RUSHMORE
ACADEMY
A community school sponsored by Marion City Schools
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2222 Marion - Mt. Gilead Road
Marion, OH 43302
Phone: 740-387-2043
Fax: 740-387-2169
website: rushmore.academy
2016-2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1- General Information
Mission Statement
Vision
Board of Directors and Administration
School Schedule
Calendar
Part 2- School Policies
Codes of Conduct
Student Discipline Code
School-Parent- Student Compact
Attendance
Intake Process
FERPA/HIPPA/Student Records
IDEA
Part 3- Educational Information
Requirements for Graduation
Student Class Schedules
Blended Learning
CBI Programs
Grading Procedures
GradPoint
Title 1
College Credit Plus
Part 4- Student Conduct
Expectations of Students
Dress Code
Alcohol and Drugs
Trafficking
Social Behavior
Classroom Policies
School Property
Tobacco Use
Computer/Network/Internet Policy
Threats and Intimidation
Bullying
Zero Tolerance
Dangerous Objects
Search and Seizure
Cell Phones
Cheating and Academic Dishonesty
Excused Absences
Part 5- General Information
Change of Address, Telephone, and Schedule
School Closings
Driving to School
Grade Cards
Job Program
Medication
Meals
Student Fees
Visitors
Transportation
Work Permits
Withdraw from School
Pregnant Students
Surveillance Cameras
Nucor’s First Steps to Learning Center
Part 1- General Information
Mission Statement
Rushmore Academy is a community school (sponsored by Marion City Schools) designed to impact the lives of our students in a positive, direct, and productive manner by emphasizing the core values of hard work, team building, personal accountability, and service to others. The ultimate goal of Rushmore Academy is to empower our students to reach their maximum potential academically, socially, and emotionally while assisting them in becoming solid and productive citizens.
Vision
The vision of Rushmore Academy is to help our students become solid and productive citizens. We do this by:
-focusing on the needs of the individual student
-providing an online and teacher-led instruction learning environment
-emphasizing effective communication and building positive relationships
-encouraging community involvement
-assisting with finding employment and preparing for independent living
-connecting students and families with community resources
Board of Directors and Administration
Rushmore Academy Board of Directors:
Matt Primmer- President
Theresa Lubke- Vice President
Judge Robert Fragale
Kathy Goodman
Mike Thomas
Marion City Schools Superintendent:
Gary Barber
Rushmore Academy Director:
Steve Vanderhoff
Rushmore Academy Assistant Director:
Todd Schneider
School Schedule
Students will be assigned session A, B, C, or D. Students are to come into school for their session time only or he/she may not be counted present for the day. Students will attend two hours of core classes a day, 30 minute periods of each. Core classes include English, math, science, and social studies. All students are required to take one hour of Career Technical Education course a day.
SESSION ASESSION B
Mon-Thurs: 8:00- 11:00 (lunch at 11:00)Mon-Thurs: 9:00-12:00 (lunch at 12:00) Friday: 8:00- 10:00 (lunch at 10:00) Friday: 8;00-10:00 (lunch at 10:00)
SESSION CSESSION D
Mon-Thurs: 11:00-2:00 (lunch at 10:30)Mon-Thurs: 1:00-4:00 (lunch at 12:30) Friday: 10:00-12:00 (lunch at 9:30) Friday: 10:00-12:00 (lunch at 9:30)
Calendar
1st Semester: July 20th- December 15th
Midterms: September 30th
Fall Break: September 9th- September 19th
Winter Break: December 16th- January 2nd
2nd Semester: January 3rd- May 17th
Midterms: March 10
Spring Break: March 27th- April 3rd
A copy of the 2016-2017 school calendar is located in the back of this handbook.
Part 2- School Policies
Code of Conduct
The purpose and intent of the code of conduct is to maintain the educational climate of the building. This code of conduct is in effect while students are under the authority of school personnel or involved in any school supervised activity. In addition, the Code of Conduct includes the following: Misconduct by a student that occurs off school district property but is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on school district property; and misconduct by a student that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a district official or employee or property of an official or employee. As a general rule, a pupil may be properly expelled or suspended for an infraction of, or a refusal to comply with a reasonable rule or regulation of the school authorities. In addition, a student may be expelled or suspended for a persistent disobedience, insubordination, or other misconduct for which no formal rule is prescribed and government of the school authority to determine what constitutes disobedience or misconduct justifying expulsion, or suspension, within the limitations that it shall have an injurious effect upon the discipline and government of the school. The right of expulsion exists without regard to the pupil’s conduct where acts of parents interfere with school discipline or where parents refuse to submit themselves to board rules.
Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in verbal or written warning or reprimand, referral to guidance counselor, parental contact or conference, emergency removal, referral to law enforcement agencies, suspension, or expulsion or any other option of punishment that is deemed fit by the director or assistant director.
Student Discipline Code
The student discipline code is in effect while students are under the authority of school personnel or involved in any school activity. This includes, but is not limited to, school buses and property under the control of school authorities, and while at interscholastic competitions, extracurricular events, or other school activities or programs. Violating the student code of conduct may result in discipline. The infraction will be discussed with the student(s), teacher, school resource officer, and/or the director of the school. Discipline will be administered accordingly based on the situation.
The director or assistant director may suspend a student from school for a period of up to ten days for a violation of the Code of Conduct. The superintendent may expel a student from school for up to eighty days and in some cases an entire year. Rushmore Academy does follow due process should a hearing and/or appeal be made. Students who are suspended or expelled may not be present on school property, participate or attend any school activities or contests, or be present at activities or on property controlled by the school.
Reasons for discipline, suspension and/or expulsion include, but do not limit to: Insubordination/Disrespect, Disruption of School, Fighting/Assault/Inappropriate Touching, Assault of a School Employee, Harassment/Bullying/Intimidation/Cyberbullying, Sexting, Possession/Use of Weapons and/or Dangerous Instruments/Objects, Knowledge of Dangerous Weapons or Threats or Violence, Theft, Damage or Destruction of Property, Truancy, Tobacco or Tobacco Products, Use/Possession of alcohol or drugs, Counterfeit drugs, Gambling, Inappropriate DIsplay of Affection, Zero Tolerance Gang Policy, Student Dress and Grooming, Inappropriate language or gestures, Violation of the MCS Responsible Use Policy, Misconduct Off School Grounds, Aiding or Abetting Violation of School Rules, and Repeated Rules Violations. For an extensive list and explanations of the Student Discipline Code please look at the Marion City Schools website.
School-Parent-Student Compact
School Responsibilities
Rushmore Academy will do the following…
-Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards.
-Provide parents with frequent reports on their children’s progress. Specifically, the school will provide reports at the end of each semester grading period, which is December 15th and May 17th.
-Provide parents reasonable access to staff. Staff email addresses are available on the school website. Parents may call anytime to schedule conferences.
Parent Responsibilities
We, as parents, will support our child(ren)’s learning in the following ways:
-Require and expect excellent attendance from your student – at school and work
-Be interested and involved – Ask your child about their day
-Expect progress reports – call us if you don’t get one
-Contact the school with any change in family circumstance (including new address, phone number, family dynamic)
-Assist our student in preparing for education – adequate sleep nightly, transportation to school, etc.
Student Responsibilities
We, as students, will share the responsibility to improve our academic achievement and
achieve the state’s high standards. Specifically, we will:
-Show up daily, ready to learn – at work and school.
-Talk to our family regularly about school – share our goals with them.
-Inform Rushmore staff about concerns (academic, as well as family, social, and emotional).
-Be an active participant in our education and plan for our post-secondary lives.
-Understand that Rushmore has high expectations for student achievement and be prepared to uphold them.
-Actively participate in school and community activities.
Attendance
Policy
The attendance policies of Rushmore Academy are based on the philosophy that Rushmore students have a desire for success. If students are to realize their dream of achieving a high school diploma, regular attendance is essential and required. Tardiness is not expected and will be documented. Tardiness may have a negative impact on a student’s grade(s) if it becomes a frequent occurrence.
Hours
Students must be engaged in schooling 26.2 hours per week to earn full attendance week by week. Hours will be tracked by homeroom teachers assigned to each student using an excel document that will be completed weekly to determine attendance. This includes the three hours per day Monday-Thursday and 2 hours a day on Friday that students are required to attend Rushmore Academy and any additional assignments outside of school hours including: hours worked on the online curriculum GradPoint, other homework assignments assigned by teachers, and/or work hours toward CBI work/transition credit (Rushmore Academy Job Program, Simulated WorkPlace, and other verified job sites by the school). It will also be the responsibility of the student to track and record any homework assignments he or she worked on outside of school and the hours worked per week and that must be approved and recorded by the homeroom teacher. Attendance by day example:
1 day present: 5 hours 15 minutes
2 days present: 10 hours 30 minutes
3 days present: 15 hours 45 minutes
4 days present: 21 hours
5 days present: 26 hours 15 minutes
Consequences
Attendance at Rushmore Academy is required every day school's in session. All absence time from school must be made up regardless of reason.
Per semester:
3 days absent- letter home / speak with student
5 days absent- letter home, phone call to parent
8 days absent- letter, call, and home visit with student/parent
10 days absent- reason for failure and/or removal
Missing 10 or more days in a semester may result in failing the semester.
Missing 21 consecutive days may result in the student being withdrawn. (Student may reapply after 60 days from withdraw date)
Parent’s Role/Student Responsibility
The attendance of all children is expected every day that school is in session. The laws of the State of Ohio place the responsibility for school attendance squarely on the parents if the student is under the age of 18. If you have a student under the age of 18, you, as the guardian, are required to ensure that your child attends school regularly. Failure to do so may result in student disciplinary action and juvenile court charges for parent and student or causing the student to be withdrawn from Rushmore Academy.
If you are over the age of 18, you are responsible for attending school every day that school is in session and notify the school otherwise. It is your sole responsibility to attend school regularly to ensure enrollment and passing grades at Rushmore Academy.
Missing Child Act
In accordance with the Missing Child Act, a parent/guardian should notify the school no later than 30 minutes after the start of school on the day a student, under the age of 18, is absent (unless previous notification is provided). By law, the director or designee is required to notify the missing student’s parent/guardian or person responsible for his/her absence from school. The parent or other responsible person shall be notified by telephone or written notice shall be mailed on the same day that the student is absent.
Intake Process
To be enrolled at Rushmore Academy, all students must be a part of an Intake Process completed by an administrator of the school. An appointment will be set up for an Intake by the secretary. The student and a parent (if under 18 years old) the student’s most recent transcript, IEP (if necessary), and any other documents requested at that time. At the conclusion of the Intake, the student will be notified if he or she is enrolled in Rushmore Academy.
FERPA/HIPAA/Student Records
The School District maintains many student records including both directory information and confidential information. The School District will follow guidelines outlined by State and Federal Laws (FERPA, HIPAA, PPRA, etc.) Under Ohio Law, directory information includes: student’s name; address; phone number; date and place of birth; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; height and weight; if a member of an athletic team; dates of attendance; date of graduation; awards received; or honor roll; and/or scholarship. Confidential records include test scores, psychological reports, behavior data, disciplinary records, and communications with family and outside service providers. Please note that it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the school and/or district have up-to-date confidential and/or directory information on file.
The school district follows the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding all students. Parents who do not want directory information for their child released to colleges, universities, and/or military recruiters should contact the guidance office.
IDEA
The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide that no individual will be discriminated against on the basis of a disability. This protection applies not just to the student, but to all individuals who have access to the District’s programs and facilities. A student can access special education services through the proper evaluation procedures. Parent involvement in this procedure is important and required by the Federal (IDEA) and State law.
Part 3- Educational Information
Requirements for Graduation
In order for a student to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a diploma, each student must meet the school requirements for basic course-work, earn the total number of minimum credits, and pass all required state tests (either Ohio Graduation Tests or AIR Tests). For students enrolled in special education, the criteria for graduation and the extent of participation in the Ohio Graduation Tests or AIR Tests will be determined by his or her IEP team.
Class of 2015-2017
Students must earn all required 21 credits listed below and pass all 5 Ohio Graduation Tests.
The minimum course credits for graduation are as follows (21 credits):
English4 creditsMust include unit for each grade level (9,
10, 11, 12)
Math4 creditsMust include Algebra 2
Science3 creditsMust include Life Science & Physical
Science
Social Studies3 creditsMust include American History &
Government
Electives5 creditsMust include one or any combination of
foreign language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology,
agricultural education or English language
arts, mathematics, science or social
studies courses not otherwise required.
Personal Finance1 credit Can be met in grades 7-12
Fine Arts1 creditCan be met in grades 7-12
Health.5 credit
Physical Education.5 credit
Class of 2018 and beyond
Starting with the graduating class of 2018, students must complete the minimum credit requirements, take end of course exams, satisfy one of the components listed below and meet the school requirements for basic coursework.
The minimum course credits for graduation are as follows (21 credits):
English4 creditsMust include unit for each grade level (9,
10, 11, 12)
Math4 creditsMust include Algebra 2
Science3 creditsMusic include Life Science & Physical
Science
Social Studies3 creditsMust include American History &
Government
Electives5 creditsMust include one or any combination of
foreign language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology,
agricultural education or English language
arts, mathematics, science or social
studies courses not otherwise required.
Personal Finance1 credit Can be met in grades 7-12
Fine Arts1 creditCan be met in grades 7-12, but students
following a career-technical pathway are exempt
Health.5 credit
Physical Education.5 credit
End of course exams must be taken in the following courses:
Algebra 1
Geometry
Physical Science/Biology
American History
American Government
English 1
English 2
Finally, students must satisfy one of the following components:
-Earn a cumulative passing score on the seven end of course exams listed above
-Earn a “remediation-free” score on a nationally recognized college admission exam, such as the ACT or SAT
-Earn a State Board of Education approved, industry recognized credential or state-issued license for a practice in a career and achieve a score that demonstrates workforce readiness and employability on a job skills assessment
Student Class Schedules
Students will be scheduled into all academics by administration at the end of the previous year and by the beginning of the next school year. Schedules are based on the student’s needs. CBI courses will be chosen by the students. CBI programs are scheduled based on available class space. Below are examples of a typical schedule for a student in that certain grade. Students are subject to have more/less classes depending on the student’s academic needs and any make up credits he or she must complete.
●9th grade: Algebra 1, English 1, World History, Physical Science, Skills for Health, CBI Related, and CBI Work/Transitions. (6.5 credits)
●10th grade: Geometry, English 2, US History, Biology, Physical Education, CBI Related, and CBI Work/Transitions (6.5 credits)
●11th grade: Algebra 2, English 3, Environmental Science & Astronomy, Government, and elective of the students’ choice, CBI Related, and CBI Work/Transitions. (6.5 credits)