Student Handbook

​General Info​

Organizations

York Tech school organizations include the following:

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• National Organizations

  • National Technical Honor Society

  • National Honor Society

  • FCCLA

  • SkillsUSA

  • TSA

  • FFA

  • NAHB

  • AWS

  • Cyber Patriot

  • Hot Rodders of Tomorrow

• State and Local Organizations

  • UCD/Spirit and Harmony

  • Student Council

  • Yearbook

  • Drama Club

  • Environmental Club

  • Esports

  • Spartan Leadership Club

• CTE Student Clubs

  • Cosmetology

  • Electrical Occupations

  • Game Dev Club

  • Motorsports Tech Club

  • York Tech Diesel Performance

  • Diesel Performance Club

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Please visit ycst.info/clubs for the most up-to-date listing of school activities and organizations.

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Adult and Continuing Education

Students ages sixteen years or older are eligible to take Adult and Continuing Education courses. High School students may visit the Adult & Continuing Education office after school or call 717-747-2130. Students taking Flex classes operated through Adult Ed must not only adhere to the high school Student Handbook but the Adult Ed Handbook as well.

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Assemblies

Assemblies and pep rallies may be held periodically throughout the year. When it is necessary to schedule these events during the regular school day, classes will be interrupted as little as possible. During assemblies and pep rallies, student conduct should be guided by consideration and respect for others.

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Beverages

Glass bottles are not permitted in school. While drinking water and carrying a water bottle is encouraged, consumption of beverages may be restricted in certain areas of the building or during certain activities in the day. Administration and local police may investigate the contents of your contained beverage should there be reasonable suspicion of a harmful substance present.

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Book Bags

Only clear and mesh/string backpacks are allowed to be carried by students. They can be purchased through the school store. Opaque book/gym bags are to be stored in the student’s locker before reporting to homeroom and are to remain in the locker until student dismissal. Any bags or purses larger than 9” x 12” x 3” must be placed in the locker.

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Balloons

Balloons and other items which may impede the school security cameras or could potentially disrupt school operations are prohibited in the school building and on the bus.

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Deliveries

York Tech will not accept delivery of flowers, balloons, food, etc. for students.

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Electronic Devices in School

Students are permitted to bring their personal electronic devices (cell phones, smart phones, iPods, etc.) to school, and use them before school, after school, during lunch periods and in hallways between classes so long as such usage does not interfere with school operations, disrupt the educational environment or otherwise violate school policies or rules. However, students are strictly prohibited from doing any of the following: (1) using electronic devices during instructional time, unless prior permission is granted by the instructor as part of a planned instructional activity; (2) using electronic devices to audio or video record any person(s) within the school setting unless it’s part of a classroom project, assigned by a teacher; and (3) using electronic devices to record, transmit or display pornographic or sexual explicit video images. Students who violate this provision may have their phones and/or electronic device confiscated, as well as be subject to additional disciplinary actions.

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Field Trips

Opportunities to visit many places of educational and occupational interest around York County are offered to students during the course of the school year. Student must submit permission slip signed by parent/caregiver and given to the teacher at least one (1) day before the field trip. All students are expected to dress appropriately as determined by staff members and administration, act politely, and OBEY ALL SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS. Students are reminded that they represent the pride of York County School of Technology. Students are not permitted to drive their own vehicles or be transported by other students. Only school-provided transportation and authorized drivers of these vehicles may be used.

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Hall Pass

Students must possess an electronic pass when outside of their assigned classroom.

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Hall Regulations

To create and maintain good order in the halls and on the stairways, students are asked to observe the following regulations:

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• Keep to the right in all hallways/stairwells 

• Do not run, whistle or shout in the halls. 

• Keep the halls and stairways clean of debris. 

• Use the lavatory nearest the room to which you are assigned. 

• Take the most direct route between assigned rooms. 

• Students must be in their classroom when the bell sounds to begin class. 

• Hall monitors will be utilized to assist with maintaining hall regulations. 

• Loitering is not permitted.

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Identification Card

All students will be issued a photo I.D. card and are required to have that card in their possession at all times while on school property. Last year’s I.D. card is valid until the updated I.D. arrives. Photo I.D. cards play an important role in our school’s safety and security. If lost, a replacement card can be received in the attendance office.

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Locks and Lockers (Gym)

To ensure safety of personal belongings each student will be assigned a gym locker and given a lock to use for the semester. All personal items MUST be kept locked in your assigned gym locker during class. This means nothing is to be is to be left lying out on the locker room benches and/or floor. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. At the end of the semester students must return their assigned lock to their teacher. If the lock is not returned, the student will be responsible the cost of the lock and placed on the obligation list.

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Locks and Lockers (Hallway)

Each student will be assigned their own hall locker. Lockers may not be shared. Students are advised not to bring anything of value to school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. The combination to the locker will appear on the student’s schedule. If the student encounters a problem with the locker, please notify the high school office.

All lockers are school property. Therefore, if the school authorities have reasonable suspicion that the locker may contain materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare and safety of students in school, the lock may be removed and the locker searched. School authorities may search a student’s locker and seize any illegal materials. Prior to a locker search, students shall be notified and given an opportunity to be present; however, where school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the locker contains materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare, and safety of students in the school, student lockers may be searched without prior warning. Students are responsible for any item found in your locker.

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Obligations

Students are responsible for the loss or damage of any school property or materials as well as any fund-raising money or dues owed. Students will be placed on the financial obligation list for any lost or damaged items. Only students who are in good standing will be permitted to participate in fund-raising activities. Students with outstanding obligations will be considered “not in good standing” and may be subject to any or all of the following:

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• Unable to participate in all extra-curricular activities. 

• Legal action through the District Magistrate’s office. 

It is the responsibility of the student to return textbooks to the teacher and obtain a receipt for the textbook. A student will not be taken off the obligation list until the receipt is presented to the high school office by the teacher. Seniors with outstanding obligations will not be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony. Obligations will be carried over from one year to the next for underclassmen. Obligations of more than $50.00 may be taken to the District Justice for collection. The parent/caregiver will be notified by mail prior to the fees being sent to the District Justice. ALL DAMAGES TO SCHOOL PROPERTY MUST BE PAID FOR AT REPLACEMENT COST.

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Parking/Driving

1. A student will be permitted to operate a motor vehicle on school property provided that he/she:

   • Possesses a valid operator’s license and registration card for the vehicle. 

   • Possesses liability/property damage insurance on vehicles operated or parked on school property. 

   • Obtains a parking decal to be displayed in the vehicle.  

2. Student drivers shall not: 

   • Violate any provision of the Motor Vehicle Code of Pennsylvania while on school property. 

   • Exceed the speed limit of 15 mph while operating a vehicle on school property. 

   • Remove parking decal from one vehicle and place it on another. 

   • Loiter in or around motor vehicles while on school property during a scheduled school day. 

   • Enter and/or leave the parking areas of the school by any route except the main entrances. 

   • Operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as could cause bodily harm or injury to pedestrians and/or cause damage to property. 

   • Operate a motor vehicle on school property or have another person, except a parent/caregiver, operate their motor vehicle on school property during the time which the privilege of driving on school property has been suspended by Administration. 

   • Visit a motor vehicle before the proper dismissal time unless permission has been granted by the high school office OR attendance office. 

   • Park motor vehicles in areas designated for faculty and staff. 

   • Depart from school grounds until the student driver’s dismissal time. Students with open lunch privileges are the only exception. 

   • Tailgate, play loud music, or blow horn. 

   • Display license plates, flags, signs, bumper stickers, etc. that advertise or promote the use of alcohol, drugs, steroids, tobacco products, indecent or suggestive activity, profanities, confederate flag symbols, or any message that can be judged to carry a double meaning, be offensive, or potentially cause a disruption. 

3. Violation of school and student driving/parking rules and regulations may result in:

   • Loss of privilege to operate a motor vehicle on school property for a period of time determined by Administration. 

   • A complaint being sworn before the local magistrate with fines and costs to be paid by the student and/or the student’s parent/caregiver. 

   • Vehicles without a parking decal and/or vehicles not parked in their assigned spaces may be towed from school property at the owner’s expense and/or have parking permit revoked. 

   • Vehicles with revoked parking permits will be towed at owner’s expense. 

4. The school and the Joint Operating Committee assume no liability for theft or vandalism to vehicles parked or abandoned on school property. Students who park a vehicle on school property do so at their own risk. 

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Work Permits

Current students of York County School of Technology may apply for a work permit in the high school office Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (refer to the school calendar for office closures). The application and a qualifying age verification form, such as a birth certificate, are needed to obtain a work permit. Students who are not attending York Tech but wish to get a work permit must obtain one through their home school district. The administrative team will reserve the right to deny a work permit based on grades, attendance, etc. Please visit ytech.edu/hs-office for further instructions on how to apply for a work permit.

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Pledge of Allegiance

Pennsylvania School Code requires students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day and requires a United States flag be present in each classroom. The legislation allows students to decline to recite the pledge; however, students may not disrupt or distract others as they attempt to say the pledge.

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Publicity Release

Every year there are numerous opportunities to promote our students through a variety of media (newspaper, brochures, district newsletter, broadcast media, district videos, social media and photographs.) It is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to notify the Communications and Public Relations Department if they do not wish their student’s photograph to be used during the school year. Please email Mr. Staab at nstaab@ytech.edu.

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School Closings

In case of snow or other inclement weather conditions that may impact school, York Tech will make every effort to notify the parent/caregiver of school cancellations, delayed opening or emergency closings as soon as a decision has been made by using the following:

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• OneCall — The parent/caregiver will receive a phone call from the school

• Skyward Email — An email notification will accompany our One Call notification

• Website — Information is posted on the home page of our website located at ytech.edu

 

It is important to notify the High School Office of any phone or email address changes to ensure you receive communication from the school.

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Student Bullying, Discrimination, and Harassment

York County School of Technology is committed to providing every student with a learning environment that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment. York County School of Technology strongly supports State and Federal laws that protect all students from acts of discrimination, harassment and bullying. A copy of the school’s policy that prohibits this type of behavior is available in the high school office.

 

What is bullying and harassment?

School Code § 1303.1-A defines bullying as an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or series of acts:

 

1. Directed at another student or students

2. Which occurs in a “school setting;”

3. That is severe, persistent or pervasive; and

4. Has the effect of doing any of the following:

   • Substantially interfering with a student’s education;

   • Creating a threatening environment; or

   • Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

School Code § 1303.1-A says that a “school setting” shall mean in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school. The School Code gives YORK TECH authority to deal with bullying outside of the school, so long as all other criteria are met. York Tech administration, in cooperation with local police, will determine the appropriate level of involvement for incidents of bullying and harassment which occur outside the school setting.

Cyber-bullying is the use of technology – any form of electronic communication (internet, email, cell phones and other devices) – to send or post text or images intended to hurt, harass, threaten, embarrass, humiliate or target another person.

Racial harassment includes verbal and physical conduct that demeans or shows hostility towards an individual or group because of that individual’s or group’s race, color, or ethnic background, which substantially interferes with the student’s ability to participate in school or school programs. This includes the use of derogatory language.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, which substantially interferes with a student’s ability to participate in school or school programs.

Harassing conduct includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome or offensive slurs, jokes, or other verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct directed at an individual because of the individual’s race, color, national origin/ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, handicap or disability.

It is important to note that York Tech bullying and harassment guidelines extend to social media and electronic communications. Administration, working closely with the local police, will determine the level of school involvement in these situations, which can range from lower-level discipline to expulsion.

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What should students do if they feel that someone is bullying or harassing them?

If students feel that they are being harassed, bullied or subjected to unwelcome behavior by another student or school employee, we strongly encourage them to immediately speak with a school administrator, school counselor, instructor or staff member. Those individuals can help a student complete an incident report, either verbally or in writing, so the Administration can investigate the situation and promptly address any problem.

In any case of bullying or harassment, students should complete and submit an incident report to the high school office in a timely manner. All incidents will be investigated by school officials.

Students subjected to bullying and harassment are not required to try to stop this type of unwelcome behavior without assistance. York County School of Technology has written policies against sexual harassment, racial harassment and other acts of discrimination based on a person’s national origin, color, sexual orientation, religion or disability. In order to stop bullying or harassing behavior, students should immediately report all acts of bullying or harassment that they observe or directly experience.

All verified complaints of harassment and bullying will result in prompt remedial action designed to prevent this type of behavior from occurring again.

 

What happens to students that engage in bullying or harassment?

Discrimination, bullying and harassment in any form are major violations of the Student Conduct Code and will not be tolerated. Students who engage in bullying or harassment of other students will be disciplined, and possible penalties may include suspension or expulsion from school. Additionally, students who engage in such behavior may be required to participate in an educational session to learn why bullying and harassment is not acceptable.

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Who can answer my questions about the school’s policy against bullying and harassment?

The Administrative Team is responsible for ensuring that York County School of Technology’s policy prohibiting bullying and harassment are properly enforced. Students, parent(s)/caregiver(s) and staff members are free to contact a Principal to answer any questions about the policies or to report acts of harassment or bullying.

 

Important Note for Parents/Caregivers

Students should immediately notify school administration if they are being discriminated against, harassed or bullied by another student or school employee. If your child is uncomfortable reporting such behavior, please contact a Principal on behalf of your child. The school administration cannot address unwelcome behavior unless they are aware of the situation/behavior.

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Safe2Say

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies. Visit safe2saypa.org for more information.

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Technology Use

This section, designed for the students at York County School of Technology, is a summary of the Terms and Conditions for use of school computers and local area network. The full Acceptable Use Policy (815) should be reviewed from the link located on the school’s website. All student and staff users agree to this contract as a condition to computer access through York County School of Technology. This “short version” is designed to help students to clearly understand their responsibilities as users of the school computer network. If students have any questions about the legitimacy of their activities, they should ask their teacher or a member of the Technology Department.

The use of school computers is a resource that supports your education at York County School of Technology. As a user of this system, students will notify a teacher or information technology personnel of any violations of this contract taking place by students or outside parties. This may be done anonymously.

Students will not:

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• Give passwords to anyone. 

• Use or play games via the network unless it is part of a class assignment or project. 

• Use anyone else’s account. 

• Share or copy data from or to another student’s account unless authorized by a teacher. 

• Break in or attempt to break into other computer or network systems.  

• Create or share computer viruses. 

• Destroy another person’s data. 

• Hack. This will be reported to local, state or federal law enforcement agencies. 

• Receive from or put into the network any copyrighted material (including software), threatening or obscene material. Cyber-bullying internet users, on or off the system, is prohibited.

• Engage in illegal activities conducted via the network. 

• Access or use school computer without authorization. 

• Initiate or participate in any form of cyber-bullying. 

 

Data communication should be regarded as the property of York Tech. Students in violation of the acceptable use policy will be responsible for the cost associated with their actions. Please note, York Tech strongly encourages students, parents, and caregivers to involve local police in situations of social media bullying, harassment, threats, etc. The administration at York Tech will consider social media only as it pertains to the daily operations and educational environment of the building.

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Telephone Calls

Only emergency messages, from the parent(s)/caregiver(s), will be communicated to the student. Any other messages will not be accepted by the office staff. Students are not permitted to use school phones to make personal calls without administrative approval.

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Textbooks

Textbooks are issued without cost to students. Textbooks taken home by students must be covered. Students may be disciplined for not covering their textbooks. Students are responsible for the cost of the textbook, if damaged, lost, or stolen.

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Visitors

All visitors must sign in upon entering the building and present their photo ID.

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• All visitors must display their visitor pass at all times while in the building. 

• York Tech students are not permitted to receive visitors during the school day except their parent/caregiver. Parents/caregivers must sign in, receive a visitor’s pass, and report promptly to the appropriate office.