Social Studies:

  • Taylor Baldwin
  • Christopher Koschak
  • Joseph Smelko

Business Education:

  • Kevin Gorman
  • Debra Lindner

Tech Ed:

  • Michael Commero
  • Greg Perry

Art:

  • Dylan Wiesner

Music:

  • Joseph Rode

Learning Support:

  • Brian Heisman
  • Marcy Higley
  • Elizabeth Pecora
  • Stephanie Snyder
  • Stacy Stabryla

Paraprofessionals:

  • Barbara Bender
  • Cathy Harriman
  • Brenda Henninger
  • Tricia Hollenbach
  • Shasta Michael
  • Chris Nitcznski
  • Ashley Tubach

Mathematics:

  • Austin Kelsey
  • Glenn Vaughan
  • Ashley White

Science:

  • Deborah Geist
  • Gregory Miller
  • Michael Vogt

Heath/Physical Education:

  • Ryan Hembury
  • Matthew Muthler

Language:

  • Christina Schuckers

Consumer Science:

  • Katie Rosa-Martir

STEAM:

  • Greg Perry

Librarian:

  • Erin Shultz

Guidance Counselor:

  • Sydney Dozier

Athletic Trainer:

  • Stephanie Sibeto

Athletic Director:

  • Kathryn Hyatt

School Nurse:

  • Jennifer Manero

Nurse Assistant:

  • Evelyn Smith
SULLIVAN COUNTY
SCHOOL DISTRICT

2025– 2026 School Year Calendar

777 South Street
PO Box 240
Laporte, PA 18626
570-946-8200
www.sulcosd.k12.pa.us
July 2025
SMTWTFS
12345 04 – Independence Day
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031
January 2026
SMTWTFS
123 01 – 02 Christmas/New Year's Day Vacation
45678910 19 – Clerical Day
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
August 2025
SMTWTFS
12 18 – In-Service Day
3456789 19 – Clerical Day
10111213141516 20 – In-Service Day
17181920212223 21 – First Day of School
24252627282930 28 – In-Service Day
31 29 – Fair Day
February 2026
SMTWTFS
1234567 13 – 2nd Make-Up Day
891011121314 16 – In-Service Day
15161718192021 16 – Act 80 Day – No School for Students
22232425262728
 
 
September 2025
SMTWTFS
123456 01 – Labor Day
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930
March 2026
SMTWTFS
1234567 30 – 3rd Make-Up Day
891011121314 31 – 4th Make-Up Day
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031
October 2025
SMTWTFS
1234 13 – In-Service Day
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031
April 2026
SMTWTFS
123 01 – 5th Make-Up Day
45678910 02 – 6th Make-Up Day
11121314151617 03 – Easter Vacation
18192021222324
252627282930
November 2025
SMTWTFS
1 26 – Act 80 Day-No School for Students
2345678 26 – 1:00 Early Dismissal for Teachers
9101112131415 27 - 28 Thanksgiving Vacation
16171819202122
23242526272829
30
May 2026
SMTWTFS
12 22 – Act 80 Day – No School for Students
3456789 22 – Act 80 Day – 1:00 Dismissal for Staff
10111213141516 25 – Memorial Day
17181920212223
24252627282930
31
December 2025
SMTWTFS
123456 01 – Thanksgiving Vacation
78910111213 02 – 1st Make-Up Day
14151617181920 22 – 31 Christmas Vacation
21222324252627
28293031
June 2026
SMTWTFS
123456 03 – Last Student Day
78910111213 04 – Act 80 Day-No School for Students
14151617181920 05 – Graduation
21222324252627 05 – Clerical Day
282930
Make-Up Days:
December 2, 2025
February 13, 2026
March 30, 2026
March 31, 2026
April 1, 2026
April 2, 2026
Marking Periods:
August 21, 2025 – October 28, 2025
October 29, 2025 – January 20, 2026
January 21, 2026 – March 25, 2026
March 26, 2026 – June 4, 2026
In-Service Days:
August 18, 2025
August 20, 2025
August 28, 2025
October 13, 2025
February 16, 2026
Clerical Days:
August 19, 2025
January 19, 2026
June 5, 2026
Act 80 Day:
November 26, 2026
February 16, 2026
May 22, 2026
June 4, 2026
School Attendance Students Teachers
August0509
September2121
October2223
November1818
December1313
January1920
February1920
March2020
April1919
May2020
June0405
Total Days 180 188

PSSA Testing and Makeups: April 20, 2026 – May 8, 2026

Keystone Exams: December 3, 2025 – December 17, 2025 and May 11, 2026 – May 22, 2026

Calendar Approved by School Board:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I - COURSE AND EVALUATION INFORMATION

  • Academic Distinction 1
  • Bell Schedule 1
  • Change of Schedule 2
  • Class Rank 2
  • Final Exams 2
  • Graduation Requirements 3
  • Homework 3
  • Honor Roll 3
  • Make-Up Work and Incompletes 3
  • Physical Education Excuses 3
  • PlusPortals 4
  • Proficiency Requirements 4
  • Progress Reports 4
  • Report Cards 4
  • Retention Policy 5
  • Summer School 5

SECTION II - GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Attendance Requirements 5
  • Attendance Procedures 7
  • Backpacks 8
  • Breakfast/Lunch 8
  • Bullying/Cyber Bullying 8
  • Cheating/Plagiarism/Forgery 9
  • Computer and Internet Use 9
  • Custodial Rights 9
  • Dances/Prom 9
  • Dress Code 10
  • Drills 11
  • Drugs/Alcohol/Paraphernalia 12
  • Educational Trips 13
  • Electronic Equipment 13
  • Faculty Room and Offices 14
  • Field Trips 14
  • Fund Raising 15
  • Hazing 15
  • Inclement Weather Procedures 16
  • Lockers 16
  • Lost and Found 17
  • Mandated Reporting 17
  • Medications 17
  • Military Services 18
  • Paraprofessionals 18
  • Parental Conferences 18
  • Parties 18
  • Passes 19
  • Procedural Rights and Responsibilities 19
  • Public Display of Affection 20
  • Restraints 20
  • School Bus Expectations and Discipline 20
  • School Property 22
  • Searches22
  • Sexual/Unlawful Harassment/Bullying23
  • Student Expression24
  • Student Publications24
  • Student Requests24
  • Student Supervision24
  • Study Halls25
  • Surveillance Cameras25
  • Telephones25
  • Testing25
  • Threat Assessment25
  • Tobacco/Smoking27
  • Transportation28
  • Vending Machines30
  • Visitors30
  • Weapons30
  • Withdrawal from School30

SECTION III - DISCIPLINE

  • Information31
  • Prohibited Items34
  • Students with Disabilities35
  • Act 26 of 199535

SECTION IV - STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

  • Breakfast/Lunch Program36
  • Guidance37
  • Library37
  • Special Education Services37
  • Student Assistance Program40
  • Student Health Services41
  • Wellness Policy42
  • Working Papers43

SECTION V -EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Eligibility for Participation43
  • Ethics Code/Sportsmanship44
  • Off-Campus Activities45
  • National Honor Society Selection Guidelines45

SECTION VI –ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS

  • Annual Notification of Rights47

SECTION VII - POLICY 824

  • Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries47

SECTION VIII - McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program

  • The McKinney-Vento Act48

SECTION IX – Title IX Information/Title IX Coordinator

  • Title IX Information/Title IX Coordinator49

Disclaimers:

As new policies and procedures are adopted, the current policies and procedures will be modified in part or whole. The District reserves the right to apply current policies and procedures as guidelines.

SECTION I: COURSE AND EVALUATION INFORMATION

Questions related to the SCHS program of study, course requests, and other academic information may be directed to Miss Sydney Dozier, SCHS Guidance Counselor at 946-6017.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION – Students who meet all of the requirements for graduation, earn a GPA of 85% or higher and complete one of the following options will receive the designation of “Academic Distinction” on their final transcript:

  • Have taken two advanced placement courses and corresponding AP exams or…
  • Have taken academic, transferable undergraduate courses (dual enrollment) resulting in six (6) college credits or…
  • Have taken four (4) science credits, two (2) years of the same language, and a level three (3) course in art, technology, or foreign language or…
  • Completed two (2) years of a vocational program and earned advanced certification through the designated testing program.

BELL SCHEDULE

A 1st Period 8:40-9:22
B 2nd Period 9:25-10:05
C 3rd Period 10:08-10:48
D 4th Period 10:51-11:31
Lunch Grades 10-12 11:34-12:04
E 5th Period 12:07-12:47
F 6th Period 12:50-1:30
G 7th Period 1:33-2:13
H 8th Period 2:16-2:56
QS Intervention 2:59-3:30
A 1st Period 8:40-9:22
B 2nd Period 9:25-10:05
C 3rd Period 10:08-10:48
D 4th Period 10:51-11:31
E 5th Period 11:34-12:14
Lunch Grades 7-9 12:17-12:47
F 6th Period 12:50-1:30
G 7th Period 1:33-2:13
H 8th Period 2:16-2:56
QS Intervention 2:59-3:30
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Two-Hour Delay:

A 1st Period 10:40-11:05
B 2nd Period 11:08-11:31
Lunch Grades 10-12 11:34-12:04
E 5th Period 12:07-12:47
F 6th Period 12:50-1:19
G 7th Period 1:22-1:51
H 8th Period 1:54-2:23
C 3rd Period 2:26-2:55
D 4th Period 2:58-3:30
A 1st Period 10:40-11:05
B 2nd Period 11:08-11:31
E 5th Period 11:34-12:14
Lunch Grades 7-9 12:17-12:47
F 6th Period 12:50-1:19
G 7th Period 1:22-1:51
H 8th Period 1:54-2:23
C 3rd Period 2:26-2:55
D 4th Period 2:58-3:30
No quiet study/intervention period

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE - Schedules distributed on the first day of school should be considered final. There will be a period of ten (10) school days at the beginning of the school year during which students may change courses with the consent of their parents/guardians.

Please note that we will make every effort to honor a requested change, however not all changes will be possible.

CLASS RANK - Rank in class is based upon a student’s cumulative grade average, including the grades earned for all subjects reporting numerical grades, starting with ninth grade. Calculation of grade averages will be done by multiplying the numerical grade earned in each course by the credit weight of the course, multiplying that number by the weighting factor of the course, totaling the weighted grades and dividing the sum by the total number of credits attempted. If students have identical grade averages, they will receive the same class rank. The student(s) with the next grade average lower than those tied should be given a rank determined by the number of students whose averages exceed his/her average.

View Board Policy 214 Class Rank

FINAL EXAMS - All students are required to take final exams that will be given in all major subjects at the end of the year. The grade on the final exam will be 16% of the final average while each marking period grade will be 21% of the final average.

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