Student Life
- Clubs and Honor Societies
- Student Parking
- Campus Ministry
- Mission Week
- Campus Safety and Weather Closures
- Use of Lockers and Backpacks
- Student Resources
Clubs and Honor Societies
OUR GOAL:
Participation by students in the organizations, clubs and activities at AHN serves to assist students in the development of their talents and capabilities beyond what is covered in the academic curriculum. Participation in co-curricular activities encourages students to develop initiative, leadership, and both personal and social responsibility. Participation in these activities is voluntary. Students select their clubs and activities according to their interests and their abilities. Attendance at extra-curricular events demonstrates respect for classmates and pride in the school and its values. (Additional information and/or policies are included in the Club Activities Booklet found on the Student Information page on Veracross and in the Athletics Handbook).
ELIGIBILITY FOR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
To be eligible to participate in AHN co-curricular activities, which includes all clubs and athletic teams, students must follow a full subject schedule and maintain satisfactory conduct. If a student is placed on academic probation (see chapter 2, section 1), she is not eligible for participation in sports or activities during the following semester. (Please see “Attendance” regarding co-curriculars and absences.)
- Upon completion of the first six weeks of each semester, grades will be viewed weekly by the high school administration on Wednesdays. At that time, any student with a grade lower than 70% cannot miss the class(es) in which she received that (those) grade(s) to participate in a co-curricular event. Students will regain their eligibility once their grade(s) has (have) risen to or above a 70%.
- Any student who receives an “F” grade in any class for a semester is ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities for a three-week period. The three-week ineligibility period would be in effect over the first three weeks of the following semester.
FUND-RAISING FOR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES:
Organized fund-raising activities on behalf of the school and local community agencies may, with the approval and permission of Administration, be conducted in the school. All other monetary collections among students are positively prohibited unless authorized by Administration.
Student Parking
Parking in the parking garage is a privilege reserved for juniors and seniors ONLY. In order for a student to have the privilege of using a parking space in the garage, she must follow the process articulated by the administration. Parking privileges may be revoked at any time for not following parking rules/procedures set forth by the AHN administration.
Under no circumstances shall a student be allowed to go to her car during school hours without permission. Students found “tagging” or defacing cars will lose parking privileges and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Should an accident occur in the garage during school hours, please contact Ms. Hathaway in the high school office immediately (813-839-5371 ext. 391) so that we may be of assistance.
Regulations:
- Assigned spot is valid Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- The parking permit must always hang from the rear view mirror and visible for security.
- Parking permits are not transferable to other students.
- If you must utilize the ramp to reach your car, do so quickly and be attentive to cars backing out and going up/down the ramp.
- Students must park clearly between the marked lines of the parking space of their assigned spot.
- Students may not make a left hand turn out of the student parking lot at any time.
- Students must always use the bridge and may never cross MacDill via the street to get to the parking lot and/or gym, athletic fields.
** These regulations must be followed in order for a student to retain parking privileges. **
Campus Ministry
Liturgies
All students are required to attend all Masses and participate in the retreat program. Please do not schedule doctor appointments on the morning of Mass. Students who arrive late on Mass days and miss Mass will serve a make-up session with Sister Ann Regan at lunch to discuss the message of that day’s Mass in addition to an after-school detention.
Retreats
Yearly, the Academy sponsors a retreat for each grade level. Retreat dates can be found on the school calendar for your planning. The senior retreat involves an overnight experience at a retreat center where the students are guided by a professional team. This experience provides seniors an opportunity for reflecting on God, their religion, and their own lives, and for community-building and liturgical celebrations. The freshman, sophomore, and junior retreats are one-day programs intended to assist students in developing a deeper understanding of their faith and the ways to express that faith in daily living.
Community Service
Faithful to the mission and intention that each student at the Academy becomes the greatest person she can become, we recognize that service to others is a key component to that achievement. Our community service program is our commitment to the mandate of the Gospel, as well as to the vision of Blessed Marie Rose in founding the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
Each student is required to complete at least 100 cumulative hours of community service prior to graduation. A minimum of 25 hours of service must be performed each year. Half of these hours (12.5) may be done “in school,” and the balance/difference “out of school.” At least half (12.5) of each year’s required service hours are to be performed by the end of the first semester. The remainder of the hours for all students, including seniors, must be submitted no later than the first nine weeks of the second semester.
- Freshmen: 25 hours
- Sophomores: 25 hours (50 cumulative)
- Juniors: 25 hours (75 cumulative)
- Seniors: 25 hours (100 cumulative)
Each project to which a student commits herself should reflect the goal of serving the disadvantaged, be it economically, physically, spiritually or developmentally. Projects may be done through the student’s place of worship, community or civic organizations, or through other not for profit agencies. Under no circumstances will students accumulate community service hours for service to anyone in her family.
All service, including that done in school, must be documented using the Campus Ministry’s online program. Unless mailed directly by an agency/organization, submitting reports of service rendered is the responsibility of the student. Up-to-date records of completed service hours are available in the Campus Ministry office and on the AHN website. All semester hours must be reported to Campus Ministry at least two weeks prior to midterm and final exam dates so that the student’s religion teacher can be notified in a timely manner of final semester exam grade: Pass/Fail status.
Mission Week
For one week in March, the Academy conducts a service program for all high school students. Mission trips and daily service projects are offered to a variety of service sites and introduce students to different types of community experiences and possible career opportunities. All students are expected to participate in the mission/service activities and parents are encouraged to participate also through their support of and assistance with the program.
Students who wish to attend an individual college trip will have the opportunity to go on the Friday of that week through the weekend.
Attendance procedures apply this week as they would for any other school day. If a student is absent, the parent must call the HS receptionist or update Veracross no later than 9:00 a.m. to submit the reason.
Campus Safety and Weather Closures
Dismissal for Emergencies: The Academy will follow the action of the Hillsborough County public schools in regard to hazardous weather conditions such as hurricanes, flooding, etc. Parents should listen to the local television and radio stations for information about school closings. AHN uses an automated emergency phone notification system to be used in the event of school closures or unforeseen changes to the regular schedule (e.g. inclement weather).
Guardianship: If parents are to be out of town, it is important that they notify the school office detailing the dates they will be away and provide a name and phone number of the local person responsible for their daughter.
Health Matters: It is the policy of the school to notify faculty of medical problems noted on health records. Parents who do not wish such information to be distributed should notify the school personal guidance counselor. Students who need to have a prescription on campus need to follow the policy listed under “Controlled Substances.” The Academy of the Holy Names requires enrolling students to submit a Florida Department of Health Certificate of Immunization as provided for in Florida Statute 1003.22 as a condition precedent to acceptance. Catholic Schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg do not recognize a religious objection to this immunization.
Hurricane Closure Policy:
- In the event of a hurricane in the Tampa Bay area, Academy of the Holy Names (AHN) will follow Hillsborough County schools when deciding on closing.
- AHN may close and/or re-open school prior to Hillsborough County schools when the school deems it appropriate and in the best interest of the students.
- AHN will also alert parents of the school closing and/or re-opening via School Reach, an automated phone message system, and via email broadcast.
- The director of communications will alert news media outlets of school closure/re-openings.
Lightning Safety Policy: Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect interscholastic athletes. Within the United States, the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) estimates more than 100 fatalities and 400 injuries requiring medical treatment occur from lightning strikes every year. While the probability of being struck by lightning is extremely low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not followed. Prevention and education are the keys to lightning safety. Education begins with information on lightning. The references associated with these guidelines are an appropriate resource. Prevention should begin long before any athletic event or practice is held. The Academy will follow the recommendations of the NCAA and the NSSL to mitigate the lightning hazard.
Transportation: Parents are fully responsible for the transportation of their daughters. The school does not assume responsibility for any bus or carpool transportation to or from school. All student travel under the auspices of school events or activities requires written permission (Field Trip Permission Form) from the parent/guardian, proper supervision, and adequate insurance coverage.
Visitors on Campus: Upon arrival all visitors must sign in at the reception desk in the front foyer of the Bayshore entrance to obtain a visitor’s pass. Visitors must present a valid driver’s license in order to receive a visitor’s pass. Students are not permitted to receive visitors during the school day.
Use of Lockers and Backpacks
Students are encouraged to use school lockers for storage of materials related to classes and activities. Students are encouraged to use an appropriate backpack to carry all necessary materials to and from classes.
Lockers must be kept in good order and locked at all times. The school maintains the right to inspect the lockers. Food items should not be kept in lockers overnight. So that the lockers can be cleaned and sanitized, all student lockers must be emptied completely at the end of the school year. Students requiring an additional locker for PE or athletic gear should see their PE teacher or the athletic director. At no time should such items be left out in the hallways or locker areas. Items and/or oversized bags that do not fit in a locker may be kept in the HS registrar’s office with permission.
Any embellishments on a backpack must be in good taste or the student will not be allowed to bring the backpack to school.
Student Resources
Clinic: The clinic is located on the first floor of the main building (S111). If in class, students must obtain permission to go to the clinic from their current teacher or, if not in class, the high school office personnel. They are generally not allowed to remain in the clinic longer than one class period. Students should not go to the nurse without permission unless it is an emergency. If a student needs to go to the clinic during lunch or break, they must check-in with the High School office. If a student is unable to return to class, she must be picked up at the office by a duly authorized person. The clinic is a center for first aid and only provides over-the-counter medication if the signed clinic card has been returned. (See: Health Matters under Campus Safety)
Food Service: Students may bring their own lunches, buy food and drink from the vending machines available in the student center, or take advantage of the lunch program provided through Sage Dining. Students may not have food delivered by outside vendors or friends. In the case of a forgotten lunch, parents may bring in a lunch for their daughter or arrange to have lunch provided by Sage Dining. Students are allowed to eat in their classroom ONLY during lunch meetings or in designated classrooms when the Brady Center is closed and with the supervision of a teacher.
Counseling: The counseling department strives to address the “whole” person, spiritually, socially, and academically. The counseling program is designed to meet the needs of the students in a developmental approach throughout the four years. Through small-group and individual counseling, students are assisted in building a system of values and decision-making processes, which provide the foundation for personal choices, career search, and college selection. The personal counselor addresses the developmental needs of students, difficulties with personal and family relationships, academic challenges, and skills in strengthening self-concept.
Juniors and seniors and their parents are encouraged to work closely with the college counselors to gain information about college fairs, college entrance examinations, application deadlines, college choices, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid. All parents and students receive a college guidance handbook, which gives information about various aspects of preparing for and applying to college. The college counselors, in addition to providing special guidance, maintain a library of college catalogs, resource materials, test registration booklets, and some college applications. The college counselors also represent the Academy through the Southern Association of College Admission Counselors, the Southern Regional Assembly of the College Board, and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors.
Insurance: All students are enrolled in an insurance plan, which covers accidental bodily injury incurred at school while participating in any school activity on or off the school grounds. Premiums are included on the tuition bill. Twenty-four- hour coverage is also available. Further details may be obtained from the Business Office.
Lost and Found: All articles found in the school area are to be turned in to the high school office. Lost articles should be claimed immediately. Those not claimed after a reasonable length of time will be donated to charity or discarded.
The school assumes no responsibility for these articles or for valuables brought to school. No announcement concerning lost articles will be made over the public address system.
Library Media Center: The library media center will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for collection and librarian access from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for self-study. Students who use the Media Center study area are expected to work quietly and be respectful of others. Books, magazines, electronic databases, reference materials and internet access are available for students and faculty. The Media Center has a policy of unlimited borrowing privileges and no fines. Students are expected to use resources wisely and with respect for the information-access rights of others. Students are expected to abide by the Student Acceptable Use Policy.