1 HOW TO BE A RAM Parkside High School Handbook Wicomico County Public Schools 2025-2026
2 Dear Parkside Families – I am thrilled to welcome you to what promises to be a truly special year at Parkside High School - the beginning of our 50th anniversary celebration. As we mark five decades of tradition, pride, and excellence, we are more excited than ever to welcome our students back and begin another incredible school year together. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your principal. As a proud 1991 graduate of Parkside High School—and with my wife and both of our children also part of the RAMFAM— this school holds a special place in my heart. I am deeply committed to continuing the legacy of excellence that Parkside represents. Please take time to read through the attached newsletter and information packet carefully. It contains important details and forms that will need your attention. The full packet is being shared electronically via email and is also available on our website: https://phs.wicomicoschools.org/o/parkside. We are confident that this year will be one of the best yet—but it will take all of us working together to ensure a successful and positive experience for every student. I look forward to partnering with you as we begin this exciting milestone year. Welcome back, RAMFAM—we can’t wait to see you! Warm regards, Brian Briggs Principal, Parkside High School
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4 A Note From Your Student Government Association Welcome (back) to the “RAMFAM”! You may be asking yourself, what is the “RAMFAM”? At Parkside, we are a family that puts kindness first and this guides us through our academics, the arts, and athletics. It’s a place where caring teachers, students and administrators work to build each other up and support one another in all things Parkside. Go RAMS! Your 2025-2026 SGA Officers, Josh Strickland, C/O ’26 & Pheonie Zhang, C/O ‘27 PARKSIDE ALMA MATER By Kim Mann (PHS Alumna) Parkside High we sing, sing of our loyalty; With honor, glory, love and dignity. With our proud green and white, Onward we will fight. We will strive on ‘til all our goals are won. Parkside High, home of the hard fighting Rams, We adore thee. Parkside High, and when we leave your bright walls, We’ll remember thee. And when our days depart, You’ll always be in our hearts. Our love for you lasts an eternity. “We are RAMFAM. We are RESPECTFULto others and ATTEND classes every period, every day. We MANAGE our time, and FOCUS on ACHIEVEMENTS for a MEANIGFULexperience at PHS. “
5 Back To School Information Back to School Night August 27, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Families and students will have the opportunity to: • Visit all classrooms and meet their student’s teachers • Meet and greet with club advisors and athletic coaches • Pick up schedules from your student’s assigned school counselor (All student profiles MUST be complete to receive a schedule – this includes the Student Personal Data & Enrollment Form and the Health Questionnaire form) • Tour the school building and grounds • Interact with community vendors and local school partners September 2, 2025 7:45 am – 2:45 pm • ALL FIRST TIME 9TH GRADERS ONLY • Buses will transport students for a normal school day. • Please bring a backpack to transport your laptop, charger and case home. • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. • Students should pack a lunch or grab a school lunch, at no cost. • A Class of 2029 Freshmen Class Picture will be taken this day. • Picture prices vary from $12 to $30. Ordering information will be available that day. Checks should be made payable to Lifetouch. September 3, 2025 7:45 am – 2:45 pm Welcome back RAMFAM! • All students will report directly to 1st period • NO schedule changes will be made on the first day
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7 Student Conduct Students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly at all times and to follow the rules and policies of Parkside High School and Wicomico County Public Schools, as outlined here and in the WCPS Student Code of Conduct. Parkside High School is a designated drug-free school zone. The use, possession, distribution, or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, nicotine products (including vapes and e-cigarettes), or any controlled substances is strictly prohibited on school property, during school events, and on school transportation. Violations will result in disciplinary action in accordance with school and district policy and may also involve law enforcement. We are committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all students. Students may not leave school property, nor return to their cars, once they have arrived at school, until the end of the school day. If you leave campus and return on school property, you will be searched by administration. Students are dismissed at 2:45 pm. Unless you participate in a scheduled after-school activity, ALL students should be out of the building by 3:00 pm. Students are not permitted to roam the halls after school. Students staying for an after-school activity, must be with their teacher/advisor/coach. Cell Phones / Electronic Devices All The Time: Cell phone/personal electronic devices: ● Must be in silent mode at all times ● Must be turned off in privacy areas of the building (locker rooms, restrooms, nurse’s office) ● May not be used for audio recording per Maryland Law without the permission of the individual being recorded prior to recording them. ● Should not be used in inappropriate situations such as video recording confrontations or fights. In The Classroom: Cell phones/personal electronic devices should be in silent mode and MAY NOT BE OUT OR USED IN THE CLASSROOM. They should only be visible and in use if the teacher has given permission to do so for instructional purposes only. This is at the discretion of the classroom teacher. In The Building: Cell phones/personal electronic devices used in non-classroom areas of the school is permitted at the discretion of the administration provided that it does not disrupt the school environment.
8 E-Hall Passes & Hallways E-Hall Passes Students are expected to have permission, and an electronic e-hall pass from their assigned teacher anytime they leave the classroom. You may ONLY go to the location listed on your ehall pass. You are here to become College and Career Ready, therefore you should be in class at all times. Hallways “Hanging Out” in the hallways is never permitted. Change of class time should be used to get to your next class. Always walk to the right and do not loiter. Go directly to class. Restroom Students are not permitted to use the restroom during class change without an e-hall pass from their assigned teacher. Lockers ● Every student who wants a locker will be assigned one with a lock during their time at PHS. While your locker and lock are free, there is a $5 lock replacement fee. ● Lockers must be locked at all times. ● You may ONLY visit your locker before school, during class change and after school. ● You are responsible for the contents of your locker at all times. Do not share lockers with another student. Locker Request Form: https://forms.gle/PCRHX7s34QncYipr8 In accordance with Maryland Law, school administrators have the right to search student lockers. Cafeteria Etiquette Parkside has four lunch shifts and students are expected to be in the cafeteria during their assigned lunch shift. Our RAMFAM expectations for lunch shifts and the in cafeteria include: ● Beverages must be in their original, unopened packaging. ● Food deliveries are NOT permitted. ● Students may not leave campus to go to lunch. ● Line cutting is not permitted. ● Once seated, students are to remain seated and not go from table to table.
9 ● Before leaving, make sure that your table and the area around it is clean. Throw away ALL trash. ● No food or drink is allowed outside of the cafeteria. ● Students may not leave the cafeteria without permission from a staff member. ● Report directly to the cafeteria for lunch and return directly to class at the end of your lunch shift. ● E-hall passes must be used to leave the cafeteria Lunch Account Your schedule contains your student I.D. number that will also be your lunch number. Our cafeteria uses the touch pad system, which requires students to enter their I.D. number for all purchases. Memorize your student I.D. number. Money can be added to a student’s account by check (made payable to Parkside High School) in the cafeteria or via https://linqconnect.com/main Free & Reduced Lunch Application: For the 2025-26 school year, breakfast and lunch will be offered for all students at WCPS at no charge as part of the Community Eligibility Provision Program. Applying for free or reduced priced meals is not necessary to receive meals at no cost. However, because of other benefits to students and schools that they attend, we are encouraging ALL FAMILIES to complete a Household Data Collections Form to determine eligibility for additional resources based on federal guidelines. Please click on the link: https://household_data.wicomicoschools.org/ School Delays & School Closings Do not call the school in case of delays or closings. School delays and closings for Wicomico County Public School system can be found by: - Accessing the district website -www.wicomicoschools.org - Receiving the phone call/and or email generated through the School district School Messenger program. (Note: this program uses the primary contact information listed on the Student Personal Data & Emergency Record form). - Watching and listening to local television and radio stations.
10 Attendance Procedures Attendance procedures are in place to ensure students are present, engaged, and making the most of their learning opportunities each day. Consistent attendance supports academic success, builds responsibility, and fosters a safe and orderly school environment. Following these procedures helps maintain accountability and allows staff to provide timely support when needed. SIGN IN: Arriving after the 7:45 am bell? Main lobby until 8:00 am. Main office after 8:00 am. SIGN OUT: Need to leave school before 2:45 pm dismissal? Students who wish to be excused from school early MUST bring a signed note from their parent/guardian (include the reason for the request and the desired time for dismissal) to the office first thing in the morning or email PHSAttendance@mywcps.org ● School Messenger phone calls will be made/emails sent each day that a student is absent or tardy. (Note: This program uses the information listed on the Student Personal Data & Emergency Record form.) ● A student absent from school is NOT permitted to participate in any school-related activities that may be taking place that day or evening. Events students would be unable to participate in include athletics, band, choir, drama, clubs, SGA events, class projects, dances, etc. This does not include absences for excused school functions (i.e. field trips, band/choral performances, AP testing, etc.) A student should never, under any circumstances, leave school during school hours without first obtaining permission from the office or the school nurse. Students leaving school property without permission are subject to disciplinary action and will be searched upon return to property. ABSENT NOTES: A note is required for an excused absence. Such a note would include doctor’s notes, court summons, or a copy of an obituary from a death in the family. Notes should be submitted within five (5) days after returning to school from the absences. Notes from parents may also be submitted for consideration to excuse an absence from school. Only five (5) parent notes will be accepted per school year. You can submit excused notes to PHSAttendance@mywcps.org.
11 LATE ARRIVAL/ EARLY RELEASE PRIVILEGE: For those Juniors and Seniors with a 1st or 5th period Study Hall, and who have met all graduation requirements, a late arrival/ early release option is available. Information on this is available from the student’s school counselor. WCPS CODE OF CONDUCT: “A student is truant if he or she is unlawfully absent from school for more than eight (8) days in any quarter, fifteen (15) days in any semester, or 20 days in a school year.” Truant students are subject to disciplinary measures as per the policies of the Wicomico County Public School system. Unless students have a legitimate reason for their absence, students are expected to be in school every day. A student missing 5 or more unexcused absences in a marking term will need to successfully complete an Attendance Intervention Plan, or they will fail all courses for that term. ACADEMICS ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Teachers need to be able to assess students in order to ensure that they will graduate College and Career Ready. When a student turns in work that is not their own, the process of monitoring students’ preparedness is undermined. AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING: Tutoring and enrichment opportunities are available in most subjects. More information about these programs can be found on WRAM news, Parkside social media posts and the PHS Counseling Department once the school year starts. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: The state of Maryland authorizes one diploma for all high school graduates, based upon successful fulfillment of four categories of requirements: enrollment, course credit, student services (SSL), and Maryland assessments. Students must satisfactorily complete four years beyond Grade 8 to meet the enrollment requirement. All other requirements are summarized in the WCPS High School Course Catalog 2025-2026. Please meet with your counselor for further information. High_School_Catalog_of_Courses- _2025-2026_updated_5.14.25.pdf MIDTERM PROGRESS REPORTS & REPORT CARDS: Progress reports and report cards will be published in the X2 Family Portal on the designated days, determined by Wicomico County.
12 PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE: In order to pass to the next grade level a student must have earned the following minimum credits: 9th to 10th - 4 credits 10th to 11th grade - 9 credits 11th to 12th grade - 14 credits SEAL OF BILITERACY: Students can now earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma by demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages. For more information, contact Sherri Harkins at sharkins@mywcps.org. SERVICE LEARNING HOURS: Students are required to have at least 75 hours of Service Learning hours to graduate. According to WCPS High School Course Catalog 2024-2025, “the following will count for service learning credit: service completed without compensation for the student and which addresses a community, or a non-profit community need (outside the student’s family) in the student’s school, community, or a non-profit community agency constitutes the action of student service. The components of preparation, action, and reflection are state required components of student service.” Ninth graders have the opportunity to accumulate service learning hours in their English, U.S. History, Mathematics and Science classes. Information on this will come from the course teacher. Service Learning activities conducted outside of the classroom should be submitted for approval by the student by contacting their Counselor. Service Learning hours can be entered in the students x2 portal. Detailed directions are available in the Counseling Office as well as Google Classroom. Uploading verifications will be mandatory. Service hours must be submitted July 1st through June 30th for the year in which the hours were completed. Service Learning Awards: Laudable Service Award – 200 hours Exemplary Service Award – 300 hours Meritorious Service Award – 500 hours
13 ATHLETICS ELIGIBILITY ● Students wishing to try out for Parkside athletic teams must have/maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. ● Have an athletic physical dated after June 1, 2025 ● Completed the online registration: https://app.formreleaf.com/organizations/parksidehigh-school ● No out-of-school suspensions that would exclude them from extracurricular participation. ● All prospective student athletes must try out for their respective sports team ● Athletes are permitted to play one sport per season, per the Bayside Conference Handbook ATHLETIC AWARDS At the end of each season there will be an athletic awards assembly during the school day to recognize that season’s athletes and their accomplishments. An end of the year athletic awards banquet will be held in late May to award MVP and Unsung Hero honors for each athletic team. ATTENDING SPORTING EVENTS All spectators attending athletic events are expected to be respectful of all officials, players, coaches and all those involved with the athletic event. Those in violation will be asked to leave. Spectators are asked to stand quietly and remove their hats during the playing of the National Anthem. Students who have received out-of-school suspension from a Wicomico County Public School are not permitted to attend athletic (extracurricular) events for the number of days corresponding to the suspension. (OSS 1 to 4 days- may not participate in extracurriculars for 10 days; OSS 5+ days - may not participate in extracurriculars for 45 days). ATHLETIC TRAINER All student athletes will have access to Parkside’s athletic trainer, Cindy Riley. Any injuries, health concerns, rehabilitation inquiries, or questions about physicals can be directed to her at: criley@mywcps.org
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15 SOCIAL MEDIA SPORTSMANSHIP (FOR ALL RAMFAM) While school rivalries are a healthy part of athletics, the RAMFAM expects all social media posts related to sports to remain positive. Uplifting our own fans and athletes is a far better reflection of RAMFAM pride than putting down the competition. Parkside High School has official Facebook and Instagram pages—be sure to follow our athletic teams, RAMFAM student section, class accounts, and various clubs to stay connected. These accounts are managed by coaches, advisors, administration and Communications Officers. DANCE CRITERIA Wicomico County Public Schools require the following criteria for high school students to be eligible to attend school dances: • GPA – Minimum of a 2.0 • CONDUCT - No OSS days served during the semester in which the dance occurs in addition to county requirements for extracurricular exclusions. • Attendance – No more than two (2) unexcused absences 45 days prior to ticket sales Dance Tickets Are Sold During Lunch Shifts - Students not at PHS during 4th period can purchase their ticket from the main office. Dance tickets are NEVER sold at the door. Guest forms are available to students in the main office. Please note there is an approval process for guests who do not attend Parkside. A Parkside school dance agreement must be signed by all students upon ticket purchase. HEALTH SERVICES The Parkside Nurse Office number is 410-677-5110 If there is a necessity for a student to be sent home, the nurse will inform the parent/guardian, and the student will need to be signed out in the Front Office. Please remember that students are NOT permitted to carry any form of medication without having the proper documentation from their physician on file with the school nurse. If it is necessary for a student to take medication during the school day, Parkside will follow the Wicomico County Policy for Administration of Medication Guidelines (approval by the Maryland Board of Nursing and reviewed by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy). For more information or any questions, contact Mrs. Greenless or Ms. Salyers, our school nurses.
16 CLUBS Getting the most out of being part of the RAMFAM means finding your place in our herd! Art Club TBD Book Club Mrs. Capute Environmental Club Mrs. Wolske/Mr. Kelley Future Business Leaders of America Mrs. Jeri Ward/ Ms. Jonta Ward FBLA is the high school division of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. and helps high school students prepare for careers in business through academic competitions (FBLA Competitive Events), leadership development, and educational programs. Jazz Band Club Mr. Riddleberger Jazz Band will begin auditions after winter break and will meet once a week after school throughout the second semester. Dates and times TBD. Math Team (Varsity & JV) Miss. E. Miller If you are competitive and enjoy math, join the math team as they compete against the other county high schools. Leo Club Ms. Brandenburg/Mrs. Kuzma The Parkside Leo Club is an international club that operates directly under the Salisbury Lions Club. Parkside Leos work together to serve their community through various projects and fundraisers. A Leo Club provides opportunities for its members to learn the importance of leadership, teamwork, social networking, and community service. Junior Classical League (Latin Club) Mrs. Neal RGSA (Rams Gender Sexuality Alliance) Club Mr. Noonan/Mrs. Menzel SGA Mrs. Daniel/Mrs. Hazzard Skills USA Mrs. Cornish For students participating in our Career & Technology Education program, Skills USA helps shape responsible, reliable employees who will one day become leaders in the economic marketplace. Step-Up Mr. Brett Sanders/ Mr. Bobby Bates Stock Club Mrs. Jeri Ward/ Ms. Jonta Ward Treble Choir Club Mrs. A. Daniel Tenor/Bass Choir Club These auditioned groups will rehearse after school once a week beginning at the end of September through May. Dates and times TBD. Varsity Club Mr. Riley/Mr. Cashman The purpose of this club is to promote sports at Parkside HS and strive to generate a culture of positive excitement about athletic opportunities while a student at Parkside. This will be done through advertising upcoming events (games, matches, tournaments, etc), featuring individual athletes and individual accomplishments, advertising/marketing specific teams each season and promoting through social media. Participants will essentially be ambassadors/representatives for their individual sports teams. Participants will also be exposed to and encouraged to get involved with various programs offered by the Bayside Conference, MPSAA, and NFHS. Wicomico County Robotics Club TBD The Wicomico County Robotics Club exists to increase high school students’ awareness towards Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Business by using hands-on and multi-disciplinary collaborative experiences. The organizations listed below relate to classes students can take as 10th, 11th or 12th graders. The Aries – Yearbook Mrs. Capute/Mrs. Stoltzfus WRAM News Mr. Noonan/Mrs. Menzel This is a listing of clubs and organizations at the time of publication. New clubs and organizations often start during the school year.
17 HONOR SOCIETIES At Parkside, we have 10 nationally recognized honor societies in a variety of content areas. ● International Thespian Society Advisor: Mrs. A.Daniel ● Latin Honor Society Advisor: Mrs. S. Neal ● Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) Advisors: Ms. K. Whitebread/Mrs. J Campbell ● National English Honor Society Advisors: Mrs. A. Capute/ Mrs. M. Stoltzfus ● National Technical Honor Society Advisor: Ms. V. Stevenson ● Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society Advisor: Mr. N. Dudas ● Science National Honor Society Advisor: Ms. S. Lewis ● Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica Advisor: Mrs. S. Koontz/Mrs. M Cannon ● Société Honoraire de Français Advisor: Mrs. F. Holland ● Tri-M Music Honor Society Advisor: Mrs. A. Daniel/Mr. J. Adams NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Membership in the Parkside Chapter of the National Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon a student at an induction ceremony. Selection for membership is by a Faculty Council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and having completed 75 hours of service learning required. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors (registered in Wicomico County Public Schools for a minimum of one semester) with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 (unweighted) at the end for the first semester are academically eligible for consideration. Students who meet the academic criteria will be informed and asked to submit evidence of Service, Leadership and Character that is then considered by the Faculty Council. A majority vote to approve the application by the Faculty Council earns a student an invitation to join the NHS. An NHS member who transfers from another school and brings a letter from the former principal or chapter advisor shall be accepted automatically as a member of the new school’s chapter. Transfer members must meet the new chapter’s standards within one semester to retain membership. Advisors: Mrs. Orme and Mrs. Wainwright
18 STUDENT GOVERNMENT At Parkside, we believe part of being College and Career Ready is learning how to lead. From the elected class office, to our Rambassador program, there are opportunities to grow as a student leader in all aspects of our school. Elections for the Class of 2029 (9th grade) will occur at the end of Semester 1 The organization below includes elected positions. Student volunteers are welcome for SGA and Class events - contact the advisors for more information. SGA (Student Government Association) Mrs. Daniel & Mrs. Hazzard President - Joshua Strickland President Elect - Phoenie Zhang Vice President - Reagan Streng Secretary - Helen Weng Committee Chair: Erika Dorman Committee Chair: Abigail Stophel Committee Chair: Chika Chigbu Committee Chair: Alexa Ovando Lead Communications Officer - Addison Hibble Committee Chair: Dante Moscarelli Communications Officer- Gia Kelley Communications Officer - Peyton Ford Communications Officer - Yousif Ibrahim CLASS OF 2026 Ms. Lewis & Mrs. James President – Santiago Arce Secretary – Laiba Akhtar Historian – Allyson Ayala Vice-President – Jaden Min Communications Officer – Katelynn Smith Communication Officer- Paige Blum CLASS OF 2027 TBD President – Lizeth Reza-Rios Secretary – Canie Harkins Historian – Rachel Arvi Vice-President – Ava Vanier Communications Officer – Canie Harkins Councilman: Faith Dashiell CLASS OF 2028 Mr. Bozman & Mrs. K. Moore President - Rickelle Simpson-Henry Communication Officer - Kaliyah Creasy Vice President - Gabrielle Saintphard Councilman - Nevaeh Wharton Secretary - Macaulley Jimmerson Councilman - Cle’Ayeisha Harris Historian - Shanaika Thelemaque Councilman - Halsey Lainez-Ochoa
19 RAMBASSADORS Advisors: Ms. T. Kearns & Mrs. V. Turnell The PHS Rambassador program is a group of students who represent the many facets of our school. Rambassadors are the faces of the RAMFAM, officially representing us in a variety of activities. Throughout the year, the Rambassadors are called upon to perform various tasks (including but not limited to 9th grade orientation, Freshmen Transition Day, escorts for guests or new students, etc.…). Being a Rambassador is a privilege. Applications for Rambassadors open in late spring for the following school year. Students who are selected for this program should model RamFam in all facets of the school community (attendance, academics, and conduct). PARKSIDE FRONT OFFICE The Parkside Main Office Number is 410-677-5143 The Parkside CTE Office Number is 410-677-5144 CALLING THE OFFICE Our front office staff receive numerous requests each day that involve calling students from their classrooms. To minimize these interruptions to the school day and classroom instruction, we are asking that parents limit the number of times they call the school to leave messages. DROPPING ITEMS OFF FOR A STUDENT When dropping something off for a student, please put the student’s name on it and instruct the student to come to the office for the item. MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS Emergency messages from parents will only be given to the student at 2:40 pm. Please don’t call school and ask our staff to remind students of an appointment or ride home. PICKING UP A STUDENT Please do not call the office asking us to have a child ready. In order to pick up a student, YOU MUST PRESENT A DRIVER’S LICENSE, and any adult that signs a student out MUST be on the student’s contact list. All dismissal requests must be in writing or in person. VISITORS ALL visitors MUST report to the Front Office (or CTE office if visiting CTE) and register using a valid ID before going further into the building. Visitors must wear a visitors pass upon approval.
20 DRIVING AND PARKING PARKING PERMITS If you are going to park on campus, YOU MUST HAVE A PARKING PERMIT! https://forms.gle/mwbgRv7sTNBAyocK8 At Parkside, we have more drivers than we have parking spaces. Limited parking means there may not be spaces available to accommodate all requests. Parking permits will be sold in the following order: 1st - To all students who must leave school to fulfill a course requirement 2nd - To Seniors 3rd – To Juniors NO PERMITS WILL BE SOLD TO 9TH OR 10TH GRADERS Failure to follow our parking regulations may result in the loss of your parking privileges and additional disciplinary actions, if warranted. Parking Permits 1. Parking permits must be properly displayed in the designated position. 2. Park only in designated student parking areas. 3. Upon arrival to school, students are to leave their vehicle immediately and wait in the designated areas. 4. Students are not to return to any vehicles during the school day. 5. All school policies apply to students in vehicles on school property and drivers are responsible for the conduct of their passengers. 6. Vehicles are to be locked at all times. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 7. The speed limit is 15 mph or less on school property. 8. Reckless/dangerous driving is prohibited. 9. Failure to observe these regulations, or careless/reckless driving can result in loss of driving privileges on school property and/or referral to legal authorities. 10. Parking on property without a parking permit may result in the vehicle being TICKETED or TOWED.
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