TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………...……1-3
Purpose of the Student Handbook………………………………………………...... 3
Mission Statement of Public Schools of Robeson County…………………………...4
Mission Statement of Robeson Early College ………………………………...... 4
Vision Statement………………………………………………………………………...4
Letter from the Principal……………………………………………………………….5
History………………………………………………………………………………...... 6
Expectations…………………………………………………………………………...... 6
Program Overview………………………………………………………………...... 6
Early College Staff……………………………………………………………………….7
Hours of Operation……….……………………………….…………………………….7
Daily Schedule…………………………………………………………………………...7
Equal Educational Opportunity………………………………………………………..8
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act………………………………………….8
Application Process…………………………………………………………………...... 9
End of the Year and Semester Evaluation………..….………………………………..9
Parent Expectations……………………………………………………………………...9
Advisory Council Members/Dates….……………………………………………….10
Advisory Council Policy Code…………………………………………………….10-12
PTSO Members/Dates……………………………………………..………………….12
School Calendar………………………………………………………………………..13
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The Curriculum………………………………………………………………………...14
Course Minimum………………………………………………………………………14
Graduation Requirements…………………………………………………………….15
North Carolina Articulation Agreement…………………………………………15-16
High School Grading Scale……………………………………………………………16
Method for Calculating Final Grade…………………………………………...... ….17
Testing Information………………………………………………………………...18-19
Reports to Parents………………………………………………………………………19
High Achievement Recognition………………………………………………………19
COLLEGE COURSE INFORMATION
College Courses…………………………………………………………………….…..20
Dropping Classes………………………………………………………...... 20
College Tuition…………………………………………………………………………20
On-Line Courses……………………………………………………...………………...21
StudentServices………………………………………………………………………..21
Textbooks…………………………………………………………………….…………21
Student LED-Conferences…………………………………………………………….22
COUNSELING and ACADEMIC POLICIES
Student Guidance and Counseling Program...……………………………………..22
Advisement…………………………………………………………………………….23
HEALTH ISSUES
Garrett’s Law(English & Spanish)…………...…………………………………………..23-24
Health Screening Programs………………………………………………………..23-24
Parent Notification of NC Immunization Law…………………………………..23-24
Medicine………………………………………………………………………………...25
Medication Lettersto Parent…………………………………………………..…..26-27
Request for Medication Form…………………………………………………………28
Health Status Update…………………………………………………………………..29
Reproductive Health and Safety Education Letter………………………………….30
Annual Asbestos Notification…………………………………………………………31
Annual Notification of Pest Management Program………………………………...32
100% Tobacco-Free School Policy…………………………………………………33-34
SCHOOL POLICIES
Student to Student Harassment Policy…………………………………………...35-39
Notices of Nondiscrimination………………………………………………………...40
Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy Code……….41-45
Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Complaint Procedure Policy Code……...45-51
Registered Sex Offenders…………………………………………………………..51-53
NC Driver Eligibility……………………………………………………..………...53-54
Release of Student Directory Information…………………………………………...55
Pictures and/or Videos of Students of PSRC…………………….………………….56
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance Statement………………………………………………………….…...... 56
PSRC Attendance Policy…………………………………………………….……..56-58
Student Attendance Appeals Procedure…………………………………………….59
DAILY POLICIES
Student Identification…………………………………………………………..…..…..59
Student Check-Out Procedures…………………………………………………..…...59
Student Information…………………………………………………………………....59
Tardy Policy…………………………………………………………………………….60
Daily Planners………………………………………………………………………….60
Restricted Areas and Behaviors………………………………………………………60
Honor Code…………………………………………………………………….……….61
Visitors to School Policy Code…………………………………………………….61-62
Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………..63-64
Student Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………..64-65
Discipline………………………………………………………………………………..65
Severe Misconduct……………………………………………………………………..65
Emergencies…………………………………………………………………………….66
Deliveries to School……………………………………………………………………66
Public Display of Affection……………………………………………………………66
Book Bags…………………………………………………………………………..……67
Transportation…………………………………………………………………………..67
Breakfast/Lunch Program……………………………………………………………..67
Check Policy………………………………………………………………………...... 68
Playing Cards and Dice…………………………………………………………………68
Clubs and Organizations…………………………………………………………….....68
Complaints and Grievances…………………………………………………………69-72
Character Education Word of the Week……………………………………………....73
Robeson Community College Campus Map/Directory…………………………74-75
PURPOSE OF THE STUDENT HANDBOOK
The Robeson Early College High School handbook was compiled to convey uniform best practices and guiding principles. It outlines most of the various rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and expectations that are specific to our school. It is the companion document to the PublicSchools of Robeson County Code of Conduct. If something is not clear or should concerns arise, please ask questions of the faculty, staff, or principal.
MISSION STATEMENTS
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF ROBESON COUNTY
To educate all students by building a foundation for learning in an ever-changing global society.
EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
The mission of Robeson Early College High School is to identify and incorporate 21st century themes and skills while fostering positive mentorships among stakeholders.
VISION STATEMENT
All students will graduate from Robeson Early College High School with a high school diploma and an Associate Degree from Robeson Community College.
Letter From the Principal
Dear Parents,
It is indeed a pleasure to welcome our returning students and new students to the 2015-2016 school year at Robeson Early College High School. Our Faculty and Staff are planning many challenging and exciting educational experiences for each of you.
We, at the Early College, believe that every student can soar to new heights!! We strive to empower student with the intrinsic motivation, work ethics, and social competencies to become leaders of tomorrow, preparing each student for the 21st century.
Robeson Early College is a partnership with the Public Schools of Robeson County, Robeson Community College, North Carolina New Schools, parents and students. The students will take high school and college courses during their time here. They will work toward completion of their high school diploma and earning a college degree or two years of transferable college credit. We are committed to working together to create a school culture and climate wherein all students will be college ready. Your support for our school is solicited and we ask you to embrace the new and innovative approach we are taking to teach our students. Student success is our goal!! It is also our goal that each student reach their fullest potential and be prepared to compete for the career opportunity that will be available to them.
I strongly believe in close connections with all our stakeholders. Research has proven the more involved parents are in their child’s education, the more they will achieve. Please feel free to speak with their teachers, advisors, liaison, school counselor, or myself whenever you have a question or concern. The staff encourages you to become active in the life of the school as your schedule permits.
Respectfully yours,
Sheila Gasque
Principal
HISTORY
Governor Mike Easley launched the Learn and Earn Early College High School initiative 2005 in response to a dire workforce development need in North Carolina. The initiative is designed to improve high schools, to better prepare students for college and career, to create a seamless curriculum between high school and college, and to provide work-based experiences to students. Learn and Earn Early College High Schools will meet these goals by establishing autonomous high schools on college campuses, and providing students the opportunity to earn associate’s degrees or two years of transferable credit while still in high school.
A planning committee worked on the development of the program for one year. We are now in our ninth year of operation and will have 200 students in grades 9-13. Fifty new 9th grade students will be enrolled each new year with a maximum of 200 total students in the school.
EXPECTATIONS
As a Learn and Earn model, our school will:
- Begin/continue the process of designing curriculum and support structures that ensure the attainment of an associate’s degree and/or two years of transferable college credit at no cost to the student;
- Develop a plan to serve a diverse population of 200 students in terms of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, academic ability, achievement, and motivation;
- Incorporate work-based learning experiences;
- Design and implement affective and academic systems of support to help students attain the high expectations presented by the early college model;
- Partner with middle schools to prepare rising freshmen for the early college experience.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Early College is a program specifically for students who have the ability to do greater academic work. To this end and to maintain rigor, students will be expected to do honors level work. The typical Early College student was probably an excellent elementary student and did well academically until middle school. During the seventh, eighth, or even ninth grade, the student started doing poorly for a variety of reasons. Other Early College students may be doing well academically but may not have had college as an option due to circumstances in their lives. This program is designed to allow students to finish high school and earn a two year college degree or two years of transferable college credit during a five year period (Grades 9 – 13).
EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
STAFF
Name / Title / Room #Sheila Gasque / Principal / Administrative Building
Hazel Hunt / Secretary/Bookkeeper / Administrative Building
Meropi Hawkins / Data Manager / Administrative Building
Audrey Strong / School to Work Coordinator / Administrative Building
Pamela Wright / School Counselor / Administrative Building
Tara Sinclair / English / 817
Talissa Fann / Math / 813
Doreen McNeill / Career Technical Education / CR-2
John Allen / Science / CR-5
Keenan E. Locklear / Science / CR-4
Gloria Martinez / Social Studies / CR-1
Gary Ballard / English / TBA
Tammie Paul / Math / 812
English/History / 815
Russell Scott / Health & PE / CR-3
Ronnie Sampson / College Liaison / Building 13(Counseling Office)
HOURS OF OPERATION
7:45 – 4:15 p.m. Office
8:30 – 3:30 p.m. Students
DAILY SCHEDULE1st Block / 8:30AM / 10:00AM
2nd Block
3rd Block / 10:00 AM
11:30 PM / 11:30 AM
1:00 PM
Lunch / 1:00 PM / 1:30PM
AD/Tutoring
4th Block / 1:30PM
2:00PM / 2:00PM
3:30PM
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of the Public Schools of Robeson County that no otherwise qualified student shall be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, handicapping condition, creed or political affiliation. Legal Ref: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Age Discrimination Act 1975.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
Parents are allowed to inspect all educational records maintained by the Public Schools of Robeson County on their children. The right to inspect the records includes the right to request explanations and interpretation of the records and the right to obtain copies of the records.
Either a parent, a legal guardian, or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a parent or guardian (Ex. Foster parent) may exercise all parental rights unless the school has evidence of a court order or a law which provides to the contrary.
If a parent believes that requirements of a pupil record are not being observed, they have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Selection of prospective students must complete an application and participate in an interview with a selection committee consisting of staff members and principal. Recommendations from teachers, school counselor, an explanation from the student and parent describing why the student wants to attend the Early College, and a middle school transcript must be presented.
Students of single parent homes, first generation college, and/or low income are encouraged to apply. Students should submit their applications to the school counselor at least 1-2 weeks before the announced deadline. The counselor will complete the last section of the application and forward completed applications to Early College. The application deadline for incoming ninth graders is in March. Applications are then scored using a rubric. Students are then invited to sit for an interview with school staff. Final selections are made after that. Notification letters are sent early June.
END OF YEAR AND SEMESTER EVALUATION
Each student’s performance will be evaluated at the end of each semester. Factors for continuing at Early College are academic grades, progress towards degree, attendance, motivation, and behavior.
A determination will be made whether the student will qualify to continue at Early College. Students who have not passed entrance examinations by the end of 11th grade or cannot who commit to the rigor of the Early College will be asked to return to their traditional high school.
PARENT EXPECTATIONS
Adolescence is an intriguing stage of development filled with many physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. At the same time, the increase in academic demands and complexity of the school structure make the task of academic success for adolescents even more difficult. Because of this, parental involvement is a necessity at the high school level. Teachers will keep you informed as to progress in a variety of areas (academic & social). We expect communication to be a continuous two-way street between school and home. Our school needs parents to volunteer as much as possible. This can take the form of helping teachers in their classrooms, tutoring, translating, proctoring during testing, and helping during special events. A minimum of 5 hours a year for each family is our goal. The more you are involved, the more your child will achieve.
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
2015-2016
Mr. Robert Boykins Ms. Fidencia Claudio Ms. Monica Graham
Ms. Stacey Holden Mr. Robert Tolson
Schedule of Advisory Council Meetings
SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 - 6:00 P.M.
NOVEMBER 9, 2015 - 6:00 P.M.
FEBRUARY 8, 2016 - 6:00 P.M.
APRIL 18, 2016 - 6:00 P.M.
Policy Code: 2235 Advisory CouncilsThe board considers input critical to the effective operation of the individual schools and the school system. The board welcomes the opportunity to receive from the public suggestions and concerns which will assist the board in achieving its desired objectives.
Standing citizen advisory councils, organized on the basis of one per school, are designed to provide the board continuing input on school operations and procedures. These advisory councils shall be general in purpose and shall be in addition to any other specific advisory councils or committees whether created under mandate or by voluntary means.
A. DUTIES
Each advisory council shall have the following duties:
1. to act as a support group for the school and the community in matters pertaining to the development of excellence in the schools;
2. to assist the principal and school personnel by helping interpret school matters to the community and bringing community concerns to the attention of the principal;
3. to submit draft copies of the minutes of each meeting to the superintendent within 10 days following the meeting;
4. to make an annual written summary report of its activities to the board, emphasizing efforts, ideas and concerns related to program and facility improvement;
5. to receive periodic reports from the principal concerning school programs, activities and the financial status of fund raising activities and expenditures;
6. comply with the open meetings law, including notice of meetings;
7. to provide such documentation as may be necessary to the superintendent and board to support any charges, findings or allegations of misconduct, oversight or abuses of laws and policies by school personnel; and
8. to fulfill such specific short-term assignments as may be authorized by the superintendent or the board.
An advisory council shall not assume any responsibilities beyond those delegated to it by the board as set forth above.
B. RESTRICTIONS
An advisory council shall not involve itself in activities that may reflect adversely on the school system. Specifically, it shall not: 1) involve itself in personnel matters or individual student problems; 2) assume, in any way, legal authority for direct action or decision making concerning the school system; 3) involve itself officially in political campaigns; or 4) involve itself in fundraising or related activities.
C. MEMBERSHIP AND SELECTION
Advisory councils shall have membership based upon the following criteria: 1) schools with enrollment of 599 pupils or less on the last day of April shall have five members the following school year; and 2) schools with an enrollment of 600 pupils or more on the last day of April shall have seven members the following school year. Terms of office shall be for one year, and individuals may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. No individual shall be elected or appointed to serve on more than one advisory council during a school year.
The school principal shall serve as an ex-officio member and the secretary of the advisory council. In May of each year, the principal shall call a public meeting at which individuals who live within the school attendance zone shall elect a simple majority (three or four) of the members of the advisory council. The principal, board member representing the district of that school and at-large board members will jointly conduct the election. The remaining advisory council members will be appointed by the district and at-large board members who are in attendance at the meeting. If fewer than 25 people attend the meeting, the principal and board members in attendance will prepare a nomination list to present to the full board for final selection of all members of the advisory council. Vacancies on the advisory council shall be filled by the same process as the initial method of selection.
All advisory council members must reside within school attendance lines of the council on which they serve, except that non-resident parents may serve. If a member moves out of said attendance zone, the member is immediately and automatically declared ineligible for further service on that council. The majority of members on an advisory council shall have a child or children enrolled in that school. School employees shall not serve on the advisory council of the school for which they are employed. However, school employees residing in the school attendance zone of the council may vote and make nominations for individuals to serve on the advisory council.
Once seated, the members of the advisory council shall select a chairman and vice-chairman.
D. MEETINGS
Each advisory council shall meet at least on a quarterly basis. Other meetings may be called by the chairperson or the principal as necessary. A yearly calendar of meetings shall be published in September and set at such times and dates as deemed convenient to the council members. An advisory council shall not meet without the principal.
Legal References: G.S. 115C-36, -47, -55; 143-318.9 to -318.14
Cross References: Compliance with the Open Meetings Law (policy 2320), Closed Sessions (policy 2321)
Adopted: December 14, 2010
PTSO MEMBERS
2015-2016
Ms. Teresa Davis- President
Mr. William Locklear - Vice President
Ms. Barbara Scott-Secretary
Ms. Sharon Britt-Treasurer
Schedule of PTSO Meetings
SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 - 6:30 P.M.
NOVEMBER 9, 2015 - 6:30 P.M.
FEBRUARY 8, 2016 - 6:30 P.M.
APRIL 18 , 2016 - 6:30 P.M.
Robeson Early College High School
SCHOOL CALENDAR
2015-2016
August 2015 – December 2015
First Day of School...... August 5
Labor Day (Holiday)...... September 7
Progress Reports ...... Week of September 14
Advisory Council/PTSO Meeting ...... September 14
End of Nine Weeks…………………………………………………………………….October 8
Teacher Workdays (no school)………………………………………………….October 9 & 12
Progress Reports...... Week of November 9
Report Cards...... October 15
Advisory Council/PTSO Meeting...... November 9
Student Led Conferences………………………………………………………..….November 9
Veteran’s Day Holiday...... November 11