Merit College Preparatory Academy Student Handbook 2015-2016 Phone: (801) 491-7600 Website: www.meritacademy.org Address: 1440 W. Center Street Springville, Utah 84663 Mission Statement Merit College Preparatory Academy will endow all students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in higher education and with the understanding essential for civic and social responsibility. Core Beliefs Higher education is a key to ensuring economic opportunities and prosperity for individuals and their future posterity. The future success of our society depends on the development of a deep sense of social and civic responsibility with strong leadership qualities in today’s students. No background or circumstances should prevent any student from reaching high levels of educational and social achievement. Academic Program Structure and Policies Assessment Merit Academy understands that not all students fit the same learning or testing model. It is the goal of Merit Academy to ensure that the student can show mastery of a concept or subject through a means that is comfortable, and perhaps even enjoyable to them. Within set parameters, they will be allowed and encouraged to demonstrate mastery through a “performance” method of their choice. This is called performance based assessment. This concept will not replace all traditional testing, as we have to comply to and prepare for state testing standards, but will be used extensively, throughout the school, as an instrument of classroom assessment. We have incorporated this idea as part of what we call “The Fusion Model” or “Fusion”. Fusion Vision: To prepare students for college and for the professional world through authentic and meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. Philosophy: After observing students in ”performance” based acitivites, we realized students will memorize 100 lines for a play or shoot hudnreds of free throws, but struggle to do 10 math problems. Why? The following clips helped us to start creating and implementing a program. We highly recommend watching both of them to understand the concepts behind the Fusion Model: http://youtu.be/u6XAPnuFjJc http://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U As we implement the Fusion model schoolwide we expect the following to occur: Fusion will promote inter-disciplinary work and collaboration between classes/subjects Students will have fewer excuses and less late work Students will have the motivation to excel as they see the results of their peers. Presentations will bring out the “X” factor Students will have recognizable achievement Students will be subject to public assessment Students will receive immediate satisfaction of a job well done This program will reach the classroom, family and the school community. How Fusion meets our board’s end statements: It promotes autonomy-students can pursue their strengths (ES #2) It will include Fusion oriented classes and performance opportunities. (ES #2.c) 1 It will include a Fusion Honors program to allow students to graduate with honors. (ES #1.d and #1a if the program allows focus areas) There will be regular exhibits in the school that showcase student work (ES #2.c) Parent Notification Parents have the right to request and receive information from Merit College Preparatory Academy administration concerning the qualifications of their student’s teachers (Utah State Code §1111(h)(6)(A)). Enrollment Students seeking to be enrolled at Merit Academy need to fill out an application form. It can be found on our website: www.meritacademy.org Once the application has been approved, the student will be sent an enrollment packet applicable to the grade level the student will be enrolling in. The enrollment packet will detail all the necessary information and documents needed to complete the enrollment process. Prohibiting Discrimination in the Public Schools It is the policy of Merit College Preparatory Academy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or disabilities in its programs, services, activities, admissions, access, treatment or employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title IX of the educational Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Civil rights compliance inquiries related to Merit College Preparatory Academy may be directed to Kim Mitchell, Director, 1440 W Center Street, Springville, UT, 84663, 801-491-7600. Military Access – Providing “directory” Information to Military Recruiters Merit College Preparatory Academy will provide “directory” information to military recruiters upon request unless purposely directed by the parents or guardians of individual students not to provide this information. Accreditation Merit Academy is an accredited high school through the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, according to Utah state law. Language Services Merit Academy desires to communicate with parents/guardians and students in their preferred language. We have several personnel on staff that are fluent in Spanish. If any other language is preferred, please notify the office. Merit Academy will make efforts to establish communication with non-English speaking parents of students within the school, while encouraging those parents to become more proficient in English. Spanish Translation: Merit quisiera communicar 2 con los padres y estudiantes en su idioma peferido. Tenemos un administrador en la escuela que habla Espanol (Sr. Seminario). Si necesita ayuda, por favor notifique la oficina. Off Campus Study Students who choose to enroll in online, concurrent enrollment, or other approved off-campus study courses, while still enrolled at Merit Academy, will do so in accordance with state laws on online education programs, concurrent enrollment agreements, and/or off-campus study agreements. Parents must sign a parent release form acknowledging that the student will leave campus during online course study, concurrent enrollment study, or approved off-campus study. The release form is available in the counseling office. Students must not be on Merit Academy’s campus during school hours when they do not have a scheduled class. Release Time Students planning on taking the LDS seminary class will need to fill out the release time form. Credits Merit College Preparatory Academy Graduation Requirements Language Arts: 4 Credits • English 9 – 1 credit • English 10 – 1 credit • English 11 – 1 credit • English Elective – 1 credit Mathematics: 3 Credits* Students must earn a total of 3.0 math credits from the following foundation courses: • Secondary Mathematics I • Secondary Mathematics II • Secondary Mathematics III Students may opt out of Secondary Mathematics III with parent/legal guardian request. If an opt out is requested, the third math credit shall come from the advanced and applied courses on the Utah State Board approved mathematics list. For Both Lists: Other students who successfully complete a foundation course before the ninth grade shall still earn 3.0 units of credit by taking other foundation courses or additional courses from the advanced and applied Utah State Board approved mathematics list consistent with the student’s CCRP. *A student who successfully completes a Calculus course has completed mathematics graduation requirements, regardless of the number of mathematics credits earned. 3 Foreign Language: 2 Credits 2 Credits from the same foreign language course are required. Science: 3 Credits Students must earn at minimum 2.0 science credits from the following foundation courses: • Earth Systems • Biology • Chemistry • Physics 1.0 additional credit of science can come from the foundation courses or from an elective science class. Social Studies: 3 Credits Students must earn a total of 3.0 credits in social studies from the following courses: • .5 credit Geography • .5 credit World Civilization • .5 credit Financial Literacy • 1.0 credit US History • .5 credit US Government Health/PE: 2 Credits Students must earn 2.0 credits in Health/PE from the following courses: • .5 credit Health • .5 credit Fitness for Life • .5 credit Participation Skills • .5 credit Individualized Lifetime Activities or Team Sport/Athletic participation Directed Course Work: 4 Credits Students must earn 4 credits from the following courses: • .5 credits Computer Technology • 1.0 credit CTE (Career and Tech. Education) • .5 credit Junior Seminar • .5 credit Ameritus Service Knights • 1.5 credit Fine Arts General Electives: 4 Credits Students must earn 5 credits of electives. These can include core classes that exceed the requirements. Total Credits: 25 Other Avenues of Credit Merit Academy accepts transfer credits from other accredited schools, including Utah Electronic High School. Credit may be awarded for passing test equivalencies. We also accept documented credits from private schools and home schools with the following parameters 4 Credit acceptance policy: Homeschool Credit Acceptance Policy Following this simple outline will assist you in preparing your portfolio for assessment. Students will automatically receive pass or fail grade for portfolios turned in to the counseling department. If you would like a grade, rather than pass fail, you must have a mentor evaluate your work. There is a 50 dollar fee for mentor evaluations. Please contact the counseling office with any questions. Portfolio of validation/evidence – Each course will be assessed individually. For each course we require a portfolio of validation/evidence that adequately demonstrates that the student put forth the effort and mastered the material of the course. It could include such a letter from an outside instructor, sample work, photographs, field trip itineraries, essays, tests, CLEP results, ticket stubs, evaluations, and so forth. Cover Letter – Each course also requires a cover letter that includes the following: Course description – This is the name of the course, such as: Early American History, World Geography, Beginning Art, etc. Objective – This briefly describes the content and goals of the course. What material was covered? What were the purposes and goals of the course? Expectations – Briefly explain what credit you hope to receive through completion of the course. For example: “To earn 1.0 credit for Earth Science.” Resources – What sources were used to learn the course? Which books were studied? Method for learning the course – What was the method used to learn the course? For example: “Student participated in a study group where they read and discussed classics. Students wrote essays on a relevant theme for each work.” Methods of evaluation – How did you assess that the student adequately put forth the effort and mastered the material of the course? Time evaluation – A student is required to participate in 120 hours of instruction and study time for each credit hour. (60 for each 0.5 credit hour). To assess the required time you may submit a daily log or summarize a basic schedule for learning such as: “We worked on math 3 days a week for 1.5 hours each day for 30 weeks (3 X 1.5 X 30 = 135 hours).” Assessment Rubric Evaluation – Here you assess the student’s academic mastery as well as effort put forth for the course. We prefer unbiased outside sources for evaluation wherever possible. For example: a supervisor, gym coach, art teacher, piano teacher. Portfolio items – Here you explain what materials you are including in your portfolio of validation/evidence and how it demonstrates that the student put forth the effort and mastered the material of the course. Online Courses For any online course completed through a provider (online school) other than those listed below, the parent/guardian will be required to provide the counseling office with the following: 5 Name of provider Course name(s) Teacher credentials and CACTUS number Completed coursework Transcript of final grade Online schools exempt from above requirements: Early College High School Online (SUCCESS Academy) Entrada High School Millard Education Online (Delta High School) Millard Education Online (EskDale High School) Mountain Heights Academy Provo eSchool (Provo High School) Utah Connections Academy Utah Online School Utah Virtual Academy Wasatch High eSchool Wasp Online (Juab High School) Weber Online (Two Rivers High School) Graduation Merit Academy views education as a lifetime pursuit which does not end at graduation. In order to recognize student progress during their high school years and encourage further learning, all exiting seniors are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony regardless of credits earned. Early Graduation Students and parents considering early graduation must first meet with a school counselor at the start of their graduating year and there obtain an application for early graduation, discuss the application process and discuss the student’s educational plan. Academic Progress Students and Merit Academy are expected to make annual academic progress towards graduation. Grade levels will be determined by the amount of credits a student has earned, and not on a student’s age or number of years at school. If students are failing several courses, they may be put on academic contracts. If improvements are not made, students may be asked to withdraw. 6 High Honor Roll The Merit Academy High Honor Roll will include all students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher Honor Roll The Merit Academy Honor Roll will include all students with a GPA in the 3.5-3.79 range. Homework Policy Homework is essential to success at Merit Academy. Doing homework will help students develop many valuable skills such as good study habits, time management, responsibility, and perseverance. Teachers will assign homework that will foster individual learning and growth that is appropriate for the subject area. Homework is part of all student evaluations. It is the student’s responsibility to complete and turn in homework on time. If the student or parent has questions about homework, immediately contact the teacher who assigned it. Role of Parent with HomeworkParents/guardians can help by providing conditions conducive to effective home study. They can help students setting up a time and a place to work on homework and school projects. A quiet place and good lighting are probably the most important physical conditions for study. Parents keep in mind, however, that some children might not be at ease or stay focused when isolated from the rest of the family. They may be able to work best at the kitchen or dining room table. Parents need to encourage their child and monitor homework to ensure he/she is understanding, completing, and turning in homework assignments and projects in a timely manner. If your child is having extreme difficulty completed homework assignments each night, please contact his/her teacher. Role of Student with HomeworkThe school can set policy. The teacher can make worthwhile and interesting assignments. The parents can provide the right conditions for home study. However, it is the student who must actually do the work. Homework is an opportunity for the student to show his/her real capabilities. It is helpful if he/she views homework as one means of furthering his /her educational growth. The student should make sure that he/she understands the assignment, its purpose, when it’s due, and how it needs to be done. Writing homework assignments in a day planner eliminates the possibility of forgetting the details of the assignment. Plagiarism Any student who plagiarizes all or a portion of an assignment will lose credit for that assignment and/or the entire class, at the discretion of the teacher. CCRP College and Career Readiness plans A plan comprising the flow of classes during a student’s years at Merit Academy will be made and reviewed each year by the student, the guidance counselor, and the parents (if desired.) This 7 helps to ensure that the student is receiving all of the needed classes for graduation and for a quality educational experience. Special Education Merit Academy offers a comprehensive program of special education services designed to provide a learning environment that helps a student progress in her/his individualized educational plan. Any Merit student may be eligible for these services if they have noticeable delays in: vision, speech, hearing, behavior, physical impairments or learning difficulties. When it comes to education, it is important that students are taught in a manner that meets individual needs. If you are concerned you may have a disability that affects your learning to such a degree that it may require special education services, please contact Terri Henry, Director of Special Education at (801) 491-7600, ext. 712 or by email <[email protected]> STUDENT LIFE Academic Performance Our core beliefs at MCPA are that higher education is a key to ensuring economic opportunities and prosperity for individuals and their future posterity, and no background or circumstances should prevent any student from reaching high levels of educational and social achievement. Students at MCPA will strive to produce their best work to prepare themselves for the future rigor of postsecondary training, education, work experiences, and adult civic responsibilities. Acceptable academic success will be measured by work production, classroom interaction and supportive behavior, and achieving passing scores. While MCPA recognizes students possess a variety of ability levels and learning styles, and encourages creative methods for measuring concept mastery, we are committed to promote learning. With respect to individual growth, students are expected to produce academic products to the best of their abilities in a manner that shows individual progress over each term, semester, and academic year. All students will participate in Fusion activities to show their in-depth understanding of major academic concepts by employing multiple intelligences through performance, project creations, or other expressions their knowledge. MCPA will meet the special education needs of students who meet IDEA eligibility who require specialized instructions and supports to help them access the skills necessary to succeed academically. For those students who show a pattern of misconduct in the classroom, disregard instruction, refuse to produce academic work, or consistently receive less than average grades will be placed on Academic 8 Probation to receive additional instruction and supports in an effort to assist in their eventual academic success. It is our mission to help every student be a success. Student Academic Support System All Merit Academy students will be given help and encouragement to successfully pass their classes through a leveled support system with the goal for each student to reach graduation. Mentoring: Every student has a teacher mentor who will check weekly and report on their academic progress. All students receiving passing grades are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Students with an F grade have a week of probation to take time to improve their scores. Mentors will work to help each student determine needs to improve their grade(s). Tracking: After one probationary week, any student still earning an F becomes Ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities and field trips. While continuing Mentoring, any student who becomes Ineligible is also paired with an administration team member to meet weekly for advisement and help in working with teachers to identify actions to improve their academic success. Once a student earns passing scores and corrects their grade, they automatically move back to simple Mentoring. Guiding: Any student who remains Ineligible for two weeks, continues to work with their tracking advisor and their mentor teacher, but is additionally required to attend mandatory outof-class tutoring (during lunch, before or after school) for 3 hours per week for each failing subject with a maximum of 5 hours weekly in total. Students remain with this level of support for the remainder of the given term and return to simple Mentoring by earning passing term grades. Directing: Any student with a failing term grade or who fails to attend mandatory tutoring, moves into this intensive level of support with a personalized probationary contract created to address individual needs and set action requirements for the student to achieve in order to remain enrolled at Merit College Preparatory Academy. School Expectations School-wide Positive Behavioral Support Plan and Discipline Policy Merit College Preparatory Academy A 3-tierred intervention strategy to instruct, support, and ensure individual student conduct and academic performance meets the highest expectations of civic mindedness in a diverse educational environment. Dissemination: Document listed on school website Expectations printed into student handbook, given to every student Document students sign before receiving class schedule and parents sign at registration or as part of graded student class assignment, with academic hold on records until received Teachers instructed during first week planning meeting and follow-up faculty meetings Expectations 9 10 Student Conduct At Merit College Preparatory Academy (MCPA), it is our mission to endow all students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in higher education and with the understanding essential for civic and social responsibility. We believe the future success of our society depends on the development of a deep sense of social and civic responsibility with strong leadership qualities in today’s students. MCPA expects that all members of the school community will treat each other in a civil manner, with respect for differences. MCPA is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is supportive of student educational endeavors and is free from bullying and cyber-bullying. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process. We understand that members of certain student groups may be more vulnerable to becoming targets of bullying, harassment, or teasing. MCPA will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to treat one another with respect and to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing. MCPA will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, on school-provided transportation, or in school-related activities both academic and extracurricular. We will respond to complaints of disruptive or uncivil behavior, including prompt investigation of all reports and complaints of bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation, and will take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety. We will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community, including curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent or guardian involvement. The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (Plan) is a comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and cyber-bullying, and MCPA is committed to working with its Board, students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of violence. In consultation with these constituencies, we have established this Plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of unacceptable behavior, including bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation. The Director and Assistant Director are responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan. Consequences Positive Encouragement To support students in their successful efforts to meet student conduct and academic performance standards, MCPA will host fun, rewarding on and off-campus activities on a monthly basis to encourage individual skill development in targeted civic-minded skills such as but not limited to: turning in assignments, timely attendance, adherence to dress code, etc. 11 Intervention Cascade MCPA response to student conduct varies depending on the nature and severity of the infraction, as behavior falls into the categories of Minor Infractions, Major Infractions, and Prohibited Infractions including Safe School Violations. A cascade of supports and interventions will be employed by MCPA administration to encourage self correction and skill development with the goal to make each student a responsible citizen of the MCPA community. Corrective Steps for Minor Infractions MCPA commits to providing a supportive learning environment, including helping students and their families recognize when they are functioning below expectations socially and/or academically, to enable self-correction and enhance individual student responsibility. For misconduct considered a Minor Infraction, the corrective process is a Tier II behavioral support that follows a stepped model: 1st Minor Infraction: Verbal warning to student of unacceptable behavior and discussion, instruction on improvements needed, written notice provided [Written notice with student initial] 2nd Minor Infraction: Student provided with written notice, parents notified of repeated unacceptable behavior [Written notice with student initial and parent contact] 3rd Minor Infraction: Student provided with written notice, parents notified and requested to meet with intervention team to determine additional supports needed to develop written Behavioral Intervention Plan. Future behaviors moved to Major Infraction status. [Written notice with student initial, parent & student meets with administration to create Behavior Plan listing school supports and student requirements] Behavioral Interventions for Major Infractions For those students who fail to improve their performance under the support of the corrective steps or who commit misconduct of a more serious nature, MCPA provides additional instruction and supports to assist the struggling student to allow more time, provide more skill instruction, and otherwise address gaps in performance. This level of intervention is for student misconduct considered as Major Infractions. The following are possible Tier III intervention options though supports are not limited to this list: Student Conduct Behavior contract, in-school focus room, social skills instruction, Saturday detention, out-of-school suspension 12 Academic Probation Class/Behavior contracts, in-school focus room, after school peer tutoring, weekly progress tracking, study skill instruction, Saturday detention, class reassignment or remediation packets Following the development/implementation of individual behavioral plans, those students who continue to willfully disregard established expectations will moved through a progressive series of suspensions and amended behavior plans in attempts to maximize opportunities for students to learn to be successful at MCPA. 1st Infraction of Behavior Plan/Major Infraction Student suspended for 1-3 days, plan reviewed on return, amendments made if needed. 2nd Infraction of Behavior Plan/Major Infraction Student suspended for 3-5 days, plan reviewed on return, amendments made if needed. 3rd Infraction of Behavior Plan/Major Infraction Student suspended for 10 days, plan reviewed on return, amendments made if needed. Failure to improve student conduct or academic performance following the third suspension moves the student into the level of Prohibited Infractions and placement at MCPA revoked, the student is expelled and will not be allowed to re-enroll at any future date. MCPA is a school of choice. Definitions of Minor/Major/Safe School Violations Minor Infractions are defined as infractions of rules that are usually handled by teachers in the classroom and include the following: 1. Dress code violations 2. Willful disobedience 3. Public displays of affection 4. Inappropriate language and actions 5. Disruptive behavior including talk outs, chronic talking, and out of seat 6. Horseplay, running in the halls 7. Excessive time in the building away from class 8. Refusal to participate in classroom instructional activities Major infractions are defined as severe infractions of school and district rules that result in immediate office discipline referrals to school administration and usually lead to out of school suspension and behavior plans upon return to campus. Major infractions include: 1. Refusal to comply with requirements of individually developed Behavior 13 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Plans after reasonable efforts to modify as appropriate Chronic or excessive abusive language, truancy and tardies Plagiarism Bullying and harassment (including, but not limited to, behavior intended to cause harm or distress in a relationship with an imbalance of power, especially if repeated over time) Cyber-Bullying Physical aggression including fighting and throwing objects at a person Acceptable use policy violation Prohibited Infractions are defined as any serious violation that threatens or harms a school, school property, a person connected with school, or property associated with a person connected with school is forbidden regardless of where it occurs. A student WILL meet with the Board and may be suspended from 45 school days up to 1 year for a safe school violation involving the following:: 1. Assault, threats to kill/harm, 2. Possession, control, actual or threatened use of a real weapon, explosive, noxious, or flammable material; 3. Actual or threatened use of a look alike weapon with intent to intimidate or cause disruption; 4. The sale, control or distribution of a drug, controlled substance, and imitation controlled substance, tobacco, and alcohol or drug paraphernalia; 5. Possessing, using, controlling, or being under the influence of alcohol, a drug, an imitation drug, drug paraphernalia, or misusing any substance; 6. Possessing, using or distributing tobacco or tobacco substitutes such as an Ecigarette containing or not containing nicotine 7. Using or threatening to use serious force; 8. Hazing, demeaning, or assaulting someone, or forcing someone to ingest a substance; 9. Sexual harassment; 10. Inappropriate exposure of body parts; 11. The commission of an act involving the use of force or the threatened use of force which if committed by an adult would be a felony or Class A misdemeanor; 12. Any criminal action occurring at school such as vandalism, fire setting, possession or use of combustibles, forgery, and theft 13. Gang related attire or activity. Suspension Suspension is disciplinary removal from school with an offer of educational services ranging from 1-5 school days. The decision to suspend the student or to discipline them in some other way is made by the discretion of the site administrator based on evidence uncovered in an investigation. Expulsion 14 Expulsion is a disciplinary removal from school permanently by school administration. Offenses justifying an expulsion are first reviewed and investigated by the school administrator within the first 10 days of the incident occurring. Following the investigation, the school administrator will come to a decision based on the evidence and guidelines outlined below. The administration will then notify the Board of the decision made. An appeal to the administration’s decision can be made to the Board by the offending student but must be made within the first 10 days following the decision of expulsion by the administration. The following will be taken into consideration when determining whether a suspension or an expulsion is appropriate: ● The type and length of discipline is based on factors such as previous violations, severity of conduct, and other relevant educational concerns. ● When appropriate, students will be placed on remedial discipline plans. ● School personnel may use reasonable physical restraint, if necessary, to protect a person or property from physical injury or to remove a violent or excessively disruptive student. MCPA will cooperate with the Juvenile Court in providing other information as needed, including but not limited to attendance, grades, and behavioral reports. Searches ● School personnel may search students, lockers, personal property, and vehicles parked on school property based on reasonable suspicion. ● School personnel may also conduct random searches that might include all lockers and other school property. Readmission and new Admission 1. If a student is removed from school, readmission depends upon satisfactory evidence that the student will not be a danger to self, others, or school property. 2. If a student is removed from school under a Major Infraction, the student may be readmitted after the parent/guardian meets with school officials to make a plan to correct the behavior(s) and after the student completes both the days of suspension and any conditions imposed. 3. MCPA may deny admission to a student who has been expelled from any school in the last twelve months. Behavioral Intervention Plan Students are placed on a behavioral intervention plan after receiving three minor behavior infractions for the same behavior or for a major behavior infraction. The behavioral intervention plan is a plan created by the student, parent and school administrator to give support to the struggling student, and to encourage positive, appropriate behavior. All behavioral plans require 15 the student to work with the Assistant Director on a weekly basis for behavioral updates. Behavioral intervention plans may include different behavioral intervention strategies such as a behavioral log, behavioral journal, mandatory lunch time tutoring and etc. Students are removed from behavioral plans by demonstrating appropriate school behavioral by a predetermined date set by the school administrator parent and student during the initial behavioral intervention plan meeting. At that given date, a classroom observation by a school administrator is required to observe the given students behavior in class. If the student has completed all requirements of the behavioral intervention plan and demonstrates appropriate classroom behavior in the observation the student will be removed from the behavioral intervention plan. Due Process If a student is removed from school or otherwise disciplined under this policy, the student has the right to meet with the site administrator to tell his/her side of the story. If the site administrator recommends removal for more than 10 school days, the Merit Board will hear the case at the school with the student, the parent or guardian, the site administrator, and others as necessary. This hearing will be held within 10 school days of removal from school. If a student is removed from school for more than 10 school days, an appeal of the decision may be made in writing to the Merit Board within 10 school days of the decision. The parent or guardian is responsible to plan and to pay for any educational services not provided by the district during the suspension. Students with Disabilities If a student has a qualified disability, the site administrator will explain the separate procedures that may apply based on the procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Positive Consequences The Merit Academy staff and administration has committed itself to encouraging and supporting the attainment of academic skills as well as social skills, such as listening, friendship making, alternatives to aggression, etc. To inspire and encourage students to develop their potential in all of these areas, the following positive reinforces will be used for good behavior: Individual awards/recognition Classroom awards/recognition Certificates Displays 16 Positive contact with the home Special activities (field trips, movie nights, picnics, etc.) Publications Assemblies Students Rights and Responsibilities Student’s Rights To feel safe in the school environment To take full advantage of learning opportunities To work in an environment free from disruptions To express their opinions, ideas, thoughts, and concerns To have a healthy environment that is smoke, alcohol, and drug free To use school resources and facilities for self-betterment under appropriate supervision. To expect courtesy, fairness, and respect from all members of the community. To be informed of all expectations and responsibilities To take part in a variety of school activities To have the right to due process To have access to the student’s account in SIS Student’s Responsibilities It is important I learn and grow for myself and for the world, therefore I will: Complete assignmenents and homework Come prepared to school with necessary supplies and materials Accept accountability Work to the best of my ability Be caring and honest Do my best to learn and master all I can Respect school rules and policies Follow state law and school policies concerning substance abuse Respect and protect the personal and property rights of others and of the school Treat all members of the community will full respect and fairness, and courtesy. Abide by all expectations of the school and its community Follow the prescribed guidelines for participation in school activities Adhere to due process procedures Respect all school personnel and their authority and follow their directions (administrators, teachers, office personnel, janitorial staff, etc.) Parents/Guardians Rights and Responsibilities Parent’s Rights To be informed of the school’s rules and regulations To be informed off all school actions related to their child To have access to the personal parent account in SIS To contact teachers directly via phone or email to schedule a conference 17 Parent’s Responsibilities I want my child to succeed, therefore I will: Make certain my student attends school regularly and on time. Support the school and staff in maintaining proper discipline. Set aside specific time and place at home for homework, assisting as necessary Encourage a positive attitude toward education, learning and school Create an environment of reading and literature in the home. Review information and work sent home and respond as necessary Contact the school to participate in conferences pertaining to academic and behavioral status of my child Provide a supportive environment at home making sure their child gets enough sleep and adequate nutrition before coming to school Maintain control over my child Be familiar with school policies, rules, and regulations Be familiar with the handbook, which was signed at the beginning of the school year Monitor the student’s academic progress, attendance, and behavior records on a weekly basis Teacher’s Rights and Responsibilities Teacher’s Rights To expect students to behave in a positive manner that will not interfere with other student learning To have parental support related to academic and social progress To expect all students to participate and put forth effort in order to expand their education and earn a passing grade Teacher Responsibilities It is important students succeed, therefore I will: Hold high expectations for all students Provide meaningful homework Be familiar with school policies, rules and regulations Inform parents through progress reports, report cards, and conferences about the academic progress and behavior of their child. Conduct a well-planned and effective classroom program Initiate and enforce a set of classroom rules consistent with the school’s conduct policies Keep assignments, grading, and attendance current in SIS Explain the student code of conduct and bullying policy to their students Enforce the student code of conduct and bullying policy in a consistent manner Function as a positive role model for their students Contact parents as deemed necessary to enforce the student code of conduct and to maintain parent/guardian involvement. 18 Administrator’s Rights and Responsibilities The right to address the board on any issue To hold students to strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school or around school To take appropriate action in dealing with students who choose not to follow the rules To recommend in school suspension, suspension, or expulsion as the situation demands To provide rich leadership that will establish, encourage, and promote effective teaching and learning To be familiar with school policies, rules, and regulations To establish, promote, and enforce school rules that facilitate effective learning and positive habits and attitudes of excellent citizenship among student Dress Code Dress Code adherence will be checked daily by teachers and administrators. Students are expected to remain in Dress Code clothing at all times while on campus, including before school and after school unless other permission is obtained from an administrator. In order to promote a safe, disciplined, and academically rigorous environment where students may attain their educational and personal goals, MCPA has adopted a policy of uniform dress. MCPA dress code is intended to be strict enough to support the educational goals, vision, and standards upheld by the school, yet not so restrictive that families will find it difficult to abide by. The purpose of the uniform policy is: 1. To promote an atmosphere conducive to serious academic study and educational partnership. 2. To minimize the distractions and disruptions of education often caused by clothing fads and fashions and the social divisions resulting therefrom. 3. To aid school employees in the identification of intruders who might pose a threat to school safety. 4. To unify students in educational pursuits and generate a feeling of school spirit. Shirts 1. Collared shirts, polo shirts, henley style shirts, blouses and t-shirts are approved. Sweaters, hoodies, and light jackets are permitted. The hood on jackets and hoodies are not to be worn up in the school. 2. Emblems are allowed. No skulls, no drug, no alcohol, no gang references, no swearing, and no pornography references will be allowed. 3. T-shirts and pull over sweatshirts are permitted. 4. Bare shoulders and midriffs are not allowed. 5. Sleeves are to be no shorter than a cap sleeve. 6. Shirts are to be modest. Undershirts must be worn under low tops. 7. See through shirts are not permitted. Pants, shorts and skirts 19 1. Approved pants include dress pants, slacks, cords, cargo style and blue jeans. 2. Pants, shorts and skirts are to be worn at the hip at all times. 3. Shorts, skirts are to be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee when worn without leggings. 4. If wearing leggings, the top/shirt must be fingertip length. 5. Colored denim is acceptable. 6. Sweats, track pants, warm ups, sports shorts, or pajama pants are not permitted. 7. Pants, skirts and shorts must be hemmed at the bottom with no frayed edges and no holes. Shoes 1. Shoes are to be kept in overall good condition with no holes or rips. 2. Flip flops are not permitted. Additional dress code guidelines 1. Students must adhere to the dress code during school hours except under special circumstances that will be determined by the administration. 2. Students must present a modest, clean, neat appearance at all times. All clothing must be clean, appropriately sized, and correctly worn. Clothing must be worn right side out. No torn or ripped clothing is permitted. 3. Hair must be kept neat, groomed and clean cut. Radical or outlandish hair styles and irregular hair colorings not (any color that does not occur naturally) are not permitted. This is to be determined by administration. 4. Hats may not be worn except for religious or medical reasons and must be approved by administration. 5. Make up must be appropriate for school. This is determined by the administration. 6. No skulls, drug/alcohol/gang/swearing/pornography references. 7. No gauges. Ameritus Dress Ameritus Day is regularly scheduled for the last Thursday of every month, unless otherwise notified by Administration. 1. Khaki/tan or navy blue slacks or skirts. (No colored denim, cargo pants, capri’s or shorts.) 2. White button up shirt, turtle neck or blouse. (Blouse definition: a loose fitting garment covering from the neck to the waistline, with or without a collar.) 3. Navy blue or maroon blazer, dress jacket, sweater, cardigan or vest. (No coats or athletic jackets.) 4. Tie or scarf, primarily maroon or navy blue. 5. Black or brown dress shoes Formal Wear Events – Homecoming, Prom and Sweetheart’s Dance 1. All formal wear must conform with Merit dress Standards. 2. All will wear semi-formal attire, formal gowns or pantsuits. 20 3. Suits or sport coats are encouraged to be worn, but at a minimum, they are expected to wear formal wear. This includes Slacks, nice shoes, and a nice shirt. Ties are encouraged, but are not required. 4. Sleeves must be at least 2 inch in width. No spaghetti straps or strapless dresses. 5. Necklines cannot be low cut in the front or the back. The front of the dress must not fall below your arm pit line. The back of the dress must not fall below the point of a shoulder blade. 6. Skirts must reach to at least the fingertips when the arms are hanging down by the sides, front and back. This also applies to slits in dresses. Dress must also be the appropriate length even if leggings are worn underneath the dress. 7. Dresses may not be extremely tight or form fitting. Be aware of the material that gathers and rises when you walk. 8. The following will not be permitted a. Two piece formal gowns or pants and a top where the midriff is showing. b. Dresses with revealing cut outs. c. See through gowns. This includes sheer/mesh overlays that do not have material underneath. d. Shorts. e. Torn clothing. If your attire is questionable, students are encouraged to show their evening wear to administrators beforehand to determine if it is dance appropriate. The determination of the appropriateness of student dress and grooming shall rest with the director/assistant director. Students and their dates who are non-compliant with the dress code will not be admitted to the dance or will be escorted out of the dance. No refunds will be given for dance dress code infractions in which these students are asked to leave. Attendance Policy Utah State Law requires students between the ages of six and eighteen to be in attendance at school unless they have graduated from High School. School attendance has a direct impact on a student’s level of academic achievement. In order to make the most of each student’s educational opportunities, Merit Academy expects students to be in class, on time, and prepared each day. Research supports the fact that attendance is crucial to improving student achievement. The opportunities lost through student absence and tardiness leave learning gaps that are difficult to fill. When a student develops reliable attendance habits, they are demonstrating a life skill that will positively impact their lives while in school and after graduation. High attendance expectations have been shown to improve academic achievement, graduation rates, responsibility, respect, school climate, and school safety. 21 It is primarily the student’s responsibility to achieve punctual daily attendance as set forth in the Utah compulsory education requirements, Utah Code Ann. 53A-11-101, et seq. Students are required to attend each class, on time, every school day, unless properly excused. Merit Academy believes that school attendance is a student-parent-school responsibility which involves all three participants in order to resolve attendance issues before referring the student to the juvenile court systems. Students who demonstrate excessive attendance problems (as defined by school and state policy) will be subject to actions that could result in referrals to juvenile court. Repeated truancy, on or off campus, may result in a Concern letter, a Notice of Truancy, a Habitual Truancy Citation, fines, attendance recovery, suspension, expulsion, Juvenile Court referral, alternative placement, Board release, or other interventions. A parent/guardian may monitor their student’s attendance by accessing the Student Information System (SIS) through Merit’s website at https://merit.usoe-dcs.org/login/. They may also contact the school to obtain current attendance information regarding their student. Attendance Policy Goals Merit Academy’s Attendance Policy will help accomplish the following goals: * Provide all students and teachers the opportunity for success in the classroom by maximizing instructional time. * Provide a safe, effective, and uninterrupted learning environment for each student. * Promote responsible behavior by teaching students to be accountable for their attendance. * Support parent efforts in promotion of student attendance. * Enforce state policies. Administration Responsibility Administration will be responsible to communicate the Attendance Policy to staff, students, and parents. Administration is responsible to work with families, teachers, and staff to intervene early and often when students exhibit truant behavior. Administration is responsible to ensure the policy is implemented and enforced fairly and consistently. Administration has the authority to determine whether an absence will be approved or denied, and whether an absence is excused or unexcused. School administration may evaluate requests to approve extended or excessive absences. Such absences may be excused so long as the absences do not negatively impact the academic progress of the students. The decision to mark an absence “excused” is within the discretion of the school administration. School administrators have authority to grant exceptions to the following procedures in situations involving unforeseen circumstances. Teacher Responsibility Teachers will be responsible for taking and recording accurate class attendance each period in SIS. Teachers will be required to follow the school’s attendance policies. 22 Teachers will maximize the use of instructional time for the benefit of student learning and engagement. As per “Utah State Office of Education Guidelines for School Attendance”, our teachers will be highly encouraged to consider attendance as part of the classroom-level grading strategy. All Merit Teachers will be advised to include attendance as 10% of the student’s grade in the class. In addition, teachers will be encouraged and supported in the decision to have bell work as 5% of the student grade. Students with extenuating circumstances or health issues will be considered as exceptions to this policy on a case by case basis, by administrative decision. School Responsibility School will keep accurate records of student’s daily attendance as required by Utah State Law. School will notify students in a timely manner of any attendance issues that need to be resolved, or attendance recovery that needs to be completed. School will notify parents/guardians of a student’s excessive absences or tardies. Parent notification may include, but is not limited to one of the following: Parent Link calls Teacher contact Attendance office contact Computer-generated letters Administrator or counselor contact Absences Students may occasionally need to be absent for illness, emergencies, etc. In such cases, students may be excused but are responsible to make up any work missed. Students have the responsibility to arrange with their teachers for make-up work. Parents/guardians are advised not to check students out of school for anything other than emergencies, as a student’s academics can be significantly affected as a result. Parents/guardians should excuse students only for the following reasons: Illness Medical or dental appointments Family emergencies Death of a family member or close friend Family activity or travel. If you are planning a family event and your student will miss school for an extended amount of time (more than 3 days), you will need to make arrangements to make up any missed school work with your student’s teachers at least one week in advance. Students having excessive excused absences exceeding all or part of five (5) school days due to a stated illness may be required to provide a doctor’s note specifically addressing the dates the student was absent from school. 23 Parent/guardian action for absences: Utah Law under the Compulsory School attendance subsection places the burden of responsibility for school attendance on the parent/guardian. Parents/guardian must contact the school and provide the reason for their student’s absence. Failure to provide a reason for the absence will cause the absence to be documented as Unexcused. All Absences must be excused by the last day of the term or they will be documented as unexcused and may require attendance recovery. Parents/guardians may excuse their student’s absence through the attendance secretary by: Calling (801) 491-7600, Option 1, and leaving a detailed message on the attendance voicemail Sending a note with your student to be taken to the front office Check out procedure: If a student leaves school for any reason they must first check out at the office. Students will not be allowed to check out of school without a parent/guardian’s prior consent. Parent/guardians can give their consent by: • Calling the front office (801-491-7600, opt 0) before the student is checked out • Sending a note to school with their student • Signing their student out at the front office Students must check back in at the front office if they return to school that day. Unexcused Absences Absences that are not parent/guardian excused by the last day of the term will be documented as unexcused. A student is allowed a total of 3 unexcused absences (12 class periods) per term before attendance recovery is required. A student must complete 1 hour of attendance recovery for every unexcused absence (4 class periods) exceeding three per term. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange the attendance recovery. 10 Day Rule By law, any student who does not attend school for ten consecutive days without a legitimate excuse will be dropped from school rolls. The parent will be required to meet with school administration to discuss re-enrolling their student in school. Single Absences A single absence occurs when a student has been marked absent in a single class period, but marked present in all other class periods that school day. The student has not been excused by a parent/guardian, checked out at the office prior to the absence, or were tardy and signed in at the front office. Students are given written notice from the attendance office alerting them of their single absence, the student then has three school days to clear up the single absence with the teacher and bring a note to the Attendance office stating the absence is a mistake and/or cleared. If the student does not clear up their single absence within the given time it will be documented as a sluff and will require time in attendance recovery. 24 Single Absences cannot be parent excused if the student did not check out with the office prior to the absence. Sluffs Sluffs are given when a student is caught out of class unexcused, or when the student has failed to clear up a single unexcused absence in a given school day. Sluffs must be made up in attendance recovery with the teacher of the class the sluff was given. One (1) hour of attendance recovery is required for each sluff. Students with more than five (5) sluffs in a term will be referred to the administration for disciplinary action and parents will be notified. Disciplinary action may include in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, tracking, or other appropriate interventions. Parents/guardians may not excuse Sluff absences Homebound If a student misses ten (10) consecutive excused days due to illness, or other medical reason, a doctor’s note will be required, and the student will be considered homebound. It will be at the discretion of the administration to determine the best course of action for each student. This may include, but is not limited to, being placed on an academic plan and/or having to complete make up packets. Student Action for Absences Once a student has been excused, it is the student’s responsibility to make up any work missed. Missed work must be made up within five (5) school days from the day the student returns to the school to receive full credit. Credit work received after the allotted five (5) days will be at the discretion of the teacher. Students in need of attendance recovery will be given a written notice from the attendance secretary. Students who have not cleared up/made up any attendance issues within a two week period of that notice will no longer be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at Merit Academy until the unexcused absence have been made through attendance recovery. SIS Absence Attendance Codes – The following SIS attendance codes are used to alert parents, students, and administration that the student has been marked absent. Code Description Definition X Absent Student is not in attendance during class and the absence has not yet been excused. All absences must be excused by the last day of the term. E Excused Absence Student’s absence has been parent excused. O Office Excused Student has been meeting with a counselor, administrator, and/or teacher, or the student has been testing. 25 A Activity Excused Student is missing class due to a school approved activity. U Unexcused Absence A student is not in attendance during class and has not been excused by the last day of the quarter. More than 3 days of unexcused absences (or 12 periods) will need to be made up in attendance recovery. N Made-up Unexcused Absence A student has made up their unexcused absences in attendance recovery. H Homebound A Student is missing school for 10 or more days. A doctor’s note is required and must be turned in to the attendance office before absences are excused. D Doctor Excused Absence has been excused by a doctor’s note. Note must be turned into the attendance office for the absence to be excused. S Sluff A student is out of class unexcused, the student has been given the opportunity to clear up their absence before it becomes a sluff but haven’t. Absence must be made up in attendance recovery with the teacher/class of the sluff. F Made-up Sluff Student has made up the sluff in attendance recovery Z Suspension A student is suspended from school for various reasons. Parent will be notified by administration of suspension. No further action is required by the parent. I In -school Suspension A student is suspended from school for various reasons. Student will remain in school but not in normal classes. Parent will be notified by administration of suspension. No further action is required by the parent. Tardies Punctuality is an important life skill and tardiness is extremely disruptive to the educational process. Tardiness is considered a disciplinary issue as well as an attendance issue. A student is considered tardy if he or she is not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings. Some teachers may require students to be seated when the tardy bell rings. A student who arrives more than 15 minutes late to a class will be marked as a “Late Tardy”. Entering the classroom more than 30 minutes late will be considered a “Tardy Absence”. 26 For all Mentoring classes, students who arrive more than 15 minutes late will be marked as a “Tardy Absence”, late tardies will not be given during Mentoring. Each student and teacher has the right not to be interrupted by a tardy student. For this reason, administration supports and encourages teachers who provide bell work assignments, which will be graded. Students that come late to class, for any reason, including parent excused tardies, will not be allowed to make up bell work assignments. When arriving tardy to school Students must sign in at the office and receive a tardy slip. Parents must excuse tardies within three (3) school days by either calling the attendance office, signing the check in/check out sheet in the front office, or by sending a note with the student to be delivered to the front office. Parents are only allowed to excuse five (5) tardies per term. When arriving tardy to class Students that are tardy to class must sign in at the office and receive a tardy slip. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they are marked tardy and not absent in that class. Parents may not excuse students for being tardy from lunch, unless they were officially checked out by the parent prior to lunch beginning. Consequences (per term) Students who have more than three unexcused tardies in a term will be required to complete attendance recovery. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange the attendance recovery. ½ hour of attendance recovery will be required to make up all unexcused tardies over 3 per term accumulated within the 2 week reporting period. Each late absence will require ½ hour of attendance recovery. Students in need of attendance recovery will be given a written notice from the attendance secretary. Students who have not cleared up/made up any tardy issues within a two week period of that notice, will no longer be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at Merit Academy until the unexcused tardies have been made up through attendance recovery. Students with more than 15 tardies in a term will be referred to the administration for disciplinary action and parents will be notified by mail. Disciplinary action may include inschool suspension, out-of-school suspension, tracking, or other appropriate interventions. SIS Tardy Attendance Codes – The following SIS attendance codes are used to alert parents, students, and administration that the student has been marked tardy. Code Description Definition T Tardy Student entered class after the tardy bell rang, but is no more than 15 minutes late. 27 L Late Tardy Student entered class at least 15 minutes late, but no more than 30 minutes late. (There are no late tardies for Mentoring) K Excused Tardy A student entered class after the tardy bell rang and was excused by a parent by a phone call, sign in, or note. Parents may only excuse 5 tardies per term. Tardy Absence Student is more than 30 minutes late to class and is considered absent. Mentoring: more than 15 minutes late. R Made up Tardy A student has made up their unexcused and late tardy in Attendance Recovery Made up Tardy A student has made up their tardy absence in Attendance Recovery. Absence Attendance Recovery Attendance recovery is time spent during non-school hours doing homework, studying, or rendering service for the school. Students must spend their time in the class/classes where the current grade posted is below a C. If the student’s grades are at or above a C in every class, their time is to be spent with a teacher of the student’s choice. It is the student’s reasonability to arrange their recovery time with the teacher. Attendance Recovery for a sluff must be spent with the teacher/class of the sluff absence. Students in need of attendance recovery will be given a written notice from the attendance secretary. Students who have not completed their attendance recovery within a two (2) week period of that notice will be placed on the “No Activity” list. The student will no longer be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at Merit Academy until the Attendance recovery has been completed. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, field trips, clubs, athletic games and activities, theater, dance competitions, school dances and any other sponsored school activities taking place during or outside of regular school hours. Attendance Recovery does not eliminate a student’s unexcused absence, sluff, and/or tardy. However, attendance recovery does allow the student to obtain or restore certain school privileges, eligibilities, and/or rewards. Violation of Policy Violation of policy may bring about consequences, including, but not limited to: Attendance Recovery, suspension, expulsion, a Concern Letter, a Notice of Truancy, a Habitual Truancy Citation, Notice of Compulsory Education Violation, Compulsory Education Violation, fines, Juvenile Court referral, referral to the Utah County Attorney’s Office, alternative placement, or other interventions. “Habitually Truant” is when a student who is at least twelve (12) years of age or older is truant at least ten (10) times in a particular class period or a total of forty (40) truancies in all class 28 period during the current school year; OR fails to cooperate with the efforts of school authorities to resolve the student’s attendance problems as set forth in Utah Code Ann., 53A-11-103. “No Activity Letter” is a letter mailed to the parent/guardian of a student who has not completed their attendance recovery in the given two (2) week period. The letter informs the parent/guardian that their student has been placed on the No Activity list and will not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at Merit Academy until the Attendance recovery has been completed. “Concern Letter” is a letter mailed to the parent of a student who has five (5) truancies in a particular class period or a total of twenty (20) truancies in all class periods during the current school year. The letter informs the parent of their student’s attendance problems, request help in solving the attendance problems, and informs the parent of possible school action if the truancies continue. “Notice of Truancy” is a written notice mailed to or served on the parent of a student who is a least twelve (12) years of age or older who has ten (10) truancies in a particular class period or a total of forty (40) truancies in all class periods during the current school year. The “Notice of Truancy” shall contain the notifications and provisions required Utah Code Ann., 53A-11101.7(4). “Habitual Truant Citation” means a citation issued by Merit Academy’s Attendance office (Truancy Specialist) or school administrator to a habitually truant student referring the student to Juvenile Court. A “Habitual Truant Citation” is issued when: the student has been truant an additional five (5) times in a particular class period or a total of twenty (20) additional truancies in all class periods during the current school year after the Notice of Truancy has been issued; the school has made reasonable efforts described in Utah Code Ann., 53A-11-103 to resolve the student’s attendance problems; AND the efforts to resolve the student’s attendance problems have not been successful. Rewards At the end of the term, students who have perfect attendance, or who have completed all of their attendance recovery by the last day of the term, will be eligible for activities and/or drawings as set aside and scheduled by the Merit Academy Administration. Homebound/Hospital Services Policy In adherence to the educational program mandated in our school charter, Merit Academy does not provide instruction for homebound or convalescing students at the student’s home or place of convalescence. In the event that a student is not able to attend school for more than ten days, the student or parent is responsible for notifying school administration in writing about the extenuating circumstances and the estimated length of time that the student will not attend school. Decisions about possible educational services are made at the administration’s discretion and are generally considered to be short-term. Safe and Clean Location In order to maintain a “constructive culture”, Merit Academy emphasizes a positive, safe and peaceful environment, which is conducive to learning. The following rules, policies and expectations are set in place to provide a safe and clean school culture and environment. While most of these rules apply to behavior and actions exhibited on school property, a student may 29 also receive disciplinary action or even be expelled from school for behavior off-campus during school hours or during school events or activities that may have a negative impact on the school, within the school or the external community. Students, staff, and parents are expected to report any inappropriate behavior to an administrator. Disrespect and Bullying Merit Academy does not tolerate any form of disrespect, including bullying, intimidation, extortion, or threats of any kind, whether on or off-campus if it has a negative impact towards our school or our students. Students involved in any of these practices or who have undisclosed knowledge of such behavior are subject to the school’s student conduct policies and possible expulsion from school. Inappropriate Language Merit Academy does not tolerate obscene, profane or offensive language or harassment, whether spoken, written, acted out or gestured, whether directed to peers, staff or administrators; it is strictly prohibited, and will be subject to the school’s student conduct policies. Prohibited Substances Merit Academy does not tolerate the use, evidence of use, possession or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco or drug paraphernalia in dress, appearance or language. Students may be expelled from school immediately for any of the above reasons, including having knowledge of or being party to the usage of substances here listed. Students and staff are expected to report any related information to an administrator. Law enforcement will be involved as needed. Weapons and Firearms Merit Academy does not tolerate the use, evidence of, or possession of weapons or firearms or any object intended to be used as a weapon on school property. Students may be expelled from school immediately for any of the above reasons, including having knowledge of or being party to weapons at school. Students and staff are expected to report any related information to an administrator. Law enforcement will be involved as needed. Public Display of Affection Merit Academy maintains a professional learning environment, and students are expected to reserve romantic relationships for off-campus hours. No display of romantic relationships is acceptable, including but not limited to kissing, hand-holding, hugging and inappropriate language or touching, etc. Students will be subject to the school’s Accountability Process for such behavior. Search and Seizure Merit Academy reserves the right to have school administrators search at any time, any property that a student brings onto school property, including backpacks, technological devices (including 30 cell phones), vehicles, purses, etc. Prohibited material, paraphernalia, devices or substances will be confiscated immediately. Law enforcement will be involved as needed. Computer Acceptable Use Policy It is the policy of Merit Academy to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. Definitions Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Access to Inappropriate Material To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Inappropriate Network Usage To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of Merit Academy's online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. Education, Supervision and Monitoring It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Merit Academy staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the school director or designated representatives. The school director or designated representatives will provide all parents and students a document outlining Merit's internet safety policies. The document must be signed by both a 31 parent/guardian and by the student before the student is allowed to access Merit Academy's network. The document provided will be designed to promote Merit's commitment to: The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Merit's Internet Safety Policy Student safety with regard to: • safety on the Internet • appropriate behavior while online Additional training will be provided by Merit to promote the following: Cyber bullying awareness and response Use of social networking sites and Use of chat rooms Student Government The student government is made up of elected and selected students. The purpose of the student government is to plan and carry out student activities, be examples of model students and lead student service efforts in the school. These students will work closely with their mentor advisors, school administrators, and with parents. Personal Agenda No person is allowed to use the school as a vehicle for his or her personal agenda. Any fliers, petitions, posters, or any other informational advertisement must be approved and initialed by the Director. Dances The vision of Merit Academy to create a “constructive culture” includes school dances. We expect students to apply principles of leadership and the School Values in the planning, organizing, and attending of school dances. Students are expected to attend school dances modestly dressed and in the prescribed dance attire for each specific dance, i.e. formal dress, semi-casual, etc. Students not dressed appropriately will be asked to leave the dance. Students will also be invited to leave dances for inappropriate, disrespectful, or insubordinate behavior. Some dances are planned for Merit Academy students only and invitation of a guest. Some are open to the public. For dances that allow the invitation of a guest (i.e. Prom), guests are required to read and sign a form which is considered a contract committing to follow school rules and expectations. The form must be submitted to the Front Office prior to the dance. It is the responsibility of the enrolled student to ensure that the guest understands and accepts the School Values. If the standards are not kept at or during the school dance, the guest and enrolled student may be asked or required to leave the activity immediately. The form can be obtained online through the school’s website: www.meritacademy.org , or from the Front Office. Clubs Merit Academy allows students the opportunity to form clubs, within defined parameters. Students who wish to form a club must first find a teacher who will sponsor the club. The teacher 32 must fill out a form in the front office and obtain approval from the director before formally organizing the club. Clubs will be approved based on how the club fulfills the mission statement of the school, and how it incorporates the school’s three foundational pillars. All activities sponsored by the club must be in keeping with the School Values. If not, the activity may be canceled by an administrator or teacher, and the club may be given a warning of disbanding, or may be disbanded at once, depending on the severity and/or frequency of the infraction. Clubs will write by-laws outlining their purpose and practices, and how they fulfill the mission of the school as part of the approval process, and have them approved by a school administrator. Clubs may not meet during class time, but may meet before school, during lunch, after school, or whenever the sponsoring mentor can arrange meeting times at the school. The sponsoring mentor must be present each time the club meets. Students are reminded that they are free to form clubs out of school affiliation on their own. School Wide Field Trips Since our program incorporates hands-on learning, students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips throughout the year, both in their individual classes or as part of a school-wide field trip. Often, our school-wide field trips are organized on a first-come firstserved basis. We will inform parents about these trips through email and through the school website and calendar: www.meritacademy.org . Parents may be asked to help transport students on field trips. Parents who transport students other than their own need to watch the State Required Defensive Driving video, take a short quiz, provide the school with a copy of their license and insurance and complete a background check. More information on this process can be found online through the school website. Students may not drive themselves or other student passengers to or from field trips. No student will be allowed to go on a field trip without parent signature. Bell Schedule First Lunch Monday/Wednesday 8:30-8:55 Mentoring 9:00-10:00 1st 10:05-11:05 2nd 11:10-11:50 Lunch 11:50-12:50 3rd 12:55-1:55 4th 2:00-3:00 5th Friday 8:30-8:55 9:00-9:55 10:00-10:55 11:00-11:35 11:35-12:30 12:35-1:30 Tuesday/Thursday 8:30-9:55 1st 10:00-11:00 2nd 11:00-11:40 Lunch 11:40-12:05 2nd 12:10-1:30 3rd 1:35-3:00 4th Mentoring 1st 2nd Lunch 3rd 4th 33 1:35-2:30 5th Second Lunch Monday/Wednesday 8:30-8:55 Mentoring 9:00-10:00 1st 10:05-11:05 2nd 11:10-12:10 3rd 12:10-12:50 Lunch 12:55-1:55 4th 2:00-3:00 5th Friday 8:30-8:55 9:00-9:55 10:00-10:55 11:00-11:55 11:55-12:30 12:35-1:30 1:35-2:30 Tuesday/Thursday 8:30-9:55 1st 10:00-11:25 2nd 11:25-12:05 Lunch 12:10-1:30 3rd 1:35-3:00 4th Mentoring 1st 2nd 3rd Lunch 4th 5th Unplanned School Closures Parents will be notified either by email or a Parentlink phone call. Communication Phone: 801-491-7600 Fax: 801-491-7650 Address: 1440 W Center Street Springville UT, 84663 The front office is open school days from 8:00am until 3:30pm. The main mode of communication, from the school to the families, is through email, Parentlink phone calls, FaceBook, and the school website: www.meritacademy.org. The parents have the responsibility to make sure that the school has a current email address, they are receiving emails, and to check the website and their email, preferably daily. Parents or students may make appointments to speak with any member of the faculty. Mentors are available one half hour before and after school hours every school day. Conferences with administrators may be set up by making an appointment through the secretary. Parent involvement Parent Volunteers Our view that the parents have the primary responsibility and privilege to educate their children requires and encourages strong parental involvement. This involvement is vital to the success of any student’s education, and also the success of any charter school. Every family is strongly encouraged to volunteer at least 40 hours per year to help the school. Parent volunteer 34 opportunities frequently go out in email, or you can call the school. Volunteer hours can include help from any family member, not only parents. Volunteer hours can be tracked and reported through the school website. While we prefer parent involvement through volunteering, we also accept monetary contributions to be donated in lieu of volunteer hours, $15/hour Parent concerns A parent who has a concern related to their own child attending Merit Academy has the option to take that concern to: 1st – The teacher of any class of which the parent has a concern. If the concern is not addressed satisfactorily, or the nature of the concern is confidential, it may be taken to: 2nd- A school administrator. A parent may set up a conference with an administrator through the school front office. If, after the conference the parent feels that the concern still has not been satisfactorily addressed, he/she may submit a concern in writing to: 3rd- The Merit Academy governing board. [email protected] Visitors Visitors are welcome at Merit Academy. All visitors (including parents) must sign in at the secretary’s desk, and wear a “visitor” badge while at the school. Parent visitors are welcome at any time, in any class or activity. Parents are expected to model the school values at all times, and not disrupt the learning environment. Other visitors are welcome, but should make an appointment so that the visit is not disruptive. Student Guests (Shadows) Students may have a friend or relative of middle school or high school age attend classes with them on campus (“shadow”). The purpose of this is to introduce prospective students to Merit Academy prior to enrolling. No student may bring a guest without prior permission from the administration. Student guests must attend in full dress code, follow all school rules, and wear a “visitor” badge while on campus. No student guests will be allowed the final two weeks of either semester. No former students are allowed to shadow. Lunch Students may eat their lunch in the cafeteria or outside on the school grounds. Students may also elect to leave campus and buy lunch at another location. Merit Academy is not responsible for students who are off-campus during lunch time. However, any behavior (even off-campus) which reflects poorly on the school will be subject to the student conduct policy. Health Services In the case that a student feels ill while at school, the student will come to the main office. The school or student will first attempt to notify the parent or legal guardian; if the parent/legal 35 guardian cannot be reached, the school will contact other emergency contacts from the student’s school record. In cases of health emergencies, the school may also notify emergency personnel and administer aid in the manner that is deemed by the administration as best for the student. The student will wait in the student health room until the parent or legal guardian is notified to come and check out the student from school. The school has first aid supplies to assist with minor injuries. Medication Administration In order to administer medication, the school needs permission from the student’s parent or guardian. If your student needs medication periodically or consistently, please fill out the medication form found at the secretary’s desk, and provide medication marked with the student’s name and dosage instructions to be kept at the school. Lost Items Students and staff are encouraged to leave valuables at home. Merit Academy cannot be responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Any valuables that are found should be turned in to the front office. Other items may be found in the lost and found bins. Unclaimed items will be cleaned out periodically. Transportation Fees-The monthly cost of the bus is as follows: $45 per student $20 for second student in the immediate family $10 for each successive student Bus route-The bus stop locations are based on demand and therefore may vary from year to year. Please visit our website www.meritacademy.org For the most current bus route info. Student Parking(both-include our fee and info) Students wishing to park at the school must purchase a parking permit from the school at a cost of $10. The parking hang tag must be posted in plain view and cars must be parked in the stalls designated for student parking. If a student car becomes a distraction at school, or if the student violates any of the driving policies, parking privileges may be revoked immediately. Student Drop Off Safety is of great concern to the administration at Merit Academy. Please drive slowly (no more than 5 miles per hour), and carefully through the parking lot. Pull to the inside lane to drop off, leaving the outside lane to drive through. 36 37 School Parking Lot Traffic Flow 38 Fees Policy Like traditional public high schools, charter high schools may require parents and students to bear many of the expenses that are considered beyond the ordinary costs of education. Fees may be charged for conveniences such as clubs, travel, extracurricular activities, field trips, or materials and supplies needed for specific courses. Students who have not paid a class fee within three weeks of school will be removed from that class and placed in a class which does not require a fee, or work something out with the Finance Office. A Fee Waiver Application may be submitted for those students: Who are eligible for free school lunch Who are in state custody or foster care Whose families are receiving public assistance through FEP Who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Whose families are financially unable to pay because of exceptional financial burdens beyond the family’s control; these determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by school administrators. If a fee waiver application is presented, the school will request verification of fee waiver eligibility. Fee waiver applications may be obtained from the Front Office or the website: www.meritacademy.org Alternative work assignments may be requested in lieu of school fees or fines. These tasks will be a fair exchange of time for the fees waived, and will be appropriate for the age and ability of the student. Fines are not fees, and cannot be waived. Fines may be charged for damaged school property, parking tickets, and other such items. Refundable deposits may be charged to ensure the return or replacement of loaned tangible items. Charges for class rings, yearbooks, school pictures, monogrammed clothing, and similar items are not fees. They are optional purchases, and are not eligible for fee waivers. Charges for Concurrent Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses, and fees related specifically to college or post-secondary grades or credit are not subject to fee waivers. The fee schedule and fee waiver information will be made available to students and parents on the designated school registration days and on the days in August leading up to the first week of school. Fee waiver applications are due on or before October 15th of each school year. All cases made after that date will be reviewed and approved or denied by the Merit Academy Administration. 39 Lockers Lockers are provided for storage of coats and books. The locker is only as safe as the student assigned that locker makes it. Use of a locker by more than one student is unacceptable. To permit other students access to that locker compromises the security of that locker. Students are strongly advised not to place money or other valuables in their locker. The school does not accept responsibility for stolen or lost money, clothing, valuables, or other articles. The lockers are the property of Merit Academy. School authorities have the right and the obligation to check the lockers for the safety, welfare and protection of students on school property at any time. Every student is responsible for the locker he/she is assigned as well as the content of the locker at all times. Merit Academy is not responsible for any belongings left around, under, or on top of the lockers. Those areas will be cleaned out regularly. 40 Student Conduct Contract Merit College Preparatory Academy Student Conduct Contract Because all students and parents/guardians have elected to apply to Merit College Preparatory Academy, we anticipate that all students will not only accept their rights as members of our school community, but also their responsibilities to other members of that community. We ask that parents and students carefully read over and sign the student contract on this page. As the school year unfolds, students must do their best to behave in ways that will enhance their own and others ability to learn. Student Contract As a student of Merit College Preparatory Academy, I will do my best to do the following: • I will show consideration for the rights and feelings of others, being careful not to hurt them physically or make them feel bad. • I will speak to others respectfully, not using profanity or uncomplimentary names. • I will show respect for all people working or helping in the school. • I will show careful regard for both my property and the property of others. • I will always ask permission before I barrow other people’s things, and I will return them promptly and in good condition when I am finished. • I will attend school regularly. • I will be in class on time with all necessary materials. • I will make good use of class time and complete and turn in assignments on time. • I understand that I must make up assignments I missed because of an absence. • I will remain on campus during school time. I will not leave school grounds, during school hours, without permission. • I will do my best in my schoolwork, and I will let others do their best. • I will ask for help if I do not understand. • I will not bring any contraband items to school. • I will keep the school building and grounds clean and tidy. • I will walk in the halls. • I will follow the dress code policy and arrive at school in dress code. • I will not participate in any behavior banned by the school. _____________________________ _______________________________________ Student name _____________________________ Parent/guardian Name Signature _______________________________________ Signature 41 _____________ Date ______________ Date
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