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 Drive
Hartford, 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 / Email
Anglin, 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 Credits
Math / 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 / Notes
Math / 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