Student Family Handbook
2015-2016
This document includes Excel Academy Charter High School’s
Code of Conduct
and
Bullying Prevention & Intervention Policy
Excel Academy
Charter
High School
7 Elkins Street
South Boston, MA
617.874326.40803574
TABLE OF CONTENTS[AS1]
Excel Academy Charter School
Core Values
Professional
Reflective
Inquisitive
Dedicated
Empathetic
Respect
college placement
grading and graduation requirements
9th grade course of study
School Policies & Procedures
A.Hours of Operation
Inclement Weather Closings
B.Academic Probation
C.Failure of a Course
D.Dismissal
E.Classroom Procedures
F.Homework
G.Athletics and Other Extra-Curricular Activities
H.Public Displays of Affection
I.Open Campus
J.Fire Alarm
K.Attendance Policy
L.Incomplete Days: Lateness and Early Dismissal
M.Dress Code
N.School Breakfast, Lunch, and Afternoon Snack
O.Individual Incentive and Accountability System: Student Performance Reports
General School Information
A. To Contact Us
B. Transportation
C. Health Care
Health Office
Medical Records
Medication
Health and Illness
Emergency Protocol
Other Health Issues
Health Exams and Screenings
Health Education, Sex Education, and Sexuality Education Policy
D. Visitor Policy
E. Nondiscrimination
F. Harassment
Definitions of Harassment
Harassment and Retaliation Prohibited
G. Bullying
H. Hazing
I. Corporal Punishment and Student Restraint
J. Grievance Procedure for Harassment and/or Discrimination
K. Grievance Procedure for Bullying
L. Complaint Procedures
M. Student Records
N. Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Code of Conduct
A. Purpose
B. Our Philosophy
C. Behavioral Infractions
Demerits
Detention
Loss of Privileges
In-Class Support
Out-of-School Suspension (short term)
Out-of-School Suspension (long-term) and/or Expulsion
D. Procedures for Disciplinary Action
Lunch Detention
Loss of Privileges
Out-of-School Suspensions and Expulsion
E. Discipline of Students with Special Needs
F. Student Searches
G. Bus Behavior
H. Field Trips/End-of-Year Events
I. Cheating, Plagiarism, and Copying Other’s Work
Bullying Prevention & Intervention Policy
A. Assessing Needs and Resources
B.Planning & Oversight
C.Priority Statement
D.Training & Staff Professional Development
Annual Staff Training
Ongoing Professional Development
Written notice to staff
E.Access to Resources and Services
Identifying Resources
Counseling & Other Services
Students with Disabilities
Referrals to Outside Counseling: SST Referral, Communication and Meeting structures
F.Academic and Non-Academic Activities
Specific Bullying Prevention Approaches
General Teaching Approaches that Support Bullying Prevention Efforts
G.Policies and Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Bullying and Retaliation
Reports of Bullying or Retaliation
Responding to Reports of Bullying or Retaliation
Investigations
Determinations
Out of School Bullying Infractions
Suspension Procedures
H.Responses to Bullying
Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-Building
Taking Disciplinary Action
Promoting Safety for the Target and Others
I. Collaboration with Families
Parent Education and Resources
Notification Requirements
J.Prohibition Against Bullying & Retaliation
K.Definitions
L.Other Definitions
Harassment
Bullying
Cyber-bullying
M.Relation to Other Laws
Appendix
Chapter 71, Section 37H
Chapter 71, Section 37H ½
Chapter 71, Section 37H ¾
Excel Academy Charter School...... 8
Core Values...... 8
respect...... 9
Responsibility & Accountability...... 9
Excel Academy School—Student—Family Accountability Contract...... 10
college placement...... 12
A. Hours of Schoration...... 10
Inclement Weather Closings...... 10
B. Attendance Policy...... 10
C. Incomplete Days: Lateness and Early Dismissal...... 11
D. Homework ...... 12
E. Make-Up Work Policies...... 13
F. S
G. Academic Supports...... 14
Academic Tutoring...... 14
H. Dress Code...... 15
Enforcement of Dress Code Policy...... 15
Purchasing of Clothing...... 15
School Dress Code Policy (for Boys and Girls)...... 16
Fitness Dress Code Policy (for Boys and Girls)...... 16
Other Dress Code Specifics...... 17
I. Sample Student Schedule...... 19
J. School Supplies...... 20
Supplies: 5th/6th Graders...... 20
Supplies: 7th/8th Graders...... 20
K. School Breakfast, Lunch, and Afternoon Snack...... 20
Breakfast...... 21
Lunch...... 21
Afternoon Snack...... 21
L. Grading Policies...... 21
M. Promotion Policies...... 22
N. Homeroom Teachers and Student Advisors...... 22
O. Community Service Requirement...... 22
P. Enrichment Activities...... 23
Q. Individual Incentive and Accountability System: Student PREP Reports...... 23
R. Whole Class Incentive and Accountability: Building Block Challenge...... 24
S. Student Behavior Policy for Extra-Curricular Activities...... 24
General School Information...... 26
A. To Contact Us...... 26
B. Transportation...... 26
C. Health Care...... 26
Health Office...... 26
Medical Records...... 27
Medication...... 27
Health and Illness...... 27
Emergency Protocol...... 28
Other Health Issues...... 28
Health Exams and Screenings...... 28
Health Education, Sex Education, and Sexuality Education Policy...... 28
D. Visitor Policy...... 29
E. Nondiscrimination...... 29
F. Harassment...... 29
Definitions of Harassment...... 29
Harassment and Retaliation Prohibited...... 30
G. Bullying...... 30
H. Hazing...... 30
I. Corporal Punishment and Student Restraint...... 31
J. Grievance Procedure for Harassment and/or Discrimination...... 32
K. Grievance Procedure for Bullying...... 35
L. Complaint Procedures...... 35
M. Student Records...... 35
N. Internet Acceptable Use Policy...... 36
Code of Conduct...... 38
A. Purpose...... 38
B. Our Philosophy...... 38
C. Behavioral Infractions...... 38
Demerits...... 38
Detention...... 39
Friday Extension...... 39
In-Class Support...... 39
Out-of-School Suspension...... 39
Long-Term Out-of-School Suspension & Expulsion...... 40
D. Procedures for Disciplinary Action...... 40
Detention...... 41
Friday Extension...... 41
In-Class Susport...... 41
Out-of-School Suspensions and Expulsion...... 42
E. Discipline of Students with Special Needs...... 44
F. Student Searches...... 45
G. Bus Behavior...... 45
I. Cheating, Plagiarism, and Copying Other’s Work...... 46
Bullying Prevention & Intervention Policy...... 47
A. Assessing Needs and Resources...... 47
B.Planning & Oversight...... 47
C.Priority Statement...... 48
D.Training & Staff Professional Development...... 49
Annual Staff Training...... 49
Ongoing Professional Development...... 49
Written notice to staff...... 49
E.Access to Resources and Services...... 49
Identifying Resources...... 49
Counseling & Other Services...... 50
Students with Disabilities...... 51
Referrals to Outside Counseling: SST Referral, Communication and Meeting structures...... 51
F.Academic and Non-Academic Activities...... 51
Specific Bullying Prevention Approaches...... 51
General Teaching Approaches that Support Bullying Prevention Efforts...... 52
G.Policies and Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Bullying and Retaliation...... 53
Reports of Bullying or Retaliation...... 53
Responding to Reports of Bullying or Retaliation...... 53
Investigations...... 55
Determinations...... 56
Out of School Bullying Infractions...... 58
Suspension Procedures...... 58
H.Responses to Bullying...... 59
Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-Building...... 59
Taking Disciplinary Action...... 59
Promoting Safety for the Target and Others...... 59
I. Collaboration with Families...... 60
Parent Education and Resources...... 60
Notification Requirements...... 60
J.Prohibition Against Bullying & Retaliation...... 60
K.Definitions...... 60
L.Other Definitions...... 61
Harassment...... 61
Bullying...... 62
Cyber-bullying...... 62
M.Relation to Other Laws...... 62
N.Key Forms...... 63
Excel Academy Rubric for Break/Lunch Behavior...... 63
Appendix...... 65
Chapter 71, Section 37H...... 65
Chapter 71, Section 37H ½...... 65
Chapter 71, Section 37H ¾...... 66
Excel Academy Charter School
Our Mission
Excel Academy Charter School prepares school students to succeed in high school and college, apply their learning to solve relevant problems, and engage productively in their communities.
In the pursuit of academic excellence, students partake of a rigorous college preparatory extended-day program. Students strive to be well versed in a traditional body of knowledge across content areas, enabling them to challenge old ideas and create new knowledge. Students are expected to embrace challenges, collaborate, draw connections, and engage in intellectual discourse and debate.
Excel also shapes an intimate, supportive, engaging school community – where classes are personalized, parents are partners, and teachers lead with passion and commitment. Adults model and students develop and live the values of caring, respect, and responsibility.
Excel Academy generates for students a transforming experience at an age when they are forging their very identities and lifetime aspirations. Excel Academy cultivates in them the belief that they are the masters of their own destinies: each one capable of greatness and goodness and responsible for serving the community and the world around them.
Core Values
Excel Academy Charter High School is committed to developing well-rounded individuals who contribute productively to their communities. As such, students will learn and uphold a community code which is connected to our PRIDE core values. Excel’s high school students will be expected to demonstrate our values by being Professional, Reflective, Inquisitive, Dedicated, and Empathetic.
Professional
As Excel Academy Charter High School students, we present ourselves as professionals through our attire, speech, and actions at all times. We act as professionals with our attention to detail and our high expectations for our behavior, academic work, self-presentation, and care for our physical environment.
Reflective
As Excel students, we regularly reflect on our current practices, habits, and mistakes. We welcome both positive and critical feedback while constantly looking for ways to improve.
Inquisitive
As Excel students, we are curious and hungry to learn! We seek joy through ideas, and we are eager to apply our learning to solve relevant problems. We participate fully in every aspect of school life, and excel in both academic and extra-curricular activities.
Dedicated
We are dedicated. We embrace challenges and overcome obstacles in order to achieve our goals. We work hard daily and act with purpose recognizing that we control our own destiny. We will not allow negative people or other outside influences distract us from what is important.
Empathetic
As Excel students, we deeply value each other’s perspectives, and we seek to understand the values and experiences that shape each member of community. Our commitment to empathy drives us to care for each other and to actively cultivate a compassionate and generous school community.
Respect
The most important value at Excel Academy is respect. Helping students develop the art of respect is a school-wide goal and will be modeled by all adults at Excel Academy. The students are expected to demonstrate the following elements of respect:
Self-Respect
By their manner and in their school uniform dress, students are to carry themselves with a sense of dignity.
Respect to Peers
By showing support and encouragement; by refraining from insulting, deriding, or humiliating others; and by refraining from physically, emotionally or sexually harassing other students.
Respect for All Adults
By listening and following instructions; by using appropriate tone of voice; by honoring a teacher's need to present a lesson to the entire class; by demonstrating an awareness of the appropriate time and place to disagree with a teacher's decision; and by accepting corrections to behavior.
Respect for Differences
By demonstrating sensitivity to physical, cultural, gender, and differences in sexual orientation, and by refraining from the use of stereotypes.
Respect for Property
By respecting their personal property and the property of other students; by maintaining their textbooks and other materials; and by caring for the school grounds and property, especially by pitching in to keep them clean and neat.
Responsibility & Accountability
The Excel Academy School-Student-Family Accountability Contract, reprinted on the following pages, represents some of the most important responsibilities for being a member of the Excel Academy community. For students, the Contract provides an overview of what being an Excel Academy student is all about. For families, the Contract outlines some of the specific expectations the school will hold you to in order to provide the best possible education for our students. In exchange for what students and families do, the faculty and administration of Excel Academy will work tirelessly to provide students with a safe and orderly environment in which they can achieve academic success.
1
college placement
Vision and Program
The College and Post-Secondary Success (CaPSS) office uses a student-centered approach to provide all our students and their families with comprehensive college and career counseling beginning in ninth grade and continuing well after they graduate from our high school. Our goal is that every one of our students has access to the resources and support necessary to make college a reality and to achieve a post-secondary degree.
By the time our students graduate from Excel Academy Charter High School, they will possess the self-knowledge, college-knowledge and career knowledge to craft a post-secondary plan that is aligned with their long term goals and to execute on that plan. We believe that, for the vast majority of students, earning a post-secondary degree will create the most options for career pathways and life success. Though we also recognize that achieving a post-secondary degree is not the long-term goal for all of our students and therefore, we will work with them to craft alternative post-secondary pathways toward successful completion of their long term goals.
We will work with students in Grades 9 and 10 to develop the self-knowledge, non-cognitive skills, and career awareness they will need to set long-term goals for academics and their personal lives. In Grades 11 and 12, we will build on that knowledge by working with students to develop the practical knowledge needed for college and career success and to begin to implement their post-secondary plans.
Goals
100% of our graduating seniors will have a productive post-secondary plan aligned with their goals.
In service of this, we will meet with 100% of our families throughout the post-secondary planning process.
9 /- Weekly class focusing on early college awareness, identity development/values exploration and summer opportunities
- College testing support
- College visit
10 /
- Weekly class focusing on early college awareness, goal setting, career exploration andsummer opportunities
- College testing support
- College visit
11 /
- Weekly class focusing on test preparation and college application process
- Small group college trips
- On site college testing
- Visits from College Admissions representatives
- Family College Application Process Kick-off Event
- Individual post-secondary planning meeting with all 11th grade families
- Coordination with English department to draft college application personal essay
- Support students in requesting letters of recommendation
- Support students with pre-college campus programming
12 /
- Weekly class focusing on college application preparation and post-secondary success plans
- Individual college trips
- Visits from College Admissions representatives
- Financial Aid intro event
- On site college testing
- Financial Aid Completion Support
- Individual post-secondary planning meeting with all 12th grade families
- Senior Signing Day event
- College transition and success programming
Summer Opportunities
CaPSS office believes that summer time is an essential time for students to continue their exploration of personal values, and long term goals. It is also critical to help students build their resume for college access and building their college and career identities. To that end, we will provide support for students to spend their summers meaningfully. This may include finding, applying and attending formal pre-college programming on college campuses, summer jobs, academic interest programs, or recreational programs. We will provide this support in the weekly class in quarter 3 in 9th and 10th grade. In the 11th grade, students will assume more developmentally appropriate independence and will lead this process for themselves with support from their advisors.
grading and graduation requirements
1
Last Revised: July 2015
Grading
Excel Academy Charter High School students are held to a higher standard. Students are graded on a scale of 60-100. The minimum passing grade is a “C.” In order for a student to pass a course without summer requirements s/he must earn a cumulative average of at least 70 for the year.
If a student earns a grade between 60 and 70 in any course, s/he will be required to attend summer school in order to pass the course for the year. S/he will receive a grade of Incomplete until the summer school requirement has been completed. There is no limit to the number of courses students that the students may complete in this way.
If a student earns a grade below 60 in any course, s/he has failed that course.
Grading Scale
Final AverageMarkCollege PrepAP__
96.5-100A+4.335.33
92.5-96.5A4.005.00
89.5-92.5A-3.754.75
86.5-89.5B+3.504.50
82.5-86.5B3.254.25
79.5-82.5B-3.004.00
76.5-79.5C+2.753.75
72.5-76.5C2.503.50
69.5-72.5C-2.253.00
66.5-69.5D+1.252.25
62.5-66.5D1.002.00
0.00-62.5D-0.000.00
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report cards are distributed four times during the academic year. Grade reports are distributed to students during the midpoints of these quarters. Parents are required to come to school to pick up their child’s report card for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters and to meet with teachers.
Graduation Requirements
The items listed below are minimums required for graduation by Excel Academy Charter High School.
Course Requirements / MASS CORE / EACHS – Years / EACHS – CreditsEnglish (9-12) / 4 / 4 / 16
Mathematics
(to at least Pre-Calculus) / 4 / 4 / 16
Lab Science
(Includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics) / 3 / 3 / 12
History
(Includes US and World History) / 3 / 3 / 12
Foreign Language / 2
(same language) / 3
(same language or score 4 or 5 on AP language) / 12
College Readiness Seminar / 0 / 4 / 4
Total Electives*
(Includes Arts & Engineering Requirements) / 0 / 4 / 8
Arts
(Includes Visual and Performing Arts) / 0 / 1 / 2
Engineering
(Includes Coding, Computer Science, Engineering) / 0 / 1 / 2
P.E. / 4 / 4 / 4
*Early college coursework will count for elective credit.
Non–Course Requirements / EACHS Credits / NotesTaking one college level course / n/a / Requirements can be met by:
- Taking an AP course and taking the AP exam.
- Taking an online college course with assessments proctored by EACHS.
- Taking a college course (offered by Excel or by a college or university)
Meets Requirements of Senior Seminar / n/a / Requirements include:
- Taking college placement test (SAT or ACT)
- College acceptance
- Complete senior exit interview
- Complete loan counseling for students accepting loans
College Placement Test taken once (ACT or SAT) / n/a
Extracurricular Requirements / 8/15 available credits / Students may earn extra-curricular credit through the following activities:
- Varsity Sports (1 credit per season)
- Clubs (1 credit per year for 1/week club)
- Productive Summer Experience (1 credit per summer) [See Summer Opportunities Requirement Guide for full list of requirements]
Community Service / 20 hours / All Community Service requirements must be documented and approved by the student’s advisor.
Course load / n/a / In grades 9-12, all students must maintain a full course load including 5 core courses (In disciplines of ELA, Math, Science, History, and Foreign Language), P.E., College Seminar, and 1 Elective course.
Participation in academic support tutorials or early college coursework may replace a core course or elective course, pending approval by the student’s advisor and Head of School.
9th grade course of study