The New Hampshire Scholars is part of the State Scholars Initiative, a national program that encourages and motivates all high school students to complete a rigorous course of study that prepares them for a successful transition to college coursework or technical training necessary to enter today’s job market. Students are recognized for their achievement as seniors, and receive a medallion to wear at graduation. Students may be eligible for college application fee waivers and scholarships at some NH colleges and universities.

 

New Hampshire Scholars has outlined three initiative pathways of study for high school students, patterned after the recommendations made by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. In addition to the initiative pathways, NH Scholars encourages experiential learning opportunities and community partnerships/business mentorships. Students will have opportunities to participate in programs and activities that promote college and career readiness.

 

Students choosing to participate in the NH Scholars Program will be asked to sign a NH Scholars four-year agreement. Students who successfully meet the requirements of the program will be recognized in their senior year. Those wishing to participate must meet with their counselor. For more information about NH Scholars, visit www.nhscholars.org.

 

 

NH Scholars Initiative Pathways

• NH Scholar (Core Distinction)

• NH Scholar w/STEM Emphasis (Minimum 3.2 GPA)

• NH Scholar w/Arts Emphasis (Minimum 3.2 GPA)

 

NH Scholars (Core Distinction)

• English - 4 years

• Mathematics - 4 years, must include Core Math 3 or beyond

• Science - 3 years of Labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or alternative

• Social Studies – 3.5 years

• Languages - 2 years in same language

 

NH Scholars w/STEM Emphasis

• English - 4 years

• Mathematics - 4 years, must include Core Math 3 or beyond

• Science – 4 years, including 3 years of Labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or alt.

• Social Studies – 3.5 years

• World Languages - 2 years in same language

• STEM – 1 year Technology, Engineering, Computers, Advanced Manufacturing, etc.

• Minimum 3.2 GPA

 

NH Scholars w/Arts Emphasis

• English - 4 years

• Mathematics - 4 years, must include Core Math 3 or beyond

• Science - 3 years of Labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or alternative.

• Social Studies – 3.5 years

• World Languages - 2 years in same language

• Arts - 2 years chosen from Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, etc.

• Minimum 3.2 GPA

 

 

 

Drop/Add Procedure for Courses

 

Careful thought and planning go into developing an appropriate schedule with each student. Changing a schedule is not a simple process. Students considering a course change need to take the following steps in order to drop and/or add:

 

1. The student speaks with the teacher and explains the reasons for wanting to drop the class.

2. If, after speaking with the teacher, the student still wants to drop a course, she must make an appointment with a counselor to discuss the implications of dropping the course.

3. If the student and counselor decide that a change should occur, the student receives a Drop/Add form. The student collects the signatures of the parent, teacher, counselor, and advisor. In Division I, students dropping an elective course will choose an alternative elective. Juniors must maintain a minimum of 6.5 credits and seniors a minimum of 5.5 credits

4. Once all parties have signed the Drop/Add form, it is returned to the counselor for a final signature and processing.  The counselor will make the change in the student’s schedule. A copy of the completed form will be given to teachers of both the added and dropped courses. Only then, may a student stop going to the dropped class and attend the added one.

5. There is a designated drop/add deadline for both yearlong and semester courses. The drop/add period is the first five school days of each semester for a semester course, and the first ten school days of the first semester for a year-long course.

Students who drop a semester course beyond the add/drop deadline will receive a WNC in the course. Students who drop a full year course beyond the deadline, but before December 15 will receive a WD for the course. Grades for any term completed will remain on the transcript. Students withdrawing after December 15 will receive a WNC for the course, which will factor into a student's GPA as an NC. Students who drop or withdraw from courses do not receive credit.

 

Transfer Students

 

 

Transfer students are expected to present transcripts of previous high school grades at time of entry. Following is a list of how grades from previous schools will be combined with future grades from Souhegan.

 

1. The name of the previous school and years attended will appear on the Souhegan transcript.

2. Whenever possible previous course names and grades will be maintained.

3. Weighted grades will be “unweighted” in order to ensure consistent calculation of all students’ grade point averages.Grades will be weighted for AP and dual enrollment courses beginning with the class of 2023.

4. Unweighted grades from all high school courses will be used to determine G.P.A.

5. In cases where numerical equivalents of prior letter grades are different from those at Souhegan, prior letter grades will be maintained.

6. Although Souhegan High School does not utilize grades of D+, D, D-, and F, prior grades will be translated into G.P.A. according to designated numerical equivalents.

 

Early Graduation

 

Students are encouraged to spend four years completing their high school education, choosing from the rich array of courses available. Meeting requirements in less time is possible, but not recommended in most cases. In some special circumstances, it is appropriate for a student to graduate early. We will work closely with these students to meet their needs. An appointment with a counselor is the first step for students exploring this option. The deadline for students considering early graduation to meet with a counselor is no later than 10 days prior to the start of the student’s junior year. In all such cases, final approval of the principal and completion of all Souhegan graduation requirements are required.

 

 

 

 

Sports/Activity Eligibility

 

Students must pass four courses (not including advisory) during the previous reporting period in order to compete as a member of an athletic team or other activity where students perform or compete for the school. Summer school grades are not used in determining athletic eligibility for fall season sports. See the Athletic Director or Dean of Students for clarification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off-Campus Privileges

 

Off-campus privileges are extended to all junior and senior students who have a signed parental form on file in the attendance office and have maintained good behavior as defined by the Souhegan Six. Students must also have earned grades of all “C’s” and above on the previous semester report card. Seniors need to be current on their Senior Project checkpoints.

 

Junior and senior students who do not meet the above criteria may petition for privileges through the Dean of Students office at the time of progress reports. The school retains the right to revoke off-campus privileges or parking privileges for students who incur specific disciplinary infractions including the substance abuse policy. A campus monitor will help ensure consistent policy enforcement.

 

 

Attendance Policy

 

All students need to participate actively in Souhegan’s curriculum. There is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement. Academic time with classmates and teachers is vital for learning. Sporadic attendance compromises achievement. All students are expected to arrive at school on time, by 7:20 for a 7:25 first period class, and attend all classes and activities. Families are strongly advised to plan vacations so that students do not miss school. Class time lost due to vacations can affect a student’s academic standing.

 

A meeting between the Dean of Students, parent/guardian, and student may be required when a student has been absent for seven or more days in one marking period. Steps that need to be taken to maintain good standing in the class will be discussed. If no meeting is held, a grade of ANC (administrative no credit) may be assigned for each class missed.

 

A parent must call the Attendance Office (press ‘1’ after dialing 673-9940) by 9:00 AM to report each day of a student’s absence. The Attendance Secretary will call the homes of all students whose parents do not notify the school.

 

Unexcused Absence (Truancy)

 

Unexcused Absences (truancies) are absences not sanctioned by the school. Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence from class or school. The school sanctions class absences and/or early dismissals for the following reasons: illness, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, medical and dental appointments, death in the immediate family, observation/celebration of a religious holiday, such good cause as may be acceptable to the Principal or permitted by law.

 

Any student more than fifteen minutes late for class will be considered absent from that class. An absence that has not been excused for any of the reasons listed above will be considered an unexcused absence. Ten half-days of unexcused absence during a school year constitutes habitual truancy.

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