Dear Students, Staff, Families and Friends

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Students, staff, families and friends:

I want to extend a sincere welcome to all students, staff, families and friends of O & M Hostos School. The beginning of each school year represents an opportunity for you to start fresh and set meaningful goalsfor yourself as a learner and a person. Please take time to develop an “academic game plan” and to select co-curricularopportunities that will enhance your experience at O & M HostosSchool. Get involved! It is my hope that you will achieveyour highest potential in all of your endeavors.

As you meet various challenges during the year, please remember that you are an active participant in a vibrant learningcommunity and as such, will give and receive support from peers, staff, parents, and the community in order to accomplishour shared mission.

VISION The vision of OM Hostos School is to become an internationally recognized institution that prepares students to become life-long learners, and successful citizens who make a positive contribution to society. MISSION STATEMENT The principle aim of O& M Hostos School is to provide an excellent academic program in both English and Spanish in a nurturing environment which fosters good citizenship and moral principle for young people preparing for advanced education in national and international universities. STATEMENT OF BELIEFS ◊We believe in a learning process which addresses the total development of the student: cognitive, social, moral, cultural, and physical. ◊We believe the educational process is a cooperative effort of all segments of society. ◊We believe that schools should promote the success of the individual. ◊We believe a student’s education should be presented in an exciting and positive environment. ◊We believe subjects should be integrated, not taught in isolation. ◊We believe teachers need to continually broaden and improve their education in order to meet the needs of students and society.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Mr.NicanorDíaz/ SchoolDirector Ms. Jovanny Rodriguez/ High School Coordinator Ms. Vianela Nuñez/ Academic Coordinator, grades K3-6th Mr. EdwardoCapellán/ Asst. High School Coordinator

Ms. Lisandra Madera / Asst. Elementary Coordinator

Ms. Yulisa Mendoza/ELA program supervisor

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS

◊ Teach and expect sons/daughters to display high standards of behavior.

◊ Share the responsibility for student conduct with the school.

◊ Support staff in their efforts to maintain well-disciplined students with good academic progress.

◊ Attend all meetings requested by the school staff.

◊Participate in school related activities

STUDENT ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

Students should not arrive on school campus before 7:30 a.m., as we do not have the staff available at this time who can supervise students. All students must be on school grounds by 8:00am for school assembly. School dismissal:

* Pre-School and Kindergarten, 12:30pm

* Grades 1st through 6th, 2:00pm

* Grades 7th through 12th, 2:10pm

VISITING HOSTOS SCHOOL

The school office is open from 7:45am to 4:00pm. Parents, tutors, and family members or friends who are visiting the school are required tosign-in at the front office, upon arrival. No one should enter the classroom, cafeteria, school playgrounds, or other areas without prior staff approval.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

Guidance and counseling services are available to assist students with their educational, vocational, and minor personal needs. The school will recommend and referred students to professional,outside services when necessary.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM(2:30 to 4:00pm)

The school’s after-school program offers academic assistance (home-work or tutoring sessions) in addition to other extra-curricular options, such as music, dance, and team sports, particularly basketball, volleyball and soccer.

COMPUTER LAB The computer resource lab is open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. ◊ No eating or drinking is allowed in lab.

◊A quiet study atmosphere must be maintained.

◊ Computers may not be used for downloading, purchasing products, listening to music, email, chat rooms, instantmessages, games, viewing or listening to inappropriate material.

SCIENCE LAB

The policy for the science lab is similar to the computer lab. In addition, students need to follow the specific directions of the teacher who will indicate when and how to use any equipment and supplies in the lab.

LIBRARY POLICY

◊ Students who have overdue library material will not be allowed to check out additional materials.

◊ Students must return all text books and library materials to the PRC, or will be required to replace or pay the cost of items.

STUDENT LOCKER

Students are assigned lockers for storage of books and other school related materials.

◊ Lockers are subject to be searched by school officials.

◊ Lockers are to be kept neat and clean.

◊ Signs/ markings are not allowed on doors. ◊ Lockers need to be secured with locks

STUDENT TEXT BOOKS

Students are issued all English Text books at the beginning of the school year. Text books are costly and should be handled with care. During the month of June, studentswill return all text books to the school library, and pay cost for damaged or lost Text books.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The student council is the student self-governing body through which you can exercise your right to help make your school a better place.

The purpose of the Student Council is to:

1. Promote and coordinate school activities.

2. Promote harmony between staff and students.

3. Help generate school spirit

School council membersmust have good academic standings, good conduct, and a minimum of two years attending the school.

HEALTH PROCEDURES

The PRC staff is in charge of attending to ill and injured students. If you are ill or injured during the school day, please report to the PRC Office. The PRC staff will assist students, and will contact parents/guardians, if necessary.

SCHOOL OFFICE

The school office is the proper channel of communication for parents and students who need to communicate during school hours. Students should not contact parents directly during class time, without the consent of school officials.

LOST AND FOUND

Please report items that have been lost or found to the mainoffice, immediately. All found items will be keptfor one month, at which time unclaimed items will be disposed of, or donated to charity organizations.

SCHOOL’S WEB PAGE On-going communication of student’s progress is a critical factor in enhancing student success. The school will post a monthly Honor Roll list on the school bulletin board and web page. We encourage parents and students to regularly check the school´s web page which contains information about the school calendar, school activities, meetings, etc.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Classification by levels
Pre-School / 3 to 4 yrs. Old
Kindergarten / 5 yrs. Old
Elementary School / 1st through 5th grade
Middle School / 6th through 8th grade
High School / 9th through 12th grade
Classification of High School
Freshman / 9th grade
Sophmore / 10th grade
Junior / 11th grade
Senior / 12th grade
Note: students in 12th grade are required to pass the national exams (PruebasNacionales).

HONOR ROLL The school publishes an honor roll chart at the end of each grading period. Students on Honor List will be awarded academic recognition during each marking period. Students with poor conduct during grading period will not be eligible for Honor roll status. (Honor Roll, 85% or better, Principal list 90% or better). GRADING CHART: Students´ evaluated largely upon the level of competency in the attainment of course standards, subject matter, skills and knowledge, as shown by his/herproduction in class. Final grade points will be determine by the students´ performance in the areas of:homework, class work, class participation, quiz, test,and projects.

GRADING POLICY A … 90%-100%, Excellent B … 80%- 89%, Good C ...70%- 79%, Fair D....65%- 69%, Minimal Passing F ....64%- or less, Failing (Minimum passing grade for Elementary school is 65%, and minimum passing grade forHigh School is 70%) PROMOTION AND RETENTION Placement and promotion, or retention, will be made in the best interest of the student, after a careful evaluation of all factors relating to student´s performance and academic progress.

GENERAL SCHOOL POLICY

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The school uniform is mandatory for daily school attendance. Studentswill not be allowed to enter classroom without meeting the school uniform code.

DRESS CODE

◊Clothing must be clean, good condition, and size appropriate.

◊SHIRT TAILS MUST BE WORN INSIDE PANTS

◊Pants must be worn at waist-high

◊Only sweaters, jackets, and hoods are permitted to be worn over school uniform.

◊No hats, bandanas, scarves, or headbands

◊No gloves, mittens, or sunglasses

◊No face painting, writings, or drawings on the body.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to be in attendance daily, and on time. Students who miss school will find their absences reflected in their letter grades on the report card.It is important that children be in school.Make all attempts to schedule family trips and other appointments around our school calendar. It is far too difficult for students to stay caught up when they miss daily class work. Note: Students with an attendance of less than 80% can be retained in same grade level.

EXCUSED ABSENCE

The following conditions constitute an excusedabsence:

◊Illness or injury of student ( school requires verification from a licensed health professional)

◊Medical appointments

◊Death of an immediate family member

◊Embassy visit for passport or visa related issues

LATE ARRIVALS

Students must arrive to school on time, 8:00am. Late arrivals will need a late pass to enter class. The following policy covers late arrivals:

1st verbal warning

2nd Notify parent /tutor

3rd Student will remain in office during 1stclass period

4th Student will have one-day in-school suspension

5th Student will be sent home

The initial of each semester is a new start for students, who willbegin the process with a verbal warning. PERSMISSION FOR EARLY DISMISSAL

Students and/or parents must speak to the school administration and request permission to leave school grounds prior to official dismissal time.

Only the school director or coordinator can give permission for a student to leave school grounds prior to dismissal. We do not encourage request of this nature, and ask that parents and students limit these requests foremergency and urgent matters, only.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS DURING SCHOOL HOURS WITHOUT THE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF A SCHOOL OFFICIAL.

CARE OF BUILDING AND GROUNDS

O & M Hostos School takes pride in the appearance of its school grounds and facilities. Students are responsible for appropriately disposing of trash, both inside and outside the classrooms.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

SEARCH OF PROPERTY AND STUDENTS

The school considers the maintenance of order and safety within the school environment to be of utmost importance. To provide for order and safety, it may be necessary for school Administrators to conduct reasonable searches of students while on school premises,school buses, or participating in school-sponsored activities.

TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are provided so students and their parentsare aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of using the internet and other technology equipment on school premises.

◊Unauthorized access to computer hard drives, software applications, passwords is prohibited.

◊ The School retains the right to monitor all data stored on its computer hard drives.

◊ Students are not allowed to bring technology equipment to school, without prior school authorization.

CELL PHONES POLICY

* Only students in grades7th through 12th can have cell-phones on their personal property

*Cell phones are to be turned-off while student is in the school building,classroom, hallway, bathrooms, etc.

*Cell phonesusage will only be allowed during recess periods in the yard, play areasandcafeteria, not in school building.

Cell phone retention policy:

Students who fail to comply with our cell-phone guidelines will be subject to the following:

1st Confiscatecell-phone until end of last class period

2nd Confiscate and give to parent/tutor end of school day

3rd Issue ½ day in-school suspension

The school can and will implement more severe measures for persistent failure to comply with school guidelines, if necessary.

CODE OF CONDUCT PROCEDURES:

O & M Hostos School is a place of education where each child has the right to learn and growin a supportive environment among caring and cooperative people. We are committed to working with ourstudents and staff to create a system of accountability that sets clear limits and supports a respectful, school-wide learningcommunity.

The school’s code of conduct is guided by the following philosophy:

◊All members of the learning community are essential to creating and maintaining apositive learning environment.

◊The school environment must be physically, socially, and emotionally safe for everyone.

◊The code of conduct establishes clearexpectations andappropriate consequences.

◊Desired behaviors should be communicated, taught, and modeled continually throughout the school year at alllevels.

◊Conflicts will be handled with respect for the rights of all involved.

CODE OF CONDUCT – LEVEL I

Infractions (may be handled by classroom teacher / staff)

STUDENT BEHAVIOR - May Include / Not Limited To:

Cheating

Derogatory comments

Destruction of property /belongings

Disrespect

Dress code violations

Horseplay/unruly behavior

Insubordination (refusing to follow staff instructions)

Profanity

Use of communication device during class

Use of non-sanctioned electronic devices

Violation of internet and other technology

POSSIBLE INTERVENTION / CONSEQUENCES

Conference with student

Mediation

Monitor and provide feedback on behavior

Restitution

Involve parents

Behavior contracts

Temporary removal

Detention / loss of privileges

Reflective activity

CODE OF CONDUCT – LEVEL II

STUDENT BEHAVIOR - May Include / Not LimitedTo:

Profanity directed at staff or student

Cheating /plagiarism

Theft

Harassment /bullying / extortion

Vandalism

Repeated /significant dress code violation

Chronic /severe insubordination

Leaving class or school grounds without permission

Disruptive use of communication / electronicdevice

Disorderly conduct

Truancy

Possession of tobacco

Gang related expression, and activity

Fighting /Aggressive acts

Repeated violations of level I school rules

POSSIBLE INTERVENTION /CONSEQUENCES

All interventions listed under Level I Suspension (in or out of school) Short /longterm removal from class or school

CODE OF CONDUCT – LEVEL III

Most Serious Offenses which Jeopardize Health / Safety of Others. May Include / Not Limited To:

Weapons (including look-alikes)

Distribution of controlled substance

Possessions/Use of alcohol ordrugs

Arson

Significant property destruction

Physical assault

Serious threats/significant harassment

Repeated violations of Level II school rules

INTERVENTION / CONSEQUENCES(Must include documentation)Mandatory

Suspension

All interventions in Levels I and II

Pre-expulsion agreement

Expulsion

MANAGING CLASSROOM DISRUPTIONS Draw up a list of normative behaviors that you expect students to exhibit in the classroom. Include the list in your class syllabus and discuss it with the students on the first day of class. PRC (Personal responsibility center) 1)Students who are asked to leave classroom for disruptive behavior must go directly to the PRC room. PRC staff will inform student when he/she can return to class. If the student fails to report to the PRC room, he/shewill beissued an in-school suspension the following school day. 2)The teacher is responsible for filling out a PRC form,describing the incident.The PRC form must be filled out the same day of incident. 3)The dean in charge of discipline will review the PRC report and take appropriate action.

DISCIPLINARY DISCRIPTIONS ADMINISTRATIVECONFERENCE When less serious disciplinary offenses occur, the first attempt to deal with the problem and eliminate future problems involves a conference between the student and a school administrator in charge of discipline.The school administrator will usually contact the parent or guardian, and may also involve the teacher, guidance counselor, or any other staff member. The student can expect a warning and an explanation of what consequences might result from future violation of school regulations.

ADMINISTRATIVEDETENTION Detention is one form of consequence that is frequently used for minor infractions or reoccurring problems that need to be corrected;it results in a student being detained either before, after, or during school in an isolated and monitored location for a set period of time. IN-SCHOL SUSPENSION In an effort to change unacceptable student behavior with more appropriate and immediate consequences, in-school suspension will be assigned for code of conduct violations. In-school suspension will be held during school hours. If students fails to attend in-school suspension, they will be issued an out-of-school suspension the following school day. OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION Disciplinary action resulting in the student being removed from the classroom, banned from school grounds for a specified period of time, due to a serious violation of school’s code of conduct. EXPULSION Expulsion is the removal of a student from the school environment for the remaining of the school year. This is an exceptional measure to handle grave violation(s) of misconduct, which must be unanimously decided by the school administrative board.

Any questions concerning school policy or rules should be directed at the school coordinators/ director for clarification. We expect that parents and students will partner with the school in our quest to have an “Hostos School Community” of which we can all be proud.