Policies, Resources, and Handbooks

Assembly programs are carefully selected for their positive educational value. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper and sensible manner. Any student who is disruptive will be removed from the assembly, and disciplinary action will be taken. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to, making inappropriate noises, shouting, whistling, leaving the area without the permission of a teacher, eating or drinking.

Athletic Events

As a spectator at a school-related athletic event or a participant in an event, a student is a representative of the school. The playing field should be thought of as an extension of the classroom, and the student should abide by the following guidelines:

• Show respect for all participants and officials at all times, including opposing players and cheerleaders.
• Show a positive attitude in cheering, refraining from intimidating or negative cheering. Good sportsmanship means cheering your own team to victory.

Anyone found in violation of the following undesirable actions may be asked to leave the event:
1. Use of obscene or abusive language
2. Use of noisemakers
3. Throwing objects
4. Being on the premises of the scheduled contest while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
5. Smoking or vaping on school property

Graduation Ceremonies

The graduation ceremony is considered an assembly. All eligible students are expected to participate in graduation. Students and guests are expected to conduct themselves with dignity in accordance with the guidelines specified under assemblies. Students, through their behavior, may be kept from the graduation ceremony. The graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right.

Attendance is a critical factor in school and career success. A student’s attendance record reflects their health, attitude toward work, responsibility, and punctuality. Good attendance supports academic growth, career readiness, and future opportunities. All Norwich Tech attendance policies comply with CTECS and Connecticut State Department of Education guidelines, as well as Connecticut General Statutes regarding compulsory attendance, truancy, and chronic absenteeism. Attendance is a course requirement, and excessive unexcused absences may result in loss of credit.

Attendance for a School Day A student is considered “in attendance” if present at school or in a school-sponsored activity for at least half of the scheduled school day. To receive credit for a full day, the student must be present by 10:45 AM. To receive credit for a half day, the student must be present by 9:40 AM. Students that are dismissed from school before the cut off time will be considered absent. While students may be in attendance long enough to receive credit for the day, they may still accumulate absences toward loss of credit in specific classes.

Reporting Absences

Parents/Guardians must notify the school of student absences by emailing norwich.attendance@cttech.org by 7:00 AM on the day of the absence. The email should be sent from the guardian email on file and include the student’s name, the name of the parent or guardian, and the reason for the absence.

Types of Absences
1. Excused Absences Absences are excused if they meet CTECS criteria and proper documentation is provided within ten (10) school days:

• For absences 1–9: Parent/guardian written notice via email.
• Absences beyond 9 may be considered excused for the reasons listed below. To be eligible to have an absence excused, students must provide a written note upon return.

? Student illness verified by a licensed medical professional (documentation required)
? Student mental health wellness day (up to 2 non-consecutive days/year)
? Religious observances
? Death in the family or emergencies
? Mandated court appearances
? Lack of provided transportation
? Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by the administration
? Active-duty military parent/guardian (up to 10 excused days)
2. Unexcused Absences Any absence not meeting the criteria above is unexcused; students will not receive additional time to turn in missed assignments.
3. Disciplinary Absences Suspensions are classified as disciplinary absences and do not qualify as either excused or unexcused absences. During a suspension, students are expected to work on assignments and turn them in at the due date.

Tardy to School

Arriving on time to school and class is essential to student success and building strong workplace habits. Norwich Tech’s tardy system provides both structure and support to help students meet these expectations. ? 7:15 AM: Students are expected to arrive prior to the morning release bell at 7:15 AM. ? Students arriving late to school with food or drinks will be asked to discard items or must sit in the office and finish. Sitting in the office to consume food or drink may result in a class absence.

Students arriving at school after the 7:15 AM release bell, will be considered tardy to school.

Students arriving after this time must check in to be marked present and receive a pass to class. Failure to check in will result in being marked absent until verified.

Tardiness will only be excused with valid documentation (e.g., medical, court, funeral, religious holiday, or transportation issues verified by the school). Chronic tardiness may lead to loss of privileges, including parking, extracurricular participation, or WBL eligibility. Students with chronic tardiness will be referred to their school counselor for support and intervention.

Tardiness Interventions

• First tardy- verbal warning
• Second tardy-verbal warning
• Third tardy and every subsequent tardy-after school detention
• Chronic tardiness-referral to school counselor and parent meeting

Tardiness to class will be addressed by individual teachers

Early Dismissal

Requests must be emailed from the parent email on file to norwich.attendance@cttech.org by 7:00 AM, including a parent's contact number, pick-up time, and the name of the person providing transportation. Same-day emergencies require the parent to sign out the student in person, unless the student is a driver, holding a campus parking permit. Note: Students have daily assignments and commitments that are an essential part of the school’s total educational program. Study periods, including those that occur at the end of the school day, are to be used to support the student’s educational program. Parents, guardians and students age 18 or older are expected to schedule medical, dental, and other appointments after school hours. When it is absolutely necessary for a student to be excused, the parent or guardian submit a signed, written note at least one school day in advance of the appointment explaining the reason for the request for early dismissal. Early dismissal for medical or dental appointments should be accompanied with an appointment card. Requests for early dismissal must be presented to the assistant principal or his/her designee. Early dismissal requests may be denied if not in the educational interest of the student, even if the student has reached the age of 18 years.

Mental Health Days

• Students are allowed two (2) mental health days per school year
• Mental health days must be requested by parent/guardian via email
• Mental health days may not be used on consecutive days (even after weekends or holidays)
• A school counselor may follow up with a phone call to parent/guardian or meet with the student upon return to school

Truancy

A student is truant if they have 4 unexcused absences in a month or 10 in a year. The school will schedule a meeting with parents/guardians within ten days to address the causes and plan interventions.

Chronic Absenteeism

Students absent 10% or more of school days, excused or unexcused, are considered chronically absent. Norwich Tech’s Attendance Review Team will coordinate supports and referrals to help students improve attendance.

Notification to Parents

Parents will be notified of absences and tardiness via electronic communication and may check attendance on PowerSchool.

Attendance and Course Credit

Students will lose course credit if they have more than 10 unexcused absences in a particular class. A formal notification and appeals process will follow CTECS guidelines.

Backpacks are to remain in lockers once school has started. Students are asked to collect their materials for class each morning (notebooks,chromebooks,writing utensils,etc.) and place their backpacks in their assigned locker and report to their first-period class. Students will have access to their lockers during passing times throughout the day.

Lockers

• All backpacks and cell phones will be kept in an assigned locker during the day.
• Students must provide a lock to secure belongings in their locker
• No stickers, posters, or ornaments of any type may be placed on any locker. We recommend that students do not bring valuables to school and keep it to just educational materials. (NT is not responsible for valuables that are lost or stolen.)
• Please note: all lockers are subject to search and seizure.

In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather, our notifications will go out on the following:

• Parent Square
• Facebook
• Twitter
• WVIT - Hartford, channel 30
• WFSB - Hartford, channel 3
• WTNH - New Haven, channel 8
• FOX - Hartford, channel 61

**Parents and students may also access a station’s website for school cancellation information.

We are a phone-free school. Students are not to have cell phones during the school day; cell phones should be secured, by lock, in student lockers when first period begins.

• Students needing to reach parent/guardian during the day, may call from the Main Office or from Student Services
• Parents/Guardians needing to reach a student during school hours should contact the school at (860) 889-8453, not your student's cell phone.

Violation of the cell phone policy will result in the following:

• 1st violation- call home and an after-school detention
• 2nd violation- call home and two after-school detentions
• 3rd violation- call home and one day of in-school suspension

Further violations will result in parent meeting and progressive disciplinary action

Emergency drills are held at least once a month. During an evacuation drill, all occupants of the building are required to leave in a quiet and orderly manner and assemble in designated areas. Instructors will take attendance and immediately report missing students to an administrator or designee. During a lockdown drill, all occupants will remain secured in various locations throughout the building; the building will be locked. Staff and students will be notified prior to executing the drill.
NOTE: No one will be allowed to enter, re-enter or leave the building during a drill.

The following fees and materials are required for all students:
? Shop uniform (Exploratory shirt for Grade 9)
? Appropriate gym uniform and sneakers
? Safety glasses and safety footwear, non-marking footwear
? Trade tools
? Scientific calculator (recommended: TI-30X-115)
? Academic uniform

Students should have the following classroom supplies in order to be prepared for the program of study in class:
? Wire-bound notebooks for each subject
? 3-ring loose-leaf notebook (8 ½ by 11)
? Paper and writing utensils
? Scientific calculator
? Agenda planner
? Lock for locker
? Class dues

Not all classes require the same supplies. Each instructor will advise students about necessary purchases. Shops provide individual tool lists that students must have and timelines for their purchase. If a financial hardship prevents the purchase of tools or uniforms, the school social worker should be contacted to review the situation and determine if assistance is warranted. Limited funds may be available.

There is a lost and found area for clothing and water bottles in the cafeteria. Any valuables, ID’s or electronics should be turned into the Security Office or the Main Office. Inquiries about lost or missing items should be directed to security. All items not retrieved after a reasonable length of time will be donated to a charity or discarded.

State law requires permission from a doctor, as well as parental consent, for the administration of non-aspirin pain relievers, i.e., Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Aspirin will not be given under any circumstances. No medication other than prescribed medications will be administered to students in the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. Only medications prescribed by a written order from a physician or dentist licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut will be administered, and there must be written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian.

Prescription Drugs

Students who must take prescription drugs during school time must do so under the supervision of the school nurse. Connecticut State Law Public Act No. 723 requires a physician’s written order and a parent or guardian’s authorization for the school nurse to administer any medication. All necessary forms are available from the School Nurse. All prescription medications must be in a properly labeled pharmacy container. This includes inhalers and EpiPens.Students taking medications in school that are considered a "controlled substance" are not allowed to carry medication to and from school. It must be dropped off/picked up by a parent or guardian.

NOTE: The school nurse is responsible for the general supervision of the administration of medications in the school. Prescribed medication is administered in compliance with the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System approved procedures and in accordance with regulations. Further information regarding these policies and/or procedures is available from the School Health Office at (860) 889-8453 ext. 20149

Illness Dismissal

Students who are released will remain in the Health Office until a parent, guardian, or responsible person designated by the parent or guardian signs them out in the Main Office.

Reporting an Illness
? Parents/guardians should email the school’s attendance email at norwich.attendance@cttech.org to report illnesses and absences.
? Please email the nurse directly at jenny.stone@cttech.org if your student has any medical issues or injuries that the nurse should be aware of
? If a student is ill at school, they need to report to the school nurse, who will contact the parent or guardian to determine if dismissal is appropriate.
? A student request to be picked up due to illness will be considered a parent dismissal

On-campus parking is for seniors only.

Norwich Tech reserves the right to remove/suspend parking privileges due to a violation of ANY school policies. An accumulation of disciplinary issues may result in loss of parking privileges for the year.

Steps to Take: (Students must meet ALL requirements to qualify for a parking tag)
? Complete an Application for Student Parking form (via Google)
? Be in good standing (academic/behavior/attendance)
? Provide a copy of license, registration, and insurance

If granted a parking space, a numbered tag will be given to the student. That student is the only one allowed to park in the assigned spot.
The parking tag must be displayed in the windshield at all times. If the student drives a vehicle to school other than the one registered, they must immediately report this to security after parking that morning or move the sticker to the family vehicle they are driving for that day.
? Student drivers must:
? Park only in designated student parking areas
? No loitering in the car or the parking lot
? Enter and leave the building through the MAIN FRONT DOOR
? Students assigned to the back lot will need to walk around the building to enter through the main entrance
? Abide by the 10 M.P.H. speed limit on campus
? NT is not responsible for vehicles parked on campus
? No honking or revving of engines
? When leaving in the afternoon, students must follow the directions of staff members in the parking lot
? Do not drive RECKLESSLY in any manner that might endanger others.
? STOP FOR ANY SCHOOL BUS ON CAMPUS WITH ITS FLASHING LIGHTS ON.

Note: All vehicles are subject to search and seizure while parked on the school grounds. Vehicles may be searched if there is reasonable suspicion that school rules have been violated. It is a privilege for students to park on campus; administration holds the right to suspend parking privileges for violations of school policies. Students MAY be subject to Town or State violation tickets, arrest, or having their car towed (at the student’s expense) if they violate motor vehicle regulations. In the case of inclement weather, students may leave only when the town they live in dismisses school. If a student does not wish to drive, they should take the bus. Alternative transportation for an after-school job is the parents’ responsibility.

Morning Drop-Off:
? Parents: Parents will enter the North entrance and proceed single file down the left-hand bus lane farthest from the building. They will let their students out at the crosswalk in front of the main entrance and exit through the south gate. Students will use the crosswalks and enter the building through the main doors.

Afternoon Pick-ups:
? Parents: Parents will enter using the NORTH lot and turn left into the staff parking lot, lining up single file.

The PFO is a nonprofit parent faculty organization whose membership includes parents, legal guardians, faculty and administration at Norwich Technical High School. We generally meet on the 1st Monday of the month during the school year at 6:00 pm, in the cafeteria. What we do: The purpose of this organization is to encourage a closer association among parents, administrators, and faculty by providing face to face contact to learn and discuss what is happening at the school and to ask questions. Our goal is to enhance our student’s education and extracurricular activities through PFO members’ ideas, leadership and creativity.

NOTE: The Norwich PFO does not charge a fee for membership. Although you do need to complete and return the form which can be found on the Norwich Tech Website

A student’s photograph may be used in promotional literature and publicity activities.Please note that a student’s photograph will only be used for CTECS promotional literature and publicity activities. Photos will not be used for any commercial purposes whatsoever.

NOTE: Parents/guardians wanting to opt out MUST fill out the appropriate form in Powerschool.

Teachers will log incidents in powerschool.

Plagiarizing or using AI to complete an assignment will result in the following:
? First offense- The student will be given a zero on the assignment with the opportunity to redo the assignment with the teacher.
? Subsequent offenses- The student will receive a zero on the assignment with no opportunity to redo it.

The term “AI” means technology that can generate new and original content such as text, images, videos, code, music, data or other content. When used appropriately, AI can enhance learning experiences, promote critical thinking, and prepare students for the future. However, it is crucial to ensure that AI is utilized responsibly by students in the school environment, avoiding plagiarism and the propagation of misinformation, bias or harmful content. Read CTECS full Student use of AI policy that outlines the responsible use of AI, prohibition

Report Cards will be issued four times throughout the school year. Parents/guardians will receive a notice via Parent Square to log in to PowerSchool to view their student’s grades. Hard copies will not be sent home.

All permission slips, excused absence notices, requests for early dismissal, and other school-related documents should be signed by a parent or court-appointed guardian.

Class Officers Students running for any school office must be passing all subjects. Final approval rests solely with the administration in consultation with the teaching staff and guidance. A negative or serious discipline record will preclude a student from running for office.

Student Council
The Student Council operates under the theory that students gain much from conducting a representative government of their own. The Student Council regulates the spending of funds from the activity fund, coordinates student activities, and promotes sensible policies for student behavior.

National Honor Society
Students who show evidence of outstanding scholarship, leadership, character, and service are eligible for election to this group.

National Technical Honor Society
The National Technical Honor Society is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education.

Varsity Sports
The varsity sports program offers students the opportunity to participate in various athletic contests with other schools. Students from all classes are eligible to try out for varsity sports provided they meet CIAC, district, and school eligibility requirements. When possible, junior varsity team schedules are arranged. Varsity teams are organized in basketball, baseball, cross-country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, and wrestling.
NOTE: Any student assigned to in-school suspension (ISS) may not participate in sports or extra-curricular activities on the day the ISS is served.

Skills USA
All students are eligible to participate in Skills USA. Club members compete in their trade and/or in leadership skills at a state conference annually.

Ski Club
Any student may join the Ski Club, which, during the winter months, makes weekly after-school trips to local ski areas, weather permitting.

Simulation Club
Members meet weekly to compete with each other in games simulating historic events.

Yearbook
Juniors and seniors volunteer their time to produce their class yearbook.

NOTE: These are some of the activities Norwich Tech offers its students. Other clubs or teams may be formed with approval from the administration and/or student council.

As stated in the CTECS Student/Parent Handbook 2026-2027, students are provided with picture identification cards (Student IDs).

Students are required to carry these IDs on them at all times. If asked by a staff member to show their ID, they MUST provide it.

It is the student’s responsibility to care for these Student IDs. They are not to be defaced, cut up, or misused in any manner; doing so will result in disciplinary action. Lost IDs may be replaced in the Business Office for a fee of $5.00.

NOTE: If a student violates the ID Protocol, the school will follow a progressive discipline model of consequences.

Adding or Dropping Courses All requests to add or drop a course must be made through the student's school counselor. Requests must be made before the last day of the first academic cycle in which a student is enrolled.

School Counselor/Psychologist/ Social Worker Appointment Procedures
? Students should come to the Student Services Office to schedule their appointments in advance, prior to first period or by emailing a counselor for an appointment.
? Students will be given a pass from the Office.
? No student will be admitted to the Student Services Office without a pass.
? Counselors may also contact students for a conference at various times during the school day.
? Emergency situations may dictate waiving these procedures.
? Parents are urged to make appointments with the counselor when questions or concerns develop. The Student Services Secretary will make the necessary arrangements. Any questions regarding your counselor may be directed to the Student Services Secretary at (860) 889-8453 ext 20110

Student Assistance Team
Referrals may be made through any faculty member or directly to the SAT Coordinator, Ms. Miller 860-889-8453 ext. 20114.

All persons, including students, are prohibited from smoking, using tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products in school building or on school grounds. Students may also be subject to arrest.

Enforcement for Students:
1. The first violation shall result in any or all of the following, one day of in-school suspension, confiscation of tobacco products, notification of parents, meeting, and assessment with a substance abuse educator or designated staff, participation in a tobacco education program, and offering student information about available cessation programs.
2. The second violation shall result in two days of in-school suspension, confiscation of tobacco products, notification of parents, and assessment with a substance abuse educator or designated staff, participation in a tobacco education program, and offering student information about available cessation
3. Further violations will result in progressive disciplinary action, confiscation of tobacco products, notification of parents, meeting, and assessment with a substance abuse educator or designated staff, participation in a tobacco education program, and offering student information about available cessation programs.

Academics

Norwich Technical High School has implemented an academic uniform policy for all students in grades 9-12. Our expectation is that all 9th-12th grade students will arrive in their school uniforms on the first day of school. Ninth and twelfth grade students will start the school year in academics, and they should report to school in their academic uniform.

The school has chosen to work with Sportees, which will provide the school uniforms. All shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other tops that have the school-approved logo imprinted on them must be purchased online through this vendor or through a school-sponsored event. Pants must be black, navy blue, or khaki in color and can be purchased from a store of choice. Jeans are NOT allowed in academics. Black, navy blue, or khaki skirts, as long as the length is appropriate—two inches above the knee or longer is the rule. Students are permitted to wear black, navy blue, or khaki shorts in academics. They should be golf or walking style shorts and be an appropriate length—two inches above the knee or longer. Legging/volleyball style shorts, as well as cargo style shorts and pants, are not permitted. Sneakers or shoes must have backs and closed toes. Moccasin style, slippers, slides, and flip-flops are not permitted. PE uniform shirts and shorts are not part of the daily academic uniform and are only allowed to be worn in PE classes. Sweatpants are allowed ONLY in PE class.

? No ripped,torn clothing or clothing with holes will be permitted at any time including free-dress days.
? Hats should be kept in student lockers at all times.
? Students are expected to be in full uniform while in the building from 7:15 AM to 2:00 PM each day.
? Academic uniforms reflecting our school logo may be purchased at Sportees. They can be contacted through their website at https://ntapparel.itemorder.com/shop/home/. oWe appreciate your support in your child’s adherence to the school uniform policy.

Trade-Shop Uniforms/ Tools
Each trade has a list of specific uniforms, tools and protocols for their shop. Trade uniforms may be purchased at Darter Specialties. They can be contacted through their website at www.darterschools.com/norwichtech or at (860) 699-9805. We appreciate your support in your child’s adherence to the school uniform policy.

Once a student has selected a trade, they will be responsible for the specified uniform and tools. Trade instructors will provide students with the requirements for their chosen trade.

Students are required to wear the designated uniform or exploratory t-shirt, work boots (not hiking boots) and safety glasses during trade cycles. Uniform shirts should not have any writing, graffiti, markings, or be torn (including sleeves). Additionally, torn pants may present a safety problem and are not to be worn in trade areas. It is strongly recommended to buy non-marking boots, and students should wear sneakers or shoes during the academic cycles.

NOTE: Most trades have regulations regarding jewelry, length of finger nails, and use of safety glasses. These are non-negotiable; this should be considered when students select permanent trade.

Tools
Tools are the student’s responsibility and should always be taken care of by the student. When not being used, tools should be locked up. We recommend that students mark their tools to easily identify them. Additionally, knives are not allowed on campus.* Please see the approved tool list for your student’s shop-approved tools. *Culinary has a knife kit that is part of the approved tools for the culinary curriculum.

Hooded Sweatshirt Policy
? Hooded sweatshirts are not allowed in shops unless they are part of the shop uniform.
? Academic hooded sweatshirts cannot be worn during the trade cycle.
? Hooded sweatshirts are allowed in academics only with the following guidelines:
Students will be allowed to wear any Norwich Tech hooded sweatshirt purchased from the school uniform vendor or through any of the school-sponsored clothing sale fundraisers.

Uniform Violation Protocol:
Students are required to wear specified uniforms during both shop and academic cycles. Dress code violations will be directed to the SAIL Instructor, Dean of Students or administration.
1st violation-Conference with the student, contact home, and student will receive a uniform pass for the day.

2nd violation-Conference with the student, contact home, and one administrative detention, and the student will receive a uniform pass for the day.

3rd violation- Conference with the student, contact home, and two administrative detentions. The student will receive a uniform pass for the day, and the student's counselor will be notified.

4th violation-One day of ISS and parent meeting.

Subsequent offenses will be subject to progressive disciplinary consequences.

• The cafeteria provides breakfast before school for free this year. Lunch periods are also scheduled during the school day. Students should note their scheduled time to eat. A full meal is served at no cost during lunch.
• To help all students have more time to enjoy their lunch, it is helpful to keep the lunch lines moving. All students should have their ID at all times. Students without an ID will be moved to the back of the line for efficiency purposes.
• To ensure a clean and pleasant dining area, students are expected to clean up after themselves. The table and the surrounding area should be checked for items to be picked up so there is a clean spot for the next person using the table. Students who do not cooperate with instructors and cafeteria staff may be subject to disciplinary action. Food and items on the floor constitute a safety hazard.
• Food brought to school from outside-vendors is not allowed per the State of Connecticut. Fast food delivered or dropped off by parents or delivery services will be held in the office until the end of the school day. This includes students out on production.