AchievementAcademy @
HarborCityHigh School
Student Handbook
2555 Harford Road
Baltimore, Maryland21218
410-396-6241
Tajah M. Gross, Principal
AchievementAcademy at HarborCityHigh School
2555 Harford Road
Baltimore, Maryland21218
(410) 396-6241
Dear Achievers
Welcometo a new and exciting 2009-2010 school year! We are so delighted that you have chosento become a student at “the best high school in town”. You will find that AchievementAcademy at HarborCityHigh Schoolhas highly committed and dedicated teachers and staff focused on student achievement and providingquality instruction!
We are very proud to offer a variety of college preparatory, career and academy pathwaysto ensure “All students are college ready”! During this school year, you will have an opportunity toparticipate in a number of academic programs designed to help you develop into the best student you canpossibly be. The 2008-2009 school enrichment model here at AAHC has been developed to provide youwith a rigorous program of study enabling you to reach your highest potential!
As you embark upon your journey toward academic excellence, this handbook will help you navigate your way through the routines, policies, and procedures that we will hold you accountable foron a daily basis throughout your high school experience!
Sincerely,
Tajah M. Gross
Principal
AchievementAcademy at HarborCity
Mission Statement
The mission of AchievementAcademy at HarborCityHigh School is to cultivate lifelong learners and productive citizens who meets the requirements for college admission and are prepared for the world of work. We will prepare them academically and socially in a rigorous, diverse, nurturing and safe environment.
Vision
The vision of Achievement Academy at Harbor City High School is to provide students with the necessary courses to meet school graduation requirements; provide students with a safe and challenging environment as well as:
• To continue instructional practices that increase student achievement on site-based,
statemandated, and college-bound assessments.
• To expand the academic program so that it provides credit acceleration, remediation and
targeted interventions for failing subject with the potential to earn 12 credits.
• To provide flexible scheduling and a “Learn to Work” model.
• To increase the participation/involvement of parents/guardians in all aspects of the
school.
• To increase the involvement of business/community partnership and alumni in
providingresources to enhance and support the mission of the school.
• To aid students in the development of character and responsible citizens by providing a
meaningful and an effective Student Government Association.
• To integrate and expand the use of technology in the daily instructional program to enhanceteaching and learning.
• To recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and staff.
• To provide quality data-driven, research-based professional development for teachers
andstaff that will positively impact student achievement and ongoing program
improvement.
• To incorporate the use of student support services that provide wrap-around/safety net
programs tailored to meet the individual needs of all students.
- To meet the diverse academic and social needs of all students.
- To provide social and cultural learning opportunities for all students through collaboration with all stakeholders.
- To provide positive motivation through a nurturing and challenging learning environment.
Graduation Requirements
Organization
Principal...... ….... Tajah M. Gross
Assistant Principal ...... ……….. Gracie L. Dawkins
Assistant Principal ...... ………………………………….……. Ben D. Wilder
Department Heads / Lead Teachers
English ...... …… Muriel Cole-Webber
Mathematics ...... ……………..Ernestine Edwards
Science ...... ……Ernestine Edwards
Social Studies...... …... ..Muriel Cole-Webber
Special Education Department Head ...... ……Amandalore Everett
Guidance Department
Linda Stokes Barbara Sweeley
Secretarial/Clerical Staff
….. ……………… …………………...... Secretary
Corlee J. Acors ...... … ...... ………...... …….. Main Office Diane W. Jenkins ...... Registrar’s Office/Attendance
Florence Rice/Mrs. Elsie Goodman ……………………………………………………..Guidance
School-based MentalHealthCenter
Nicola Roye ...... ……….. Registered Nurse
School Police
Officer K. Johnson Officer D. Wood
Child Study Team
Linda Yates.………...... ITA
Larry Tyler…...... …...... ITA
Leah Harris…………. . . . …… ...... TSP Jacklyn Shell…...... …...... TSP
Patricia Hanner...…………………………………………………..Special Education Paraeducator
Student Support Services
College Bound Specialist
Partners In Progress…………………………………………………………..Bridget Alston-Smith
Riddick Parker
Career Coach……………………………………………………………………………Sonia Legg
Career Coach………………………………………………………………………….Sherri Riddle
Learning to Work Facilitator…………………………………………………...Winston Townsend
Behavior Interventionist
Character Revolution 13 Coordinator………………………………………………..William Allen
1
Academics*
Achievement Academy at Harbor CityHigh Schoolis a co-educational,
alternative high school.
Our curriculum offerings are designed to graduatestudents with preparation for post secondary educationor career/college preparation. Students are able todevelop skills necessary for success in their everydaylives and for meeting high school graduation criteria.AchievementAcademy at HarborCity offers career concentrations inthe following area: Career Research and Development, See Appendix
Entrance Policy
Students may wait outside the building or in theauditorium (during inclement weather) until the8:05 A.M. bell.
Students may enter the building through the MainEntrance only. Students may enter the building forbreakfast from 7:40 – 8:05 A.M. only.
Students should report directly to their lockers andthen their first period class.At 8:10 A.M. a warning bell will sound.
Upon entering the building, students must be wearing the official school uniform and a current studentID card. All trash, glass bottles and food must bediscarded, all head coverings removed, and allpersonal items placed in their net or plasticsee-through bags. Any student without an ID cardmust apply for a new one immediately at the costof $5.00.
The Exclusionary Dress Code
Revisions and Rationale
The Baltimore City Public School System mustcontinue to be an oasis of safety for our students.It is extremely important that all efforts be madeby each school to minimize the opportunities forstudent distraction or disruption.
On July 5, 1990, the Board of School Commissionersapproved several, major revisions to theexclusionary dress code. The revisions were theresult of a cooperative effort between the RulesCommittee of the Board, the Superintendent’soffice, PSASA, and the students.Each rule is based on the overwhelming concernfor student safety. While some may appear to bederived from questions of taste, disruption or distractionwere our primary concerns.
Fur and Leather
No real or imitation fur or animal skin jackets,coats, vests, pants, or skirts are allowed.
The change to exclude imitations was based on theconcern that it is often difficult to tell the differencebetween real and imitation leather, fur or animalskins. However, there is a concern that allvinyl would be excluded, including that which isobviously not leather. Principals are requested touse their discretion. The question should also be
addressed by the school safety committee in eachschool. (SeeSchool Implementation Section)
Athletic letter jackets or varsity jackets withleather would be allowed as it is a symbol of honorwithin the schools.
Sweat Suits and Jogging Suits
No sweat pants or jogging pants with elastic at thebottom of the legs are allowed. No elastic fabricsportswear is allowed.The main concern was that with elastic at thebottoms on sweat pants or jogging pants, weaponsor drugs could be easily hidden. The rule waschanged as there are many fashionable sweat andjogging suits available which realistically are nodifferent than regular slacks and sweater jackets.
The elastic fabric sportswear section was added tothis rule. The primary concern here is distraction
.
Torn Clothing
No clothing designed or altered to expose undergarmentsor parts of the body except arms or legs,as defined throughout these rules, is allowed.
However, clothing that was torn and mended willbe permitted providing the repairs conform withthe rule.
Uniform Policy
Students in all grade levels MUST WEAR the officialAchievementAcademy at HarborCityHigh School uniform – light blue oxfordshirts with the AchievementAcademy at HarborCity logo and khaki pants,skirts, or shorts – that are appropriately fitted. Skirts orshorts must be at least knee length. Logo patchesare not allowed. Gang-related paraphernalia is notallowed. This includes, but is not limited to bandannas,rubber wrist bands, charm/insignia bracelets, etc.
If a student is out of uniform, he/she must enter thebuilding via the side door and the following procedureswill be implemented:
1st infraction of uniform policy - A written uniformviolation letter will be issued.
2nd infraction of uniform policy - A 2nd writtenuniform violation letter will be issued.
3rd infraction of uniform policy - A ParentConference letter will be issued.
4th infraction of uniform policy - Student willlose privileges and/or receive short-term suspensiondue to insubordination.
Bell Schedules
Students Enter 8:05 A.M.______
Warning Bell 8:10 A.M.______
Period 1 8:15 A.M. – 10 A.M.______
Period 2 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.___
Period 3 11:30 A.M. – 12 :00 Lunch_
Period 3/4 11:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.____
Period 4/5 12:00 Noon – 1:30 P.M.____
Period 5 1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. Lunch
Period 6 1:30 A.M. – 3:05 P.M._____
.
Lateness
To School:
• Students arriving to school after 8:15 A.M. must present a late pass to first period classes. Students arriving after 8:30 A.M. are required to stay after school for 30 minutes for School Wide Detention located in the cafeteria.
•Students arriving after 10:00 A.M. must present a documented excuse.
• Students with chronic lateness will be jeopardizingthe successful completion of the course.
To Class:
• Students arriving late to class during the schoolday must have a signed standard pass. All latestudents MUST sign the teacher’s late book andfulfill the teacher’s consequences for lateness.
Detention Room Procedures
• Detention will be held in the cafeteria.
• Students must sign in on the designated forms.
• Once entering the detention room, students willnot be allowed to leave until their obligation hasbeen met. (30 minutes for each lateness)
• No eating, drinking, talking, or using any typeof electronic devices will be allowed in thedetention room area. Failure to follow detentionprocedures will result in disciplinary action.
• Students who fail to report to the detentionroom or report late will be referred to the designated Administrator.
• Failure to report to detention may result in:
a. Being placed on the Do Not Admit to Class List
b. Receiving a Conference Letter
c. Loss of student privileges
d. Short-term suspension (Repeated offenses)
Attendance
Regular attendance is a requirement for passingevery subject. A student who has excessiveabsences faces possible termination from AA@HCHS. Absence types are listed below for your information;
A. Lawful Absence: Illness of the student (Theprincipal will require a physician’s certificatefor any student reported continuously absent forillness); death in the immediate family; courtsummons; observance of religious holidays;state emergency; appointment with doctor, dentist,clinic, etc.; (The student should have an officialappointment); emergency illness of the student’sown child; breakdown of a school transportationvehicle.
B. Unlawful Absence: Uncertified illness of student,illness in family, illegal employment; truancy;parental permission but unlawful reason such asbabysitting, running an errand, etc.
C. Involuntary Absence: Any absence brought byaction of the school against the student such as atemporary or proposed suspension, or removal forfailure to comply with immunization procedures.
D. Notes: Every student is required to bring a noteon the first day after an absence. This note mustinclude:
1. Student’s full name
2. Student’s class and room number
3. The exact day(s) of the absence
4. An authorized signature (parent, doctor, etc.)
5. Student’s home phone number or numberwhere parent can be reached during the day.
Certified Note: This is some kind of certificatesuch as a court summons, clinic appointment, ordoctor’s certificate. Such certificates are almostalways available. Usually these certificates mustbe requested from the doctor or court.
Note from home. A note signed by a parent orguardian may be accepted by the school, but it isnot considered
certified. Therefore the attendancemonitor will investigate the absence. All notesshould be shared with each teacher to be signed.
Notes should then be submitted to the secretary forfiling and computer documentation.
Class Attendance
Regular attendance in subject classes is required.
A student who cuts class is subject to short-termsuspension. If a student does not attend classbecause he/she has been detained by a teacher orother staff member, it is the responsibility of the
student to bring a note verifying his/her
whereabouts to the teacher. Since cutting class isobviously an unlawful absence, the assignmentsmissed may result in a reduced grade or failure ofthe student.
Leaving the School Campus
Students are not permitted to leave the schoolbuilding during the school day without receivingan early dismissal pass. Students are not allowed toleave for lunch or to go to an unsupervised area onthe school grounds. Any student found violatingthis rule will be placed on disciplinary removal.Each student is responsible for remaining in theschool building for the entire school day andshould be able to be located at all times unlesslegally excused.
Early Dismissals
Any request to leave school before the official endof the school day must be made in writing andsigned by a parent. An official “Early DismissalForm”* is available for this purpose and should be
secured in advance of the early dismissal. Thecompleted form is to be brought to the Main Officebefore the first period ends. Requests for earlydismissal will not be honored during the first weekof school, on early release days, nor the day beforeholidays. Early release via telephone requests maynot be approved.
* See Appendix
Visitors
All visitors, including parents, must use the MainEntrance doors. They must register at the frontdoor and report to the Main Office to obtain aVisitor’s Pass before going anywhere else in the
building. Positive identification of a visitor will berequired. This is a Baltimore City Ordinance, and
anyone violating this status is subject to arrest fortrespassing. Friends and relatives other than parents/
guardians are discouraged from coming to schoolto see students. Students will be summoned to theoffice only upon documentation that the request is
being made by the parent or legal guardian. Parentsare always welcome at AchievementAcademy at HarborCityHigh School.We ask that parents make an appointment to see ateacher or to visit a class. SMALL CHILDREN
MUST NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FORTHEIR OWN SAFETY.
Visitation
No student will be notified or called to the MainOffice unless the person making the request is theparent or legal guardian.
Only parents or legal guardians of students shouldreport to school to discuss student concerns. Noone else should report. The school reserves theright to request verification of a stated relationship.No outsiders should report to this building to visitstudents at any time. Anyone on official schoolbusiness must report to the Main Office with properidentification to sign in and to receive furtherdirection. No outsiders should be on the campus ofthe school, regardless of whether they are walking,standing, driving or riding. ALL TRESPASSERSARE SUBJECT TO ARREST.
School Police
The School Police Office is located in Room 103 and Room 316.
School police officers are assigned to AchievementAcademy at HarborCity
High School to assist in maintaining a safe andorderly learning environment for all students andto respond to critical incidents/emergencies onthe school campus. They are authorized to arrestanyone who commits an offense on or near schoolproperty.
Hall Passport
Aside from being personally escorted by a staffmember, only students with legitimate passes arepermitted in the halls once the halls have beencleared from class change.
STUDENTS FOUNDIN THE HALLS WITHOUT THE OFFICIAL
HALL PASSPORT WILL BE DISCIPLINED.*
Students are encouraged to report directly to theirnext class without hanging out or causing disruption
in the hallways. The expectation for students is toreport to class within the five-minute warning bell.
* See Appendix
Withdrawal or Transfer
A student requesting withdrawal or transfer fromhigh school should follow the procedures describedbelow:
• All requests for withdrawal or transfer are to be made in the Registrar’s Office (Room 106).
• All requests for withdrawal or transfer are to bemade by the parent or guardian in writing,except if the student is 18 years or older.
• A student who moves to another high schoolzone and who requests a transfer must furnishproof of address.
• A student requesting a transfer to a city-wideschool must complete an application form.
• All requests for transfer are forwarded to theOffice of Student Placement for approval. TheOffice of Student Placement will notify thestudent in writing when his/her application has
been processed. Students are to continue toattend school until the request is processed.
Grading Policy
The subject teachers will give each student a CourseSyllabus explaining the expectations and requirements
for each course during the first few weeks ofschool. These requirements should be reviewed withparents on a regular basis and kept in student’s
notebook for reference. The subject teacher assignseach student a numerical grade for work completedin the subject. The passing grade is “60”. At the end
of each term, the student receives a grade for thework completed during the entire quarter. The firstsemester average is computed as follows: 40% = 1st
Quarter Grade, 40% = 2nd Quarter Grade and 20%= Final Exam Grade. The second semester is computedin the same manner using third and fourthquarter grades and the exam grade.Progress Reports are issued halfway into each quarterindicating the student’s academic standing (P or F).
Grade Reports
Report cards are issued four times a year accordingto the schedule posted in the school calendar. Thesecond and fourth quarter report cards include thesemester average of each subject. The final report
card issued at the end of the school year includesthe year average for classes taken an the creditsearned for the year.
A student receives a credit for each subject scheduledfor a semester and passed with a minimum year
average of 60.
Semester / Final Examinations
At the end of each semester, a comprehensiveexamination, part essay and part objective, is given
in each class. The score received constitutes 20%of the semester’s final course grade.Students should keep abreast of their assignments,keep good notes in their notebooks, and attend
school regularly. Students must be present and ontime for exams. No make-ups will be administered
without the department head’s approval.
Notebooks
Each student is required to have a loose-leafbinder containing labeled sections designated bythe subject teacher (i.e., DRILL, CLASSWORK,HOMEWORK, and VOCABULARY) along with
the Course Syllabus for each subject on the student’sschedule. In addition, any student enrolled in anEnglish course may be required to maintain a journal.