Gates High School

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015-2016
GATES HIGH SCHOOL

813 132ND Street South

Tacoma, Washington98444-3532

Phone Number (253) 298-4000 / Fax Number (253) 298-4015

FRANKLIN PIERCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:SUPERINTENDENT:

Cole Roberts, PresidentDr. Frank Hewins

Mary Sherman, Board Member

Mark Baumgarten, Board Member

John Harstad, Vice PresidentASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT:

Doug Carlson, Board MemberLance Goodpastor

GATESHIGH SCHOOL OFFICE STAFF

Principal, Director of ALE...... Valinda Jones

Assistant Principal...... Justin Nolan

Counselor...... Elizabeth Meyer

Office Manager...... Chris Money

Data Coordinator/Attendance...... Bonnie French

GATES HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY

Art...... Angela Budinger

Family & Consumer Science……………………………………………………………………………………………..………..Sarah Ensign

Health & Fitness………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………..Bruce Miller

Language Arts...... Chimere Hackney

Mathematics…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……Andrew Stacey

Mathematics...... Alice McMillen

New Pathways – English …………………………………………………………………………………………..………………….Carrie Lind

New Pathways – Math ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………..Tefang Lee

New Pathways – Social Studies ………………………………………………………………………….………………………..John Klimek

Reading/Dean of Students……………………………………………………………………………………………………Rosita Castellano

Security ………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………Brett Brueske

Science...... Patrick Calcote

Social Studies...... Michele Rupe

Social Studies...... Amy Wingerter

Special Education...... Lana Jones

Special Education Para-Educator…………………………………………………………………………………………………Katie Preciado

Intervention Case Manager Para-Educator...... Kristina Levendowski

GATES HIGH SCHOOL OTHERSTAFF

Grant Coordinator………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………….Sarah Bridgeford

DFC Coordinator …………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………Erin Watlington

Open Doors – Drop out Recovery Specialist ………………………………………………………………………………Judy Johnston

Chief Maintenance...... Rick Huggler

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GATES Staff...... 2

FPSD Mission Statement and Beliefs...... 5

GATESHigh School Beliefs...... 5

Accidents...... 6

Assemblies...... 6

Attendance...... 6-8

Regulations...... 6

Procedures...... 6-7

Violations...... 7

Early Dismissal...... 7

Late Arrival...... 7

Scheduled Late Arrival/Early Dismissal...... 7

Planned absence...... 7-8

Make-Up Work...... 8

Automobile and Parking Regulations...... 8

Computer Lab Rules and Privileges...... 8

Disruptive Objects...... 9

Displays of Affection...... 9

Eighteen Year-Old Students...... 9

Emergency School Closure...... 9

1 and 2 Hour Late Schedules...... 9

Emergency Broadcast Stations...... 9

Fines and Bills...... 10

Fire/Emergency/Disaster Procedures...... 10

Fire Extinguishers and Alarms...... 10

Grading...... 10

Graduation Requirements...... 10

Honor Roll...... 10

Online Grades...... 10

Testing Program for Colleges/Universities...... 11

Financial Aid...... 11

Student Grading...... 11

Identification Cards...... 11

Lost and Found...... 12

Lunch Room Rules...... 12

Medication...... 12

Progress and Performance...... 12

Records ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..12-13

Signs and Posters...... 13

Skateboards and Scooters...... 13

Gates Success Academy...... 13-14

FPSD POLICY 3241P………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Additional Rules...... 15

Student Photographs...... 15

Student Searches...... 15

Telephone Use...... 15

Valuables...... 16

Visitors on Campus...... 16

Constitution of the GATES Associated Student Body...... 16

FPSD Policy 2410: H.S. Graduation Requirements...... 16-18

Request to Restrict Release of Information...... 19

ScheduleS

Gates Daily Schedule / NP Daily Schedule
Breakfast / 7:0577:05 - 7:20 / Breakfast / 7:0577:05 - 7:20
Check & Connect / 7:25 - 7:45 / Check & Connect / 7:25 - 7:45
1st / 7:50 - 9:00 / Rotation 1 / 7:50 - 9:00
2nd / 9:05 - 10:15 / Rotation 2 / 9:05 - 10:15
3rd / 10:20 - 11:30 / Rotation 3 / 10:20 - 11:00
Lunch / 11:30 - 11:50 / Lunch / 11:00- 11:20
4th / 11:55 - 1:05 / 1:10 Bus Departs / Rotation 3 / 11:20 - 11:50
Rotation 4 / 11:55 - 1:05
Gates Early Release / NP Early Release
1st / 7:25 - 8:20 / Rotation 1 / 7:25 - 8:20
2nd / 8:25 - 9:20 / Rotation 2 / 8:25 - 9:20
3rd / 9:25 - 10:20 / Rotation 3 / 9:25 - 10:40
4th / 10:25 - 11:20 / Lunch / 10:40 - 11:00
Lunch / 11:20 - 11:40 / Rotation 4 / 11:00 - 11:40

......

In the event that an issue is not addressed in this handbook, the Franklin Pierce School District Policies and Regulations manual will be followed.

GATESHigh School is the home of the Gators. This is a five day per week program where students attend from 7:25 a.m. to 1:05p.m., with district transportation available. GATEShas a limit of 160 students enrolled at any one time. Class sizes range from 8 students to 1 teacher to 18 to 1. Classes are designed to provide more individualized attention for students. The materials used are the same as at the other high schools, and the teachers are highly qualified but also specially trained to help students who may be struggling academically or need a smaller learning environment. Students who attend GATES or New Pathwaysmust meet the same graduation requirements and are eligible to play sports or attend activities at their home high school. (Grades 9-12)

New Pathways School is a school for students who are more individually motivated; they should read at grade level and be able to provide their own transportation. Students who enjoy New Pathwayslike the one-room school house feel and the unique combination of contract-based and direct instruction. New Pathways students attend between 5 and 20 hours per week on site, with required outside homework, and may also attend Running Start or elective classes at either high school. (Grade 9-12) New Pathways is located on 96th Waller Road.

This handbook informs you about areas that affect you. If, after you have read the material, you still have questions, feel free to contact a staff member at GATESHigh School. We are here to serve you and pledge to offer you all possible assistance.

All courses and activities at GATES High School and New Pathways conform to Washington State anti-sex discrimination regulations and federal Title IX requirements. All courses and activities are open to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap.

FRANKLIN PIERCE SCHOOL DISTRICTMISSION AND BELIEF STATEMENT

Core Business Statement

The core business of Franklin Pierce Schools is to engage all students in rigorous, relevant, high quality work.

FPSD Mission Statement

To provide students an engaging educational environment, built upon proven academics and high standards, resulting in successful and contributing citizens.

We Believe

• Every student can learn to think, reason, and achieve at high levels.
• Every student can learn more every day.
• Every student has potential for educational and economic success beyond high school.
• Every teacher is a “Leader of Learning” whose primary job is to engage students in meaningful experiences that result in desired learning.
• Our ability to build positive relationships with students contributes to learning.
• Every school principal is “Leader of Leaders”
• Every staff member has the responsibility to support the core business.

GATESHigh SchoolBeliefs:

-Build partnerships among students, staff, families, and community.

-Focus on the positive to create an environment where students feel secure to be who they are while respecting the individuality of others.

-Offer a safe, small learning environment that provides resources to meet individual student needs.

-Increase student achievement by providing meaning and engaging work.

-Encourage students to take responsibility for their lives and to formulate educational plans that direct them toward success during and after high school.

ACCIDENTS

Any accident in a school building, on school grounds, at practice sessions or at any athletic event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the school office. The appropriate accident report form must be completed by the supervising staff member and turned into the office manager. During school hours, students involved in an accident are expected to report to the health room for evaluation.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are scheduled as a part of the total school program to be attended by all students, and as such are designed to be educational and supportive of the educational program. They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behaviors.

All students will sit in the benches provided in the gym. Students will not be allowed to stand or sit in aisles or pathways because of fire regulations.

Assemblies will be held at regularly scheduled times during the school year. On these days an activity schedule will be published to provide an assembly agenda and time period.

On assembly days, students are expected to:

1.Report directly to class and then to the assembly, as directed by the classroom teacher.

2.Sit in the proper section.

3.Listen considerately and attentively to speakers.

4.Participate in the manner requested

5.Remain in seats unless requested to participate in assembly.

ATTENDANCE

1.0The primary responsibility for school attendance rests with students and their parents. The school’s responsibility is to join with the parents in teaching students the value and importance of regular attendance. Through the combined efforts of parents and the school staff, it is intended that students will develop constructive attendance habits and attitudes.

2.0Regular and punctual daily attendance is required in accordance with state law and this policy. The Board of Directors and the FranklinPierceSchool District staff believe that regular attendance has a positive effect on student learning and achievement.

3.0Students are required to attend all scheduled classes unless officially excused.

3.1All absences shall require a notification from the parent or guardian.

3.2Mastery of course content and instructional objectives through participation in class activities and student/teacher interaction are of paramount importance for success at school.

3.3Teachers shall establish and communicate their grading system to the students, including the extent to which absenteeism or tardiness reduces course grades.

4.0Schools shall establish appropriate reward incentives for good attendance.

5.0Schools shall provide for firm, fair and consistent administration of consequences for non-attendance.

Procedures:

ABSENCE

• GATESHigh School will accept parent/guardian phone calls for student absences.
• Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who contact the school by phone on the day(s) of their student's absence will not be required to submit a note upon their student's return to school.
• If parent(s)/guardian(s) write a note to notify the school of their student's absence(s), this note should be submitted on the day of the student's return to school to have the absence not classified as unexcused/truant absence. (Students may not write their own notes unless they have received approval from a parent/guardian and/or administrator.)
• Notes must contain the date(s) of absence, reason for absence, signature of the parent/guardian and a telephone number where the parent/guardian can be contacted.
• GATES High School will classify all absences as either Excused or Unexcused/Truant, make-up work will be provided at the request of the student or parent/guardian for absences.
• Excused absences include bereavement, documented illness/injury, pre-arranged or school-related absences, family emergencies, suspensions/expulsions, court appearances, and religious observances.
• Absences due to oversleeping, alarm clock problems, traffic, car trouble, or being unaware of the school schedule will be considered unexcused.
• Parents are asked to phone the school (298-4000) during the school day when a student is absent. If the school does not receive a call from a parent when a student is absent the auto-dialer will phone a parent or guardian.
• Five (5) consecutive absences, due to illness, must be excused with a doctor’s note.
• 6 or more absences from any class may result in withdrawal from program.

TARDY

• All students who arrive late to GATES High School are to check into the Attendance Office first. The office will classify the absence and issue the student an admit slip to present to their teacher.
• Students who exhibit a pattern of tardiness (6-10 tardies) will be subject to school discipline, including, but not limited toLunch Intervention, After School Intervention, phone call to parent, parent conference, attendance contract, skills class, and/or short-term suspension.

A continued pattern of tardiness, truancy, and/or absence may result in short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or withdrawal.

EARLY DISMISSAL

If a student has to leave school prior to the end of the school day, he/she is to check into the main office tosign out with a parent or guardian. If the student is not being signed out by a parent or guardian they should bring a written and signed request from stating the reason for the early dismissal. If the student does not have a note, personnel in the office will attempt to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) before a student will be released from school. If contact is not made, and the decision is made by an administrator that it is in the best interest of the student to allow him/her to leave school, the student will be responsible to see that a parent/guardian contacts the school prior to their return to verify knowledge of their absence. Students leaving campus without approval from the main office will be considered unexcused/truant, regardless of the circumstances.

LATE ARRIVAL

Students arriving to school late are required to check into the office prior to reporting to class. A note of verification is required. Notes must contain the reason for the late arrival, signature of the parent or guardian, date, and a telephone number where the parent or guardian may be reached. Students arriving late are to report directly to the office for a pass to class.

SCHEDULED LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DISMISSAL

Students who are needed by their parents or employer during school hours on a regular basis can apply for a permanent late arrival or early dismissal. This privilege is permitted to those students who are progressing satisfactorily toward graduation and who have a parent permission slip on file in the attendance office. Students who abuse this privilege by loitering around campus will have it revoked. Students requesting a permanent late arrival or early dismissal can get the permission slip from the office. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of schedule changes that will change their arrival time on campus. Students are not to be on campus until their first class begins and/or must leave after their last class dismisses.

PLANNED ABSENCE

GATES High School strongly discourages students from taking extended vacations during the term or leaving school prior to the normal closing date. Students missing class lose essential instruction and place increased demands on classroom teachers in the areas of record keeping and administering make-up work.

During the planning for a pre-arranged absence, parents and students should understand that teachers cannot possibly, in all cases, pre-teach the lessons nor provide make-up assignments to cover all the material that will be missed. However, occasions arise where extended absences are necessary.

So that students and parents may not be misled and suffer possible disappointment, it must be clearly understood that:

1.A letter of request outlining reasons for the absence, expected duration and departure date, must be written to the school.

2.A Planned Absence form will be issued by the office to be presented by the student to his/her teachers at least three days before the absence.

3.Teachers have been asked to outline to the student possible consequences that could result from the extended absence and alternatives that would help minimize the potential harm to the student’s final grade. An indication of willingness on the part of the teacher to assist the student is not to be construed as a promise that the student will receive full credit. The responsibility for completion of all make-up requirements rests with the student.

4.A parent’s signature of approval is required on the absence request form after reading the teacher’s consequences.

5.Final clearance must be completed in the office by returning the Planned Absence form to the Attendance Office with the parent’s signature.Planned absences must be approved by an administrator to have the absence excused.

6.Pre-arranged absences will be classified as an absence (except for school sponsored absences).

MAKE-UP WORK

In keeping with our belief that the classroom situation itself and the interaction with the teacher are important aspects of the educational setting of GATESHigh School, the school reserves the right to require students to make up work and school time lost through an absence. The decision as to what is required for make-up and the time and place of make-up will be the responsibility of the administration, parent and teacher, working in conjunction with the student. Some assignments missed during an absence may not be able to be made up (i.e. film, discussion, or lab).

The student is responsible for making arrangements with the teacher to complete the required make-up (normally outside of class time) within the given time. The number of days absent plus one day will be allowed for make-up work to be turned in. Make-up should be completed during the one-half hour before school and/or during the one-half hour after school when teachers are in their classrooms available to work with students.

Students or parents who find themselves in an unusual situation (i.e. extensive illness, hardships, etc.) should make direct contact with the counseling office to allow a counselor sufficient time to work with the student and teachers to minimize the effects of the absences.

The teacher of a student subjected to long-term suspension is not required to provide and/or accept work the student missed during the suspension period.

AUTOMOBILE AND PARKING LOT REGULATIONS

Students driving automobiles to school are expected to have a valid driver's license, proof of current insurance, valid registration and to comply with the following procedures and regulations:

1. All student automobiles must be registered with the main office. Failure to register your vehicle may result in being towed, at owner’s expense.
2. Students are to park in either gravel lot adjacent to the gym or the upper lots. Students are not to park in the upper lotreserved for staff, in the lowerlotreserved for staff, district personnel and visitors, or in the Brookdale Elementary lot. Parking in staff and/or visitor areas may result in towing at owner’s expense.
3. Students are to enter and exit the parking areas in a safe and respectful manner. Music is to be turned down. “Peeling out” and excessive speeds will result in loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the current semester (at least 9 weeks). Students will not be allowed to park on school grounds or within 1000 yards of school grounds.
4. Access to all student automobiles is prohibited during normal school hours and during lunch. Students may gain access to automobiles only with administrative approval.
5. Student automobiles parked on or adjacent to Franklin School District property during normal school hours are subject to administrative search when reasonable cause exists (FPSD Policy 3230).
6. Students are responsible for automobiles (and all contents), under their control, parked on or adjacent to FPSD property.

COMPUTER LAB RULES & PRIVILEGES