Carver Vocational-Technical High School #454 Student/Parent Handbook
2012-2013
Carver
Vocational-Technical
High School
Student Handbook
2012-2013
Home of the Mighty Bears
Carver Hymn
Oh dear Carver High, thy name we do love,
With your royal flag waving high above.
We, your loyal students ever so true,
We’ll all uphold and honor you.
Refrain:
Hail Carver, Hail to thee!
From the clear blue sky, to the rolling sea.
Oh dear Carver High, we sing thee our praise.
Here is where we spent all our golden days.
We will ever keep thee close to our hearts.
From thy loving memory, we’ll ne’er depart.
(Sing refrain twice)
CarverVocationalTechnicalHighSchool
2201 Presstman Street Baltimore, Maryland 21216 (410) 396-0553 FAX (410) 396-0059
Kirk A. Sykes, Principal
Bernard Dezurn, Sr., Assistant PrincipalKim L. Eley, Assistant Principal
Leigh P. Golden-Williams, Assistant PrincipalMr. Andre L. Carr, Assistant Principal
Dear Students,
I enthusiastically welcome you back to another great school year at Carver Vocational Technical High School! I hope that you had an enjoyable summer and that you were able to experience some quality time with your family and friends. Although we earned a break and time to recharge, we really do miss the sounds of students moving through the halls.
Last year was another successful school year for Carver! You should be proud of the fact that grade point averages were on the rise and the school is on a trajectory to make AYP for the 4th year in a row. We were happy to see that there were more students taking honors and advanced placement classes. We believe that resulted in increases in SAT scores. Outside of the classroom we saw students assisting the elderly, working with Habitat for Humanity, and serving as hosts for younger students during career day. Artistically speaking, you impressed us with your production of two talent showcases and an exciting fashion show put on by AZIZA modeling. On the ball field you continued to improve in football and basketball and had winning seasons in volleyball and track and field. Certainly, the highlight of the season was the homecoming upset victory against Edmondson High School.
While there were many successes last year there continues to be room for growth. Attendance is a critical area that we need to improve upon. If you are not here it will negatively impact your performance. We also need students to be more accountable for respectful behavior and following Carver’s motto of Character, Confidence & Commitment.
As always, I invite you to take an even greater role in your school’s success. As we become a better school, we encourage you to become better students this year and, as in the case of the school, you will quickly begin to reap all of the rewards of your academic success in the classroom. Your success as a student begins with your reading and studying of this handbook. It was prepared especially for you so that you would fully understand the policies and procedures that impact you as a student at Carver Vocational Technical High School. We have included in this handbook a yearly calendar with progress and report card dates as well as athletic events and student activities. We have clarified our policies around electronic devices and uniforms as well as make up work and extra-credit. If it pertains to students’ rights and responsibilities, it’s included in your handbook.
In closing, I want to remind you that in order to meet Carver’s standards, you are expected to do things the “Carver way”-with Character, Confidence and Commitment. Have a great school year.
Educationally yours,
Kirk A. Sykes,
Principal
Carver Alumni Association of Baltimore, Inc.
Post Office Box 26617, Baltimore, MD21207-0417
Email – Website
September 2012
Dear Fellow Carverites:
Welcome back for what is sure to be another successful year of learning and new experiences.
Most of you are already familiar with the many of us who are seen frequently in and around the building and most often in the Alumni Center on the ground floor. For you 9th graders and new faculty members, you will soon come to recognize us as members of the Carver Alumni Association.
Many students wonder why we show up so often at the school and many more are curious about what we do. To put it simply, we are your biggest fans! We are a nonprofit organization of former students who believe that one’s gift of an education demands that one give something back in return. So, we faithfully support our Carver students, the faculty, and the administration in every way we can to assure that students get all they can from their experience while at Carver. Here are some of the ways we do that:
- Annual awards of scholarships to graduating seniors
- Grants to students for miscellaneous needs
- Funding for special programs such as the Jr. ROTC, SkillsUSA, Track and Field events, Gown Giveaway Program,
- Special recognition awards and incentives
- And more
All of our activities are accomplished through the volunteer work of our members and the financial support from both our members and our community partners.
As a student of Carver, you can benefit in many ways from the services provided by the Carver Alumni Association of Baltimore, Inc. Over the next 1-4 years, you will come to know us better and, perhaps develop a greater interest in what we do.
Remember that education is a gift. Make the most of your time while here at Carver. And, once you leave Carver, be sure to look for opportunities to contribute to the gift of education for other students who come behind you. One of the ways you can do that is by becoming an active member of the Alumni Association of Baltimore, Inc. And, if your parents or other family members are Carver graduates, urge them to be an Alumni Association member, too!
For more information about the Carver Alumni Association of Baltimore, Inc., visit us in the Carver Alumni Center, Room 138, or visit us on our website at
Sincerely,
Denise D. Taylor,
President
Table of Contents
Introduction...... 6
Carver’s Mission and Vision...... 6
School Description...... 6
Carver’s Organization...... 7
Where to Go for Information...... 8
The History of Carver and School Goals...... 9
Student Intake...... 10
Attendance...... 10
Early Dismissal Procedures...... 11
School Closing/Delayed Opening...... 11
Dress Code/Uniforms...... 11
Shop Uniforms...... 13
Student Administrative Responsibilities...... 14
Scholarchip ID Cards...... 14
Parent Contact/Emergency Forms...... 14
Guidance...... 15
Service Learning...... 15
Bus Ticket Eligibility...... 15
Free and Reduced Meals Information...... 15
Textbooks/School Materials...... 15
Fees, Dues, Obligations...... 16
Behavior Expectations/Discipline...... 16
Cafeteria Behavior...... 16
Birthday Celebrations During the School Day...... 16
Food and Drinks...... 17
Assembly Behavior...... 17
Use of Cell Phones/Electronic Devices...... 17
Smoking/Use of Non-prescription Drugs...... 17
Student Searches...... 18
Automobiles/Mopeds/Scooters...... 18
Misconduct Off Campus...... 18
School Police/Security...... 18
Disciplinary Actions...... 19
Academics...... 21
Class Responsibilities...... 21
Make-Up Work...... 21
Expectations of Seniors...... 22
Study Skills/Tips...... 22
HSA Information...... 23
Media Center...... 23
Interscholastic Athletics/Extra-Curricular Activities...... 24
Athletic Contract...... 25
Field Trips...... 28
Technology...... 28
Handbook Receipt Page...... 30
Fall Sports Schedule...... 31
Calendar...... 32-42
Bell Schedule...... 43
Introduction
This book is a guide to the policies, procedures, and rules at Carver Vocational-Technical High School. In addition, rights, responsibilities and expectations of students and parents are outlined. In order for the school to operate effectively and efficiently, students and parents are urged to read this handbook, familiarize yourselves with the content, and refer to it as needed during the course of the school year.
It is the expectation of every staff member at Carver Vocational-Technical High School that every student will have a successful school year both academically and socially. Carver offers everything students need to either move on to a two or four year college, join the workforce upon graduation, or both. Advanced placement and honors courses, JROTC, and eleven career pathways are offered at Carver. There are also many opportunities for students to participate in social and community activities which will help them build character and a sense of self. Guidance counselors and administrators are available to help each student along his/her high school journey.
Carver’s Mission and Vision
As an alumni rich and tradition strong learning community, it is the mission of the Carver Vocational-Technical High School to equip students with the skills that reflect academic achievement and service/trade area mastery through a community wide support system encouraging critical thinking skills that will ensure success at all levels. We will make every effort and utilize every strategy available to place ourselves in the position to be the Career Center of Choice for Baltimore City.
School Description
Carver Vocational-Technical High School, established in 1925, is a fully accredited single site career and technology center that offers rigorous, advanced academics in addition to career and technology education including JROTC, cosmetology, carpentry, electrical construction, Computer Aided Drafting, CICSO Networking and Child Care to name a few. The name, “Carver High” has been synonymous with service, community, and career orientation for many decades.
Carver boasts a newly renovated, state of the art facility which provides students with a bright, climate controlled, safe environment in which to learn and excel. Students have the opportunity to participate in a full range of extracurricular activities; interscholastic sports, career and technology clubs, and academic clubs such as the National Honor Society.
Thousands of Carver graduates serve the Baltimore community in roles of entrepreneurship, leadership, government service, and technical trades. Our goal is to prepare our graduates to be successful in the world of work and/or at college. Carver seeks to be the Career Center of Choice for Baltimore City students!
Carver’s Organization
Principal...... Mr. Kirk Sykes
Assistant Principals/Grade Level Administrators:
12th Grade...... Mrs. Leigh Golden
11th Grade...... Mr. Bernard Dezurn
10th Grade...... Mr. Andre Carr
9th Grade...... Mrs. Kim Eley
...... Mr. Andrew Motaung
CTE Coordinator/Assistant Principal…………………………………..…………………………….Ms. Susan Wheeler
Academic Lead...... Ms. Greta Goodwin
Business Manager...... Mrs. Dawn Simon-Matthews
Office Manager...... Ms. Kim Camphor
Department Heads
Mathematics...... Ms. Venus Jackson
Science...... Ms. Greta Goodwin
Social Studies...... Mr. Steven Sprouse
English...... ………..Ms.Shawnette Bryant
Special Education...... Ms. Shirley Cathorne
Physical Education/Athletics...... Mr. Wayne Jackson
Resource/Support Staff
Office Secretary...... Mrs. Denise Bunbury
Office Manager...... Ms. Kim Camphor
Records Manager...... Mrs. Mary Underwood
Guidance Counselors...... Major Paul Kucan
...... Mrs. Rose Dailey
...... Mrs. Ebony White
School Police……………………………………………………………………………………………… Ofc. Michael Gordon
WHERE TO GO FOR INFORMATION
Absences/Attendance...... Student Support/Mrs. Eley or GLA
Advanced Placement...... Mr. Sprouse 309/Guidance 286
Alumni Association...... Mrs. D. Taylor Room 138
Athletic Information...... Athletic Director/Coach Jackson GYM
Bus Tickets...... Mrs. Eley/ Room 286
CTE Information...... Ms. Susan Wheeler
Change of Address...... Student Support/Mrs. Eley Rm 286
Club Information...... Mrs. Golden Room 325
College Information...... Mr. Baker/College Bound Rm 183
Conflicts/Peer Mediation...... Guidance Office/Student Support
Early Dismissal...... Main Office 205
First Aid...... Health Suite Room 280
Free and Reduced Meals Information...... Mrs. Eley/Student Support Room 286
Identification Cards...... Mr. Mike Rosemond/Mr. Motaung
Lockers...... Mr. Mike Rosemond/Mr. Motaung
Lost and Found...... Mr. Raymond Sutton
Schedules...... Mrs. Eley Room 286
Scholarships...... Mr. Baker Room 183
School Police...... Officer M. Gordon Room 202
Student Accountability Center...... Mr. Andre Carr
Student Government...... Mr. S. Sprouse Room 309
Transcripts...... Mrs. Eley Room 286
Transfers...... Student Support Mrs. Underwood Rm 286
Twilight/Credit Recovery...... Ms. Venus Jackson Room 342/Guidance 286
Work Based Learning...... Antoinette Taylor Room 175
*GLA- Grade Level Administrator
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Carver Vocational-Technical High School #454 Student/Parent Handbook
2012-2013
The History Of Carver
1
Carver Vocational-Technical High School #454 Student/Parent Handbook
2012-2013
Baltimore’s “Vocational School #454”, the first vocational school for African American youth in the state of Maryland, was authorized by the Board of School Commissioners in May, 1925. An abandoned garage, situated on the same lot that the multimillion dollar facility sits on today, was immediately made available to house this new public school. Only boys were admitted during the 1926-1926 school year, but a program for girls was initiated a year later in an old building popularly known as the “tin factory.”
The “tin factory” was nearly three blocks away from the “abandoned garage.” The decision to organize the school in these buildings and under these circumstances was, as many believed, the first unfortunate incident contributing to the stigma attached to vocational education in Baltimore. Neither the “tin factory” nor the “abandoned garage” offered an attractive setting for launching a vocational school; a school much needed by the city’s “colored” people since the days of slavery. Each of the buildings was inadequate for the training programs offered.
Boys and girls who were physically fit, 14 years or older, in the 7th grade or higher, and mechanically inclined were eligible to enroll.
School Goals
- Academic and technical excellence in all areas.
- Preparing our learners for success at the next level; college and/or career.
- Create a positive environment that fosters high expectations and excellence.
The students who actually enrolled in the program were not typical vocational material. Even the first and second year high school students who were enrolled were below grade level for the curricula they studied.
But in spite of these difficulties, the school experienced continuous growth. Records from the first five years show that the enrollment increased from 107 boys and girls to 319. The faculty during the same period increased from 7 to 16. In September of 1931, the school transferred space to a seventy five year old “Normal School” building located at Carrollton and Lafayette Avenues.
Twenty-two years later, ground was broken on a brand new school that contained classrooms, workshops, laboratories, a library, music suites, and a swimming pool. The building opened to students in the fall of 1955.
Today, Carver has undergone a multimillion dollar renovation of its entire facility. Each classroom and workshop boasts state of the art technology and equipment. Carver’s programs prepare students for college and career tracks. Carver continues to stand strong and produce graduates who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society, both local and global.
- Provide opportunities to increase leadership and citizenship among students and staff.
- Create and maintain positive, productive relationships with parents and the community.
Daily Student Intake
Carver Vo-Tech High School has rules, regulations, and procedures that must be strictly adhered to in order for the school to run smoothly. Following are some important guidelines for you to follow:
- Entry bell sounds at 8:20 am
- Be prepared to go through a safety check
- First period begins PROMPTLY at 8:30. (You are allowed 10 minutes for locker access and travel time between 8:20and 8:30.)
- You are considered officially late at 8:35 am. Your first period teacher will mark you late if you are not in class by 8:35.
- After 8:35 am, you will need a late pass to enter class. You may get a late pass from the morning intake center in the cafeteria until 9:00. After 9:00, late passes will be distributed in the rotunda. Students will NOT be admitted to class after 8:35 without a late pass!
There is to be NO wandering or touring of the building before school or between classes! That is a serious offense that will be monitored closely and dealt with accordingly!
Bear Necessities School Store
The Bear Necessities School Store, located in the rotunda, room 206, will be open for business on the first day of school. The school store makes it convenient for students to purchase necessary school supplies such as books, paper, folders, writing utensils, etc. Carver uniform shirts are also available for sale in the school store. Hours of operation are posted outside of room 206. Carver students are urged to visit the school store and acquaint themselves with the variety of attractive and essential items which are sold at reasonable prices!
Attendance
Success in school requires regular attendance and is required by Maryland Law. The state of Maryland expects students to maintain an attendance rate of at least 94%. Students may be legally excused from school/class for the following reasons:
- Student illness or quarantine
- Court summons
- Death in the immediate family
- Physical or mental incapacity
- Observance of an approved religious holiday
- State of emergency /hazardous weather conditions (defined by the state and or school district)
- Work, internship, field trip, or other activities approved or sponsored by school authorities.
ALL OTHER ABSENCES WILL BE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED!
When a student returns to school after an absence, he or she MUST bring the attendance monitor a note signed by his/her parent or guardian. The note is to be given to teachers who are to sign if they approve of the absence. The note must then be delivered to the attendance monitor. Parents are requested to contact the school via phone or email when a student is absent.
Note:
- Students are expected and need to attend school regularly if they are to meet certification requirements for graduation.
- Parents /guardians of students with GROSSLY excessive absences may have to pay fines or spend up to 10 days in jail for violating Maryland States compulsory attendance laws!
- Carver students and their parents are expected to take responsibility for their attendance. Parents are STRONGLY advised not to let students decide whether or not they will attend school. Local and state laws governing attendance are enforced at Carver.
Early Dismissal Procedures