2014 ­ 2015

Student Handbook

McKeel Academy of Technology

Joyce Powell, Principal John Massung, Assistant Principal, Administration

Mark Dunsford, Curriculum Specialist

Dana Davie, Dean of Students

Alan Black, Director of Schools

revised 08/10/14 1

Table of Contents

The Behavioral Economy System Pages 3 ­ 6

Employability Skills Page 3 Fines Page 3 Levels of Consequence Page 4 Reduction of Levels Page 4 Rewards & Bonuses Page 5 Disciplinary Referrals Page 5 Serious Breaches of Conduct Pages 5 ­ 6

McKeel Academy Policies and Expectations Pages 6 ­ 10

Zero Tolerance of Drugs and Alcohol Page 6 Zero Tolerance of Inappropriate Contact Page 6 Public Displays of Affection Page 6 Academic Honesty Page 6 Bullying Page 7 Electronic Device Policy Page 7 Tardy Policy Page 7 Agenda Use Page 7 Eating & Chewing Gum Passes Page 8 Uniform Policy Pages 8 ­ 10

Specific Requirements for McKeel Academy Students Pages 10 ­ 12

Career Shadowing Page 10 Senior Internship Page 10 Student Field Trips Page 10 Attendance Page 11

Absent 10+ days Page 11 Absent 15+ days Page 11 Make­up work Page 11 Excusing Absences Page 11

Check in & check out Page 12 Bus Transportation Page 12

Acknowledgement/signature page Page 13

revised 08/10/14 2

The Behavioral Economy System: Being a McKeel Academy of Technology student is a job! Because of this, McKeel Academy of Technology students are thought of as “student employees.” Just like any job, there are rules (Employability Skills), procedures (McKeel Policies) and requirements. If students meet or exceed these expectations, rules and requirements; they are receive wages, rewards & bonuses. If they do not meet the expectations, rules and requirements; they have consequences to pay (fines or referrals). Essentially, McKeel Academy of Technology’s Behavioral Economy System is a teaching tool designed to guide and reward each student based on performance in their role as an employee; ultimately providing students with the skills that are most often required for success while in school and after in the “real” world.

Each year, students maintain a school­issued checking account to track their success as a student employee. Students are responsible for having their agenda with them at all times so they are able to accurately record their fines. Wages are earned based on time spent in their workplace at a rate of $10.00 per class period, for a total of $70.00 a day. Additionally, students receive bonuses for academic honors, exemplary behavior and perfect attendance.

Pay statements are issued shortly after each interim report and report card distribution date. They reflect each student’s earnings, less deductions. Income tax and Social Security are taken out at a rate of 15% and 5% respectively. If a student has any fines reported on their statement, it must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school. Students are responsible for balancing their statements with their agenda fine log.

Employability Skills: The following list contains McKeel Academy’s school­wide expectations:

1. Follow classroom specific instructions.

2. Complete assigned work/homework.

3. Be prepared with the correct materials for school ­ agenda, paper, pencil, charged iPad, parent communication, etc.

4. Dress appropriately at all times.

5. Arrive on time.

6. Display good digital citizenship while using electronic devices ­ (a) use digital communication appropriately, (b) use appropriate digital etiquettes and (c) responsibly use digital interfaces and content.

Fines: Students pay fines from their account for each offence of non­compliance of the Employability Skills. Electronically deducted fines will automatically generate an email notification to the student and parent. Students are responsible for recording each fine and its reason into their fine register. Students along with their parent or guardian should frequently assess student behavior by reviewing the online statement, which can be done at www.mckeelacademy.com/viewfines. If you are having difficulties accessing this information, please contact the respective grade level team leader. revised 08/10/14 3

Levels of Consequences: Attendance to an assigned detention or work detail is mandatory. If a student misses an after school detention, it will be replaced with a work detail and a missed work detail will be replaced with an out of school suspension (OSS.)

Level 1 = $500 in fines (10 fines) Parent/guardian notification is made through a grade­level team member. Meeting and student goal setting with a grade­level team member. Student completes a Level 1 Reflection which will be found on Canvas. Student serves one after­school detention.

Level 2 = $1000 in fines (20 fines) Student meeting with the Dean of Students. Parent contacted, by phone. Student serves one three­hour work detail.

Level 3 = $1500 in fines (30 fines) A grade­level team member schedules the student’s teachers to a conference meeting, in which a parent/guardian and the student must attend. Student serves two three­hour work details. Behavior Warning Letter is issued.

Level 4 = $2000 in fines (40 fines) Student serves one day of out of school suspension (OSS.) Student may lose privilege to be able to participate in extracurricular activities. Student/Parent meeting with Assistant Principal of Administration and/or Dean of Students. Student is placed on Behavior Probation.

Level 5 = $2500 in fines (50 fines) Principal discusses possible dismissal with the student and a parent/guardian. Danger of Dismissal letter is issued. Student serves two days of out of school suspension (OSS.)

Level 6 = $3000 in fines (60 fines) Student may be dismissed from McKeel and sent back to home­zoned school. Student serves three days of out of school suspension (OSS.)

Reduction of Levels: To reduce a level, the student must complete the following: 1. Attend 20 consecutive school days without receiving any fines or referrals. 2. Obtain and complete a Behavior Level Review Request (BLRR) form from www.mckeelacademy.com/BLRR or Canvas­ including receiving each of their teacher’s approval signature. 3. Within five school days of completion of the 20 days without fines or referrals, submit BLRR form to administration. 4. Once approved, students are required to complete 5 hours of Community Service at McKeel Academy of Technology and submit documentation to administration on a Community Service Form for the reduction to go into effect.

Abuse of this system, may result in reduction of level being denied.

revised 08/10/14 4

Rewards & Bonuses: As with many workplaces, McKeel Academy of Technology encourages and rewards employees who are working hard and giving their best effort. Occasionally to encourage positive behavior and academic success, McKeel staff or PTSO will reward students for their outstanding efforts. These types of rewards for are based on criteria determined by the issuing person or group. In addition to other incentives, students are able to earn $25 to $150 in bonus deposits during each grading period. Students with “A” Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance or Exemplary Behavior receive $50 for each. “A/B” Honor Roll students are awarded $25.

Disciplinary Referrals: A student may receive a disciplinary referral for misbehaving during any McKeel related function, anytime they are on campus, anytime while using McKeel Academy equipment, or while on transportation provided by McKeel Academy. Students receive referrals for repetitive noncompliance of the Employability Skills, Serious Breaches of Conduct and violations of McKeel Academy Policies and Expectations. A student may be referred to administration by any McKeel employee that is witness to a student’s misbehavior. Any disciplinary referral results in $100 fine.

Serious Breaches of Conduct: Any violation of these or other infractions listed in the Polk County Student Code of Conduct will result in a disciplinary referral and may lead to consequences up to and including dismissal from McKeel Academy of Technology. Polk County Student Code of Conduct may be downloaded from www.polk­fl.net/students/default.aspx.

Abusive language or conduct directed at a school staff member Academic Dishonesty Arson Assault Battery Bomb Threat/Possession of Explosive Materials Burglary Bullying (harassment) Computer or iPad misuse; Violation of the Terms of Use for School­Owned Devices,

the Terms of Use for Campus Data Networks and the iPad Policies and Procedures. Disruptive Behavior Drugs Possessing any medication (including cough drops) except items that are brought to the

clinic by a parent and dispensed by the school clinic staff. Extortion False Alarm Felony charges Fighting Firearms, other weapons, or dangerous objects (ie. electric shocking devices) Gang Activity Gambling Indecent exposure

revised 08/10/14 5

Serious Breaches of Conduct (continued): Hazing Leaving campus without permission Insubordination (openly refusing to follow instructions) Mooning Possession of lighters, matches, or hazardous chemicals Pornography­Possession or Distribution. (including sharing of inappropriate electronic

images or websites) Robbery Misconduct on a School Bus Sexual offense Sexual harassment Skipping class Student confrontation with a staff member Theft Tobacco Products (including electronic cigarettes, electronic “vapor” and associated

materials used for consumption of nicotine) Transportation (speeding, illegal parking, going to car without permission from office,

etc. ) Trespassing Vandalism Violence/Weapons (knives, etc. not firearms)

McKeel Academy Policies and Expectations:

Zero Tolerance of Drugs and Alcohol: It is the expressed policy of McKeel Academy of Technology that the use, possession, distribution, or overt act in connection with any drug, controlled substance, counterfeit controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicative inhalant, as defined by law, by any student enrolled at McKeel Academy of Technology will result in dismissal of the student and as required by law, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified.

Zero Tolerance of Inappropriate Contact: It is expected that students control their limbs, hands, feet and mouth at all times. Inappropriate touching, pushing, shoving, kicking or horseplay is not acceptable, even if it is done in a playful manner.

Public Displays of Affection: Handholding and very brief hugs are considered appropriate displays of affection, as long as both parties are willing participants. Kissing, extended embraces, and/or inappropriate touching are not permitted at any time while on school property, including buses, or at any McKeel sponsored functions.

Academic Honesty: McKeel Academy is committed to maintaining high academic standards thus requiring a high­level of academic integrity from all students. Any act of cheating or plagiarizing on any assignment will be considered a serious offense and will result in a disciplinary referral, a $100 fine and the student may receive a zero on the assignment.

revised 08/10/14 6

Bullying: Harassment of any kind is not acceptable at McKeel Academy of Technology. Bullying, as defined by the PCSB Bullying Policy, is defined as “systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. It is further defined as: unwanted purposeful written, verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior, including but not limited to any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that has the potential to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment or cause long term damage; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation, is carried out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power.” http://www.polk­fl.net/districtinfo/boardmembers/documents/1016.pdf

In order for an incident to be considered bullying all of the following statements must be present: 1. Any behavior that is unwanted, offensive, threatening, insulting, causes discomfort or humiliation, or interferes with the individual's school performance which results in the victim feeling stressed, injured, or threatened. AND 2. The behavior is repeated. It has happened several or more times. AND 3. There is an imbalance of power between the bully and the person being bullied.

Students who believe they have been bullied or have witnessed bullying may report the incident(s) to a teacher, guidance counselor or an administrator. A student may also anonymously report bullying at www.mckeelacademy.com/reportbullying.

Electronic Device Policy: Cell phones, iPads, other electronic devices, and associated equipment, including headphones; are only only permitted to be in use while in the cafeteria or the pavilion directly in front of the cafeteria during the student’s lunchtime or with expressed permission from a supervising adult within a class period. A student seen using any electronic device outside of the permitted times, will receive a discipline referral. Electronic Device Consequences:

1st Offense = meeting with Dean of Students and/or Instructional Technology Specialist and $100 fine.

2nd Offense = serves one after school detention, completes an Electronic Device Reflection and $100 fine.

3rd Offense = serves a three­hour work detail and $100 fine. 4th Offense = sent home and will serve a minimum of one day out of school suspension

and $100 fine. 5th Offense = sent home and will serve a minimum of a two day out of school suspension,

a $100 fine and must schedule a R.E.S.C.U.E. meeting with a parent or guardian.

Tardy Policy: A student with an unexcused tardy to class will be assessed a $50.00 fine, in accordance with the Employability Skills. Additionally, any student who has five (5) unexcused tardies to any of their classes will be issued an after school detention.

Agenda Use: Students are expected to have an agenda, labeled with their name, in their possession at all times. Students must repurchase an agenda within three school days if their agenda is lost, stolen or damaged.

revised 08/10/14 7

Eating, Drinking or Chewing Gum: Students are not allowed to eat food or drink any beverage in any location other than the cafeteria and cafeteria courtyard (picnic benches). Eating is not permitted in the pavilion. Water is allowed in most classrooms. Chewing gum is not allowed. Exceptions to these rules may be requested from administration.

Passes: Students without an agenda will not be issued passes, except in the case of an emergency. It is the student’s responsibility to properly fill out passes in their agenda and present them to a staff member for their approval signature or initials. Anyone found outside of class without a proper pass it to be considered skipping and will receive a disciplinary referral. A student teacher assistant (T.A.) must wear their T.A. badge or have a pass signed in their agenda, when they are not under the direct supervision of their assigned teacher, if not, they face discipline. T.A. badges are only allowed to serve as passes during the assigned T.A. class period.

Uniform Policy: While on campus, students attending McKeel Academy of Technology are required to dress appropriately, as explained on the following pages of this handbook. All uniform clothing must be purchased from the Risse Brothers website at www.rissebrothers.com or from the Risse Brothers Uniform Store Located at: 2525 Drane Field Road, Suite 11 Lakeland, FL 33811 Phone: 863­940­9913. Anyone needing financial assistance in obtaining uniforms should contact their guidance counselor.

Students with uncorrectable dress code issues (torn, ripped or cut clothing, no belt, improper uniform, hair violations, inappropriate shoes, etc.) will receive a Dress Code Referral. Once in the office, the student will be required to change into appropriate uniform clothing. Students will be given the option of wearing clean items from the clothes closet, if available, or will have to call home to have appropriate uniform clothing brought to them. Students unable to get appropriate uniform clothing through one of these manners may be required to remain in the office for the day. Uniforms must be worn appropriately as follows:

All pants/shorts must be worn above the hip bone. Shirts are to be tucked in at all times, not rolled under. Skorts/shorts/pants are not permitted to be rolled up at the waist or at the hemline. Belts must be visible and fastened properly. Visible body writing and/or tattoos are not permitted. Gym shorts and/or non­uniform apparel should not be visible underneath a student’s

uniform.

Regular Uniform: Pants/Shorts/Skorts (please note skirts are not allowed)

Must be navy blue, khaki or McKeel Academy Plaid. Shorts and skorts hemlines should reach either mid­thigh or the end of the finger tips when the student’s arms are hanging to the side with their shoulders down, whichever is longer. Three length violations will result in the student wearing pants for the remainder of the semester or for the remainder of the year, if there are less than four weeks remaining in the semester.

revised 08/10/14 8

revised 08/10/14 9

Shirts Can be navy blue, hunter green, or white. Seniors may wear red. Must be McKeel “M” logo polo shirt. Must fit the student so they remain tucked in at all times.

Shoes Must have a closed toe and heel. No sandals, flip­flops, slides, or slippers may be worn at any time.

Belts Must be worn through belt loops and fastened properly.

Hair Needs to be neatly cut, styled and clean at all times. Must appear in a naturally occurring color. Should be cut as to not fall below the student’s eyebrow. Girls may use hair bows, barrettes, headbands, or clips to keep hair in compliance. Boys hair should not touch the top of the collar. Extreme or distracting hairstyles (hair carvings, mohawks, Faux­hawks, etchings, etc.) are not be permitted.

Gym: Gym uniform must be purchased from McKeel and worn while in P.E. classes. Shorts hemline should reach at least mid­thigh.

Optional Apparel: Undershirts & long sleeved shirts If worn, are allowed to be solid white or navy blue­

without logos, designs, or writing seen through the collar or through the uniform shirt.

Sweaters, Sweatshirts, Jackets & Hoodies Solid navy blue or is “McKeel” logoed.

Piercings, Body Jewelry and Tattoos: The ears are the only pierced location allowed for jewelry. A clear acrylic piercing retainer may be used for other pierced locations. Other piercings may not be covered by band­aids, tape, or other devices. Piercings deemed distracting will be dealt with, on an individual basis by administration. Visible body jewelry and/or tattoos are not permitted.

Hats & Sunglasses May only be worn with special permission for field trips or activities.

Other Accessories Any accessory (earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, grills, etc.) considered extreme or distracting to the educational process is not allowed.

Tights & Leggings White or navy blue may be worn, but they must cover the entire leg.

Unacceptable Uniform Issues: Hoods on jackets should not be worn during the school day. Thermal long john tops and bottoms, sweatpants, flannel shirts, pajama bottoms, oversized or baggy clothing, open toe or heel shoes, hats, head coverings, or any clothing displaying brand logos, other than McKeel’s logos or is torn or tattered.

Cold Weather Dress: Students and parents will be notified, in advance, if students will be allowed to wear jeans and heavy jackets or coats due to predicted cold temperature. An announcement will be made in school, information will be posted on the McKeel Academy website (www.mckeelacademy.com), and an automated phone call will be sent to the phone number we have on record for the student. Students without a “heavy” jacket or coat can layer appropriate “optional apparel” to stay warm. revised 08/10/14 10

Non­Uniform Opportunities: Not adhering to the following guidelines may result in loss of the privilege to participate in non­uniform opportunities. All clothing worn on “non­uniform days” must meet the PCSB Code of Conduct.

Fridays: Students may wear “McKeel” spirit, club or team shirts with uniform bottoms. For a charge of $1 ($35 for the year, if paid by 8­29­14), students are permitted to wear blue jeans, capris or skirts worn well below the knee (designs, holes, rips, decorative tattering, sequins, metal beading, laces, etc are not permitted).

Professional dress: Occasionally administration allows students to wear professional dress at school. The following will be strictly enforced: Shirts must be tucked in and belts are to be worn, if appropriate. Males should wear dress pants along with a tucked in collared shirt and tie. Females should wear dress slacks or skirts along with a dressy blouse or a they may opt to wear a dress. The hemline of skirts or dresses shall be no shorter than 3” above the knee.

Dress for rewards, field trips, team activities, special events, or spirit week: Team coach, club sponsor or school designee will determine and announce the dress code for these events.

Sports team victory: Each sport will have one designated victory jersey or shirt allowed to be worn with uniform bottoms, on the day following a win.

Specific Requirements for McKeel Academy Students

Failure to meet the following requirements, may result in dismissal from McKeel Academy of Technology.

Career Shadowing: Participation in all scheduled Career Shadow days is expected.

Community Service: To be considered for promotion or graduation, students are expected to meet the following minimum requirements, by the end of the designated school year: freshman = 25 hours, sophomore = 75 hours, junior = 100 hours and senior = 150 hours. Additionally, prior to receiving a parking pass, students must obtain: freshman = 25 hours, sophomore = 50 hours, junior = 75 and senior = 100. A report of earned community service hours can be viewed at www.mckeelacademy.com/viewhours.

Senior Internship: To meet McKeel Academy of Technology graduation requirements, it is necessary for most seniors to participate in McKeel’s Senior Internship Program. It’s to be completed in the summer preceeding their senior year or during their first semester as a senior.

Student Field Trips: Students are expected adhere to both the McKeel Academy of Technology Student Handbook and the Polk County Code of Conduct while attending any school sponsored field trips or events. Students who do not abide by these expectations, skills, and rules will be sent home at their parents’ expense. In addition, should a student’s behavior, actions, misuse, or abuse of objects cause damages, the student and parents will be held financially responsible.

revised 08/10/14 11

Attendance: It is a McKeel expectation that students attend school daily so that the student will have maximum instructional time and an increased opportunity to learn, which results in increased opportunity for academic success and social engagement. Additionally, if the student has unexcused absence for 50% or more of any school day, the entire day will be counted as one day of absence for truancy reports. The faculty and administration of McKeel Academy supports Florida State Statute (Title XLVIII, Chapter 1003.26) which mandates all children attend school regularly, during the entire school year, to ensure academic success. Students who accumulate excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, will be subject to review by administration to determine the causes of the excessive absences and determine the appropriate actions. Absent 10+ days: After a student is absent for ten or more days from any one class period during a semester, the student and parent or guardian will be issued a notice requesting an immediate conference. Students missing more than ten days of school are at risk of not obtaining credit for the semester. Absent 15+ days: Florida Statutes require suspension of a student’s driver’s license when the student reaches 15 or more unexcused absences within a 90­day period. Additionally, students who are absent for fifteen or more days are in danger of dismissal from McKeel Academy. Before such decision is determined, outcomes of following will be reviewed:

1. The parent/guardian and student will have been afforded the opportunity to meet with administration after the tenth absence in an effort to solve the attendance problem.

2. After reviewing the case, administration may make recommendation that the student be withdrawn from school. If a student is withdrawn under this provision, they lose their position at McKeel Academy, will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list, and must apply for readmission to their current grade level.

Truancy law: Florida law defines “truant" as a student who has 15 or more unexcused absences within 90 calendar days with or without the knowledge or consent of the student's parent or guardian. Truant students will be reported to the Department of Juvenile Justice for excessive unexcused absences.

Make­up work: In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed work in accordance with their teacher’s procedures (Canvas, webpage or other) and additional contact with teachers may be necessary to clarify information regarding work that was missed. The time allotted to a student to complete an assignment should be a minimum of one school day following the student's return to school per each day of absence from the class, provided the absence is excused. For example, students who are absent 2 days should obtain make­up work immediately upon return to class and will be allowed 2 days to complete and turn in their make­up work. Students may be given more time only with prior teacher approval.

revised 08/10/14 12

Excusing Absences: If a student is absent due to personal illness, hospitalization or extended illness, court­ordered appearance, death/funeral of immediate family or a traffic accident directly involving the student; it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the absence is excused by emailing attendance@mckeelschools.com or calling (863) 499­2818 extension 267 and turning in a written letter signed by parent/guardian within 3 days of returning to school.Absences may be excused by a parent letter, for up to 10 days per semester. Absences beyond 10 days must have medical documentation. Such documentation must excuse specific dates. Religious holidays are excused when prior written notice is given to administration. If there is advanced notice of an extended period of absences (3 or more days), a prearranged absence form should be completed and returned to Student Services. Please note that prearranged absences must be approved by school administration before they are considered excused absences.

Check in & check out: Students who miss more than 25 minutes of any class due to an unexcused check in or check out will have an unexcused absence for that class. It is the parent’s responsibility to furnish current names and phones numbers on their child’s Emergency Card. Only adults listed on a student’s emergency card may check the student out of school. This includes students who drive to school. McKeel Academy will not accept phone calls or notes authorizing someone not listed on the Emergency Card to be allowed to check out a student. Parents, guardians, and emergency contacts must present a photo ID in order to check out a student. Leaving school before the normal dismissal time for a valid reason is permitted provided the parent/guardian or a person listed on the emergency card comes to the school to check out the student. If a student that drives to school becomes ill, the student may be permitted to check­out once administration has received a fax or an email from a registered parent/guardian email address. The emailed or faxed request must include a copy of the parent/guardian’s drivers license, the date, and the student’s legal name. If administration determines that the student should not drive, someone listed on the emergency card will be required to pick up the student and arrange alternative transport of the student’s vehicle.

Bus Transportation: In order to ride a McKeel School Bus, a transportation sheet must be filled out with your child’s information. This sheet is only good for the bus your child is scheduled to ride on, based on the address on record.

revised 08/10/14 13

2014 ­ 2015 Student Handbook

Student and Parent Acknowledgement

Student Acknowledgement:

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all of the regulations and guidelines set forth in the contents of the McKeel Academy Student Handbook. I have received a general overview and specific instruction of the contents of the Handbook and I have been informed that compliance with the Handbook is mandatory. I will strive to pursue academic honesty and be a student who is honorable, trustworthy, and full of integrity. A copy of this Handbook may be accessed or downloaded at our school website, www.mckeelacademy.com and a printed copy may be obtained from the school office. Student Signature_______________________________________________________ Name of Student (PRINT) ________________________________________________ Grade___________________ Date_____________________ Parent Acknowledgement:

I/We are aware of the contents of the McKeel Academy of Technology Student Handbook and have been informed that support and compliance with the Handbook is mandatory. A copy of this handbook may be accessed or downloaded at our school website, www.mckeelacademy.com and a printed copy may be obtained from the school office. Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________________ Name of Parent (PRINT) _________________________________________________ Date________________________

revised 08/10/14 14