Student/Parent Handbook

General Policy ∗ Academic Policy ∗ Rules of Conduct

2015 - 2016

ALL STUDENTS MUST CARRY THIS HANDBOOK AT ALL TIMES.

This handbook belongs to: ______Advisory: _____

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mission Statement5

Parent-School Relations6

Nondiscriminatory Policy 7

Communication8

Effective Methods of Communications 8

Change of Address or Phone Number8

Documentation for Dismissal 9

School Hours 10

Late Arrival10

Attendance 11

Truancy13

Uniform Policy13

General Uniform Guidelines14

Young Women Uniform17

Young Men Uniform 19

Possession of Money 21

Detentions21

Emergency Safety Procedures 21

Fire Drills21

Inclement Weather22

Visitors and Security23

Transportation25

Parking Regulations25

No Smoking Policy 25

Distribution of Literature 26

Cafeteria/Free Lunch Program26

Health Concerns27

Support Services27

Walk Out Policy 28

Baby Room Services28

Withdraw from school 29

Computer Lab/Carts29

Special Events32

Field Trips32

Prom33

End of Module Trip/85ers Club34

Move Up Day 34

“Zero Day”34

ACADEMIC POLICY

Academic Integrity35

Plagiarism 35

Module System35

Grading Policy36

Graduation Requirements40

Senior Project40

“Walking Privileges”40

Independent Credit Recovery Packets41

CODE OF CONDUCT

Rules of Conduct43

Rule of Conduct43

Level 1 Offenses and Corrective Actions45

Level 2 Offenses and Corrective Actions53

Level 3 Offenses and Corrective Actions59

Non Suspension60

Suspension62

Expulsion62

Appeal Process62

Contact Information63

APPENDIX NEED ITEMS

FERPA Notice Regarding Student Records

OBRCHS Acceptable Computer Use Policy

OBRCHS Cell Phone Policy

OBRCHS Visitor Policy

Faculty/Staff Directory

Academic School Calendar

Bell Schedule

Graduation Plan

Student/Parent Handbook Signature Receipt

Our Mission Statement

The mission of One Bright Ray Community High School, an independent, accelerated school, is to provide a quality education to urban, over-aged and under-credited students in search of a positive school experience while earning their High School diploma. Our students come from widely diverse backgrounds including those that have struggled with academics and attendance and have not found success at other educational institutions.

Every aspect of One Bright Ray CHS takes into consideration the unique needs, abilities, talents, and challenges of our students. Our intimate and highly supportive school environment provides an opportunity to experience high school free of negative labels.

Our success relies on trusting, caring, and mutually respectful relationships between adults, young people, and their families. We create a safe environment, free from violence, abuse and intimidation through a framework of adult leadership and restorative practices. Using the One Bright Ray CHS accelerated project-based learning curriculum, we challenge each student to explore his/her personal and academic potential as a citizen in an evolving democracy and an ever-changing world.

ONE BRIGHT RAY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

General Information

  • PARENT-SCHOOL RELATIONS

One Bright Ray Community High School is based firmly on the belief in shared responsibility. Participants: (children, parents, teachers, administration, and support staff) constitute a family. Every effort should be made to keep open lines of communication and work out differences in a loving, caring atmosphere. The focus of our vocation is the child and he/she is the primary consideration. Educating the whole child requires the cooperation and good will of all in the community. Anything less is detrimental to both the individual child and the school at large. Therefore, each group must respect the others’ professionalism, good will, and expertise.

Parents desiring a conference with teachers, specialists, or administration should call the office or request in writing in advance. The school recognizes that parents know and love their children. We want to give parents our undivided and informed attention. This can be done best by giving our staff enough time to look up records in their possession and those located in other offices to give the insight and depth needed in an informative discussion.

Administration will also notify parents by letter or by phone should they require a conference to discuss a student’s progress. In general, teachers do not schedule conferences during school hours.

THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS APPLY:

Student: a person, adult or minor, enrolled in a One Bright Ray Community High School.

Parent: legal care-giver of a minor child or court-appointed guardian, including DHS workers and/or group home employees as identified at time of admission or amended in writing thereafter; or an emancipated minor (DHS/court proof required); For young adult student, ages 18-22: parent, etc., with whom student lives; For married and independent adult students ages 18-22 and for all students 21 years old or above, the student him/herself.

Married: The legal spouse of a student, as expressed in a marriagecertificate of any state, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or sovereign nation.

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

OUR SCHOOL ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE, COLOR, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL AND ETHNIC ORIGIN TO ALL THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES GENERALLY ACCORDED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AT OUR SCHOOL. SIMILAR POLICIES APPLY TO THE SCHOOL STAFF. OUR SCHOOL DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL AND ETHNIC ORIGIN IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF ITS EDUCATIONAL POLICIES, ITS ADMISSION POLICIES, OR IN ANY ASCHOOL ADMINSTERED PROGRAM.

COMMUNICATIONS

The following methods of communication are utilized under One Bright Ray Community High School between parent/guardian, students and school.

SCHOOL TO HOME

  • Monthly and annual calendars
  • Report cards: 5 times a year
  • Biweekly Mid-Module reports
  • Student and grades via student portal
  • Letters and school conferences with teachers, specialists, administration
  • Telephone

HOME TO SCHOOL

  • Telephone contact for all absences
  • Official notes for all absences
  • Arrangements for early dismissal
  • Telephone or letter requesting telephone or school conferences

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION METHODS

Change of Contact Information (Address, phone number, etc.)

Please inform the Attendance Officer in writing as soon as possible if you have a change of address, home phone number or work number. All records will be changed accordingly. Two accurate emergency numbers should always be on file in the office for your child’s protection. Change of Information Forms are available in the school office and a copy of a utility bill with the parent/guardian’s name on it must be attached. Please note, all phone numbers, including emergency contacts, will be utilized to establish contact with parent\guardians as necessary including for absences.

Documentation for Dismissal

Students are not permitted to leave school during school hours due to sickness, appointments, or any reason without the permission of the school administration. When an emergency makes it necessary for a child to leave before dismissal, the student’s parent or guardian is required to send a written request stating the reason why the dismissal is needed, if applicable attach the appointment card. Telephone calls are insufficient. Students are to submit the parent or guardian’s written request with contact information for verification to the Receptionist upon arrival. Students must have the administrator approval sign off sheet complete and returned to receptionist prior to exiting the school building. If a student leaves without permission or without proper paperwork complete, student will receive consequences accordingly. Any student that returns to school after an early dismissal for an appointment must have a note from their appointment.

All students are strongly encouraged to make appointments after dismissal or on Wednesdays after afternoons after dismissal. If a student is sick during school hours a parent or legal guardian will be notified by the school and can pick up the child. All students are required to sign in during prior to advisory with Student Services at beginning of their school day.

SCHOOL HOURS

Students who walk, take public transportation, or are driven to school should report between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. School doors open at 7:15 a.m. Advisory begins at 7:50 am. Advisory is primarily a time to take attendance, announcements and begin to warm up for academic school day. Students are to report to advisory at 7:50 a.m. and must be present and in their seats by 7:50 a.m. First period begins at 8:00 a.m. Students who are late must receive an admission slip from the Student Services personnel before going to the classroom. A pattern of lateness is detrimental to a student who wants to be successful. If such a pattern develops then the time missed will have to be made up. Students with excused lateness must provide official documentation.

AT 7:50 a.m. STUDENTS ARE LATE!

Modified Scheduled Arrivals

Students who have a modified scheduled due to credits, course offering or individual circumstances, are required to report to school 15 minutes prior to their scheduled class time. Student must sign in with Students Services and if prior to 3rd period students can receive breakfast. If student arrives after their scheduled start time, the late policy will apply and student will earn consequence accordingly.

Late Arrival

One late arrival in a week will constitute a warning. Two late arrivals in the same week will result in a detention, which must be served on the day of the second lateness. If a student does not serve a detention once issued, the detention will be doubled. The student must serve both detentions after accumulating two or more detentions or risk disciplinary action from the school.

Excessive Lateness

Students who arrive to school 1 (one) hour after the start of first period are considered excessively late (9:00 a.m.). A call will be made to the parents of an excessively late students, regardless of student’s age. Students will receive a detention each time he/she is excessively late. A pattern of chronic lateness will result in further disciplinary action. After three (3) excessive lates the student will receive a parent conference. After five (5) excessive lates the student will face disciplinary action from the school.

Students are encouraged to call the school when they are running late. The schools phone number can be found on the back of the student ID. However, consequences are still given.

Dismissal

The school day ends at 2:38 p.m. on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays at the Simpson and Elmwood Campus and 2:48 p.m. at the Fairhill Campus. School dismisses at 12:05 p.m. each Wednesday. An additional period is offered to all students for tutoring and make up work. Tutoring time period will begin immediately at dismissal until 3:45 p.m. The school building closes at 4:00 p.m.

Attendance

A student who has been absent from school is required by school policy and Pennsylvania law to bring written documentation, on official letterhead, stating the reason for his/her absence. An alternative is to have the attending physician fax a notification to the school. Students must submit absence documents within three (3) school days of the absence. Parents are expected to contact Student Services personnel by phone each day the child is absent. Your call to us will save time and help protect you and your child. If your child is absent and we do not hear from you, we will do our best to contact you. It is vital that we have more than one phone number to contact parents during the school day. For absences that extend beyond three days both a doctor’s certificate and Principal’s approval are required. After 10 or more unexcused absences, students are placed on the drop list.

One Bright Ray Community High School holds the following policy regarding excused and unexcused absences.

A student’s absence will be excused only if the student brings in a note, on official letterhead, from their appointment within three (3) school days of the absence. The following are examples of excused absences from school:

  • Scheduled medical appointments (doctor, dental, therapy)
  • Scheduled court appearances/probation & parole meetings
  • Scheduled WIC/Welfare appointments
  • Funeral

Any student bringing in a note after three (3) school days; the absence remains unexcused. Notes written by parents requesting that the absence be excused are not accepted; therefore, the absence is unexcused.

Handwritten notes i.e. on business cards, index cards, lined paper, etc. will not be accepted. All notes must be on letterhead from the designated appointment. All notes are required to have the following information:

  • Telephone number
  • Date of appointment
  • Time of appointment
  • Designated signature required

Students are required to report to school before their scheduled afternoon appointment or after their morning appointment. Every effort should be made to make all appointments on Wednesdays after dismissal.

Compulsory school attendance age is that period of a child's life from the time the child's parents or guardians elect to have them enter school, which shall not be later than at the age of eight (8) years, until the age of seventeen (17) years.

Truancy

Not reporting to schoolor leaving school during school hours without school authorization or absence from school other than those defined as legally excused. Truancy may be categorized as unexcused or illegal absences. Unlawful absences of a child of compulsory school age without justifiable reason shall constitute an illegal absence. When a child beyond compulsory school age (8-17 years) is absent without justifiable reasons, the absence is unexcused therefore illegal.

UNIFORM REGULATIONS

NOTE: The following represents an extension of the Code of Conduct. See Code of Conduct Rule 1.10. Waivers of certain uniform regulations for medical or religious reasons may be requested and final approval will be determined by the school administration.

Uniforms are mandatory for all students regardless of age. No student may attend class out of uniform.

Uniforms are to be worn to all school functions, e.g. Open-House, Report Card Conferences, Graduations, Parental Meetings, school ceremonies, etc. unless otherwise instructed by the school administration.

Students shall dress according to the standards set by the Administration team of One Bright Ray Community High School. One Bright Ray CHS has the right to establish appropriate colors and the style of clothing students are to wear.

Uniforms are mandatory for all students that attend One Bright Ray Community High School. Students must be fully dressed in the proper uniform prior to entering and prior to leaving the building. No student may enter the building for any reason without being properly dressed in the official school uniform. The student will be held in the Main Office until parents/guardians are notified.

All official uniform items are to be purchased at Cramer’s Kids, except for the official One Bright Ray Community High School shirt, binder and IDs, which can be purchased at school. If an item is purchased elsewhere, the Principal or Dean of Students must approve that item. Only purchases made at the official school uniform provider, Cramer’s Kids, guarantees that the uniform is acceptable.

Failure to comply with the uniform policy will result in disciplinary action which include up to dismissal from school.

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS FOR ALL STUDENTS

Failure to comply with the Uniform Policy will result in disciplinary action(s) ranging from detention to suspension.

Binders: All students entering the building must have and use the official One Bright Ray CHS binder. The binder can only be purchased at the school. The binder cover sheet must be clean and in place on the front of the binder. Student roster must be visible on the back cover of each student’s binder. Student handbook is to be kept in the back inside pocket of the binder at all times. The binder contains the basic necessary supplies required for the start of the school year. Students are to maintain their binder graffiti free. Students may not display pictures on the front or back covers of their binder.

Other items such as a USB Flash Drive, dictionaries, and calculators will be necessary and are not provided by the school.

  • Schoolbags: School bags are optional. The schoolbag must be free of graffiti. Schoolbags in school can be and will be searched at any time by school security or a school Administrator. Only one schoolbag per student. No gym bags are permitted
  • Student ID: All students must wear their One Bright Ray Community High School student ID and Philadelphia School District issued ID on official school lanyard at all times while in the building. Your first One Bright Ray CHS ID, School District ID, lanyard and storage pouches are given to you for free. Replacement ID cards, replacement lanyards and replacement storage pouches must be purchasedif lost. Replacement ID cards will be cost $5.00 each. Replacement Storage pouches will cost $5.00. Replacement lanyards will cost $5.00. All student IDs and lanyards are property of One Bright Ray CHS. Only school issued items may be placed inside ID storage pouches. Only school issued pins may be displayed on the lanyard. Failure to have your school ID or lanyard will result in disciplinary action.
  • Tattoos: Students with visible tattoos on their arms must purchase a long sleeve school shirt.
  • Personal Jewelry:Appropriate personal earrings are limited to one per ear, no bigger than the size of a dime,or to the discretion of the Administrative staff of One Bright Ray CHS. Onenecklace can be worn but it must be tucked into the shirt, one regular size ring per hand, and one regular size bracelet per hand. No charm bracelets are permitted. Continuous requests to remove jewelry will result in further disciplinary action.
  • Facial Piercings: No metal facial piercings are permitted on school grounds and must be removed prior to entering the school. Students are permitted to wear clear plastic nose plugs and gauges, however no rings. If a student has a facial implanted then the school expects students to unscrew any jewelry or replace the jewelry with a clear plastic piece.
  • Winter Coats: Winter coats, sweaters or hoodies are not to be worn in the building throughout the day. They are to be carried from class to class placing them on the back of the seat. Continuous requests to remove outerwear will result in further disciplinary action.
  • Hair and Wigs: No extreme hairstyles and/or colors are permitted. Hair must be uniform and neat in appearance. For example, no shaved-in shapes or Mohawks. Un-natural hair color or designs may result in causing a student to not be permitted in the school building.
  • Head Wear: No doo rags, scarves, wraps, stocking caps, hats, or bandanas are permitted. Students required to wear head garb for religious reasons must provide the school with a letter from their religious leader prior to the student’s first day at One Bright Ray CHS and worn daily, not at their discretion.
  • Additional personal belongings: No additional clothing, shoes or accessories are allowed in building unless the student has a job after school. Additional clothing will only be allowed if a work schedule is provided.
  • Alternative Uniforms for Field Trips: Students must be in the school uniform for all field trips. If the field trip requires a change in the uniform, the school’s Administration will make the decision on what style of clothing students will wear. Failure to wear the proper style of clothing can result in the loss of the right to attend the field trip.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE UNIFORM REGULATIONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN