UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL
OF
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
A National Magnet School of Excellence
Principal: Martin Folan
2016-2017
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
UHSSE Core Values and Beliefs 5 UHSSE – 21st Century Learning Expectations 6
Principal’s Message 7
Staff Directory 8
Map and Directions 10
Academics
Plan of Study 11
School Hours 12
Graduation Requirements 12
Testing and Assessment 14
Final Exams 14
Recruitment and Admission 15
Report Cards and Progress Reports 15
Grade Promotion 15
Academic Probation 15
Summer School 16
Independent Study Program 16
Transcripts and Letters of Recommendations 16
University of Hartford Classes 16
Repeated Courses 16
University of Hartford Library Use Policy 17
Student Assistance Program 17
Advisement 17
Community Service 17
Awards and Recognitions
Honor Society 17
Awards Assembly 18
Extra-Curricular Activities 18
Class Officers and Student Council 18
Ambassadors 19
Field Trips 19
Yearbook 19
Athletics 19
Conduct of Athletes 19
Parental Involvement and Support 20
Policies and Procedures
Policy on Plagiarism 20
University of Hartford Academic Honesty Statement 20
Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedures 21
Emergency School Closing Announcements 21
Hallway Procedures and Passes 21
Attendance Policies 21
Agenda Book 21
Schedule Changes 22
Make-Up Work and Incompletes 22
School Property 22
Meals 22
Transportation 22
Student Parking 23
Attending University Courses 23
School Pictures 23
Working Papers 23
Visitors 23
Peer Tutoring 23
Guidance Department 23
Health and Support Services 24
Student Sale of Items 24
Behavioral Code of Conduct 24
University High School Dress Code 25
Laws and Regulations
School Governance Council 26
Gifts between Staff and Students 32
Student Discipline: Suspension/Expulsion; Due Process 32
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices 33
Student Attire 35
Bullying Prevention & Intervention 40
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 52
Grading/Assessment Systems 55
Access to Student Records and Confidentiality 55
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments 55
Military Recruiting 56
Sexual Harassment 57
First Amendment Rights 62
An Act Concerning the Pledge of Allegiance 62
Policy and Law on Equal Opportunity Education 62
Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (Excerpt from the Buckley Amendment) 62
Administration of Student Medication 63
Child Abuse and Neglect 68
Suicide Prevention and Intervention 71
Conducting Research in the Schools 74
School Ceremonies and Observances 77
Attendance 77
Promotion, Retention, Intervention Policy 81
Homework 82
Appendices
FERPA Letter English 84
FERPA Letter Spanish 85
University High School Discipline Procedures 86
Early College Transcripts 90
Bell Schedule 91
School Calendar 92
Campus Map 93
Military Opt-Out Letter 94
Student Parking Application 95
Student & School Community Compact 96
Student Compact 97
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Acknowledgement 98 University High School Dress Code Acknowledgement 99
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:
Richard F. Wareing, Chairman
Jose Colon-Rivas, Vice-Chair
Beth A. Taylor, Ph.D., Vice-Chair
Craig Stallings, Secretary
Rev. Dr. Shelley D. Best
Michael Brescia, Board Member
Robert Cotto, Jr., Board Member
Matthew K. Poland, Board Member
Honorable Mayor Pedro Segarra, Board Member
Senior Cabinet:
Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez,Superintendent
Kathleen England, Chief Academic Officer
Kevin Roldan, Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer
Dr. Jeron Campbell, Chief Data and Accountability Officer
Deidre Tavera, Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer
Paula Altieri, Chief Financial Officer
Jill Cutler Hodgman, Esq., Chief Labor and Legal Officer
Donald Slater, Chief Operations Officer
Jonathan Swan, Chief School Improvement 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 School of Science and Engineering
Core Values and Beliefs
Core Values / Beliefs about learning“Kettle” – Community / Students learn best with parent/guardian and community involvement.
· Parent participation is intrinsic to learning
· Community collaboration supports learning and sustains excellence
H – High Expectations / All students can learn
· Learning occurs when students are engaged, focused and challenged
· Life-long learning occurs when students are intrinsically motivated
A- Appreciation of diversity / A diverse school enriches the learning environment
· As a school we are committed to racial, ethnic and economic diversity
· Each student brings unique contributions to the learning community
· Students bring a richness of experience regardless of where they are from
· Diversity provides the multiple perspectives necessary for learning
W – Well-being / UHSSE students learn best in a student-centered environment
· All adults are responsible for all students and address the needs of the whole child
· The school environment must support the emotional, social and educational needs of the student
· Students must feel safe both physically and emotionally in their school and classroom to be ready to learn
K – Knowledge and its application / Learning is a process which occurs in many ways and at different paces
· Authentic learning is the acquisition of knowledge
· Students approach learning experiences from different starting points and benefit from differentiated scaffolding
· Learning should be relevant and meaningful
· Learning should be reflective
· Learning occurs best through experiential hands-on endeavors
· Learning methods include: individual as well as group collaboration; auditory, visual and kinesthetic styles; multiple intelligence approaches, etc.
S – Safe environment / UHSSE students learn best in a student-centered environment
· All adults are responsible for all students and address the needs of the whole child
· The school environment must support the emotional, social and educational needs of the student
· Students must feel safe both physically and emotionally in their school and classroom to be ready to learn
University High School of Science and Engineering
21st Century Learning Expectations
Academic:
Students will demonstrate college readiness and STEM preparedness, founded on a comprehensive, rigorous, and inclusive curricula, by:
· applying core knowledge to writing across the curricula.
· solving problems through critical thinking.
· communicating effectively in writing, speaking, and visual presentation.
· reading, understanding, and interpreting a variety of texts.
· accessing, evaluating, and using information systems efficiently, effectively, and critically.
Social:
Students will:
· contribute to healthy classroom environments by respecting people, property, ideas, and diversity.
· actively take responsibility for their own education.
Civic:
Students will:
· utilize opportunities to embrace diversity.
· engage in school programs, cultural activities, and the neighborhood community.
University High of Science & Engineering
351 Mark Twain DriveHartford, CT 06112
Telephone (860) 695-9020 / Fax (860) 722-6408
www.uhsse.org /
DR. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez
Superintendent of Schools / Matt Folan
Principal
Dear Students,
Welcome to the new school year at University High School of Science and Engineering (UHSSE). Last year, we started the self-study process for New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation visit in October 2016. Developed by our wide variety of stakeholders, Standard One committee identified UHSSE’s core values and beliefs statement about learning as “A kettle of HAWKS” - High expectations, Appreciation of diversity, Well-being, Knowledge and its applications, and Safe environment. Every component of UHSSE is driven by our “HAWKS” acronym to support all students' academic, civic, and social learning expectations.
To the members of Deca (’17), Legendary (’18), and classes, I am especially proud of your accomplishments at the district, state and national level. Our many successes at UHSSE are the result of your dedication to creating an outstanding school. You have the respect and appreciation of the staff, parents, and peers. I know you will continue to pave the way for the classes that come after you with your good example and friendly spirit.
Welcome and congratulations to the class of 2020 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.
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. 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 challenge each student at University High School to take advantage of the many high level courses, extra-curricular activities, fun clubs and special opportunities that our Early College Experience School offers. Our reputation as a premier high school is well deserved. 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 another great year!
Matt Folan
Principal
Staff Directory
Name / Position / EmailAllard, Philip / English Teacher /
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 /
Cardona, Alfredo / Accounting Assistant /
Carrion, Angel / Technology Support /
Cazzetta-Finn, Colleen / Special Education /
Deleon-Vasquez, Haydee / Manager Cook /
Dennis, Christina / Science Teacher /
Dinello, James / Math Teacher /
Doffek Beth / Guidance Counselor /
Folan, Martin / Principal /
Fromerth, Michael / Chemistry Teacher /
Grayeb, Kate / Math Teacher /
Harbunak, Stephen / Biology Teacher /
Kearney, William / Engineering Teacher /
Kellerman, Delores / Nurse /
Lai-Hipp, Kathleen / Biology Teacher /
Lowney, John / Athletics Staff /
Manocchio, Kara / Office Assistant /
McCoy, Michael / English Teacher /
Medina, Alfredo / Spanish Teacher /
Merlo, Kelly / Chemistry Teacher /
Morrison, Robert / Special Police Officer /
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 /
Rodriguez, Esther / Executive Assistant /
Serrano, Jessica / Spanish Teacher /
Shea, Matthew / Physical Education /
Silenok, Nicole / Math Teacher /
Steller, Paul / Math Teacher /
Thomas, Arthur / Comprehensive Intervention /
Todisco, Jennifer / English Teacher /
Tomany, Sean / Assistant Principal /
Vargas, Alex / Head Custodian /
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
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.