Student Handbook
NORTH EUGENE HIGH SCHOOL
2025-2026
Ricci Huling, Principal
250 Silver Lane
Eugene, Oregon 97404
(541) 790-4500
Welcome to North Eugene High School!
We’re so glad you’re here! At North Eugene, we believe every student has the power to grow, achieve, and thrive. Our school community supports students in academics, the arts, athletics, service—and most importantly—in becoming confident, capable human beings.
This handbook is here to help guide you through expectations, resources, and opportunities. It reflects our shared commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.
We know genuine learning happens best when we feel safe, connected, and supported. That’s why we’ve built this guide around our core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence.
You belong here. We’re excited to support you in reaching your goals.
Let’s make it a great year!
—The North Eugene Administrative Team
Ricci Huling, Principal
Steven Humble, Assistant Principal
Jesus Sandoval, Assistant Principal
Peter Barsotti, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal
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Creating a positive school culture is a shared responsibility. Students, families, staff, and administrators all play a role in maintaining a respectful, safe, and supportive learning environment.
Students
At North Eugene, students have the right to:
- A safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment
- Learn free from discrimination or harassment
- Be heard and appeal disciplinary decisions
- Use school equipment and spaces for educational purposes
With those rights come responsibilities. Students are expected to:
- Know and follow school and district policies
- Treat others with respect and care
- Follow staff directions and contribute to a safe environment
- Advocate for themselves and seek support when needed
Parents and Guardians
Parents & Guardians are key partners in student success. We ask families to:
- Support regular attendance and review school policies
- Stay involved—attend events, volunteer, or join Parent Group or Site Council
- Communicate with teachers and staff when questions or concerns arise
All visitors—including parents—must check in at the front office and wear a visitor pass while on campus.
Staff
Our staff is committed to guiding students in their academic and personal development. Staff responsibilities include:
- Creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive classrooms
- Communicating clearly about expectations, assignments, and feedback
- Modeling respectful behavior and enforcing policies fairly and consistently
Administrators
School administrators provide leadership and ensure district policies are carried out with fairness and care. They:
- Communicate clearly with students, staff, and families
- Support restorative and educational responses to behavior concerns
- Partner with teachers and counselors to help students succeed
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Campus Hours & Supervision
Our campus is supervised from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and during official school events. For safety, please avoid being on campus outside of these times unless participating in a school-sponsored activity. The school building does not open until 8:00 a.m.
Bell Schedules & Calendars
- Our bell schedule and school calendar are available on the NEHS website.
- Be sure to check for special schedules on early release days, finals, and assemblies. This information will also be sent out weekly via our family newsletter on ParentSquare
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Academics
School is a place to learn, grow, and explore your potential. Success comes from participation, responsibility, and integrity. You’re expected to:
- Show up and engage in learning
- Communicate with teachers
- Complete assignments and meet deadlines
- Ask for help when you need it
Your teachers will share how your work will be graded and what success looks like in each course. Teacher Access Time is available—check with each teacher for their schedule.
Educational Options
North Eugene is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering IB Diploma and Career Programs, as well as AP, College Now, and credit recovery. Students with unique needs also have access to individualized learning supports. See our Curriculum Guide for details.
Monitoring Grades & Attendance
We use Synergy to track attendance and academic progress. Parents and students can log in anytime via ParentVue or StudentVue.
Grades are posted on Canvas, and teachers update them regularly (at least every two weeks). Need help? Reach out to your teacher directly.
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Oregon requires students to earn 24 credits and demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and math. For a breakdown of required credits by subject, check with your counselor or view the Curriculum Guide.
Grading
Grades are calculated using a 4.0 scale:
- A = 4.0
- B = 3.0
- C = 2.0
- D = 1.0
- F = 0.0
Other marks:
- P (Pass): No impact on GPA
- NP (No Pass): No credit earned
- I (Incomplete): Short-term; must be resolved within two terms or it becomes an F unless otherwise noted
Teachers offer retakes and revision opportunities during a unit. After the unit closes, late work may not be accepted.
Pass / No Pass
Students may request to take a class as Pass/No Pass (P/NP). This must be arranged with the teacher before the end of the term. Students who do not pass will receive an NP. Speak with your counselor to see if P/NP is a good option based on your goals.
Withdrawing from a Class
Students may drop a class without penalty during the first 20 days. After that, a Withdraw/Fail (WF) may appear on transcripts unless an appeal is granted.
Academic Integrity
We believe in learning with honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, or helping someone else cheat violates our expectations. These actions may result in:
- Loss of credit for the assignment
- Contact home
- Referral to administration
- Additional consequences as needed
Teachers and staff will support students in learning how to cite sources, work independently, and grow from mistakes.
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Counseling & Career Center
Our Counseling and Career Center team is here to help every student succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally. Services include:
- Academic advising and scheduling
- College and career planning
- Graduation tracking
- Social-emotional support
- Help with IEPs and 504 plans
- Support for personal challenges
- Connection to health and mental health resources
We also offer:
- IB, AP, and college entrance support
- Naviance for college & career planning
- Evening family information sessions
- Financial aid and scholarship advising
Need support? Drop by or email your counselor to make an appointment. We’re here for you.
Additional Support Services
- School-based Health Clinic: Access to medical and mental health support
- ELL Support: Spanish-speaking specialist available
- Substance Abuse Counseling: Confidential support and prevention resources
ASPIRE Mentoring
ASPIRE connects students with trained volunteer mentors who help with:
- Exploring post-high school options
- Completing applications and financial aid
- Setting goals for the future
College Visits & Community Service
Throughout the year, college reps visit NEHS—watch for announcements! Students seeking community service hours can check daily announcements or visit the Career Center.
Work-Based Learning
Get hands-on experience through:
- Paid internships and credit for work
- Preschool and teacher assistant programs
- Volunteer opportunities through Opportunity Knocks
Library & Tutoring
The library offers digital and in-person academic resources. Teachers are also available for extra help during Teacher Access Time, before or after school, and by appointment.
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Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for success in school. Students who attend consistently are more likely to graduate on time and perform well.
- Oregon law requires students age 6–18 to attend school regularly.
- Parents must report absences within 48 hours by calling (541) 790-4459 or emailing nehs_attendance@4j.lane.edu
- Students with less than 90% attendance may be considered at-risk.
- Excessive unexcused absences (more than 8 half days in 4 weeks) may trigger a truancy intervention.
Excused absences include:
- Illness or medical appointment
- Family emergency
- Religious/cultural observance
- Court appearances
Pre-arranged absences (e.g., college visits or religious holidays) must be approved in advance. Vacation absences may not be excused.
Attendance Terms:
- Excused: Verified illness, emergency, or approved reason
- Unexcused: Not verified or doesn’t meet excused criteria
- Late: Arriving within 10 minutes of class
- Very Late: Arriving more than 10 minutes into class
- ED (Early Departure): Leaving class early and not returning
- Suspension: Not counted as unexcused
- Oregon law requires students age 6–18 to attend school regularly.
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Students may:
- Walk, bike, or ride a skateboard/scooter (stored in designated racks)
- Ride the city bus with an LTD bus pass (available in the front office)
- Drive and park (see Parking section below)
- Be dropped off and picked up in the east lot
Student Parking
- Parking permits are available to juniors and seniors for $50 per year.
- Students may park in designated areas east of the staff lot.
- Neighborhood parking is restricted—tickets and towing are enforced.
- Reckless driving, repeated violations, or unpaid fines may result in loss of parking privileges.
Visitors
- All visitors—including parents—must check in at the front office and wear a visitor badge.
- Students from other schools are not allowed during the school day without prior approval.
Riding the Bus
- Appropriate behavior is expected at all bus stops, the LTD transfer station, and on buses.
- Repeated misbehavior may result in a loss of bus privileges or a trespass from LTD property.
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PRIDE & Positive Behavior
At North Eugene, we lead with PRIDE—Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence. These values guide our school culture and behavior expectations.
We use Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to foster a respectful and safe environment. When students make mistakes, we use it as a learning opportunity. Chronic or unsafe behaviors may result in referrals and restorative or disciplinary actions.
Examples of PRIDE in action:
- Perseverance: Keep trying even when things get tough
- Respect: Treat others kindly, use appropriate language
- Integrity: Be honest and do your own work
- Discipline: Manage your time and meet expectations
- Excellence: Aim for your personal best and uplift others
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At North Eugene, we believe discipline should support student growth. Our approach emphasizes teaching, reflection, and restoration—not punishment. When students make mistakes, we guide them toward better choices, using consequences that are fair, consistent, and educational.
Expectations for Behavior
We expect students to:
- Treat others with kindness and respect
- Use appropriate language
- Be honest and take responsibility for their actions
- Respect school property and the rights of others
- Help create a positive, inclusive environment for all
Behavior That Interferes With Learning
While most behavior issues are resolved with a reminder or conversation, certain actions may lead to further intervention. These include:
- Repeated disruption of learning
- Defiance of staff direction
- Unsafe behavior
- Harassment or bullying
- Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons
How We Respond
We use a tiered response to behavior:
- Redirection and restorative conversations
- Phone calls home or parent/guardian meetings
- Behavior plans, community service, or reflection assignments
- Detention, in-school suspension (ISS), or out-of-school suspension (OSS) when necessary
- Expulsion only in serious cases, following due process
We aim to repair harm and reconnect students with their school community whenever possible.
Dress & Grooming
We believe students should be able to express themselves through clothing while maintaining a learning-focused environment. Students should dress:
- Neatly and appropriately for school
- Free of references to drugs, alcohol, or hate speech
- In ways that do not cause distraction or safety concerns
If needed, students will be asked to change or adjust clothing. We work to handle these conversations respectfully and privately.
Personal Devices
To maintain focus in the classroom:
- Devices must be off and put away during the school day according to new Oregon rule
- Teachers may collect phones for the class period to store in the cell phone hotel
- Repeated issues may result in parent contact and restricted phone access
In emergencies, families can call the main office to reach students.
Open Campus & Off-Limit Areas
- NEHS has an open campus for students, but we expect students to be respectful neighbors
- Loitering in nearby neighborhoods or returning late from off-campus lunch may result in loss of privileges
- Some areas (locker rooms, auditoriums, gyms) are restricted unless supervised
Prohibited Substances & Items
The following are not allowed at school, on the bus, or at school-sponsored events:
- Alcohol, tobacco (including vapes), and other drugs
- Weapons or items that resemble weapons
- Explosives or fireworks
- Hate symbols or threatening imagery
Violations will be addressed in accordance with district policy and may involve law enforcement.
Harassment, Bullying & Bias
Every student deserves to feel safe at school. If you experience or witness:
- Harassment or intimidation
- Hate language or bias-based behavior
- Sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct
Please report it to a trusted adult, counselor, or administrator. We take these matters seriously and follow district guidelines to investigate and respond with care and urgency.
Due Process
All students have the right to:
- Know the expectations and rules
- Be informed of allegations against them
- Share their perspective
- Appeal decisions
We are committed to fairness and transparency in every disciplinary process.
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We know students make mistakes. Our job is to help them grow through those moments and get back on track. We respond to behavior using a framework that’s progressive, equitable, and student-centered.
Guiding Principles
- Behavior is a form of communication—we listen and respond with empathy
- Consequences should match the situation and focus on learning
- Restorative practices are encouraged over punitive ones
- Equity matters—we monitor for bias and overuse of exclusionary discipline
Common Responses to Behavior
Depending on the situation, responses may include:
- Check-ins and redirection
- Teacher-led reflection or re-teaching
- Problem-solving conferences
- Community service or written reflections
- Parent contact and behavior plans
- Restorative circles or mediation
- Time out of class (ISS/OSS)
- Loss of privileges or school-sponsored activity access
- In rare cases: expulsion, in line with district due process
Discipline Matrix Overview
We follow Eugene 4J’s district-wide matrix for addressing behavior. Key components:
- Minor behaviors (e.g., disruption, off-task, inappropriate dress) are handled in class with support and documentation
- Major behaviors (e.g., harassment, threats, violence) are addressed by administrators and may include restorative and disciplinary steps
- Subjective behaviors (e.g., defiance, disrespect) are reviewed through an equity lens to reduce bias
We prioritize learning over punishment and seek to maintain students’ academic engagement wherever possible.
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Messages to Students
To minimize classroom disruptions, the front office does not deliver personal messages or items. In case of emergencies, call the main office at 541-790-4500.
Food Deliveries
To ensure school safety and reduce disruptions, students may not receive food deliveries from outside services (e.g. DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub). The front office does not have capacity to accept or monitor these deliveries. Students should bring lunch from home or plan to eat school-provided meals.
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Students may use the district network for:
- Academic research
- College and career planning
- Approved class activities
Inappropriate use (accessing banned websites, disrupting instruction, or violating privacy) may result in limited access or other consequences.
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Patriotism & Expression
- Students may choose to participate or not in patriotic exercises.
- Expression of personal beliefs is allowed, so long as it does not infringe on others' rights or disrupt school activities.
- If a student objects to an instructional material for religious or ethical reasons, they may request an alternative assignment.
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Students may:
- Share opinions verbally or in writing, as long as it does not disrupt learning or violate others’ rights
- Distribute flyers and 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.
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We welcome and encourage parent involvement! Ways to stay connected:
- Parent Group: Advocacy, events, and district engagement
- Site Council: School improvement and vision planning
- Booster Club: Supports athletics and awards student scholarships
- College Advisory Assistants: Volunteers supporting post-secondary planning
- Classroom Panels & Tutoring: Help with student presentations or assignments
- Performing Arts & Sports Events: Assist with events and logistics
Have a skill or interest you’d like to share? Contact the front office—we’d love to have you involved!
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Need help or have questions? Here's where to start:
- Main Office: 541-790-4500
- Attendance Office: 541-790-4459 or nehs_attendance@4j.lane.edu
- Counseling Center: 541-790-4531
- Records Request/Registrar: (541) 790-4447
- College & Career Center: 541-790-4518
- Athletics/Activities: Contact Peter Barsotti at 541-790-4507
- Bilingual Family Liaison: 541-790-4519
For a full staff directory and updated info, visit our website: North Eugene High School