Handbook

All school sponsored activities must have administrative approval. All meetings and activities must be approved by the Activities Principal before being announced or scheduled. The appropriate sponsor must be present at all meetings and activities.

Only those activities approved by the principal are authorized to collect, maintain, and disburse funds for student or school-related activities.

Any school sponsored organization wishing to make purchases must secure prior authorization from the sponsor and the principal. All monies received by any school organization must be receipted in the Activity Fund. Any collection of money from students must be turned in to the office with copies of receipt prior to the end of that school day. Funds are not to be retained in the possession of students or activity sponsors.

Purchase of services or merchandise for a student activity may be made by first obtaining a purchase order from the activities accounts bookkeeper. Purchase orders will not be issued after purchases have been made.

Activity cards will admit students to all home athletic contests including those designated at locations which are not on school property, e.g., Anchorage Football Stadium, Boeke Sports Arena, etc. Activity cards will also admit students to contests at other Anchorage schools for a reduced admission fee. Non-activity card holders will be charged full admission price . Activity cards may also be used for admittance or reduced rates to fine arts events.

When school assemblies are held, students are expected to conduct themselves in a positive and supportive fashion. Students are expected to remain until theprogram has ended and they are released. Leaving an assembly without permission may result in disciplinary action. 

Classrooms are assigned to use specific bathrooms by zone and has a corresponding pass. Any student found using a bathroom without the correct pass may be subject to disciplinary action. 

See Bell Schedule page of our school website

907-742-2502

Leaving school before the end of the day is permitted with a Blue Pass. A Blue Pass is issued with prior consent from a parent/guardian by note, or phone. 

If a Blue Pass is issued to a student, the student must leave the building. 

Please give at least 30 minutes notice to the office when requesting a Blue Pass for your student.

Blue Passes for the end of the day must be called in by 2:00 or they will not be delivered. 

If a student returns from a Blue Pass they need to check in with the Attendance office or they will remain absent for the remainder of the day. 

Students who leave the building without approval will be regarded as truant.

Failure to use the Blue Pass procedure will cause the absence to become unexcused. Contact by parents at a later time after the absence has occurred will not change the absence to an excused absence.

Students have a major responsibility in maintaining all parts of the buildings and grounds in a clean and orderly manner. Paper and other materials to be discarded must be placed in the numerous trash receptacles throughout the building and grounds.  Students littering the buildings or grounds will be assigned work details and/or suspension.

Vandalism will not be tolerated. Students caught vandalizing the building will be subject to disciplinary action and suspension.

Students are expected to have cell phones on silent and put away for the duration of all classes.

Students may use cell phones during lunch and passing. 

Teachers will make the initial effort to redirect students who violate the cell phone policy within the classroom setting. This may include providing a place to store the cellphone for the remainder of class. 

Refusal to follow a classroom direction, or arguing with a teacher will result in administrative action.

Multiple cell phone infractions within a classroom setting may be referred to admin/security for further disciplinary action. 

The ASD Board Policy link is here.

If you have to leave West, your parent or legal guardian must contact the attendance secretary two days before you plan to leave. On your last full day’s attendance get a transfer/withdrawal form from the office.

Return all books and materials to each teacher during your regular class time. Have the teacher, nurse, counselor, librarian, etc. sign your form and return it to the Attendance Office at the end of the day.

West High School disapproves of cheating in any form and will take disciplinary action whenever it is appropriate . Cheating is officially defined as working in collaboration with other students in an activity that had been assigned by the teacher to be done alone . Because the West High faculty and staff take academic honesty seriously, a grade of  “0’’ will be assigned for any work that involves  cheating.

Use of any artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT etc., on any assignment that is intended to be submitted as original thought will be considered cheating.

All school sponsored clubs/activities must have prior administrative approval. They must have a sponsor that will be present at all meetings and activities. Only those clubs approved by the administration are authorized to collect, maintain and disburse funds for student or school related activities. Any school sponsored organization wishing to make purchases must secure prior authorization from the sponsor and the principal. All monies received by the club must be turned in to the activities office daily. Funds are not to be collected and retained by students or sponsors. Any purchase made by the club must have prior approval. No reimbursements will be made without prior approval or receipts.

All forms for starting a club, fundraising, depositing and purchase requests are available outside the Activities Office. See Activities secretary if you have questions.

A current list of clubs at West High can be found here.

West Students must have a School ID and all guests must have a photo ID.

Guest passes may be requested by the stated deadline. All guests must enter with their West High student.

Students are expected to follow the same school rules at a dance, regardless of where the dance is held. Anchorage Municipality code regarding underage substance use and/or possession also apply.

• Bags will be searched
• Metal detectors may be used
• Cars may be searched 
• No re-entry to the dance once a student exits the building
• No Mosh pits, back flips, crowd surfing etc. 
• Any unsafe behavior will be prohibited and students will be asked to leave.
• All students must exit the building promptly at the end of the dance.

Dance Attire

Homecoming: Semi Formal attire is appropriate for the homecoming dance. This includes dress pants (not blue jeans), button up shirts, and nice dresses. All clothing should completely cover undergarments when you stand up and sit down. It should also be comfortable enough in fit, length, and neckline to prevent indecent exposure and wardrobe malfunctions. Remember, use good judgment when you choose your outfit. It is still school. 

Prom: Is a more formal event than homecoming. This includes suits, tuxedos, dress pants, blazers or dinner jackets with dress pants, button up shirts, and ties. Dresses are typically floor length (but not required) and formal jumpsuits/pantsuits are also an option. All clothing should completely cover undergarments when you stand up and sit down. It should also be comfortable enough in fit, length, and neckline to prevent indecent exposure and wardrobe malfunctions. Remember, use good judgment when you choose your outfit. It is still school.

In-House Dance Protocols

In maintaining the image of West High School and to retain the positive community/school relationship, the students attending in-house dances are reminded of the following procedures:

1 .   Only West High students and pre-arranged ASD high school guests will be allowed to attend. Pre-arranged guests must present a pass. Passes may be obtained from the Activities Principal. There is a limit of one guest per West High student. All approved guests must show an I.D. at the door. There is a set limit of 100 guest passes for each dance.

2 .   Identification as a West High student must be acknowledged by either a student I.D. or positive recognition by an adult staff member in attendance at the dance.

3 .   Students will not have access to their lockers.

4 .   The West High decorum rules will be followed at the dances and students will be expected to assume responsibility for their behavior.

Once a student leaves the dance, re-admission will not be permitted.

If a student is issued a detention, they must serve it at the next available lunch.

• Detentions issued in the morning (periods 1-3) should serve that same day at lunch. 
• Detentions issued after lunch (periods 4-6) should serve it at lunch the following day. 

Detention is held in Room 27

Monday from 12:15 - 12:45

Tues-Fri from 11:45 - 12:15

• Failure to serve detention will result in subsequent discipline.

Dress Code

To promote a professional, respectful and focused learning environment, West High enforces the following dress code practices: 

• Clothing should be free of messages, images, and/or logos portraying drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexual innuendos, gang related images, profanity, or obscenities. This includes but is not limited to “Cookies” and “Playboy” logos/branding

• Clothing should cover buttocks and all undergarments 

• Tops need straps

• Pants should be fastened and/or not sagging or unbuttoned

• If it looks like or has the same amount of coverage as a bathing suit, cover up

• Shirts, pants, dresses, pants, shorts, skirts etc. should be opaque and not sheer or see through. 

• Earbuds and/or headphones should be limited to 1 ear during passing time and lunch. See cell phone policy for earbud use in the classroom 

• Hats are allowed throughout the common areas of West High. Students will be allowed to wear hats within the classroom with teacher approval. This policy does not include ski masks, hoods, or bandanas, or any such item that could be considered as such.  

Students not adhering to this dress code will be asked to make corrections to their attire. Failure to cooperate with staff on this matter may result in disciplinary action. 

Individuals may request exceptions to the dress code for religious reasons.

Dance Attire

Homecoming: Semi Formal attire is appropriate for the homecoming dance. This includes dress pants (not blue jeans), button up shirts, and nice dresses. All clothing should completely cover undergarments when you stand up and sit down. It should also be comfortable enough in fit, length, and neckline to prevent indecent exposure and wardrobe malfunctions. Remember, use good judgment when you choose your outfit. It is still school. 

Prom: Is a more formal event than homecoming. This includes suits, tuxedos, dress pants, blazers or dinner jackets with dress pants, button up shirts, and ties. Dresses are typically floor length (but not required) and formal jumpsuits/pantsuits are also an option. All clothing should completely cover undergarments when you stand up and sit down. It should also be comfortable enough in fit, length, and neckline to prevent indecent exposure and wardrobe malfunctions. Remember, use good judgment when you choose your outfit. It is still school.

The Eagle’s Cache is a student center that is open to all West High students. A variety of food and drinks are sold in the Eagle’s Cache each day during lunch. Students are expected to clean up after themselves while dining in the Eagle’s Cache. The Eagle’s Cache also sells West High clothing and other products that promote West High School.

Eagle’s Cache is closed after school unless directly supervised by an adult sponsor

Students must have a valid parking pass to park on school grounds.  Violation will result in a minimum fine of $25, which is to be paid in the Student Services office. Parking in a handicap spot or staff parking may result in higher ticket fines. Student driving privileges may be revoked until the fine is paid and graduating seniors will not receive their diploma until the fine has been paid. Any student driving while his/her driving privilege is revoked will have his/her vehicle towed at the student’s expense.

Please see the section “Student Parking” for more information on how to get a permit to park at West High School.

All students will be issued West Anchorage High School Identification Cards. It is recommended that they carry their I.D. with them during the school day and when they are attending any school activity, dance, or sporting event. Admittance to an extracurricular activity may be denied without the student’s West Anchorage High School ID Card.

ISS may be available during the school day as a consequence for student behavior. When assigned to ISS, a student should make every effort to collect school work prior to reporting to ISS. 

Cell phones will be collected at the front office prior to reporting to ISS

Students that do not follow the policies, procedures, and expectations in ISS could result in an out-of-school suspension the following day.

The library provides instruction, materials, and equipmetn to further learning.  It is open before and after school as well as during lunch to students and staff at West High School and Romig Middle School.  West students need a pass from the teacher to whom they are assigned in order to use the library during class time.  Students are encouraged to use the library before or after school and during lunch without passes.  Food and drink are not allowed in the library.

Freshman and Sophomore students are automatically assigned a locker. Information for your locker may be found on your student schedule in Q. Juniors and Seniors may request to have a locker assignment through the student services office.  

Students are to use only the lockers assigned to them and are strongly encouraged not to share their locker combinations. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items kept in a locker. Lockers may be subject to search. Students are responsible for their locker and may be fined for damage or for not cleaning out their locker at the end of the year.

One day of make-up privilege will be granted for each day absent. Work assigned before absences will be due on the day the student returns to school. If a test was announced before the absence, the student will be expected to take the test upon returning to school.

The Anchor:  The Anchor is West Anchorage High School Yearbook.  The staff consists of students enrolled in the Yearbook class.

Eagle's Cry:  The online student newspaper of West Anchorage High School. 

Orange Juice:  Video news programs produced by West students.

Many serious accidents are often due to inappropriate conduct in crowded places. Running in the halls, pushing and shoving are not permitted and may be subject to disciplinary actions including suspension. 

For the safety of all students, those students acting in an unsafe manner may be withdrawn from high-risk classes such as labs, machinery shops, and physical education.

To anonymously report any unsafe behavior please see any adult in the building and specifically seek out anyone from West High administration or security. Additionally, students have access to the StopIt app, an anonymous reporting tool. More information StopIt is available here. 

Students and staff are also asked to help maintain the safety and security of West High School by not propping doors open or letting anyone in the building through any entrances besides the main doors during school hours. Doing so will result in disciplinary actions to include suspensions.

Smoking, Vaping, or Tobacco use of any kind is prohibited on school property. Students could be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including out-of-school suspension. 

Also, per Alaska Statute 11.76.105, possession of tobacco, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine by a minor is prohibited and is punishable by up to a $500 fine and a mandatory court appearance.

***Student Parking is Free***

All cars parking at West High School during school hours must be registered and display the current parking sticker.  

Cars without permits will be ticketed and fined.

Please use the links below to register your car with West High.

Student Parking Driving and parking a vehicle on West campus is an earned privilege, not a right. Students in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades are eligible to register and drive a vehicle on campus.

The main student parking lot is on the west side of the auditorium and the senior lot is on the north side of the school. All students must park in these areas. Students may not park in front of the building or in the faculty lot. Students may not loiter in vehicles during school hours. Students parking in unauthorized areas will be subject to fines, and/or towing.

Students who are tardy from lunch in excess of six (6) times will have their parking permit revoked for reminder of the semester. NO Refunds will be remitted for this action.

Requirements for obtaining a parking sticker:

1 .   Valid Alaska Drivers license

2 .   Current State of Alaska vehicle registration

3 .   Proof of insurance

4 .   Completed West High School parking permit application

Driving and Parking Rules and Regulations

Parking decals are to be displayed in the rear windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

There will be fines levied by West High School to students for the following improper/unsafe practices: Illegal/Improper Parking; unsafe driving; unregistered vehicle on campus; obstructing bus right-of-way; and others.

You may also apply for a parking pass online by using the link provided: https://forms.gle/AeMmQrPWn3jovpTw9. It will also provide instructions on how to pay and necessary documents that need to be uploaded in order to receive a parking pass.

Suspension is a temporary exclusion from school for a specified number of days. When an administrator suspends a student, every reasonable effort will be made to reach the parents via telephone. For every suspension, parents will receive a suspension letter. At the time of suspension the student will be given a copy of this letter. During a suspension, the student may not be in any ASD school building, on any school campus, or any school-sponsored program of activity. A student on suspension may not attend or participate in an athletic or activities events. Failure to adhere to these restrictions could result in a lengthening of the suspension.

2025-2026 West High Tardy Policy

In an effort to teach the importance of being on time, and to honor the teaching environment in every classroom at West High, any tardy may be subject to disciplinary action. Tardy slips may be issued by security/administration in the hallway or issued by a teacher at the door after the bell rings.

Weekly cumulative Tardy checks will also be done on Friday. 

• 3 Tardies a week = 1 Detention or Work Detail

• 6 Tardies a week = 2 Detentions or Work Details

Excessive accumulation of tardies may result in further disciplinary action. 

Failure to serve a lunch detention will be subject to progressive discipline.  

Anyone arriving at school during 1st period Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or 2nd period Wednesday, must report directly to class. This will be marked as a Tardy. 

To excuse your student’s late arrival to school, please call 742-2500 and leave a message before 11:00 AM. 

Detention is offered every day

Monday 12:15-12:45

Tuesday- Friday 11:45-12:14

FAQ Students:

What if I put my stuff down in class and then leave to go to the bathroom?

You will still be considered tardy if we see you in the hall without a pass and will be issued a tardy slip.

What if I am only 3 seconds late?

You will be considered tardy and may be issued a tardy by your teacher at the door.

What if I am in PE?

You are supposed to be in the gym space or locker room by the time the bell rings.  If you are not, that is considered tardy

What if I couldn’t get to school on time because my ride was late?

Go straight to class and have your parent/guardian call 742-2500 to excuse you. You may still be given a tardy slip, however, when your parent calls with the excusal, we will make the necessary adjustments.

What if my bus was late and got to school after the bell rang?

Students will be given a “late bus pass” to take to class to avoid being given a tardy slip.

Unfortunately, theft does occur at West High School as well as all other ASD schools. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items including, bikes, backpacks, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Students are encouraged to leave all valuable items at home whenever possible and to never leave any backpacks, coats or purses unattended at any time. Gym and hall lockers should be closed and secured at all times. Bikes should be locked up. If you are the victim of theft please report to Student Services or the SRO office immediately to fill out a Theft Report.

Truancy is an unexcused absence from class by a student without prior knowledge or consent of that student’s parent/guardian. Truancy is also when a student is found in any area of the school during class without the proper authorization/permission from school staff. A student who is truant will be subject to disciplinary consequences such as, Wednesday school, in school suspension, parent conferences, etc.