Student - Parent
HANDBOOK
2021-2022 5782
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Letter from Rabbi Sufrin
Dear Parents and Students, We are incredibly excited to welcome you to a new year at YULA High School! The information you will find in this Student-Parent Handbook is a guide in understanding the daily procedures of YULA. Please keep this booklet handy for future reference. Your partnership will ensure that we can all work together to help raise the spirituality and achdut of our Yeshiva. YULA thrives to provide a safe and nurturing environment filled with opportunities for each student to meet their individual needs and reach their unique potential. Our mission is to imbue all students with a strong foundation that holds a deep love and passion for Torah study, refined middot tovot, love of Medinat Yisrael, and sincere ahavat Hashem. In order to accomplish this successfully, we encourage and expect our students to approach school life, activities and all tasks with values that are consistent with Torah, as well as a commitment to kavod habriyot, which includes being honest and sensitive to all stakeholders in the YULA community. The information outlined in the Student-Parent handbook should assist students and parents in gaining a better understanding of our school policies. We have no doubt that by partnering with us in all of these areas and procedures, we will be a much stronger and unified community and Yeshiva. Hatzlocha on a great year! Sincerely, Rabbi Arye Sufrin Head of School
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement............................................................................ 5 The Three Pillars................................................................................ 5 Our Vision............................................................................................ 5 Religious Standards Within The School...................................... 6 Activities Outside Of School..................................................... 6 Expected Schoolwide Learning Results...................................... 7 Academic Policies............................................................................. 8 Graduation Requirements.......................................................... 8 Required Courses By Discipline................................................ 9 Required Courses By Year........................................................10 Academic Pathways....................................................................10 Class Placement...........................................................................10 Honors/Advanced Placement Courses.................................11 Earning Performing Arts Credit For Participating In Performing Arts...........................................................................11 Earning Pe Credit For Participating In Athletics.................11 Student Schedule Changes.......................................................12 Course Prerequisites And Placement....................................12 Electives.........................................................................................12 Grading...........................................................................................12 Assignments And Gradebooks................................................13 Attendance....................................................................................13 Missing School Due To Student Activities........................... 14 Tardies ...........................................................................................14 Leaving Campus During School Hours ................................. 14 School Activities ......................................................................... 14 Homework Policy........................................................................15 Student Homework Responsibility ........................................15 Assessments ................................................................................15 Tests .........................................................................................15 Test Policy ...............................................................................15 Quiz Policy ..............................................................................16 Make-Up Testing ...................................................................16 Semester Final Exams................................................................16 Final Make-Up Exams ...............................................................16 Advanced Placement Exams ...................................................17 Academic Probation ..................................................................17 Semester Academic Probation ...............................................17 Academic Progress Reports ...................................................17 Incompletes ..................................................................................18 Off-Campus Courses .................................................................18 Honor Roll.....................................................................................18 Grading Scale................................................................................19 Academic Transcripts ................................................................20 Transfer Of School Records.....................................................20 Academic Honesty......................................................................20 Student Support .........................................................................21 Request For Accommodation .................................................22 Case-By-Case Determination .................................................22 Guidance And Counseling.............................................................22 Social And Emotional Support ................................................22
Israel Guidance ...........................................................................23 Academic Advising And College Guidance ........................23 Letters Of Recommendation ...................................................24 Positive Relationship With Parents ........................................24 Behavior And Discipline................................................................24 Cutting Class.................................................................................24 Sign Out/Sign- In Procedures..................................................25 Senior Lunch Protocols........................................................25 Junior Lunch Protocols.........................................................25 Profanity........................................................................................26 Bullying...........................................................................................26 Harassment ..................................................................................27 Inappropriate Posting.................................................................27 Cell Phones/Electronic Devices..............................................27 Disruptive Behavior....................................................................28 Substance Abuse Policy............................................................28 Vaping & Smoking.......................................................................29 Parental Consent.........................................................................29 Lockers ..............................................................................................30 Campus Appearance .....................................................................30 Books..................................................................................................30 Change Of Address.........................................................................30 Chessed..............................................................................................30 Student Life .....................................................................................31 Co-Curricular Activities ............................................................31 Field Trips .....................................................................................31 Athletics.........................................................................................31 Lost And Found............................................................................32 Messages.......................................................................................32 Social Media .................................................................................32 Text Messaging ...........................................................................32 Computer Policy..........................................................................32 Parking ...........................................................................................32 Parking Lot Privileges ................................................................32 Pick Up & Drop Off ....................................................................33 Tefillah ...........................................................................................33 Shacharit .......................................................................................33 Mincha ...........................................................................................34 Dress Code ...................................................................................34 Shirts ........................................................................................34 Skirts .........................................................................................34 Pants .........................................................................................34 Shoes ........................................................................................34 Hair ...........................................................................................35 Piercings ..................................................................................35 Gym Dress Code ...................................................................35 Enforcement ...........................................................................35 Dress Code Violations..........................................................35 Immunization Policy.......................................................................35 Medical Exemption................................................................35 Personal Belief Exemption..................................................36
Mission Statement
YULA is an Orthodox Yeshiva High School, dedicated to cultivating an unwavering commitment to Halacha, Torah values, outstanding academic achievement, and exemplary moral conduct.
The Three Pillars
YULA’s mission and underlying principle, laid out in the Three Pillars of a YULA Education, is that we stress the PRIMACY & RELEVANCY OF TORAH, an UNCOMPROMISING GENERAL STUDIES curriculum, and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT at the highest level. As a proud Yeshiva high school, our aim is to instill within our students a passion for Torah learning, refined middot tovot, and love for Medinat Yisrael.
Our Vision
YULA High School Graduates: • Possess Ahavat HaShem and have built personal relationships with Hashem through Torah study, Tefilah, and reflection. • Can see the relevancy of Torah in their lives and are proud to be part of our Mesorah. • Exhibit self-respect and respect for others as they collaborate and communicate effectively. • Live the values of Torah U’Maddah and strive for academic excellence and intellectual curiosity in both Judaic and General Studies. • Have developed their potential as Bnei and Bnot Torah, prepared for their unique roles in their personal and professional lives, and the Jewish and global community. • Appreciate different paths of Avodat Hashem, grounded in Shmirat HaMitzvot and Chessed. • Stress the importance of Middot, Tzniut and Derech Eretz. • Display a love of Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. • Live by the American democratic ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity. • Are confident, self-disciplined and independent as leaders ready to engage in our rapidly changing world.
It is the responsibility of each student and parent to be familiar with all of the policies, rules, and regulations contained in this Handbook. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS YULA High School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 5
RELIGIOUS STANDARDS WITHIN THE SCHOOL
The religious standards in the school are based on halacha. Students, regardless of their personal level of religious commitment, are required to adhere to these standards while in school and at all school sponsored events. All halachic decisions are rendered by the Head of School. These standards include: • all areas of the curriculum, Torah and General, and all co-curricular activities • the dress code articulated in this handbook • food brought into the school must be strictly kosher. Any food served in the school must bear a reliable kashrut certification as deemed appropriate by the administration. Commercial products must have acceptable certifications such as OU, OK, Star K or Chaf K. • If you have any questions regarding a particular product, please contact the school office.
AC TIVITIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Recognizing the important role that they play within the community, YULA supports the activities of Bnei Akiva, NCSY as well as the many community chessed organizations in which students are encouraged to participate. There are a number of YULA events that are open to the entire community such as sporting events and graduations. Students who attend games are expected to dress in accordance with halachic norms and be exemplary in their behavior, good sportsmanship, and midot. YULA students should be aware that they are representatives of the school and Judaism to the community at large. They are, therefore, expected to: • display refined and Torah based midot and derech eretz at all times • be committed to full halachic observance • dress appropriately; as defined in the dresscode section in the handbook • refrain from entering or purchasing from a non-kosher food establishment YULA’s mandate is to teach its students to grow both spiritually and ethically. This goal is only achievable with the direct involvement and support of the parents. When the school and parent body partner to educate and model appropriate behavior together, it sends a powerful message to our students. YULA does not condone students’ attendance at co-ed parties unless the parties have proper supervision as per the guidelines of the YULA Administration. Students who attend parties that involve mixed dancing, alcohol and/or drugs may face disciplinary action. Any student who attends a party and exhibits behavior that is not consistent with Torah values as determined by the Head of School may be subject to disciplinary action, including explustion. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, or regarding a particular event or re6
garding a particular behavior or conduct, please speak with the Head of School.
EXPECTED SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING RESULTS YULA High School will graduate students who are:
1. TORAH OBSERVANT JEWS who demonstrate a commitment to a Torah lifestyle. 2. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS who: • Lead lives committed to Jewish law, ethics and morals. • Plan and implement projects that improve the spiritual and physical quality of life in both the school community and the larger civic community. 3. 21ST CENTURY LEARNERSwho: • can synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge from Torah and secular studies curricula • are digitally literate • are prepared for post high school education 4. DEVELOPING HABITS OF MIND including: • Clear communication • Creation and innovation • Collaboration 5. SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LEADERS who: • Volunteer for leadership roles in the classroom, co-curricular activities, and in the community at-large • Participate in activities that teach and foster leadership skills • Initiate student activities based on student interest and need The handbook is designed as a general outline to communicate how the values of the school determine policies and protocols for our daily lives at school. Please realize that the following policies represent general guidelines only. The school’s administration may deal with specific situations, as it deems appropriate, on a case-by-case basis.
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Academic Policies G R A D U AT I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S A total of 41 credits are required to graduate from YULA High School. All courses required for graduation must be passed with a grade of “D” or better. Students who receive an “F” in any required subject must repeat the subject or make up the equivalent units in an approved course. Students are also required to complete a total of 70 Chessed hours to successfully graduate from YULA High School. GENERAL STUDIES
JUDAIC STUDIES
CHESSED HOURS
(25 total credits required)
(16 total credits required)
(70 total hours required)
Mathematics................4 credits
Biblical Literature.......4 credits
Freshmen......................10 hours
Science..........................3 credits
Prophets and Scriptures
Sophomores................ 15 hours
........................................4 credits
Juniors.......................... 20 hours
English...........................4 credits
Jewish Law/Jewish Thought
Seniors......................... 25 hours
Social Studies .............4 credits
....................................... 4 credits
Hebrew.........................3 credits
Jewish History/Talmud
Arts..................................1 credit
....................................... 4 credits
(2 credits with lab required)
STEAM............................1 credit Physical Education.....2 credits Electives ......................3 credits
1 credit = 1 full year 0.5 credit = 1 semester
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REQUIRED COURSES BY DISCIPLINE University of California Freshman Admission Requirements
California State University Freshman Admission Requirements
YULA High School Girls Division Minimum Graduation Requirements
3 credits
4 credits
High School Subject Area
CA Minimum Graduation Requirements
Mathematics
2 credits
Science
(Biology and Physical Sciences)
(either Bio, Chem, or Physics) (*3 credits recommended)
(1 credit with lab in Bio, Chem, or Physics)
(2 credits with lab required)
English
3 credits
4 credits
4 credits
4 credits
Social Studies
3 credits
2 credits
2 credits
4 credits
Foreign Language
1 credit
2 credits in the same language (*3
2 credits in the same language
(Hebrew Language)
Arts
1 credit
1 credit
1 credit
1 credit
STEAM
N/A
N/A
N/A
1 credit
Physical Education
2 credits
N/A
N/A
2 credits
Electives
N/A
1 credit
1 credit
3 credits
General Studies Total
14 credits
15 credits
15 credits
25 credits
Judaic Studies Total
N/A
N/A
N/A
16 credits
Totals
14 credits
15 credits
15 credits
41 credits
2 credits
3 credits
(4 credits recommended)
2 credits with lab
credits recommended)
1 credit = 1 year 9
2 credits
3 credits
3 credits
REQUIRED COURSES BY YE AR Freshman 9th Grade
Sophomore 10th Grade
Junior 11th Grade
Senior 12th Grade
General Studies
5 Courses: • Math • Science • English • Social Studies • Hebrew Language
5 Courses: • Math • Science • English • Social Studies • Hebrew Language
5 Courses: • Math • Science • English • Social Studies • Hebrew Language
3 Courses: • Math • English • Social Studies
Judaic Studies
4 Courses: • Chumash • Nach • Halacha and Machshava • Classical Jewish History and Talmud
4 Courses: • Chumash • Nach • Halacha and Machshava • Jewish History or Talmud
4 Courses: • Chumash • Nach • Halacha & Machshava • Jewish History or Talmud
4 Courses: • Chumash • Nach • Halacha and Machshava • Jewish History or Talmud
STEAM
1 Course
1 Course
N/A
N/A
PE
1 Course
1 Course
N/A
N/A
A C A D E M I C P AT H W AY S YULA High School has various academic tracks for General Studies, depending on the grade level. In 10th grade an Advanced Placement (AP) track is added. Both Applied and College Prep tracks meet graduation requirements and are considered college readiness courses. Students are placed in all tracks after taking placement exams, meeting grade prerequisites, and based on teachers’ recommendations.
CL ASS PL ACEMENT Every effort is made to ensure that class placement is appropriate for each student. Student scores on placement exams, course selections by students, progress toward fulfilling graduation requirements and academic level are taken into account. Please review the Course Offering Guide for prerequisites and placement requirements for all courses. Schedule changes must be completed prior to the scheduled Add/Drop date on the calendar.
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Teachers can initiate a class change for a student at any time. Students and parents will be contacted as soon as there is evidence that a student is struggling, with an explanation of the areas where improvement is needed. Teachers will discuss a class change with the Department Chair and/the administration. If the consensus is that a change is necessary, the parents will be contacted about the reasons behind the change and any possible consequences may require a change in another class due to a schedule conflict.
H O N O R S /A D V A N C E D P L A C E M E N T C O U R S E S • Honors Courses: These classes are offered at the 9th through 12th grade levels and receive an additional point bump in the calculation of the GPA. • Advanced Placement Courses: These classes are offered at the 10th, 11th or 12th grade levels and receive an additional point bump in the calculation of the GPA. Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses whose content is determined by The College Board and recognized by U.C. and other universities as college level. Students can take a total of nine AP courses throughout their time at YULA: • 10th Grade: One - AP European History • 11th Grade: Up to four • 12th Grade Up to four • Students wanting to take a 5th AP course in either 11th or 12th grade must be granted permission by the Principal of General Studies.
E A R N I N G P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C R E D I T F O R P A R T I C I P AT I N G I N PERFORMING ARTS • To earn a one-time semester Performing Arts credit for participating in Performing Arts, students must complete the following requirements: • Participate actively in a school play for two consecutive years (ex: 9th and 10th grade years = 1 semester of Performing Arts). • Upon verification from the Performing Arts Director, a student will earn a one semester credit of Performing Arts which will be added to the transcript.
E A R N I N G P E C R E D I T F O R P A R T I C I P AT I N G I N AT H L E T I C S Every student is required to take PE during 9th and 10th grade. Any student athlete who is on a sports team will be excused from their PE class for the duration of the sport. • The student must return to their PE class after their sport has ended. • The PE class will remain on the student’s schedule as it is California state policy that every
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GRADING
high school students complete 2 full years of PE.
“Grade Point Average” (GPA) at YULA , is a cumulative assessment of a student’s academic progress in all General and Judaic Studies classes (9-12). GPA is computed at the conclusion of each semester (January and June) on the following point basis:
• During the time that the sport is in season, the PE class should be used as a study hall. • If a student is a 3 sport athlete, they will be excused from PE for the entire year.
STUDENT SCHEDULE CHANGES Students have a two week add/drop period during the first two weeks of each semester. To confirm any changes, students must receive approval from the Principal of Judaic Studies or the Principal of General Studies.
COURSE PREREQUISITES AND PL ACEMENT Course prerequisites and placement are based on individual departments and determined by the Principal of Judaic Studies, Principal of General Studies and Department Chairs.
ELECTIVES Every 11th grade student must take ONE year-long mandatory elective. Every 12th grade student must take TWO year-long mandatory electives. A student who is taking a year-long mandatory elective in 11th and 12th grade may not drop that elective at the end of semester one.
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Letter Grade
Number Key
A
93 - 100
A-
90 - 92
B+
87 - 89
B
83 - 86
B-
80 - 82
C+
77 - 79
C
73 - 76
C-
70 - 72
D+
67 - 69
D
63 - 66
D-
60 - 62
F
0 - 59
ASSIGNMENTS AND GR ADEBOOKS The PowerSchool Learning portal is a powerful, easy-to-use, secure communication tool connecting teachers, parents and students. Using the PowerSchool student information system, students and parents have up-to-date, online access to class grades and homework. This makes it easier for parents, teachers and students to accurately monitor, identify and accelerate student progress. While PowerSchool tracks progress during the semester, final grades are stored and notified via the My Backpack system, at the end of each semester. Additionally, academic progress reports are sent quarterly via email to parents and students. Training and setup of these systems is provided to incoming students and parents at the beginning of each school year. It is the student’s and parent’s responsibility to monitor these platforms.
AT T E N D A N C E Our goal at YULA is to fill every day with meaningful exploration, learning, and growth. Attendance is a critical factor in student success. YULA High School encourages parents to plan family vacations based on our school calendar, as each absence impacts student learning and success. Personal business, appointments, and routine medical and dental visits should not be scheduled during school hours. YULA High School trusts parents to decide when their child should be kept home or taken out of school. We do not require notes from doctors or parents to explain a short term absence. Absences allowed per semester: Class Periods Per Week
Grade Letter Deduction Student’s grade is lowered ⅓ of a grade per additional absence. (A to A-, A- to B+)
5
12 absences per semester
4
10 absences per semester
3
8 absences per semester
2
5 absences per semester
A student is considered absent any time the student is not in or is more than 15 minutes late to any regularly scheduled class. Absences are subject to the maximum number allowed per course as indicated on the above chart. Only in the following circumstances can the Administration decide not to penalize the student’s grade if schoolwork is maintained and the student performs satisfactorily on exams: • Extended serious illness, if the parents inform the school of the reason for the absence during the illness. • Extenuating family circumstances, provided the parents obtain permission from the Admin13
istration before the absence. • Pre Approved College/Israel Gap year visits Students and parents will be notified regularly by phone or e-mail of any absence issues or irregularities on a frequent basis. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to regularly check students’ attendance online. Please refer to MyBackpack for the attendance record. A meeting with the Administration will be scheduled in the event that any further follow-up is required. The Administration strongly discourages parents from taking their children out of school for extended family vacations, college tours, or similar activities during the school year.
MISSING SCHOOL DUE TO STUDENT AC TIVITIES Students who miss class due to a school sponsored activity must make arrangements with the teacher for any missed assignments or tests. A student must maintain a C average or better in any given class, or a teacher may choose to not allow that student to miss class for any activity. Although the student will not be attending the class, any assignments due the day of the activity must still be handed in on time. If the activity is cancelled the student must attend class.
TA R D I E S A student is considered tardy when arriving late, within the first 15 minutes of class. Three tardies will be equivalent to an absence. After 15 minutes, the student will be marked “absent” but is required to stay in class. No student is permitted to enter class late without a permit slip from the office.
L E AV I N G C A M P U S D U R I N G S C H O O L H O U R S In order to ensure the safety of our students and to comply with standard school legal policy no student is permitted off campus without authorization from the school office. Security will not allow a student to leave until: • Parents call the office stating their name, the full name of the student, the reason for the call-out, the time of departure, and the time of return. • The student must sign out before leaving campus. In the event of illness, the onset of which occurs during the school day, the student will first come to the office before calling home so that the school administrator may initiate the call to the family and make appropriate arrangements.
SCHOOL AC TIVITIES It should be noted that days or periods during which non-academic school activities take place are counted as part of the mandatory school day requirement. As such, attendance will
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be taken and any absence duly recorded.
HOMEWORK POLICY • Students are required to complete their own homework and turn assignments in on the date set by the teacher. • All aspects of the Academic Honesty Policy apply to homework. • Copying and/or sharing homework assignments with another student is plagiarism, and subjects students to penalties under the Academic Honesty policy. • No homework or major projects will be due and no tests or quizzes will be given the day after a religious holiday and the day after a “major” student activity. • The Administration will identify those activities that fall into the category of “major” student activity, and will provide a calendar of those days where no assignments are due. • Teachers may assign reading over long holiday periods except for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
STUDENT HOMEWORK RESPONSIBILIT Y • If a student is absent, homework can be made up within as many days as the student was absent. For example; if a student was absent for two days, the student has two days to make up the homework. • If a student leaves campus early for a school event (sports or co-curricular activity) the student must hand in the homework to the teacher before the student leaves campus. • If a student fails to hand in an assignment the date it is due the student receives a zero. The student may make up the assignment and may receive a lower grade dependent on the department’s class norms and type of assessment.
ASSESSMENTS TESTS Tests are defined as: • Full period tests • Announced assessment, covering material from more than one lesson/homework. • Long term assignments including term papers/researching projects. TEST POLICY A maximum of 4 tests per week (max. 3 tests for AP courses per week) are allowed, one General Studies and one Judaic Studies per day. This will be closely monitored by our Principals. • A teacher may schedule only 1 test per course per week. • All tests must be announced in class at least 1 week prior to the test. • Students who know ahead of a test date that they have a legitimate reason for having to be absent must notify the teacher in advance of the test date of the need for a make-up 15
exam. • No tests or quizzes can be administered the day after a Jewish holiday or after a major student activity in the evening, as determined by the Principals. QUIZ POLICY • Short announced quizzes (of approximately 10 minutes) may only cover material studied in the previous one or two lessons. • Short unannounced quizzes - pop quizzes (10 minutes) may only cover material studied in the previous night’s homework or material taught in the previous class. MAKE-UP TESTING • Students are permitted to make up tests if they are absent. If a student is absent, the test must be made up within as many days as the student was absent. For example, if a student was absent for two days, the student has two days to make up the test. • Make-up exams will be administered at designated times.
SEMESTER FINAL EX AMS Semester exams are administered in January and June. These exams may count toward up to 20% of the student’s semester grade. Due to the pressures of the dual curricula, the following guidelines have been instituted to keep the workload at a reasonable level. At each of these exam periods, there will be no more than four (4) General Studies departments giving a semester exam, and no more than four (4) Judaic Studies departments giving a semester exam. The Administration will select the departments giving exams on a rotating basis. Teachers of classes not selected to administer an exam will determine semester grades based on all assessments given throughout the semester. Every student is required to attend Tefillah on the morning of their final and attendance will be taken. Students will receive an automatic 10% deduction to their morning final if they are absent from Shacharit.
FINAL MAKE-UP E X AMS Vacation and travel should not be planned during the January or June final exam periods. • Special permission may be granted by the administration in the event of an unavoidable circumstance. • If a student must leave school during final exams, arrangements must be made BEFORE the student leaves. In such cases, parents should communicate directly with the administration. This must be done at least TWO weeks prior to the student’s departure. • There will be no make-ups after the final exams have been administered. • In the event of student illness, a note from a physician must be submitted to the school in order for a student to be given a make-up exam. • Grades for courses requiring make-up exams will be delayed and students will receive an incomplete on the semester report card until the exam is scored and the final grade is 16
computed. Seniors should be acutely aware of this and the potential impact on transcript requests.
A DVA N C E D P L AC E M E N T E X A M S • Students in 9th-11th grades taking an AP Course will be required to take the AP exam in May. • Students taking AP exams will be excused from school the day of the AP exam. Any additional days students wish to miss (including the day before the exam) are counted as absences. • Any student who does not sit for the exam or receives a “1” on the exam will have the AP designation removed from her transcript and will not receive AP credit. Instead, the student will receive Honors credit for the course. • Seniors who are taking an AP Course are not required to take the AP exam in May. Since many students have not finalized their college plans by the time exams are ordered, we strongly encourage all of our Seniors to sit for the AP.
A C A D E M I C P R O B AT I O N Students are expected to maintain at least a C average (2.0) in their academic subjects. A student incurs Academic Probation when at the conclusion of any quarter a student receives at least one F or two D’s on the report card or has a combined GPA of less than 2.0. During the time that a student is on Academic Probation, the student is prohibited from involvement in co-curricular activities. This includes sports teams and major school productions.
S E M E S T E R A C A D E M I C P R O B AT I O N A student who receives an F in a course at the end of the semester does not earn credit for the course and thus jeopardizes graduation status. The process involved at the semester end is as follows: • The Principals will meet with the student and/or parent. • An Academic Probation Contract will be signed stipulating that the student MUST make up the failed class in a pre-approved course. • It’s also important to note that a grade of “D” is not accepted by UC/CSU schools. It is strongly recommended that students re-take those courses.
AC ADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS Approximately one month before the end of each marking period, teachers are required to submit academic progress reports for students who have a C- or lower in any class. A copy of each report is kept in the student’s file. The purpose of these notices is to inform both the students and parents of their progress so that the necessary steps can be taken to ensure success for the remainder of the semester. A student may receive a “D” or an “F” without prior notification if the student’s final exam 17
grade brings the average down to that level or as a result of excessive absences.
INCOMPLETES A student who receives an “I” or “Incomplete” in any course at the end of the semester, must complete that course within two weeks or the “I” will automatically become a “FAIL.” Students are responsible for contacting the teacher to determine what work must be completed.
OFF-CAMPUS COURSES • A student may not take a course outside of YULA High School if it is currently offered as a class on campus. • If a student is planning to take a course outside of YULA High School, they must receive prior permission from the Principals. The course and grade of a course taken anywhere other than YULA High School will not be incorporated into the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) or listed on her transcript.
HONOR ROLL • GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated twice a year on the report cards for each semester (Mid-term = Semester 1 and Final = Semester 2) • High Honor Roll is based on a combined cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher with no grade lower than B• Honor Roll is based on a combined cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.9 with no more than 1 C.
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GR ADING SCALE GPA – Applied & College Prep
GPA – Honors & AP
A
4.0
5.0
A-
3.7
4.7
B+
3.3
4.3
B
3.0
4.0
B-
2.7
3.7
C+
2.3
3.3
C
2.0
3.0
C-
1.7
2.7
D+
1.3
2.3
D
1.0
2.0
D-
.7
1.7
F
0
0
Grade
I
INC becomes an F if not completed within 2 weeks
P
Pass not computed into GPA
Please Note: Different college/university systems vary in their method of computing GPAs for entrance. Transcript reviewers at each college/university reevaluate all GPAs during the admissions process. Students do not receive credit for courses in which they earn a grade of “F”. Courses required for graduation from YULA must be retaken and transcripts mailed to the Registrar. No student will receive a YULA High School diploma until all grades are completed satisfactorily. To be eligible for admission to most four-year colleges and universities in the United States, students need to have completed a set core of courses with a minimum grade of “C”. YULA strongly advises students to retake classes in which they have earned a grade lower than “C”, if not, they seriously limit their options. Please Note: “Weighting” a grade does not mean altering the grade earned by the student in an honors class by boosting the grade one point on the report card or the transcript. The weighting takes place ONLY at the time of calculating the GPA.
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AC ADEMIC TR ANSCRIPTS The official YULA transcript is the academic record of the student’s coursework at YULA High School. It includes the classes taken while enrolled at YULA High School and the grades earned in those classes. Both semester one and semester two grades are reflected on the academic transcript. Test scores from SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP’s and/or ACT tests are not included on the transcript. Only courses taken and graded at YULA High School will be listed on the academic transcript. Grades for work completed during the summer or with an unaffiliated institution are not included in the GPA. Class rank is not included on the transcript, nor is it reported to colleges.
TR ANSFER OF SCHOOL RECORDS Whenever a student transfers from one school district to another or to a private school, or transfers from a private school to a school district within the state, the student’s permanent enrollment and scholarship record or a copy thereof shall be transferred by the former district to the private school upon a request from the district or private school where the student intends to enroll. When requested by parents, students or graduates, scholastic records are sent to colleges, universities, or businesses. These records are never sent automatically, and only in special circumstances may an individual hand deliver a transcript. To have transcripts sent, students must make their request by email to the Academic Registrar, msroka@yula.org. The following information must be provided with your request: ▪ Name of student ▪ Last year attended YULA ▪ Name and complete address and email where the transcript needs to be sent Please allow two (2) weeks to process your request. For students who graduated before 2007, please allow one month to process your request. Please allow 48 hours for expedited requests.
AC ADEMIC HONEST Y All forms of cheating and plagiarism are prohibited. Cheating and plagiarism include, but are not limited to, the following: • Copying homework or an assignment from another student. • Obtaining a quiz or test from other sources before it is given. • Using a crib sheet, notes, or any other materials intended to provide help during a quiz or a test. • Submitting work of any type for curricular or co-curricular (i.e. coursework, yearbook,
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school newspaper, etc.), which is not the student’s original work. • All types of plagiarism - see examples below. • Cheating also includes assisting another student in any of these activities. Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to: • Copying another student’s homework or assignment and turning it in as your own. • Copying texts from the Internet or other sources and using in your work without quotation marks or accurately citing the source. • Buying or acquiring a paper and turning it in as your own. • Using verbatim text or paraphrasing someone else’s words without acknowledging the source. (Ibid., 75) • Using someone else’s ideas and passing it off as your own. First Offense: The student receives a zero on the quiz, test, or assignment involved (if the teacher usually drops the lowest grade, the zero will not be dropped); notification of administration: notification of parent(s) by email, phone, or meeting; report of the incident is placed in the student’s permanent file. Second Offense: The student’s grade in the course (even if it is not the course in which the first offense was committed) is dropped one (1) letter grade; meeting with the student, parent(s), teacher, and appropriate administrator. The student is placed on academic probation and is ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities as provided under Academic Probation for the remainder of the semester. A report of the incident is placed in the student’s permanent file. Third Offense: The student receives an F in the course in which the infraction occurred, and all consequences listed above are enforced. The student may be removed from the class for the remainder of the year. The administration has the discretion to expel the student if it is determined the cheating is habitual.
STUDENT SUPPORT Student Learning/Support Services meets with students individually to address any learning challenges and help students adjust to the demands of a dual curriculum that is characteristic of Jewish high schools. Our full-time Director of Student Learning and Educational Support Team develops and coordinates appropriate accommodations and an individualized learning plan is created for each student’s unique learning profile. The Director of Student Learning and Educational Support Team works closely with the Educational Leadership Team and all
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faculty to meet our students’ learning needs. This program is designed to offer the following unique services: • On-campus weekly meetings with students to discuss all academic issues. • Ongoing communication with faculty and administration. • Development and coordination of appropriate accommodations. • SAT and ACT application services for students with disabilities. • Assistance with time management and coursework organization.
R E Q U E S T F O R A C C O M M O D AT I O N A student with a qualifying disability or that student’s parent who desires reasonable accommodations, should contact the Director of Student Learning and Educational Support Team and must identify: For Example: 1. Services requested 2. Desired accommodation plan 3. Appropriate documentation After receipt of above documentation, the school will arrange a meeting with the student and the student’s parents. The school will determine whether reasonable accommodations will be made and the type of accommodations to provide. In the event that a student requires and receives a modification to the curriculum, this modification will be notified on the student’s transcript.
C A S E - B Y- C A S E D E T E R M I N AT I O N The school determines, in its sole discretion, whether reasonable accommodations/modifications can be made and the type of accommodations/modifications to provide. The school will inform the student of its decision as to reasonable accommodations/modifications in writing.
Guidance and Counseling
Crucial to YULA education is the support and guidance offered to students in the process of planning their future beyond high school.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT The Guidance Department plays an integral role in identifying individual student needs, addressing group concerns, planning educational programming and providing services to YULA students. The Guidance Department is dedicated to providing our students with support and healthy tools to assist them in cultivating emotional, social and personal growth. In order to actualize these goals, students are invited to arrange individual or group meetings to discuss any topic including but not limited to: transition, class environment, stress management, cop22
ing skills, decision making strategies and any other personal matters. A school counselor may provide the following services to the school and student body: • Consulting with the Administration on psychological and mental health issues. • Troubleshooting problems. • Providing students with an evaluation, short term therapy and/or referral, if necessary. • Coordination with Inclusion Program and Resource Specialist • Planning mental health programs. • Planning and coordinating parent/student education. By signing the contract at the end of this document, the family is consenting to allow the Guidance Department to meet with students as deemed beneficial to the student’s social and emotional wellbeing.
ISR AEL GUIDANCE The Director of Israel Guidance will offer the student advice, encouragement, and direction in selecting an appropriate Seminary/Yeshiva to maximize their potential during the Israel Gap Year. They will discuss the student’s intellectual, spiritual and emotional objectives for the year in Israel and help the student navigate through the application process. Parents are included in the process and are encouraged to communicate regularly with the Director of Israel Guidance.
AC ADEMIC ADVISING AND COLLEG E GUIDANCE Integral to a YULA education is the support and guidance offered to students in the process of planning their future beyond high school. Our College Guidance Department’s philosophy is that there are many excellent colleges and universities, and the role of the College Guidance Department is to help students identify the colleges and universities where students are most likely to thrive. Counseling students in this process starts when they enter YULA and is inseparable from the school’s larger commitment to the development of each student’s full potential as a committed Jew. The process becomes more focused in the 11th and 12th grades when our College Guidance Department meets individually with students and their parents to discuss the college admission process including college applications, admission requirements, curriculum, and standardized testing. Evening educational programs about college planning are provided to parents and students throughout the school year and families are strongly urged to attend these presentations. The College Guidance Department and guest speakers provide information about course selection, private college admissions, financial aid, UC requirements, and the SAT (including Subject Tests), PSAT, and ACT tests.
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L E T T E R S O F R E C O M M E N D AT I O N Part of the application process includes confidential letters of recommendation from both teachers and the College Guidance Department. In order to retain the integrity of the admissions process and to guarantee to colleges that all recommendations are fair and unbiased, it is a YULA High school policy that recommendations will not be shared with students or parents/ guardians. These confidential letters of recommendation are not part of the student’s school record, and are only sent to colleges and universities as requested by students. In addition to counselor and teacher letters of recommendation, YULA High School submits a Secondary School Report to all colleges. This report provides additional information about each candidate addressing very specific questions about a student’s history here at YULA High School including academic or behavioral misconduct that resulted in disciplinary actions. YULA High School is ethically bound to respond truthfully in all communication in keeping with the Principles of Good Practice of the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC). After an application and Secondary School Report are submitted, the College Guidance Department may provide additional information to a college or university, should a student’s status at school change in any way. This information may include, but is not restricted to, a change in grades, a change in course load, disciplinary infractions, an incident of academic dishonesty, and/or dismissal from school.
Positive Relationship with Parents
In order for YULA High School to fulfil the school’s mission, a positive and constructive partnership between the school and a student’s parents is essential. Parents understand that YULA High School reserves the right to suspend or dismiss a student if the school, in its sole discretion, determines that the actions of a parent impair the positive and constructive partnership with the school. The school’s expectations about the behavior and actions of its students and their parents include both on- and off-campus behavior and actions. For more details, please refer to your enrollment contract.
Behavior and Discipline
It is expected that students will conduct themselves at all times in a manner appropriate for YULA High School students. It is incumbent upon each student to demonstrate respect for adults and for one another, as well as for the property of others and of the school. Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the school’s rules which are intended to create a dignified, safe and comfortable environment for all stakeholders. Students are expected to comport themselves with dignity, respect, and responsibility towards staff, school environment and property.
CUTTING CLASS A student who is in school but not in class for 15 minutes or more of a given course and/or 24
davening is considered to have cut that class. If a student has cut, the student receives a zero for any assignment, quiz or test given in class that day; no make-up tests shall be allowed for that class. Students do not have the option to use “allowed absences” to miss a class while on campus. In addition to the above, consequences for cuts are the following: • 1st Offense: Lunch detention • 2nd Offense: May result in a one day suspension and conference with parents • 3rd Offense: May result in a one day suspension, letter in file and conference with parents
S I G N O U T/ S I G N - I N P R O C E D U R E S Students must sign out in the school office in order to be able to leave school; this includes school sanctioned events such as sports, etc. In order to sign out, the student must obtain permission from the office. If a student returns to school during the school day after signing out, the student must sign back in with the school office in order to attend class. In the event of extenuating circumstances, students may be allowed to go off campus for a limited period of time or part of the school day provided the following procedures are followed: • Student must contact parent/legal guardian to request permission • Student must get permission from the Administration to leave campus. • The student must sign out at the front desk; the office informs Security of students who have permission to leave. Students who leave campus without permission or fail to adhere to the above procedures may be subject to the following consequences: • 1st offense: Meeting with Administrator • 2nd offense: Lunch detention • 3rd offense: Lunch detention and conference with parents • 4th offense: May result in suspension, letter on file, and parent meeting with Administration SENIOR LUNCH PROTOCOLS The senior class will be allowed to go off campus during their lunch break Monday – Thursday only. • Seniors must sign-out in the office/security • Seniors may not transport underclassmen • Seniors must sign back into the office/security before the start of the next period. JUNIOR LUNCH PROTOCOLS The Junior class will be allowed to go off campus one designated day a week during their 25
lunch break. • Juniors must sign out in the office/security • Juniors may not transport underclassmen • Juniors must sign back into the office/security before the start of the next period. The Administration views leaving campus as a privilege that demonstrates our trust in the upperclassmen. If a student’s behavior is deemed inappropriate, this may lead to a loss of offcampus privileges and further disciplinary action.
P R O FA N I T Y YULA expects each student to conduct themselves and speak with dignity and respect. Included in this is the way we speak and interact with each other. The use of inappropriate language for any reason will not be tolerated by anyone at YULA. • 1st offense: Meeting with Administrator • 2nd offense: Lunch detention • 3rd offense: May result in a one (1) day suspension, letter in file, and conference with parent
B U L LY I N G Students must be allowed to work and study in a safe environment free from bullying. Bullying is defined as an ongoing, deliberate and repeated verbal, physical and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group towards one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Any form of bullying or “hazing” including cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Any recording/ photographing/videoing of another student, so as to compromise her/her dignity or privacy, without her/her consent will be treated as bullying. All students should be able to expect an environment of safety and respect at school. Other forms of cyberbullying may include: • Sending repeated mean, threatening or degrading text messages • Posting negative comments or statements that are unkind online • Agreeing with someone who posts something hurtful • Sending or posting pictures that may be harmful or offensive to others • Creating memes of any stakeholders without their consent regardless of the intent. If a student becomes aware of bullying of any kind, or feels they are a victim of bullying, this information should be communicated immediately to an Administrator. Any such complaint must be specific and should include all relevant information so that the school may conduct a thorough investigation. The school will investigate the complaint and take any and all necessary action to remedy the situation up to and including dismissal. The school will not tolerate any retaliation against a student who files a complaint or participates in an investigation regarding a complaint of bullying. Please note, that anyone who makes a purposeful false claim 26
of bullying will be subject to discipline.
HAR ASSMENT Students must be allowed to work and study in a safe environment free from bullying, harassment and unsolicited/unwelcome sexual overtures. Harassment is a form of discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic, such as race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or psychological, is strictly prohibited. Verbal harassment refers to, but is not limited to, unsolicited banter, abusive or humiliating ridicule, criticism, bullying or intimidation. If a student becomes aware of harassment of any kind, or feels to be a victim of harassment, this information should be communicated immediately to an Administrator. Any such complaint must be specific and should include all relevant information so that the school may conduct a thorough investigation. The school will investigate the complaint and take any and all necessary action to remedy the situation. The school will not tolerate any retaliation against a student who files a complaint or participates in an investigation regarding a complaint of harassment. However, anyone who makes a purposeful false claim of harassment will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal.
I N A P P R O P R I AT E P O S T I N G YULA expects each student to conduct themselves and behave with dignity and respect. The use of inappropriate posting on any social media platform for any reason will not be tolerated. • 1st offense: Meeting with Administrator and parent contact • 2nd offense: May result in a one (1) day suspension, letter in file, and conference with parent • 3rd offense: Further disciplinary action which may lead to expulsion.
CELL PHONE S/ELEC TRONIC DE VICE S Only school-issued devices are to be used on campus. No other electronic devices may be used during the course of the school day with the exception of the breakfast and lunch breaks, free periods, and breaks between classes. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the confiscation of the device. • 1st offense: Confiscation by the Administration for the school day • 2nd offense: Confiscation by the Administration for the school day and lunch detention • 3rd offense: Confiscation by the Administration for the school day, lunch detention and conference with parents Additionally, electronic devices may not be used to record or photograph a faculty member, student, class or testing material without specific permission from the instructor. Please see the YULA Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for more details.
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D I S R U P T I V E B E H AV I O R Disciplinary causes due to any of the following behaviors may be punishable by probation and/or suspension and may lead to immediate expulsion. • Bullying or harassment: No forms will be tolerated whether they are physical, verbal, or electronic. Please refer to the Bullying and Harassment Policies above. • Cheating and/or plagiarism (see Academic Honesty) • Disobedience: Continued and willful disobedience of school regulations, inclusive of classroom norms established by each teacher. • Defiance: Willfully defying the valid authority of school personnel • Falsification of documents: a student may not alter notes, grades, or other school-related documents. • Hacking: Gaining UNAUTHORIZED access to ANY computer system for any reason. • Gambling: A student may not engage in any activity on campus which can be identified as a game of chance for the purpose of personal gain. • Gang related activities: This includes the wearing of any identifying garments or paraphernalia that may be deemed disruptive to the educational process of the school. • Stealing: Stealing or attempting to steal or knowingly receiving stolen property (Ed. Code 48900). • Fighting: all students involved in a physical fight are subject to suspension. The school will not necessarily conduct an investigation to see who “started” it. • Profanity: Habitual profanity or vulgarity • Truancy: repeated unexcused absence from class. • Tardiness: habitual tardiness. • Unwanted Physical conduct to include pushing, shoving and slapping. (See Harassment policy above.) • Vandalism: Of school property or the property of other students, faculty, or staff. • Other causes: Determined necessary by the Administration.
S U B S TA N C E A B U S E P O L I C Y Providing a safe school environment, and at the same time, promoting an atmosphere of health and wellness is critical to the philosophy and overall mission of YULA. As part of this mission, it is imperative that students and parents fully understand the consequences of drug and alcohol use, abuse and/or distribution. The guidelines outlined below provide a way for the school to minister to its students and families by offering maximum support while maintaining a “No Tolerance” commitment to the community. Upon reasonable suspicion, YULA reserves the right to require a student who is suspected of using controlled/illegal substances to submit to a drug and/or alcohol-screening test. “Reasonable suspicion” is a logical conclusion based on experiences, observation and first-hand 28
knowledge of a student’s appearance, speech and/or behavior resulting in a sincere concern that a student may be involved with drugs and/or alcohol. The school conducts random drug testing as well. Drug testing may be carried out by the school or its designated appointees and each family is responsible for the cost of such testing. A urine test will be administered randomly and/or when deemed necessary based upon reasonable suspicion. In some circumstances, a hair or saliva test may be required. The school reserves the right to require further testing from the student as deemed appropriate. All test results are kept in the strictest of confidence between the testing agency and the Administration. The parent/guardian of a student will be notified if their student’s test results are determined to be positive. Repeat offense of the drug and alcohol policy at YULA places the student in serious jeopardy of being able to remain a student at the school. The administration will meet with the student and parents to determine the nature of the offense and the subsequent action. • A student in violation of the substance abuse policy cannot return to school until evaluated by a school- designated mental health professional, and a treatment plan is implemented. • All recommendations made by the mental health professionals must be followed. • There must be ongoing communication between the mental health professional, school, and family. • This program of treatment is designed to allow the student to remain in school while getting the appropriate support, including outside evaluation, treatment, and testing to ensure that the problem is resolved. If the problem is not resolved in the long term, this may lead to disciplinary action. It is forbidden to use, or possess controlled/illegal substances on campus, traveling to or from campus, or at any school function, including school sponsored trips, shabbatonim and occasions when one is representing the school. This includes attending any school function when one is under the influence of controlled/illegal substances. A violation of this policy will result in severe consequences that may include expulsion.
VA P I N G & S M O K I N G Please note that any activities involving “hookah” use, vaping or smoking in school or during any school sanctioned functions and activities, may lead to probation and/or suspension and even immediate expulsion. This includes possessing any of these items on campus or during a school activity. A student who sells, distributes or supplies drugs, alcohol, or any other controlled/illegal substances and/or paraphernalia may be expelled from YULA.
P A R E N TA L C O N S E N T Agreement to the school’s Drug and Alcohol Testing policy includes an understanding that YULA will designate a (contractor/testing facility/company) of its choosing to administer the tests and that all results of the tests will be shared with YULA. Parents or guardians give permission to YULA to conduct a drug and alcohol test pursuant to 29
the Drug Testing Policy and Procedure using the contractor of their choice. Parents or guardians agree that if a test shows a positive result, they will be responsible to have their child assessed by a contractor of YULA’s choice and the results of such assessment will be shared with YULA according to the Drug Testing Policy and Procedure. Parents or guardians understand that the choice to test their child is the Administration’s decision. By signing the contract at the end of this document, the family is consenting to drug/alcohol testing for the student as deemed appropriate by YULA. Non-compliance may result in immediate withdrawal from the school. This process may also include a search of the individual, her locker, book bag or other property as deemed appropriate.
Lockers
• The lockers provided to students are the property of the school. The school is not responsible for any loss of or damage to the contents of the student’s locker. • Any pictures hung in a locker must be appropriate for a Yeshiva. • YULA High School reserves the right to open and search lockers at its discretion. • The lockers are cleaned at the end of the school year. • Any items left in lockers will be discarded.
Campus Appearance
The general appearance of the school campus is the responsibility of all its citizens. Therefore, students are expected to pick up litter in classrooms, halls, bathrooms, and outside areas when it is evident, or when they are requested to do so. This is especially imperative for all students following lunch and snack breaks. In addition, personal belongings and school materials should be placed in lockers. Any books, notebooks or other items left unattended will be collected and brought to the school lost and found.
Books
Each student is required to bring books, laptops, and other required materials for all classes. The student’s name must be placed inside all books, binders, notebooks, and folders. All replacement of lost books is at the expense of the student. No student is to use books other than their own for all classes.
Change of Address
Parents and/or students must notify the school office of any change in address, phone number, e-mail, or emergency information during the course of the year.
Chessed
All students are required to perform community service. Students will be presented with appropriate community chessed programs which will enhance the student’s religious growth and appreciation of their role as a member of the Jewish community. These chessed activities 30
are available both during school hours and as co-curricular activities.
Student Life CO - CURRICUL AR AC TIVITIES YULA High School sponsors Shabbatonim, Educational Retreats, and special programming to strengthen the values taught in the classroom and reinforce our third pillar- Character Development. YULA offers many co-curricular activities for students to increase their involvement with the school. These are excellent opportunities for students to use and expand their individual talents. Events held on or off campus during school hours are mandatory and attendance will be taken. In regard to student participation in co-curricular activities, which include athletics, clubs, and school productions, the following should be noted: • Students may not be on academic probation. • Good sportsmanship and Middot must be displayed at all times. No foul language or fighting will be tolerated. • It is the responsibility of students to arrange directly with fellow students for any notes or assignments missed during event participation. Rescheduling tests or quizzes should be arranged with the teacher. • School work due on the day of an activity must be submitted to the teacher on that day. • School attendance, homework, test taking and study, may not be negatively affected by participation in the activity.
FIELD TRIPS Field trips are incorporated throughout the course of the year. All of the school’s religious, behavioral and dress code norms apply during field trips and students are expected to conduct themselves in a fashion that will make a Kiddush Hashem. Parental consent forms for trip attendance are mandatory and should be signed before school begins.
AT H L E T I C S Students who compete on YULA’s athletic teams are subject to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Code of Ethics as well as CIF rules. These rules include the following: • Athletes may not participate in more than one sport per athletic season. • Athletes may not participate on any other athletic team during the same season whether or not the team is sponsored by YULA. This includes club sports, sports clinics, religious or synagogue leagues. • Athletes must be in attendance at school for the entire day in order to participate in an athletic event scheduled for that day. • Athletes must have a 2.0 GPA with no D’s or F’s in the academic quarter in which the student is competing. 31
LOST AND FOUND All articles belonging to students must be labeled. All items found on campus are collected and unclaimed items are sent to a charitable organization for distribution to the needy.
MESSAGES Messages of an urgent nature will be delivered to students during the school day. Classes cannot be interrupted to deliver regular messages; messages will be delivered during classroom breaks and/or lunch.
SOCIAL MEDIA Students may not follow, friend, message or communicate with staff on personal social media accounts. These guidelines apply to all current and future social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and similar.
TE X T MESSAGING In an effort to improve informal communications with students and parents for class announcements, planning and activities such as field trips, academic competitions, and athletic events, YULA High School has adopted the use of a mobile messaging application. Mobile messaging is not a replacement for email, but an additional service that can be used for communicating informally with students when using email is not practical or expedient.
COMPUTER POLICY See the YULA Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
PA R K I N G YULA High School, Girls Division, is located in a residential area with very limited street parking. Due to city regulations, no parking is allowed on Key Street or Pickford Street by any YULA High School student, employee or visitor.
PA R K I N G LOT P R I V I L EG E S Due to limited space, and for the protection of students, faculty and the neighbors, YULA reserves the right to restrict those students who may drive a vehicle to and from school. Parking lot privileges must be applied for and assigned at the beginning of the school year, as there are a limited number of spaces available for students. To be eligible for parking privileges, students must: • Be Juniors or Seniors. • Register with the office. • Provide the office with a copy of their driver’s license.
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• Provide the office with a copy of their automobile insurance. • Provide the office with a copy of the make/model of the vehicle to be parked. • Provide the license plate number of their car. Priority will be given, space permitting, to carpools with a minimum of two other students. Students who obtain a driver’s license after the start of school may apply at that time. A waiting list will be maintained in the event of an opening. Any student who parks in a faculty space will lose the right to park in the parking lot.
PICK UP & DROP OFF Pick-up and drop-off takes place in the alley behind the school. The procedure is: • Cars must enter the alley from Key Street and proceed northbound to Pickford Street. • Cars must stay on the right side of the alley unless passing to exit. • Do not honk your horn. We are adjacent to a residential neighborhood. • DO NOT block Key Street. If the alley is backed up, proceed up Key to Livonia and wait there. • Please respect our neighbors and enable them to access their own homes. • Always drive slowly and cautiously through the carpool area.
TEFILL AH One of our goals at YULA High School is to foster spiritual development by providing the resources, time, and guidance for students to build on their relationship with Hashem. As Tefillah is a fundamental part of that relationship, we respect that time by not scheduling any in-school appointments, meetings, or makeup tests during any Tefillah period. YULA High School will also provide new students with a personal siddur of their choice at the beginning of the year to keep. Additional siddurim and Mincha cards are also available on campus. Any YULA High School student who is absent more than 15 times during the semester will fail Tefillah for that semester. That F will remain on her transcript. The Tefillah program is divided into two parts: Shacharit and Mincha.
SHACHARIT Shacharit consists of a variety of student-elected differentiated groups, as we recognize that there is no ‘one size fits all’ path in both the tradition and the inspiration to connect in one’s Tefillah. At the end of each quarter, students may opt to stay in their current group or elect to join a different Tefillah group. On Rosh Chodesh and at various other times, Shacharit will be communal in the Beit Midrash. Attendance is taken at every Shacharit. If a student is absent for 6 periods, the student will meet with her Mechanechet to discuss her personal challenges with Tefillah.
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MINCHA Mincha runs daily for ten minutes at the end of period H in the classrooms. On Thursdays the students will come together for communal Mincha in the Beit Midrash.
DRESS CODE The YULA Girls dress code is based both upon halachic norms and upon the desire to create an environment which is conducive to learning. SHIRTS • Crew neck only. • ¾ sleeve or long sleeve only. • Necklines must cover the collarbone. • Undergarments should never be visible. • Shirts must be worn in their original condition. Any shirt that has been tampered with or altered in any way will not be allowed. • Sheer material and tight, form fitting shirts are also not permitted. • Hooded sweatshirts may be worn, but the hood should not cover the student’s head indoors. SKIRTS • YULA Girls students may only wear the 3 approved YULA uniform skirts which are available from Dennis Uniform Company. The approved colors are black, gray and plaid and can be ordered directly from www.dennisuniform.com (school code: LA00FT). • The skirt must cover the knees. • No decorations or design elements may be added to the uniform skirt. • Girls may also wear the midi skirt in black or navy blue. The midi skirt may not have any slits and must come to the calves. In the event that the length of the student’s skirt does not meet school standards, the student will be provided with a replacement skirt for the remainder of the day. Students are required to return the laundered skirt the next day. PANTS • No pants are permitted at any time. • Pajama pants or sweatpants are not permitted under skirts. SHOES • No open toe shoes, slides or slippers may be worn to school at any time.
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HAIR • No unnatural hair color, streaking or dyeing. PIERCINGS • Piercings are only permitted on the ears. GYM DRESS CODE All students must wear athletic shoes and attire during PE class. School clothing may not be worn during PE and any student not dressed appropriately for PE will receive half an absence from that day’s class. ENFORCEMENT YULA Girls faculty and staff will enforce the dress code. Students are not allowed to attend class, take exams or attend field trips if not in compliance with the dress code. DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS • 1st offense: Meeting with Administrator. • 2nd offense: Lunch detention, meeting with Administrator, and communication home. • 3rd offense: Lunch Detention and may be sent home and conference with parents. Any questions regarding what appropriate dress code is should be directed to a member of the Administration.
IMMUNIZATION POLICY
We firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives, and have complete confidence in the safety of vaccines. We believe that all children and young adults should receive the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics. • We adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Immunization Guidelines. • Because we are committed to protecting the health of your children, we require all of our students to be vaccinated. • Any parent who refuses to adhere to the AAP recommended vaccine schedule will be discharged from school. • If you refuse to vaccinate your child, we will ask you to find another school who shares your views. Please recognize that by not vaccinating, you are putting your child and others around you at unnecessary risk for life threatening illness and disability, and even death. MEDICAL EXEMPTION Effective July 1, 2019, a parent or guardian must submit a signed, written statement from a physician (MD or DO) licensed in California which states: • The specific nature of the physical condition or medical circumstance of the child for which 35
a licensed physician does not recommend immunization. • Each specific required vaccine that is being exempted. • Whether the medical exemption is permanent or temporary. • If the exemption is temporary, an expiration date no more than 12 calendar months from the date of signing. PERSONAL BELIEF EXEMPTION Effective January 1, 2016 • Parents or guardians of students in any school or child-care facility, whether public or private, are no longer allowed to submit a personal beliefs exemption to a currently-required vaccine.
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www.YULAgirls.org YULA High School Girls Division · Gindi Family Campus 1619 South Robertson Blvd. · Los Angeles, CA 90035 · T 310.203.0755 · F 310.551.0312