ECA EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY
Student Handbook 2016 - 2017
Table of Contents Mission, Vision, Philosophy and Goals
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Focus of Curriculum
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Method of Measurement
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Progress Reports
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Report Cards........................................................................................................................6 General Statements ……………………………………………………………………….7 Admission Policy
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Academic Calendar.............................................................................................................9 Drug and Smoke Free Campus……………………………………………………………9 Early Leave from School/Work
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Dismissal of Students
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GraduationRequirements.....................................................................................................10 Discipline Code
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Violations of Discipline Code
.11
Consequences of Discipline Code........................................................................................12 Infraction and Consequences Chart
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Student Searches...................................................................................................................12 Zero Tolerance Policy
.13
Harassment and Civil Rights Policy and Complaint Procedures ………………………….13 Dress Code...........................................................................................................................18 Lunch
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School Environment
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Illness....................................................................................................................................18 Parent-Teacher Communication and Conferences
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Visitors
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Transportation
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Parking
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Electronic Devices
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Technology and Internet Policy
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Emergency School Closing
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Complaint Procedures
.20
Notification to Withdraw from School ……………………………………………………21 2
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Early College Academy: Mission Statement
All of our students will be educated according to their academic needs and personal interests, and prepared for personal success in life, for their chosen careers, for life-long learning, and for contributing positively to their various communities.
Vision The Early College Academy offers a small, personalized educational experience utilizing existing community partners. The school provides educational opportunities for learners, civic leadership, and a lifetime of creative work. The high school curriculum is designed for students' ages 16 through 21 years of age and utilizes the rich resources available within the economic corridors of the capital of Ohio. Numerous resources are used to enhance the educational and professional development of each student. This is accomplished by developing partnerships between ECA and area business, legislative branches of government, cultural and civic organizations, and local community colleges and universities. The strategies and resources used create the natural development of a high performing school. Philosophy The Early College Academy seeks to provide an academic environment that focuses on the individual strengths and interests of each student enrolled. Teaching and learning at the academy is personalized, individualized and student-directed. The Early College Academy is dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports each student by developing a student's academic competencies in all core content areas.
Academic Goals The academic goals of the Early College Academy are as follows: 1. To promote a standard of education for all students, encouraging them to reach their full learning potential. 2. To assist students in achieving academic mastery across a variety of subject areas. 3. To promote students' independent performance and personal responsibility for learning. 4. To promote an alignment with community partnerships. 5. To enhance students' communication skills. 4
Focus of Curriculum Classroom practice, instruction, curriculum and assessment all serve to support each student to reach his or her intellectual potential. With a commitment to meeting the needs of all students and supporting all students to achieve at high levels is demonstrated throughout the school. Teaching and learning at ECA focuses on student personalization; demonstration of mastery, and "student-as-worker; teacher-as-coach”. This is evidenced by the following: • •
•
•
• • • • • • •
Curriculum is traditional (teacher-directed) and computer-oriented (course mastery reinforcement). Students will learn to navigate a comprehensive computer curriculum with assessment tools that assists in identifying skill deficiencies and creates an individual education plan. The curriculum areas include: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, life skills, workplace skills, ESOL/ESL, test preparation and critical thinking skills. As an interactive instruction process, students will have access to simulations, manipulative and online activities to engage and deepen their understanding of complex topics. Students are afforded formative assessments that identify their individual strengths and weaknesses, guide instruction and assist in developing a personalized learning plan. The program provides students with unique learning experience, assessing student skills and prescribing personalized learning paths. Curriculum has been aligned with Ohio curriculum benchmarks. It allows for individualized progress in each academic content area, leading toward graduation as determined by successful completion of the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) and other tests mandated by the Ohio Department of Education. Career planning and exploration links students' academic and life experiences, with a focus on career development, including mentoring, job shadowing, and the acquisition of skills fundamental to career placement. Students will have an opportunity to participate in supervised on-the-job training. Instruction is differentiated, meeting the needs of students at different levels and with different learning styles. Classes and grouping are heterogeneous in all ways (skills, gender, socio-economically, racially, etc). Literacy is taught throughout the curriculum. Teachers have high expectations for all students. Performance-based assessment used to authentically gauge and encourage student mastery. An all-encompassing curriculum providing a multi-cultural education which will build cultural competency (i.e., the capacity to interact effectively in cross-cultural settings based on grounding in one's own culture and an awareness and respect for other cultures). Democratic, student-centered classrooms centered around the "student-as-worker, teacher-ascoach" ideology, thus allowing students to take ownership of their own learning and to be the predominant voice in the classroom. 5
• • • • •
Active and engaging teaching and learning. Curriculum is relevant and meaningful, often linking with real world experience, including community service and work-related components. Curriculum and lessons are organized around projects. Teachers use essential questions to guide student inquiry and learning. Students are asked to reflect upon their learning, and to critique and revise their work. Students will become adapt to clearly articulating their learning thoughts and goals.
Method of Measurement Multiple measures of student engagement, mastery and achievement will be collected, disaggregated, and assessed on a consistent basis. High standards are set for students on all of these measures. If students do not meet goals, personalized and/or school-wide plans for growth will be developed to guarantee their success. Measures include, but are not limited to the following: • • • • • • •
Portfolios and Exhibitions Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Classroom performance data Attendance rate Graduation rate Standardized test scores Referral and suspension rates
Report Cards Students will be issued quarterly (nine week) reports on the progress/performance towards the fulfillment and completion of their Individual Graduation Plans. 6
General Statements 1. Disability - Any student with a documented disability, which may require special accommodation should self-identify to the instructor as early as possible in order to receive effective and timely accommodations. To access the Office for Disability Services, click on http://www.cotc.edu/studentlife/ODS/Paqes/index.aspx 2. Plagiarism Statement - Submitting plagiarized work for an academic requirement is considered academic misconduct. Plagiarism is the representation of another's work or ideas as one's own; it includes the unacknowledged word-for-word use and/or paraphrasing of another person's work, and/or inappropriate unacknowledged use of another person's ideas. For additional details see http://www.cotc.edu/studentlife/Documents/Handbook.pdf
General Policies
1.
In order to develop skills effectively, it is the responsibility of the student to check the syllabus for due dates, participate in all discussion group assignments, and complete all assignments on time. Students are responsible for all quizzes and tests, assigned readings, course content, and all assignments. Students failing to keep up with their assignments, readings, and due dates will seriously jeopardize their learning and ultimately their final grade.
2.
Success in the classroom depends largely on the engagement and participation of its students. Please come to class prepared to discuss the assignments. Reading the material and making connections between it and your experiences will help you to be insightful and engaged scholars. While you read, you may want to make careful notes and jot down passages that interest (or confuse) you. These notes can be used to start fruitful discussions of the course material.
3.
The formal work you do in the course depends on your in-class work, collaboration with your classmates, and discussion. If you are absent, you are responsible for what you missed. Excessive tardiness affects in-class collaboration, too.
4.
Students must keep work in progress/google docs (essays) and completed work (essays) saved (H-drive or on a CD/RW or a jump drive). Try to avoid the nightmare of recreating all of your work!
5.
Wikipedia is not a reliable or credible source and will not be accepted as a source for any paper.
6.
Cell phones should not be a distraction during class. You may not answer a call, check your voice-mail, e-mail, listen to music, or send or receive text messages while in class.
7.
Late homework will not be accepted. If you experience extenuating circumstances (death in your family, extreme personal or family illness, or employment circumstances) you must contact the designated teacher through email or phone by the end of the missed class period. The assignment will be due 7
at the beginning of the following class session. 8.
If you are not in class and you have not contacted the teacher, they will not accept work placed in their mailbox.
9.
Homework assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the designated class due date. If you do not have a computer at home and need to print an assignment in a campus computer lab, you are responsible for making sure you have done that before the beginning of the class.
10.
Exams and quizzes may not be taken early. Notification of absence on exam day must be received not later than the day of the exam. Make up exams will not be permitted unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.
11.
Staff will answer all student e-mails throughout the day during their stated times of availability.
8.
Do not e-mail assignments to teachers unless you have made prior arrangements.
9.
All e-mail correspondence must take place through your ECA email account.
12.
If you send an e-mail, the message must contain a subject line and be written like you're writing to a teacher -- no IM-ing or texting a friend formats.
10.
All papers must be typed in Times New Roman, size 12� font, and is to be double-spaced.
13.
Teachers will return graded work in a timely manner; often no later than one week from the posted due date.
14. Course Evaluation: Grade percentages: A 92-100 A- 90 - 91 B+ 88 - 89 B 82-87 B- 80 - 81 C+ 78 - 79
C 72-77 C- 70-71 D+ 68-69 D 62-67 D6061 F 059
A A B + B B C +
460500 450459 440449 410439 400409 390399
C 360-389 C- 350-359 D+ 340349 D 310339 D300-309 F 0-299
Admissions Policy The ECA Board of Directors has adopted the following Admission Policies and Procedures pursuant to Section 3314.06 of the Ohio Revised Code: The Early College Academy is nonsectarian in its program, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations, and is not operated by a sectarian school or religious 8
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institution. The Early College Academy actively seeks to recruit and admit students without regard to race, creed, color or handicap conditions, in attempts to further enhance its diverse community of learners. The Early College Academy extends to all its students the rights, privileges, programs and activities of the school. In addition, the school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs and extracurricular activities or in the hiring of its personnel. In the event of an unusually high demand for admission to the school, the stated policy of the school will be to conduct a lottery that would determine participation and enrollment to fill vacancy seats. These admission procedures have been adopted as part of formal admissions criteria by the governing board and are part of the school's operating procedures that are consistent with state statute and board policy.
Academic Calendar The Early College Academy is a school providing curriculum and instruction for 186 days. The school academic calendar is posted on the school website at www.earlycollegecolumbus.com
Drug and Smoke Free Campus Our campus is a drug and smoke free zone. Students are REQUIRED to maintain a drug and smoke free lifestyle while at school.
Early Leave from School/Work 9
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Upon arrival on school property, students may not leave the campus at any time or for any reason without checking out in the office. Students requesting to leave the school during the day must bring a note from a parent, have the parent call into the school office, or be checked out by the parent or guardian in the office. Students requesting to leave early from a job site must submit a note, including the reason, to the job site coordinator prior to leaving a job site. Dismissal of Students 3313.66.1and 3313.661 Policy regarding suspension, expulsion, removal and permanent exclusion: (A)
The Early College Academy shall adopt a policy regarding suspension, expulsion, removal, and permanent exclusion that specifies the types of misconduct for which a pupil may be suspended, expelled or removed. The policies will be in accordance with Ohio Revised Code. The policy also shall set forth the acts listed in section 3313.336 [3313.66.2] of the Ohio Revised Code for which a pupil may be permanently excluded.
A copy of the policy shall be posted in a central location in the school and (B) made available to students.
Graduation Requirements Students will develop their own educational plan that at a minimum must include the following: 1. Successful passage of all parts of the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) - mandated by the Ohio Department of Education. OR 2. Students earn a cumulative passing score of 18 points, using seven end-of-course state tests. To ensure students are well rounded, they must earn a minimum of four points in Math, four points in English, and six points across Science and Social Studies. 3. Five year plan of proposed career and educational goals after graduation 4. Educational Plan 5. 920 hours of school-designed curriculum Discipline Code
The Early College Academy strives to create an environment focused on two primary components, academic success and career awareness. Discipline at ECA is a vital component for the attainment of these goals. The
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Violations of the Early College Academy Discipline Code The following offenses and violations will result in disciplinary action: Plagiarism or Cheating: Cheating and plagiarism represents a serious breach of community integrity and trust. To uphold this level of integrity, all students are required to turn in original assignments that they themselves have created. ECA defines cheating as "conversing with another student during the administration of a graded assessment, attempting to copy or copying another student's work on a graded assessment, or using materials other than those allowed during an assessment." ECA defines plagiarism as "representing the work of another as one's own." This applies to work completed both in and outside of the school. Disrespect, defiance and/or disruptions of learning: ECA will not tolerate disrespectful behavior towards teachers, staff, guests or other students. Examples of disrespectful behavior are behaviors that involve confrontational conversation, inappropriate language, and using profanity. ECA also refuses to tolerate behaviors of any kind that disrupts student learning. Examples of disruptions of learning are behaviors that prevent other members in the ECA community from pursuing their education (such as failing to follow a teacher's directions), repeatedly talking or deliberately distracting other students during class, or behaving in ways which distract instructors from efficiently teaching the entire class. Safety Violation: ECA defines a safety violation as pushing, fighting, threatening or any other violent behavior. It is also considered a safety violation when students are in an unsupervised location. Unprofessional Contact/Sexual Harassment: ECA defines unprofessional contact/sexual harassment as any form of touching, groping, or other displays of affection towards students, members of staff and administration, or visitors to the school. Further, sexual harassment is harassment of a sexual nature including but not limited to any physical and verbal sexual gestures that are unwelcome and unwarranted by another individual. Property Violations: ECA defines property violations as theft, destruction, or defacement of school or private property. Harassment: ECA is committed to maintaining a school environment that is free of harassment based on color, race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Adverse behaviors that attack or threaten any of these characteristics will not be tolerated. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: The sale, transfer, use or possession of alcohol and controlled substances at school or school related functions constitutes a violation of 11
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Ohio State Law. Smoking on school grounds is strictly prohibited. Weapons: The possession of any weapons or firearms is prohibited by Ohio State Law. Possession of weapons (knife, gun, razor, mace, dubs, etc) is immediate grounds for expulsion.
Consequences from the Early College Academy Discipline Code Out of School Suspension: ECA defines out-of-school suspension as "the immediate removal of a student from the school premises." Unless otherwise stated, the final determination of the length of out-of-school suspension rests with ECA Administration. A student that is suspended from school will not be allowed on the school grounds or at school related functions without the written permission of the ECA Administration. Expulsion: An expulsion will result in the immediate and permanent removal from the school of the student in question. A student that is expelled from ECA will not be allowed on the school grounds or at school related functions. Further details on expulsion procedures follow under Procedural Due Process.
Infraction and Consequence Chart
Out-Of School Suspension
Expulsion
Blatant disrespect or defiance Fighting or threatening Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs Theft Destruction of property Harassment Cheating or Plagiarism Gambling Safety/health violation Use or possession of weapons Sale or transfer of controlled substances or alcohol Acts or threats of violence to students, staff or visitors
Student Searches The Early College Academy reserves the right to perform searches of students and their property. Searches will be conducted in a method that is private and respects the interests 12
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of the students to the fullest degree possible, but will balance such concerns with its predominant interest in maintaining student safety and discipline. Should a student refuse the search, the parent/guardian or police may be contacted. All searches will take place in the presence of an administrator and another staff member. Guardians of the student will be contacted to inform them that a search of their child has occurred or is going to occur. Zero Tolerance Discipline Policy The Early College Academy has a Zero Tolerance Discipline Policy that states all students are expected to respect the fundamental rights of all members of the student body, faculty, staff and visitors. Therefore, no acts of aggression or fighting are to take place. It is the expectation of Early College Academy that no student is to bring any article to school that may be used or considered as a weapon. Violations of the Zero Tolerance Policy may result in suspension, expulsion, arrest, and criminal charges filed. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of all and to enhance the learning environment of the Early College Academy.
Harassment and Civil Rights Policy and Complaint Procedures In accordance with federal and state laws, the Early College Academy will not tolerate written, verbal, or electronic harassment or discrimination against any staff member or student on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Harassment shall be defined by the following: 1. "Electronic act" means an act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device, or other electronic communication device. 2. "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means either of the following: (a) Any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both: (i) Causes mental or physical harm to the other student; (ii) Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student. (b) Violence within a dating relationship. Any student or staff member who believes the school’s staff, teachers, administrators, students or representatives have inadequately applied the principles of and/or regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 (sex/gender), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability) may bring forward a complaint. Whenever possible and practical, an informal solution to the complaint is encouraged and should be attempted by the Superintendent/CEO or appropriate supervisor. All allegations shall be promptly, impartially and thoroughly investigated. The investigation shall be completely and carefully documented. Investigations should be completed within twenty-five (25) days and written notification shall be given to all parties of the results of the investigation. The investigator shall notify all parties of any corrective action taken as a result of the investigation and shall monitor the implementation of that action. 13
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No person shall be subjected to retaliation for filing a complaint of harassment or for participating in the investigation of a complaint. The Superintendent/CEO shall develop procedures to implement this policy. This policy shall be widely disseminated to the staff, students, and parents of the Early College Academy. Policy: Adopted 8-1-2006 Amended 8-1-2007 Amended 2-16-2012 Amended 1-21-2016 Amended 4-21-2016
Behavior and Rights In accordance with federal and state laws and district policy, the Early College Academy will not tolerate harassment against any staff member or student on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. Harassment shall be defined as slurs, jokes, intimidation, or any verbal or physical attack directed at an individual's sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Nothing in this policy or regulation is intended or shall be construed to interfere with or otherwise restrict free speech or associated rights of any student, staff member, or employee. Accordingly, for purposes of implementation and enforcement of this policy, harassment shall be deemed to occur only when the alleged conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it materially and adversely affects a student's ability to benefit from an educational program or activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or abusive educational or employment environment. Harassment shall be defined as slurs, jokes, intimidation, or any verbal or physical attack directed at an individual's sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. For this purpose, the act explicitly includes violence within a dating relationship as a form of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. In effect, then, the policy would cover dating violence that occurs on school property or at school-sponsored events. This policy also prohibits electronic harassment/bullying. Students -- Informal Complaint Process Any student or the guardian of any student who believes that the student has been subjected to harassment or treatment in violation of their civil rights may seek informal resolution of alleged violations of this policy without reference to these procedures. Informal resolutions are to be encouraged, although staff shall always inform complainants of their right to and the process for bringing forward a formal complaint. Staff members shall also inform the appropriate supervisor when they receive informal reports of harassment. Failing an informal resolution, staff shall always inform complainants of their right to and the process for bringing forward a complaint. 14
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Students - Formal Complaint Procedures Any student who believes that he/she has been subjected to treatment in violation of this policy which prohibits harassment against students on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation, as specifically prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 (sex, gender), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability), may bring forward a written complaint as described above which shall be referred to as a "complaint". Such complaints shall be made in writing, and a copy of all such complaints shall be given to the person accused of violating this policy, and to the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of students, not later than three school days following the making of such complaint. Students and parents and/or guardians have and shall be advised of their right to be present at and participate in all stages of formal proceedings conducted pursuant to this policy. Any student or staff member involved in a formal harassment investigation has the right to acquire legal representation, at their own expense, if discipline may involve denial of educational benefits or denial of other benefits under contract rights. The student and his/her parent(s) and/or guardian(s) shall receive notice of and be given the opportunity to participate in and be present for all formal proceedings and interviews of their child or ward conducted pursuant to this policy. Step A An allegation of harassment should be made within ten (10) school days from the date the incident occurred. Exceptions to the ten-day reporting requirement may be made for extenuating circumstances. All such allegations shall be referred to the Superintendent/CEO at the school where the alleged conduct occurred for investigation. Where the Superintendent/CEO is accused, the allegation shall be made to the president of the ECA Board of Directors, who will designate the investigator. (In the case of a recurring incident, the date of the last incident is controlling.) All allegations shall be promptly, impartially and thoroughly investigated by the Superintendent/CEO or his/her on-site designee or district designee. The investigation shall be completely and carefully documented and, at a minimum, include interviews with the person complaining of harassment and the person accused of violating the policy. Investigations should be completed within twenty-five (25) days and written notification shall be given to all parties of the results of the investigation, including parent(s) or guardian(s) of the students. The investigator shall notify all parties of any corrective action taken as a result of the investigation and shall monitor the implementation of the corrective action. Step B If not resolved at Step A, the decision may be appealed to the president of the board of directors within 10 school days. The board president may act as a fact-finder if additional information is needed and/or may conduct a procedural review if additional information is not needed. Step C At anytime during this process, a complaint may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 325, Cleveland, OH 44115, Telephone: (216) 522-4970, 15
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Email: OCR.Cleveland@ed.gov Staff Informal Complaint Procedures Any employee who believes that he/she has been subjected to treatment in violation of district Policy which prohibits harassment against staff on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation, as specifically prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), and Title IX of the Education Amendments 1972 (sex, gender), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (disability), may bring forward a complaint in the manner set forth above. The formal grievance process is initiated by bringing forward a complaint. However, whenever possible and practical an informal resolution to the alleged violation is encouraged and should be attempted at the Superintendent/CEO level. The employee may at anytime, reject the formal resolution process and initiate the informal grievance process described below. Formal Complaint Procedures Step A An allegation of harassment or grievance should first be made to the employee's supervisor or administrator (Superintendent/CEO) within ten (10) workdays of the date the incident occurred. Where the administrator (Superintendent/CEO) or supervisor is the accused, the allegation shall be made to the president of the board of directors, who will designate the investigator. Exceptions to the ten-day reporting requirement may be made for extenuating circumstances. (In the case of recurring incidents the date of the last incident is controlling.) All allegations of violations of this policy shall be made in writing, and a copy of all such complaints shall be given to the person accused of violating this policy not later than the next school day following the making of such complaint. All employees and staff who are or may be accused of violating this policy have and shall be advised of their right to be present at and participate in all stages of the formal proceedings conducted pursuant to this policy. All allegations shall be promptly, impartially and thoroughly investigated. The investigation shall be completely and carefully documented and, at a minimum include an interview with the person complaining of harassment and the person accused of violating this policy. Investigations should be completed within twenty-five (25) days and written notification shall be given to all parties of the results of the investigation. The investigator shall notify all parties of any corrective action taken as a result of the investigation and shall monitor the implementation of the corrective actions. Step B If not resolved at Step A, the decision may be appealed to the president of the board of directors within 10 workdays. The president may act as a fact-finder if additional information is needed and/or may conduct a procedural review if additional information is not needed. At any time during the process, a complainant may file with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, 30 East Broad Street, 5th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. ( http://crc.ohio.gov ) 16
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These procedures shall in no way deny employees access to the grievance process in negotiated labor contracts. Distribution and Notification 1.
Staff and students shall be informed of the policy and its intent and possible consequences of policy violation.
2.
The grievance procedures under this policy shall be posted in each school and each work site in the district in places that are accessible to students, employees, and other members of the school community.
3.
Employee unions will be notified and provided with copies.
4.
School communications will include a reference to the policy, at least annually.
5.
District-wide communications will report on the adoption of the policy and provide reminders periodically.
6.
Superintendent/CEO and/or his/her designees are to announce the existence of the policy to staff and students.
7.
Regular volunteers shall be provided with a copy of the policy and these implementing procedures.
8.
All contracts entered into with outside vendors will contain reference to the policy. This policy neither authorizes nor permits enforcement of or compliance with its terms outside district property or jurisdiction, nor inquiry into the internal operations of outside vendors.
Reporting and Record Keeping 1.
Student to student harassment. The Superintendent/CEO (or designee) shall maintain all investigative reports in a separate file. Annually, the number of investigations and disposition of each shall be reported to the board of directors.
2.
Investigations which involve employees must be reported to the appropriate personnel office while the investigation is in process. Final disposition must be reported to the appropriate personnel director.
3.
If the allegation is resolved in favor of the accused, no further action shall be taken except that the charge and resolution will be placed in the accused file, if the accuser so requests. If the allegation is resolved against the accused, appropriate disciplinary or correction action will be taken.
Allegations of child abuse must still be reported to Franklin County Children's Services, Main Office, 855 W. Mound St., Columbus, OH 43223, Phone: (614) 275-2571, General Office 17
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Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m, 24 Hour Child Abuse Hotline—(614) 229-7000. These procedures are not designed to handle such cases. Any complainant under this policy may drop or choose otherwise not to pursue a complaint. If the Superintendent/CEO or supervisor charged with investigating allegations of violations of this policy has reason to believe that the decision to drop or otherwise not pursue the complaint is or may be based upon further conduct in violation of this policy, the district may elect to continue its investigation. Retaliation Retaliation against individuals who file a harassment complaint or assist in the investigation of harassment complaints is expressly prohibited. Retaliation includes but is not limited to any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment. Disciplinary actions imposed for acts of retaliation may include sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination, as appropriate. Any allegations of violations of this policy that are determined to have been made in bad faith shall constitute a violation of this policy and may subject the complainant, at the discretion of the district, to disciplinary action.
Dress Code: Business Casual Attire Business casual attire presents an image that is friendly and approachable, yet still comfortable, neat, and professional. Teachers are responsible for the daily administration of the business casual dress policy. If a teacher determines that a student's attire does not reflect positively, the teacher should review the definition of "Business Casual" with the student and take the appropriate action. Some students may need to dress in more formal business attire while at work, attending interviews, or other occasions.
Lunch Student may bring lunch from home or purchase snacks from the vending machine area. 18
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School Environment Students will be required to clean up their work spaces. This gives the students a sense of pride and respect for their own environment. Illness When a student becomes ill, the student is sent to the office. A student with a fever or in need of medical care must go home. A parent or guardian will be contacted immediately. Students may not leave campus unless they are over the age of 18, or a parent/guardian gives permission and arrangements for transportation have been made.
Parent-Teacher Communications and Conferences Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their student's education. Teachers and staff will communicate with parents through a variety of communicative devices, including phone calls, e-mail and newsletters. Parents may set up appointments to meet with teachers/staff by arranging those appointments with the Student Resource Specialists. Visitors All visitors are required to sign in at the front desk upon entering the building. Transportation Students with a valid driver's license may drive vehicles to school. All students who drive to school will need to complete a "driver's privilege" form that requests a copy of the student's driver's license, proof of insurance, the make, model year, color of the vehicle, and vehicle license plate number. Parking Student parking is allowed. All cars must be registered with the Early College Academy. Vehicles parked on the campus without the required parking permit will be towed without warning and at the owner's expense. Students are not to loiter in the parking lot at any time during the school day.
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Technology and Internet Policy All students are required to sign a technology policy form. Students under the age of 18 are required to also obtain the signature of a parent/guardian. Emergency School Closing School closing will be posted with local media, sent out via the Reminder App, and will follow the announced status of Columbus City Schools. Complaint Procedures Please discuss any problems or concerns with a staff member as soon as possible. Students and parents are encouraged to make any complaints to the Student Resource Specialists (SRS) or the superintendent.
Early College Academy Attendance Policy and Procedures Student Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance enables students to achieve maximum success from the instructional program and develop habits of responsibility, punctuality, and self-discipline. The board of directors establishes this attendance policy to promote academic achievement. Absence: The ECA shall keep a record of every excused and unexcused absence of each student. School administration shall notify parents and guardians of the expectation that the parent or guardian will report the student’s absence to the school before 9:30am for each day the student is absent. In the event that such a report is not made, school officials shall notify the parent or guardian about the absence and shall request a written excuse signed by the parent within four school days of the return from each absence. *If no report of absence or written excuse is received, the absence shall be deemed unexcused.* 20
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Consequences of excessive excused absenteeism will be determined at the discretion of the school superintendent or designee. The following excuses shall be accepted for student absence: 1. Personal illness or quarantine. 2. Illness or death in the immediate household. 3. Emergencies or any other occurrences or situations which in the judgment of individual principals may necessitate absence from school as a last resort. 4. Religious holiday. 5. Superintendent’s designation. Attendance Procedures:
Homeroom Teachers will take attendance every morning and afternoon. Students will sign in at the front desk daily. Attendance will be collected/submitted everyday at 9:20am. Phone calls or alternate contact methods will be made for students who are absent on any given day without prior notification. Attendance will be entered onto DASL based on Homeroom Entry Sheets. Student’s who leave early must sign out and bring documentation to support the absence.
Student Consequences and School Action Steps: Students must attend school every day and complete all assignments in a timely manner. 1. Using Homeroom Entry forms students absent for five consecutive days will receive a home visit from the SRS, OSU social work interns, or an ECA support staff member. An official notice will be given to the parent or guardian at that time that reiterates the importance of school attendance with a copy of the schools policy. If no one is home, the letter will be left at the home. 2. If the absences continue, at the eighth consecutive absence another visit will be made during a different time (am, noon, pm) if no one was home from the prior visit. A letter will be presented at that visit as a second notice for the student to report to school or notify the school of the reason for absence so we can arrange instructional support for the student (home site, library, after school instructional intervention). 3. Phone Calls will continue to be made if the number is working to the student who is consecutively absent past the third day. 4. If the absences continue at the tenth consecutive absence another visit will be made during a different time (am, noon, pm) if no one was home from the prior visit. A letter will be presented at that visit as a third and final notice (intent to withdraw) for the student to report to school. 21
2017
Early College Academy Student Handbook 2016 -
Notification of withdrawal from school The superintendent or his/her designee shall notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the Franklin County Juvenile Court when a student of compulsory school age has withdrawn from school for a reason other than a change of residence and is not enrolled in and attending an approved program to obtain a diploma or its equivalent.
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