Student Parent Handbook 2016 2017

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY Educating Young Women to Make a Difference

Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017 Notre Dame Academy Honor Pledge I strive to be an honorable person. I pledge to always: • Act with integrity, including academic integrity, • Respect other people and their belongings, • Treat everyone with love and concern, and • Inspire and encourage those around me to act with honor.

2851 Overland Avenue Los Angeles, California 90064 Telephone: (310) 839-5289 School code: 051730 Fax: (310) 839-7957 www.ndala.com

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STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2016-2017 Table of Contents

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS .................................3 NDA PERSONNEL .........................................................4 HISTORY OF NDA .........................................................5 PHILOSOPHY..................................................................5 MISSION STATEMENT .................................................5 COMMITMENT TO CHRISTIAN SERVICE ...............5 INTEGRAL STUDENT OUTCOME (ISOS) BENCHMARKS............................................................5 ADMISSIONS POLICIES ...............................................6 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY ...............................6 THE SCHOOL DAY ........................................................6 OFFICE PROCEDURES ................................................7 Immunizations.........................................................7 Absences from School ............................................7 Parent Information Update Form............................7 Temporary Guardian ...............................................8 During-the-Day Tardies ..........................................8 Morning Tardy Policy.............................................8 Release of Students/Illness Occurring at School ...8 Accident/Illness and Insurance ...............................8 Leaving During the Day .........................................8 Work Permits ..........................................................8 Withdrawal of Students ..........................................9 Access to Student Records......................................9 Transfer of Student Records ...................................9 Actions and Attitudes of Non-NDA Persons .........9 Pregnancy, Student Status, HIV/AIDS ..................9 Contagious Diseases or Conditions ........................9 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Graduation Requirements .....................................10 Zero and Seventh Period Offerings ......................10 Enrollment in AP/Honors Classes ........................11 Online Courses ......................................................11 Schedule Changes .................................................11 Remediation Coursework .....................................11 Community College Courses ................................11 NDA Summer School ...........................................12 Absences ...............................................................12 Online Grades .......................................................12 Report Cards .........................................................12 Grading Policies ....................................................12 Semester Grades....................................................12 California Scholastic Federation ..........................12 National Honor Society ........................................12 Honor Roll.............................................................12 Academic Integrity................................................13 Academic Probation/Dismissal ............................13 Homework/Missed Work .....................................13 Semester Exams ....................................................13 Field Trips .............................................................13 PowerSchool .........................................................13 Controversial Issues ..............................................13 Channels of Communication ................................13 Anonymous Letters ...............................................14 Email/FAX ............................................................14 FINANCIAL POLICY Tuition Policy ........................................................14 Fundraising Policy ................................................15 Tuition Assistance Grants (TAG).........................15 CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT Honor Code/Council/Pledge .................................15 Notification of Parents/Guardians ........................16 DISCIPLINARY POLICIES Grounds for One Detention ..................................16 Grounds for One to Five Detentions ....................16 Uniform Violations ...............................................16 Serving Detention .................................................16

Grounds for Suspension (Five Detentions) .......... 16 Serving Suspension............................................... 16 Grounds for Probation .......................................... 16 Penalties for Probation.......................................... 17 Grounds for Permanent Dismissal ....................... 17 Misuse of School Name........................................ 17 Academic Infractions ............................................ 17 Citizenship Infractions .......................................... 18 Discipline Committee ........................................... 18 Guidelines for Dealing with Substance Abuse .... 18 Harassment/Bullying ............................................ 18 ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES AHERA Management Plan ................................... 19 Bulletin Boards, Boards and Posters .................... 19 Café ....................................................................... 19 Cell Phone Use ..................................................... 19 Chapel ................................................................... 19 Christian Service Program .................................... 20 Clubs ..................................................................... 20 Confidentiality ...................................................... 20 Counseling and Guidance Services ...................... 20 Dances ................................................................... 21 Deliveries .............................................................. 21 E Period (Enrichment Period) ............................. 21 Eligibility for Office ............................................. 21 Emergency Procedures ......................................... 21 Facility Use ........................................................... 21 Library ................................................................... 21 Lockers .................................................................. 21 Lost and Found ..................................................... 21 Physical Education/Athletics ................................ 22 Places and Times to Eat ........................................ 22 Privileges/Schoolwide, Senior.............................. 22 Publications/Videos .............................................. 22 Religious Activities .............................................. 23 Safety .................................................................... 23 Senior Life Experience Week............................... 23 Service Learning Program .................................... 23 Student Forum ...................................................... 23 Student Fundraising/Charitable Projects .............. 23 Student Retreats .................................................... 23 Students Called to the Office................................ 23 Teachers’ Desks and Property .............................. 23 Transcripts and Letters of Recommendations...... 24 Uniforms ............................................................... 24 NOTRE DAME TRADITIONS Women Helping Women ...................................... 25 Mary’s Day ........................................................... 25 Ceramic Donor Wall............................................. 25 Alma Mater ........................................................... 25 Big and Little Sisters ............................................ 26 Notre Dame Day ................................................... 26 Junior Ring Ceremony .......................................... 26 Junior/Senior Luncheon........................................ 26 Retreats.................................................................. 26 St. Julie Day .......................................................... 26 Senior Awards ...................................................... 26 Junior, Sophomore and Freshman Awards .......... 27 PERSONAL LAPTOP/TABLET POLICY .................. 28 TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORK USE POLICY ..... 28 CIF TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY ................................... 30 CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR ATHLETES .................. 30 PARKING AND DRIVING REGULATIONS............. 32 RIGHT TO AMEND ...................................................... 34 DROP-OFF/PICK-UP MAP .......................................... 35 CALENDAR............................................................. 36-47

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NDA CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS CAMPUS MINISTRY

A.S.B. OFFICERS President: Vice Pres.: Secretary: Treasurer: Activities: Publicity: Moderator:

Ava Badii Vanessa Quilliam Camila Solorio Semaj Nitta Catherine Buchanan Marian Gilroy Mrs. Meredeth Vogler

OFFICERS CLASS OF 2017 President: Vice Pres.: Sec./Treas.: Reps:

Moderator:

Stephanie Zhang Violet Selznick Kathryn Green Milania Cardona Chelsea Dalgado Kiki Ding Lauren Reems Kendall Times Ms. Cathy Grasso

OFFICERS CLASS OF 2018 Presidents: Vice Pres.: Sec./Treas.

Reps:

Moderator:

Cailyn Genewick Summer Sanchez Jamie Smith Frances Barrera Kate Feng Marley Jenks Aleksandra Lunich Delaney McDermott Grace Molinari Emma Sheridan Mr. Ben Trammell

OFFICERS CLASS OF 2019 President: Vice Pres.: Treas/Sec. Reps:

Moderator:

Isabella DeLuna Marianne Sarne Isis Doss-Wassily Francesca Lewis Grace Montano Alexa Quilliam Julia Silverman Celeste Zepeda Mrs. Laurel Harris

CLASS OF 2020 Moderator:

Ms.Tanja Sadowski

STUDENT FORUM Class of 2018: Erin Jackson Alana Van Slovis

Class of 2019: Grace Gervais

Moderator:

Campus Minister: Ms. Tefi Ma’ake

CORE OFFICERS President: Jeanne Ines Vice-Pres.: Romina Romani Secretary: Esabella Rojas Ed. & Outreach:Vy Nguyen Publicity: Gloria Dominguez Samantha Stehley H.O.P.E./STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE HOPE Pres.: Graciela Luis HOPE Vice-Pr:Ashley Garcia SFJ President: Isabella Sanchez SFJ Vice-Pres.:Claire Coonan HOPE/SFJSec: Haley Beavan HOPE/SFJPub: Jessica Yang HOPE/SFJ Treas.: Yifan Chen Sofia Sanchez Paula Vargas LITURGY President: Vice-Pres.: Secretary: Sacristan: Art/Env.:

Leslie De Pablo Lauren Hechinger Alexandra Diaz Julia Guevara Margaret Herbst Abigail Ibanez Sheena Lee

RETREATS President: Siana Maghazei Vice-Pres 9th.: Devon Jackson Vice-Pres.10th: Nicole Barajas Vice-Pres.11th: Meghan Adams Special Projects:Alexia Diaz KAIROS Moderator:

Ms.Tefi Ma’ake

LITURGICAL MUSIC Moderator: Mr. Brad Fuller QUEEN'S COUNCIL Co-Presidents: Sheridan Holmes Tessa Kardassakis Secretary: Vanessa Temblador Shadow Chairs: Kristen Hull Jaclyn Paetzold Reception: Veronica Garcia Moderators: Ms. Brianna Berlin Ms. Kristin Callaghan

Emily Holguin Alexis Jenkin Jessica Lee Gabrielle Strawn Mrs. Meredeth Vogler

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

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ART CLUB Ms. Sophia Beauvy ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Mrs. Megan Hall C.S.F. Ms. Sara Hulsy CLUB MED Contact: Taylor Osborne Ms. Kathy Morgan CODING (4GLTE) Contact: Imani Jones Ms. Carol Kennard DANCE CLUB Mrs. Raynelle Duronslet EARTH CLUB Contact: Lara Floegel-Shetty Mrs. Meredeth Vogler FILM CLUB Contact: Megan Clark Carolina Mandujano Ms. Sophia Beauvy INTERACT Contact: Serena Lee Ms. Azalea Bilac INKLINGS Contact: Aria Empakeris Ms. Jody Hill IRON CHEF CLUB Chef Mark Patterson MOCK TRIAL Mrs. Dorothy Ceccon NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Ms. Elizabeth Ward NDA INTERNATIONAL Contact: Elsa Taylor Ms. Annemarie Bacich ROYALE (YEARBOOK) Contact: Ashley Garcia Liza Escun Mrs. Danielle Schlei WIMS (WOMEN IN MATH AND SCIENCE) Contact: Shana Hadi Mr. David Christman

HONOR CODE STEERING COMMITTEE Maxine Enabe Gianna Galdamez Sara McMorrow Alexandra Moro Madeleine Muller Meghan Smith Lauren Torii Gabriela Torres Moderator: Mr. Glen Janken

Notre Dame Academy Personnel 2016-2017 INTERIM PRESIDENT: Dr. Michael Bates PRINCIPAL: Ms. Lilliam Paetzold ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL/DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS: Mr. Brad Fuller ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL/DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Mrs. Meredeth Vogler CAMPUS MINISTER: Ms. Tefi Ma’ake DEAN OF STUDENTS: Ms. Brianna Berlin DIRECTOR OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT: Ms. Betsy Ward FACULTY Dean of Humanities . . . . . Mr. Jeremy Nelson English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Evelyn Estrada, Ms. Élice Hennessee, Ms. Jody Hill, Mrs. Danielle Schlei, Mr. Benjamin Trammell Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Annemarie Bacich, Sr. Mary Frances, S.N.D., Ms. Tefi Ma’ake, Mrs. Thérèse Portman, Ms. Elizabeth Ward Social Science . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Dorothy Ceccon, Mr. Timothy Hirsh, Ms. Jody Hill, Mr. Jeremy Nelson, Mrs. Danielle Schlei World Languages . . . . . . Ms. Laura Davis, Mrs. Laurel Harris, Mr. Timothy Hirsh Dean of Math/Science. . . Dr. Kathy Griffis Computer Science . . . . . . Mr. Roland Tetenbaum Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. David Christman, Mr. Guy Fregault, Mr. Glen Janken, Mr. Ron Lebron, Mr. Merzak Toubal Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. David Christman, Mr. Guy Fregault, Ms. Cathy Grasso, Dr. Kathy Griffis, Mrs. Danielle Schlei Art and Art History . . . . . Ms. Sophia Beauvy Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Kathy Morgan (Director), Ms. Sara Hulsy, Ms. Tanja Sadowski Learning Resource Center Sr. Mary Joann Schlarbaum, S.N.D. Performing Arts . . . . . . . . Mrs. Kristin Duerr, Mrs. Raynelle Duronslet, Mr. Brad Fuller, Ms. Mary Haughie P.E./Health . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Megan Hall, Mr. Prince Mumba DIRECTORS Admissions. . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Kristin Callaghan, Assistant: Ms. Brianna Berlin Advancement . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Nancy Ehrmann, Assistant: Mrs. Raynelle Duronslet Alumnae Relations. . . . . . Mrs. Susan Morgan Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Megan Hall Chief Financial Officer . . Mr. Jim Drozda Business Manager/Financial Aid Officer: Mrs. Charlotte Tureaud Accounts Payable: Ms. Theresa Blom Payroll/Benefits: Ms. Sylvia Quintero Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Damian Loporto Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Oscar Navarro Applied Technology Manager: Ms. Carol Kennard Operational Technology Manager: Mr. Roland Tetenbaum OFFICE PERSONNEL President/Principal Administrative Assistant . . . . . Mrs. Azalea Bilac Registrar/Health Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Jeanne Ronay School Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Luana Kardassakis

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE United States Department of Education

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HISTORY OF NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

provident care. Named for Mary, the Mother of God, Notre Dame Academy honors Mary’s spirit of prayer and generosity and sets it as a model for students to emulate.

Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame, founded in 1850 in Coesfeld, Germany by Hilligonde Wolbring (Sr. Maria Aloysia). Due to political upheaval in Germany, the Sisters immigrated to the United States in 1874 and began their work in Kentucky and Ohio, coming to Los Angeles in 1924. The congregation is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, and the Catholic education of youth has always been among the congregation’s primary apostolic ministries. Many SND schools and institutions around the world bear the name, Notre Dame, French for “Our Lady.”

In light of Church teaching, Notre Dame Academy acknowledges that parents/guardians are the primary educators of their children and therefore partners with them to promote the growth of each student. Committed to forming women of faith, Notre Dame Academy cultivates an environment in which students are empowered to live Catholic values, witness to God’s goodness and provident care, and put their faith into action. Providing myriad opportunities for prayer, reflection, and service, Notre Dame Academy encourages lifelong participation in the Church, as well as in the local and global community.

Notre Dame Academy opened on September 14, 1949, in the elementary school library. In March of the following year, ground was broken in the adjacent lot to begin construction of a new high school building. In 1952, Timothy Cardinal Manning, then Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, dedicated the first phase of the completed building. In 1954, the second phase of the construction plan included the chapel, science lab and auditorium/gym. Since then there have been numerous expansions and improvements, including the addition of the Fritz Burns wing in 1998.

The Educational program, which promotes excellence, includes a value-centered, rigorous, college preparatory curriculum, enhanced by technology and extra-curricular activities. Notre Dame Academy strives to develop the academic and leadership potential of each student and provides the tools to develop selfconfidence, set meaningful goals and take the initiative to achieve them. Celebrating its rich heritage and diversity, Notre Dame Academy cherishes each student as a reflection of God’s goodness and prepares her to lead a life characterized by spiritual and moral growth, academic excellence, social responsibility and a love of learning.

Notre Dame Academy initially operated as a comprehensive school, offering programs of study to accommodate the vocational, business and college-bound student. In 1969, the decision was made to reorganize the curriculum in order to emphasize college preparation for all students.

MISSION STATEMENT Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school dedicated to educating young women to make a difference.

Beginning in the fall of 2004, the school moved to a transitional administrative structure with co-Principals. In the fall of 2005, the school adopted the President/Principal model and established a Board of Trustees and a Board of Members, the latter comprised of Sisters of Notre Dame. Since 2008, the elementary school and the high school have maintained separate identities but have shared one President and a single Board of Trustees.

COMMITMENT TO CHRISTIAN SERVICE Notre Dame Academy considers Christian Service a hallmark of the NDA community. In conjunction with the Campus Ministry program, NDA requires every student to participate in the Christian Service program. The school’s philosophy states that intellectual faith must be put into practice. Therefore, the school encourages a commitment to life-long service to the Church and community. NDA recognizes that the lived experience of faith is an on-going process which deepens with age and maturity.

Specifics about the Christian Service program can be found on pages 10 and 20 of this handbook.

Notre Dame Academy is fully accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Education Association and holds membership in the National Catholic Education Association. In 1992 and 1996, the school applied for Blue Ribbon status. Both times the United States Department of Education named Notre Dame Academy a Nationally Recognized School of Excellence. The most recent WASC evaluation, in the spring of 2013, resulted in a full sixyear accreditation.

INTEGRAL STUDENT OUTCOME (ISO) BENCHMARKS Notre Dame Academy graduates are:

PHILOSOPHY

Women of Faith who live Catholic values and witness to God’s goodness and provident care. They...

1. Respect themselves and others as reflections of God’s image and likeness.

2. Understand the Catholic faith and traditions and integrate them into their lives.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to the communal aspect of church, a strong moral code, personal prayer and growth in personal faith.

Devoted to educating young women to make a difference by living the gospel message, Notre Dame Academy nurtures the development of the whole person, by recognizing the dignity, uniqueness and potential of each student. As a Catholic school, Notre Dame Academy encourages students to integrate learning and living in light of the Gospel message. In the spirit of St. Julie Billiart, and in the educational tradition and charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Academy provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects God’s goodness and

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of the school.

4. Honor God's creation and work to preserve its balance and beauty.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, disability or national and /or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies and practices, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs, although certain athletic leagues and other programs may limit participation.

Women of Academic Excellence who think critically and communicate effectively. They...

5. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and integrity.

6. Explore the human experience through the arts.

7. Use scientific attitudes and principles to better understand the natural world.

8. Speak and write with confidence and skill.

As a Catholic school, every attempt is made to serve students whose parents desire a Catholic education for them. While the school does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not always be available to them. Decisions concerning the admission and continued enrollment of a student in the school are based on the student’s emotional, academic and physical abilities and the resources available to the school in meeting the student’s needs.

Women of Vision and Leadership who collaborate, problem solve, and use technology ethically. They...

9. Assume responsibilities of leadership.

10. Conduct themselves with honor.

11. Dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.

12. Exercise their social and personal responsibilities in global, national, civic and church communities.

THE SCHOOL DAY

Women of Service and Compassion who make a positive difference in the world. They..

13. Live a life of service.

14. Advocate for peace and justice.

15. Respect the sanctity and diversity of all human life.

16. Bring the hope and healing of Christ to all they serve.

The main office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Security is on campus from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 6:00 p.m. A security guard assigned to an evening event will remain on campus for fifteen minutes after the event ends. Parents are expected to pick up students before security leaves.

On days when where the calendar in this handbook says, “School Closes at 3:00,” or a 3:00 closing is announced, parents are expected to arrange for their daughter to e picked by by 3:00. Security will leave at 3:00, and students may return to campus after 3:00.

ADMISSIONS POLICIES Admission is determined by five basic indicators of the student’s potential for success at Notre Dame Academy: • National standardized test scores (HSPT or ISEE) • Interview with Notre Dame Academy personnel • Scholastic achievement and conduct in grades 6, 7 and 8 • Recommendations from 8th grade teachers and Principal • Results of standardized testing in grades 6, 7 and 8

On most days, classes are in session from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 or 1:00 p.m. Classes rotate daily, with six 50-minute classes meeting Monday through Wednesday. Three 85-minute classes meet on block days. Zero Period classes begin at 7:00 a.m.

Period Seven classes begin at 2:45 p.m. or 1:15 p.m. Students are expected to attend school on retreat and activity days.

Ordinarily, a student with a D or F in grades 6, 7 or 8 will not be considered for admission. Additionally, a student is expected to maintain her level of performance through the completion of grade 8 following her acceptance at Notre Dame Academy. A significant drop in academic or behavior grades may jeopardize a student’s status for admission. Notre Dame Academy will finalize acceptance upon review of the student’s June report card, financial clearance by the elementary school and the completion of all paperwork.

On all days, once a student arrives at school, she must remain on campus until her classes and any on-campus activities are over. Students may not stay in the student lot after they park but must proceed directly to the main campus. The student lot is off limits to all students throughout the day. Office personnel may allow a student to go to her car during the school day, accompanied by the security guard.

After 3:30 p.m., all students still on campus and not meeting with a teacher or coach must be in room 210, in the front hall, or outside but within the gates/fences.

HSPT scores become part of the student’s permanent file and will be accessible to the student upon admission to Notre Dame Academy. This policy is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 which guarantees the right of access to the permanent file only upon admission as a student. Recommendation letters do not become part of the applicant’s permanent file and therefore are not open for review.

During the school day, including lunchtime, students may not associate with people who are off campus or who are on campus without permission.

Students may not bring guests to school without prior permission of the Principal or Associate Principal and the permission of each subject teacher concerned.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The school, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students regardless of race or national and/or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students

Those persons not in attendance, registered or associated with the school are not permitted in or around the school (State Vagrancy Law - Penal Code 647) or at school-sponsored

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events; this includes students who have left the school for disciplinary reasons. Visitors, including parents/guardians and alumnae, must report to the security guard who will escort them to the main office. The faculty room is at all times for the use of faculty and staff only.

OFFICE PROCEDURES

5.

IMMUNIZATIONS A student who does not have a current immunization record on file will be excluded from school until she submits a verification of current immunization.

6.

7.

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL When a student misses class time, she misses more than paperwork; she misses the intellectual sharing, the group dynamic and the opportunity to test her ideas against those of her peers and teachers.

Every day that a student is absent, her parent/guardian must call the school office by 9:30 a.m. and leave a message on the voice mail or speak to office personnel. A parent/guardian call is necessary each day, whether the student will be absent the entire day or a portion of the day. Absences from Zero and Seventh Period classes must be reported as well as absences from Periods One through Six. The information that must be provided in this phone call is as follows: • the student’s full name • the date of the absence • which part of the day the student will miss • the reason for the absence • the name of the person calling • the relationship of the caller to the student If the parent/guardian has not called by 9:30, office personnel will call home or work to verify the absence. When the student returns to school, no note is required.

ABSENCES AND ACADEMIC CREDIT A student who misses more than 12 sessions of a class during a semester, including Zero and Seventh Period classes, may lose credit. If a Seventh Period class meets twice a week, each class period equals two sessions. If a seventh period class meets once a week, each class period equals four sessions. The administration reserves the right to determine how much credit the student will receive. Parents are encouraged to monitor absences on PowerSchool.

ABSENCES AND COLLEGE VISITS Juniors and seniors are allowed three excused absences per year for college visits. These do not count toward the 12 absences allowed per semester; however, they do count against perfect attendance. A parent/guardian phone call is required when a junior or senior is missing school because of a college visit.

The student must submit dated verification of the visit from the college in order for the absence not to be counted toward the 12 permitted absences per semester.

Additional Points Regarding Absences from School 1.

2.

3.

4.

or because of her participation in an NDA-sponsored extra-curricular activity does not need a parent/guardian call. This time out of class is not counted as an absence toward the 12 absences per semester.

Retreat days and special activity days (such as Notre Dame Day, assembly days, etc.) are included in the number of school days required by the State of California.

A student is truant if she is absent from school for any part of the school day without the permission of her parent/guardian. No make-up work is allowed for any class missed due to truancy (unexcused absence).

Ditching is defined as any absence from class without the express permission of the teacher. If the teacher has directed the student to be somewhere during the class period, failure to comply on the part of the student may constitute ditching. No make-up work is allowed for any class time missed due to ditching (unexcused absence).

ABSENCES AND EVENTS AT OTHER SCHOOLS When NDA makes available information about daytime events or conferences as student enrichment possibilities, these are not considered school-sponsored and do count as absences.

If a student arrives after 8:15 a.m., she is both tardy and absent, and her parent/guardian must call the office. Her tardiness counts toward the seven morning tardies that are excused each year. Her absence counts towards the 12 per classes per semester after which she may lose academic credit.

If the student needs to leave before dismissal, a parent/guardian must come to the school office and sign her out.

When the student arriving late or leaving early is an NDA student-driver, the parent/guardian must call the school office before the student arrives or well before the student needs to leave. Even if the parent/guardian has indicated on the Parent Information Update Form that the studentdriver may drive out if she needs to leave, a phone call is necessary. Student-drivers are expected to make every effort to avoid coming late or leaving during the school day. For the rare exception, the student-driver is expected to get clearance from the front office if she must arrive late or leave during the day. Abuse of this privilege may cause the student to lose her student–driver status.

A student who leaves early or is out of class because of a meeting with NDA personnel (advisor, administrator, etc.)

ABSENCES AND WORK MISSED Work missed during an absence must be made up. It is the student’s responsibility to get homework assignments from each teacher. If the absence is longer than two days, parents/guardians should contact the grade level Academic Advisor and request missed assignments and homework.

Parents/guardians may pick up assignments in the office.

ABSENCES AND ACTIVITIES/SPORTS To participate in any sport or after-school activity (practice, game, rehearsal, performance, dance, etc.), a student must be present for at least three hours of the school day, excluding lunch, on the day of the sport or activity. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the administration.

On the day of the prom, juniors who plan to attend this event must be at school for the entire day. If a junior who failed to attend the entire school day goes to the prom, her parents will be contacted and asked to pick her up. In addition, the cost of

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the bid will not be refunded.

Students who are student-drivers will not be released from school on the basis of a telephone call unless the parents/ guardians have signed a release form indicating that in the case of illness a telephone call is adequate to release the student.

PARENT INFORMATION UPDATE FORM Parents/guardians will be asked to fill out a Parent Information Update Form each spring when students register for the next year and must notify the office of any changes that occur during the year. Students will not be released to persons not listed on the Parent Information Update Form. If for any reason another person assumes responsibility for the students for an extended period, parents/guardians must notify the office ahead of time in writing.

If a student-driver is picked up by a parent/guardian, she must be sure that her car is not blocking another car and notify the front office if her car will remain in the lot overnight.

It is against state law for the school or its personnel, including coaches, retreat leaders, etc., to give any medication, including aspirin, to a student.

TEMPORARY GUARDIAN If a student will temporarily be in the care of someone other than her parent or legal guardian, the parent must send a signed note stating the student’s name, the name of the temporary guardian, and the dates of this arrangement.

Parents/guardians of students with special health needs should contact the registrar at the beginning of the school year. She will contact the student’s teachers as necessary.

The administration and school office personnel should be informed if a student has need of a prescription drug.

DURING-THE-DAY TARDIES Students tardy to class during the day for any reason must go to the office for a tardy slip. A teacher may excuse the tardiness.

In that case, the teacher signs the tardy admit and returns it to the student who is then responsible for taking it to the office before the end of school the same day.

ACCIDENTS/ILLNESS AND INSURANCE Accidents and illness must be reported immediately to an administrator and to the school office. This regulation includes every accident and illness in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any school-sponsored event.

Students also have the responsibility to report another student's accident or illness. The school recommends that all families provide insurance for their daughters, particularly for those students involved in sports. The secondary insurance provided by the school is subject to a deductible and co-payments. In case of an accident, an insurance claim form should be secured from the school office. The supervising teacher will make a written report of the circumstances on the day the accident happens. Neither the school nor its personnel incurs any financial responsibility for the transportation and/or treatment of a student.

Students who are tardy to class because they have been delayed by a teacher or staff member are required to take a note from that person to the office. The student will receive a tardy admit already marked “excused” which she presents to the teacher for whose class she is late. No other action is necessary on the part of the teacher or student.

Each unexcused tardy during the day results in a one hour detention.

MORNING TARDY POLICY A student is considered late to her hour 1 class if she arrives after the 8:00 a.m. bell but before 8:15 a.m. Students are allowed seven excused morning tardies during the year. When a student has accumulated five morning tardies, her parents/guardians will receive a letter of notification stating that she only has two excused tardies remaining. There are no detentions attached to the seven excused morning tardies. After the student has used her seven excused tardies, she will be issued a detention for each unexcused morning tardy. Students who arrive later than 8:15 a.m. (but still during the hour 1 class period) will be considered tardy and absent from their hour 1 class. A tardy counts towards the seven excused tardies allowed for the year. Students who miss more than fifteen minutes of the hour 1 class need a parent/guardian phone call that day verifying their absence. If a student is tardy or considered tardy and absent to her hour 1 class due to a doctor’s appointment, she may receive an excused tardy that does not count against her seven excused morning tardies if she provides a doctor’s note.

LEAVING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY No student may leave the school premises during the day without authorization by the office. Students cannot be released to anyone other than a parent, guardian or other person listed on the Parent Information Update form. Students may not be released on the basis of a parent/guardian telephone call for doctor, dentist or other appointments unless the parent/guardian has signed a release form indicating that in the case of such appointments a telephone call is adequate to release the student.

Students must have signed parent/guardian permission slips for school-sponsored field trips and excursions or they will not be permitted to participate in the trip and must remain at school.

WORK PERMITS State law allows no minor (a person under 18 years of age) to work without a permit. The State of California does not provide work permits to private and parochial schools. To obtain a work permit, students at Notre Dame Academy must ask the registrar for the following: 1. a request for a work permit form (Note: This form is not the work permit itself.)

2. a letter stating she is a student at NDA

RELEASE OF STUDENTS/ILLNESS OCCURRING AT SCHOOL If a student becomes ill while at school or during off-campus activities, her parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to come get her. It is therefore essential that current emergency information be on file for each student at all times.

A student who becomes ill while at school must go to the office to call home.

The office will fill out the school portion of the request for a

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work permit and provide the letter. The student takes this information along with her birth certificate to the public school in her district. The public school will issue a work permit. Call the public school to check on special times for service. It is suggested that a part-time job not exceed 20 hours per week.

Any parent, guardian, or other person whose conduct in a place where a school employee is required to be in the course of his or her duties materially disrupts class work or extracurricular activities or involves substantial disorder is guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 10 days, or both. (California Education Code 44811)

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS A parent/guardian who wishes to withdraw a student must contact the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office will provide the Withdrawal/Transfer Request Form and set up a mandatory exit interview. Official transcripts will not be released until the completion of the exit interview. Any student under the age of 16 who withdraws must show valid proof of enrollment in another high school before official transcripts will be released. See Financial Policies for further details.

Non-NDA persons are expected to observe rules of good sportsmanship when attending home or away sports contests.

Any person exhibiting inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the event and/or the premises.

Failure of a parent or guardian to follow school policy/ regulations may result in the school’s requesting the parent/ guardian to withdraw the daughter from Notre Dame Academy.

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS “Student records” means any record related to a student that is maintained by a school or one of its employees. It includes health records. It does not include “directory information” or a school employee’s informal notes, if the notes remain in the sole possession of the maker and are not made available to others, except to a substitute.

PREGNANCY The teaching of the Catholic Church is clear regarding the right to life of all human beings and the reverence and respect owed to each person, including those conceived and not yet born.

The school will allow a pregnant student to continue to complete course work toward graduation. The welfare of the student and her unborn baby, as well as the impact on the rest of the student body, will be carefully considered in all decisions pertinent to the situation. Any pregnant student attending school must have a doctor's approval note on file at the school.

The administration reserves the right to make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Only the Principal, as custodian of the records, authorizes the release of student records. Only teachers or administrators charged with student oversight have the right to view or use student records. Student records may be released by judicial order such as a subpoena or a search warrant. In specific cases, such as suspicion of kidnapping, police officers may be given access to records.

STUDENT STATUS Married Students: Since a married student is no longer accountable to a parent or guardian, the relationship between the school and the parent/ guardian is compromised. Any student who marries forfeits her enrollment at Notre Dame Academy.

Eighteen-Year-Old Students: All school regulations apply to students who are 18 years or older while they are enrolled in school. The school continues to communicate with parents or legal guardians concerning grades, disciplinary matters, etc.

Parents and legal guardians of minors have the absolute right to access their daughter’s student records in accordance with the school’s reasonable procedures for providing such access.

Parents or legal guardians may grant any specified person written consent to access specifically identified student records.

In cases of legal separation and/or divorce, California state law gives the custodial parent and a non-custodial parent with visitation rights the right to access and examine student records.

However, only the custodial parent may consent to the release of records and has the right to challenge the content of the records and to write responses to information regarding disciplinary action. A non-custodial parent without visitation rights has no right of access to records of any kind.

Change of Residence: Students who attend Notre Dame Academy must reside with their parents or legal guardians. The administration must be notified immediately of any change in residence status.

TRANSFER OF STUDENT RECORDS If a student transfers from Notre Dame Academy to another school, a copy of the Cumulative Student Report and the original Health Record shall be transferred by Notre Dame Academy upon request from the school where the student intends to enroll, contingent upon receiving a release from the parent or guardian. The original cumulative Student Record will remain at Notre Dame Academy.

HIV/AIDS Notre Dame Academy has accepted the United States Bishops’ statement, “The Many Faces of AIDS: A Gospel Response” as adapted for use within the Archdiocese. This document states: HIV/AIDS infection is not spread by casual contact; therefore, infection with AIDS in and of itself is not a reason to exclude a student from attending school. Usually, these students are entitled to all rights and services accorded to other students.

Decisions about any changes in the educational program of a student who is infected with HIV/AIDS shall be made on a case-by-case basis. Each situation will be analyzed and responded to as required by its particular facts. Any decisions will take into consideration Christian concern and compassion, community health and well-being, and individual privacy and

Notre Dame Academy reserves the right to decline to give the student her diploma or report card or to refuse to send transcripts to a college or employer until the student’s financial obligations are met.

ACTIONS AND ATTITUDES OF NON-NDA PERSONS

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3

needs.

Students complete one semester by taking PE/Health freshman year. To complete the PE requirement, students must take any combination of sports conditioning classes, sports teams, or PE: Dance amounting to at least five credits total.

4 The VPA requirement should be met through a year-long course in the Art and Art History Department or the Performing Arts Department.

5 Not required beginning with the class of 2017.

6 Students may select the remainder of the 240 units of credit from available courses offered in the curriculum. Students may base their selections on individual ability, interest, or need. No course with a grade of F will be credited toward graduation. Students must make up grades of D or F, either online or during approved summer school courses, except in rare circumstances. Requests to participate in off-campus college/university courses in order to fulfill the VPA graduation requirement must be submitted in writing to the Director of Academics for approval. All other NDA graduation requirements must be taken on campus at NDA unless otherwise approved by the Director of Academics. Requests and credit will be handled on an individual basis.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OR CONDITIONS Students with a contagious disease or condition should be treated by medical personnel and kept at home until they are no longer contagious. A student who comes to school with an untreated infectious disease or condition will be kept in the office until a parent/guardian comes to pick her up. A doctor’s note must verify that a student is no longer contagious in order for her to be readmitted.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Central to the philosophy of Notre Dame Academy is the belief that parents/guardians are the primary educators of their children. In support of this belief, the school and the parents/guardians work in close collaboration in all aspects of the student's educational process. Notre Dame Academy educates the whole person, with emphasis on spirituality, academics, and extra-curricular activities. It is important that the student maintain an appropriate balance among these three areas as she progresses toward her goals.

Graduation is a privilege, not a right. In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, seniors are required to attend the Senior Alumnae Welcome Event, all graduation practices, the Honor Assembly, and the Baccalaureate Liturgy. Only the administration may make an exception.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS To graduate from Notre Dame Academy, a student must have completed a minimum of 240 semester credits, including the following specific requirements. Students normally receive five credits for each semester of a course. All of these credits and requirements must be fulfilled at Notre Dame Academy unless otherwise approved. Please be aware that entrance requirements for colleges are not always equivalent to NDA graduation requirements. Please consult the Curriculum Catalog for further details on NDA graduation requirements and college entrance requirements.

Religion1 English Social Science Mathematics World Languages2 Laboratory Science Biology Chemistry Physical Education/Health3 Communications Visual and Performing Arts4 Computer Literacy5 Electives6

ZERO AND SEVENTH PERIOD OFFERINGS Zero Period (before 8 a.m.) and Seventh Period (Monday – Thursday after 2:30 p.m. or Friday after 1:00 p.m.) classes are extended day classes that carry their own tuition and fees. Zero Period classes meet daily before the regular school day begins; Seventh Period classes may meet once a week after school or, more commonly, twice a week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Be sure to pay close attention to the days and times each class meets, as indicated in the Curriculum Catalog. The tuition and fees for these classes cover the cost of instruction and materials and will be included with FACTS if not paid with the initial registration. However, students taking a Zero or Seventh Period class who wish it to be their sixth class (instead of their seventh) may register for a study hall period during the school day and owe no tuition for the Zero or Seventh Period class (except for any materials fees).

Insufficient enrollment may result in class cancellation. Both parental and teacher consent are required for withdrawal from a Zero or Seventh Period class, and this is allowed only during the first two weeks of the class using the Schedule Change Request Form that is available in the office.

8 semesters 8 semesters 6 semesters 6 semesters 4 semesters 4 semesters 2 semesters 2 semesters 2 semesters 1 semester 2 semesters 3 credits 6 semesters

1

If a student misses more than one-fifth of the number of classes per semester, she may lose full credit for the course, or her grade may suffer significantly. Please refer to the school calendar for days when Zero or Seventh Period classes are cancelled. Since attendance at all Zero/Seventh Period classes is mandatory, and attendance for sports team participation is essential, sophomores, juniors and seniors who plan to participate in a sport may not sign up for Seventh Period classes that meet during their sport season. Freshmen who plan to participate in a sport may not sign up for Seventh Period

In keeping with the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Curriculum Framework, a full year of religion is required for each grade level. In addition, each student must complete a minimum of 25 hours of Christian service per year. Additionally, seniors who have not completed their minimum 100 hours of service will not receive a diploma or participate in the graduation ceremony.

Please see the Christian Service policy on page 20.

2 All semesters must be in the same world language and taken one directly after the other.

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classes that meet during that sports season, except for Friday Period Seven classes. For freshman athletes taking a Friday Period Seven class, the mandatory Friday sports practice will be waived. Likewise, participation in other extracurricular activities such as the spring musical, the DTASC drama festival, or the Shakespeare festival will likely make participation in most Seventh Period classes difficult, so a student should be sure to consider potential scheduling dilemmas prior to committing to a course or activity.

ENROLLMENT IN AP/HONORS CLASSES

ONLINE COURSES Notre Dame Academy provides the opportunity for students (generally seniors) to take online courses for NDA credit under the following circumstances: • A required course is unavailable given the student’s overall schedule.

• The student desires to take a specialized elective course that is not offered at NDA. (Keep in mind that VPA and lab science requirements generally cannot be completed via online courses.)

NDA encourages students to accept the challenges and opportunities for intellectual growth offered by Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Each AP and honors course provides a stimulating and rigorous study of a particular field, and requires that the student commit considerable time, energy, effort, enthusiasm, and self-discipline to the full scope of that course. Students and parents should carefully and thoughtfully read the following AP policy: •

•

Students in these situations should register for Independent Study and submit a request to the Director of Academics for approval of the proposed online course. Students must research proposed online classes with their academic advisors to ensure eligibility for UC/CSU and NCAA credit (as appropriate). NDA will cover the full cost of required courses only, if approved; all other online course tuition is subject to consideration for administrative approval of full or partial coverage upon submission of a written request by the student’s family.

Students will take the online course during a study hall period and should use the entire period to work on the course, just as they would for any traditional course. Students must complete the course with a satisfactory grade (C- or higher); otherwise, families may be subject to reimbursing NDA for any tuition paid by the school on the student’s behalf.

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are expected to take the Advanced Placement exams for these courses. If a student ultimately chooses not to take the AP exam, she will be required to take a teacher-created final exam on the regularly scheduled second semester exam day. This grade will be incorporated into the student’s second semester grade.

A student opting out of an AP exam will be required to attend all of her classes on the day of the AP exam and wear her uniform, as this will be viewed as a normal school day.

SCHEDULE CHANGES The only schedule changes possible once the school year has begun are those initiated by teacher recommendation or administrative decision. The only exception is that a student may add or withdraw from a sports conditioning, art, or performing arts Seventh Period class during the first two weeks of the class. Such withdrawal requires written parental consent. A grade of F will be given unless these requirements are met.

At the discretion of the teacher, an AP student who takes the AP exam may be exempted from taking a second semester final exam. This may result in all students being exempted, some students being exempted, or just one student being exempted. However, if a student has not performed to the best of her ability in the AP class, even if she has taken the AP exam, the teacher reserves the right to give the student a second semester final exam on the regularly scheduled exam day. This grade will be incorporated into the student’s second semester grade.

•

Each student and at least one parent will be required to attend a spring AP informational meeting that delineates the rigors and requirements of the AP course(s) in which the student has enrolled for the following school year. Additionally, students and parents will sign an agreement at registration stating their understanding of and commitment to the school policy for these courses for the following year.

•

Each AP exam has a fee (approximately $90) that will be added to the student’s FACTS tuition payment account in September to be paid throughout the school year.

REMEDIATION COURSEWORK Students who earn a D or F in a required mathematics, world language, science, or English course at NDA must make up that course during the summer at an accredited high school or college or with a UC-approved online course. (Keep in mind that VPA and lab science requirements generally cannot be completed via online courses.) Be sure to consult with your academic advisor to determine exactly which courses require remediation and to consider the best options for doing so, and consult the school’s website at www.ndala.com for a list of options. Students earning a D or F in any class should carefully review the requirements for next year’s courses. Also, college eligibility may be hampered by not remediating any D or F grades. (Student-athletes must consult with their academic advisor to ensure NCAA course eligibility.) Any remediation courses taken must be full, 5-credit, semester courses that are UC approved. Students must ensure that a transcript of the summer grade is submitted to NDA before the end of summer vacation in order to receive their class schedule for the following school year.

Additionally, full details of NDA policies concerning appropriate course requests, to include AP and honors courses, are available in the Curriculum Catalog.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES Highly motivated students may choose to pursue community

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college courses due to special interests. Since these courses will usually not appear on the student's NDA transcript, the community college transcript should be submitted along with the student’s NDA transcript for college applications. Students may consider taking a UC-approved VPA (Visual and Performing Art) course—or another course to remediate a D or F grade—at a community college to meet their NDA graduation requirements, but they must receive administrative approval prior to enrolling.

C-

NDA SUMMER SCHOOL NDA offers numerous course options during NDA Summer School; students are encouraged to consider these to open up more elective course options in their schedules during the school year or to take enrichment or prerequisite courses. Please consult the separate NDA Summer School Curriculum Catalog at www.ndala.com for more information. NDA does not offer remediation courses during the summer; these must be taken at other accredited schools or through approved online providers (see above).

4.0 GPA points 3.7 GPA points

B:

B+ B B-

87—89% 83—86% 80—82%

3.3 GPA points 3.0 GPA points 2.7 GPA points

C:

C+ C

77—79% 73—76%

2.3 GPA points 2.0 GPA points

F 0—59% 0.0 GPA points A student with an F at the semester receives no credit and must repeat the course in summer school.

Indicates that the student's work for the grading period is INCOMPLETE. An incomplete grade becomes an automatic F if the student does not complete the work within eight weeks.

Indicates credit without a grade designation. Some courses do not carry letter grades but still earn credit.

The computation of the GPA does not include these courses.

SEMESTER GRADES The letter grades published on report cards are calculated by giving 80% weight to the semester work and 20% weight to the semester final exam.

CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION A student in grades 10, 11, or 12 may earn CSF membership based on semester grades. She must accumulate 10 CSF points that she has earned as follows: an A grade = 3, a B grade = 1, an Honors A grade = 4 and an Honors B grade = 2. Only five classes may be used to calculate these points, and the first 7 points must be earned in her primary classes (English, math, social studies, science, and world language). To earn membership, a student must submit a completed application to the CSF moderator each semester by NDA’s published deadline.

A student who is a CSF member for four semesters in grades 10 through 12, including one semester in senior year, becomes a life member seal bearer and is recognized with a gold cord and CSF pin worn at graduation. Semester application submission deadlines are indicated on the school calendar and must be met in order for the application to be eligible. No late applications will be accepted, as per CSF policy. The CSF application and rules may be found on the NDA website.

GRADING POLICIES Teachers use a variety of evaluation methods to determine a student’s grade. A student’s percentage grade in a class is converted into a letter grade that has a GPA value as listed below, which is used for calculating her cumulative GPA. 93—100% 90—92

F:

Excessive absences (more than 12 absences from a class per semester, or the equivalent number of course hours in zero/seventh period courses) may affect the number of credits given for a course, as determined by the administration.

REPORT CARDS Notre Dame Academy issues report cards after each semester.

Grades for Advanced Placement and certain honors courses may be weighted, according to UC standards, as indicated in the Curriculum Catalog. In those cases the student receives an additional GPA point for any grade above D+.

A A-

D+ 67—69% 1.3 GPA points D 63—66% 1.0 GPA points D60—62% 0.7 GPA points A student with a D at the semester receives credit but typically must repeat the course in summer school.

P:

ONLINE GRADES PowerSchool allows parents/guardians and students to view the student’s grades and attendance record online using schoolgenerated personal usernames and passwords. As a result, it is the responsibility of parents/guardians and students to check student progress regularly. Teachers will communicate essential information to parents/guardians and students via PowerSchool in lieu of mailed deficiency, proficiency, and progress reports.

Please refer to the school calendar for PowerSchool blackout dates during the semester exam and grading timeframes.

A:

1.7 GPA points

D:

I:

ABSENCES Excessive absences (more than 12 classes per semester, or onefifth of the class time for Zero or Seventh Period) may affect the amount of credit given for a course, including the possibility of earning a 0 in the course and no credit. Each case is treated individually.

70—72%

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The National Honor Society Regina chapter of Notre Dame Academy, a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious organization, is open to students in grades 12, 11, and the second semester of grade 10. To be considered for membership, a student must meet the minimum academic requirement of a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.90. A faculty committee selects members based on their excellence in character, service, leadership and scholarship. Any student

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Daily study is recommended even when no written work is assigned. Students in AP and honors classes should expect more work. Students absent from class are responsible for completing missed assignments, quizzes, and tests in a timely manner. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with each teacher immediately upon her return to class. Please refer to the course policy sheet for each class for the teacher’s specific policies concerning prompt make-up of missed work.

falling below a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.90 will jeopardize her NHS membership. Once membership is forfeited, it cannot be regained. Members in good standing wear a cord in their class color at graduation.

HONOR ROLL Based on semester averages, students receive honor ribbons as follows:

SEMESTER EXAMS Semester exams are required in all classes, and students are expected to take final exams at the scheduled times. No exams may be taken before exam week without prior permission from the Director of Academics. Students who are late for a semester exam forfeit the time missed. Only with administrative approval may individual students be granted additional time.

First Honors 4.00 and up Gold ribbon Second Honors 3.50 – 3.99 White ribbon Third Honors 3.00 – 3.49 Red or burgundy ribbon ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Standards of academic excellence at Notre Dame Academy, as expressed in the school’s Honor Code, include expectations of academic integrity. The expectation is that every member of the NDA community act with the integrity and dignity befitting membership in this community and in the wider Catholic community. Students who commit academic infractions, as described on page 17, lose credit for their work, have a conference with the Dean, and incur disciplinary consequences.

The Director of Academics handles any special circumstances regarding semester examinations. Students who have not met their financial obligations will be scheduled for their exams once these obligations have been met. Students who are too ill to take an exam on the scheduled day will be expected to take the exam on the scheduled make-up day. Students who do not take their exam(s) on the dates scheduled for other than financial or medical reasons will receive an F for the exam(s). Advanced Placement students who take the AP exam in May may be exempt from the second semester final, at the discretion of the instructor. Senior exemptions are at the discretion of the instructor in accordance with administrative directives.

When signing an acceptance of admission for a particular college, a senior is stating that she is not accepting and will not accept a position at any other college so long as her acceptance to the first school is valid. To sign an acceptance of admission for more than one college is dishonest, jeopardizes NDA’s reputation with the colleges, and possibly deprives another student of acceptance. If NDA becomes aware of this breach of academic integrity, that senior may forfeit any NDA-sponsored awards as well as all recognition at the Senior Honor Assembly.

In addition, the colleges involved may be notified.

Semester exam papers are not returned to students; however, students have the right to examine their graded exam papers on site with the teacher at a mutually agreed upon time.

ACADEMIC PROBATION/DISMISSAL Notre Dame Academy requires that students maintain a weighted semester grade point average (GPA) and weighted cumulative GPA of 2.00. A current or semester GPA below 2.00 and/or Ds or Fs in three or more classes are grounds for academic probation. The Director of Academics will send a letter to the student’s parents/guardians informing them of this status. Academic probation, like citizenship probation, may make the student ineligible to represent her class, organization or school in sports teams, speech tournaments, dance performances, choir concerts, DTASC, the spring musical, etc. If the student’s weighted cumulative GPA has improved to at least 2.00 after the probationary semester, she regains good academic standing. A student who has a weighted cumulative GPA considerably below 2.00 in June may require more than the maximum number of summer school classes to raise it by the following school year. If she fails to raise her GPA to 2.00, she will be asked to register at another school. Cases will be handled individually.

FIELD TRIPS The curriculum may include excursions and field trips for educational purposes. For the student to participate, the parent or guardian must sign a Field Trip Permission form. A student who does not submit the required form may not participate in the activity and will be required to remain at school. Students must follow school rules while they are on field trips, and they are responsible for making up missed schoolwork.

POWERSCHOOL Parents and students are responsible for maintaining an awareness of current grades through the online portal to PowerSchool. Teachers sometimes add comments to a student’s PowerSchool profile, so it is vital that parents pay close attention to the grade details for their daughter. Prior to contacting a teacher regarding academic matters, parents should first consult PowerSchool to have an accurate picture of their daughter’s performance.

A student's registration and course schedule for the new school year will not be processed until she provides proof of completion of required summer school classes with a grade of C- or better. Incoming freshmen may be placed on academic probation depending on their performance in required summer school classes.

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES Those topics or issues of a religious, moral, social, political or scientific nature about which there are definite but differing opinions among recognized theologians, moralists, social scientists and scientists are generally considered to be controversial. Notre Dame Academy desires that students acquire critical thinking skills and the ability to recognize the

HOMEWORK/MISSED WORK

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difference between fact and opinion. Students and teachers are encouraged to explore controversial issues; however, if a controversial issue of a religious or moral nature is raised, the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church will be presented.

the annual tuition and class fees are paid in full by July 1, all tuition and class fee payments are made through the FACTS Tuition Service.

Tuition is due on the 5th of the month and is delinquent thereafter. A fee of $35 per month is charged when an account becomes delinquent. In addition, FACTS Tuition Service charges a $30 fee when a scheduled automatic debit payment cannot be processed due to insufficient funds. For incidental fees paid in the business office, a fee of $35 is charged when a check is returned by the bank for non-sufficient funds, stop payment, or account closed. Notre Dame Academy reserves the right to deny students the privilege of participating in school functions and receiving school services if tuition payments become delinquent. Personal checks are not accepted in the business office during the last two weeks of each semester.

Payments after these dates must be made in cash, cashier’s check or money order.

CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION The process outlined below is the same for students and parents.

However, because NDA students are encouraged to develop effective communication skills and to become independent young women, students should first follow the steps below before parents become involved.

The first step is to contact the teacher, moderator or coach. For an academic matter, the second step is to contact the Dean of the academic area in question and as a third step the Director of Academics. For a discipline issue, the contact should be with the teacher or moderator and then the Dean of Students. For a sports-related question, the contact should be with the coach, then the Director of Athletics.

All tuition and fees for the respective semester must be paid in full before a student may take first or second semester final examinations. The school will not issue report cards or allow Power School access to grades if the student’s financial obligations have not been met. If a student does not take her semester examinations, she receives an INCOMPLETE for each course. This INCOMPLETE will be entered on her transcript and will remain there until the student meets her financial obligations and takes her examinations. If a student transfers with INCOMPLETE on her record, she may need to repeat the courses in the new school, as schools give no credit for INCOMPLETES.

In all cases, the final steps are to consult first the Principal, and then, if necessary, the President. Because Notre Dame Academy is a private, Catholic school and not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Catholic Schools, referral of school matters to the Archdiocesan office does not further the resolution of the situation.

ANONYMOUS LETTERS The administration and faculty of NDA welcome and respect parent/guardian and student input regarding school matters.

However, students and parents/guardians are asked to follow the established channels of communication as published in this handbook. School personnel will not acknowledge or address any issues made known anonymously.

If a student voluntarily withdraws prior to June 30, no tuition will be due and those who have paid tuition in full will be refunded at 100%, minus the non-refundable registration fee.

EMAIL/FAX Communications from parents/guardians via fax and email may be subject to verification.

Any student who voluntarily withdraws after June 30 must follow this schedule:

All teachers and staff members have an email address composed of the person’s first initial and last name (example: John Doe is jdoe@ndala.com), with the following exceptions:

Tuition – Paid in Full: July 1 - July 31: 85% refund of total annual tuition August 1 - September 30: 70% refund of total annual tuition October 1 - October 31: 55% refund of total annual tuition November 1 - January 1: 40% refund of total annual tuition After January 1: No refund

Betsy (Elizabeth) Ward....................................eward@ndala.com Sister Anna Maria Vasquez..............................sam@ndala.com All students have NDA email accounts hosted on Gmail. All student email correspondence with teachers must come from her Gmail account, and students must check their NDA email daily. Teachers and staff who send emails to students’ Gmail addresses will expect students to read and act upon such emails as appropriate.

Tuition – Paid on a Payment Plan (FACTS) July 1 - July 31: 15% of total annual tuition is due and payable upon withdrawal August 1 - September 30: 30% of total annual tuition is due and payable upon withdrawal October 1 - October 31: 45% of total annual tuition is due and payable upon withdrawal November 1 - January 1: 60% of total annual tuition is due and payable upon withdrawal After January 1: 100% of total annual tuition is due and payable upon withdrawal

Student email addresses are composed of the student’s graduation year (two digits), her first initial, and her last name, such as Jane Doe in the class of 2019: 19jdoe@ndala.com.

FINANCIAL POLICIES TUITION POLICY In order for a student to receive her schedule at the opening of school, tuition and fees must be paid through August. Unless

The financial obligation is incurred at the time of enrollment. If enrollment is canceled after June 30, the parents or guardians

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who are financially responsible for the student are obligated to pay the annual tuition and fees according to the refund schedule above. The refund policy outlined above applies to the tuition balance due on all accounts, even for families using the monthly payment plan (FACTS). If your daughter leaves the school before the end of the school year, you are still obligated to pay the remaining balance regardless of the reason for leaving. In addition, registration fees, class fees, and sports fees are not refundable. Zero and 7th period class fees are not refundable after September 9. The registrar will process the transfer grades when the tuition obligations have been met.

Seniors who have not met financial obligations by the end of the second semester will not be eligible for the senior privilege of exam exemption. Seniors will not participate in the graduation ceremony or receive a diploma until the student has cleared all financial obligations, has taken her final exams and has received second semester grades.

1. Integrity, including academic integrity. Students attend school to learn and grow. A test, quiz, project, or other assessment gives them an opportunity to learn about themselves, to see their strengths, to see their weaknesses, and perhaps most importantly, to understand how they feel about a particular subject. In addition, assessments give valuable information to teachers as to how well they are teaching the material. This can only be accomplished if: a. Students do their own work, and b. Teachers clearly communicate what level of collaboration is acceptable.

2. Safety and security. The school community is most productive when all members can focus on what is important and not be distracted by concerns about personal safety or the security of belongings. Stealing is completely unacceptable.

3. Love and acceptance. NDA has a citywide reputation as being a warm and caring place. This is one of the many qualities that make our school special. Bullying of any kind runs counter to the Christ-like behavior expected in a Catholic school. It disrupts our loving community and is therefore not acceptable.

A student who is dismissed from the school for disciplinary reasons will receive no refund on paid fees or tuition. If a student with delinquent tuition payments is dismissed, the registrar will process transfer grades when tuition obligations have been met. A student who has registered for the next year but is not allowed to return for academic reasons will receive a refund of the registration minus a 15% processing and scheduling fee.

HONOR COUNCIL The Honor Council is a committee of students and faculty whose role is to advise the Principal when she is considering serious disciplinary action for a student. The Principal may request guidance from the Honor Council for any situation where she feels such input would be helpful. The final decision rests with the Principal.

FUNDRAISING POLICY Each family is responsible for a $600 mandatory fundraising requirement ($300 for the Gala Raffle and $300 for the Golf Tournament Raffle). Families who make a tax-deductible gift of $600 or more to the Notre Dame Fund are exempt from mandatory participation in the fundraisers.

The Honor Council is composed of three seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, two faculty members, the Dean, the Principal, and the President. All members of the Honor Council, including the two faculty members, remain anonymous.

TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANTS (TAG) Notre Dame Academy has a limited amount of financial aid available, as the school does not receive any financial support from federal or state agencies or from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The school provides tuition assistance grants on the basis of need as determined by the Private School Aid Service (PSAS). Please note that PSAS does not provide any funds; it is merely a consultatory organization. Students who receive tuition assistance are asked to provide some in-school service.

Failure to complete duties will result in a detention. Repeated failure to perform TAG duties will result in a verbal/written warning to the parents/guardians and possible loss of the grant.

HONOR PLEDGE I strive to be an honorable person. I pledge to always: • Act with integrity, including academic integrity • Respect other people and their belongings, • Treat everyone with love and concern, and • Inspire and encourage those around me to act with honor.

Notre Dame’s policies flow out of a desire to: A. encourage students to: 1. develop morally and ethically in the light of Catholic teachings and Christian behavior 2. behave with consideration for others 3. recognize that choices have consequences 4. become mature, self-disciplined young women B. ensure a school and classroom environment conducive to learning

PSAS application forms (complete with federal tax return, W2 forms and processing check) must be filed by early March. A committee reviews all requests as well as the prioritized list received from PSAS and makes decisions regarding Tuition Assistance Grants. The school notifies students in June of grants for the next year. The signed TAG contract must be returned immediately upon receipt. All proceedings are confidential.

A student's enrollment at Notre Dame Academy assumes acceptance and support of the school’s rules, mission statement, and philosophy by both student and parents/guardians.

Governed by the spirit of the NDA Honor Code, students are expected to behave appropriately on the school campus and at all school-sponsored events. Any events held at and/or sponsored by other schools are considered school-sponsored activities. Additionally, the student is expected to be the best possible representative of NDA at all times, whether she is wearing the school uniform or not.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT HONOR CODE The NDA Honor Code addresses three specific areas:

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the detention notice.

Students who receive no more than two detentions for the year earn a citizenship award at the end of the year. Freshmen receive a school pin, sophomores a guard for the pin, juniors a charm to hang on the guard and seniors a small gold rose on a gold chain.

GROUNDS FOR ONE TO FIVE DETENTIONS 1. Behaving disrespectfully towards an adult 2. Lying 3. Ditching a class or assembly 4. Technology Misuse: See pages 28-30.

5. Student Driver Violations: See pages 33-34.

6. Violating parking and/or driving regulations 7. Deliberate defiance Violating these regulations may carry a penalty of one to five detentions or more serious disciplinary action.

The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of a student’s appearance and behavior. The school has the right to dismiss at any time any student whose conduct on or off campus is harmful to the reputation and/or the moral welfare of the school community.

Notre Dame Academy’s philosophy encourages students to live in light of the Gospel message. In holding itself to the same high standards and believing strongly in the importance of moral and academic integrity, the school will report any serious disciplinary issues to the administration of a school an NDA student intends to attend, including a college or university.

UNIFORM VIOLATIONS The official uniform of Notre Dame Academy is the dress uniform, outlined on page 24. Every other uniform item is a privilege and will be treated as such. If a student is found in violation of the uniform code, she will lose the privilege of wearing the casual uniform for a day. On the designated date, the student must wear her complete dress uniform to school and will have her teachers sign her uniform violation form at the beginning of each class period. For every third violation, the student will receive a uniform violation as well as a citizenship detention. If a student fails to complete her day of dress uniform, she will receive a detention. Uniform violations also may be issued on non-uniform school days or at non-uniform school functions (i.e. school dances).

NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS If a student receives a detention, the Dean emails her and her parents/guardians a detention notice. A parent/guardian must reply to the Dean to acknowledge receipt of the detention notice.

Parents/guardians are notified in writing if a student accumulates five detentions for various offenses or receives a suspension (a serious infraction resulting in five hours of detention). If a student accumulates eight or more detentions in a year and is placed on citizenship probation, the parents/ guardians are also notified in writing.

If a student is in violation of the dress code on a dress uniform day, the student will receive a detention.

SERVING DETENTION A student will serve a one hour sitting detention for each infraction. During that hour she must remain silent and unoccupied, i.e., no cell phone, iPOD, homework, conversation, note-writing or sleeping is allowed.

DISCIPLINARY POLICIES GROUNDS FOR ONE DETENTION In general, a student may receive a detention for failure to follow any school rule or policy. Grounds for detention include but are not limited to: • Being tardy • Not being prepared for class • Not following teacher or school directives • Not handing in requested forms on time • Not complying with uniform regulations • Using inappropriate language in speech, gestures, writing, drawing, or other media • Not following closed campus regulations • Not following personal laptop, tablet, technology or network regulations • Eating or drinking beverages outside the designated times and areas • Chewing gum • Drinking beverages other than water in class.

• Not following pick-up/drop-off/driving regulations • Misusing/abusing school property

Students will sign up for detention via the form emailed with the detention notice. Students who arrive late may be subjected to serve an additional detention. Students are never permitted to miss a Period Seven class in order to serve detention. If a student does not serve her detention by the deadline, she will receive an additional detention.

Before a student may take her first or second semester final exams, all detentions must be served, whether the student is returning or not. Transcripts will not be sent if a student has not completed her detention obligations. Graduating seniors must complete their detention time before completion of senior exams in order to participate in baccalaureate/graduation practices and the public graduation ceremony.

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION (FIVE DETENTIONS) Grounds for suspension include, but are not limited to: 1.

A student who questions a particular detention should talk first to the teacher or office staff member who gave her the detention. If the student is not satisfied, she should then speak to the Dean. Any detention a student or parent/ guardian wishes to dispute must be contested within one week of the receiving

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6.

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Truancy (unexcused absence): The student will not be permitted to make up any work she has missed while she was truant.

Serious misbehavior Forging a signature Inappropriate language Visible tattoos (temporary or permanent) Piercings other than in the ears

7.

Receiving five detentions for a single offense.

may forfeit certain special senior privileges. The terms of Strict Probation will be provided in writing to the student and her parents/guardians; the contract is to be signed by the student and her parents/guardians and returned to the Dean.

SERVING SUSPENSION A student who incurs a suspension will serve a one-day inschool but not in-class suspension. A suspended student will not be allowed to make up the work missed for that day. In addition, students who have violations that warrant a suspension will serve five hours of detention as stipulated by the Dean.

The suspension adds five detentions to the student's citizenship record.

The Strict Probation contract is to be renewed each year and another contract signed by the administration, parent/guardian and student.

If a student on Strict Probation receives four detentions (other than tardy detentions) or is involved in any serious misconduct, she will have violated the Strict Probation contract. She is then subject to immediate dismissal, or dismissal at the end of a grading period, at the discretion of the administration. In the case of a senior, if the administration allows the student to remain at Notre Dame Academy for the year, she may forfeit the prom, Grad Night, and, possibly, participation in the Baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies.

At the discretion of the administration and Discipline Committee, in the case of serious misconduct, a student may be placed on Strict Probation even if she has no previous probation. The administration may assign special terms in this case of Strict Probation.

GROUNDS FOR PROBATION 1. The accumulation of eight detentions during the school year puts the student on Citizenship Probation.

2. A student who incurs a second probation will be placed on Strict Probation for her remaining time at Notre Dame. For example, a sophomore student placed on Strict Probation is bound by those probationary restrictions for her junior and senior years.

PENALTIES FOR PROBATION Citizenship Probation may make a student ineligible to represent her class, organization or school in sports teams, speech tournaments, dance performances, choir concerts, Drama Fest and/or the spring play production, etc. A student who is removed or chooses to withdraw from a team, production or performance is not entitled to any refund of fees paid. The administration reserves the right to handle situations on a case-by-case basis.

A student who has accumulated 12 detentions or who has violated a Strict Probation contract may not be allowed to return to Notre Dame Academy the following school year. Since participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege, not a right, a senior who has accumulated 12 detentions may not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Seniors who are on probation during the last nine weeks of school will lose senior privileges in the following order: prom, senior privileges, Grad Night, Senior Honor Assembly, Baccalaureate Mass, the graduation ceremony. Juniors who are on probation during the last nine weeks of the second semester may forfeit the prom and future senior privileges.

A student accused of a serious wrong may be placed on a home study program pending the outcome of either adjudication or investigation.

GROUNDS FOR PERMANENT DISMISSAL A student may be asked to withdraw or may be expelled for violations of school rules committed while on school grounds, while going to or from school, or during or while going to school-sponsored activities. Grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to the following three categories.

Any student who has been involved in any serious disciplinary issue may be excluded from extra-curricular activities.

If the administration places a student on citizenship probation, her parents/guardians will be notified in writing. In addition, a conference may be arranged to try to determine the nature of the student's cooperation problem.

(1) MISUSE OF SCHOOL NAME It is unacceptable to use Notre Dame Academy's name, mascot, initials or logo, or names, pictures or titles of staff, students, the school or school activities in a degrading, lewd, threatening or violent manner. Deliberate publication of the above on the Internet or anywhere else may result in serious disciplinary action including expulsion. If a student posts libelous statements, with or without parental knowledge, her parents/guardians could be held legally liable for damages. If a student posts threats of any kind, she could be liable for criminal prosecution.

A student remains on citizenship probation for nine weeks.

During this period she is excluded from representing her school in the ways listed above. If her probation begins less than nine weeks before the end of the school year, it will extend into the following year. Detentions incurred during summer school will be considered part of the record of the following year.

Students involved in Student Council, Campus Ministry and Queen’s Council have stricter requirements. See “Eligibility for Office” on page 21.

(2) ACADEMIC INFRACTIONS Serious academic infractions which violate the Honor Code and carry disciplinary action, whether detentions or possible dismissal, include, but are not limited to: 1. Plagiarism: the use of the language, ideas or thoughts of another as if it were one's own original work 2. Copying another student's answers in class examinations, take-home examinations, laboratory work or class assignments 3. Discussing answers during class examinations

Under Strict Probation, in addition to the aforementioned restrictions from certain school activities (see #1), the student may not run for or hold a class or club office. A junior who is on Strict Probation may forfeit the privilege of attending the prom in her junior year and other senior privileges. A junior on Strict Probation may not order her senior sweater until she receives approval from the Dean. A senior on Strict Probation

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Use of cheat sheets, prepared tests, or other types of unauthorized materials Exams: attempting to secure a future examination or information regarding the contents of an examination Test and homework answers: being in possession of unreleased copies of tests, teacher edition textbooks, or testing materials Cheating or cooperation in cheating on a quiz or exam; sharing calculators or communicating via technology.

Dishonesty, forgery regarding any aspect of the school grading system (posting of grades, tampering with transcripts, etc.) or in the college application process.

DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE A disciplinary hearing, chaired by the Dean, may be called at the Principal’s discretion. The Discipline Committee makes recommendations concerning consequences for serious disciplinary issues; the Principal makes the final decision. In more serious cases, students or parents/guardians may request in writing that the Discipline Committee reconsider or review a disciplinary action. Before a discipline hearing is held, the Dean will offer to meet with the student and her parents/ guardians to allow them to ask questions and to prepare them for the discipline hearing.

Students who commit academic infractions lose credit for their work, have a conference with the Dean and incur disciplinary consequences. Students who commit an academic infraction are in violation of the Honor Code and their case may be brought before the Honor Council.

A student whose infraction requires an appearance before the Discipline Committee may not participate in any school activity until after the Discipline Committee has met and rendered a decision. The administration has the right to make exceptions to this standard.

The following persons are members of the Discipline Committee: the Principal, Associate Principals and Dean, as well as a faculty member of the student’s choice.

(3) CITIZENSHIP INFRACTIONS Citizenship infractions include, but are not limited to: 1. Drugs, alcohol or any behavior-altering substances: sale, possession, use, distribution, and/or being under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcohol on or near the school campus or at any school-sponsored activity. In the interest of student safety, it is the policy of Notre Dame Academy to notify parents/guardians when there is any suspicion of the student’s being under the influence or in possession of any such substance.

2. Tobacco: possession, use or distribution of tobacco or ecigarettes on or near the school campus or at any schoolsponsored activity 3. Stealing 4. Any violation of Civil and/or Criminal Law 5. Graffiti/Vandalism: willfully damaging or attempting to damage school or personal property 6. Gambling on school grounds 7. Verbal or physical mistreatment/disrespect shown toward any person on or near the school campus (i.e., neighbors) or at any school-sponsored activity 8. Threats: threatening to inflict physical harm on someone 9. Harassment (See page 18.)

10. Gangs: belonging to or associating with a gang, gang-like activity or hate groups 11. Weapons: possessing, handling, transmitting, concealing or using a dangerous weapon or instrument capable of harming another person. This includes "look-alike" weapons; this policy will treat these offenses as though the weapons were the real things. "Look-alike" weapons include, but are not limited to, squirt guns, starting pistols, stun guns and toy guns. These may not be brought as props for skits or class projects. Violation of this policy may result in suspension and/or dismissal.

12. Hazing: any act that injures, degrades or disgraces, or tends to injure, degrade or disgrace a fellow student or member of the school community 13. Demonstrations: encouragement/participation in illegal or unauthorized demonstrations 14. Accumulation of 12 detentions in a school year 15. Disruption of school activities or other willful defiance of valid authority, of supervisors, teachers or administrators 16. Violation of Strict Probation contract

GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE In case of suspected student use of alcohol/narcotics at any school-sponsored event, an administrator may: • interview the student in the presence of an adult witness to evaluate observable symptoms.

• contact the student's parent/guardian.

• conduct a search of her person and possessions (search may include the student’s car where it is suspected that illegal drugs or other harmful substances may be hidden).

• search the student's locker, which is school property, and other locations on campus. Parental permission is not required for these searches.

• provide information to the parent/guardian regarding the availability of public or private resource agencies for rehabilitation.

In the situation of suspected substance use at a schoolsponsored activity, the moderator will alert the administrator/ administrative designee in charge. If the administrator concurs, the administrator will talk to the student or guest and then call the parents/guardians of the NDA student or guest to notify them that there is a suspicion of substance abuse and determine the means for immediately transporting the student home from the event. The student or guest is expected to remain at the location until such determination is made and the authorized transportation is available. Any events held at and/or sponsored by other schools are considered school-sponsored activities.

In cases where sale or possession is verified, a school administrator will confiscate all evidence, notify the parent or guardian and call the police. If an arrest is made and the student is removed from school, a representative of the law enforcement agency notifies the parent or guardian prior to the time that the student would normally return home from school; if an arrest is not made, the student may be suspended from school. An immediate conference with the parent/guardian and

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the student is arranged.

exercises her right to complain under this policy shall be subject to retaliation or the threat of retaliation in any form. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, adverse actions directed against a student on the basis of or in reaction to the exercise of rights accorded by this policy.

HARASSMENT/BULLYING Notre Dame Academy is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from harassment in any form.

Harassment of any student by any other student, lay employee, religious or priest is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, discreet and thorough manner. Individuals will be informed of the investigation on a need-to-know basis only. The procedure to be followed will be explained by the Principal.

ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES AHERA MANAGEMENT PLAN Pursuant to Title 40 CFR Part 763 Sub part I (AHERA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act), the school is required to inform parents/guardians and students that:

A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students found to have intentionally filed false charges may also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

A copy of this school's Management Plan is available for inspection in the Human Resources Office of the school. This plan contains information regarding inspections, re-inspection, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspection and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress.

Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school environment that is hostile or intimidating for reasons that include but are not limited to the individual's race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability or sex. It can occur any time during school or during school-related activities.

Harassment can also occur through misuse of the Internet.

Harassment and bullying are violations of the Honor Code and any student who commits a violation of the Honor Code is subject to her case going before the Honor Council.

A parent or student who wishes to review the AHERA Management Plan should contact the Human Resources Office.

BULLETIN BOARDS, BOARDS AND POSTERS All posters or announcements to be displayed in the building, other than on classroom bulletin boards, must be approved by the class or club moderator or the Director of Student Activities.

The only tape that is permitted anywhere is blue painter's tape, which may be left up for no more than two days. It is the moderator’s responsibility to see that all posters and announcements are removed after the event.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: Verbal Harassment: Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person; Physical Harassment: Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement; Visual Harassment: Derogatory, demeaning or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings and gestures; Sexual Harassment: Includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

CAFÉ The café is open for the students' benefit during break and lunch. Items may be purchased during these times and eaten in the café or outside. No backpacks or large bags may be taken into the food purchase area. They are to be stored on the shelves in the hall outside the café and not on the hall floor.

Courtesy and consideration require that students leave the tables clean. Students may not sit on the café tables. NHS students regulate the lunchtime food lines. There will be specified maintenance times after school when the cafeteria, including the vending machines, will be off limits.

It is the student's responsibility to: 1. conduct herself in a manner which contributes to a positive school environment 2. avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing 3. inform anyone harassing her that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome 4. report all incidents of discrimination or harassment.

Students who have been victims of or witnesses to discrimination or harassment should report to an Academic Advisor. If the student is not satisfied with the advisor’s response, the student should report the harassment directly to the Principal.

5. discontinue that conduct immediately if informed she is perceived as engaging in discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, or unwelcome conduct

CELL PHONE USE Students may use their cell phones before school, during break, lunch and after school. Since E Period is a work time, students who use their phones must do so responsibly. During class time and passing periods, cell phones must remain in a student’s backpack or purse. If a student becomes ill during class time, E Period or a passing period she should speak to her teacher. If a student is found in violation of the cell phone policy, the phone will be confiscated and given to the Dean of Students to be claimed at the end of the school day. Cell phone use during break and lunch is a privilege and can be taken away from an individual student or the entire school.

Students may never talk on the phone in the Learning Resource Center. During break and lunch, they may use their phones in the Learning Resource Center to text and to access the Internet.

No student, including complaining parties and witnesses, who

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Phones must be kept on vibrate or silent.

semester and will be averaged into the second semester grade.

A parent/guardian with a true emergency may call the school office and leave a message for a student.

CLUBS Students or faculty members wishing to propose a new club for the following year may request a form from the Director of Student Activities. The completed form is due by the first Wednesday of April and will be taken by the Director of Student Activities to the Administrative Council for consideration of possible adoption the following year.

Consequences for violation of cell phone use: For a first cell phone violation, the student receives one detention and the phone is confiscated by the teacher or staff member who witnessed the violation. The student may claim her phone from the Dean after school the same day. For additional violations, there will be increased disciplinary action, including detentions, and the confiscated phone will remain in the possession of the Dean until arrangements can be made for a parent/guardian to retrieve it. A student whose phone is confiscated and given to the Dean has no expectation of privacy.

Only approved, official NDA clubs, as listed on page three of this handbook, may meet on campus or use the school name.

CONFIDENTIALITY Teachers, advisors, staff, retreat leaders and other school personnel respect verbal and written confidences, except in circumstances where the health or safety of the student or others is at risk.

CHAPEL The school chapel is available for individual or class prayer/ reflection experiences. It is not a meeting room or a place for casual conversation. Everyone is expected to show reverence for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE SERVICES Guidance Services: Recognizing and nurturing the dignity, uniqueness and potential of each individual is the foundation of the Guidance Department at Notre Dame Academy. At NDA, the Guidance Department embodies the spirit and belief that, in order to educate each student, the whole person must be served.

To assist each student during her four years at NDA, individual and group academic guidance services are offered: • Individual and group counseling to discuss problems of an academic or personal nature • Specialized support groups as the need arises Students should not seek academic or personal counseling sessions during a class period in which they have a quiz or test except in case of emergency.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM Notre Dame Academy considers Christian Service an integral part of the education of the whole Catholic/Christian person and requires each student to perform at least 25 hours of service for every year she is enrolled at NDA. Of these hours, 20 must be service for the same non-profit organization. The remaining five hours may be for one event or several different events, such as walks for various charitable organizations. At least half of the student's service hours must involve direct contact with people in parish and/or community-sponsored activities.

The Christian Service coordinator must approve a student's service contract before she begins her service hours. Contract and evaluation due dates are published in the school calendar.

All hours, verifications and approvals are logged on the online service recording keeping platform called 'x2vol'. In order for the requirement to be considered complete, a student must not only enter all her hours in x2vol but she must upload/provide the digital verification of her service to x2vol as well. The hours are then approved by the Christian Service coordinator and the student's service record is complete for the year.

Academic Advising: A student who would like to make an appointment with her academic advisor must go to the office of the advisor and schedule an appointment.

At the conclusion of the student/advisor conference, the advisor will sign a pass/tardy admit and mark the time the student is leaving the meeting. The student will then return to her class with the pass/tardy admit.

Academic Advising Services: Advisors carefully monitor the academic progress of each student and assist in course selection for the next year.

A reflective essay concerning the insights and lessons learned in her Christian Service is required from each student towards the end of the year. This essay becomes part of the second semester religion grade. Specifics regarding the essay, including the date due, will be handled by religion teachers.

The Academic Counseling program includes standardized testing. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors take the PSAT. Group Guidance Program: The Guidance Department assists the individual student in understanding herself, discovering and developing her interests and God-given potential, achieving self-acceptance and making wise, realistic and moral choices in her life.

If the contract and/or evaluation is not submitted by the due date, the student will receive a detention unless she has received a specific extension from the Christian Service coordinator.

Failure to meet subsequent deadlines will result in additional detentions.

The Guidance Department offers presentations and workshops on topics including, but not limited to the following: § test anxiety and study skills, communication, time management § career choices § college choices, college life and challenges, college essay

Failure to complete the year’s Christian Service requirement will result in the student’s receiving an "Incomplete" in her religion course for the second semester. The student then has until the beginning of the following school year to fulfill the requirement. If the student does not complete her obligation by this time, the "Incomplete" will become an F for the second

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§ §

writing, application workshops, question and answer sessions regarding college admissions campus visits by college admissions representatives college tours

takes place or during the year in which she holds the position, she will be removed from her position. To be eligible to run for ASB, a student must have been an NDA Student Council officer for one year. A student must be a senior to hold the office of ASB president.

College Counseling Program: The college advisors work closely with each junior and senior to assist her in making college/university choices. Each student is taught the skills to handle the college admissions process efficiently and effectively. Please refer to the Curriculum Catalog for specific information regarding college and university requirements.

Other school club offices, other offices in Campus Ministry, Queen’s Council, Student Forum: To be eligible to run for and/or to retain any of the above positions, a student must maintain a cumulative weighted G.P.A. of at least 2.0. and good citizenship standing. An academic or citizenship probation at any time during the year makes the student ineligible to hold the position.

The NDA counseling center provides students with resource tools and materials needed for selecting the best college.

A student may hold only one elected or appointed office in a school year.

Personal Counseling: The school provides personal counseling through Outreach Concern, a private counseling service.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 1. Notre Dame Academy may decide not to send students home after a major earthquake. The safest place for the student may be in school under the supervision of the staff.

Members of the staff will remain at school until an adult listed on the student’s Emergency/Disaster Release Form, has come for each student. If this person is not a relative of the student, he or she must be over 21 years of age.

2. After an earthquake or other disaster, we ask parents/ guardians NOT TO CALL THE SCHOOL. If telephone lines are functioning, they may be needed for emergency calls. Also, the staff will be occupied and not available to handle phone calls. A Blackboard Connect message will be sent if possible.

3. Emergency equipment and provisions are on hand for students in case of a major disaster.

4. Instructions for evacuation of the school building are posted in each classroom. Students are to move rapidly, in an orderly manner and SILENTLY to the designated areas.

5. The Emergency Alert System is a reliable source of information during an emergency. Ordinarily, Notre Dame Academy will do whatever the Los Angeles Unified School District does after a major disaster. Information will be posted on the NDA website as soon as possible.

DANCES Dances are sponsored by the Student Council under the supervision of the Student Council Moderator. Dances are open to Notre Dame students, young men from Catholic high schools who present a current student body card and students with an authorized guest pass. pp Students are expected to abide by school regulations at dances.

They should adhere to published dress regulations and to the directives of the chaperones in regard to behavior and manner of dancing. If a student violates dress regulations, she may be asked to put on a school skirt and/or polo shirt.

NDA students may leave before the dance ends only if they have presented a parent permission slip to the Student Council moderator by the announced deadline. A guest who leaves the dance will not be readmitted.

The school reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone. A student who has been asked to leave NDA for disciplinary reasons may not attend the dances.

DELIVERIES The office staff will not accept gifts or floral/balloon bouquets for students. Students may not order food to be delivered during the school day.

FACILITY USE Students may not be in the gym, weight room or dance studio unless a teacher, moderator or coach is present. Students are expected to follow school personnel directives with regard to use of the building after school.

E PERIOD (ENRICHMENT PERIOD) E Period, which occurs on some Block I days, provides time for students to meet with teachers or advisors, work on projects with classmates, or study independently.

As a sign of respect, students may not use teachers’ desks or supplies or any school technological equipment without the permission and supervision of school personnel.

ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE Campus Ministry Core, President of any Campus Ministry group, ASB, Student Council, Queen’s Council Core: To be eligible to run for and/or to retain any of the above positions, a student must have a cumulative weighted G.P.A. of at least 2.8.

The G.P.A. will be verified one week prior to each application deadline. She must also have good citizenship standing with no more than four detentions for the school year during which she runs for or holds the position. If a student receives a fifth detention during the year in which the election/appointment

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER The NDA Learning Resource Center is a student-oriented room, which students are encouraged to use for research and quiet study. Students may check books out for two weeks and renew them unless an instructor has placed the books on reserve.

Fines of 25 cents per school day are charged on overdue books.

There is to be no food or beverage in the Learning Resource Center at any time.

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Students may not eat or drink in science or computer labs, on the stairs, in the halls, in the restrooms or in any other part of the building not listed above. Students may drink water from a clear container in classrooms that are not a science or computer lab and in the hallways.

LOCKERS Lockers are assigned to students at the beginning of the school year. Students may not exchange lockers and are expected to keep their lockers locked at all times. Only school combination locks may be used. Students do not own their lockers or other school property. The student has some expectation of privacy in her locker from other student; however, a student may not exclude school officials if the school official has a reasonable suspicion that a law or school rule has been violated. The school will have a witness present during a search. Police may not inspect lockers without a warrant.

Students may never have food or drink in the gym, the weight room or the dance studio.

Exceptions may be announced by the administration, especially on rainy or cold days.

PRIVILEGES The Administration grants privileges to students of Notre Dame Academy to create an environment of choice and trust at school and to offer variety. With these privileges come responsibility and a higher expectation of trust that students will make good choices and follow the rules and guidelines set forth in this handbook. The Administration reserves the right to revoke any privilege outlined in the handbook as well as any that are added during the school year. Privileges may be revoked from a student, a group of students, a class or the entire student body.

Locker decorations must be appropriate for school. Decorations on the outside are allowed for birthdays only. NO DOUBLESIDED, MASKING OR SCOTCH TAPE may be used on the inside or the outside of lockers. Blue painter’s tape is the only acceptable tape for lockers. Inappropriate decorations will be removed.

LOST AND FOUND Each student should have her name clearly marked on all uniform apparel and other personal belongings. Found articles should be turned in to the office where they may be claimed by their owners. Found lunch boxes,bags and thermoses will be put in the closet outside the door to the café food service area.

Unclaimed articles will be given away.

SCHOOL WIDE PRIVILEGES Schoolwide privileges include but are not limited to: -Casual Uniform -Cell phone use -School dances or other school sponsored functions -Regal Gryphon Spirit Days -Representing Notre Dame Academy as a member of any club, sports team, performing arts activity or organization

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/ATHLETICS Athletes: Students trying out for any sports must follow the regulations and contract in the Athletic Handbook/Contract.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF-SS) requires a student to have an annual physical examination certifying that she is physically fit to participate in athletics. A student may NOT try out, practice or participate in interscholastic competition before she has her annual physical examination (Rule 305). Participation in a sports team may NOT conflict with a Zero/Seventh Period class or a longer commitment, such as the spring play.

SENIOR PRIVILEGES FOR THE CLASS OF 2017 • The Friday of prom is a designated “Senior Ditch Day.” • Seniors receiving 93% or above in the second semester of a class may be exempt from the final exam at the discretion of the teacher and if they are financially clear. AP students who chose not to take the AP exam will not be exempt from their final exam.

• Seniors may wear their senior sweater on any school day. On dress uniform days, the senior sweater may be worn in place of the uniform blazer.

• Senior T-shirts may be worn any day except dress uniform days, beginning on Notre Dame Day. • Non-uniform-dress Friday will be effect each Friday of the second semester.

• Seniors who line up in the “senior line” for the cafeteria will have priority at lunch throughout the year.

• Non-uniform dress, following the guidelines in the student handbook, may be worn during the last week of classes and final exams in the second semester.

• Seniors may wear college sweatshirts or shirts on Mondays during the second semester.

Freshmen, Sophomores and Students in Conditioning Classes: The California State Education Code requires that all students enrolled in Physical Education/Health (all freshmen and sophomores) submit a valid statement verifying physical fitness each year prior to the beginning of the class. The report should be signed by a registered physician and be on the physician's letterhead or the school form. This requirement also applies to all students who enroll in Period Seven conditioning classes.

PLACES AND TIMES TO EAT Before and after school and at break, students may eat only outside or in the café. At lunchtime, students may eat in the following places: § the café § outside in designated areas; not on the Selby stairs, the lawn by the Selby gate, the steps leading to Rosa Mystica Hall or the brick steps outside the Outreach Concern office § classrooms where there is an official club or class meeting and the moderator is present

PUBLICATIONS/VIDEOS Student publications/videos are important to the school's instructional program and contribute directly to the school's

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be made at the discretion of the administration.

goals. The staff of each publication/video is accountable to the school and administration for all student work. Nothing may be published/produced that would infringe on the dignity of any individual or group or that would be contrary to Catholic/Christian philosophy or principles.

SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM Twice a year, while one half of the senior class is on a Kairos Retreat, the other seniors participate in NDA’s Service Learning Program. Prayerful preparation and service in the Los Angeles area are followed by contemplative reflection and discussion of the experience. All seniors who are not at the Kairos retreat must participate in the Service Learning Program.

Among the objectives of a Catholic school publication/video are the following: 1. to provide a means to improve communication skills; 2. to serve as a public relations instrument for the school; 3. to promote school spirit and pride; and 4. to provide students with training in journalism and related fields.

The above guidelines are to be followed with regard to posters, flyers and any other written or visual materials. All materials are to be approved by the moderator or the Director of Student Activities.

STUDENT FORUM This council of elected student members and class moderators meets monthly to discuss issues of concern to the student body and/or staff, makes proposals to the administration and acts on approved proposals.

STUDENT FUNDRAISING/CHARITABLE PROJECTS The call to responsible stewardship is in keeping with NDA’s mission to develop Christian leaders dedicated to service. Notre Dame Academy’s fundraising efforts aim to provide monetary or material assistance for charitable projects and to support the present and future students of NDA.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES In addition to encouraging students to live as practicing Catholics, Campus Ministry schedules special religious events throughout the year to make the students more aware of their religious heritage and responsibilities. These include: 1. liturgies held at regular intervals for all students; 2. class and other retreat opportunities; 3. Kairos Retreats; 4. devotional and reflective experiences scheduled periodically in religion classes; 5. class/school prayer services; and 6. Founders’ Day, Mary's Day and St. Julie Day observances.

The school community is encouraged to visit the chapel and develop a personal spirituality to fit individual needs. The faculty and staff see retreat days as integral to the total school program, in keeping with NDA’s religious and moral purpose.

H.O.P.E. Club is the primary organization that sponsors fundraising events, such as Buck-a-Stuff and Give-From-theHeart. The club donates money to NDA’s sister-schools St. Julie Primary School and Notre Dame Academy High School in Buseesa, Uganda; breast cancer and heart disease research; disaster relief around the world and other charitable causes.

All proposed fundraising/charitable projects requested by any club, organization, team or class must be granted approval by the administration. A proposal must be submitted to the administration at least two weeks before the fundraiser. The proposal should include: • name of the club, organization, team or class; • description of the fundraiser/charitable donation collection; • purpose (charitable or otherwise); • location; • date; • cost/items students would be asked to contribute; and • signature of the moderator.

No publicity may take place until and unless the proposal is granted administrative approval.

SAFETY At the end of the school day, students waiting to be picked up on Selby or Overland are asked to come back onto campus (behind the gates) to wait for their rides once the faculty traffic supervisors have left.

In accordance with fire regulations, the halls and stairwells must always be free of obstacles. Students may not sit on the hall floors between 7:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. At no time may students sit on the stairs or landings. No books, bags or other items may be left or stored in the hallways, stairwells or landings during the school day. Sports bags must be stored in the locker room during the day. Any sports bags or backpacks left in the hallways during class time will be taken to the office to be claimed.

STUDENT RETREATS The student retreat program is an essential component of educating the whole person. Campus Ministry Coordinators and the student retreat team plan and conduct a freshman retreat on campus for an entire school day, a sophomore retreat off campus for an entire school day, and a junior over-night/service experience retreat. On the senior level, the adult Campus Ministers work with a specially trained team of seniors to present Kairos, a four day, off campus retreat experience.

There are two Kairos retreat opportunities in the senior year, fall and spring, and students are encouraged to sign up for the one that best accommodates their schedule. Adult chaperones including a school administrator attend each Kairos retreat.

SENIOR LIFE EXPERIENCE WEEK During “Senior Life Experience Week,” seniors have the opportunity to participate in the Washington Close Up tour or in a program which offers an opportunity to grow in their appreciation of the diversity of cultures in Los Angeles. All seniors are required to participate in one of these two programs.

Washington Close Up is a weeklong educational tour/program in Washington, D.C. A student may participate in Close Up if she has good citizenship standing, is not on academic probation and is current with financial obligations. Any exceptions will

STUDENTS CALLED TO THE OFFICE

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Students are expected to pay close attention to PA announcements. If a student’s name is read, she should go to the office as soon as class ends to claim her message. Many messages have deadlines; the student will be held responsible for meeting whatever deadlines are set.

B.

TEACHERS’ DESKS AND PROPERTY Teachers’ desks and property are off-limits to students at all times, whether a teacher is present or not. Prohibited behavior includes sitting at teachers’ desks, using teachers’ computers, handling materials on or in teachers’ desks and handling teachers’ personal property.

C.

TRANSCRIPTS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Students may request a transcript by submitting a request form to the registrar. Students requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher or advisor must give that person the following information in writing: the student’s name, a résumé, any form required by the school and an outline of the information required. Students should give teachers/advisors at least three weeks to complete recommendations.

D.

3. Khaki walking shorts or pants The following are available from Campus Uniforms: 1. Burgundy or cream v-neck sweater with NDA logo 2. Burgundy lightweight or heavier hooded jacket with NDA logo. Jacket hoods are for outside wear only.

3. Burgundy American Apparel spirit sweatshirt. The charcoal gray spirit sweatshirt, with or without a hood, is no longer for sale but may still be worn.

Sweatshirt hoods are for outside wear only.

4. Vest with NDA logo The following is available from Broadway Albion: Wool burgundy letterman’s jacket with NDA insignia Neck scarves may be worn except on dress uniform days.

III. Socks/Shoes A. Socks Socks, knee socks, nylons or tights are required and must be visible.

1. Permitted colors are solid white, beige, brown, burgundy, black and gray.

2. Tights must begin at the waist, end at the toe and not have holes or runs. Textured tights are acceptable.

3. Unacceptable leg wear includes fishnets, lacy tights, patterned tights, leggings, leg warmers and long thermal underwear.

B. Shoes Shoes may be solid white, beige, brown, burgundy, gray, black or a combination of these colors.

1. Tennis shoes in the above colors are permitted except on dress uniform days.

2. The heel of any shoe may be no more than 1 ½’ high.

3. Unacceptable shoes include high-tops, athletic shoes, boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, backless shoes, moccasins, slippers, Crocs and UGGS. 4. Shoes must have a substantial back not worn folded down, and must fit snugly.

Permission to wear non-regulation shoes because of an injury must be requested from the Dean.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS Wearing uniforms promotes school unity and reinforces the equality of all students. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate in a student’s dress, make-up, hair and accessories. The official uniform of the school is the dress uniform. In order to offer more choices there are casual uniform options for students. The casual uniform options are a privilege for students who wear formal, casual uniform and non-uniform dress correctly based on the school guidelines.

Students who choose not to follow the school regulations will not have the option to wear the casual uniform. These students will wear the official dress uniform of the school. Uniform violations such as length of approved skirt as well as approved attire for dances or any school related event will result in the loss of the casual uniform privilege. Uniform violations are outlined on page 16.

All pieces of the uniform must fit appropriately and be in good repair.

IV. Hair and Accessories A. Hair must be of a natural color and in a style appropriate for school.

B. Hats and headscarves are not permitted.

C. Headbands may not be worn on the forehead.

D. Jewelry must be simple, kept to a minimum and suitable for school. Buttons/patches may not be offensive or suggestive.

E. Make-up should be minimal and appropriate for school.

F. Students may not wear bandanas, visible tattoos (not even temporary tattoos), drug or gang-related symbols, or any other accessory inappropriate for school.

Accessories that symbolize bondage, such as animal collars, are not permitted.

G. Visible body piercing.

Dennis Uniform: (323) 441-0168 or www.dennisuniform.com Campus Uniforms: (310) 787-1012 Broadway Albion: (213) 624-7740 ex. 33: Contact – Mrs. Diane Salazar I. Required Items: these must be purchased from Dennis Uniform.

A. Burgundy and white checked skirt, no shorter than four inches above the knee front and back B. White blouse with the NDA logo C. Burgundy blazer II. Optional Items A. The following are available from Dennis Uniform: 1. White, black or burgundy polo shirt with school logo 2. Khaki skirt, no shorter than four inches above the knee, front and back

V. Dress Uniform Days A. Dress uniform days are shown on the calendar in the

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B.

Student/Parent Handbook. Any changes or additions will be announced at school. Students are to remain in dress uniform for the entire school day on designated dress uniform days. During liturgies and assemblies, students are expected to keep the blazer or senior sweater on unless otherwise directed.

Dress uniform consists of: 1. Burgundy and white checked skirt 2. Uniform blouse, not the polo shirt 3. School blazer or senior sweater 4. White anklets, white knee socks or white tights with no pattern 5. Classic, black leather penny loafers -no bows, buckles, or tassels -must have a slot for the penny

following consequences: 1. Detention 2. Loss of non-uniform privileges 3. Waiting in the office until a parent brings a change of clothes 4. Requirement that she purchase an appropriate outfit from the Dean 5. Receiving a uniform violation X. Permission to Wear Non-Uniform Items When a student needs to wear a non-regulation item or she is using a school-issued non-uniform pass, she must see the Dean before school and request a pass, which she must carry throughout the school day. In cases where the exception must continue for an extended period of time for medical reasons, the student must present a note from her doctor to the Dean.

VI. Unacceptable Uniform Attire A. Unacceptable shoes include: high-tops, athletic shoes, boots, sandals, open-toed shoes, backless shoes, moccasins, slippers and UGGS. B. Unacceptable leg wear includes: fishnets, lacy tights, patterned tights, leggings, leg warmers and long thermal underwear.

C. No undergarments should be visible under the school uniform. This includes: bras, underwear, undershirts, and shorts.

XI. Physical Education Class A. Required: uniform shorts and uniform t-shirts purchased through Dennis Uniform.

B. Required: socks, athletic shoes appropriate for P.E. C. Optional: school sweatshirt and/or sweatpants purchased through Dennis Uniform NOTRE DAME TRADITIONS WOMEN HELPING WOMEN Acting in the spirit of St. Julie Billiart who proclaimed, “you are not asked to do all the good in the world, just that bit which lies within your power,” NDA initiated Women Helping Women. Each graduating class has the honor of leaving behind a $1,000 student scholarship for an incoming freshman who needs financial assistance to attend NDA. Earning their own money by doing an extra family chore, each freshman is asked to bring in just $1.00, each sophomore $2.00, each junior $3.00 and each senior $4.00. Individually this is not a lot of money, but collectively it helps another young girl realize her dream of attending NDA. The $1,000 student scholarship left behind in the name of the graduating class affords all our graduating seniors a sense of great pride in accomplishing this selfless goal. Money is collected on the Sisters of Notre Dame Founders’ Day, October 1.

VII. Regal Gryphon Spirit Days – Every Friday will be a Regal Gryphon Spirit Day, when students may wear NDA sports or club t-shirts or sweatshirts along with the regulation skirt or pants. If an NDA apparel item has a Gryphon on it, it is only allowed on Friday/Spirit days.

VIII. Athletic Game Days – On game days, athletes may change into their team uniforms and warm-ups at lunchtime.

IX. Non-uniform Days A. On non-uniform days, clothing must be clean, modest and appropriate for school.

1. Shoes with a full back or a heel strap are to be worn.

2. Inappropriate dress includes: shorts or skirts that are more than 4” above the knee, halter tops or halter dresses, tube tops, exposed-midriff outfits, low-cut tops, skirts with slits more than four inches above the knee, pajama bottoms or tops, items printed with offensive or suggestive images or slogans, etc.

3. Students may not wear hats, headscarves or bandanas.

4. If a student chooses not to exercise the nonuniform privilege, she must wear her school uniform according to school regulations.

MARY'S DAY In May, the faculty and students honor Mary, the Mother of God. Campus Ministry prepares a liturgy/prayer service that recalls the special moments when Mary said “yes” to God, and at the liturgy, the recipient of the Archdiocesan Christian Service Award crowns Mary.

CERAMIC DONOR WALL The ceramic donor wall, to the right of the gym doors, was created by Sister Mary Leanne Hubbard, S.N.D. and Mrs. Susan Morgan Class of 1973, and depicts symbolically the history, charism and philosophy of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the mission of NDA, as well as recognizing donors who made the Fritz B. Burns wing possible.

B. On "Buck-A-Stuff" days, students who choose to contribute may wear non-uniform dress. “Buck-a-Stuff” is either a non-uniform day or a regulation uniform day.

A student in uniform may not wear non-uniform items.

C. A student who violates regulations on non-uniform days, including school dances, may be subject to any of the

ALMA MATER O, the good happy school days, Spent in learning our aim;

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Where true friends greet each other, Guided by dear Notre Dame.

equals the number of her graduation year.

RETREATS Since Notre Dame Academy is committed to the spiritual growth of its students, class retreats form an integral part of the students' education. Adult and student members of Campus Ministry plan the class and Kairos retreats to provide students with the opportunity for reflection, individual and group prayer and sharing.

Hours that speed swiftly onward, Striving for future and fame.

All for the honor and glory Of our dear loved Notre Dame.

Here's to our dear Alma Mater belov'd.

Let us give praise to her name above.

May she continue fore'er the same, Notre Dame, Notre Dame.

ST. JULIE DAY On St. Julie Day, the faculty and students recall the spirit of St. Julie, spiritual mother of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Always remember your love untold.

Cherish the crimson, the brown and gold.

Never will shame dim your glorious name.

Hail to our loved Notre Dame.

On this day the Sisters of Notre Dame announce the recipient of the St. Julie Award, which the school gives to a senior who exemplifies the qualities of St. Julie. These qualities include having an optimistic and generous attitude toward all, believing in and living the principles of the Church, and having a positive and cheerful attitude in all of life's situations. The recipient's name is engraved on the school plaque that proclaims Julie's conviction: "You are not asked to do all the good in the world, but just the bit that lies in your power." The recipient is chosen by the Sisters of Notre Dame and the SND Associates.

BIG/LITTLE SISTERS For freshman students, the challenges of high school life are easier to handle when they can count on the support and encouragement of a more experienced friend. It is also important for junior and senior students to have the opportunity to share the wisdom they have gained from experience with a younger student and to pass on their knowledge and love for their school and its traditions. The big/little sister program strives to make such a relationship possible for every student.

Each incoming freshman is paired with a member of the junior class who becomes her "big sister." This relationship remains in effect throughout the students' sophomore and senior years.

Big/little sister activities include the freshman orientation, a pizza party the first week of school, the exchange of gifts at retreats, the celebration of other special days, and a variety of big/little sister activities throughout the school year.

SENIOR AWARDS The following awards are given to seniors at the Senior Honor Assembly. A student’s citizenship record and support of NDA’s philosophy may be factors in determining her eligibility for an award.

Alma Mater Award: This award recognizes a student who has given outstanding service and has shown outstanding school spirit and cooperation throughout her years at Notre Dame, while maintaining a strong academic effort. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

NOTRE DAME DAY At the annual celebration of Notre Dame Day, faculty and students gather at a special liturgy to ask Mary, Queen of the Rosary, for her blessings on the school year. Newly inducted members of Student Council and Campus Ministry pledge their loyalty and support to the ideals of Notre Dame. The faculty and student body make commitments to the principles of the Honor Code. As a special remembrance, each freshman receives a single rose, which symbolizes the beginning of her journey at NDA. This journey will culminate at graduation when she will receive a dozen red roses. The remainder of the day provides students with the opportunity to promote school spirit and unity through a parade, class cheers, skits and volleyball games. Lunch is provided by the school.

Athlete of the Year: This award recognizes a student who through her participation in the NDA sports program has demonstrated excellence in sports, a strong team spirit and superior sportsmanship. The recipient is selected by the faculty.

Mr. B. Polayya Math Scholarship: This scholarship, established by Mr. and Dr. Raju, parents of Marilisa (’11) and Sreekriti (’11), is awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding work in the field of mathematics. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

JUNIOR RING CEREMONY Traditionally, juniors who attend a high school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame may purchase rings which bear the coat of arms of the Sisters’ congregation and have the image of Our Lady etched on the inside of the ring. NDA students may purchase the school rings through the school’s Herff-Jones representative only. In symbolic form, the coat of arms presents the history, the traditions and the spirit of the congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Wearing the class ring symbolizes the student's status as an upperclasswoman and her commitment to the ideals of Notre Dame Academy.

Currently enrolled juniors receive the class ring in a formal ceremony. Following the ceremony, it is a tradition that each junior ask people to turn her ring until the number of turns

Cheryl D. Robinson & Class of 1970 Scholarship: This scholarship is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates a perseverance and determination in her studies, makes a difference in the classroom and goes above and beyond in reaching her fullest potential. This award is given in appreciation of how much she has added to the NDA community with her selfless heart, individual effort and unwavering determination to achieve her personal best. The recipient is selected by the Administrative Council.

Claire Kageyama of the Class of 1987 Scholarship: This scholarship honors Claire Kageyama, Class of 1987, a gifted poet and teacher and the author of two award-winning poetry

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books. Claire, who passed away in 2016, viewed writing as a sacred gift, and she embodied the Notre Dame Academy mission to fill one’s life with a love of learning, the pursuit of academic excellence, a sense of social responsibility and a spiritual awareness. The award is given to a senior who has displayed a passion for poetry. The recipient is selected by the Administrative Council.

Saint Julie Award: This award reflects the desire of the Sisters of Notre Dame to recognize a graduating senior who best exemplifies the qualities of St. Julie, the spiritual mother of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The recipient is chosen by the Sisters of Notre Dame and SND Associates, and is announced on St. Julie Day. Scholar Athlete of the Year: This award goes to a young woman who has been an outstanding athlete in the NDA sports program and also has maintained an exceptionally high grade point average. The recipient is chosen by the faculty.

Dr. D. Krishnaveni Science Scholarship: This scholarship, established by Dr. and Mrs. Raju, parents of Marilisa (’11) and Sreekriti (’11), is awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding work in the field of science. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

Sister Maria Aloysia Service in Education Award: This award is given to a student who has distinguished herself by outstanding service in the area of education. A parallel award is given to an alumna. Nominated students are invited to share their education related experience with the selection committee. The recipient is selected by the Sisters of Notre Dame and the administration based on the recommendations of the faculty.

Margarita V. Melendez (’84) Award: In memory of their daughter who died during her senior year, the Melendez family presents a plaque to a student who has exemplified the ideals of Notre Dame Academy by giving of herself perseveringly, cheerfully and selflessly for the good of others. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

Michele Prendergast Ley (’62) Memorial Scholarship: This is an annual memorial scholarship established by the family of Michele Prendergast Ley for a student who will be pursuing her studies in the area of nursing. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

SND National Education Office Distinguished Graduate Award: This is an award given to a student who is an authentic witness to Notre Dame education. She must have a GPA over 3.0, give evidence of “thoroughness of study,” witness to God’s goodness through service in school and in community, and strive to live Gospel values in her daily life as Mary did. This student is selected by the administration.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian: The candidates for valedictorian and salutatorian are the seniors who rank in the top 8% of the class academically. In addition, the valedictorian and salutatorian must exhibit exemplary character and represent Notre Dame Academy’s ideals of academic excellence and commitment to faith, life-long learning, leadership and service.

They must have attended Notre Dame Academy for their four high school years. The valedictorian delivers the message to the graduating class at the graduation ceremony and the salutatorian delivers the welcome speech. These awards are determined by the administration.

President’s Award: The mission of Notre Dame Academy as a Catholic school is to provide an environment which empowers young women to live their faith through word and deed. NDA's President's Award recipient embraces her spirituality and leads by example in and out of the classroom. Selected by the administration, the President's Award is representative of the Academy's mission to form women of faith who value service and learning. This award is presented to a student who personifies the commitment of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Principal’s Award: The Principal's Award is presented to a student who exhibits an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a genuine joy in learning. Demonstrating an inquisitive mind, she enriches others' lives with her infectious, inquisitive spirit and her enthusiasm for exploring our world. Selected by the administration, the Principal's Award is representative of the Academy's mission to inspire a life of learning.

JUNIOR, SOPHOMORE AND FRESHMAN AWARDS The following awards are presented to freshmen, sophomores and juniors at the end of the school year. A student’s citizenship record and support of NDA’s philosophy may be factors in determining her eligibility for an award.

Pillar of Notre Dame Academy Awards: These six awards – Woman of Faith, Woman of Academic Excellence, Woman of Vision, Woman of Leadership, Woman of Service and Woman of Compassion - honor students who exemplify NDA’s hopes for all members of a graduating class, as expressed in the school’s ISOs (Integral Student Outcomes). Recipients are chosen by the faculty, the administration with input from the members of the graduating class.

Blanche Chauff Trup (’71) Scholarship: This scholarship is sponsored by the family of Blanche Chauff Trup, who died in 2006. It is awarded to a freshman who has shown great academic improvement through hard work and perseverance.

The recipient is selected by the faculty.

Faris-King Scholarship: This annual scholarship is funded by Ms. Cheryl Faris, a former NDA teacher, and her daughter, Ms. Catherine King ('08). It is awarded to an undergraduate who has demonstrated her creative style and love of the written word through her participation in Drama or Mock Trial.

Ralph Luchsinger Award: This award is named for a longtime fan and supporter of NDA athletics who passed away in November of 2011. The award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated a positive spirit while excelling in NDA athletics. The recipient is chosen by the faculty and administration.

George Mayr Science Scholarships in Honor of Sister Gina Marie, SND: This scholarship is given to a junior who demonstrates an aptitude for and an interest in science. The

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recipient is selected by the Science Department along with the administration.

and Art History Department, along with the President and Principal, select the recipient.

Gina Hermann (’82) Award: NDA alumna Gina Hermann died one month after her graduation. To keep her memory alive, her family established this award. Because Gina spent a great deal of time using her equestrian skills to help handicapped and developmentally disabled children, this scholarship is awarded to a junior who has distinguished herself through her Christian Service. The recipient is selected by the faculty with recommendation by the student’s religion teacher(s).

Susan Hurst Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes a student who shows many of the qualities displayed and admired by Mrs. Hurst, a dedicated science teacher who died of breast cancer in 2003. It is given each year to a biology student who has shown dedication to learning, individual strength of character, a sense of humor, compassion for others and a love of the sciences. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

Gladys Abaunza Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship, established by Bonnie Abaunza (‘82) in honor of her mother is awarded to a sophomore who has demonstrated a deep commitment to human rights work and global social justice issues. The recipient is selected by the faculty with recommendation by the student’s religion teacher(s).

Victoria Evans Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the Evans family (Chelsea ‘10 and Madison ’15).

It is awarded to a freshman who has distinguished herself through leadership and scholarship, has a 3.5 GPA or above, and has financial need. The recipient is chosen through a joint administration and donor selection process.

Janet Edwards (’72) Award: This scholarship is given to a sophomore for all-around achievement. The recipient is selected by the faculty.

PERSONAL LAPTOP/TABLET POLICY NDA allows students to bring personal laptops/tablets to school so that they may use these devices as instructional tools Rules listed in the Student/Parent Handbook are in force whether the student is using a school device or her personal one. Infractions will result in disciplinary action.

Jeanne Rawson Scholarship: This scholarship fund was established in memory of Mrs. Jeanne Rawson, mother of Mr. Michael Rawson and grandmother of Mallory Rawson (’12).

The scholarship is granted to a junior who has shown outstanding proficiency in the area of language arts. The recipient is chosen by the administration along with members of the English Department.

Posting inappropriate comments about the school, its personnel and/or students on the web and/or via emails constitutes a citizenship infraction. Postings that harass, insult or attack others are strictly forbidden. Sending images or comments that would offend a person or an organization on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs or disability is a violation of the ethical use of a computer.

Jennifer Peterson (’00) Scholarship: This scholarship, established by the family of Jennifer Petersen, is awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional ability in athletics, sportsmanship and scholarship. The recipient is chosen by the faculty.

During class time, students may not engage in any computer activity not directly related to an educational purpose. The NDA Tech Department has blocked such sites, but it remains the students’ responsibility to refrain from attempting to access these sites. A personal NDA email account is assigned to each student for the express purpose of school related work. These NDA accounts are monitored and students are reminded to use them appropriately.

Students may use their device during class, but only with the express permission of the teacher. Students may use their device before school, during break or lunch, and after school, inside or outside the building. Students may not create unauthorized break/lunch rooms by finding an empty classroom and eating while using a computer.

JMJ Scholarship: This scholarship, established by alumna Cathy Duddy Wood (’74) is awarded to a freshman who shows great educational and scholarly potential. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

Mary and Gerald Duddy Scholarship: This scholarship, established by Cathy Duddy Wood (’74) in honor of her parents, is given to a freshman who has distinguished herself through scholarship and leadership. The recipient is selected by the administration and the faculty.

Sister Mary Adelaine/Mrs. Barbara Roth Humanities Award: This Award is given to a student who goes above and beyond the assignment. In their teaching, both Sister Adelaine and Mrs. Roth emphasized the importance of being truly present in the classroom and looking for the many connections among different areas of learning. The recipient is selected by the administration and faculty.

Security concerns: It is the student’s responsibility to safeguard her computer/tablet at all times. Leaving her device in an unattended backpack or unlocked locker invites temptation. It is suggested that the student’s device be password protected. Neither the school nor its personnel are liable for any damage, loss or theft of personal possessions.

Sister Mary St. Ann Award: This scholarship was established in memory of Sr. Mary St. Ann, who taught art at Notre Dame Academy for over 30 years. The award is given to a freshman, sophomore or junior who has distinguished herself in the Visual Arts and who demonstrates financial need. Members of the Art

TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORK USE POLICY Statement of Intent

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Notre Dame Academy is committed to providing a Catholic education in an academically challenging environment.

Technological resources are provided for the purpose of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, collaboration, interactive learning and communication.

note that in some cases, law enforcement may be called to intervene.

E-mail/Chat Usage 1. Students may not access e-mail during class unless instructed to do so.

2. Students may not engage in “spamming” (sending an unnecessary message to a large number of people).

3. Students may not enter chat rooms (IRC, or online chats) or use programs that allow students to communicate with others outside of school e.g., Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger) at any time. Students may use Google Talk or Edmodo chat to communicate with other students when authorized.

4. Students should use school-supplied ndala.com e-mail accounts for all school related communications with faculty, staff, and administration.

5. All communications will be monitored and archived.

The use of both school and student-owned technology while on campus must be in support of academic purposes and relevant to the curriculum being taught. The school will not be responsible for supervising or monitoring usage and communication beyond the scope of supervision defined in this policy. Students will use all technology in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner at all times.

The use of these electronic resources is a privilege, not a right.

Inappropriate use will result in the termination of the privilege and/or disciplinary action. No student will be allowed use of Notre Dame Academy technology without a signed policy on file.

General Guidelines 1. All school systems, all information stored on them, and all work performed on them are subject to supervision, inspection and school policies. Only students currently enrolled at NDA and other authorized persons may use the NDA computer resources.

2. The school reserves the right to monitor, access, retrieve, and read all data created, sent, received or stored on its systems (including connections made and sites visited) and to disclose this information to law enforcement officials or others without prior notice.

3. NDA bears no responsibility for any loss of or damage to a student’s device.

4. In order to accommodate students with home printer emergencies, students may upload documents to their schoolsupplied ndala.com Google Drive and print them in the Learning Resource Center.

5. Parents/guardians have the right at any time to request to see the contents of their daughter’s files.

6. Any viruses, tampering, or other system breaches must be reported immediately to the teacher.

7. Materials placed on any course-related web page, such as Edmodo, must be appropriate and comply with rules and restrictions set forth in this policy.

8. Students may not repost a message that was sent privately without permission of the person who sent the message.

9. Students may not photograph any person without that person’s consent. No photography is allowed in the restrooms or locker rooms.

10. Device cameras and audio recording capabilities may not be used during class without permission.

11.Students will promptly inform their teacher or other school employee of any message received that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

12. Internet access from outside the school is the domain of the parent/guardian. NDA expects parents/ guardians to be equal stakeholders in the implementation of computer system policies by monitoring their daughter’s Internet access and electronic use at home in a manner supportive of the school’s policies.

While the school may provide consequences for inappropriate electronic communications among students outside of school,

Internet/Wireless Usage 1. Students must register their device with the school in order to access the school’s wireless network.

2. Students may not view or download music or any other materials that are not academically related.

3. Students may not post personal contact information about themselves or others except as directed by a teacher/advisor.

4. Students may not agree to meet with a person they have met online.

5. Students may not download large files without approval. This includes streaming of music or videos during school hours unless so instructed by a teacher.

6. Students may not purchase goods or services.

7. Students may not play games during class time or use other interactive sites such as chats or discussion boards unless such activity is specifically assigned by a teacher.

8. Students may not participate in internet gambling.

9. Students will not attempt to gain access to websites blocked by school policy, such as Facebook, through use of proxy services, software, or websites. iPad Usage 1. Students are solely responsible for the care and safekeeping of their iPads – any loss or damage to the iPads, regardless of the cause, will be strictly the financial responsibility of the students and their parents.

2. Students must have “Find my iPad” function enabled at all times.

3. Students are responsible for ensuring their iPad’s battery is completely charged and ready for a full day’s use.

4. Students are responsible for securing their iPad (i.e., not leaving it unattended or unlocked in any unsupervised area or in unattended vehicles). Passcodes must be used.

5. Students are allowed to install personal apps on the iPads with parental permission, but these personal apps must be kept at the end of the menu screens.

6. Academic content takes precedence over personal files/apps.

7. Students are responsible for updating their apps and backing up their iPads on a regular basis via iTunes.

8. iPads are subject to random checks by any teacher, staff person or administrator.

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Unacceptable Behavior 1. Students may not damage, alter, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computers or other systems; e.g. using others’ passwords or accessing others’ data.

2. Students may not enable unauthorized persons to access or use the school’s computer systems or jeopardize the security of the school’s electronic communications systems.

3. Students may not introduce a virus, attempt to breach system security, or tamper with the school’s computer system.

4. Students may not use obscene, defamatory, and/or disruptive language.

5. Students may not use school technology or credentials to send or post electronic communications that are abusive, bullying, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another person’s reputation, illegal or contrary to NDA’s philosophy.

6. Students may not send comments or images that would reasonably offend a person or an organization on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs, disability, etc.

7. Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization, including Notre Dame Academy.

8. Students may not upload, download, or otherwise transmit copyrighted, trademarked, patented or indecent material; trade secrets; or other confidential, private, or proprietary information. In the case of copyrighted materials, certain exceptions are given for educational purposes. If there is any doubt about the legality of the use of copyrighted material, students must consult their teachers.

9. Students may not access material that is profane or obscene (pornography) or that advocates illegal acts, violence, or discrimination.

10. Students may not participate in any activity that violates a school rule or a local, state or federal law.

provide interscholastic competition for athletes of its member schools. It is the goal of the league that through athletic competition athletes will develop their physical abilities and knowledge of various sports, as well as develop friendly relationships with members of other teams. To achieve these goals the league has adopted the following Code of Behavior for all athletes who participate on teams of the member schools and expects that all athletes abide by these standards.

1. Athletes shall serve as positive examples by exercising self-control, fair play, and good sportsmanship. Any athlete who violates this rule by swearing or displaying poor sportsmanship shall be removed from that contest for the remainder of the event. On the second incident of such behavior, the athlete will be eliminated from the team for the remainder of the season. In both incidents the Athletic Director or administrator of the other school will notify the principal of the school involved.

2. Coaches and athletes from both schools will shake hands prior to a contest, when appropriate, and give a cheer for the opposing team and/or shake hands after each competition.

3. Athletes shall maintain at least a “C” or un-weighted 2.0 GPA to remain eligible for an athletic team.

According to CIF policies, failure to do so makes the athlete ineligible for competition.

4. Athletes shall respect facilities when visiting another school. Critical comments are unacceptable, and vandalism and/or damaging posters or any part of the premises are prohibited. All visiting teams and spectators should honor requests for no food or drinks in gymnasiums. The visiting team should also be responsible for cleaning up its bench after a competition.

5. In order to participate in a competition on a particular day, an athlete should be in attendance at school at least half of that school day or be in accordance with the school attendance policies.

6. All athletes are reminded that it is both a privilege and a responsibility to be a member of an athletic team. As a member of a team an athlete is representing her school and the way she behaves is a direct reflection on her school and its philosophy. All athletes should strive to make their experience on a team positive. It is expected that all athletes will exercise the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship.

After the athlete has read the Code she must sign below, acknowledging that she understands the expectations of the League.

Violation Consequences Any user who is found to be in violation of these rules may be subject but not limited to the following: 1. Detention 2. Confiscation of devices for a period of time and/or temporary loss of certain privileges 3. Confiscation of device for forensic imaging 4. Suspension and/or termination of network/computer privileges 5. Suspension and/or expulsion from Notre Dame Academy 6. Referral to civil law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution CIF TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY Any transfer student wishing to participate in athletics must meet the CIF requirements as stated in the CIF Blue Book in order to play a varsity sport. In addition, a transfer student must complete a Transfer Eligibility form and a Pre-enrollment Contact Affidavit form. See the Athletic Director for these forms or for any questions.

Parent/Player Athletic Contract 2016-2017 Before a student is allowed to participate on a Notre Dame Academy athletic team, both she and a parent/guardian must first read, understand and sign the Notre Dame Academy “Athletic Contract”, the Los Angeles Athletic Association (LAAA) “ Code of Behavior”, the CIF “Code of Ethics” form and the “Use of Steroids” agreement.

CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR ATHLETES The Los Angeles Athletic Association was established to

SCHOOL REPRESENTATION

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h.

It is important for each student to understand that by being selected for a position on a Notre Dame Academy athletic team, the expectation of the school, the athletic department and the coach is that an athlete conducts herself in a way that reflects the good name and reputation of the school. An athlete’s personal appearance, her attitude and her behavior are a reflection on the institution she represents. An athlete must dress appropriately at all athletic events and when traveling with the team. The official team uniform must be worn appropriately at all times.

i.

Any non-mandatory NDA sponsored offering that would cause the athlete to miss scheduled practices, games, tournaments, invitationals or meetings in the sport season she elected to try out for and participate in Serving detention

An absence from a practice, game, tournament, invitational or team event, with prior written notice to the coach, will be excused if the absence is because the athlete: a. Went home sick b. Did not attend school due to sickness c. Had a major family emergency d. Had an injury where a doctor’s note is presented that keeps the athlete out of practices or games e. Is a freshmen who opted to take a Friday VPA (applies to Friday practices only / not scheduled games) f. Attended Kairos (Seniors only) but communicated with her coach and chose a Kairos retreat date that won’t have a huge effect on her sports season.

ELIGIBILITY Every athlete must be in compliance with the eligibility requirements of the school and CIF. Before an athlete is allowed to compete she must, a. Have a valid physician’s examination on file BEFORE participating in tryouts, practices or competition. b. Have acquired and submitted to the coach the signed permission of all teachers whose classes are affected by early dismissals during the season. c. Have no previous record of “quitting” a NDA athletic team during the season. d. Have maintained a “2.0” GPA or better prior to the beginning of her respective season.

If a player fails to attend school on the day of, or part of the day of competition, she is ineligible to play that same day. An athlete MUST inform her coach of her absence or partial absence on that day. Failure to comply with this rule, may affect the team’s eligibility with CIF.

ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICE AND GAMES

DEFINITION OF EXPULSON

Attendance at practice is vital for improvement of the player and for the team. Players are expected to attend all mandatory Monday thru Friday practices, games, tournaments, invitationals and meetings during their respective sports season.

Failure to do so may result in the expulsion from the team, as well as team recognition withheld from the athlete’s transcript.

If a circumstance arises whereby an athlete cannot attend a practice, game or meeting, the coach must be notified prior to the absence. Notification must be in writing and come from a parent.

No athlete will be expelled from a team without just cause.

However, if an athlete is in jeopardy of expulsion because of a serious violation of the rules, she will be required to attend a meeting with her coach and the Athletic Director. The coach and the athlete will have an opportunity to state their grievances before a final decision is made. If an athlete is expelled from a team, she will not receive team recognition.

TRANSPORTATION Notre Dame Academy provides transportation for all AWAY athletic contests. In the case of tennis, softball, soccer, beach volleyball and swim athletes will be expected to secure a carpool or drive (if licensed) to all home contests as our “home” fields / venues are permitted off campus. By signing this contract, a parent gives permission for his/her daughter to ride in the athletic transportation provided by NDA to any home contest or off campus venue that requires a carpool or student driver. If a parent/guardian has an isolated request for his/her daughter to drive herself to an AWAY athletic event, the parent must submit this request in writing. The Athletic Director must receive this written request 24 hours prior to the event in order to approve the request. Every effort must be made to use the transportation provided by Notre Dame Academy.

An athlete who accumulates three unexcused absences over the course of her respective sports season, fails to appear for a game or fails to attend a team event, will face consequences.

This may result in the expulsion from the team. If an athlete is expelled from the team she may not tryout for another NDA team in the future. Even with prior written notice to the coach, the reasons for an absence being considered unexcused include but are not limited to absence because of: a. A test the following day b. A “ton” of homework c. Tired and feel like a “break” d. Concerts, birthdays, family members birthdays, any event that affects a scheduled practice and/or game, tournament, invitational or meeting e. NDA Day locker decorating or other non-mandatory NDA events f. Vacation in the middle of the sports season you elected to try out for and participate in g. Senior Service / Life Experience week when staying in the Los Angeles area

ATHLETIC POLICIES In the spirit of the NDA philosophy and sense of fair play, the following policies have been developed for student athletes and their parents/guardians: a. If an athlete is absent from school on the day of or

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b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

part of the day of a competition, the athlete is ineligible to play that day.

A uniform deposit fee in the amount of $175.00 must be collected within two weeks of the start of the athlete’s respective sports season.

For all AWAY, off campus competition, players must use the transportation provided by NDA. After a game, if an athlete leaves a contest site with her parent/guardian, the coach must be notified prior to departure.

An athlete found to be consuming alcoholic beverages, smoking, using illegal drugs or using steroids on the school grounds or any in situation that would identify the athlete with Notre Dame Academy will be disciplined and possibly expelled from the team.

During the team selection process, all athletes must try out for a position on a team. No one is guaranteed a place. All athletes are assessed equally for all positions. No preference is given according to grade level. No athlete is guaranteed any amount of playing time during the season or during any one specific game. This decision is left entirely up to the discretion of the coach.

Playing time is not up for discussion. An “open door” policy is encouraged with our athletes ONLY. If at any time an athlete is confused about her role on the team or feels concerned in general, the athlete, not the parent, needs to come and speak with the coaching staff.

Parents/guardians are not allowed to speak with the coaches before, during or after a game/athletic contest if an issue arises that needs to be dealt with. They are asked to schedule a meeting with the coach to discuss the issue.

Abusive language towards other players, coaches, or referees by athletes or parents will not be tolerated.

Yelling at coaches, referees, opponents, score keepers, players in our own program or other programs in a derogatory manner will only hurt the integrity of NDA. If language becomes abusive in any way towards the above listed, the person will be asked (player/parent) to leave the athletic contest immediately and a further course of action will be taken.

If an athlete quits a team or is expelled from a team by the coach after tryouts and before the conclusion of the season, she becomes ineligible to try out for another NDA team. A student may petition to be considered for participation on another NDA team. In order to do this a student must: 1. Submit a letter to the Athletic Director stating the reasons why she would like to be considered for another team, and why she would not be a “risk” again.

2. Meet with the new coach and Athletic Director to discuss her ability to sustain and commit to a new team for a full season.

3. Secure approval and permission from the Director of Academics before being allowed to pursue a new team.

PARKING AND DRIVING REGULATIONS In keeping with the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and working with the City of Los Angeles, NDA has put the following basic regulations into effect. Disregard of these regulations may result in serious disciplinary action, including expulsion.

It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians and also the student to make sure that everyone dropping off or picking up a student has been properly instructed in and follows all NDA regulations, including use of the established zones. Detention consequences for the student apply whether the driver is a parent/guardian or someone else.

Parents/Guardians or Other Drivers Dropping Off or Picking Up Students The City Council has required NDA to rigorously enforce the established drop-off and pick-up zones. (See diagram page 35.)

All cars dropping off or picking up high school students must display the yellow “H.S.” placard on the dashboard.

At all times, parents/guardians and other drivers are to treat security and faculty personnel on traffic duty with respect and to obey their directives. Parents/guardians and other drivers dropping off or picking up students are expected to be considerate of other drivers, neighbors and pedestrians.

Students should enter or exit the car only on the curbside, so as not to obstruct the flow of traffic in the zone and for safety reasons.

A high school student may be picked up or dropped off on the elementary school playground with her sibling who is enrolled in Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.

Parents/guardians and other drivers must use the established Overland and Selby zones at all times. These rules are in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year, including early in the morning, when the student is late for school, after school, late in the afternoon and into the evening, on weekends, in bad weather, in summer, etc.

Drivers dropping off or picking up on Overland may not: • Drop off or pick up students anywhere on Overland except in the established zone which is between the alley and the red zone.

• Block the alley just north of the pick-up zone while waiting to pull into the zone.

• Drive through the alley or use any part of the alley for drop-off or pick-up.

• Make a U-turn in front of the school or faculty driveway on Overland (sign posted).

• Make a U-turn by the Overland alley.

• Wait in or obstruct the driveway of the faculty lot or the student driveway at any time.

• Drop off or pick up in the red zone at any time. Cars may not park, wait or stop in any red zone.

• Wait longer than two minutes in the established zone. If the student does not appear, the driver must pull out, circle the block and return to the pick-up zone.

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• • • • •

Stop in the median and expect students to cross traffic to reach the car.

Park across the street and allow the student to jaywalk.

Drive through, wait/park in the Overland alley for either drop-off or pick-up.

Double park on Overland.

Parents/guardians or other drivers may not park elsewhere on Overland and walk to school to pick up the student or direct the student to walk to a car parked outside the zone.

law. While a parent/guardian may choose to disregard this law for out of school, non-school sponsored events, NDA will not permit a provisional student driver to transport students to or from school or to or from school-sponsored events. Student drivers in violation incur one to five detentions and may lose their school parking slot.

Driving a car to school is a privilege. NDA has established the following priority order in granting parking slots: • those drivers who are 18 or who have had their license for at least one year and who have a carpool of students from NDA or NDA Elementary. The student-driver must provide proof that she is 18 or that she has had her license for more than one year, and also a list of NDA students in her carpool and how many days she is transporting them.

• those drivers who will turn 18 or who will reach the one year requirement during the first semester of the school year and who will have NDA or NDA Elementary students as passengers. Until such time, these are single drivers. The student-driver must provide proof that she is 18 or that she has had her license for more than one year, and also a list of NDA students in her carpool and how many days she is transporting them.

• those drivers with special circumstances (distance of 30+ miles, work schedule, etc.)

The Selby zone is on the school (east) side of the street, beginning at the corner of Selby and Clarkson and extending past the two schools to the far (north) end of the high school property.

Drivers dropping off or picking up on Selby, both before and after school, must approach the drop-off/pick-up zone via Glendon. No other approach may be used, regardless of the time of day. Drivers may not: • Wait in the loading zone without pulling forward as far as possible.

• Park across the street from the school and allow/direct the student to jaywalk.

• Park anywhere on Selby or any other street outside of the loading zone and allow/direct the student to walk to the car. Nor may a driver park outside the zone and walk to the school to accompany the student to the car.

• Meet the student at the corner of Clarkson and Selby or Coventry and Selby or any other location outside the established zone.

• Double park or block driveways on any street.

• Five minutes after school is out, if the zone is approaching full, a teacher will direct the car at the head of the line to drive away and return to the end of the line. Each subsequent car may stay in the lead position for no more than one minute.

Once the student-drivers in these categories have been granted slots, there will be a lottery if there are more qualified drivers than available slots. Student-drivers who qualify to drive a carpool are expected to do so or they run the risk of losing their slot.

Student-drivers are expected to be considerate of other drivers, neighbors and pedestrians. Student-drivers must register their car(s), submit proof of current insurance, and sign a contract with specific regulations to earn a permit for parking in the school lot. Ordinarily, student-drivers are expected to turn in a second car key; if this is not possible, an explanatory note must be submitted. Applications for a slot in the student lot must be in by the published deadline: late applications are subject to a late fee of $20 and will automatically go to the end of the list.

Student-Drivers Parking slots are assigned a semester at a time; those who had slots in the first semester must re-apply for the second semester along with all new drivers

ALL student-drivers must park on campus at all times: before school (even early in the morning), during the school day, after school, for school events, sports practices, etc., regardless of the time of day or day of the week, including the weekend. Neither students nor their families may make private arrangements with any neighbors or others living near the school; student parking anywhere but on site is a violation of the school’s CUP. The only students who may drive to school are those whose cars have been registered by the school and who have an assigned parking space.

Permission to drive to summer school does not guarantee a student a spot during the school year.

Handicapped parking is available for students who qualify.

Because the student driveway runs through a section of the elementary school yard and safety is paramount, drivers are expected to arrive on time and to remain for the entire day.

Students who arrive late and need to have the gate opened for them may incur detentions for repeated late arrivals. On the rare occasion when a student needs to leave early, she or her parent/guardian is expected to contact the front office in advance. Ordinarily, students are expected to make appointments outside of school time. If at all possible, studentdrivers should make arrangements to be picked up rather than exit the parking lot early if they need to leave for an appointment.

California Vehicle Code Section 12814.6 states that for one year after receiving a driver’s license, a driver under age 18 may not transport passengers under age 20, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor. Drivers who are 18 years old or older may transport passengers.

Notre Dame Academy requires full compliance with this DMV

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Student-drivers involved in after-school activities need to be respectful of their parking slot buddy and ensure that no one is blocked in. This might necessitate moving the car immediately after school to allow the parking slot buddy to exit.

The school is not responsible for damage, loss or theft involving student vehicles parked in the student lot.

Student-drivers incur detentions/disciplinary action if they fail to: • Abide by the California Vehicle Code and published school driving regulations.

• Follow the directives of security or other traffic control personnel.

• Inform the Human Resources office of changes in their carpools (for those drivers who qualify).

• Register their car with the Human Resources office and update that registration as necessary.

• Arrive on time, thereby having to have security open the gate for them. When this happens more than once, the student may receive detentions.

• Enter and exit the parking lot by right turns only.

• Display their placard on the rear view mirror. Loss of the placard requires a $5.00 replacement fee.

• Obey the speed limit in the driveway or parking lot.

• Stop at the STOP sign or give pedestrians the right of way.

• Drive responsibly.

• Turn off radios, CD players and cell phones upon entering or exiting the driveway. No texting.

• Exit the car promptly and use the established walkways to come in to school. Students may not remain in their cars to listen to music, sleep, do homework, etc.

• Secure the permission of office personnel or an administrator to go to their car during the school day.

• Comply with the specific regulations listed on the contract signed at the time slots are assigned.

RIGHT TO AMEND This Student/Parent Handbook is intended to present school policies and procedures and be a guide to answer questions of both students and parents/guardians of the Notre Dame Academy community. The handbook continues to be a workin-progress as the students, faculty, parents/guardians and administrators strive to outline the guidelines that help to create a safe and comfortable learning environment that flows from the philosophy and mission of NDA. The administration of Notre Dame Academy reserves the right to add, modify or change any part of this handbook for the good of the school or students. The administration is the final recourse in all disciplinary matters and may waive any and all regulations for a just cause at its discretion.

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Notre Dame Academy Student Drop-off & Pick-up

Thank you for always following our drop-off and pick-up regulations!

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Notre Dame Academy Rotation Schedule 2016-2017 Hour 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Monday 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Tuesday 0 3 2 4 5 6 1 7

Wednesday 0 4 2 5 6 1 3 7

BLOCK I BLOCK II 0 0 See the calendar for the rotation on block days.

7 7

Monday-Wednesday All Classes Meet

BLOCK II __________________

7:00-7:50 . . . . . . . . . Zero Period 8:00-8:50 . . . . . . . . . Hour 1 8:55-9:45 . . . . . . . . . Period 2 9:45-9:52 . . . . . . . . . Section 9:52:10:07 . . . . . . . . Break 10:12-11:01 . . . . . . . Hour 3 11:06-11:55 . . . . . . . Hour 4 11:55-12:40 . . . . . . . Lunch 12:45-1:35 . . . . . . . . Hour 5 1:40-2:30 . . . . . . . . . Hour 6 Begins at 2:45. . . . . .Period 7

7:00-7:50 . . . . . . . . . Zero Period 8:00-9:25 . . . . . . . . . Hour 1 9:25-9:35 . . . . . . . . . Section 9:35-9:50 . . . . . . . . . . Break 9:55-11:15 . . . . . . . . . Hour 2 11:15-11:30 . . . . . . . . Break 11:35-1:00 . . . . . . . . Hour 3 Begins at 1:15. . . . . . Period 7

BLOCK I

0ota

E Period/Assembly after Hour 1

E Period/Assembly after Hour 2_

7:00-7:50 . . . . . . . . Zero Period 8:00-9:20 . . . . . . . . Hour 1 9:20-9:25 . . . . . . . . Announcements 9:25-10:40 . . . . . . . .E Period/Assembly 10:40-10:55 . . . . . . Break 11:00-12:20 . . . . . . Hour 2 12:20-1:05 . . . . . . . Lunch 1:10-2:30 . . . . . . . . Hour 3 Period 7 . . . . . . . . . Begins at 2:45

7:00-7:50 . . . . . . . . . Zero Period 8:00-9:20 . . . . . . . . . . Hour 1 9:20-9:25 . . . . . . . . . . Announcements 9:25-9:40 . . . . . . . . . . Break 9:45-11:05 . . . . . . . . . Hour 2 11:05-12:20 . . . . . . . . E Period/Assembly 12:20-1:05 . . . . . . . . . Lunch 1:10-2:30 . . . . . . . . . . Hour 3 Period 7 . . . . . . . . . . . Begins at 2:45