Freshman What If...

Welcome to the Stow-Munroe Falls High School: "What If...?" Student Survival Guide

High school is a new experience and can feel overwhelming at times. Use this quick reference guide to find solutions to common everyday situations.

General Information

What if my parent/guardian needs to contact me and I don’t have a phone?

Solution: They can call the main school office! The office staff will deliver a written memo to you, or call you to the office to return the call if the matter is confidential.

What if I want to ride home on the bus with a friend?

Solution: Bus passes are for emergencies only. Bring a signed note from home to Ms. Burmeister in the main office. She will call your parent to confirm before issuing a pass.

What if I don’t have or forgot my lunch?

Solution: You can charge a basic lunch to your account (no extra snacks or side items allowed). If you do not have an account established, staff will take your name and add the charge once your account is set up.

What if my parents need to drop something off for me?

Solution: They can drop the item off with staff at the main front entrance. They will either have a student aide deliver it to your room or send a pass for you to come pick it up.

What if I want to order lunch delivered (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)?

Solution: Do not do it! Food deliveries are strictly prohibited and will result in a quick introduction to the principal, Mrs. Murray.

What if I need to pay school fees?

Solution: Visit Mrs. Sedor in the Activities Office, located right between the Attendance Office and the Clinic.

What if I want to buy a ticket to an athletic event?

Solution: All athletic tickets must be purchased digitally through the Hometown Fan app. For any other sports-related questions, visit Ms. Bivens at the Field House.

Navigating the Building

What if I can’t get into my locker or forgot where it is?

Forgotten Number/Combo: See Mrs. Leonardi in the Counseling Office.
Jammed Locker: Contact Mrs. Archer at the front door desk to call a custodian to assist you.

What if I lost my class schedule?

Solution: Ask a classroom teacher to print one out for you. If they are unable to, see Mrs. Leonardi in the Counseling Office.

What if I lost a personal item?

Valuables (Phone, AirPods, etc.): Turned-in valuable items are kept secured in the Attendance Office.
General Items: Check the Lost and Found locker located right outside the Attendance Office near the balcony.

What if I need something from the Attendance Office?

Last Names A–K: See Mrs. Clark.
Last Names L–Z: See Mrs. Vanik.

What if I need to leave school early?

Have your parent or guardian call the school ahead of time to report your early departure.
A departure pass will be delivered to your classroom.
Sign out at the Attendance Office desk right before leaving the building.

What if I arrive late to school?

Solution: Check in at the Attendance Office using your School ID to scan into the attendance system. Please note that unexcused tardiness adds up! you will receive a detention on your 4th tardy.

What if I have a Study Hall 1st or 11th period and want Late Arrival or Early Release?

Solution: Speak with your counselor. You will need written approval from both your parent/guardian and your guidance counselor to be approved.

Classes & Academics

What if I am late to a specific class period?

Solution: Each teacher sets their own classroom policies. Make sure you learn the specific procedures and tardy consequences for every class on your schedule.

What if I wait until the night before an assignment is due to start it?

Solution: Depending on the assignment's length, this usually results in severe sleep loss, poor performance, or low grades. Learn to build good time-management habits and plan ahead!

What if I get caught using my cell phone during class?

Solution: Policies vary by teacher. Outcomes range from verbal warnings and phone confiscation for the period to formal detentions or sending the phone to the office (which results in Saturday School). Always adhere to individual classroom cell phone rules.

What if a teacher asks for my phone?

Solution: Hand it over immediately and respectfully. Arguing or refusing will significantly increase the severity of your disciplinary consequences.

What if I want to drop or change a class?

Solution: Visit your counselor during a study hall period. Course changes require signed approval from both the teacher and your parent/guardian.

What if I forgot my ProgressBook login or password?

Solution: See Mrs. Leonardi in the Counseling Office for a password reset.

What if I need to make up a test in the Testing Center?

Solution: Your subject teacher will issue you a pass for Wednesday morning. The Testing Center is located in Room 214 (just off the Commons area).

Social Media & Online Behavior

What if I post about a peer or classmate on social media?

Guideline: Always THINK before posting. If an online post creates a negative impact or disruption within the school environment, it will lead to school-sanctioned disciplinary action.

What if I share, comment on, or repost negative content about others?

Solution: Participating in or spreading harmful content will cause you to be called into the office and subject to disciplinary measures.

What if I record, receive, or store a video of a fight or an inappropriate image?

Solution: You will be called to the main office, face potential school suspension, and risk phone confiscation by law enforcement, as storing or sharing such material means possessing evidence of a crime.

Personal Well-Being & Support

What if I feel sick, get hurt, or need hygiene products?

Solution: Ask your teacher for a pass to the Clinic. The clinic is located within the Attendance Office suite.

What if personal/home struggles are impacting my performance at school?

Solution: Talk to someone! All teachers are here to support you. You can also reach out to your counselor or speak with Mrs. Dean in the Counseling Office.

What if I find myself leaving class every single day?

Solution: Frequently missing class creates academic issues. Plan routine restroom visits during class transitions, and schedule counselor visits during your assigned study hall periods.

What if I am experiencing conflict with peers (in-person or online)?

Solution: Seek help! Talk to a principal, guidance counselor, or a teacher you trust to help resolve the issue safely.

What if I need basic supplies, food, or clothing?

Solution: Please reach out to a trusted teacher, administrator, or counselor. The school has resources available to assist you discreetly.

Key Contacts Directory

Guidance Counseling Office

Secretary: Mrs. Leonardi
Students A–E: Ms. Coombs
Students F–K: Mrs. Cottrill
Students L–Ri: Ms. Oshinsky
Students Ro–Z: Mr. LePard

To speak with a counselor, sign in at the Counseling Office. If they are free, they will meet with you right away; otherwise, return to class and they will send a call pass for you.

Administration & Resource Officers

Building Principal: Mrs. Murray (Check in with Ms. Burmeister in the main office)
School Resource Officer: Officer Smith (Check in with Ms. Burmeister in the main office)
Assistant Principals: Ms. Haught, Mr. Renner, Mr. Yeagley (Check in with your assigned attendance secretary)