Math, Engineering, and Science
Academy (MESA) Charter High
School
Family Handbook, 2015-2016
1
Table of Contents
School Calendar and Daily Schedule
Calendar of Board of Trustees Meetings
Communication between School and Family
Who do I Contact?
Academics
Discipline Policy
Dress Code
Cell Phone Policy
Student Safety and Health
Student Attendance, Arrival, and Dismissal
Meals
Transportation and MetroCards
FERPA (Privacy policy)
Freedom of Information Law Policy
Complaint Policy
Internet Usage Policy
3
6
7
9
10
12
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
35
36
2
School Calendar and Daily Schedule
3
4
MESA Bell Schedule Time
9:00-9:05
9:08-9:59
10:03-10:54
10:58-11:49
11:53-12:44
12:48-1:39
1:42-2:19
2:23-2:48
2:52-3:43
3:47-4:38
“A” Schedule (11th Grade) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Activity
Homeroom
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Advisory A
Lunch A
Period 5B
Period 6
Period 7
“B” Schedule (9th/10th Grade) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Activity
Homeroom
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5A
Lunch B
Advisory B
Period 6
Period 7
Time
9:00-9:05
9:08-9:43
9:47-10:22
10:26-11:01
11:05-11:40
11:44-12:19
12:23-12:58
1:02-1:37
Wednesday (All Grades) Activity
Homeroom
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Period 6
Period 7
Time
9:00-9:05
9:08-9:59
10:03-10:54
10:58-11:49
11:53-12:44
12:48-1:13
1:16-1:53
1:57-2:48
2:52-3:43
3:47-4:38
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Calendar of Board of Trustees Meetings
The 2015-2016 Board of Trustees Meeting schedule is listed below; all meetings unless
otherwise indicated will take place at MESA (231 Palmetto Street, Brooklyn, NY
11221). All Board meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. Date or location changes will be
announced no less than 24 hours prior to the changed date, and will be posted on the
board in MESA’s front office.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Thursday, July 2, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Thursday, December 1, 2016
All trustee meetings for MESA Charter High School are open meetings subject to the
NYS open meetings law. While we encourage public participation and provide a
designated time for public comment, individuals are limited to two minutes total of public
comment each, unless the Board asks for additional feedback. All trustees and members
of the public must abide by MESA Charter High School norms around professionalism
and civility in their comments, these norms can be found in our school handbook.
Complaints against a specific employee or public comments that may reveal confidential
information will, consistent with the open meetings law, be handled through our dispute
resolution process or may be heard in executive session.
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Communication between School and Family
MESA understands the enormous responsibility it has to parents, and understands
equally the importance of parents in their children’s education. MESA believes that all
parents are deeply invested in their child’s success; the school enlists parents and
critical partners in the achievement of its mission.
Calling the School
You may reach MESA during regular business hours of 8:00a – 4:40p at (718) 2827426. While we will always try to have someone available to answer the phone right
away, we have a small staff and each person has many other responsibilities. If your
call goes to voicemail, MESA asks that you please leave a message, and the
appropriate person will call you back within one business day.
Advisory
All students are members of an Advisory that supports their success at school. Like all
teachers, your child’s advisor can be reached at the school and will return all messages
within 24 hours. You can also reach your child’s advisor via email. You should
expect to hear at least once per month from your advisor with a report on your child’s
progress.
Family-School Association
Parent participation and involvement is very important to the success of our school.
During MESA’s first year, we hope to set the foundation for a strong Family School
Association (FSA) for the years to come.
Our FSA members will:
· Help to plan family events such as game nights, workshops and assemblies
· Meet with the Executive Director, Principal, and other members of our
leadership team
• Support the school and students through volunteer work, and encourage other
parents to do the same
• Share their voice about the direction of our school during our first year
· Elect a representative to MESA’s Board of Trustees
If you are interested in being part of the FSA, please speak with Mr. Samuels or Ms.
Soto
JumpRope Parent Portal
MESA uses a cutting-edge system called “JumpRope” to track student progress.
JumpRope has a parent portal that will allow you to log in and see your child’s grades
via the following website: https://app.jumpro.pe/parent/MESA
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Parent/Teacher Conferences
MESA’s term is divided into three trimesters, and we will have Parent/Teacher
Conferences at the mid-point of each trimester. These conferences will take place
Wednesdays from 2:00-8:00 PM on: October 14, 2015, February 3, 2016, and May 11,
2016.
Report Cards & Progress Reports
Every two weeks during each trimester, teachers will send home progress reports
outlining each student’s academic progress. At the end of each trimester, students will
receive in school (and via mail) a report card detailing final grades in each course.
Classroom Visits
Parents and guardians are welcome to visit their child’s classroom. Please make
arrangements with the classroom teacher at least 24 hours prior to your visit to
ensure that classroom instruction will not be interrupted and to avoid any
scheduling conflicts. When visiting, parents and guardians must first sign-in in the
Main Office.
When to contact MESA Charter
School:
· If your child says that he/she never has any homework
· If your child is going to be late or absent for the day
· If your child cannot do the homework assignments
· If your child does not finish the homework assignments
· If your child says the work is not challenging him/her
· If your child does a poor job on the homework or exhibits poor work habits
· If you have any questions/concerns about progress reports/report cards
· If your child is confused about a long-term project
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Who do I Contact?
If you…
Then you should
contact…
Want to know about your child’s homework in Your child’s teacher by email: (first initial,
a specific class or want to know more about
last name @ mesacharter.org)
your child’s academic progress
Robert Jones = [email protected]
You can also contact your child’s advisor.
Have a child who has an IEP and you want to
discuss services for him or her
Karolyn Maurer, Director Special Education
[email protected]
Have a child who is an English Language
Learner (ELL) and you want to discuss
services for him or her
Zalykha Mokim, Director of Student
Achievement
[email protected]
Want to discuss your child’s absences,
Anthony Velez, Dean of Students
tardiness, safety, or behavior-related concerns. [email protected]
Are not hearing back from your child’s
Pagee Cheung, Principal
teacher, or if you are not satisfied with the
[email protected]
responses you are receiving from your child’s
teacher. These meetings must be by
appointment, or during office hours TBD.
Have general school questions regarding,
nurse services, metrocards or food services.
Main Office at (718) 282-7426
or Shannon Browne, Director of Operations,
at [email protected]
Would like additional information about
Board of Trustees meetings or MESA’s
charter, or have not received satisfactory
responses after exhausting the hierarchy. .
These meetings must be by appointment, or
during office hours TBD.
Arthur Samuels, Executive Director
[email protected]
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Academics
The grading system at MESA is very different from most schools in New York City, and
probably is very different than what you have experienced in your previous school.
MESA uses a standards-based grading approach, where students’ grades are based purely
on how they perform on assessments that are tied to New York State and Common Core
standards. This allows MESA to closely track student progress, ensuring that they are
well-prepared for Regents exams and other major assessments.
Standards and Assessments
In each class, students will be earning grades for each individual learning goal. These
learning goals are correlated to national Common Core State Standards as well as New
York State Standards of these courses. These grades will NOT be on a traditional A-F or
0-100% scale, but rather scored by rubric ratings according to mastery level. Each
subject may have its own variation of a mastery rubric. The following is a general rubric:
Learning Goal
Mastery Level
Advanced: Student can explain the reasoning and justify each
step of the solution with the correct academic vocabulary.
Student has complete and detailed understanding of the topic
and can teach this concept to another student.
Proficient: Student can explain the basic reasoning and
justify each step using his/her own words. Student has
complete understanding of the concept but not in great detail.
Student is able to prove his/her answers correct.
Level 4
Approaching: Student can begin solving the problem but is
not confident in his/her answer. Student has basic
understanding of the topic but has misconceptions about
some of the information. Student requires use of notes to
recall the order to approach and apply the skill or concept.
Below: Student can recognize the type of problem, but is not
clear about next steps. Student’s understanding of the topic is
incomplete with significant misconceptions. Even with the
use of notes, student is unable to solve the problem. Student
can produce a Level 2 response with teacher assistance.
No learning: No attempt at learning has been made.
Level 2
Level 3
Level 1
Level 0
Only scores of “Level 3” or “Level 4” mean that the student has reached a proficient level
of mastery. The MESA Standards Based Grading system is a grade replacement system.
This means that a student has multiple opportunities to reassess mastery of each standard,
until reaching a Level 3 or 4, and the most recent score is always the score used for the
report card. This allows students to constantly grow and show improvement as their
mastery skills progresses, and also encourages them to remain current on past
information. As new and past skills are assessed and reassessed, students’ current grades
can be viewed on Illuminate Education, our online student information system.
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Report Cards and Transcripts
Students will receive a report card for each trimester and a final grade for each course
that appears on the students’ transcripts. In the spirit of growth and Standards Based
Grading, each trimester is progressively weighted more heavily. The percentage
breakdown of the final transcript grade is as follows:
1st Trimester
25%
2nd Trimester
30%
3rd Trimester
45%
For courses that have benchmark interim exams, the Exam Grade is worth 20% of the
trimester grade. The remaining 80% of the trimester grade, the Standards Grade, is
calculated by the number of standards the student has achieved proficiency in. For
example, in a class with 20 standards (see table below), a student must gain a level 3 or 4
in 18 out of the 20 standards in order to receive an “A-“ for the course, prior to trimester
exam grades. In order for a student to receive an Honors distinction, the student must
achieve Level 4 in more than half of the standards.
# Standards Proficient (out of 20) % of Standards Proficient Letter Grade 4.0 scale 20 100% A 4 18 90% A-­‐ 3.7 16 80% B+ 3.3 15 75% B 3 13 65% B-­‐ 2.7 11 55% C+ 2.3 10 50% C 2 8 40% C-­‐ 1.7 6 30% D+ 1.3 5 25% D 1 Note: Conversion charts for each course may vary depending on number of standards within the trimester.
If upon calculation of both the Standards Grade (80%) and the Exam Grade (20%), a
student receives less than a C- in the course, the student has failed the course and will
receive no credit for the course within the calculation for the final transcript grade.
However, with the progressive weights of each trimester (and a ton of drive and hard
work), it is still possible to pass the course for the year.
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Discipline Policy
LIST OF CERTAIN ACTIONABLE OFFENSES:
1. DISRUPTING THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT (IN GENERAL, SECTION 1 OFFENSES WILL BE
PUNISHED WITH IN-SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY MEASURES (SEE BELOW); SERIOUS OR
REPEAT CASES, HOWEVER, MAY RESULT IN LONG-TERM SUSPENSION AND/OR
EXPULSION).
1.1 Arriving Late to School or Class: Student tardiness disrupts class, inconveniences
others, and often results in academic difficulties. Students may not be late to school
or class.
1.2 Cutting School, Class, Detention, or Mandatory School Events: Students are
required to attend all classes, assigned detention, and mandatory school events.
Students are not permitted to have unexcused absences or to leave the school
building without permission. In addition to other disciplinary consequences, these
offenses may result in long-term suspension and/or expulsion.
1.3 Violating the Dress Code (see below): Students must be in dress code.
1.4 Gum, Food, and Beverages: Students may not chew gum or eat or drink at
unauthorized times or places.
1.5 Disrupting Class and Preventing Teaching: MESA can fulfill its mission only if
classrooms are safe and teaching is uninterrupted. Students may not disrupt class.
In addition to other disciplinary consequences, this offense may result in long-term
suspension and/or expulsion.
1.6 Cheating, Plagiarism, and Copying Other's Work: Cheating or copying the
work of others (or allowing other students to copy work) is unacceptable. In
addition to other disciplinary consequences, this offense may result in long-term
suspension and/or expulsion.
1.7 Forgery: Students may not forge a signature.
1.8 Lying to a Staff Member: Honesty is an essential element of personal character
and is needed to build a community based on trust and respect. Students are not
permitted to lie or attempt to conceal the truth. “Lying by omission” is included in
this offense.
1.9 Being Disrespectful toward a Staff Member: A school cannot function properly
if students are permitted to be disrespectful toward adults. For that reason,
students may not be disrespectful toward a staff member or any other adult
associated with the school. In addition to other disciplinary consequences, this
offense may result in long-term suspension and/or expulsion at the first
occurrence.
1.10 Being Disrespectful toward a Student: If students do not feel physically and
emotionally safe in school, teaching and learning are made more difficult.
Therefore, students may not be disrespectful toward other students. In addition to
other disciplinary consequences, this offense may result in long-term suspension
and/or expulsion at the first occurrence.
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1.11 Possession of Inappropriate Property, including but not limited to
Electronics: Students cannot possess or use beepers, walkmen, cell-phones,
electronic equipment, games, printed text or lyrics that are vulgar, profane, or
sexually explicit, or any other items inappropriate for school. Such items will be
confiscated and, in the case of electronics, returned in-person to a parent at a time
appointed by the school. In addition to other disciplinary consequences, this
offense may result in long-term suspension and/or expulsion at the first occurrence
1.12 Gambling: Gambling or betting is not tolerated.
1.13 Misbehaving inside or outside of Class: Misbehavior that violates this
Disciplinary Policy inside or outside of class is not permitted. In addition to other
disciplinary consequences, this offense may result in long-term suspension and/or
expulsion at the first occurrence.
1.14 Other behavior detrimental to the school: Notwithstanding the specific
provisions of this disciplinary code, other behavior that the Principal, Executive
Director, Director of School Culture or Board of Trustees deems “detrimental to
the school” is not permitted.
1.15 Failure to Comply with School-Imposed Consequences: Students must comply
with school-imposed consequences. In general, a first instance of failure to
comply will result in the initial consequence being doubled (for example a student
who fails to comply with referral to detention will receive two detentions). A
second instance of failure to comply with school-imposed consequences may be
met with in-school or out-of-school suspension. Repeated failure to comply with
school-imposed consequences may result in expulsion. In addition to other
disciplinary consequences, this offense may result in long-term suspension and/or
expulsion at the first occurrence.
2. ASSAULT, BATTERY, BODILY HARM, INAPPROPRIATE TOUCHING, AND/OR THREATS (IN
ADDITION TO OTHER DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES, THESE OFFENSES MAY RESULT IN
LONG-TERM SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION AT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE).
2.1 Causing Bodily Harm: Students may not cause physical injury to a student,
school employee, or another person. Students are not permitted to harm or
attempt to harm a student, school employee, or another person including with a
weapon or dangerous object.
2.2 Committing Assault or Assault and Battery: Students may not commit assault,
including sexual assault, or assault and battery on a student, school employee, or
another person. Assault is an attempt or threat to physically harm another person;
assault does not require physical contact. Battery is any unlawful touching of
another person.
2.3 Fighting or Unwanted Physical Contact: MESA students may not fight with
other students—from MESA or any other school. Harassing, pushing, touching,
or any form of unwanted physical contact is not tolerated.
2.4 Play fighting and Threatening: Play fighting and/or the use of threats endanger
the safety of the community. Students may not play fight and/or threaten others.
2.5 Setting off a False Alarm or Making a Threat: Students may not intentionally
set off a false alarm or make a destructive threat.
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2.6 Engaging in Sexual Activity or Inappropriate Touching: A student may not
engage in sexual activity of any kind or touch himself/herself or others
inappropriately.
3. POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREARMS, WEAPONS, AND/OR DANGEROUS OBJECTS (IN
ADDITION TO OTHER DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES, THESE OFFENSES MAY RESULT IN
LONG-TERM SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION AT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE).)
3.1 Possession or Use of a Firearm: Students may not possess or use a firearm. In
compliance with Gun Free Schools Act, 20 U.S.C.§ 7151, the school will expel
from school for a period of not less than 1 year a student who is determined to
have brought a firearm to a school, or to have possessed a firearm at school,
except that the chief administering officer of MESA may modify such expulsion
requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis if such modification is in
writing.
3.2 Possession or Use of a Mock Firearm: Students may not possess or use a mock
firearm.
3.3 Using or Possessing a Weapon or Dangerous Object: Students are not allowed
to bring a weapon of any sort to school, use any object in a dangerous or
threatening manner, or have a weapon on him/her or in his/her property.
3.4 Arson: Students may not set a fire.
4. POSSESSION, USE, OR DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, ALCOHOL, AND
TOBACCO (IN ADDITION TO OTHER DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES, THESE OFFENSES
MAY RESULT IN LONG-TERM SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION AT THE FIRST
OCCURRENCE).
4.1 Using or Possessing Drugs or Alcohol: Students may not use or possess any
non-prescribed controlled substance, narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug,
amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any
kind. Prescribed and over-the-counter drugs must be delivered to the designated
MESA staff person by a parent or guardian with a doctor-signed medication
authorization form. Students may not be in possession of prescribed or over-thecounter drugs.
4.2 SELLING OR TRANSFERRING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL: Students may not sell,
distribute, or possess with intent to sell or distribute a prescribed or nonprescribed controlled substance. Nor should they carry paraphernalia related to
drugs or alcohol (ex: pill bottles, etc.)
4.3 Using or Possessing Tobacco Products: The use of tobacco is banned. Students
may not use or possess cigarettes, chewing-tobacco, or other tobacco products.
4.4 Selling or Transferring Tobacco Products: Students may not sell, distribute, or
possess with intent to sell or distribute cigarettes, chewing-tobacco, or other
tobacco products.
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5. HARASSMENT AND VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS (IN ADDITION TO OTHER
DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES, THESE OFFENSES MAY RESULT IN LONG-TERM
SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION AT THE FIRST OCCURRENCE).
5.1 Violating the Civil Rights of Others: Students may not violate the civil rights of
others.
5.2 Harassment: Students may not make unwanted sexual advances toward or
commit sexual harassment of any members of the school community. Harassment
or intimidation of any members of the school community on the basis of their
racial or ethnic background, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability
is not permitted.
5.3 Bullying: Students may not bully other students. This includes conduct on school
property or outside of school, as well as any electronic or “cyber” bullying.
5.4 Abusive or Profane Language or Treatment: Students may not use abusive,
threatening, vulgar, coarse, or degrading language (including racial epithets or
sexist or homophobic remarks).
6. THEFT OR VANDALISM (IN ADDITION TO OTHER DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES, THESE
OFFENSES MAY RESULT IN LONG-TERM SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION AT THE FIRST
OCCURRENCE).
6.1 Theft, Loss, or Destruction of Personal or School Property: Students may not
steal, lose, or damage someone else's property or school property. In addition to
facing other consequences for violation of this rule, students are expected to
return property to its rightful owner in its original condition or to reimburse the
owner and/or the school for lost, damaged, or stolen property.
6.2 Mistreatment or Inappropriate Use of Technology or School Property:
Students must treat computers, printers, and other technology with care. MESA
does not tolerate attempts to access the school’s files or other inappropriate uses
of technology or the Internet. Students do not have the right to use school
computers to access chat rooms or email or to access web sites or files that
contain profanity, sexually explicit language or pictures, excessively violent
themes, and/or other material inappropriate for minors. Students must not
mistreat other school property.
7. GANG AFFILIATION OR ACTIVITY: Students may not be a member of or participate in
any criminal gang or criminal gang-related activity. Students may also not wear or
otherwise display criminal gang clothing, signs or symbols.
8. REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT: Progressively more serious
disciplinary consequences shall be imposed upon any student who repeatedly
commits one or more disciplinary offenses. Repeated violations of the code of
conduct, even for offenses not generally punishable by suspension or expulsion if
committed on their own, may be punishable by suspension or expulsion when taken
together with other offenses previously committed.
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STUDENT DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Discipline at MESA will be administered by school personnel utilizing consequences
described elsewhere in this Policy. However, in addition to disciplinary actions provided
for elsewhere in this Policy, any breaches of state or federal law may be handled in
cooperation with the New York City Police Department or other authorities. Where
appropriate, MESA officials also will contact law enforcement agencies.
Definitions: For purposes of this Code:
•
•
•
"Short-term suspension" shall refer to the removal of a student from school for
disciplinary reasons for a period of ten or fewer days;
"Long-term suspension" shall refer to the removal of a student from school for
disciplinary reasons for a period of more than ten days; and
"Expulsion" shall refer to the permanent removal of a student from school for
disciplinary reasons.
In-School Disciplinary Measures: In-school disciplinary matters will be referred to and
administered by the Director of School Culture. In each case, the Director of School
Culture will follow the steps listed below.
•
•
•
•
•
The staff member addresses the conduct (including describing the infraction(s) and
hearing the student’s version of events) and writes up the infraction for the Director
of School Culture.
If necessary, the student is removed from class.
The Director of School Culture notifies the parents of the offense and describes the
consequence to be administered.
If appropriate, the school will schedule a meeting with a parent or guardian in order to
discuss the infractions and may reduce the penalty based upon mutual understanding
reached at the meeting.
The Director of School Culture may assign one or more of the following In-School
Disciplinary measures as a consequence for violating the Code of Conduct:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Behavioral Contract
Detention (After school)
Detention (Lunch)
Detention (Saturday)
Loss of school privileges
Community Service
Other consequences as the Director of School Culture shall deem fit, in
compliance with all applicable law
Due Process: MESA shall follow due process procedures consistent with Goss v. Lopez,
419 U.S. 565 (1975).
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Short-Term Suspensions: Short-term Suspension may be imposed by the Principal,
Executive Director, or the Board. If a student commits an offense that calls for shortterm suspension (10 days or less), the following steps are taken:
•
•
•
•
•
If necessary, the student is immediately removed from class and/or school.
The student is informed of the charges against him or her.
The student is entitled to respond to the charges against him or her.
The parent/guardian is notified of the imposition of short-term suspension by MESA
in writing. Written notice shall be provided by e-mail, personal delivery or express
mail delivery to the last known address(es) of the parents or guardians. Where
possible, notification also shall be provided by telephone. Such notice shall provide a
description of the incident(s) for which suspension is proposed and shall inform the
parents or guardian of their right to request an immediate informal conference with
the Principal. Such notice and informal conference shall be in the dominant language
of the mode of communication used by the parents or guardian if known by MESA to
be other than English.
The school will schedule a meeting with a parent or guardian in order to discuss the
infractions and may reduce the penalty based upon mutual understanding resulting
from the meeting.
The Principal or Executive Director’s decision to impose a short-term suspension may be
challenged by the parent(s) or guardian in accordance with the charter school’s complaint
process, pursuant to Education Law § 2855(4).
Long-Term Suspension and Expulsion: The Principal, Executive Director, or Board
may impose a long-term suspension. If a student commits an offense that calls for longterm suspension (more than 10 days) or expulsion, the following steps are taken:
•
•
•
•
If necessary, the student is immediately removed from class and/or school.
The student is informed of the charges against him or her.
Upon determining that a student's action warrants a possible long-term suspension,
the Principal shall verbally inform the student that he or she is being suspended and is
being considered for a long-term suspension (or expulsion) and state the reasons for
such actions.
The parent/guardian is notified in writing by MESA. Written notice shall be provided
by personal delivery or express mail delivery to the student’s last known address.
Where possible, notification also shall be provided by telephone if the school has
been provided with a contact telephone number for the parent(s) or guardian(s). Such
notice shall provide a description of the incident or incidents which resulted in the
suspension and shall indicate that a formal hearing will be held on the matter which
may result in a long-term suspension (or expulsion). The notification provided shall
be in the dominant language used by the parent(s) or guardian(s) if it is known to be
other than English. The notice will state that at the formal hearing, the student shall
have the right to be represented by counsel, present and question witnesses, and
present evidence.
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•
•
•
The school will set a hearing date. The student and/or his/her parent/guardian will be
notified in writing of the:
o charges and a statement of the evidence
o date, time and place of a hearing
o notice of the right at the hearing to:
o be represented by legal counsel (at the student’s/parent’s own expense)
o present evidence and question witnesses
After the Principal, Executive Director, the Board or a hearing officer designated by
either of them hears the case, the Principal, Executive Director or the Board issues a
written decision to be sent to the student, the parent/guardian, the school's Board of
Trustees, and the student's permanent record.
If a parent or student wishes to appeal a decision, they may do so by notifying the
Chair of the Board of Trustees in writing within 5 school days of the issuance of the
written decision.
The decision to impose a long-term suspension/expulsion upon a student may be
challenged by the parent(s) or guardian in accordance with the charter school’s complaint
process, pursuant to Education Law § 2855(4).
Firearm Violations: Federal law requires the expulsion from school for a period of not
less than one year of a student who is determined to have brought a firearm to the school,
or to have possessed a firearm at school, except that the Principal may modify such
expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis, if such modification is in
writing, in accordance with the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 (as amended).
“Firearm,” as used in this law means a "firearm," as defined by 18 USC §921, and
includes firearms and explosives. The Principal shall refer a student under the age of
sixteen who has been determined to have brought a weapon or firearm to school to a
presentment agency for a juvenile delinquency proceeding consistent with Article 3 of the
Family Court Act except a student fourteen or fifteen years of age who qualifies for
juvenile offender status under Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20(42). The Principal shall
refer any pupil sixteen years of age or older or a student fourteen or fifteen years of age
who qualifies for juvenile offender status under Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20(42), who
has been determined to have brought a weapon or firearm to school to the appropriate law
enforcement officials.
Provision of Services During Removal: MESA will ensure that alternative educational
services are provided to a child who has been suspended. For a student who has been
suspended or expelled, alternative instruction will be provided to the extent required by
law. The school will provide alternative instruction to students as soon as practicable: in
general, no later than the day after the suspension is effective. Such instruction will be at
a reasonable location and time of the school’s choosing.
Alternative instruction for suspended students will be of sufficient duration to enable a
student to cover all class material, take all tests and quizzes, keep pace with other
students, and progress to the next grade level. Except for the brief time it would take for
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a student to re-enter another public school, MESA does not have to, but may, provide
alternative instruction for expelled students.
DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
In addition to the discipline procedures applicable to all students, the following
procedures are applicable to students with disabilities. A student not specifically
identified as having a disability but whose school district of residence or charter school,
prior to the behavior which is the subject of the disciplinary action, has a basis of
knowledge—in accordance with 34 CFR 300.534—that a disability exists may request to
be disciplined in accordance with these provisions. MESA shall comply with sections
300.530-300.536 of the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) and the following
procedures, except that in the event that the following procedures are inconsistent with
federal law and regulations, such federal law and regulations shall govern.
The school shall maintain written records of all suspensions and expulsions of students
with a disability including the name of the student, a description of the behavior engaged
in, the disciplinary action taken, and a record of the number of days a student has been
suspended or removed for disciplinary reasons.
For infractions that do not constitute a change in placement or that constitute a change in
placement for ten days or less (cumulative), students with disabilities shall be subject to
the same disciplinary policy as students without disabilities. Suspended students will
receive the same legally required compensatory education as other students, although
they are not required to receive their IEP services.
If a student identified as having a disability is suspended during the course of the school
year for a total of more than ten days days, such student will immediately be referred to
the CSE of the student’s district of residence for reconsideration of the student’s
educational placement. Such a student shall not be suspended for a total of more than ten
days during the school year without the specific involvement of the CSE of the student’s
district of residence prior to the eleventh day of suspension, because such suspensions
may be considered to be a change in placement.
In considering the placement of students referred because of disciplinary problems, the
CSE of the student’s district of residence is expected to follow its ordinary policies with
respect to parental notification and involvement. The CSE will be notified in the event of:
1) The commission of an infraction by a student with a disability who has previously
been suspended for the maximum allowable number of days.
2) The commission of any infraction resulting from the student’s disability.
3) The commission of any infraction by a disabled student, regardless of whether the
student has previously been suspended during the school year if, had such
infraction been committed by a non-disabled student, the Principal would seek to
impose a suspension in excess of ten days.
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Also, MESA will ensure that when the suspension or removal of a student with a
disability will constitute a disciplinary change of placement, the CSE will be immediately
notified so that the CSE can meet its required obligations to: 1) Convene a CSE meeting
within 10 school days to make a manifestation determination; 2) Convene a CSE meeting
within 10 business days to develop a plan to conduct a functional behavioral assessment
or review an existing functional behavioral assessment or behavioral intervention plan;
3) Provide the student’s parent with a copy of their procedural due process rights.
4) Work closely with the CSE of the students’ district of residence in determining
education services or the interim alternative educational setting consistent with the FAPE
requirements.
Students with 504 Plans
Students with 504 plans shall be subject to the same disciplinary policies as students with
IEPs, with the exception that in the case of a change of placement totaling more than ten
days, the student shall not be referred to the CSE for a manifestation determination
hearing. The school will conduct its own manifestation determination hearing, and the
hearing officer(s) will be persons knowledgeable about the student, the disability, and the
ability to interpret the disability, in accordance with the law.
Provision of Services During Removal: Those students removed for a period of fewer
than ten days will receive all classroom assignments and a schedule to complete such
assignments during the time of his or her suspension. Provisions will be made to permit a
suspended student to make up assignments or tests missed as a result of such suspension.
The school also shall provide additional alternative instruction within the ten days and by
appropriate means to assist the student, so that the student is given full opportunity to
complete assignments and master curriculum, including additional instructions, phone
assistance, computer instruction and/or home visits and one-on-one tutoring.
During any subsequent removal that, combined with previous removals equals ten or
more school days during the school year, but does not constitute a change in placement,
services must be provided to the extent determined necessary to enable the child to
appropriately progress in the general curriculum and in achieving the goals of his or her
IEP. In these cases, school personnel, in consultation with the child's special education
teacher, shall make the service determination.
During any removal for drug or weapon offenses pursuant to 34 CFR §300.530(g)
services will be provided to the extent necessary to enable the child to appropriately
progress in the general curriculum and in achieving the goals of his or her IEP. These
service determinations will be made by the CSE of the student's district of residence. The
school will place students in interim alternative educational settings as appropriate per 34
CFR §300.520(g).
During any subsequent removal that does constitute a change in placement, but where the
behavior is not a manifestation of the disability, the services must be provided to the
extent necessary to enable the student to appropriately progress in the general curriculum
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and in achieving the goals of his or her IEP. The CSE of the student's district of
residence will make the service determination.
Due Process: If discipline which would constitute a change in placement is
contemplated for any student with an IEP, the following steps shall be taken: (1) not later
than the date on which the decision to take such action is made, the parents of the student
with a disability shall be notified by the School of that decision and provided the
procedural safeguards notice described in 34 CFR §300.504; and (2) the CSE of the
student’s district of residence and other qualified personnel shall meet and review the
relationship between the child’s disability and the behavior subject to the disciplinary
action (subject to CSE's availability).
If, upon review, it is determined that the child's behavior was not a manifestation of his or
her disability, then the child may be disciplined in the same manner as a child without a
disability, except as provided in 34 CFR §300.530(d), which relates to the provision of
services to students with disabilities during periods of removal.
Parents may request a hearing to challenge the manifestation determination. Except as
provided below, the child will remain in his or her current educational placement pending
the determination of the hearing.
If a parent requests a hearing or an appeal to challenge the interim alternative educational
setting or the manifestation determination resulting from a disciplinary action relating to
weapons or drugs, the child shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting
pending the decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the time period
provided for in the disciplinary action, whichever occurs first, unless the parent and
school agree otherwise.
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Dress Code
Dress Code: As part of its core value of Professionalism, MESA does not require its
students to wear a uniform. Our students are young men and young women, and part of
being college-ready is understanding how to dress appropriately in different
circumstances. Rather, MESA requires that all students and teachers wear “professional
attire” at all times, with the exception of “Casual Fridays,” during which jeans will be
permitted, and designated “dress down days.” Students out of dress code will not be
permitted to attend class. They may either wait in the office for up to an hour until
parents have brought appropriate clothes from home, or they will be sent home. If
possible, the school will maintain a few items of dress code-appropriate clothing for
students. However, it is not the obligation of MESA to supply alternative appropriate
clothes for a student who is out of dress code. If a student wears an outfit that is not
specifically covered by this dress code but is nevertheless deemed by the Principal,
Executive Director or Director of School Culture to be “unprofessional,” MESA reserves
the right to deem the student out of dress code and administer the above consequences.
Boys: Boys must wear shirts with collars or turtlenecks. Shirts must have sleeves and be
tucked in, neatly and completely. Boys must wear full-length pants (not denim,
sweatpants, or athletic gear) in good repair. Shoes must have backs, closed toes, and be in
good repair. Pants must be worn at the waist with a solid colored belt and may not “sag.”
Boys may wear sneakers so long as they are primarily solid black, solid grey, or solid
brown in color. Boys’ button-down shirts must have no more than two buttons from the
top open. Boys may wear solid sweaters or sweatshirts with no writing on them. Boys
may not wear hooded sweatshirts, hats, scarves, or any other head covering except for
religious purposes. Students may not carry or wear flags or bandanas. Any jewelry must
be modest and not over-sized.
Girls: Girls must wear shirts or dresses with sleeves (no sleeveless items such as
spaghetti straps or tank tops) and modest necklines. Girls may wear solid t-shirts, blouses,
or polo shirts. Shirts must fall well below the waistline and midriffs may not be exposed.
Skirts and dresses must be knee length. All garments must fit properly without being
tight. Girls may wear full-length or calf-length pants (not denim, sweatpants, or athletic
gear). Pants must be worn at the waist with a solid colored belt and may not “sag.” Any
leggings must be worn under a skirt, dress, or pants that comply with MESA’s dress
code; they may not be worn on their own. No see-through garments are allowed. Shoes
must have low heels, low soles, backs and closed toes. Girls may wear sneakers so long
as they are primarily solid black, solid grey, or solid brown in color. Girls may wear solid
sweaters or sweatshirts with no writing on them. Girls may not wear hooded sweatshirts,
hats, scarves, or any other head covering except for religious purposes. Students may not
carry or wear flags or bandanas. Any jewelry must be modest and not over-sized.
Gym Uniform: Students must wear athletic attire to Gym class.
School Discretionary Clause: Notwithstanding the above language, the Principal and
Executive Director may, at their discretion, deem a student out of dress code if he or she
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is wearing clothing the Principal or Executive Director deem “unprofessional.” In this
case, the consequences in the disciplinary code would apply.
Casual Fridays and designated dress-down days: On Fridays and certain designated
“dress down days,” students must follow the above dress code with the exception that
they will be allowed to wear jeans and sneakers of any color.
Cell Phone Policy
MESA students are permitted to bring phones into the building past the scanners
downstairs, but are not permitted to have or use them during the course of the
instructional day. Students may check their phones in with the Director of Operations at
arrival (see below); they will be secured for the day, and returned to students at the end of
last period.
Parents and students should not be in casual contact during the school day, as it is
distracting to instruction and makes it very difficult for the teachers to do their job. In the
event of an emergency, we ask that you please call the main office, or the cell phone of
the Director of Operations. If your child needs to call you, we will send him or her to the
main office to call.
If a student elects not to check in a phone, MESA will take that as an indication that a
student does not have a phone in his/her possession. Therefore, if that student is later seen
or heard in possession of a phone, it is considered a lie of omission, in violation of
MESA’s core value of Integrity. The phone will be confiscated and held for a week until
the parent/guardian comes to pick it up, and additional consequences will be
administered.
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Student Safety and Health
Confidentiality Policy
Personal information about individual students is considered confidential. We store
this information in student files that are located in a locked file cabinet. These records
are only available to those staff members who work with the students. Files may
not be removed from the building except when they are officially requested from
another school.
A student’s parent or guardian has the legal right to inspect and review their child’s file
upon written request to the Director of Operations. Parents also have the right to
representation during any review of their child’s record.
Conversations between teachers, administration, and parents/guardians about students,
their specific educational concerns, or their past records, are confidential. Information
will not be shared with staff members or school community members that are not
directly involved with the student. If an individual believes that this confidentiality has
been violated, the individual should bring their concern to the attention of the Executive
Director. The Executive Director will review the situation and determine if the policy
has been violated. If the Executive Director determines that an individual has violated
the confidentiality policy, he or she will be subject to disciplinary action.
Mandated Reporting
Members of the MESA staff are known as “Mandated Reporters” in compliance with
state law. If a member of the staff suspects a child is being abused or neglected, the
staff member is obligated to report his or her suspicion to the Administration for
Children’s Services (ACS).
Incident Reports
Any accident involving a student will be documented. The nurse or a school staff
person will contact the parent or guardian; in the event that the parent or guardian
cannot be reached, the nurse will send a report home with the student.
Suicide Threat
If a student threatens his or her own life or the life of someone else, this will be
brought immediately to the attention of the School Counselor or Social Worker. If the
School Counselor or Social Worker feels that the child is in imminent danger, the
parent will be contacted and a psychological evaluation will be required before the
child can return to school. When a student exhibits potentially suicidal behavior and the
parent refuses to cooperate with the school or to take alternative preventative measures,
the Counselor or Social Worker must report this information immediately to ACS.
Medical and Immunization Information
All students must be immunized in compliance with New York State law. Students
who do not have the proper immunizations will be denied access to MESA until the
immunizations are administered.
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Parents and guardians are asked to alert their child’s teacher and indicate on their
child’s Enrollment Forms any information about any allergies from which their children
suffer. Parents and guardians are also asked to advise school administration if they
grant permission to school administration to take their child to the hospital in the event
of an emergency during school hours.
MESA shares a nurse with the other two schools in the building. The nurse is
aurhtorized to administer prescribed medication only if the parent or guardian submits
signed documentation from a doctor. Over-the-counter medication cannot be
administered in the school.
Student Elevator Use
Students are not permitted to use the elevator unless they have a health condition
documented by a doctor. A staff member must escort students who have permission to
use the elevator.
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Student Attendance, Arrival, and Dismissal
Student Attendance
Students are required to be in school every day unless there is an excused absence for
illness or family emergency. School time is crucially important, and students should not
miss it unless absolutely necessary. Please call the main office at TBD if your child is
going to be absent or late. If your child is not in attendance, you will receive a call from
the main office by 10:30 in the morning.
MESA’s calendar is included in this handbook. Please schedule your family vacations so
as to not miss school time. Students will not be permitted to make up missed school
time.
Student Arrival
School begins promptly at 9:00, which means students must be in their seats in
homeroom at 9:00. MESA Students may arrive starting at 8:45 in the morning. All
students must pass through the scanner, so students should remove all jewelry, belts, and
other metal before passing through the scanner.
Upon passing through the scanner, students will proceed up the designated stairwell to
MESA’s space on the second and third floors. Students will swipe in at the top of the
stairs. Students should leave enough time when arriving to go to their locker and be in
their homeroom on time.
Students are not permitted to eat in homeroom, advisory, or class. Students may have a
small (no more than 20oz) beverage with a lid on it.
Late Arrival: Students who are one minute or more late will go to the Main Office
office, where they will call their parent/guardian to explain why they are late. Students
with unexcused lateness may also receive additional consequences, including detention.
Student Dismissal
All students are dismissed from school at 4:38 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday and 1:37 PM on Wednesday. Students may be required to remain after
school for extra help or academic support. In these cases, parents will be notified by the
school.
Pickup from school
At regular dismissal time, students will be dismissed on their own. For legal reasons, at
any time other than dismissal, students may not be sent home from school without an
authorized adult. Only the parent or one of the adults listed on the student’s intake form
is permitted to pick up the child.
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Meals
Breakfast
Breakfast is available to students at 8:45 AM, to be eaten downstairs in the cafeteria.
Because MESA has a relatively late lunch, we encourage students to be sure to eat a full
breakfast in the morning. Food may not be brought upstairs.
Lunch
Lunch is served every day at 1:40. Students may bring lunch from home to eat in the
cafeteria, or they may eat the school lunch. Students may not go out to lunch, and they
may not order lunch from local restaurants for delivery. Please do not bring food for
students during the school day—if you would like your child to bring lunch from home,
have him or her bring it in during the morning. On Wednesdays, students may opt to stay
upstairs until 1:40 and then go downstairs for lunch, but they are not required to do so.
Refrigerator/Microwave
The faculty room is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator. Due to space
constraints, this is only available for faculty use. Students may not use the microwave or
refrigerator in the faculty room.
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Transportation and MetroCards
MESA complies with the policies set by the New York Department of Education Office
of Pupil Transportation (OPT). Students may be eligible for full- or half-fare metro cards
based on the distance they live from the school. Students who live less than ½ mile from
the school will not receive a MetroCard. Students that live between ½ and 1½ miles from
the school will receive a half-fare card. Students who live more than 1½ miles from the
school will receive a full-fare MetroCard.
Loss of MetroCards: Requests for the replacement of lost MetroCards must be completed
in writing and given to Ms. Browne, the Director of Operations. OPT cannot guarantee
that the request will be granted.
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FERPA (Privacy Policy)
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to
protect the privacy of a students’ education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights
with respect to their children’s education records. Those rights include:
•
•
•
•
Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student’s
education records maintained by the school. For records including information on
more than one student, parents will be limited only to information pertaining to
his/her child. Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education
records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or
eligible students to inspect the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
Student records or other identifiable information are maintained in a secure
location to ensure confidentiality. Records that are no longer required or need to
be disposed will be done so in a manner that ensures confidentiality and security.
Parents and eligible students have the right to request that a school corrects
records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to
amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal
hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the
parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record
commenting on the contested information in the record.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible
student before releasing any information from a student’s record. However, the
law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:
o School officials with legitimate educational interest; Other schools to
which a student is transferring; Specified officials for audit or evaluation
purposes; Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a
student; Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the
school; Accrediting organizations;
o To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; o
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
o State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to
specific State law.
Schools may also disclose, without consent, “directory” type information such as a
student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards,
and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about
directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time
to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must
notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual
means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or
newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school. This handbook constitutes the
means of notification at MESA.1
1 For additional information or technical assistance, you may call (202) 260-3887 or TDD (202) 260-8956
29
Freedom of Information Law Policy
This policy provides information concerning the procedures by which records may be
obtained. Personnel shall furnish to the public the information and records by the
Freedom of Information Law.
1.
Designation of Records Access Officer
(a)
The Board of Trustees is responsible for insuring compliance with the
Freedom of Information Law, and designates the following person(s) as
records access officer(s):
Arthur Samuels
MESA Charter High School
231 Palmetto Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
[email protected]
(p) (917) 257-6876
(f) (718) 919-1479
(b)
2.
The Records Access Officer shall insure that School personnel maintain:
i.
Maintain an up-to-date subject matter list;
ii.
Assist persons seeking records to identify the records sought;
iii.
Contact persons seeking records when a request is voluminous or
when locating the records involves substantial effort, so that
personnel may ascertain the nature of records of primary interest;
iv.
Upon locating the records, take one of the following actions:
a. Make records available for inspection; or,
b. Deny access to the records in whole or in part and explain in
writing.
v.
Upon request for copies of records:
a. Make a copy available upon payment or offer to pay
established fees, if any, in accordance with Section 5; or,
b. Permit the requester to copy those records.
vi.
Upon request, certify that a record is a true copy; and
vii.
Upon failure to locate records, certify that;
a. MESA Charter School is not the custodian for such records, or
b. The records of which MESA Charter School is a custodian
cannot be found after diligent search.
Location and Hours
Records shall be available by appointment for public inspection and copying at:
Arthur Samuels
MESA Charter High School
231 Palmetto Street
30
Brooklyn, NY 11221
[email protected]
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3.
Definition of Records
(a)
A record is defined as any information kept, held, filed, produced or
reproduced by, with or for an agency or the state legislature, in any
physical form whatsoever including, but not limited to, reports,
statements, examinations, memoranda, opinions, folders, files, books,
manuals, pamphlets, forms, papers, designs, drawings, maps, photos,
letters, microfilms, computer tapes or discs, rules, regulations or codes.
(b)
The School will maintain
i. a record of the final vote of each member of the Board of Trustees in
every Board meeting in which the which the trustee vote;
ii. a record setting forth the name, public office address, and title and
salary of every officer
or employee of the School; and
iii. a reasonable detailed current list, by subject matter, of all records in the
School’s
custody or possession, whether or not available under the Freedom of
Information Law.
4.
Availability of Records: The School may deny access to request records or
portions thereof that:
(a)
are specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal statute, like
certain student records;
(b)
if disclosed would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(c)
if disclosed would impair present or imminent contract awards or
collective bargaining
negotiations;
(d)
are trade secrets or are submitted to the School by a commercial enterprise
or derived from information obtained from a commercial enterprise and which if
disclosed would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the School;
(e)
are compiled for law enforcement purposes and which, if disclosed,
would:
i. Interfere with law enforcement investigations;
ii. Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication;
iii. Identify a confidential source or disclose confidential information
relating to a criminal investigation; or
iv. Reveal criminal investigative techniques or procedures, except routine
techniques and procedures.
(f) if disclosed, would endanger the life or safety of any person;
(g) are inter-agency or intra-agency materials which are not:
i. statistical or factual tabulations,
ii. instructions to staff that affect the public,
iii. final agency policy or determinations;
31
iv. external audits, including but not limited to audits performed by the
comptroller and the federal government
(h)
are examination questions or answers which are requested prior to the
final administration of such questions; or
(i)
if disclosed, would jeopardize the School’s ability to guarantee the
security of its information technology assets; or
(j)
are photographs, microphotographs, videotape or other recorded images
prepared under authority of Section 111(a) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
5.
Fees
(a)
Fees for copies may be charged, provided that:
i.
the fee for copying records shall not exceed 25 cents per one-sided
page for photocopies not exceeding 9 by 14 inches;
ii.
the fee for all other records shall not exceed the actual
reproduction cost.
6.
Requests for public access to records
(a)
Requests to inspect or secure copies of records shall be submitted to the
Records Access Officer on a form prescribed by the Records Access
Officer. The request shall reasonably describe the records or records
sought.
(b)
A response shall be given within five (5) business days of receipt of a
request by:
i.
informing a person requesting records that the request or portion of
the request does not reasonably describe the records sought;
ii.
granting or denying access to records in whole or in part;
iii.
acknowledging the receipt of a request in writing, including an
approximate date when the request will be granted or denied in
whole or in part, which shall not be more than twenty (20) business
days; or
iv.
if the receipt of request was acknowledged in writing and included
an approximate date when the request would be granted in whole
or in part within twenty business days of such acknowledgment,
but circumstances prevent disclosure within that time, providing a
statement in writing within twenty business days of such
acknowledgment specifying the reason for the inability to do so
and a date certain, within a reasonable period under the
circumstances of the request, when the request will be granted in
whole or in part.
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7.
Denial of access to records
(a)
Denial of access to records shall be in writing stating the reason therefore
and advising the requester of the right to appeal to the Board of Trustees.
(b)
If requested records are not provided promptly, as required in Section 6,
such failure shall also be deemed a denial of access.
(c)
The Board of Trustees shall determine appeals regarding denial of access
to records under the Freedom of Information Law:
Ralia Polechronis, Board Chair
MESA Charter High School
231 Palmetto Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
(d)
Any person denied access to records may appeal within thirty days of a
denial.
(e)
The time for deciding an appeal shall commence upon receipt of a written
appeal identifying:
i.
the date and location of requests for records;
ii.
a description, to the extent possible, of the records that were
denied; and
iii.
the name and return address of the person denied access.
(f)
A failure to determine an appeal within ten business days of its receipt by
granting access to the records sought or fully explaining the reasons for
further denial in writing shall constitute a denial of the appeal.
(g)
The Board of Trustees shall transmit to the Committee on Open
Government copies of all appeals upon receipt of appeals. Such copies
shall be addressed to:
Committee on Open Government
Department of State
41 State Street
Albany, NY 12231
(h)
8.
The Board of Trustees shall inform the appellant and the Committee on
Open Government of its determination in writing within ten business days
of receipt of an appeal. The determination shall be transmitted to the
Committee on Open Government in the same manner as set forth
subdivision (g) of this section.
Public notice: A notice containing the title or name and business address of the
records access officer and the Board of Trustees and the location where records
can be seen or copies shall be posted in a conspicuous location wherever records
are kept and/or published in a local newspaper of general circulation.
33
9.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act: The School will not disclose any
information from a student’s permanent record except as authorized pursuant to the
Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act or in response to a subpoena as required by
law. The parents or guardians of a student under the age of 18 years of age, or a student
18 years of age or older, are entitled to access to the student’s school records by
submitting a written request to the school leader.
MESA CHARTER SCHOOL
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Freedom of Information Law, which took effect on January 1, 1978, gives you the
right of access to many public records.
MESA Charter High School has adopted a policy governing when, where, and how you
can see public records.
The policy can be seen at all places where records are kept. According to this policy,
records can be seen and copied at:
MESA Charter High School
231 Palmetto Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
The Records Access Officer will help you to exercise your right to access these public
records. The Records Access Officer is:
MESA Charter High School
231 Palmetto Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
If you are denied access to a record, you may appeal to the following person(s) or body:
Ralia Polechronis, Board Chair
c/o MESA Charter High School
231 Palmetto Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
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Complaint Policy
Section 2855(4) of the New York Education Law provides that any individual or group
has the right to file a complaint with the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Math,
Engineering and Science Academy Charter High School (“MESA”), alleging a violation
of the provisions of Article 56 of the New York Education Law, the MESA Charter, or
any other provision of law relating to the management or operation of MESA.
Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Board. If the complaint
directly involves the Secretary, the complaint may be submitted to any Board member.
In accordance with Section 2855(4) of the New York Education Law, the Board may also
delegate the power to review complaints to the Executive Director or an ad hoc
committee of the Board, created to investigate the complaint and report to the Board. If
the complaint does not allege a violation of the provisions of Article 56 of the New York
Education Law, the MESA Charter, or any other provision of law relating to the
management or operation of MESA, the Board will refer the matter to the Executive
Director for resolution.
If the complaint is submitted to the Board five business days prior to a regularly
scheduled Board meeting, the complaint will be addressed at that Board meeting. If the
complaint is submitted fewer than five business days before a regularly scheduled Board
meeting, the complaint will be addressed at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Emergency issues will be dealt with on an as-needed basis, with the Board responding at
or prior to its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board shall render a determination
in writing if appropriate or required. If the complaint is referred to the Executive
Director for resolution, the Executive Director will report back to the Board.
If, after the presentation of any complaint to the Board, the individual or group that has
filed such complaint determines that the Board has not adequately addressed the
complaint, such individual or group may present the complaint to MESA’s charter entity,
the New York State Board of Regents via the Charter Schools Office at the New York
State Education Department. The Board of Regents has the power and duty to issue
appropriate remedial orders to charter schools under their jurisdiction to effectuate the
provisions applicable under New York Education Law.
The Board may be contacted by sending or personally delivering a written complaint to
this address:
MESA Charter High School Board of Trustees
231 Palmetto Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
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Student Internet Usage Policy
Web Use
From time to time, students may be asked to use the internet for school
assignments and will be provided access to laptop or desktop computers at school.
During class, students are only permitted to be on specific websites authorized by
the school for academic use. Students may not be on any web sites not
specifically permitted by their instructor, including but not limited to, YouTube,
Facebook, Google Images, or any social networking site. Students are expressly
prohibited from using MESA computers to access inappropriate or adult content,
gambling or gaming websites, or any website that promotes hate, violence, or
gang activity. MESA reserves the right to determine if a website is inappropriate.
Computer Use
MESA laptop and desktop computers are expensive learning tools and are
property of the school. They are complex and fragile machines and need to be
handled delicately, in keeping with MESA’s Core Value of Respect. MESA will
not tolerate any intentional mistreatment of computers, including rough handling,
touching another student’s computer, or slamming of keyboards or laptop covers.
Any student causing damage to a laptop will be billed for the damage caused and
will receive disciplinary consequences.
MESA Email
MESA students will receive MESA email addresses that they will use for schoolbased projects. Students should have no expectation of privacy in these accounts.
MESA reserves the right to inspect all MESA email addresses at any time.
Cyberbullying
It is the number one priority of MESA to esnure a safe environment for all
students. Cyberbullying, which violates MESA’s core value of respect, will not be
tolerated. Students should understand that posts on Facebook, Twitter, and other
social media are not private and, if they violate MESA’s disciplinary code, can
lead to disciplinary action.
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