Southeast Success AcademyInnovative School

Student Handbook “Failure is success if we learn from it.” 2010-2010

Student Handbook

"Choice, not circumstances, determines your success."

Shawnh Curry

Site Administrator

5396 Mendenhall Square Mall

Memphis, TN 38115

Telephone: 901-416-1430

Fax: 901-416-1422

SOUTHEAST SUCCESS ACADEMY

Southeast Success Academy, an educational alternative to the traditional school, serves students who experience academic as well as behavioral challenges. Southeast Success Academy focuses on educating the whole child. The student-teacher ratio at the Academy is lower than in a traditional classroom; therefore, students receive greater benefits from their educational experience at the Academy.

VISION

The vision of Southeast Success Academy is to improve academic achievement through positive classroom experiences, which encourage students to make sound decisions and solve problems as productive citizens of our community.

MISSION

The mission of Southeast Success Academy is to provide quality learning experiences that prepare all students for academic and social success and help all students become productive members in a technological and global society.

BELIEFS

Students learn in different ways and can achieve at higher levels.

Students should be held accountable for their academic progress and behavior.

Teachers should provide innovative instruction to help students meet expectations.

All stakeholders should collaborate and help students become successful learners.

CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Handbook 2010-2011

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend and be on time each day school is in session. School opens at 7:15 a.m. daily. Students are tardy at 7:30 a.m. All arrivals after 7:45 a.m. must check in at the sign in table in the atrium area to get an admit slip. Students will not be permitted in class without an admit slip. Student absences shall be excused with written documentation for the following reasons only:

  • Personal illness of the student.
  • Death or serious illness in the immediate family of the student.
  • Validated court appearances of the student.
  • Recognized religious holidays/events.
  • Any approved school sponsored activities sanctioned by the Adminstrator.

If the student is absent/tardy:

  • Parents/guardians are expected to call 418-7623 before 8:00 a.m. to report the reason.

CHECK OUT POLICY

All parents/guardians checking out students must do so in the office. Students cannot be checked out after 1:30 p.m.

UNIFORMS

Students are to be dressed in the Memphis City School uniform:

  • Solid white shirt or blousewith a collar (all T-Shirts worn under the collar shirt must be solid white)
  • Black, dark blue, or khaki trousers, shorts, or skirts (knee length or longer) waist size appropriate, worn at waist level with a black or brown belt at all times.
  • Shirts tucked in so the waistband can be seen.
  • Solid black shoes (if tennis shoes: must be all white or all black); shoes must be tied and laced at all times. Shoelaces must be all black or white. No steel toe boots are allowed.
  • No jewelry i.e. necklaces, bracelets, rings, removable dental grills or any other visible body jewelry; exceptions: Males: watch; Females: a watch and a small pair of earrings.
  • No hats, caps, scarves, hoods, or sunglasses will be worn inside the building.
  • Coats and jackets must be stored in a designated area upon arrival each day.
  • No backpacks are allowed inside classrooms.
  • Proper personal hygiene is expected daily.

MCS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

SAFETY

  1. Students who have prescribed medications or other medicines at school must:
  • Bring a written note to the site administrator from the doctor stating that the medication must be given during school hours. The note must also state the name of the patient, the name of the medication, what dosage to give and when to give the medication.
  • The prescribed medication must be delivered to the site administrator in the original container.
  1. Students are subject to daily search and seizure of any item that is illegal and/or a violation of school rules. Items not allowed include but are not limited to: weapons, beepers, cell phones, backpacks, cigarette lighters, tobacco products, drugs, drug paraphernalia, rat-tail combs, hair brushes, etc.
  2. No gang paraphernalia, signs, drawings, or colors are allowed. No clothing or hair designs indicating any gang or club affiliations are allowed.
  3. Use of drugs and/or tobacco products is not allowed.
  4. Fighting, damaging school, community, or staff property is prohibited.
  5. In an emergency, students are expected to be quiet and to follow the teacher’s directions.
  6. All students must remain with our staff members while on this campus at all times.

RESPECT

  1. Profanity and abusive or demeaning language areprohibited.
  2. Treat everyone with respect.
  3. All students must respect self, peers, staff, and others’ rights to a safe and productive learning environment.
  4. Checking others will not be tolerated.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS

  1. Follow directions, rules, and expectations the first time given.
  2. Respect others both verbally and non-verbally.
  3. Raise hand and wait for permission before speaking and/or standing.
  4. Have a positive attitude, prepared to learn and participate; have all supplies and complete all assignments on time.
  5. Use the Southeast Success Academy heading on all assignments.
  6. In addition to the phone call on the day a student is absent, all students must bring a written note signed by a parent/guardian when returning from an absence. The student is responsible for getting make-up work from each teacher when absent. Students are allowed one week from the date of return from an absence to submit the make-up work.
  7. Assignments and homework will be posted on the board in each classroom.
  8. Students move quietly from venue to venue in a single file line. Leave at least 12 inches between you and the person in front of you, and walk on the right side of the hallway.
  9. Food, drink, candy, and gum are not allowed in the classroom, halls, or restrooms.
  10. Students are expected to be on task at all times in classrooms: no sleeping, putting head down, etc.
  11. Use of computers is a privilege. Students are to access only teacher approved websites for his/her assignment. Take care of the equipment. Failure to follow these expectations will result in loss of all computer privileges.

RESTROOM BREAKS

Students are allowed to go to the restroom after breakfast, before lunch, and after lunch. A student who has a medical problem may need to go to the restroom more frequently. There should be documentation of this on file in the office.

CAFETERIA GUIDELINES

Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. in the cafeteria. Lunch is served from 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

In order to maintain a safe and pleasant environment during the lunch period, these guidelines will be followed:

  1. When dismissed from class, students will be escorted to the restroom, line up in the hall, and wait quietly to be escorted to the cafeteria.
  2. Enter quietly in a single file line.
  3. Students may not return to the lunch line after making their initial purchase and going to their seat.
  4. Sit at your assigned tables and remain seated throughout the lunch period.
  5. Speak in an inside voice.
  6. Leave your area clean and free of food and/or trash.
  7. Food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria.

DISMISSAL

  1. Personal phone calls by students are allowed for emergencies only. Transportation arrangements should be made prior to coming to school.
  2. Students are to exit building in a single file and quiet line.
  • Bus riders will exit first and go straight to the bus stop.
  • Students are not allowed back into the building after dismissal.

MATA BUS GUIDELINES

Riding MATA is a privilege; failure to use appropriate conduct on the bus will result in loss of bus card.

  • If the bus driver confiscates the bus card, then the matter must be handled with the MATA officials.
  • If Southeast Success Academy is contacted about a bus incident, the following procedures are used:
  1. First time, bus card confiscated for 3 school days.
  2. Second time, bus card confiscated for 5 school days.
  3. Third time, bus card confiscated for the remainder of the semester.

REPORT CARDS

Progress reports are issued to the student at the mid-nine week grading period. Report cards are issued to the students at the end of each nine weeks.

GRADING SCALE

Grades are recorded and averaged in an electronic grade book; grades are weighted as follows:

  • tests = 40%, projects = 20%, daily work = 20%, homework = 10%, participation = 10%

The grading scale of Memphis City Schools:

  • A = 93-100, B = 85-92, C = 75-84, D = 70-74, F = 69 and below

The conduct scale of Memphis City Schools:

  • E = Excellent, S = Satisfactory, N = Needs Improvement, U = Unsatisfactory

Format for paper headings:John Doe

August 9, 2010

Subject

  1. All papers at Southeast Success Academy require this heading.
  2. Be sure to skip the first line between the heading and where one begins to write the assignment.
  3. Write between the 2 margin lines.
  4. Write neatly.
  5. Write only on the front side of the paper.
  6. Do your best and complete all assignments.
  7. Skip one line between the question and your answer.
  8. Skip one line between each math problem.

TEXTBOOK RULES AND REGULATIONS

Textbooks are a part of school property. Students, parents, or guardians will be required to pay for textbooks that are lost. The following sanctions shall be imposed by the Principal against a pupil who fails or refuses to pay for lost textbooks:

  1. Additional textbooks will not be issued until restitution is made;
  2. All reports, certificates or progress, or diplomas shall/may be withheld from the pupil; or
  3. A suspension may be issued in extreme circumstances or when students are involved in transferring between schools.

The schedule below will be followed when determining the amount to be charged for a lost textbook:

NEW BOOK------100% OF REPLACEMENT PRICE

USED BOOK------75% OF REPLACEMENT PRICE

SERVICE LEARNING

  1. To be eligible to participate in Service Learning Projects, students must complete the weekly requirements:
  2. Present and on time daily unless there is an excused absence on file and make-up work has been submitted.
  3. Exhibit expected behavior- No more than 3 behavior checks in classes, or uniform violation.
  4. Complete all assignments.
  5. Students are required to participate in individual and group counseling sessions and other behavior modification activities.
  6. Students are expected to complete all assigned community service hours and submit documentation each month.

P.A.S.S.

Progressive Point Plan and Levels of Responsibility

  • Each student will begin the week with an opportunity to earn at least 250 points: 50 points per day, 10 point per class (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Group Sessions) plus bonus points.
  • Student will enter into the Success School at the Preparinglevel. At the Preparinglevel of responsibility, the student should be able to identify behaviors he/she will be working on while at Southeast Success Academy. Once students learn the rules and expectations; they will advance in the program.
  • The next level is Achieving. A student at the Achieving level of responsibility attends class regularly and begins to take responsibility for controlling his/her behavior. Achieving this level can take up to 2-4 weeks dependent on the student’s progress. At this level, students attain privileges ranging from certificates of achievement, to extra computer time, to arts and crafts, to Fun Friday participation.
  • Students move next to the Soaring level. A student at this level takes responsibility for attendance and completing assignments. He/she follows rules without being supervised. Achieving this level can take up to 4-6 weeks dependent upon the students’ progress. At this level, students attain privileges including the Ambassador/Leadership Role and/or computer passes.
  • The final level is the Succeedinglevel. A student at this level of responsibility is a positive leader. He/she is prepared, organized, and completes quality work. Attaining this level can take several weeks dependent upon the student’s progress and commitment to improvement. At this level, students attain privileges including: homework passes and a framed certificate of accomplishment. Students must maintain this level of responsibility and successfully complete the transition process before returning to his/her home school.

Students may earn Bonus Points as follows:

  1. No delays at morning check-in (5)
  2. Exhibiting appropriate behavior during restroom break (5)
  3. Cleanliness while in the cafeteria (5)
  4. Exhibiting appropriate behavior and conduct during assemblies (5)
  5. Caught being good/doing what’s right (5)
  6. Field Trips (5)
  7. Dismissal & departure by 2:15 p.m. (5+)
  8. Student of the week (75)
  9. Random Acts of Kindness (10)

STUDENT OF THE WEEK CRITERIA

  1. Student must have at least 250 points earned in a week to be identified as a student of the week.
  2. Student’s attendance and punctuality must be perfect for the week or student must present an excused absence/tardy note to the Education Specialists (only 1 excused/tardy for the week allowed for the student to qualify).
  3. Student must complete all assignments and all homework on time.
  4. Student must have no involvement in verbal or physical conflicts during the week.
  5. Student must maintain a B average in all courses.
  6. Student must adhere to the uniform policy.
  7. Student must be working on required Community Service Project and present written documentation to verify hours served.
  8. Student may attain Student of the Week two times per nine weeks.
  9. Student must have all necessary school supplies daily.
  10. If more than one student meets all criteria, then all those students will be awarded.

NOTE: The staff selects Student of the Week.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK IS AWARDED:

  1. Picture on the wall of fame
  2. 75 bonus points
  3. Student of the Week Certificate
  4. Name placed in the box for Student of the Month drawing

STUDENT OF THE MONTH IS AWARDED:

The student selected as the Student of the Month will have lunch with their favorite staff member or teacher at the end of the semester.

AMBASSADOR CRITERIA

  1. Student must have a minimum of 1000 points and on the Soaring level of responsibility or a higher level.
  2. Student’s attendance and punctuality must be perfect or student must present an excused absence/tardy note to the Education Specialist (only 1 excused absence/tardy per week is allowed not to exceed 3 per nine weeks).
  3. Student must exhibit on a daily basis good judgment and good behavior.
  4. Student must adhere to the uniform policy.
  5. Student must be working on required Community Service Project and present written documentation to verify hours served.
  6. Student must maintain a B average in all courses.
  7. Student must have all necessary school supplies daily.
  8. Student must submit all assignments and all homework on time.

ROLES, RESPONSIBLITIES, & PRIVELEGES

  1. Teacher Assistant.
  2. Lead tours of Southeast Success Academy.
  3. Team Captain.
  4. Office Assistant.
  5. Line leader while passing to classes, going to the cafeteria, restrooms, and dismissal.

10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH HOMEWORK

  1. Let you child know that homework is important and valuable.
  2. Set a regular time each day to do homework, but allow some time to unwind after school before getting started.
  3. Be sure your child has all essentials, such as paper, books, assignment book, and pencils.
  4. Provide folders for your child’s papers and a calendar or assignment book.
  5. Have a quiet, clean well-lit place to study.
  6. Discourage any distractions – including TV- during study time.
  7. Answer your child’s questions and provide study aids; such as quizzes and flash cards, but keep homework your child’s responsibility to complete.
  8. Spot-check homework when it’s completed.
  9. Read all comments the teacher has made on returned assignments.
  10. If a homework problem arises, contact the teacher for clarification.

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILD’S TEST-TAKING SKILLS

  1. Remind your child to start studying several days before a test.
  2. Encourage your child to read through notes and homework and write down the most important points to help remember them.
  3. Make flash cards for vocabulary or spelling words, and then help your child review them. Quiz your child on key points.
  4. Let your child go over possible questions and answer them out loud.
  5. Prepare your child to read each question carefully and to follow directions.
  6. Tell your child to do all the easy questions first, then go back over the ones he/she found difficult.
  7. Remind you child to re-check all work.
  8. Teach your child simple tips to keep calm. These can include taking deep breaths and counting to ten.
  9. Encourage your child to have a positive attitude and think positive thoughts to calm down, like “I know this stuff.”
  10. If stress is a problem, tell your child to talk about it with you, a teacher, or the counselor.

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