St. Amant High School
2026–2027 Student Handbook

1. School Contact Information

St. Amant High School

12035 Highway 431, St. Amant, LA 70774

Website: www.apsb.org

Phone: 391-6000

Fax: 391-6001 or 391-6049

Principal: Christina Carter

Associate Principal: Kellie Gonzales

Assistant Principals: Angela Boudreaux, Gerald Colwart, Valerie Hall

Office Staff

· Anne Waguespack – A Secretary: 391-6019

· Paula Gayden – Freshman Academy: 391-6050

· Jamie Lanoux – Athletics: 391-6020

· Kasey Triche – Attendance: 391-6021

· Margaret (Angelique) Oliver – Guidance: 391-6022

· Amanda (Mandy) Marcus – Main Office: 391-6000

· Chad Leblanc – ISSP: 391-6043

Counselors

· Madison Carter – 9th grade

· Sarah Jorge – last names A–F

· Sonjua Deason – last names G–M

· Dareth Sampson – last names N–Z

· Bess Melancon – Grad Coach (Jumpstart): 391-6044

Registrar

Jamie Kramer: 391-6023

Librarians and Technology

· Michelle Walker, SYSOP: 391-6007

· Selina Fontenot: 391-6008

School Nurse

Kristi Folse: 391-6043

Career Coaches

· Kim Aucoin: 391-6031

· Christin Heeb

· Carla Hollifield

2. School Communication

The school makes efforts to ensure that students and parents receive communication about school information and events. The school webpage can be accessed through www.apsb.org under the high school tab. The school also has an official Facebook page.

Emails are sent regularly through School Messenger. Families should make sure their email address is correct in PowerSchool. Parents who do not receive emails should contact the Attendance Office to check the email address on file.

Specific groups and organizations may have their own social media pages.

Most school personnel can be reached by email at firstname.lastname@apsb.org.

3. St. Amant High School Alma Mater

St. Amant our alma mater. Praise we give to your name.

Your banners fly of black and gold, which stand for victory.

The gator strong and mighty gives us lasting courage to endure.

Through life’s toils and through life’s hardships, guide us ever more.

St. Amant we ever pledge to keep your memory.

4. 2026–2027 Bell Schedules

Call the school and check for various schedules.

5. Student Organizations and Clubs

Club and Sponsor Contacts

· Athletic Director – David Oliver

· Art – Jessica Newsom and Robyn Denny

· Band – Joey Nassar and Andrew Graham

· Beta – Heidi Cheatwood

· Black History – Jacob Newsom and Malcolm Reed

· Cheer – Brianne Baggett and Lauren Lambert

· Choir – Sara Bray

· Colorguard – Andrew Graham

· DECA – Claudia Gremillion

· Fellowship of Christian Students – Morgan Green and Andrew Green

· FFA – Mandy Delaune

· Gatorally – Joleigh Hartman

· Gator Data (Newspaper) – Andrew Green

· Gatorettes – Tessa Roussel

· Gator Nation News – Randon Gilmore

· Gator to Gator Mentors – Brittany Thornton and Darren Simoneaux

· HOSA – Shawn Bourgeois

· International Thespians – Heidi Frederic

· Lady Gator Talk – April Mellad

· Mu Alpha Theta – Mark Lambert

· National Honor Society – Mark Lambert

· Nature Club – Chantal Correll

· Rho Kappa History Club – Abbie Tucker

· St. Amant Anglers – Christopher Baker

· Student Council – Casey Sevario

· Yearbook – Monica Farrior

6. Identification Badges

· ID badges must be worn appropriately all day, every day.

· IDs must be clearly visible at chest level.

· IDs may not be defaced or have non-approved items placed on the front or back.

· Students may purchase a temporary ID for $1.00 in the library before school until 7:25 a.m.

· A replacement ID costs $4.00. This may also be done through the PBIS app using Gator Green.

· A student who cannot purchase a new or temporary ID should report directly to the office and speak to an administrator before going to class.

· Each time a student does not comply with the ID policy, the student will be assigned an after-school behavior clinic.

7. Administrative Safety Screening: Weapons Detection Systems

Purpose and Nature of Screening

The School Board may implement weapons detection systems at school entry points as part of a comprehensive school safety program. Screenings are administrative in nature, applied uniformly to students and visitors, and conducted for the limited purpose of detecting weapons and ensuring a safe learning environment and campus safety.

· Students must go through the weapons detection system any time they enter campus during the school day. There are no exceptions.

· A student who attempts to or successfully circumvents the system will receive a disciplinary consequence.

· Before 7:35 a.m., students must enter through the Commons Area, Bus Lane, Science Building, or Car Rider Entrance.

· All band students must use the Commons or Bus Lane entrance to have their cases searched.

· After 7:35 a.m., students must enter through the main office entrance.

Passing Through the Detection System

· Wear backpacks in front and on both shoulders.

· Take computers out of book sacks and pass the computer around the system.

· Do not touch either part of the machine.

· Enter the system single file.

· If there is no alert, proceed to campus.

· If there is an alert, give the backpack to the adult at the table to be searched and go through the system again.

· If a student alerts two times, the student will be taken to a private area for a secondary search.

· Students should not open gates or doors for anyone during the school day.

· Students cannot enter campus without going through the weapons detection system.

· Students in off-campus programs must use the system when they return to campus.

· Students from other high schools must use the system when entering campus.

Items That May Cause an Alert

· Metal pencil holders

· Hard eyeglass cases

· Aerosol cans or spritz bottles

· Umbrellas

· Large battery-powered electronics, including Nintendos and iPads

For search-related guidelines, see the APSB Parish Handbook.

8. APSB Dress Code

Administrators have the responsibility and right to determine the appropriateness of attire and grooming for the school setting. Students may be placed in ISSP due to deviations from the dress code, and parents may be contacted to bring appropriate attire before a student is allowed to return to class. Repeated non-compliance will be handled as willful disobedience. See the APSB Student Handbook for the complete High School Dress Code and Consequences.

Uniform Reminders

· Uniform bottoms must be khaki, appropriately sized, and no more than three inches above the kneecap. Sagging is not allowed.

· Stretch slacks, sweatpants, jogging pants, wind suits, track pants, warm-ups, overalls, coveralls, jeggings, leggings, and yoga pants are not approved uniform pants.

· Shirts must be polo style with sleeves and a collar. School-approved spirit shirts may be worn instead of polo shirts.

· Spirit shirts must be school colors—black, yellow, white, and may include gray—and visibly promote STA or the Gators on the chest or back.

· School club and sports shirts are allowed. Plain T-shirts are not permitted.

· Shirts or other objects containing or symbolizing obscene, drug-related, gang-related, or offensive wording are not allowed.

· Advertisements for products containing tobacco or alcohol are not allowed.

· Clothing or articles depicting violence, blood, knives, guns, skulls, or similar imagery are not allowed.

· Head coverings such as skullcaps, hats, hair rollers, kerchiefs, bandanas, sweatbands, hoods, or other headgear are not allowed on campus.

· Extreme hairstyles that detract from the educational setting are not allowed.

· Closed-in shoes such as tennis shoes, tied shoes, or loafer-type shoes are acceptable.

· Crocs, slippers, slides, and house shoes are not allowed.

· Wheels, glitter, noisemakers, lights, or hanging tags are not allowed on footwear.

· Shoes must be worn and fastened appropriately.

· No hoods of any kind are allowed on campus.

Miscellaneous Dress Code Rules

· New students enrolling in an Ascension Parish Public High School receive a grace period of no more than five calendar days to comply with the dress code.

· For safety purposes, students may not wear earbuds or headphones.

· Revealing or tight garments considered inappropriately sized are prohibited.

· Accessories with inappropriate decorations or advertisements are prohibited, including items depicting the occult, gang membership, death, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or ethnic bias.

· Garments with holes, heavy chains, spike necklaces, and inappropriate jewelry are not allowed.

· Glitter, tattoos, and writing or drawing on the face are not allowed.

· No more than two earrings may be worn in each ear.

· Nose, lip, eyebrow, tongue, and other body-piercing rings are not permitted. Clear stud-only pierce-hole fillers are allowed where decorative rings are not allowed.

· Principals may award additional jeans/free-dress days for charitable donations, rewards, academic or behavior incentives, and special events. Jeans must meet the standardized dress-code requirements and may not have holes.

9. State Attendance Law

A student will fail a full-credit course due to absences on the sixth unexcused absence.

A student will fail a half-credit course due to absences on the fourth unexcused absence.

Excused Absences

· Personal illness

· Serious illness in the family, not to exceed one week

· Court appearances

· Death in the family

· Recognized religious holidays of the student's own faith

Documentation must be provided within five days of the student's return for an absence to be excused.

An unexcused absence is any absence that does not meet the requirements for an excused absence.

Five parent notes are allowed in one school year and should be submitted through PowerSchool.

· Students absent from school for more than two class periods, when unexcused, may not participate in after-school activities, including practices, performances, and games.

· Students with more than three unexcused absences can be prevented from participating in school-sponsored activities that take them out of class.

· An automated call home is made every day of an absence, in the evening, when an accurate phone number is in PowerSchool.

Steps to Follow When Absent

1. Parents should send an explanation or documentation when the student returns to school.

2. For an absence to be excused, a doctor's excuse or legal excuse for the day or days absent must be presented to the attendance clerk within five days of the student's return.

3. The principal must excuse absences for reasons other than illness, death in the immediate family, and court appearances. A written explanation is required.

Extenuating Circumstances

· Extended personal physical or emotional illness verified by a physician or dentist

· Extended hospital stay verified by a physician or dentist

· Extended recuperation from an accident verified by a physician or dentist

· Extended contagious disease within a family verified by a physician or dentist

· Prior school system approval for educational travel

· Death in the family, not to exceed one week

· Natural catastrophe or disaster

· Other extenuating circumstances appealed through due-process procedures

If a student has missed more than six days in any class, the student should contact the guidance counselor and request consideration for extenuating circumstances. Attendance recovery is available for students who miss more than the allowed number of days.

10. Cell Phone Policy

State law allows students to bring cell phones to school if they are turned off and stored away during the instructional school day. No cell phone use is permitted on campus at any time during the day.

APSB is not responsible or liable for an electronic device that has been confiscated, including for damage, loss, or theft. Changes to district policy will change the school policy.

Phone Retrieval

· Only a parent or legal guardian may retrieve a confiscated cell phone, in person.

· Phone retrieval occurs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:35 p.m.

· A $10 processing/administrative fee is assessed when the phone is retrieved.

· Earbuds, headphones, and Bluetooth watches may be treated under the same guidelines as cell phones.

See the APSB Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for the complete Electronic Device policy.

11. Other School Policies and Procedures

Tardies to School

If a student arrives five minutes or more after the first-block tardy bell, the student must report to the Attendance Office to sign in with the attendance clerk.

Excused tardies may be given when a student presents written documentation of a doctor's visit, court appearance, or death in the family.

If a student checks in late and misses more than half of class, it is recorded as an absence. Less than half of class is recorded as a tardy.

Field Trips

· Students should have no more than three unexcused absences to attend a field trip.

· Teachers may refuse a student's attendance because of absences or failing grades.

· A student who is failing any course may not attend a field trip.

· Special circumstances are addressed case by case.

Make-Up Work

· Make-up work for excused absences is the student's responsibility.

· Students should take no more than three days to make arrangements with teachers for make-up work, including tests.

· Students should take no more than two weeks to complete make-up work.

· Once a student and teacher agree on a due date or test date, the student is expected to meet that date.

· Teachers will make every effort to provide assignments and offer peer or teacher assistance.

· For extended absences, students may contact the guidance office at 391-6022 to collect make-up work. Requested work will be available for pickup 24 hours after it is requested.

Checking Out Early

· Only a parent or guardian, or a person designated on the student's checkout list in PowerSchool, may check out a student.

· The person checking out a student must show picture identification.

· Changes to the checkout list must be made by the parent or guardian in person.

· Emancipated students must have permission from the Principal to check out.

· Students may sign themselves out only with an appointment card and a parent note approving the time to leave. These must be provided to the attendance clerk before school to receive a checkout pass.

Bathrooms

· Bathroom use is allowed when school personnel supervision can be provided.

· Students may not use the bathroom during class unless there is an emergency.

· Students with a medical need should submit medical verification to the counselor or school nurse so arrangements can be made.

· Students who leave class without permission may receive disciplinary consequences.

· All students must have a pass when leaving the classroom for any reason.

Theft and Damage to Property

Students are responsible for personal possessions and for textbooks, uniforms, technology, and other items loaned by the school. The school is not personally liable for student property and will not replace or repair it. Students responsible for theft or destruction or damage to property may be subject to school discipline and civil law.

Visitors on Campus

· Visitors are allowed only for official school business and should report to the office first.

· Visitors must receive approval and a visitor pass, which must be worn at all times.

· Visitors entering campus must use the weapons detection system.

· Fast-food deliveries to students are not allowed.

Cafeteria and Courtyard

· Students who eat lunch must eat in the cafeteria or courtyard.

· Students are encouraged to pay for meals in advance. Charging is not allowed.

· Lunch may be paid for online.

· Students are expected to follow cafeteria courtesy rules.

· Students must pick up cafeteria trays and trash and leave floors and tables clean.

· Students should not cut in line.

· Students should remain seated while in the commons for traffic and safety concerns.

Fees

· All students are required to pay a $25 administrative fee covering the first ID, lanyard, additional school supplies, equipment repair, and related expenses.

· Some classes have additional fees, including art, industrial arts, chorus, band, and chemistry.

· Class fees must be paid within the first month of school.

· Obligations must be paid before a student may participate in Prep Day the following year.

· Fees may be paid online through the APSB website under the Parent tab.

· A fee waiver request must be submitted to the principal with proof of eligibility.

Guidance Office

Guidance services are available to every student. Services include educational and post-secondary planning, interpretation of test scores, and assistance with personal concerns.

Students who need to meet with a counselor should sign up with their assigned counselor in the counseling office.

Students having difficulties may be referred to a counselor for individual or group counseling. Students and parents may also contact the counseling office at 391-6022.

Career Coaches

Career coaches assist students with scholarship information, FAFSA, LOSFA, TOPS, career exploration and development, and college applications. The career coaches may be contacted at 225-391-6031.

Telephones

Phones are available for student use before, during, and after school in the student and attendance offices. Students need adult permission to use the phone.

Computers

· All students receive an APSB-issued computer.

· Computers are for class use and students should use them only with teacher permission.

· Students must follow the One-to-One Contract in the APSB Student Handbook, Appendix F.

· The district technology fee program is recommended to help cover accidental computer damage.

· The technology fee does not cover lost chargers or abuse of the device.

· Unauthorized use or damage may result in disciplinary consequences and payment for damages.

· Attempts to circumvent security settings, including removing devices from the domain, violate policy.

· External removable devices, including USB and flash drives, are prohibited.

Textbooks

Students are responsible for all books issued to them. At the end of the year, only books specifically assigned to the student by barcode will be accepted. Lost or damaged books may result in charges for replacement. This includes textbooks and library books.

Library

· The Library opens at 7:10 a.m. and is also open during each lunch shift.

· Temporary IDs cost $1 and replacement IDs cost $5; these are sold until 7:30 a.m.

· Students are expected to observe courtesy rules.

· Food and drink are not allowed.

· Floors and tables should be left clean.

Parking

· Parking is a privilege and may be revoked at any time because of inappropriate behavior, parking, or driving.

· Ninth-grade students may not drive to school.

· Tenth-grade students may drive on campus on a first-come, first-served basis.

· Student drivers in grades 10–12 must register their vehicles.

· Vehicle registration requires an online application and a $20 parking fee.

· A parking tag must be displayed in the vehicle.

· Students must show a driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

· Vehicles blocking others or parked in non-designated areas may be towed at the driver's expense.

· Students may not park on the grass except in identified areas.

· Students may not leave school grounds after arriving without a sign-out pass, except for specified programs.

· Students should not remain in cars after arriving on campus.

· The parking lot is off limits during school hours except as authorized.

· Reckless driving is prohibited and may result in discipline, law-enforcement referral, and loss of driving privileges.

· The school is not liable for student property or damage to cars.

· Two or more suspensions may result in revoked parking privileges.

· Parking fees are not refunded if a pass is revoked.

· Parking is monitored by authorized personnel and video surveillance.

· After two St. Amant High parking tickets, a parking pass may be suspended or revoked. The first-offense ticket is $20.

· Habitual tardiness may result in revoked parking privileges.

After-School Dismissal

· The first dismissal is at 2:35 p.m. and includes bus riders, student drivers, and walkers.

· Walkers must submit a parent note to the student office and receive a verified sticker.

· The second dismissal bell is at 2:40 p.m. and includes pickup-line students and students who remain after school.

· Students staying after school for extracurricular activities, behavior clinic, or other supervised activities leave on the second bell.

· Students leaving at the wrong dismissal time may have their ID collected and may be assigned an after-school behavior clinic.

· Car riders must be picked up by 3:15 p.m. in the designated bus-lane area.

· Students may not remain on campus after school unless directly supervised by a teacher.

· Students on campus without teacher approval may be assigned Saturday detention.

Immunizations

Students must provide evidence of age-appropriate immunizations at registration or earlier. Students without complete immunization records will not be allowed to enter school.

12. Discipline

Teachers are authorized by law to hold students accountable for disorderly conduct at school, on campus, on streets or roads, on school buses, and during recesses. The Principal has final responsibility for maintaining discipline at school and school functions.

St. Amant High School follows the Ascension Parish School Board Discipline Policy Handbook. That handbook addresses alcohol, drugs, suspension and expulsion, weapons, search and seizure, sexual harassment, hazing, due process, and administration of medication.

Possible Disciplinary Actions

1. Counsel or warn a student

2. Administer reinforcement work

3. Contact a parent or guardian

4. Time-out for one or more periods

5. After-school behavior clinic

6. In-school suspension

7. Saturday detention

8. Out-of-school suspension

9. Expulsion

Time-Out

Time-Out is generally used for minor offenses. Students may be assigned to Time-Out for one class period or removed from class for the entire day. Students report to the ISSP room for the required period. A student may not be assigned Time-Out at home unless it is specifically written in the student's IEP.

After-School Detention (Behavior Clinic)

· Behavior Clinic is after-school detention from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

· Behavior Clinic is an extension of the school day.

· Students must follow the dress code and wear their ID.

· The cell phone policy remains in effect.

· Students are expected to work on schoolwork.

· Students should arrive promptly with books and materials.

· Students arriving late will not be allowed to remain and will receive Saturday detention.

· Failure to attend Behavior Clinic results in Saturday detention.

· Rescheduling must be done in advance by an administrator or ISSP presider for specified extenuating circumstances.

· Students may be picked up in front of school at 4:15 p.m. and must remain for the entire period.

· Questions may be directed to the grade-level administrator at 391-6000.

Saturday Detention

Saturday detention may be assigned at an administrator's discretion in place of suspension for a suspendable offense. It is designed to deter inappropriate behavior without affecting regular instructional time. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Saturday Detention Components

10. School work and test preparation

11. Social skills and character education

12. Campus work detail

· Students must arrive on time and be prepared to stay for the entire session.

· Students must provide their own transportation.

· Students must bring textbooks, notebooks, paper, pens, or pencils.

· Students must follow dress-code, ID, and behavior rules.

· The cell phone policy is in effect.

· Students must complete all program obligations.

· Failure to report to or satisfactorily complete Saturday detention results in a one-day in-school suspension for the first offense. Subsequent offenses may result in out-of-school suspension.

· Valid excuses listed in the handbook are a doctor's excuse, death in the family, or court summons.

· Academic Saturday Detention may be assigned to help students complete missed assignments or tests or catch up on work.

In-School Suspension

The In-School Suspension Program provides intervention strategies intended to prevent or minimize nonproductive social and behavioral acts.

· Because ISSP counts as a suspension toward expulsion, written notice must be provided as described in the Discipline Policy Handbook.

· Students arriving after 7:25 a.m. without prior administrator approval may be sent home, and the day will count as an out-of-school suspension and unexcused absence.

· Parents must pick up the student and sign the student out of the ISSP room at 2:15 p.m.

· If an ISSP student cannot attend because of an emergency or illness, the parent must notify the school before 7:20 a.m.

· Students must remain for the complete day, 7:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

· ISSP students are counted present and receive credit for work completed.

· Students should bring their laptop and other necessary materials.

· Students assigned to ISSP cannot participate in extracurricular activities for the duration of the suspension.

Out-of-School Suspension

A suspension is a temporary removal from school for not more than nine school days. The student is counted absent but may contact teachers to make up missed assignments. Parents must receive written notice stating the reason for the suspension.

· Students on out-of-school suspension may not attend or participate in extracurricular or after-hours school activities on suspension days.

· School personnel must document suspensions, including the circumstances and reason.

· Before an out-of-school suspension begins, a phone call or personal contact must be made with the parent or legal guardian.

Expulsion

See the APSB Student Handbook for the full expulsion policy.

Confiscated Items

· Non-illegal or non-contraband items confiscated by school personnel may be retrieved only by a parent or guardian in person.

· Pickup days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.

· Administrators may dispose of confiscated items at the end of the school year if they have not been retrieved.

· Illegal items cannot be retrieved and will be turned over to authorities.

· See the cell phone policy for specific rules about phones.

13. Grading Policy

Each full-credit course consists of two nine-week grading periods. Each half-credit course consists of one nine-week period. Teachers must have at least eight grades per grading period, and a comprehensive midterm or final exam will be given.

· Interim reports are issued in the middle of each grading period.

· The final exam is standardized for most courses.

· Half-credit courses have a final exam at the end of the nine-week period.

· Teachers assign percentage grades for work during the grading period.

· The percentage is converted to a letter grade after the nine-week percentage is determined.

· Grades are rounded up rather than down. The handbook gives 3.5 as an example that becomes an A.

· Semester and final grades are averaged from letter grades.

· Students must pass the final term of a course to receive credit.

· For courses with a LEAP graduation requirement, the LEAP test counts as 15% of the final grade. For Special Education students who qualify for the April Dunn Act, it counts as 5%.

· Dual-enrollment courses may have different grades for St. Amant High School and the university.

Grading Scale

Honors, AP, and DE scale: A = 90–100 and 5 quality points; B = 80–89 and 4 quality points; C = 70–79 and 3 quality points; D = 60–69 and 2 quality points; F = 0–59 and 0 quality points.

Non-Honors Carnegie scale: A = 90–100 and 4 quality points; B = 80–89 and 3 quality points; C = 70–79 and 2 quality points; D = 60–69 and 1 quality point; F = 0–59 and 0 quality points.

Cumulative GPA

· For grades 9–12, cumulative GPA is determined using the quality points earned from final course grades and the total potential credits.

· Approved correspondence, university, or distance-learning courses may be used to improve GPA.

· Only regular-level courses may be repeated.

· A course previously passed cannot be repeated through summer school.

· A course may be repeated one time for grade improvement.

· GPA includes all course grades, including repeated courses. A Carnegie Unit is awarded only once.

· Priority is given to students taking a course for the first time. A repeated course is allowed when class space is available.

14. Academic Letter Award

· Students with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5000 or higher, without rounding, through completion of the third year of high school are eligible for an academic jacket.

· A student must have attended St. Amant for one full year before being considered.

· Repeating a subject to improve a grade is not considered for the award.

· Transfer students receive weighted credit for honors courses only when an equivalent honors course is offered at St. Amant.

15. Louisiana Graduation Assessment Requirements

Students enrolled in courses with a corresponding End-of-Course (LEAP) test must take the LEAP test.

The LEAP test counts as 15% of the final course grade for Regular Education students and 5% for Special Education students who qualify for the April Dunn Act.

Students must pass at least one LEAP test in each of the following pairs:

· English I or English II

· Algebra I or Geometry

· Biology or Civics

Students in the 2028 cohort will be required to take the U.S. History LEAP exam instead of Civics.

Remediation and retest opportunities are offered for students who do not pass the necessary parts of required graduation assessments.

16. Progression

Progression from one grade to the next is based on successfully completed units.

· Grade 9 to Grade 10: 5 credits and completion of one full year of high school.

· Grade 10 to Grade 11: 10 credits and completion of two full years of high school.

· Grade 11 to Grade 12: 16 credits and completion of three full years of high school. Six of the 16 credits must include 3 English credits and 3 math credits required on the chosen diploma path.

· Graduation: 24 credits for TOPS University; 23 credits for Jump Start TOPS Tech.

17. Louisiana Graduation Curriculum Requirements

There are two diploma tracks for high school students. Students may choose their diploma path upon entering high school. Because of differences in coursework and credentials, switching diploma paths after 10th grade may be difficult.

TOPS University Diploma — 24 Units

· English — 4 units: English I, II, III, and IV.

· Math — 4 units: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one additional approved advanced math course.

· Science — 4 units: Biology, Chemistry, and 2 additional approved science units.

· Social Studies — 4 units: 1 unit Civics or AP American Government; 1 unit U.S. History; and 2 additional approved social studies units.

· Health Education — 0.5 unit.

· Physical Education — 1.5 units.

· Foreign Language — 2 units in the same foreign language.

· Arts — 1 unit from approved fine arts or applied arts courses.

· Electives — 3 units.

· Students in the 2028 cohort must take Financial Literacy as one elective.

· Students in the 2030 cohort must take Computer Science as one elective.

Jump Start/TOPS Tech — 23 Units and an Approved Credential

· English — 4 units: English I, English II, and 2 units from approved English courses.

· Math — 4 units: Algebra I or Algebra I Part One and Part Two; Geometry; and 2 units from approved math courses.

· Science — 2 units: Biology I and 1 approved science unit.

· Social Studies — 2 units: 1 unit U.S. History or AP U.S. History and 1 unit Civics.

· Physical Education/Health — 2 units.

· Jump Start course sequences, workplace experiences, and credentials — minimum 9 units.

18. Participation in Graduation Exercises

· Students must meet state and parish academic and attendance requirements by 12:00 p.m. on the last day of final senior exams.

· Students must have paid or arranged to pay financial obligations with the principal.

· Students with excessive absences must complete attendance recovery or may not participate in graduation.

· Graduating seniors must attend the rehearsal scheduled the day before graduation.

· Seniors must report to the designated meeting place at the scheduled time on graduation day and follow the graduation dress code.

· Students who are suspended or expelled may not participate in the graduation ceremony.

· Students who report to graduation or practice under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who create a disturbance may not participate.

Class Ranking and Honors

· Official class ranking is completed at the end of the senior year.

· A student must complete the entire senior year and one other full year at St. Amant to be ranked.

· Students are ranked by cumulative GPA.

· Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are honor graduates.

· Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are distinguished honor graduates.

· The highest-ranking senior(s) are recognized as valedictorian(s).

· The second-ranking senior(s) are recognized as salutatorian(s).

19. Early College Option Program

Students in the Early College Option Program are members of their home-based school's graduating class. ECO students may share valedictorian and salutatorian awards with students from their home school.

The handbook describes GPA-based procedures for determining shared valedictorian and salutatorian status between ECO students and students at the home school.

20. Louisiana TOPS Scholarship

The Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a state-funded scholarship program. The scholarships may provide up to eight semesters of tuition, plus additional stipends in some categories, for qualified students attending Louisiana universities, or up to four semesters of tuition in Louisiana's technical school system.

· TOPS and TOPS Tech awards require a specific high school core curriculum, minimum GPA, and minimum ACT score.

· Students must submit the FAFSA by May 1 for the priority deadline or July 1 as the final deadline to avoid penalties.

· Students must continue to meet specific requirements to maintain the award.

· Detailed information is available through the St. Amant Counseling Department or the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA).

· The handbook states that TOPS requirements can change from year to year and advises families to stay informed through the LOSFA website: www.osfa.state.la.us.

21. Minimum ACT/GPA Requirements for TOPS Eligibility

The handbook lists the following minimum requirements:

· TOPS Tech: ACT composite 17 or WorkKeys Silver; TOPS Tech Core GPA 2.5.

· TOPS Opportunity: ACT composite 20; TOPS Core GPA 2.5.

· TOPS Performance: ACT composite 23; TOPS Core GPA 3.0.

· TOPS Honors: ACT composite 27; TOPS Core GPA 3.0.

· TOPS Excellence: ACT composite 31; TOPS Core GPA 3.5.

All seniors must have an ACT score prior to graduation. The handbook suggests beginning the ACT after completing Algebra II.

TOPS information is subject to change based on legislative decisions.

22. Louisiana Board of Regents Minimum Admission Standards

The Louisiana Board of Regents minimum admission standards apply to first-time freshmen seeking regular admission to a Louisiana public four-year university. Students should check with the specific institution for additional information because institutions may have additional requirements.

The handbook provides a Board of Regents link for these standards.

23. Why Do GATORS Succeed?

The handbook closes with the school's statement about why Gators succeed:

Gators succeed because we are willing to do the things others are not.

We fight against the odds.

We sacrifice.

We are not shackled by fear, insecurity or doubt.

We are motivated by accomplishment, not pride.

If we fall, we get up.

If we are beaten, we return.

We will never stop getting better.

We will never give up.