Artwork Created by: Jose Urieta (Class of 2011)
Students must have this form turned in by Friday, August 12th.
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Student Handbook
I have received and read the 2016-2017edition of the Sampson Early College High School Student Handbook and understand that I must abide by the rules, regulations, and policies that are contained therein.
Student’s Signature ______
Parent’s Signature ______
Date ______
This form must be signed as indicated and returned by Friday, August 12, 2016.
Artwork Created by: Jose Urieta (Class of 2011)
Sampson Early College High School
“Soaring with the Eagles”
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
One Student at a Time
Vision/Mission Statement
Sampson Early College is designed as a five year high school which provides an opportunity for students to obtain an associate degree and/or two years of transferrable college credit. Sampson Early College High School seeks to educate all students to their highest level of academic performance and to prepare them to become productive members of society in the 21st Century.
School Email Addresses
Hannah Baxter (Social Studies) xt. 6009
Ciera Eichberg (Instructional Technology) 5
Ken Eichberg (Math) xt. 6005
Tiane Mckinney(Math) xt. 6021
Anna Gillespie (Math) xt. 6020
Lee Howard(English)
Tiffany Holland (Assistant Principal/Coordinator) xt. 6010
Tracey Jackson(English) xt. 6008
Hope Raynor (Community Relations Specialist) xt. 6003
Shannon Sinclair (Science) xt. 6025
Michelle Smoak(Social Studies) ext. 6024
Ashley Stanley (English) xt. 6023
Jessica Tyndall (Guidance Counselor) xt. 6011
Amanda Warren (Science) xt. 6022
Susan Westerbeek (Principal) xt. 6006
Early colleges are supported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and funded by legislature-appropriated funds. SECHS operates as a Learn & Earn public high school of choice in partnership with Sampson Community College, Clinton City Schools, and Sampson County Schools. SECHS is a five-year school where graduates can receive a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or two years of transferable college credit from Sampson Community College at no cost to their families. Students take high school core courses and their electives are college classes. Upon graduation, students are encouraged to continue their education at a four-year college/university.
Early College Commitment
SECHS is a high school of choice where students are expected to take college classes in addition to high school core courses. Students commit to participate in the early college program on a per semester basis. The early college operates as a college readiness high school with all honors level courses. Students should read ahead, review notes taken in class, and return all homework each day. Students must come to class prepared to learn and participate in daily instruction. The only withdrawal period is at the end of the semester according to the early college calendar without any outstanding indebtedness to the school or library. Students beginning a semester at the early college must complete the entire semester before requesting a withdrawal. All textbooks and school-related materials must be returned. Official withdrawal forms are available from the office. Students who withdraw from the program will not be readmitted.
Daily Schedule
The school day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 2:30 pm. Students who do not have college classes, tutorials, clubs, or other school-approved activities after school must be off campus
NO LATER THAN 2:45 pm.
8:30-9:45 1st Block
9:50-11:052nd Block
11:10-12:303rd Block
12:35-1:00Lunch
1:05-2:304th Block
Periodically a shortened-day schedule will be used to facilitate special events, school-wide assemblies, and/or homeroom meetings.
On early release days, 3rd block will meet from 11:10-11:35 and lunch will be served from 11:35 to 12:00.
Report cards will be distributed through homeroom class at 2:15 on the appropriate days.
Academic Information
College Academic Information
College professors grade only ONE TIME each semester. College grades will be given in a “progress report” format on a separate attached sheet with the report card each six weeks. College semester grades will be mailed to your home from SCC in December & May. Most college transfer courses use a 10 point grading scale; however, some courses (e.g., cosmetology, information systems, developmental, and nursing) use a 7 point scale. In order to transfer college course credit, a student must have a minimum grade of a C in the course. Early College students generate a college transcript which is separate from their high school transcript.
ALL COLLEGE CLASSES will appear on the HIGH SCHOOL transcript as well as the student’s college transcript and will be used in determining a student’s high schoolGPA.
Student will need to complete “College Course Drop Form” before dropping a college class. If a student drops a college class without completing the proper paperwork an F will be recorded on the high school transcript even if it is prior to the 70%.
- Dean’s List is issued each semester and requires a minimum grade point average of 3.50 with no letter grade below “C” while earning 12 or more credit hours in a degree or diploma program.
- President’s List is issued each semester and requires a grade point average of 4.00 while earning 12 or more credit hours in a degree or diploma program.
- Students who have the required GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, adhere to the Sampson Community College conduct code, and possess recognized qualities of citizenship are eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa (college honor society) after completing 12 college credits.
High School Academic Information
SECHS will issue high school report cards on a six weeks schedule and send progress reports home at the midpoint of each grading period.
Progress Report Schedule: August 24, October 6, November 22, January 26, March 10, and May 2
Report Card Schedule: September 20(Student-Led Conferences, 6:00pm), November3 (send home with student), December 19 (mailed home), February 21 (Student-Led Conferences, 6:00pm), April 6 (send home with student), May 25 (mailed home).
The high school grading scale is a 10 point scale.
90-100A
80-89B
70-79C
60-69D
59 and belowF
Communication with Teachers and College Instructors
Parents are encouraged to communicate with high school teachers at any time, not just after progress reports or report cards are issued. Appointments can be made with individual teachers or through the office. However, as an agreement with the college, parents may not contact college professors directly. Parents with students in a college class should contact Marvin Rondon, the college liaison, at or call his office at 592-8081 ext. 2034; Jessica Tyndall, Guidance Counselor 592-8081 ext 6011; or Susan Westerbeek, Principal, at 592-8081 ext 6006.
Academic Probation
To remain in good academic standing, all students must maintain a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.0 or higher in both high school and college classes. If a student fails to have a 2.0 or higher in college classes, college classes may be denied or limited.
Academic Honors
Academic All-Stars
A student must have an “89.5” average through the fifth six weeks of the school year.
Marshals
The six students of the 4th year class with the highest weighted grade point average through the fall semester of their 4th year who are active members of the SECHS Beta Club will serve as marshals at graduation services.
Graduation Honors
A Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be awarded from the graduating class based solely on academic achievement. The Valedictorian will be the student with the highest weighted GPA in the class through the final grading period of the 5th year. The Salutatorian will be the student with the second highest weighted GPA in the class through the final grading period of the 5th year.
North Carolina High School Diploma Endorsements
Students may receive one or more endorsements on their high school diploma. These endorsements indicate that students have completed specific course concentrations preparing them to be ready for college or careers. The five endorsements are:
- Career Endorsement indicating completion of a rigorous course of study that includes a Career Technical Education concentration;
- College Endorsement indication readiness for entry into community colleges;
- College/UNC Endorsement indication readiness for entry into a four-year university in the University of North Carolina system;
- NC Academic Scholars Endorsement indicating that students have completed a balanced and academically rigorous high school program preparing them for post-secondary education;
- Global Languages Endorsement indicating proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English.
Note: Individual students may qualify for and earn more than one endorsement. More information for earning these endorsements is defined:
Grade Level Unit Requirements
Students at SECHS are considered 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, 4th year, and 5th year students.
Students attending the Early College should have earned a minimum of 6 units, including the following course for 2nd year standing: English I
To obtain 3rd year standing, a student should have earned a minimum of 13 units, including two units of English
To obtain 4th year standing, an Early College student should have earned a minimum of 20 units, including three units of English
To obtain 5th year status, an Early College student should have completed 26 units including English I, II, III, and IV
.
During the 5th year, students MUST stay enrolled as public high school students to maintain a tuition-free status. High school courses during year five will consist of a minimum of College Advising and Seminar. Additional college courses will be required each year in pursuit of the Associate’s degree. Please see your Sampson Community College catalog for a list of classes.
Requirements for Graduation
All students must complete a course of study in order to earn a high school diploma. Students must meet all of the requirements for their course of study.
HIGH SCHOOL EXIT STANDARDS
Students who enter ninth grade in 2009-2010 school year or beyond and follow the Future-Ready Core of Study, must receive a Level III or higher passing grade on all of the following end-of-course (EOC) tests:
- Math I
- Biology
- English II
Students must successfully complete a Graduation Project. Students will complete this course during their 4th year of study at SECHS. Students are required to pass all five components, listed below.
- Research Paper-an8-10 page paper on an approved topic of the student’s choice
- Product-must be related to the research paper and requires significant hours of work
- Portfolio-reflects the entire project process
- Presentation-presented to a panel of community members and faculty members
- Internship-30 hour work-based learning experiences in the community
COURSE UNITS REQUIRED
All students must meet the following course requirements for the specific course of study chosen by the student. Beginning with students entering the ninth grade in the 2009-10 school year, students must fulfill the requirements of the Future Ready Core course of study.
Future-Ready Core Course of Study Credits Required for Students Entering Ninth Grade for the First Time in 2012-2013 and After
Courses Required / State Requirements / Local RequirementsEnglish / 4 sequential (English I, II, III, and IV) / 4
Mathematics / 4 (either Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a fourth math course aligned with the student’s post-high school plans OR Integrated Math I, II, and III and a fourth math course aligned with the student’s post-high school plans)
(A principal may exempt a student from this math sequence. Exempt students will be required to pass either (1) Algebra I and either Algebra II or Geometry or (2) Integrated Math I and II. Exempt students also must pass either Alternative Math I and II or two other application-based math courses.)* / 4
Science / 3 (a physical science course, Biology and earth/environmental science) / 3
Social Studies / 4 (including Civics & Economics: American History Parts I and II OR AP U.S. History and one additional social studies elective: and World History) / 4
Health/P.E. / 1 / 1
Electives / 6 (2 electives must be any combination of Career and Technical Education, Arts Education or Second Language; 4 must be from one of the following: Career and Technical Education, R.O.T.C., Arts Education or any other subject area or cross-disciplinary course. A four-course concentration is recommended.)** / 8
4-Unit Concentration / As part of this core, the State Board of Education strongly recommends that local superintendents assist students in developing four-course concentration focused on student interests and post-secondary goals. The concentration would provide an opportunity for the student to participate in a rigorous, in-depth and linked study. The concentration would not limit a student’s access to opportunities provided through Career College Promise Program. Local superintendents or designees must approve student concentration. / 4
Total Credits / 22 / 28
* Students seeking to complete minimum application requirements for UNC universities must complete four mathematics courses, including a fourth math course with Algebra II as a prerequisite.
** Students seeking to complete minimum application requirements for UNC universities must complete two years of a second language.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Effective in Fall 2006Six course units in language, including
- four units in English emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature, and
- two units of a language other than English.
- Math I and Math II and one unit beyond Math II
- Math I and Math II and two units beyond Math II or
- Math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond Math III.
Three course units in science, including
- at least one unit in a life or biological science(for example, biology),
- at least one unit in physical science(for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and
- at least one laboratory course.
Individual constituent institutions may require other courses in addition to the minimum requirements. For some transfer students and students who graduated from high school prior to 1990, special considerations havebeen made.
** Math Courses with Math III (Algebra II) as a Prerequisite that meet the new UNC Minimum Course Requirement:
Pre Calculus
Discrete Mathematics
Integrated Mathematics IV
Advanced Functions and Modeling
Note:College Board, Advanced Placement Program, and AP are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS (for HS GPA and SAT)
All applicants for first-time admission as freshmen must meet minimum high school GPA and SAT scores. The minimum combined SAT score (on mathematics and critical reading) for admission is 800 (or a composite ACT of 17.) The above SAT (ACT) minimum score is effective for students entering in Fall 2011.
Note: The minimum SAT score is subject to change pending the new redesigned SAT.
North Carolina Virtual Public High School
The purpose of the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) is to provide courses that students are unable to take at their local schools. In other words NCVPS will provide courses that augment a student's local school's program of study. To accommodate schedule differences of students and teachers, courses will be available during the school day and outside the school. Both teachers and students may access courses from school as well as from home and other locations where they have appropriate internet connection.
NC Virtual Public School will provide students with expanded academic options by offering online courses and online services such as test preparation, career planning services, and more at NO COST to your student. To accommodate student needs and provide optimal flexibility, NCVPS online offerings are designed for an appropriate combination of synchronous and asynchronous delivery, affording students access to their courses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
NCVPS will also offer Credit Recovery and Accelerated Course offerings. Accelerated Offerings are full length course offerings designed for students who wish to take an additional course for credit during the regular school year and summer session. Summer session courses are offered on an accelerated pacing schedule and require students to maintain the scheduled course pace throughout the 8 week term of the summer course.
What is required to be successful for online NCVPS?
•Students need to possess strong reading and comprehension skills.
•Students need to feel confident in their ability to express thoughts and ideas in writing.
•Students need to be proficient at monitoring their own progress, keeping up with assignments, and meeting deadlines.
•Students need to have a quiet and personal space for studying that is free from distractions such as television.
•Students taking online classes from home need to have reliable Internet access.
•Students need to have friends and family members that are supportive of the decision to take an online course.
Where can I go for more information?
North Carolina Virtual Public School has a website at If you have questions, see your counselor.
Additional distance learning opportunities may be available throughNorth Carolina School of Science and Math-Course, and Edgenuity. Contact your school counselor for additional information.
Credit by Demonstrated Mastery
Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) is a State Board of Education policy (GCS-M-001.13). CDM offers students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to personalize and accelerate their learning by earning credit for a high school course through demonstrating mastery of course content, without being required to complete classroom instruction for a certain amount of seat time. Students who wish to pursue CDM will need to show mastery of the content by completing two phases. In phase I, students must complete an exam of course content. In phase II, student must create a product/performance that exhibits a deeper understanding and application of course content.