Dr. Tasharah Wilson
Principal
Robert Clark
Tracey Harrell
Joseph Harris
Kimberly Moore
Assistant Principals
45 Whitehouse Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
“One School, One Family”
Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL HISTORY
ALMA MATER
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WHO ENTERED 9TH GRADE IN 2008 OR LATER
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
GRADING SCALE
GRADING RUBRIC
HOMEWORK POLICY/MAKE-UP POLICY
A STUDENT IN GOOD STANDING
ACCIDENT REPORT
BELL SCHEDULES
ATTENDANCE
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
TARDIES TO SCHOOL
EXCUSED TARDIES
TARDIES TO CLASS
CAFETERIA
BUS TRANSPORTATION
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
EARLY DISMISSAL-CHECKING OUT OF SCHOOL
HALL PASSES
FIRE DRILLS AND OTHER EVACUATION DRILLS
HEALTH SERVICES/CLINIC
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
HOMEWORK POLICY/MAKE-UP POLICY
TEXTBOOKS
COUNSELING SERVICES
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
CLINIC SERVICES
MEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
LOCKERS
LOST & FOUND
PERSONAL PROPERTY
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS)
CODE OF CONDUCT
CHRONIC DISCIPLINARY PROBLEM STUDENT
PARENT-ASSISTED SUSPENSION
THE DRESS CODE (UNIFORM) POLICY
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Greetings Booker T. Washington High School Parents and Students!
On behalf of the entire Washington High School community, it is truly my pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you as we begin the 2015-16 school year. Last year was fantastic, and this year will be even better! As many of you know, all Washington Cluster Schools will begin plans to implement our Signature Cluster Plan: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM education is based on rigorous curriculum that integrates subjectsas opposed to teaching them separately. STEM education’s integration of hands-on, real-world learning tasks, coupled with academic theory, help students master rigorous math and science concepts. In addition to STEM, we will continue to offer our world class Early College program to students interested in receiving college credit while in high school. We are also in the process of growing our Fine Arts program. This year Brown Middle and Washington High will offer Drama and Dance classes. We will also have two theatrical productions featuring students from the elementary, middle and high schools. This will truly be a great year for our school and cluster!
As in previous years, all students are expected to wear the school uniform on a daily basis. Washington High School requires all students to wear a white or royal blue collared polo shirt. Students are also required to wear black, khaki or blue bottoms (pants or knee length skirts/shorts). Jeans are not allowed. Students may wear appropriate shoes of their choice; however, students are not allowed to wear high heels. Students are allowed a “free day” each Frid22ay to wear clothing of their choice (clothing must follow the Atlanta Public Schools Dress Code Policy).
You are always welcome at Washington High School. We need your help continuing the legacy of excellence and ensuring that Washington becomes the premier institution of learning for our students. With a caring culture of trust and collaboration, every student will graduate ready for college and career.
Sincerely,
TasharahWilson, Ed.D.
Principal
Booker T. Washington High School
"One School, One Family!"
SCHOOL HISTORY
Booker T. Washington High School, named for the famous educator, opened in September 1924 under the auspices of the Atlanta Board of Education, with the late Charles Lincoln Harper as principal. It is the first public high school for African-Americans in the state of Georgia and the Atlanta Public Schools. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1927, the only exact replica of the Booker T. Washington monument at Tuskegee University in Alabama was erected at the school's entrance. The statue of Washington, called "Booker T. Washington Lifting the Veil of Ignorance" by sculptor Charles Keck reads: "He lifted the veil of ignorance from his people and pointed the way to progress through education and industry." Prior to its transformation in 2009 to small schools, Washington High had been led by nine principals - Mr. Charles Lincoln Harper ( 1924-1942), Mr. Clinton Cornell (1942-1961), Dr. J. Y. Moreland (1961-1968), Dr. Alfonso Dawson (1968-1973), Dr. Robert Collins, Jr. (1973-1990), Dr. Robert Lowe (1990-194), Dr. Joyce Clark (1994-1996), Dr. Shirley Kilgore (1996-2005), and Mr. Carter E. Coleman, Jr. (2005-2009). Washington High School operated as three small schools within a school from 2009 until 2014. On August 12, 2013, the Atlanta Board of Education passed a resolution restoring Booker T. Washington to one comprehensive high school with one principal...Dr. Tasharah Wilson.
Alma Mater
“Washington! O Washington!”
Washington! O Washington!
Thy name shall be our guide,
For learning, fame, renown and gain
Our gratitude abides.
As long as God’s eternal love
Shall hold their portals wide
For God and man in every land
We’ll serve for Washington.
Chorus
Washington! O Washington!
Thy name shall be our guide,
For God and man in every land
We’ll live for Washington.
Washington! O Washington!
Thy name shall never die
Our hearts are thine, thy fame shall shine
O’er earth and sea and sky.
Thy halls shall echo memories,
Thy percepts reign sublime,
Where’er we roam, where’er our home
We’ll live for Washington.
This handbook is designed to serve as an operation and accountability guide for students and parents of Booker T. Washington High School. The policies, procedures, protocols, and code of conduct and consequences articulated in this handbook will provide students and parents with a set of pathways and strategies for participation in activities and successful matriculation through High School.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WHO ENTERED 9TH GRADE IN 2008 OR LATER
College Prep & College-Tech Pathway / Carnegie Units NeededEnglish
- 9th Grade Literature
- American Literature
- 2 Units of English/Language Core
Mathematics, including at least:
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Algebra 2
- 1 additional Math Core
Science, including:
- 1 Biological Science
- 1 unit of Chemistry or Environmental Science
- 1 Physical Science or Physics
- 1 unit of Science Core
Social Studies, including:
- ½ World Geography
- 1 unit of World History
- 1 unit of United States History
- ½ unit of American Government
- ½ unit of Economics
- Career, Technical, Fine Arts
Physical Education, including;
- ½ Personal Fitness
- ½ Physical Education
Health / 1/2
Foreign Language
(two units of same language) / 2
Community Service (75 hours) / ½
Required Electives / 3 ½
Total / 24
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
Promotion to Grade / Credits/Units10 / 6
11 / 12
12 / 18
GRADING SCALE
Letter Grade / Numerical RangeA / 90-100
B / 80-89
C / 70-79
F / 0-69
GRADING RUBRIC
2015-2016
*This chart represents the minimum amount of assignments that will be given per semester in each subject.
Grades 9-12 / ELA / Math / Science / Social StudiesWeight / Minimum# of Assign. / Weight / Minimum # of Assign. / Weight / Minimum # of Assign. / Weight / Minimum # of Assign.
Classwork / 20% / 18 / 20% / 18 / 20% / 18 / 25% / 18
Quizzes
Formative Assessments / 20% / 15 / 20% / 15 / 20% / 15 / 20% / 15
6 for nine week courses
Unit Tests / 25% / 2 / 25% / 3 / 30% / 2 / 30% / 2
Projects / 20% / 2 projects / 20% / 2
projects / 20% / 2
projects / 20% / 2
projects
Homework / 15% / 18 / 15% / 18 / 10% / 18 / 15% / 18
- 1 classwork grades per week
- 1 quizzes per week
- 1 test per unit
- 1 project per 9 week period
- 1 graded homework assignment per week
Standards Based Quizzes:Standards based quizzes will be given at the end of each lesson to assess the students understanding of the standards.These quizzes will typically cover 1-3 standards.Students will have unlimited opportunities on quizzes to show mastery.Only the highest quiz grade will be recorded in Infinite Campus.Students will be required to do additional practice before each assessment.There will be a mid-term deadline and end of semester deadline on quiz retakes. Numerous quizzes will be given throughout the semester.
Standards Based Test: Standards based test will be given at the end of each unit.Students will only have one opportunity to take Standard Based Test. Typically 3-4 tests based on the number of units taught will be given each semester. Unit tests are 15% of a student’s grade.
Classwork/Homework/Projects will be assigned as a tool to help acquire content area knowledge.Typically, Classwork/Homework/Projects will be graded for correctness. Other means of checking Classwork/Homework/Projects for accuracy and completion are also possible.Each assignment in Classwork/Homework/Projects will be worth different points.
HOMEWORK POLICY/MAKE-UP POLICY
Homework is an essential part of the learning process. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to develop patterns of study at home and the responsibility of the teacher to assign homework in a meaningful manner. A student is permitted and encouraged to make up work missed because of excused absences, unexcused absences, or temporary placement. Students will have up to five (5) school days from the date of absence to make up any missed work for excused absences. Or, within five days upon return from any excused long term absence.
Make-up work submitted late will receive a maximum grade of seventy (70).
High school students will receive the actual grade earned on make-up work if (1) the absence is for one of the reasons listed as “excused”; (2) a written excuse has been submitted in accordance with administrative procedure; and (3) the make-up work has been completed satisfactorily within the time limit specified by the teacher.
A STUDENT IN GOOD STANDING
- Has a C+ average or higher in all classes
- Is under no disciplinary sanctions
- Has no unexcused absences or tardies
- Does not have any unsatisfied financial obligations
Students may not carry any level of indebtedness to the school including lockers, textbooks, or damaged property. Participation in on-and off-campus activities not only depends on being a student in good standing academically, but financially as well.
ACCIDENT REPORT
Any student who is injured during the school day must report to the Clinic or Main Office to complete an accident report. Parents or guardians will be notified immediately if their child has been injured on the school premises.
BELL SCHEDULES
Regular Bell Schedule (Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays)
*There will be a one (1) minute warning bell prior to the beginning of each class.
8:00 – 8:23 Breakfast
8:251st Warning Bell
8:291 Min. Warning Bell
8:30 – 10:001st Block (90 min.)
10:061 Min. Warning Bell
10:07 – 11:372nd Block (90 min.)
11:431 Min. Warning Bell
11:44 – 1:53 3rd Block
11:53 – 12:23A Lunch
12:23 – 12:53B Lunch
12:53 -1:23 C Lunch
1:23 – 1:53 D Lunch
1:591 Min Warning Bell
2:00- 3:304th Block (90 min.)
Afternoon Announcements3:25
Dismissal3:30
Advisement Bell Schedule (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
*There will be a one (1) minute warning bell prior to the beginning of each class.
8:00 – 8:23Breakfast
8:25 1st Warning Bell
8:291 Min. Warning Bell
8:30 – 9:15Advisement (45 min.)
9:211 Min. Warning Bell
9:22 – 10:361st Block (74 min.)
10:421 Min. Warning Bell
10:43 – 11:572nd Block (74 min.)
12:031 Min. Warning Bell
12:04 – 2:093rd Block
12:09 – 12:39A Lunch
12:39 – 1:09 B Lunch
1:09 – 1:39C Lunch
1:39 – 2:09D Lunch
2:151 Min. Warning Bell
2:16 - 3:304th Block (74 min.)
Afternoon Announcements3:25
Dismissal3:30
A.M. Assembly Bell Schedule
*There will be a one (1) minute warning bell prior to the beginning of each class.
8:00 – 8:23 A.M.Breakfast
8:25 A.M. 1st Warning Bell
8:29 A.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
8:30 – 8:45 A.M.Advisory (15 min.)
8:45 – 8:55 A.M.Transition to Gymnasium
8:55 – 10:00 A.M.Assembly
10:05 – 11:05 A.M.1st Block (60 min.)
11:09 A.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
11:10 – 12:10 P.M.2nd Block (60 min.)
12:14 P.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
12:15 – 2:25 P.M.3rd Block
12:25 – 12:55 P.M.A Lunch
12:55 – 1:25 P.M.B Lunch
1:25 – 1:55 P.M.C Lunch
1:55 – 2:25 P.M.D Lunch
2:29 P.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
2:30 – 3:30 P.M.4th Block (60 min.)
Afternoon Announcements3:25 P.M.
Dismissal3:30 P.M.
P.M. Assembly Bell Schedule
*There will be a one (1) minute warning bell prior to the beginning of each class.
8:00 – 8:23 A.M.Breakfast
8:25 A.M. 1st Warning Bell
8:29 A.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
8:30 – 8:45 A.M.Advisory (15 min.)
8:49 A.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
8:50 – 9:50 A.M.1st Block (60 min.)
9:54 A.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
9:55 – 10:55 A.M.2nd Block (60 min.)
10:59 A.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
11:00 – 1:10 P.M.3rd Block
11:10 – 11:40 A.M.A Lunch
11:40 – 12:10 P.M.B Lunch
12:10 – 2:40 P.M.C Lunch
12:40 – 1:10 P.M.D Lunch
1:14 P.M.1 Min. Warning Bell
1:15 - 2:15 P.M.4th Block (60 min.)
2:15 – 2:25 P.M.Transition to Gymnasium
2:25 – 3:30 P.M.Assembly
Dismissal3:30 P.M.
ATTENDANCE
Research suggests there is a direct correlation between attendance and performance. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each student to attend school on a regular basis. Since classroom participation and academic performance are an integral part of a student’s grade, a student who is excessively absent may earn a lower grade. A student may also fail a course because of poor attendance. Any student who reaches ten (10) unexcused absences in any course will be awarded an F for the course. Students will also be reported to the school Social Worker to file Truancy paperwork with Family Court System.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law: A child absent from school without a legal excuse is in violation of the Compulsory School Attendance Laws of the State of Georgia. If a child between the ages of six and sixteen accrues more than 10 unexcused absences, the school social worker will become involved, and it is possible that a truancy petition could be filed in juvenile court to address the excessive absences. Children would be charged with truancy, and parents would be found to be guilty of a misdemeanor.
HB1190: A new law in the state of Georgia warrants that each school must send letters to parents of children between the ages of six and sixteen who have five or more days of unexcused absence in a school year. Any child who has more than five days of unexcused absence during the calendar school year is considered truant. Each additional unexcused absence from school is considered an additional violation of the mandatory attendance policy and is considered a separate offense.
In order to avoid failure or a lower grade, the school’s counselor needs to be notified if a student will be absent for an extended period of time. Based upon the nature and length of the absence, assistance may be provided for the student.
Upon returning to school, each student is expected to bring written documentation signed by a parent or guardian, including a telephone contact number and specifying the date(s) and reason (s) for the absence. The documentation must be given to the school’s front office secretary. If the absence is excused, the student will be allowed to make up any work missed during student’s absence.
- The signed attendance note from the Front Office must be taken to each class to obtain the teacher’s signature.
The following is a list of legal excuses identified by Atlanta Public Schools:
- Page in the State Legislature
- Personal illness
- Death in the immediate family
- Religious Holidays
TARDIES TO SCHOOL
All students, arriving to school after 8:30 am must check in through the Attendance Office (Room 1082- 1stFL). Students arriving after 8:45 am must be accompanied by a parent and or bring a written excuse for tardiness. Students should bring an excusefor the one of the designated reasons listed below at the time of the tardy. If documentation is not provided for the tardy, then the tardy will be considered unexcused. The student will then be assigned to after-school detention the following.
- Excessive Tardiness to school will result in referrals to designated person(s)in the Student Resource Center such as counselors, graduation coach and social worker.
EXCUSED TARDIES
- A parent accompanies student into the office to check in verifying the reason for the excused tardy. (max three occurrences)
- A student presents a doctor’s excuse (on official stationary)
- Personal illness (verified by the parent)
- Serious illness in the immediate family (verified by the parent)
- Religious holiday
TARDIES TO CLASS
Students are expected to be on time to EVERY class. The following consequences will be administered for tardiness:
VIOLATION / CONSEQUENCE1st Tardy / Warning-Phone Call automated*
2ndTardy / Parent Notification -Warning
3rd Tardy / After School Detention-PBIS Intervention
4thTardy / Saturday School/Parent Conference
5th / Saturday School, Parent Conference and Attendance Contract
6th or more / Referral to Attendance Committee-PBIS Intervention
- Lock-Out: Late 20 minute or more to class or caught on the halls without permission during Hall Sweep student spends class period in Behavior Intervention Center and may be assigned to detention.
- Failure to report to an Assigned Detention is defined as Willful Disobedience and will result in a Saturday School assignment or Behavior Intervention Center.
TARDIENESS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED All students are expected to be in school and in class on time every period, every day. Tardiness to class is disruptive and interferes with class instructional time and learning process. The learning environment should be ongoing and continuous with as few interruptions as possible.
CAFETERIA
Our 30 minute lunch period is time for students to socialize with their peers. It is our expectation that students consistently practice the general rule of good manners and proper etiquette of dining in a public place. Some simple rules of courteous behavior that will make the lunch period pleasant and enjoyable are:
- Observing good dining room standards at the table
- Finishing lunch in the cafeteria (Students cannot take food out of the cafeteria)
- Leaving the table and the surrounding area clean and orderly, as well as taking all trash to the disposal area
- Putting trash in the proper containers
- Keeping voices at acceptable levels
Please be aware that Lunch Detention, Assigned Seats, and/or Silent Lunch will be assigned if these expectations are not followed.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for all pupils living more than 1 ½ miles away from school and/or living in areas designated as hazardous. Information on transportation routes is available during registration. Rules and regulations regarding transportation will be given to all students the first day of school.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
In conjunction with Atlanta Board of Education Policies, listed below are the consequences for election device (radios, headsets, headphones, CD players, MP3 players, cellular phones, video games, etc.) violations. These devices are not allowed to be seen or heard during the instructional day between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
Violations / Consequence1st Violation / Confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian during a scheduled conference (25.00 fine)
2nd Violation / Confiscated and student fined $50.00. Device returned when parent comes for a scheduled conference. Up to 1 day ISS
3rd Violation / Confiscated and student loses privileges of possession for one calendar and imposed a $50.00 fine and up to three (3) days of ISS.
4th or more Violation / Confiscated and student loses privileges of possession for one calendar year, fined $50.00 and referred to Student Tribunal
EARLY DISMISSAL-CHECKING OUT OF SCHOOL