UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL
OF
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
A National Magnet School of Excellence
Principal: Martin Folan
2013-2014
STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK
351 Mark Twain Drive | Hartford, CT 06112 | Phone: 860-695-9020 | Fax: 860-722-6408
www.uhsse.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Hartford Public Schools Mission Statement and Board Members 4
University High School of Science and Engineering Mission Statement 4
Principal’s Message 5
Staff Directory 6
Map and Directions 7
Academics
Plan of Study 8
School Hours 9
Graduation Requirements 9
Testing and Assessment 12
Final Exams 12
Recruitment and Admission 12
Report Cards and Progress Reports 13
Grade Promotion 13
Academic Probation 13
Summer School 13
Independent Study Program 14
Transcripts and Letters of Recommendations 14
University of Hartford Classes 14
Repeated Courses 14
University of Hartford Library Use Policy 14
Student Assistance Program 15
Advisement 15
Community Service 15
Awards and Recognitions
Honor Society 15
Awards Assembly 15
Extra Curricular Activities 16
Class Officers and Student Council 16
Ambassadors 16
Field Trips 16
Yearbook 17
Athletics 17
Parental Involvement and Support 17
Policies and Procedures
Policy on Plagiarism 17
University of Hartford Academic Honesty Statement 17
Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedures 18
Emergency School Closing Announcements 18
Hallway Procedures and Passes 18
Attendance Policies 18
Agenda Book 19
Schedule Changes 19
Make-Up Work and Incompletes 19
School Property 19
Meals 19
Transportation 20
Student Parking 20
Attending University Courses 20
School Pictures 20
Working Papers 20
Visitors 20
Peer Tutoring 20
Guidance Department 21
Health and Support Services 21
Behavioral Code of Conduct 21
Student Sale of Items 21
UHS Dress Code 22
Laws and Regulations
School Governance Council 23
Gifts between Staff and Students 29
Student Discipline: Suspension/Expulsion; Due Process 29
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices 30
Student Attire 32
Safe School Climate Plan 37
Search and Seizure - Use of Metal Detectors 48
Student Use of District Computer Systems and Internet Safety 49
Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students at Risk 50
Grading/Assessment Systems 52
Access to Student Records and Confidentiality 52
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments 52
OnCampus Recruitment 53
Sexual Harassment 54
First Amendment Rights 59
An Act Concerning the Pledge of Allegiance 59
Policy and Law on Equal Opportunity Education 59
Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (Excerpt from the Buckley Amendment) 59
Administration of Student Medication 60
Child Abuse and Neglect 65
Suicide Prevention and Intervention 66
Conducting Research in the Schools 70
School Ceremonies and Observances 74
Attendance 75
Appendices
FERPA Letter 79
FERPA Letter Spanish 80
University High School Discipline Procedures 81
Early College Transcripts 85
Bell Schedule 86
School Calendar 87
Campus Map 88
Military Opt-Out Letter 89
Student Parking Application 90
Parent Compact 91
Student Compact 92
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Acknowledgement 93 University High School Dress Code Acknowledgement 94
Hartford Public Schools Mission and Beliefs
Mission
Hartford’s system of schools exists to provide all students with access to participation in a global economy through attainment of Academic Standards of the State of Connecticut and readiness for post-secondary education.
Beliefs
We believe all students can learn at or above grade level, achievement gap must and can be eliminated by all students reaching their learning potential, schools have an enormous impact on students’ lives, parents must be empowered to play an active role in their students’ education, and community collaboration is fundamental to achieving and sustaining excellence.
Hartford Board of Education:
Matthew K. Poland, Chair
Lori L. Hudson, Vice Chair
Cherita L. McIntye, Second Vice Chair
Robert Cotto, Jr., Secretary
Honorable Mayor Pedro Segarra, Board Member
Elizabeth Brad Noel, Board Member
Luis Rodriguez-Davila, Board Member
Jose Colon-Rivas, Board Member
Richard F. Wareing, Board Member
Senior Cabinet:
Dr. Christina Kishimoto,Superintendent
Dr. Alex Nardone, Chief of Staff
Jonathan Swan, Interim Assistant Superintendent, PreK-12 Education
Eduardo Genao, Assistant Superintendent for Early Literacy and Parent Engagement
Dr. Carole R. Collins Ayanlaja,Chief Academic Officer
Paula Altieri, Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Roldan, Chief Institutional Advancement Officer
Jill Cutler Hodgman, Esq., Chief Labor and Legal Officer
Donald Slater, Chief Operations Officer
Jennifer Allen, Chief Talent Officer
District Coordinators:
Kim Schulte, Title IX Coordinator, 860-695-8615
Carol Forand, 504 Coordinator, 860-695-8804
University High School Mission Statement
University High School of Science and Engineering, in partnership with the University of Hartford, is a magnet school which focuses on academic excellence and early transition to higher education, while developing responsible citizens who demonstrate healthy integration in a diverse society.
University High of Science & Engineering
351 Mark Twain DriveHartford, CT 06112
Telephone (860) 695-9020 / Fax (860) 722-6408
www.uhsse.org /
DR. CHRISTINA M. KISHIMOTO
Superintendent of Schools / Matt Folan
Principal
Principal’s Message
Dear Students,
Welcome to the new school year at University High School of Science and Engineering. This is a very special school year as UHSSE celebrates our 10 year anniversary. I thank you for your hard work for earning our reputation as a premier high school. I look forward to continue and improve our efforts and dedication towards academic excellence in a supportive environment where you have respect for self and others.
To the members of Prodigy (’14), Infinity (’15) and Dynasty (’16) classes, I am especially proud of your accomplishments at the district, state and national level. Our many successes at UHS are the result of your dedication to creating an outstanding school. You have the respect and appreciation of the staff, parents, and younger students. I know you will continue to pave the way for the classes that come after you with your good example and your friendly spirit.
Welcome and congratulations to the Deca (’17) class on your acceptance to our excellent magnet school. I am sure you will be challenged and stimulated by the rigorous and interesting curriculum. The UHSSE community is here to help you every day.
This year we encourage all students to sign up and utilize our dynamic and interactive school website, www. uhsse.org, to stay informed with upcoming events throughout the school year. In addition, we added a text messaging service, Remind 101, to expedite communication. We will continue to increase our partnership activities with the University of Hartford, including more college seminars, college course visits, college credit opportunities, extra-curricular clubs and activities including the Hartt Community Division, use of university resources and an increased presence of UH faculty working with UHSSE teachers. I know you will enjoy the new programs we have planned for this year.
I challenge each student at University High to take advantage of the many high level courses, fun clubs and special opportunities that our Early College Experience School offers. As you take your place at University High School this year, remember that our status as a prestigious school is earned by the positive involvement of every one of us. Let’s have a great year!
Matt Folan
Principal
Staff Directory
Name / Position / EmailAnglin, Celeste / Manager Cook /
Bacon, Taylor / Math Teacher /
Baseler, Caryn / Magnet Theme Coach /
Benfield, Elizabeth / Spanish Teacher /
Bevans, Jon / Social Studies /
Bosco, Robert / Special Education /
Brown, Aaron / Physics/Engineering /
Cabral, LaurieMaria / English Teacher /
Cardona, Alfredo / Accounting Assistant /
Carrion, Angel / Technology Support /
Dennis, Christina / Science Teacher /
Doffek Beth / Guidance Counselor /
Flaherty, Sean / History Teacher /
Folan, Martin / Principal /
Freundlich, Joseph / Math Teacher /
Fromerth, Michael / Chemistry Teacher /
Gale, Carol / History Teacher /
Grayeb, Kate / Math Teacher /
Harbunak, Stephen / Biology Teacher /
Hart, Kelly / Chemistry Teacher /
Jack-Ortique, Marilyn / Math Teacher /
Jenner, Shobha / Math Teacher /
Kearney, William / Engineering Teacher /
Kellerman, Delores / Nurse /
Killian, Irene / Spanish Teacher /
Lai-Hipp, Kathleen / Biology Teacher /
Lowney, John / Athletics Staff /
Manocchio, Kara / Office Assistant /
Matthews, Susan / Science Teacher /
Medina, Alfredo / Spanish Teacher /
Mortensen, K. Debora / Media Specialist /
Obie, Dennis / Engineering Teacher /
Oporto-Brown, Nancy / Social Worker/504 Coordinator /
Pedrick, Susan / Math Teacher /
Prescott, Francia / College/Career Specialist /
Radigan, Noel / Guidance Counselor /
Riccitelli, Jason / Physical education /
Richters, Guy / Art & IED /
Rivera, Mayra / Early College Specialist /
Rodriguez, Esther / Executive Assistant /
Shea, Matthew / Physical Education /
Siegal, Jason / Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator /
Simon, Darrell / Special Police Officer /
Swenson, Neil / English Teacher /
Thomas, Arthur / Comprehensive Intervention /
Todisco, Jennifer / English Teacher /
Tomany, Sean / Assistant Principal /
Vara-Dannen, Theresa / English Teacher /
Watkins, Shirlene / Administrative Assistant /
Wilcoxen, Sharol / Math /Engineering /
Directions to University High School of Science and Engineering
Directions from
Outside of Hartford
Take Exit 46 Sisson Avenue off Interstate I-84
Right at light onto Sisson Avenue to end
Left at light onto Farmington Avenue
Right at first light onto S. Whitney Ave to end
Right onto Albany Avenue
Left at first light onto Mark Twain Drive
UHSSE is on the left side of the street
Directions from
Within Hartford
If traveling west on Farmington Avenue, take
Right onto S. Whitney Avenue to end
Right onto Albany Avenue
Left at first light onto Mark Twain Drive
UHSSE is on the left side of the street
If traveling North on Albany Avenue,
Right onto Mark Twain Drive
UHSSE is on the left side of the street
University High school of science and engineering
Matt Folan., Principal
Plan of Study
Grade 9 / Grade 10 / Grade 11 / Grade 12 / Total CreditsMath / Choose 2
Algebra Lab
Algebra 1 H
Geometry H
Algebra 2 H
Pre-Calculus H / Algebra 2 H
Geometry H
Pre-Calculus H or
UH ECE M140 Pre-calculus w/ Trigonometry / Choose 2.0
Algebra 2 H
Pre-Calculus H
Calculus H
UH ECE M140 Pre-calculus w/ trigonometry
UCONN ECE 1100Q Statistics
or other UHART Math course if eligible and approved / 4 Math
Science/STEM / Choose 1
Conceptual Physics H
Chemistry H and Chemistry Lab / Biology H or
AP Biology
Biology Lab (.5) and
Physical Education or Health (.5) / Chemistry H
Chemistry
Chemistry Lab/ECE
Chemistry Lab and (.5 elective)/P.E./Health / Choose 3
STEM Elective or Art Elective
STEM
Digital Electronics
Biotechnical Engineering
Architecture
ART
Graphic Design
Art Foundations
SCIENCE
Health Science
Anatomy and Physiology
Environmental Science
MATH
UC ECE Statistics and Probability
STEM Math / 3 Science
Thematic Courses
Engineering / Introduction to Engineering Design H / Principles of Engineering H / STEM Elective or Art Elective
STEM
Digital Electronics
Biotechnical Engineering
Architecture
ART SCIENCE
Graphic Design Health Science
Art Foundations Anatomy & Phys
Environmental Sci / 4 STEM
2 Art
English / English and Composition I H / Choose 1
English and Composition II H
AP Language & Comp / Choose 2.0
UCONN ECE 1201 American Studies
Intro to College Writing (.5)
UCONN ECE 1004 Writing
UCONN ECE 1010/1011 Reading and Writing through Literature
Literature and Composition I
Literature and Composition II / 4 English
History / Civics (.5) and
Geography (.5) / U.S. History
ECE U.S. History / International Studies / 3 History
World
Language / Choose 1
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Spanish 3 / Choose 1
Spanish 2
Spanish 3
Spanish 4 / Choose 1
Spanish 3
Spanish 4 / Spanish 5 / 3 Language
Advisory / Advisory (.25) / Advisory (.25) / Advisory (.25) / Advisory (.25) / 1 Advisory
PE/Health / Physical Education(.5)/Health (.5) / Physical Education(.5)/ / Physical Education(.5)/ / 1.5 PE
.5 Health
Capstone / CAPSTONE PROJECT / 1 Capstone
Total Credits for graduation / 27
Students engaging in accelerated coursework may be eligible to enroll in University of Hartford courses.
School Hours
Students may enter the school building at 7am. The school building will be closed daily at 4pm, unless otherwise noted.
Graduation Requirements
A student in the Hartford Public Schools is eligible for graduation upon the successful completion of requirements leading to the award of a diploma. At University High School, these requirements include a minimum of 27 credits that meet the distribution requirements, and students must also meet the district performance standards in reading/writing, mathematics, and science.
Minimum Diploma Requirements:
Subject / Credit Requirement / NotesMath / 4.0 / Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
English / 4.0 / Must include English I and English II or higher
Social Studies / 3.0 / Must include U.S. History, International Studies, Civics, Geography
Science / 3.0 / Must include Biology and Chemistry
STEM / 4.0 / Courses in Science, Engineering or Math
Visual and Performing Arts / 2.0
World Language / 3.0
Physical Education / 1.5
Health / 0.5
Capstone / 1.0
Advisory / 1.0 / Quarter credit per year
Total / 27.0
Students must also successfully complete 60 hours of community service.
Purpose
The Board of Education will provide all students with high quality distinctive high schools in which students can attain a Hartford Public School high school diploma that reflects a standards-based college-ready curriculum designed to meet the high educational outcomes of the State of Connecticut and prepare all students to be competitive candidates for entrance into a four-year college program.
Research-based High School Models
In order to support students in meeting the graduation requirements for entry and success in post-secondary education, our high school will meet the research-based requirements for effective urban high schools based on Rigor, Relationships and Relevance
· Rigor: core, college-ready curriculum; variation of time and support
· Relationship: small size: 400-600; sustained teacher/student relationships
· Relevance: integrated theme or specialization; relevant, high interest, course content