View Park Prep Charter Middle

School

2011-2012

Parent & Student HANDBOOK

“WE ARE A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE!” Mrs. Kenya Jackson

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INNER CITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION Est. 1994

Inner City Education Foundation Programs:

View Park Prep Summer Program 1996 View Park Prep After School Program 1996 View Park Prep Childcare Program 1997 View Park Prep Accelerated Charter Elementary School 1999 View Park Prep Accelerated Charter Middle School 2001 View Park Prep Accelerated Charter High School 2003 Frederick Douglass Academy Middle School 2006 Frederick Douglass Academy High School 2006 Lou Dantzler Preparatory Charter Middle School 2007 Lou Dantzler Preparatory Charter High School 2007 Thurgood Marshall Leadership Academy Middle School 2007 Thurgood Marshall Leadership Academy High School 2007 Frederick Douglass Elementary 2008 Lou Dantzler Elementary 2008 ICEF Vista Elementary 2008 ICEF Vista Middle School 2008 ICEF Inglewood Elementary School 2009 ICEF Inglewood Middle School 2009 ICEF Performing Arts High School 2009

Inner City Education Foundation Mission Statement

The Inner City Education Foundation’s (ICEF) mission is to offer students at-risk an excellent education in their own community. ICEF will establish small, non-sectarian charter schools and enrichment programs that provide students with a rigorous traditional education while incorporating information-age tools and resources. These charter schools and programs will feature a personal approach to learning with a low student-teacher ratio and one-on-one tutoring. In this fertile learning environment, students will master basic skills and core knowledge to form a foundation of higher learning. ICEF will instill in its students a desire to return to the community in which they were raised to be the next generation of leaders, teachers, professionals, and donors.

ICEF Board of Trustees Parker Hudnut, CEO

Richard Riordan, Chairman William “Boutie” Lucas

Austin Buetner David G. Moore

Jackson Browne Pat McCabe

Rebecca L. Bunn Professor Simeon Slovacek, Ph.D.

Greg Sommers, Julie Kellner

Carl Cohn, Ph.D. Bridgid Coulter

Corey Dantzler Russell Goings

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View Park Preparatory Charter Middle School

Parent & Student Handbook

I. Structure & Organization Administration and Support Staff Websites Mission Statement Goals and Objectives Admission Policy Curriculum Policy Contract

II. Principles and Values of Our Organization Principles Values

III. Involvement Opportunities Parent involvement

IV. Parent Information Meetings Grade Level Meetings Parent Cadre Co-Chairs

Cadres/Subcommittees Committee Meetings

V. Steering Committee Roles Meeting Norms Building Consensus Reaching Consensus

VI. Accelerated Orientation/Training Volunteering

Volunteer Notebook Volunteer Report

VII. Fundraising

VIII. Academic Policies and Procedures Report Cards Honor Roll Grade Point System Work Habits and Cooperation Marks Academic Eligibility Academic Probation Teacher/Student-Led Conferences Homework Policy D.E.A.R. Assessment and Testing Field Trips

IX. Daily Schedule Policies and Procedures Regular Hours of Attendance Daily Attendance Parent Absence

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Office Hours After School Release After School Program Hours Parent/Student Fundraising (Donations) Textbook Accountability Immunizations

Colds/Communicable Disease Readmission to School After Certain illnesses Prescribed Medication in School Rainy Days Emergency Cards Excuses from Physical Education Contacting your Child Personal Family Emergencies Lost and Found Telephone Lunch Program Visitors Parent Conduct

Special Occasions Internet Policy Cellular Phones Student Transportation – Skateboards/Bikes

X. Safety and Security Policies and Procedures Fire/Earthquake Drills Earthquake Preparedness School Conduct

XI. Dress Code Policies Uniform Code of Conduct Disciplinary Procedure Middle School Uniforms

Parents Attire on Campus

XII. School Code of Conduct Student/School Code of Conduct Standards for Behavior

Student Expectations (School Environment/Classroom) Lockers

Consequences Positive Alternatives to Suspension Discipline Step Program Grounds for Suspension, Expulsion and Disenrollment of Students

Suspension Leading to Expulsion Positive Incentives

XIII. Unlawful Sex (Penal Code 261.5)

XIV. Non Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Policies XV. Hand Book Contract

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VIEW PARK PREPARATORY ACCELERATED CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

I. STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION

Administration

Parker Hudnut Chief Executive Officer ICEF

Melissa Kaplan Chief Academic Officer ICEF

Debra Price Director of School Site Operations

Kenya Jackson Director of the Middle School (6-8)

Marcus Wilhite Dean

Tracie Marshall Director of Food Services

Brenna Washington Office Manager – Middle School (7-8)

Traci Ford Office Manager/ Parent Liaison-Middle School (6)

Monique Bacon Parent Liaison (7-8)

Support Staff

Chidozie Ollawa Director of Special Education

Didi Watts Assistant Director of Special Education

WEBSITES www.icefla.org – Go to the Schools tab and arrow down to View Park Middle School to view the school’s Calendar, Weekly Bulletins, as well as important information to keep you informed throughout the school year. http://icefla.powerschool.com/public - Once you obtain your Username______________ and Password______________ from the Main Office, you can view your child’s academic progress in POWERSCHOOL. www.cde.ca.gov/index.asp - The California Department of Education’s website is very informative for students and families in the areas of state testing, school accountability, curriculum and instruction, etc.

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ICEF MISSION STATEMENT

The ICEF mission is:

� To prepare our students to attend and to compete academically at the best colleges and universities in the nation.

� To expand the choices that parents and students have for a first rate educational opportunity within the public school system.

� To realize this vision by discovering and by developing each student’s gifts and talents.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

♦ To offer students excellence in education and a sense of purpose.

♦ To help each student be a loyal and responsible citizen.

♦ To prepare students for other schools and colleges.

♦ To train students to be self-disciplined.

♦ To help the student in his/her growth toward becoming a responsible adult, an outstanding student and a person with respect for others and himself/herself.

♦ To develop in each student the skills of creative thinking and evaluative reasoning.

♦ To instill a sense of fairness, competence and self-reliance in work and play.

ADMISSION POLICY View Park Prep Charter School has an overwhelming number of students on the waiting list. By law,

admission is based on lottery with the following exception: Siblings or present VPPACS students whose families have fulfilled their contractual requirements with the school are given preference for admission as space is available. All families who have upcoming kindergarten siblings must put their child’s information on the waiting list and complete and return the sibling Letter of Intent when distributed. If this information is not provided to the school when asked, your child’s name remains on the waiting list with the general public.

CURRICULUM POLICY

View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter Middle School’s curriculum is based on one fundamental assumption from which all our actions and decisions about curriculum are based. It is assumed that every student will go on to attend one of the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation. We want our students to be competitive academically at these institutions, and therefore, we have designed an extremely rigorous and comprehensive course of study. We believe that to succeed a student must be an excellent reader, writer, and mathematician. We believe true self-esteem is the result of actual competence. Our students will study English, grammar, history, science, math, technology, art, music, physical education, and chess. View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter Middle School will be an Accelerated School. Academically speaking “Accelerated” means we teach to the pace of the top five students in the class. The remaining 20 students must work two to three times harder to keep up. They will have to learn how to work smarter as well as harder if they hope to succeed academically. We provide extra tutoring and intense “intervention” to students both during the day and after school. Our intervention program begins in September and ends in May.

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Every effort is made to inform parents of every aspect of their child’s education and the functions of the school to that end. The result is an empowered parent body. Parents have become active in providing their children with the support and proper environment at home that their child needs to succeed. They model for their children the importance of school by volunteering each month. Their presence and support has served as a catalyst for VPPACS’ high STAR Assessment test scores.

CONTRACT

As a school, View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School promises to:

� Expect and demand the best from our teachers, staff and administration. � Expect and demand the best from our students. � Establish and maintain the highest academic standards. � Provide a safe environment for students and staff members. � Demonstrate respect for students, parents, and educational staff. � Recruit and retain professional, qualified educators who are motivated and committed to the View

Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School vision. � Provide a structure for complete involvement in the school’s activities by parents, teachers, staff

and administration. � Provide on-going Accelerated training for staff and administration. � Attend a minimum of 70% of Parent Information Meetings (PIM). � Provide current textbooks and educational technologies that will advance learning.

As a parent/Guardian:

� Expect and demand the most from my child as a student. � Expect and demand the best from myself as a parent. � Show respect for my child’s teacher(s) and the school (other students, parents, and employees of

the school). � Discover the best ways for my child to practice his or her style of learning. � Provide a home environment that encourages my child to learn. � Maintain open lines of communication with my child’s teacher(s). � Communicate daily with my child about his/her school activities. � Encourage my child to read at home and monitor his/her TV viewing. � Volunteer 40 hours per school year at View Park Preparatory (20 hours per semester); four hours

a month in which three of those hours are served at the school site. � Attend a minimum of 70% of Parent Meetings. � Attend the Accelerated trainings and the monthly Parent Meetings, Parent Information Meetings

(PIM) and Cadre; thereafter, a refresher training every year. � Ensure that all homework assignments are completed and reviewed.

As a student: � Believe in myself, and expect the best from myself as a student. � Take pride in my work and achievements. � Be on my best behavior and show my teachers the proper respect. � Demonstrate respect for my schoolmates, school staff and myself. � Practice safe and responsible acts of behavior and participation. � Be willing to work cooperatively with others as a team member. � Come to school prepared with my homework and supplies. � Talk to my parents daily about my school activities, assignments, and concerns. � Participate in monthly Parent Information Meetings when possible.

As a teacher: � Expect and demand the best of myself as a teacher. � Expect and demand that each student do his or her best. � Believe that my students can achieve great things. � Ensure that each child has acquired the skills necessary to succeed at the next grade level.

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� Use a variety of teaching methods and styles to address the whole child. � Show respect for each child and their family. � Provide an environment that is conducive to learning. � Be prepared to teach and provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities. � Maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents. � Demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude at all times. � Enforce school/classroom rules fairly and consistently. � Attend Accelerated trainings and thereafter a refresher training every year. � Attend a minimum 70% of Parent meetings, Parent Information Meetings (PIM) and Cadre

meetings.

II. PRINCIPLES AND VALUES OF OUR ORGANIZATION

ACCELERATED SCHOOL PRINCIPLES

Unity of Purpose – All members of the school community share a dream for the school and work together toward common goals that benefit all students;

Empowerment Coupled with Responsibility - Every member of the school community is empowered to share in decision-making, in the responsibility for implementing of decision and being held accountable for the outcomes of decisions;

Building on Strengths – Accelerated school communities recognize and utilize the knowledge, talents and resources of every member of the school community.

The three principles of the accelerated school process imply that everyone participates in the

leadership and decision making in the school.

VALUES

EQUITY COMMUNICATION and COLLABORATION PARTICIPATION COMMUNITY SPIRIT TRUST EXPERIMENTATION and DISCOVERY REFLECTION RISK TAKING SCHOOL as CENTER of EXPERTISE

III. INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

“The role of parent involvement is extensive and must include support for education in the home and at school, shared responsibilities in decision and activities at the school, and participation in organization that reflect the community’s collaborative aspirations for the education, health and well being of all children.” – Professor Charles Desforges

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Parent Observations

The View Park Prep Accelerated Charter School will continually seek to involve parent/guardians and other family members in every aspect of their child’s educational process. Parents must first report to the office when entering the campus during the day. Parents are welcome to conduct impromptu observations of no more than 20 minutes. If parents would like to observe for longer periods of the school day they must make an appointment with the office manager. Note: Teachers may refuse observation at the time of impromptu visits by parents (i.e. – testing) but are required to reschedule the observation with the parent/guardian within 2 weeks of the initial attempt.

Please observe the following regulations:

1. Enter and leave the room quietly. 2. Do not converse with the teacher nor students during class time. 3. You are requested to limit your visit to 20 minutes. 4. If you wish to confer with the teacher, please schedule a conference with the Office Manager. 5. Parents are required to fill out an observation form, available from the Office Manager, and return it to the Office Manager upon exiting the campus.

Parents and family will make a difference at View Park Preparatory School by being visible members of the school community as a whole. Parents can be involved in a variety of activities from office support to being an active member of a Cadre/Committee.

IV. PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS

Monthly – 2nd Monday of the month, unless otherwise stated.

The Parent Information Meeting (PIM) is an open meeting for all staff, parents, students and administrators. It is at the PIM that the Cadres, having gotten feedback and approval from the Steering Committee, bring their action plans to the school community, where everyone works to reach a consensus on whether to implement the plan or not. The PIM may tell the Cadres that they need more work and research before all members of the community feel ready to make a decision. Or they may reach a consensus to begin piloting the decision presented to the PIM.

GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS

Grade Level Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month to communicate information pertaining to the individual grades. Meetings will be held in conjunction with the Parent Information Meeting. Parents are encouraged to attend the appropriate meeting. The Grade Level chairperson is responsible for confirming and submitting agenda with the Parent Liaison one week prior to the Parent meeting.

PARENT CADRE CO-CHAIRS

Each Cadre will elect a parent to serve as the parent co-chair of the cadre, along with the administrative/teacher co-chair. This parent will also represent the cadre and parents on the Steering Committee of the School. Parents are limited to serving two consecutive years in any elected leadership position whether it be Co-Chair of the Cadre, etc. Parents may be afforded the opportunity to be in a leadership position for the third year subject to consensus of the other parents and approval of the administration. In addition, parents who do not fulfill their responsibilities (i.e. attend meetings, coordinate role need, etc.) for more than two months may be removed from their role.

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CADRES/SUBCOMMITTEES

Cadres consist of various subcommittees that help support their respective area of school needs. They use the inquiry process to address solutions. Cadres do not have decision-making power; however, their suggestions are weighed by the Parent Information Meeting and consensus is reached. Cadres are comprised of members from the school community: teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, students and community members. These cadres are subject to change in accordance with a needs assessment and consensus from all school stakeholders.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

All committees will meet at the Cadre level. All meetings (Grade Level, Cadre, Committee) must be scheduled through the Parent Liaison. Neither volunteer credit nor acknowledgement of any decisions made at any unauthorized meeting will be given. An unauthorized meeting is any meeting that had not been scheduled through the Parent Liaison.

Parent, teacher, and student representation from each grade can increase communication and collaboration within a cadre, grade level, the school as a whole, and parent meetings.

V. STEERING COMMITTEE

The steering committee is composed of 1/3 parents (the parent chairperson of each cadre), 1/3 administration, and 1/3 teachers. The Steering Committee meets monthly to review cadre action plans and to funnel communication to the “School as a Whole” for discussion and decision-making as needed.

ROLES

All cadre/committee meetings have a facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, reporter (optional) and attendance sheet. A meeting has not officially occurred unless the agenda, minutes and the attendance sheet are filed with the VPPACS Parent Liaison and approved. Below are short descriptions of the expectations of each role.

(a) Facilitator - The facilitator helps the group guide discussion, moving the entire group forward,

assuring that all parties involved have the opportunity to participate. (b) Recorder – The recorder records the decision and actions reached in the committee and

summarizes the discussions that lead to decisions and actions. (c) Timekeeper – The timekeeper ensures that agenda items do not exceed the time allotted for the

meeting; calls out the amount of time spent on an item and how much time remains for discussion; works with the facilitator to start and conclude meetings as scheduled; asks the group if they agree to extend or shorten planned agenda item discussions based on the amount of time the committee is spending on other agenda items.

(d) Reporter – The reporter works in tandem with the recorder to summarize the issues in which actions were made or future action is required.

MEETING NORMS

It is critical to create a meeting atmosphere in which participants feel safe to bring up issues and concerns without fear of being stifled or having their conversation redirected. Meeting norms are created when a committee is constituted. They should be posted at all meetings and read when new members join the committee. Please be open to adding to the list as new standards or experiences are shared.

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BUILDING CONSENSUS

When a group reaches consensus, it means that all members of the group have to come to a decision or agreement that all can support or abide by. It is not voting where the majority makes the decision for the minority. Instead, it is a process of discussion and listening to the input from each of the group. Complete unanimity is not the goal. However, all members of the group work to create an environment where there is agreement on how decisions are to be reached and how tapping into the aforementioned strengths, goals, etc. may most easily be accomplished. Knowing ahead of time that everyone will not agree with all decisions is not only a practical necessity, it honors the efforts of those taking their time to offer their input on a practical issue.

REACHING CONSENSUS a. Thoroughly discuss the issue as time permits. b. Acknowledge all viewpoints during discussion – but stay on track. c. Where there is disagreement, articulate why you feel the way you do. Avoid blocking. d. Implement the vehicle for deciding how to reach a decision. e. Acknowledge the fact that there will not be unanimity in reaching a decision. Reflect on the

questions: What can you support? What are your boundaries? Priorities?

VI. ACCELERATED ORIENTATION/TRAINING

All VPPACS parents, families and staff are required to attend an orientation training in the accelerated school process.

The purpose of the training is to help you through the multi layered VPPACS governance structure, the Accelerated process. It will better equip and empower each of us with a working understanding of the Accelerated process. This training enables the parents and faculty of VPPACS to enhance the students learning opportunities, and serve the greater good of the school as a whole. Parents who understand and support the philosophy of the school, and are involved in the child’s day-to-day activities, contribute in positive, lasting ways to their child’s academic success. Attending the training counts towards volunteer time.

VOLUNTEERING

As a parent volunteer at View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School I agree that it is my responsibility to preserve and protect the right of privacy of any child that I observe, or have contact within the course of my work at school. I will protect the confidentiality of children by not discussing them with others. I will contact the child’s teacher or administrative staff if I have pertinent information that must be shared. Parents/Guardians are responsible for documenting hours on official sign in sheets. Hours must be signed off by an official staff person to receive credit.

• Volunteers must provide proof of current TB skin clearance prior to volunteering. Hours will not be credited until this is provided.

• Volunteer hours must be completed prior to the last Friday in May.

• Parents/Guardians must complete a total of 40 hours per family of same household for each school year. These hours can also be served by any person over the age of 21 with proof of current TB skin clearance.

• Be sure to sign the “Volunteer Sign-in Log” located in the main office. Please make sure to sign under the right student’s name and note time in and out.

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• A maximum of 20 hours per school year will be credited for field trips.

• Parties are not credited volunteer time, such as personal birthday, holiday parties, end of the school year, etc.

• Volunteer time is credited for monthly parent/grade level meetings, School As A Whole (SAAW), Cadre/Committee meetings or Governance trainings, unless the school administration identifies otherwise.

• You will receive 1 hour of volunteer time per family for attending the parent meeting and 1 hour for grade level meetings. You must attend 70% of these meetings.

• Any minors/students of View Park Prep may not volunteer on behalf of parents/guardians.

• Credit for volunteering in the After School Program is given at the authorization of the After School Program Director. You must coordinate your volunteer work with the After School Director otherwise your hours will not be credited.

• Only 5 volunteer hours can be donated by another View Park family. The family donating hours must provide a written request. Hours must be worked and can not be subtracted from hours earned.

• All ICEF families are required to attend school orientations, governance trainings and a minimum of 3 parent workshops (when provided).

• Anyone who volunteers at another ICEF campus (other than the campus where your child attends) are required to complete the alternate school site form and return it to your Parent Liaison.

VOLUNTEER NOTEBOOK

It is imperative that you know and understand the procedure of how to log in your volunteer hours and how the school credits them. If you are unclear as to when and where to log your hours ask your Parent Liaison or Office Manager for help. Please print clearly and complete all entries in the volunteer log so hours can be credited properly. Incomplete information is considered incomplete and will not be documented. Volunteers must log their family’s hours on the volunteer sign-in sheets provided by the school. Locate your child’s sheet in the volunteer notebook, which is kept in the main office. Volunteer Time Sheet Each family will have their own volunteer sign-in sheet, which is maintained in the Volunteer Log Notebook found in the main office. This sheet is filed by your child’s last name. Be sure you log in under the child’s name in which you want to receive the credit. We will not make changes to our report if

you log your time for the wrong student. Also, in the event you choose to volunteer on other ICEF sites,

volunteer sheets will be available in the main office. You must complete all entries of the sign-in sheet in order to receive credit. Be sure to acquire an authorized signature. An authorized signature is the school staff or administrator who authorized you to do the work. If it is not signed by an authorized staff person it will not be documented. Log in your time the same day you do the service. Volunteer time is updated weekly. Timeliness in recording your volunteer hours is your responsibility.

VOLUNTEER REPORT

The school maintains a report of the recorded volunteer hours you serve. You can contact the Parent Liaison to review this report. The school will use this report to notify you of your volunteer status throughout the school year. It is advisable that you maintain a record of your volunteer hours. Upon

distribution of the report, you have one week to appeal the official record. After one week, the

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record will stand. After the 1st week in June (date subject to change, parents will be notified) the

official record can only be amended by the Volunteer Appeals Board. Volunteer hours are recorded per family – it is not necessary to indicate the same volunteer time for each child.

VII. FUNDRAISING

1. VPPMS will have fundraisers annually for student/school needs. 2. All funds raised by a grade level are for the grade level as a whole. Fundraisers are not designated for individual students. 3. All items purchased for a particular grade will stay with that grade. Example: A television purchased

for the seventh grade will stay with View Park Prep Middle School, and not move to View Park Prep High School when those students culminate.

VIII. ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

REPORT CARDS

There are two official grading periods: the first and second semester. The school will also send

progress reports by mail or post them on PowerSchool every 5 weeks during each semester. Teachers will confer with parents and students between report cards when there is cause for academic or behavioral concerns.

HONOR ROLL

Students can be awarded status on the honor roll at the end of each semester. Students on the Honor roll must maintain a 3.0 GPA for Bronze status, 3.5 for Silver status, and 4.0 for Gold Status with no “C’s, Fails or U’s. Students on the honor roll will be awarded with a special assembly, lunch, or other award at the staff’s discretion.

GRADE POINT SYSTEM

Grade Grade Point Grade Grade Point

A 4.0 C 2.0

A- 3.7 C- 1.7

B+ 3.3 D+ 1.3

B 3.0 D 1.0

B- 2.7 D- 0.7

C+ 2.3 F 0.0

WORK HABITS AND COOPERATION MARKS

Students will also earn grades in work habits and cooperation. The grades will be either an “E” = Excellent, “S” = Satisfactory or “U” = Unsatisfactory. Most importantly, they should be used by the parents to assess the attitude of their adolescent in each of their classes. These marks are in the following manner: Work Habits “E”: Student is working to their full potential. Student is missing no more than one assignment for the grading period. The student has proven that they have studied for all of their test and quizzes and works hard on all of their projects.

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“S”: Student is doing just enough work to earn a passing grade, but it is not the grade they are capable of earning. The student is missing two or three homework assignments for the grading period. The student studies for their tests and quizzes, but not enough and does not put maximum effort into their projects. “U”: Several homework assignments are missing. The student does not study for quizzes and tests and puts little to no effort into projects. Citizenship

“E”= Provides a positive support for the classroom environment. He/she exemplifies the school values as stated on pages 8, 24 & 25 of the Parent/Student Handbook. “S”= Student attempts to create a positive support for the classroom environment. However, from time to time student does not exemplify the school values as stated on page 8 of the Parent/Student Handbook. “U”= Student is blatantly defiant toward peers and/or teacher. Student consistently defies classroom and/or school rules.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

View Park Prep is a rigorous college prep middle school. It requires 100% effort at all times. Students who are academically ineligible will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities. In order to be academically eligible for extra-curricular, clubs, and athletics, a student must maintain a 2.0 GPA with no more than one D, and no F’s or U’s. 8

th Grade Culmination Requirements and Participation in Senior Activities Require the Following:

• Maintain a Grade Point Average of 2.0 and above

• No more than one D, No F’s or U’s.

• Extra Credit is given at the teacher’s discretion and will not guarantee a passing grade.

• Students who are on the Step Program or have a consistent pattern of defiant behavior

(detention, suspension, office referrals) will not be allowed to participate.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Academic Probation is designed for students who have either: a. Earned a GPA lower than a 2.0 b. Earned a GPA at or above a 2.0, however had more than 1 D, or any F’s or U’s.

Students on Academic Probation may not participate in any school teams or school activities. However, if they earn a 2.0 or above and have no more than 1 D and no F’s or U’s on the next progress report they will become academically eligible. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be notified by letter if their student is on academic probation and a Student Support Team (SST), coordinated by the student’s teachers, may be assembled to create an intervention plan within 2 weeks of the academic probation notice or a teacher-parent/teacher-student conference will be requested to address the issue.

TEACHER/STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences are held once a year and are an essential part of communication between teachers and parents. Each conference lasts for about 15 minutes. Informal conferences may be scheduled with teachers at any time during the school year.

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Conferences are a critical part of the assessment process, where parents and teachers have the opportunity to discuss all the academic, social and emotional growth patterns of children, as well as to discuss the areas of strength and weakness. Portfolios and self-assessment is endemic to good teaching and enhances students’ learning. Therefore, the middle school will hold one Student Led Conference. During these conferences, students present their reflections on their learning for the school year to their parents through an organized, reflective portfolio system that encompasses all of their classes. Parents have the opportunity to see the progress of their child as evidenced by their work and also have the chance to help their child develop future academic goals.

HOMEWORK POLICY

The purpose of homework for the child is to enrich and to extend concepts being taught in the classroom, to build on the current day’s work, and prepare for the following day. Homework will be assigned 5 days a week at each teacher’s discretion. The most positive way parents can assist their child to complete homework is by providing the student with a consistent time and place for study, making supplies available, and helping children develop organizational and time management skills. In addition all students will have at least 1 study hall per school day in which they can work on their homework. Therefore, they can finish and return their homework to school in a timely fashion. Homework should be student work! Parents should refer to student planner for daily assignments, exams and projects and insure that students are completing those specified assignments. The student planner is used to provide open communication between the school, student, and parent. Homework for each grade level is assigned as follows. The teacher assigns homework as reinforcement of the day’s lesson or as preparation for the next day’s lesson. The assumption is that 75% of the students can finish the homework in the time allotted. Kindergarten 30-45 minutes First Grade 45-60 minutes Second Grade 1 hour to 1 hr 15 mins Third Grade 1 hr 15 mins to 1 hr and 30 mins Fourth Grade 1 hr and 30 mins to 1 hr and 45 mins Fifth Grade 1 hr and 45 mins to 2 hrs Sixth Grade 2 hrs to 2 hrs and 15 mins Seventh Grade 2 hrs and 15 mins to 2 hrs and 30 mins Eighth Grade 2 hrs and 30 mins to 2 hrs and 45 mins

DROP EVERYTHING AND READ (DEAR)

The important class your child has every Thursday and Friday at View Park Prep is D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read). D.E.A.R. is 30 minutes of silent sustained reading. It is important that you reinforce this behavior at home. While it is important that each night your child reads for at least 30 minutes, it is just as important that you, the parent, read to model this behavior for your student.

ASSESSMENT AND TESTING

Each spring children in grades 6th-8th are given the CST exam, a standardized, norm-referenced achievement test. Testing lasts for one to two weeks. Results are used in school wide and classroom instructional program planning and evaluation, to align our curriculum and teaching standards with state and national standards.

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View Park Prep Accelerated Charter School believes in its curriculum. That means we provide an instructional program rich in critical thinking skills, advanced reading/writing strategies, creativity, oration and visual and performing arts. We’re fully confident that in teaching our curriculum the standardized test will take care of itself. Please do not allow yourself or your child to become obsessed with the California State Test to the exclusion of a love of learning.

FIELD TRIPS Parent/Guardian’s Permission for Field Trips and Authorization for Medical Care must be completed. This will allow your child to attend VPPACS field trips for the current school year without sending this form home to be completed; however, you will be required to complete a Day Field Trip Permission Form and Waiver for each excursion. A note detailing each trip will be provided. The teacher will take the student’s emergency card on each trip. Students attending field trips must recognize that they represent View Park Prep and for that reason are expected to follow all of the rules of the school. Violation of those rules on the field trip will lead to similar consequences as to being at school and that student will not be allowed to attend subsequent field trips.

IX. DAILY SCHEDULE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

REGULAR HOURS OF ATTENDANCE

No student should arrive before 7:15 a.m.

Breakfast will be served at 7:15-7:30 a.m.

Middle School Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. Wednesday 7:45 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.

Students need to remain in the designated area until school begins. Students may not play before

school begins.

Your child should attend school every day on time. Teachers cannot provide an effective instructional program for children who are frequently absent or tardy. Students who arrive tardy for class disrupt the other students who are engaged in learning.

DAILY ATTENDANCE

Regular daily attendance is expected of all students as frequent absences from school have a critical bearing on their educational and emotional social progress. Children are considered tardy if they are late for the start of the school day at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Friday. If a child arrives late, he/she will report to the main office to sign in and receive a late slip from the Office Manager. Three tardies equal one absence. Students with excessive tardies will be placed on a tardy contract which requires him/her to attend Saturday school. After 20 absences your child will be subject to disciplinary action as severe as expulsion or transfer to another school. Appointments with doctors and dentists should be planned during vacation periods, after school hours or on weekends. If a child has to leave school early, the office must be notified in writing. This assures that all teachers can be informed of the child’s absence and plan the child’s work accordingly. Children will not be released to anyone not on the child’s emergency card. Identification will be requested. Certain absences are considered excused absences for recording purpose. Students who are absent for one of these reasons must return to school with a note explaining the absence. This note is to be given to the main office the morning the student returns before the start of class. Excused absences include: those due to illness, quarantine, medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments; the student’s attendance

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at a funeral for a member of the student’s immediate family (one day in state; three days out of state); and exclusion of students failing to meet immunization requirements (five day limit). The school discourages additional days off in conjunction with school holidays.

PARENT ABSENCE

When parents plan an out of town trip, it is mandatory that they notify the school so that we are able to provide the necessary support to the child. We require a written note that contains the names of those individuals in charge at the home, as well as, a telephone number to where parents may be reached. This must be sent to your child’s teacher before you leave.

OFFICE HOURS

The school’s office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

AFTER SCHOOL RELEASE

When school is dismissed students who do not participate in the After School Program remain on the playground until 3:15 p.m. Parents/Guardian’s must get their child by 3:15 p.m. They must go directly home. Students who are not picked up will be escorted off campus. Students who are non compliant will be subject to disciplinary action, which will consist of, but not be limited to suspension.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM HOURS

21st Century After School Program

Middle School, Grades 6-8 School Dismissal – 6:30 p.m. (M-F).

PARENT/STUDENT FUNDRAISING (DONATIONS)

In order to meet the costs of a rigorous and first rate education, we need to provide students with the best educational experience. View Park Prep Accelerated Charter School therefore finds it necessary to fundraise or request donations. All donations are non-refundable. When one considers that View Park Prep Accelerated Charter School is providing an education that is comparable to $15,000 a year private schools, I am sure you will not hesitate to do your part to make View Park Prep the best.

TEXTBOOK ACCOUNTABILITY Every year, View Park Prep spends hundreds of dollars on each student’s textbooks. A single textbook can cost as much as $85. Students often lose their textbooks and this cost the school thousands of dollars that could be spent on new materials instead of replacing lost and worn materials. For this reason, each family must sign this Textbook Accountability Form before textbooks are sent home. This agreement states the following:

♦ You are responsible to pay for any lost or stolen textbooks at full replacement value.

♦ You are responsible to pay for any damage to a textbook up to the replacement cost if the books are beyond repair.

♦ You are responsible to return the books if the student transfers schools. Student files will not be transferred to the new school until all textbook issues are cleared.

♦ Transcripts and report cards will not be printed and sent out until issues are cleared.

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♦ You are responsible to notify the office as soon as you have lost a textbook so that a new one can be issued. New books however, will not be issued, until the old one is paid for.

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students who enroll in school for the first time must show a written report a Mantoux (PPD) test, to show that they are free of tuberculosis. Children must also have the following immunizations: polio (four shots), DPT (five shots), MMR (two shots), hepatitis B (three shots) and Hepatitis A. The nurse will review all immunizations, and children who do not meet state requirements will be excluded from school until these requirements are met. Please note that according to the new Assembly Bill 354 law

all 7th

-12th

graders are required to get a whooping cough shot (Tdap) before the 2011-2012 school

year starts.

COLDS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

A child who shows signs of a cold should be kept at home as a precaution. In this way, a longer absence may be prevented and classmates will be protected. When a student has a communicable disease, it must be reported to the school immediately. If a child is running fever, they must stay home 24 hours after the fever has subsided to make sure they are not contagious. On returning to school, the child must bring a doctor’s note verifying that the child has fully recovered and is no longer infectious; without this note, we cannot allow any student to return to class. Also, when a communicable disease occurs, the school will make every effort to contact families of children exposed. READMISSION TO SCHOOL AFTER CERTAIN ILLNESSES

Permission from the school nurse and written permission from a physician is required after hepatitis, measles (7 days from onset of rash and otherwise recovered), meningitis, mumps, polio, scarlet fever, strep throat, whooping cough, ringworm, tuberculosis and scabies. Permission from the principal and written permission from a physician are required after surgery, stitches, casts, orthopedic appliances, or previous illnesses requiring hospitalization. Permission from the principal or staff is required for chicken pox (7 days from onset of rash and primary crust dry), pink eye/conjunctivitis, pneumonia, influenza, German measles, mononucleosis, colds, impetigo and pediculosis (head lice). PRESCRIBED MEDICATION IN SCHOOL

Children may only receive medication during school hours with a written request from the parent/guardian and from the physician who is responsible for the medical management of the child. Parents are urged, however, to request that the physician develop a schedule in which taking medication in school is minimized or eliminated. Request should be processed through the school nurse or office staff. All medication must be stored in the school office in the original prescription bottle, labeled with dosage instructions, and be administered in the office. No student may carry his or her own medication or take medication unsupervised. Please fill out the Medication Request Form, found in the office, only if your child needs medication during school hours. If your child takes medication regularly during non-school hours, you should leave a short term supply in the office to be used in case of an emergency, such as an earthquake. Please fill out the Medication Request Form and label it in red “For Emergency Use Only.”

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RAINY DAYS

On rainy days, there will be no outside play. Children should report to their respective homeroom. Nutrition and Lunch will also take place in the classroom and arrangements will be made to allow students access to food in their classrooms.

EMERGENCY CARDS

An emergency card must be completed and returned to school. The emergency card is kept in the office and a copy will be given to the teacher. Also, the school and your child’s teacher must be informed immediately of any changes pertaining to the emergency card. This information is critical in

emergency situations when parents must be reached hastily e.g., if a child is ill or injured.

EXCUSES FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Any child who is to be excused, for reasons of health, from physical education or any other normal school activity, must bring a note from home to the school office stating the reason why and the duration of the excuse. This note will be sent to the appropriate teacher.

CONTACTING YOUR CHILD

View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School’s policy is to take messages for teachers and students while they are in class. To call a teacher or student out of class is disruptive to the classroom program. If you wish to speak with your child’s teacher, suggest times when the teacher may return your call. If there is an emergency, please state this and the teacher will call you as quickly as possible. If there is a family emergency, where you need to get in touch with your child, a staff member will pass a message and your child will return your call as soon as possible.

PERSONAL FAMILY EMERGENCIES

If a family problem arises which will affect your child’s attitude, performance or emotional disposition in school i.e., death or illness in the family, parents on trips, parental separation or divorce, please immediately notify the Office Manager of the Middle School. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times and only shared with other individuals on a need to know basis.

LOST AND FOUND

Since storage space is a challenge for View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter Middle School, articles left in the classroom or the playground will be held in lost/found. The lost/found items will be given to

a needy charity at the first of each month if not recovered.

TELEPHONE

Students are allowed to use the school telephone (not personal cell phones) for urgent matters only.

LUNCH PROGRAM

View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School does not provide school lunches. An outside vendor provides all meals. It is necessary for you to enroll your child in the lunch program monthly. If your child has special dietary needs, we recommend that you send a daily sack lunch with your child. If you bring lunch, do not interrupt class to deliver it to your child. You must bring it to your child during lunch time (refer to the bell schedule for the correct time each day).

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Payment should be made in full each month. However, there is an optional plan. If you choose to use the optional plan, you are obligated to pay one week prior to receipt of lunch. You are expected to pay the remaining balance by the due date. Any payment received after the enrollment deadline will be returned to you. Therefore, you will need to send a sack lunch with your child everyday until the next enrollment period.

VISITORS

All visitors must sign in at the security desk/table and proceed to the main office and wear a visitor’s badge at all times while on campus. Visiting classrooms during instructional time is welcome as long as the visitor has checked in at the security desk and checked in with the Office Manager. Please keep in mind that observations should not exceed 20 minutes. For further information on observing classrooms please refer back to the PARENT INVOLVEMENT section on page 8.

PARENT CONDUCT

The parents/guardians or other person who upbraids, insults, or abuses any student, teacher, staff member, administrator or other parent/guardian may be banned from the campus or school activities for at least 30 days. Parents whose behavior at school activities (especially athletic activities) is not consistent with the ICEF Behavioral Code or the philosophy of the school may be asked by the Director or another administrator to refrain from such behavior or to not attend at all.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Parents must make arrangement, with the Office Manager, prior to any birthday or special event. Each teacher will provide specific guidelines to parents at the beginning of the year. A common guideline is that refreshments will be simple, packaged and ordered from a bakery or store.

INTERNET POLICY

The View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School Internet policy model and expands the LAUSD policy.

1. Students must agree and sign the ICEF internet contract (Acceptable Use Policy) prior to accessing the computer in any classroom.

2. Students may:

a. Use the internet to research assigned classroom projects b. Use the internet to send e-mail related to classroom projects

3. Students MAY NOT: a. Use the internet for any illegal purposes. b. Use impolite or abusive language in e-mails. c. Access websites inappropriate for school such as social networking sites or sites

containing illicit material. d. Violate the rules of common sense and etiquette. e. Change computer files, desktop or any other computer properties that do not belong

to the user. f. Send or receive copyrighted material without permission. g. Share his or her password with anyone.

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4. Students who are found to be non-compliant with the ICEF and LAUSD policies will be subject to disciplinary action which will consist of, but not be limited to, suspension and loss of access to all ICEF computers.

CELLULAR PHONES

Cellular phones must be turned off once students arrive on campus and cannot be accessed until after school hours. Cellular phones must not be visible during school hours. The phone can only be used to communicate with parents/guardians after school hours. The only time a student may use a cellular phone is in the event of a natural disaster (i.e. earthquake, fire et. al.). If a student is using a cellular phone for any reason during school hours, be it as a phone, organizer, or calculator or abusing the privilege of using it after school by talking to friends, the phone will be confiscated for 30 days. The phone may be picked up from the office after the 30 day period. If a student violates this policy a second time, the phone

will be confiscated again, parents/guardians will be contacted and the phone will be held for 60

days. If a student violates this policy a third time the phone will be confiscated, parents/guardians

will be contacted and the phone will be held for the remainder of the school year. There are no

exceptions.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION – SKATEBOARDS/BIKES Skateboards are not allowed on campus. If they are brought on campus skateboards will be confiscated for 30 days. Students who use bikes as their means of transportation to and from school will lose this privilege for 30 days if the bike is used during school hours. We are not responsible for lost or stolen

bikes.

X. SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

FIRE/EARTHQUAKE DRILLS

Fire or earthquake drills are held once a month.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

All students are required to have an earthquake kit at the school. Kits are available on campus. All kits will remain at school until expiration of the kit at which time new kits will be purchased.

SCHOOL CONDUCT

The school must provide a safe and secure place for all the children attending. Children must follow the rules and accept responsibility for making the school safe and secure.

Children will:

� Respect and be courteous to other children. � Respect adults. � Respect all property. � Play safely and fairly. � Walk, not run in the classrooms, hallways or any other area of the school grounds . � Eat lunch and play in assigned areas. � Follow rules of games and exhibit good sportsmanship. � Carefully use schoolbooks, playground equipment and other educational materials. � Inform monitors or teachers of problems on the playground. � NOT chew gum. � NOT fight, push, shove or hit other children. � NOT intimidate, extort, harass and/or do bodily harm to any person.

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� NOT have weapons of any sort (including toys). � NOT jump over, climb on or move benches that are on the playground. � NOT use profanity or sexual language or gestures. � NOT have any forms of illegal substance (alcohol, drugs) on his/her person or on campus. � NOT bring scooters/skates/skateboards to school. They are prohibited on campus and will be

confiscated. � NOT name call. � NOT sell candy, toys or other items without the express consent of the Director. � NOT use cell phone or any other recording devise to film school dances, field trips, classroom

instruction, other students or teachers without the express consent of Director and parents of students in attendance of aforementioned school activities.

Items NOT allowed on school grounds: (The following items should NEVER be brought to school):

� Candy, gum, sunflower seeds, carbonated canned drinks (all sodas including diet) and glass containers.

� Metal pull off tops (canned fruit snacks, tuna snack kits, etc.) � Electronic equipment (gameboy, radio, walkman, game watches, tape recorders, beepers, MP3

IPODS, PSP, etc.). Cell phone must not be visible during school hours. (please refer to CELLULAR PHONES section above for the specific cell phone policy)

� Personal play equipment (toys, collectible cards, sport balls, water/toy guns etc.) If confiscated, the equipment will be held for 30 days.

� Hazardous items, such as knives of any kind, shape or size, sharp objects, guns or other lethal weapons. WEAPONS ON CAMPUS ARE GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE EXPULSION!

XI. DRESS CODE POLICIES

UNIFORM CODE OF CONDUCT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

It is the responsibility of the student and family to be compliant with the school uniform policy. A student may be issued special school attire when administration deems necessary to avoid missing instructional time. Students must change into the attire regardless of how unfashionable it may be. Students who come to school out of school uniform will incur the following infractions: 1st Major Violation – Receives a citation and the parent is contacted to bring the student their proper uniform. 2nd Major Violation – Parent is contacted to bring the student their proper uniform. During nutrition or lunch, student reviews the uniform policy and explains how they’re out of compliance and why? 3rd Major Violation - Parent is contacted to bring the student their proper uniform. During nutrition or lunch, student reviews the uniform policy and explains how they’re out of compliance and why? Family must meet with the Discipline Board for violation of the Family Contract and possible removal of student from school activities.

Major Violations are repeated refusals to comply with the uniform policy, not adhering to previous warnings about being out of compliance, or continuing to defy the school’s uniform policy expectations.

Boys examples of not wearing the uniform correctly : wearing clothes that are too baggy or too large, layering of clothes, etc. Girls examples of not wearing the uniform correctly: wearing clothes that are too tight, too short, exposing midriff, etc.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Formal Wear for Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Boys: White dress shirt or White Oxford W/Logo

Pants (Universal) Navy or Khaki

Tie - 6th

grade (Solid Navy), 7&8th

grade (Stripe Tie)

Girls: White Blouse W/logo or Oxford W/Logo

Tie - 6th

grade (Navy Criss Cross), 7&8th

grade (Stripe Tie)

Casual Wear for Thursday and Friday

Boys: Polo style shirt – navy or gray with embossed school logo Pleated style pants or shorts – navy or khaki (no sweat pants, no cargo pants/shorts & no skinny pants)

Girls: Oxford shirt – white with embossed school logo

Pleated style pants, shorts, skirt or skort – navy or khaki (no sweat pants, no cargo pants/shorts & no skinny pants). Skirt or skort may not be more than 2 inches above the knee when sitting down.

Belts: Girls and Boys must wear a solid black or brown leather belt. No decorative or initial belt buckles are allowed. All shirts must be tucked in for girls and boys throughout the instructional periods.

Shoes: Girls and Boys must wear black or white closed toe tennis shoes that cover the

entire top of the foot and the heel, such as Vans, Converse All Stars, Nike, etc. (All

designs must be black or white. No colored checkers, or decorative designs are

allowed).

Socks: Girls and Boys MUST wear solid white, navy, gray or black socks at all times.

Shoelaces: Girls and Boys must wear solid white or black shoelaces.

Outerwear such as jackets & coats are solid navy blue with the school logo. Logos/stripes

on outerwear are acceptable on free dress days only, unless authorized by VPPACMS.

In addition to the above uniform requirements, children must show proper attention to personal cleanliness, health, safety and suitability of clothing and appearance. Children will:

� Not wear caps or sunglasses (unless by prescription) on school grounds. � Not wear bandanas, skull caps, or wave caps. � Not wear open-toe sandals, sling-back shoes, jellies or mules. � Not wear tank tops, short shorts, midriff and string-tied tops. � Not wear micro mini-skirts. � Not wear sagging pants, or leggings. � Not wear jewelry that creates a safety hazard such as overly lengthy necklaces or wallet

chains. Earrings need to be the size of a quarter or smaller. No more than 1 bracelet, necklace or ring (for girls only).

� Not wear piercings of any kind besides earrings (Earrings are to be worn by girls only). � No hair color or hair designs such as graphic designs, mohawks, etc. � Not wear shirts with distasteful language or graphics of any kind; no shirts with holes,

tears or rips.

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� Boys are not allowed to wear earrings, bracelets or necklaces. (Example Dog Tag Chains)

� Boys are not allowed to wear solid white T-Shirts. (Example Pro Club, Pro 5, etc.)

PARENTS ATTIRE ON CAMPUS Revealing, sheer, low-cut or mid-cut blouses above the navel, tight leggings without a proper length blouse, hair rollers, head scarves, wave caps; skirts, shorts or dresses (higher than 1”) above the knee; exposed male/female undergarments and sagging pants are examples of what is not allowed on campus or during meetings at any time. XII. SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

STUDENT/SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

View Park Middle School requires pupils to follow school regulations, obey all directions, be diligent in study and respectful to teachers and others in authority, and refrain from the use of profane and vulgar language. ICEF Public Schools is committed to creating a climate on each campus where every student feels safe and welcome. Guiding Principles for Everyone in the School:

1. Be Respectful 2. Be Responsible 3. Be Appreciative of Differences 4. Be Honest 5. Be Safe 6. Be a Life-Long Learner

Any student found to have committed any of the acts below will be subject to a full investigation and, if applicable, all appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include suspension, expulsion, and/or referral to law enforcement. These are not permitted;

1. Bullying/intimidation (includes bullying or intimidation by an electronic act) 2. Weapons possession 3. Fights/threats/violence 4. Drug possession/sale 5. Graffiti/vandalism 6. Gang activity 7. Cheating and plagiarism 8. Forgery and falsification 9. Sexual harassment and assault 10. Blackmail and extortion 11. Prejudice and hate crimes 12. Robbery and stealing 13. Fireworks and firecrackers

With appropriate guidance student should:

1. Learn and follow school and classroom rules. 2. Solve conflicts maturely, without physical or verbal violence.

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3. Keep a safe and clean campus that is free of graffiti, weapons, and drugs. 4. Be good role models and help create a positive school environment. 5. Report any bullying, harassment, or hate-motivated incidents. 6. Display good sportsmanship both on the athletic field and playground 7. Attend school on time, with school books and supplies and be prepared to learn. 8. Keep social activities safe.

Remember that you matter. Your ideas, thoughts and opinions are important and have value. School Pride Means…

• Treating others with respect

• Finding peaceful solutions

• Listening to each other

• Being drug free

• Keeping our school clean and beautiful

• Having healthy friendships

• Producing my own work

• Maintaining honesty and integrity

• Showing empathy and compassion

• Defending others’ rights

• Appreciating our differences

• Respecting the property of others

• Engaging in safe activities

STANDARDS FOR BEHAVIOR

The goal of this policy is to promote a positive school culture and safe learning environment. The first two weeks of the school year, students are made aware of the student expectations. Teachers will ensure that students understand our school expectations by explaining in detail the student expectations and consequences of the program. Teachers will use a positive classroom discipline plan and a variety of behavior management techniques, such as the following: *Reinforcement of specific objectives (achievement, self-discipline, on-task behavior, cooperation, etc.) *Parent contracts *Character building activities *Peer tutoring *School-wide recognition and assemblies *Contract System *Notes home to parents

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS (ENVIRONMENT)

Restroom Etiquette:

� Use the restroom before school, at morning recess/break, lunch and/or at dismissal. � Flush the toilet. (Inform an adult if toilet is not working properly.) � Wash hands after using toilet, especially before eating. � Do not play or socialize in the restrooms. � Do not waste paper towels and throw them in the wastebasket ONLY.

Eating Area/Snack Shop:

� Wait in line quietly. � Eat lunch in the assigned area as directed by the staff. � Remain seated while eating and do not yell or scream. � Do not ask other students for their food. � Use good table manners (do not throw food, sit on tables, touch others’ food, etc.) � Clean area of all trash and throw away uneaten food before leaving.

Office: � Enter the office quietly at all times. � Speak and refer to all school personnel by their appropriate titles. � Wait to be recognized after entering the office. � Speak in reasonable and respectful voices tones. � Use courteous language, eye contact and complete sentences.

Auditorium/Assembly: � Do not talk during any performances or assembly. � Enter and leave the area quietly. � Sit quietly with backs against the chair, hands in lap and feet on the floor. � Remain seated during entire performance or assembly. � Show appreciation by clapping only. NO booing, hooting, whistling, or screaming is

allowed at any time.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS (CLASSROOM)

Classroom: � Enter the classroom prepared and ready to work. � Follow the classroom rules set by the teacher. � Get permission and a hall pass before leaving the classroom for any reason. � Do not interrupt the teacher or talk loudly or excessively. � Respond politely and promptly to instructions given by the teacher, aide or any other staff

member. � Do not touch others to hurt, harm or embarrass them.

1. Students are accountable for their words and actions in eliminating disruptive behavior.

a. Causing the teacher to stop instruction b. Questioning authority c. Calling someone outside of their name d. Disrupting learning of fellow students e. Blatant defiance

2. Show respect at all times for all people and their property. a. Taking responsibility for your own learning

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b. Keeping hands off of other people and their property, including school belongings

c. Refraining from foul language 3. Students must be seated quietly and on time with their completed homework assignment out ready to start class.

a. Working on warm-up activity without being told to b. Maintaining an organized life binder, locker, and backpack c. Having multiple blue/black pens and several sharpened pencils d. Taking care of restroom and personal grooming before and after class

LOCKERS

� Combination locks (no alphabet locks permitted) must be purchased by the parent. The combination number must be given to the office on the first day when the locker is in use.

� You may not go to your lockers during any instructional period. � Do not leave food overnight. � The school is not responsible for personal items or valuables left in lockers. � Students may not decorate lockers with stickers, pictures etc. � Students may only go to lockers:

*Before school (As soon as you arrive.) *Nutrition (1st

5 minutes – MONDAYS ONLY) *Lunch (1st

10 minutes after you are dismissed)

*Immediately After school (2:50-3:15 p.m.) � An Administrator can randomly check lockers at any time. Any inappropriate items

found will result in disciplinary action.

� No lockers on the 6th

grade campus.

CONSEQUENCES

Students who fall short of the above expectations will be subject to the outlined consequences. School wide intervention as alternatives to suspension prescribed by LAUSD discipline policy will be enforced. However, depending on the severity of student action, suspension will be immediately enforced.

POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES TO SUSPENSION

Type of Alternatives Steps to accomplish it

Coordinated Behavior Plan for Any Student whose behavior has impeded learning

Create a structured, coordinated behavior plan specific to the student, based on an assessment. The behavior support plan focuses on identifying the function of the inappropriate behavior, working as a team to decrease inappropriate behavior and teach and reinforce desired behavior.

Alternative Programming Change student’s schedule and/or classes. Assign the student to an alternative school or program, independent study, or work experience program that is most tailored to the student’s needs.

Behavior Monitoring Monitor behavior (including study skills, work habits) and academics with daily report cards, behavior check-offs after each class, self-charting of behaviors, and other strategies that provide feedback to the student.

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Appropriate In-School Alternatives Provide academic tutoring and behavior instruction, employing activities to develop social-emotional skills, social-cognitive skills, and work habits. Student integration of skills and consequent improvement in student conduct will result in student success and, subsequently, permission for the student to return to class).

Community Service Assign pre-determined number of hours for community service, either in the school system or in the community.

Counseling Refer students to group or individual counseling, when appropriate.

Parent Supervision in School Invite and encourage parent to come to school to provide additional support and supervision.

Mini-Courses Mandate or offer attendance at detention or Saturday School that would include short courses or modules on topics related to social-emotional behavior.

Problem Solving/Contracting Directly teach problem-solving skills to assist student in electing alternative ways to behave. Develop a contract that includes both positive and negative consequences. Emphasize student choice.

DISCIPLINE [NOTE: This applies to all school related activities (on/off campus)]

Behavior Consequences Duration

Weapons possession Expulsion Permanent

Gang affiliation Expulsion Permanent

Possession of narcotics/alcohol Expulsion Permanent

Possession of tobacco Expulsion Permanent

Fighting Suspension and STEP Program Up to 5 days

Cheating – 1st Offense (Includes

copying another student’s homework,

plagiarism, etc.)

Possible Suspension and STEP

Program

Up to 2 days

Cheating – 2nd Offense Suspension and STEP Program Up to 5 days

Intimidating/harassing other students Suspension and STEP Program Up to 5 days

Minor vandalism – under $25 in

damage

Detention, pay for damage or

replace damaged property, loss of

school activities

N/A

Major vandalism – over $25 in damage

Parent responsible for repairs within 7

to 10 business days

Suspension and STEP Program or

Expulsion

Permanent or

Up to 5 days

Blatant Defiance Suspension and STEP Program Permanent or Up to 5

days

Profane or vulgar language or gestures

(oral or written). An excessive pattern

of vulgar language can lead to expulsion

Call home, Detention or Suspension Up to 5 days

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Physical or verbal assault or

harassment of any adult

Suspension or Expulsion Permanent or Up to 5

days

Leaving school grounds for any reason

without permission during school

hours

Suspension Up to 5 days

Truancy Mandatory Saturday after school

tutoring

20 unexcused absences

leads to unenrollment

Theft of school and/or private property Suspension or Expulsion Permanent or up to 5

days

Bullying/Harassment which includes

cyber-bullying using any of, but not

limited to the following: Internet,

email, AIM, text messaging, Facebook,

MySpace, etc.

Suspension or Expulsion Permanent or up to 5

days

Teacher Intervention for Initial Offenses: In almost all cases, a teacher will use the strategies before referring a student to the office or putting them into the STEP Program. These interventions progress from “least” to “most” restrictive. However, the sequences may vary depending on the student’s specific needs.

� Verbal reprimand, reminding student of appropriate behavior. � Give individual warning and talk with disruptive student. � Change of seating � Counsel with the student to discover the underlying reasons(s) for the behavior;

determine positive reinforcement. � Isolate student within classroom; time-out. Assign a “statement of problem” paper. Send

student to another classroom. (Contact Parent) � Nutrition, lunch, or after-school detention. (Contact Parent) � Referral to administration. (Contact Parent) � Loss of participation in or eligibility for school activities. (Contact Parent) � Contact parent and hold a phone conference. Send a note home.

STEP PROGRAM The Step Program is an intervention program that is designed to guide students towards a more suitable behavior before the student is subjected to more serious consequences (i.e. suspension or expulsion). Students who are on the Step Program have demonstrated a serious or reoccurring disregard for the spirit of the rules and expectations of View Park Middle School. Only administration can place a student on the step program; however, a teacher can recommend that a student be placed on the step program after providing supporting documentation. Students can be placed on any step at any time based on the severity and/or frequency of the infraction. Some offenses are so severe that a student may be suspended or expelled without reference to the Step Program. Similarly, the severity and/or frequency of the infraction may result in the offending student skipping some steps of the program. Step 1 Student has not responded to in-class and parent notified interventions. Student and teacher will meet with the Dean or Director to discuss the situation leading up to Step 1. Parents will be notified in writing and by phone by an administrator when their child is placed on Step 1. Parents

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will sign and return this notification to indicate their acknowledgement of the process. A step remains in place for a month. Also, a student can be placed on any step depending on the severity of the infraction. Step 2 If the student continues to disregard student expectations and violates their “Student Behavior Contract”, he/she may be placed on Step 2. An administrator will request a mandatory parent conference by phone or in writing. Step 2 is an automatic suspension. Students may be placed immediately on STEP 2 for fighting, defiance, or disrespect as well as other infractions deemed severe by an administrator. A step remains in place for a month. Also, a student can be placed on any step depending on the severity of the infraction. Step 3 The student continues to disregard student expectations. The student’s parents are called in for a conference with an administrator in order to revise the “Student Behavior Contract” drafted at Step 2. The student joins at the end of the conference to discuss further options and future consequences. Step 3 is an automatic suspension. A step remains in place for a month. Also, a student can be placed on any step depending on the severity of the infraction. Step 4 The student still continues to disregard the student expectations. When the student is placed on Step 4 he/she will be sent home immediately. Parents will be called to pick up the student. Before the student returns to school, a conference will be requested with the student, parent, teacher and administrator. Any severe infraction or violation of the “Student Behavior Contract” while on Step 4 will result in an immediate expulsion hearing. A step remains in place for a month. Also, a student can be placed on any step depending on the severity of the infraction.

STEP Program Summary If the student stays free from any additional infractions during this four week period, the step will be cleared from the record. For example, if a student is on Step 3 and exhibits model behavior for a 4 week period that student will be moved back to Step 2. Outside of the STEP Program, major infractions that threaten the safety or health of students, staff or others, such as, weapons, threats, the use of a dangerous instrument, possession of, or use of any illegal drugs, will be cause for immediate suspension or expulsion.

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION, EXPULSION AND DISENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS

A student may be suspended or expelled for any of the enumerated acts listed below if the act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring at View Park Middle School or at any other school at any time including but not limited to: (a) while on school grounds; (b) while going to or coming from school; (c) during the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; (d) during, going to, or coming from a school-sponsored activity.

1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person or willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.

2) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the Director/Administrator or designee’s concurrence.

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3) Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or was under the influence of, any controlled substance as defined Health and Safety Code 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.

4) Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance as defined in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid substance or material and represented same as controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.

5) Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

6) Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.

7) Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.

8) Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel.

9) Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

10) Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Health and Safety Code 11014.5.

11) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, other school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

12) Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.

13) Possessed an imitation firearm, i.e., a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.

14) Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Penal Code 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a or 289, or committed a sexual battery as defined Penal Code 243.4.

15) Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of preventing that student from being a witness and/or retaliating against that student for being a witness.

16) Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.

17) Engaged in, or attempted to engage in hazing. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” means a method of initiation or preinitiation into a pupil organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting n physical or mental harm to

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a former, current, or prospective pupil. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” does not include athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

18) Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of an electronic act, as defined in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Education Code Section 32261, directed specifically toward a pupil or school personnel.

19) Made terrorist threats against school officials and/or school property as defined in Education Code Section 48900.7.

20) Committed sexual harassment as defined in Education Code Section 212.5.

21) Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence as defined in Education Code Section 233(e).

22) Intentionally harassed, threatened or intimidated a student or group of students to the extent of having the actual and/or reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder, and/or invading student rights by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment. This includes acts that may be generally described as bullying.

View Park Middle School will immediately suspend and recommend for expulsion any student who commits the following offenses while on campus or while attending a school function:

1. Possessing, selling, or furnishing a firearm. It is a federal mandate that a school expel, for a period of not less than one year (except on a case by case basis), any student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school.

2. Brandishing a knife at another person.

3. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance.

4. Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or sexual battery.

5. Possession of an explosive.

SUSPENSION LEADING TO EXPULSION

Once a student is suspended for a total of 20 days, they will be expelled from school. The parent of the student can appeal the expulsion to the school Discipline Committee composed of parents, teachers and administrators.

POSITIVE INCENTIVES

Academic Achievement awards assemblies will be held each month to acknowledge scholarly achievements. Honor Roll assemblies will be held once each semester. Students who exhibit model behavior and compliance with the uniform policy will earn free dress Fridays as specified by administration.

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XIV. UNLAWFUL SEX (PENAL CODE 261.5)

It is against the law for minors to engage in sexual activities. If the student is caught engaging in that type of activity (anything other than mouth-to-mouth kissing), the student is guilty of a misdemeanor.

XV. NON DISCRIMINATION/SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES

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XVI. HANDBOOK CONTRACT

Please sign below and return within 5 school days. We have read the View Park Preparatory Accelerated School Handbook in its entirety and understand and agree to its contents. Use one sheet per family. Parent/Guardian’s Name __________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Signature _________________________________ Date _______________ Student’s Name ___________________________________________ Grade ______________ Student’s Signature ________________________________________ Date _______________ Student’s Name ___________________________________________ Grade ______________ Student’s Signature ________________________________________ Date _______________ Student’s Name ___________________________________________ Grade ______________ Student’s Signature ________________________________________ Date _______________