A High School's intellectual reputation depends on the highest standards of academic honesty. Commitment to these standards is a responsibility of every student and staff member. Each semester, classroom academic honesty policies are to be presented to students, preferably in writing, along with a discussion of the importance of academic honesty. All academic work must be the work of the individual student submitting the work and any work by others must be authorized and properly cited.

Academic honesty relates to the following areas:

Cheating -- defined as using unauthorized materials, giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on any quiz, test project or homework assignment.

Plagiarism -- defined as the use of another's ideas or words without acknowledgement. Clear requirements for use of quotations and citations should be presented to each student prior to work completion.

Unauthorized Academic Materials -- defined as unauthorized possession or distribution of quizzes, examinations or lab or project materials, Internet downloads of project materials or term papers not created by the individual student who intends to submit the material as his/her work.

All academic honesty violations will be recorded on an “Academic Honesty Violation Form” by faculty members and submitted to the administration. Any reported violation will be recorded on the student’s discipline record. Parent notification is required. Sanctions for violation of the Academic Honesty Policy may result in a zero grade for the assignment in question, and/or discussions involving the student, teacher, guidance counselor, parents and administration. Serious or multiple offenses may result in loss of credit and/or course failure along with administrative disciplinary action up to and including suspension. Sanctions for violation of the Academic Honesty Policy may result in a zero grade for the assignment in question, and/or discussions involving the student, teacher, guidance counselor, parents and administration. Serious or multiple offenses may result in loss of credit and/or course failure along with administrative consideration for suspension.

The use of modern technology has increased the opportunity and likelihood for plagiarism and use of unauthorized materials. Staff and students should discuss the correct usage of Internet available materials and what is authorized for usage in each class.