Student Handbook

Creating a positive school culture is a shared responsibility. Students, families, staff, and administrators all play an important role in creating and maintaining a respectful, safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Students

At North Eugene, students have the right to:

• Learn in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
• Learn free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
• Be heard, ask questions, and seek support when needed.
• Express their ideas and perspectives respectfully.
• Access school resources, equipment, and spaces for educational purposes.

With those rights come responsibilities. Students are expected to:

• Know and follow school and district policies and expectations.
• Treat others with respect, dignity, and care.
• Follow staff directions and contribute to a safe and welcoming environment.
• Take responsibility for their choices, actions, and learning.
• Advocate for themselves and seek support when they need it.
• Respect the rights, identities, and experiences of others.

Parents & Guardians

Parents and guardians are important partners in student success. We ask families to:

• Support regular attendance and encourage students to engage in their learning.
• Review and support school and district policies and expectations.
• Stay connected to the school by attending events, volunteering, or participating in Parent Group or Site Council.
• Communicate with teachers, counselors, and staff when questions or concerns arise.
• Partner with the school to support their student's academic, social, and personal growth.

All visitors, including parents and guardians, must check in at the front office and wear a visitor pass while on campus.

Staff

Our staff is committed to supporting students in their academic, personal, and social development. Staff responsibilities include:

• Creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments.
• Communicating clearly about expectations, assignments, progress, and feedback.
• Building positive relationships with students and families.
• Modeling respectful behavior and treating students fairly and consistently.
• Connecting students with support and resources when they need them.

Administrators

School administrators provide leadership and work to ensure school and district policies are carried out with fairness, consistency, and care. They:

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with students, staff, and families.
• Listen to concerns and work collaboratively to address them.
• Support restorative, educational, and appropriate responses to behavior concerns.
• Partner with teachers, counselors, staff, and families to help students succeed.
• Maintain high expectations while providing students with the support they need to reach them.

We All Have a Role

A strong school community is something we build together. Each of us has a role in creating a school where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.

For the safety of our students and staff, North Eugene High School is supervised from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and during official school-sponsored events.

The school building opens at 8:00 a.m. Outside of supervised campus hours, students may be on campus for transportation, scheduled activities, or other school-related needs; however, general supervision is not provided during those times.

Bell Schedules & Calendars

• Our current bell schedule and school calendar are available on the NEHS website.
• Check for special schedules on early release days, finals, assemblies, and other school events.
• Schedule updates and important reminders are also shared weekly through our family newsletter on ParentSquare.

School is a place to learn, grow, and explore your potential. Success comes from participation, responsibility, and integrity.

Students are expected to:

• Be present and actively engage in learning.
• Communicate with teachers.
• Complete assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Take ownership of your learning and progress.

Schoolwide Syllabus Framework

At North Eugene, we believe students should have clear and consistent information about what to expect in every course.

To support this, our school uses a schoolwide syllabus framework that provides a common structure for essential course information, including learning expectations, grading practices, major assignments, classroom routines, communication, and available support.

While each course and teacher may have unique learning experiences, the common framework helps students and families navigate course requirements with greater clarity and consistency, no matter which class they take.

Your teachers will provide course-specific information and explain what success looks like in their classroom. If you have questions about expectations, assignments, grading, or how to be successful, ask your teacher—they are your first resource.

Teacher Access Time

Teacher Access Time provides students with opportunities to ask questions, get additional support, make up work, or receive extra help.

Check with each teacher for their available times and how students can access support. 

Educational Options

North Eugene is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Diploma and Career Programs as well as AP, College Now, and credit recovery opportunities. Students with unique learning needs also have access to individualized support.

Explore our Curriculum Guide for more information about course offerings and graduation planning.

Monitoring Grades & Attendance

We use Synergy to track attendance and academic progress. Students and families can monitor progress anytime through StudentVUE, CANVAS, and ParentVUE.

Grades are posted in Canvas, and teachers update them regularly, at least every two weeks.

Have a question or concern about your progress? Start by talking with your teacher. We are here to help you understand where you are, where you are going, and what support you need to get there.

Graduation Requirements

Oregon requires students to earn 24 credits and demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics to earn a high school diploma.

Graduation requirements include specific credits in subject areas. Because graduation planning is an ongoing process, students should regularly review their progress with their counselor and use the Curriculum Guide to understand course and credit requirements.

Your counselor is here to help you create a plan and stay on track for graduation.

Grading

Other Marks

• P (Pass): Credit earned; does not impact GPA.
• NP (No Pass): No credit earned.
• I (Incomplete): Short-term designation that must be resolved within two terms or may become an F, unless otherwise noted.

Teachers will communicate grading practices, expectations, and opportunities for revision in their course syllabus. Our goal is to give students opportunities to learn from feedback, demonstrate their learning, and improve.

Teachers may offer retakes, revisions, or other opportunities during a unit. Once a unit closes, late work or revisions may not be accepted. Students should refer to their course syllabus for specific expectations.

Pass / No Pass

Students may request to take a course as Pass/No Pass (P/NP) when the option is available.

Requests must be arranged with the teacher before the end of the term. Students who do not meet the requirements for a passing grade will receive an NP and will not earn credit.

Because P/NP can affect academic planning, students should talk with their counselor before choosing this option to determine whether it aligns with their graduation, college, career, or other post-high-school goals.

Withdrawing from a Class

Students may drop a class without penalty during the first 20 school days. After that period, a Withdraw/Fail (WF) may appear on the student's transcript unless an appeal is granted.

Before withdrawing from a course, students should talk with their teacher and counselor to understand how the change may affect their schedule, credits, graduation progress, and future plans.

Academic Integrity

At North Eugene, we believe learning is built on honesty, effort, and trust.

Students are expected to complete their own work, appropriately acknowledge the ideas and work of others, and follow course expectations for collaboration and the use of technology and other resources.

Academic dishonesty—including plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, or helping another student cheat—does not support genuine learning and violates our expectations and may result in:

• Loss of credit or a zero for an assignment or assessment.
• Contact with a parent or guardian.
• A conversation with the teacher or administrator.
• Referral to administration when appropriate.
• Additional consequences consistent with school and district expectations.

Our goal is not simply to punish mistakes. We want students to learn from them. Teachers and staff will support students in understanding academic integrity, citing sources, using resources appropriately, working independently when required, and making choices that reflect their own learning.

You do not have to figure out high school or your future on your own. Our Counseling and Career Center team is here to help every student succeed, feel supported, and plan for what comes next.

Counseling Services

• Academic advising and course scheduling
• Graduation planning and credit tracking
• College, career, and post-high-school planning
• Social-emotional support
• IEP and 504 support
• Personal and school-related challenges
• Connections to health and mental health resources

We also provide support with:

• IB, AP, and college entrance planning
• College and career planning through Naviance
• Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• Evening family information sessions

Need support? Reach out to your counselor or visit the Counseling & Career Center to make an appointment. We are here to listen, help you navigate challenges, and support your goals.

Additional Support Services

• School-Based Health Clinic: Access to medical and mental health support.
• ELL Support: Language support for multilingual learners, including access to a Spanish-speaking specialist.
• Substance Use Counseling: Confidential support, education, and prevention resources.

ASPIRE Mentoring

ASPIRE connects students with trained volunteer mentors who can help students:

• Explore college, career, and post-high-school options.
• Complete college and financial aid applications.
• Set goals and create plans for the future.

College Visits & Community Service

Throughout the year, college and university representatives visit North Eugene to connect with students and share information about their programs.

Students interested in community service opportunities can check daily announcements or visit the Career Center.

Work-Based Learning

Learning doesn't only happen in the classroom. Students can explore careers and gain real-world experience through opportunities such as:

• Paid internships and opportunities to earn credit for work
• Preschool and teacher assistant programs
• Volunteer and career exploration opportunities through Opportunity Knocks

Talk with your counselor or Career Center staff to explore opportunities that match your interests and goals.

The library is a welcoming space for learning, research, reading, collaboration, and access to digital and in-person academic resources.

Students can also get additional academic support through:

• Teacher Access Time
• Before- or after-school support
• By appointment

Asking for help is a strength. If you are struggling in a class or need support, start by talking with your teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult. We want you to have the support you need to succeed.

Being Here Matters 

Regular attendance gives students more opportunities to learn, build relationships, participate in school, and stay on track for graduation. Students who attend regularly are more likely to earn the credits they need and make consistent progress toward graduation.

Our goal is for every student to be a regular attender and maintain attendance at 90% or higher.

We also understand that there are many reasons why attending school consistently can be difficult. When attendance becomes a concern, we want to work with students and families to better understand what may be getting in the way and connect them with support.

Oregon law requires students ages 6–18 to attend school regularly.

Reporting an Absence

Parents and guardians must report student absences within 48 hours by:

• Calling (541) 790-4459
• Emailing nehs_attendance@4j.lane.edu

Excused Absences

Excused absences may include:

• Illness or medical appointments
• Family emergencies
• Religious or cultural observances
• Court appearances

Pre-arranged absences, such as college visits or religious holidays, must be approved in advance.

Vacation absences may not be excused.

Attendance Terms

• Excused: A verified absence due to illness, an emergency, or another approved reason.
• Unexcused: An absence that has not been verified or does not meet the criteria for an excused absence.
• Late: Arriving within 10 minutes of the beginning of class.
• Very Late: Arriving more than 10 minutes after the beginning of class.
• ED (Early Departure): Leaving class early and not returning.
• Suspension: Time missed due to suspension is not counted as an unexcused absence.

When You Miss School

When you return after an absence, connect with your teachers to find out what you missed and make a plan to get back on track.

If attendance is becoming difficult, please reach out to your counselor, administrator, or another trusted adult. We want to understand what is happening and help identify the support or resources that may be available.

Every day is an opportunity to learn, connect, earn credits, and move closer to graduation. We want you here.

North Eugene offers several ways for students to get to and from school. Whatever way you travel, please help keep yourself and others safe by following school and community expectations.

Getting to School

• Walk, bike, skateboard, or ride a scooter and use the designated storage racks on campus.
• Ride LTD buses using a Free LTD bus pass, available through the front office.
• Drive and park on campus with an approved student parking permit.
• Be dropped off or picked up in the designated east lot.

Student Parking

Student parking is available to juniors and seniors with a valid parking permit.

• Parking permits are $50 per year. If the cost creates a barrier, please contact the school office so we can discuss available support.
• Students must park in designated student parking areas east of the staff lot.
• Neighborhood parking restrictions are enforced. Vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
• Unsafe driving, repeated parking concerns, or other ongoing issues may affect a student’s parking privileges. Whenever possible, concerns will be addressed with the student first, with a focus on safety, accountability, and resolving the issue.

Drive responsibly and respect our neighbors.

Visitors

• All visitors, including parents and guardians, must check in at the front office upon arrival.
• Visitors must wear a visitor badge while on campus.
• Students from other schools are not permitted on campus during the school day without prior approval.

Riding LTD

Students who use public transportation are expected to represent North Eugene positively and safely.

• Appropriate and respectful behavior is expected at all bus stops, the LTD transfer station, and on buses.
• Students should follow directions from LTD staff and school staff.
• Repeated or serious behavior concerns may result in loss of bus privileges or a trespass from LTD property.

Safe transportation is a shared responsibility. Thank you for helping keep our campus and community safe.

We want students to stay focused on learning while also making sure families can reach them when it matters. The front office helps manage communication and deliveries to minimize classroom disruptions and maintain a safe, orderly campus.

Messages to Students

To  minimize classroom disruptions while ensuring families can reach students when needed, the front office will support personal messages during the school day. Non-urgent messages will be shared with students at an appropriate time.

In an emergency, families can contact the main office at (541) 790-4500.

Food Deliveries

For safety and to reduce disruptions to the school day, students may not receive food deliveries from outside services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.

The front office is not able to accept, store, or monitor these deliveries.

Students should plan ahead by:

• Bringing lunch from home.
• Eating a school-provided meal.
• Making other arrangements before arriving at school.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, focused, and welcoming learning environment.

Our cafeteria is a place for students to enjoy meals and connect with others. We all share responsibility for keeping the cafeteria clean, welcoming, and respectful.

Students are expected to:

• Clean up after themselves.
• Recycle and compost when appropriate.
• Leave tables and eating areas clean and orderly.
• Treat cafeteria staff and other students with respect.

Breakfast & Lunch

All North Eugene High School students are eligible to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. No meal application is required.

• Breakfast is available before school and during the mid-morning break.
• Students who choose additional meals, second entrees, or à la carte items will be charged according to the current Nutrition Services price list.
• Charges for additional items are applied to the student's meal account.

Meal Benefits & Fee Reductions

Because all students receive free school meals through the district's meal program, meal participation does not determine eligibility for reduced school fees or other community benefits.

Families who need documentation of income eligibility for fee reductions, scholarships, or other community programs should complete the district's annual Income-Based Eligibility Form.

Student Fee Reduction Policy

Families seeking reduced school fees or eligibility for certain community assistance programs must complete the district's annual Income-Based Eligibility Form. to receive an Eligibility Certification.

• Students without a current Eligibility Certification are responsible for paying applicable school fees in full.
• Students who qualify may receive reductions on eligible school fees.
• An Eligibility Certification may also provide access to certain community benefits, such as discounted internet service, driver education programs, and other services offered by participating organizations.
• Availability of these benefits varies by provider.

To apply for fee reductions, North Eugene High School families should complete the Income-Based Eligibility Form.

Questions about meals, meal accounts, or fee reductions? Please contact the school office or Nutrition Services for assistance.

At North Eugene, we know students make mistakes. Our job is to help students grow through those moments, take responsibility, and get back on track.

Our approach to behavior is progressive, equitable, restorative, and student-centered. We focus on teaching expectations, understanding the impact of choices, repairing harm, and maintaining students' connection to their school community whenever possible.

Guiding Principles

• Behavior is a form of communication. We seek to understand what is happening and respond with empathy and care.
• Consequences should match the situation. Responses should be appropriate, proportional, and focused on learning.
• Restoration matters. When harm occurs, we look for opportunities to repair relationships and restore community.
• Equity matters. We consider the impact of bias and work to ensure discipline is applied fairly and consistently.

Expectations for Behavior

Every member of our school community plays a role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. Students are expected to:

• Treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Use language and behavior that support a respectful learning environment.
• Be honest and take responsibility for their choices and actions.
• Follow reasonable directions from staff.
• Respect school property and the rights and belongings of others.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can learn and belong.

Common Responses to Behavior

Behavior responses will depend on the situation, the impact of the behavior, the student's needs, and applicable school and district policies.

• Check-ins, redirection, and re-teaching
• Teacher-led reflection or problem-solving
• Restorative or problem-solving conferences
• Family communication or parent/guardian meetings
• Restorative circles or mediation
• Community service or reflection activities
• Loss of privileges or access to school-sponsored activities
• Time out of class, including in-school suspension (ISS)
• Out-of-school suspension (OSS), when appropriate
• Expulsion in serious circumstances and in accordance with district policy and due process

Our goal is not simply to assign a consequence. It is to help students understand, learn, repair harm, and move forward.

Discipline Matrix

North Eugene follows Eugene 4J's district-wide discipline matrix to provide consistency in how behavior concerns are addressed.

Minor Behaviors

Behaviors such as disruption, off-task behavior, or inappropriate dress may often be addressed by classroom staff through redirection, re-teaching, reflection, and other supportive responses.

Major Behaviors

Behaviors such as harassment, threats, violence, or other serious violations may be referred to an administrator and may result in restorative and/or disciplinary responses consistent with district policy.

Equity & Subjective Behaviors

Behaviors such as defiance or disrespect can sometimes be interpreted differently depending on the circumstances. These concerns should be reviewed carefully and through an equity lens to reduce bias and ensure students are treated fairly.

We prioritize learning over punishment and seek to maintain students' academic engagement whenever possible.

Dress & Grooming

We believe students should be able to express themselves through their clothing, culture, and identity while maintaining a safe and learning-focused environment.

• Dress in ways that are appropriate for school activities and learning.
• Avoid clothing or imagery that promotes drugs, alcohol, violence, or hate.
• Avoid clothing or accessories that create a significant disruption to learning or safety concerns.

If a clothing concern arises, staff will address it respectfully and, whenever possible, privately. If needed, students may be asked to adjust their clothing or change.

Personal Devices

Oregon has established statewide requirements regarding student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. Students are expected to follow the current district and school expectations for cell phones and other personal devices.

• Personal devices must be turned off and stored as required during the school day.
• Teachers may collect students' phones in a designated classroom storage system, such as a cell phone hotel, for the class period.
• Repeated violations may result in family contact and additional restrictions consistent with school and district expectations.

* During an emergency, families can contact students through the main office.

Open Campus & Off-Limit Areas

North Eugene has an open campus for students during designated times. With that privilege comes responsibility.

• Respect our neighbors, local businesses, and surrounding community.
• Return to campus on time following off-campus lunch or other approved activities.
• Follow all school expectations while off campus during the school day.

Loitering in nearby neighborhoods, returning late, or repeatedly misusing open-campus privileges may result in a loss of open-campus privileges.

Some areas of campus—including locker rooms, auditoriums, gyms, classrooms, and other designated spaces—may be restricted unless students are supervised or have permission to be there.

Prohibited Substances & Items

The following are prohibited at school, on school transportation, and at school-sponsored activities in accordance with district policy and applicable law:

• Alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, including vapes, and other prohibited substances.
• Weapons or items that are used, resemble, or are intended to be used as weapons.
• Explosives, fireworks, or other dangerous items.
• Hate symbols, threatening imagery, or materials that promote violence or intimidation.

Violations will be addressed in accordance with district policy and applicable law and may involve law enforcement when required or appropriate.

Harassment, Bullying & Bias-Based Behavior

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and that they belong at North Eugene.

We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or bias-based behavior.

If you experience or witness:

• Harassment or intimidation
• Bullying
• Hate language or bias-based behavior
• Discrimination (NEW)
• Sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct

Tell someone. Report concerns to a trusted adult, teacher, counselor, or administrator.

You can report a concern even if you are unsure whether the behavior meets the definition of bullying or harassment. We will listen, take concerns seriously, and respond in accordance with district procedures.

Due Process

Students have the right to a fair and transparent disciplinary process. Depending on the situation and applicable district policy, students have the right to:

• Know the expectations and rules.
• Be informed of concerns or allegations involving them.
• Share their perspective and provide relevant information.
• Understand the response or consequence.
• Appeal disciplinary decisions when an appeal process is available.

Accountability and belonging can exist together. Our goal is to maintain a safe learning environment while helping students learn from their choices, repair harm, and remain connected to their school community whenever possible.

Technology is an important part of learning at North Eugene. Students are expected to use school and district technology in ways that support learning, respect others, and protect the safety and privacy of our school community.

Appropriate Use

Students may use the district network and school technology for:

• Academic research and learning
• College and career planning
• Approved classroom activities and assignments
• Accessing school and district resources

Responsible Technology Use

• Use technology for its intended educational purpose.
• Protect their passwords and account information.
• Respect the privacy, information, and digital work of others.
• Follow school, district, and classroom expectations for technology use.
• Report inappropriate or concerning content to a trusted adult.

Inappropriate Use

Inappropriate use of technology—including accessing prohibited websites or content, disrupting instruction, attempting to bypass network restrictions, or violating another person's privacy—may result in limited or suspended technology access and/or other consequences consistent with school and district policies.

Technology is a privilege and a learning tool. Use it responsibly, safely, and in ways that help you and others succeed.

• Students may choose to participate or not participate in patriotic exercises.
• Students may express their personal beliefs, as long as they do not disrupt learning or violate the rights of others.
• Students with a religious or ethical objection to instructional materials may request an alternative assignment.

Students may:

• Share opinions verbally or in writing, as long as they do not disrupt learning or violate the rights of others.
• Distribute flyers and other materials with prior approval from administration.
• Express themselves through clubs, assemblies, and student media within school guidelines.

We support your right to be heard—and we expect everyone to engage respectfully.

Your Voice. Your Community. Your Involvement.

Families are an essential part of the North Eugene community. When families are connected and involved, students benefit. Whether you have a few hours to volunteer, or simply want to stay connected, there is a place for you.

Ways to Get Involved

• Parent Group: Build community, advocate for students, and connect with the school and district.
• Site Council: Help shape school improvement, priorities, and our shared vision for North Eugene.
• Booster Club: Support athletics, activities, and student scholarships.
• College Advisory Assistants: Help students explore college, career, and post-secondary opportunities.
• Classroom & Academic Support: Share your expertise, support presentations and projects, or assist with tutoring.
• Performing Arts & Athletics: Help support performances, competitions, events, and activities.

We Want You Here

Your involvement does not have to look a certain way. Your time, voice, skills, ideas, and experiences all add value to our school community.

Have an idea, skill, or interest you'd like to share? Connect with the front office—we'd love to find a way for you to be involved.

Need help or have a question? Start here. Our team is here to connect you with the right person or resource.

Main Office

541-790-4500

Administrative Team

• Ricci Huling — Principal
• Steven Humble — Assistant Principal
• Chemika Bolden — Assistant Principal
• Peter Barsotti — Assistant Principal & Athletic Director
• Athletics/Activities: 541-790-4507

Student Support

• Ann Christensen — Equity Manager
• Attendance Office: 541-790-4459
• nehs_attendance@4j.lane.edu
• Counseling Center: 541-790-4531
• Records Request/Registrar: 541-790-4447
• College & Career Center: 541-790-4518
• Bilingual Family Liaison: 541-790-4519

Need Something Else?

For a complete and up-to-date staff directory, visit the North Eugene High School website.

We're here to help you find the right person and support you in navigating North Eugene.