Burbank, California, Burbank High School

	Burbank High School 902 North 3rd, Burbank, California 91505 Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Phone: 818.558.4700 Fax: 818.845.6122
History of Burbank High School Prior to 1908, Burbank had no provisions for giving any instruction at the high school level. Students who wanted to go to high school attended the school in the Glendale Union High School District. In 1908 Burbank withdrew from the Glendale High School System and started a high school district of its own. As a result of a bond issue in 1908 construction was started on a new high school building. It was located on San Fernando Boulevard facing the boulevard between Cypress and Grinnell Streets. This was a two-story frame structure. While the new school was being constructed, an unoccupied part of the old grammar school, three classrooms, was used for the first high school classes in Burbank, starting September 14, 1908, with Henry Kerr, principal, and Miss Jessie L. Harte, teacher. They had 42 students in this first high school class. Courses in English, Latin, Algebra, Plane Geometry, Ancient History, Physical Geography, and Chemistry were offered. School opened in the new Union High School building at Cypress and San Fernando Boulevard in September, 1910. The first graduating class consisted of three students: Fred Schriener, Ora Schriener and Nettie Frazier, now Mrs. Thrasher. Mr. Will Hoist, a resident of Burbank at the present time, was a graduate of the class of 1911. He was the first Student Body President and originated the name "Ceralbus", which has been used for the name of the BHS annual ever since. The Union High School building was used for the high school grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, until 1922 when all of the high students were moved to the new BHS at Third and Fairmount which had been built during the year of 1921-22. The new building was first occupied in September, 1922. The student body of the new school totaled about 300 in number, with a teaching staff of 20. The old Union High School was then converted into an intermediate school with 7th and 8th grades and was used for instructional purposes into the year 1927, when it was torn down. In 1925, the intermediate school became a junior high school, drawing ninth grade pupils from the senior high.
Major Events
You are encouraged to contact Mr. Rick Jameson, Assistant Principal in charge of Activities (558-4700 ext. 417) to confirm times and locations of these events. A yearly calendar of events is available for a cost of $2.00.
Attendance and Tardies
The attendance office opens at 6:30 a.m. in order for students to turn in an absence verification, or for off-schedules. After 8:00 a.m., students must come into the attendance office at nutrition or lunch to turn in an absence verification or to receive off-schedules. Students benefit most from attending daily presentations and lessons by our teachers. A student who misses a portion or all of a period in the day puts the student at a disadvantage in accessing information, knowledge, learning skills, and information application. Therefore, each student is required to attend all meetings of every class for which he or she is enrolled. Any student absent or tardy must have a note in writing from a parent specifying the reason for the absence. Unexcused absences and tardies place the student in jeopardy of losing one or more classes and receiving a grade of "F," as delineated in the school attendance policy. Students are responsible for making up all work missed within a reasonable time period outlined by the teacher. Parents should call the counseling office to receive homework after two consecutive days of an absence that is expected to continue. That work can be picked up in 24 hours. Work to be made up for less than 3-5 days can be picked up upon the return of the student. Messages for teachers can be left on voice mail at the school.
Appointments and Phone Calls
Students and teachers do not take calls or direct messages during regular instructional periods. Teachers are available on campus from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Teachers can pick up messages from their mail boxes, or a message can be left on voice mail by calling 558-4700 and the first 3 letters of the teacher's last name. When leaving a message, please specify the number at which you can be reached and the best time to contact you. Teachers return messages during their conference period, or before or after school, depending upon their schedules and/or participation in extra-curricular activities.
School Dress Code
Consistent with the Board of Education Dress Code Policy, Burbank High believes that every pupil has the right to attend a school that is orderly and free from influences that detract from the educational environment. Students at Burbank High are expected to dress appropriately for school. Girls' tops that expose the midriff, have spaghetti straps, or are low cut are not permitted. Also, short skirts, short shorts, and cut-off shorts with frayed hems are not allowed. Pants for all students must fit in the waist, with legs that do not touch the ground and are not split at the hem, or frayed. Shirts may not hang below the crotch. Baggy shorts with socks pulled up under the shorts are not allowed. Students may not wear hats of any kind, except as they are appropriate for a sport at Burbank High in which the student is involved. No student may wear clothing that promotes alcohol or tobacco use, or is sexually suggestive. Students who violate the Dress Code will be brought to the office and a call made to their home to receive a change of clothing. Further details of the Dress Code are available upon request.
School Discipline
Because every student has the right to learn, and every teacher has the right to teach, Burbank High School has a school-wide discipline plan that is enforced fairly and consistently. Due process is followed, and all school rules are consistent with District and State policy and law. Each teacher has classroom guidelines which help your student comply with the specific requirements for assignment and classroom management procedures. Burbank High School, along with all other schools in the District, adhere to a "Zero Tolerance Policy" with regard to the following: We do not accept under any circumstances, any act of violence, possession of a weapon or replica, possession or sale of drugs or drug paraphernalia. Students who do so will be automatically suspended for five days. Doing any of the above may also result in arrest by the police department. There is no acceptable excuse for the possession of any of the above-listed items. Title 9 is a rule that states that none of us will discriminate against another person based on race, color, gender or sex, handicapping condition or language skills. This rule means that our school district and school provide equal opportunities for both boys and girls in all educational programs. The rule regarding drug and alcohol use is as follows: Students may not manufacture, produce, distribute, use or be under the influence of any drugs, alcohol or form of tobacco on school premises, adjacent areas, school events or activities, or on the way to and from school. Drugs prescribed by a physician must be accompanied by a doctor's order and delivered to the school health office by the parent. The prescription must be in the original container and have the student's name on the container. Students are not authorized to carry on their person or have stored elsewhere on the campus any prescription or over the counter medication. Violators of this drug/alcohol rule are subject to suspension from school, possible transfer to another school in the district or expulsion from the school district. Students may also be asked to complete a drug, alcohol or tobacco use program. The rule regarding sexual or other harassment states that the school and district recognize that harassment in which conduct is utilized to pressure someone regarding their school performance or status, creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment, is absolutely unacceptable and may result in suspension from school, transfer to another school in the district and/or expulsion from schools in the district. Sexual harassment, in particular, consists of unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; derogatory comments, jokes or slurs about the opposite sex; offensive touching or blocking movements; or derogatory comments or offensive posters, cards, stickers, cartoons, graffiti, drawings or gestures. Other harassment that is unacceptable is concerned with derogatory comments regarding race, religion, culture, ethnicity, language, political affiliation or philosophical position.
Emergency Drills and Disaster Preparedness
We have a comprehensive program of practices that enable our students to act prudently in the event of a crisis or emergency. Our disaster preparedness program involves annual training in first aid, search and rescue, and crisis management for our entire staff. Our campus has a storage facility containing equipment, materials and supplies to assist the staff in providing interim care for your students in the event of an emergency. We have an organizing plan for the release of students to you when you arrive at our campus. Your designation of a person or persons authorized to pick up your child is maintained on a pink emergency card you provided us upon enrollment, or at the beginning of each instructional year. It is vital that parents keep the information on this form updated so that we can honor your wishes in this regard.
Awards and Honors
Burbank High School has been honored as a California Distinguished School. Each year our students receive numerous awards, scholarships and honors for their academic and vocational achievements. In addition, each school year our students attend some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the country. A large percentage of our students are members of the school honor roll, and are a part of the California Scholarship Federation. Over 20 graduating seniors are honored each year for attaining a 4.0 grade point average.
Clubs and Activities
In addition to our many activities in sports, music, dance and drama, there are many outstanding opportunities to join one of our school clubs or programs. In addition to the Key Club, a service club sponsored by the local Kiwanis Chapter, we have many clubs and programs that focus on various aspects of our school including: Computer Club, French Club, Village People, Christian Club, Academic Decathlon, Credit Union, Mock Trial, Pep Squad, C.S.F., Photo Club, etc.
Staff
Burbank High School has a dedicated group of teachers, clerical staff and support staff that are here to serve students, and to motivate them to do their best. The staff personnel include: custodians, counselors, librarian, media clerk, school nurse, assistant principals, athletic directors, coaches, and a cadre of teachers and instructional assistants. Our part-time staff include, a speech therapist and a school psychologist. In addition to English, mathematics, history and science, we offer a wide variety of electives including computer science and web-page, automotive technology, cartooning and animation, television production, finance academy, Spanish, French, American Sign Language, Italian, vocal music, instrumental music, among others.
Teachers and Subject Fields
Teachers offer many extra hours of assistance to students, as well as participate in a comprehensive staff development program. Teachers are available for help and assistance before and after school, and many of our teachers provide tutoring at lunch. Our current site goals include: developing a 9th grade teaming program, utilizing technology in the classroom, developing student citizenship and character, and developing powerful teaching and learning strategies.
Bilingual Advisory Committee
This group of parents represent those students whose primary language is other than English. These parents meet to discuss program needs of their students, and find ways parents can positively influence the development and success of their children in the comprehensive high school. They make recommendations on interventions the school staff can offer to help students, and they can provide assistance to improve student performance and success. The English Language Development coordinator, Mrs. Jane Thomas, facilitates these meetings held in the school library. Specific dates for meetings are on the school calendar. All interested parties are welcome.
School Site Council
The School Site Council consists of a group of students, parents, and certificated and classified staff who meet to discuss, make recommendations, and give input on the development, implementation and evaluation of the school site plan. This group meets monthly as listed on the calendar. The members of this committee are elected by school stakeholders. Persons interested in participating on the council are asked to contact the principal for more information. Meetings are open and other interested parties are welcome. The council meets on the third Thursday of every month at 3:15 P.M. in B4.
Parent Groups
There are many parent groups that support our co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. These "booster" groups provide assistance to various activities at the school in the areas of fundraising, transportation, and student supervision. The following groups represent a small portion of those on campus: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Football Boosters, Swimming Boosters, etc.