Course Handbook
2011-2012 Course Description Handbook
A signed acknowledgement form of the 2011-2012 Student Handbook is due to your study lab teacher on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.
Table of Contents - Linked sections are highlights from the handbook:
Grades: Grades will be computed and reported on a 4 point scale as follows:
A |
4.0 (93-100) |
B+ |
3.3 (87-89) |
C+ |
2.3 (77-79) |
D+ |
1.3 (67-69) |
F |
0.0 (0-59) |
A- |
3.7 (90-92) |
B |
3.0 (83-86) |
C |
2.0 (73-76) |
D |
1.0 (63-66) |
|
|
|
|
B- |
2.7 (80-82) |
C- |
1.7 (70-72) |
D- |
.7 (60-62) |
|
|
For Advanced Placement (AP) classes one grade point will be added to student grades, effectively creating a 5-point scale. For classes designated as Honors classes, one-half point will be added, creating a 4.5-point scale. A grade of F will not receive this weighting, and will merit zero points.
Finals: All teachers are required to give a comprehensive final exam for each course, each semester. The examination may take the form of a project, a written test, a presentation, or a combination of the three.
Final exams will be:
- Comprehensive – contain elements that will test the knowledge, understanding and/or application of the major concepts of the course.
- Given during the two hour examination schedule. Parts of the exam may be administered prior to the two hour exam period, however, significant assessment is required to be done during the two hour exam period.
- Graded and become an important part of the student’s grade in the course.
Sixth Grade Promotion: A student in the sixth grade will not be promoted to the seventh grade unless he/she has passed Language Arts and math, and has the recommendation of the teacher.
Seventh Grade Promotion: A student in the seventh grade will not be promoted to the eighth grade until he or she has successfully completed two of the seventh-grade core classes of English, Geography, and Life Science. A seventh-grade student who receives promotion but fails any one of these classes will be required to retake that class in the place of an eighth-grade elective, while taking a full load of eighth-grade core classes. Students failing to gain promotion to eighth grade will not be enrolled in eighth-grade classes, but retake the entire seventh-grade schedule.
Eighth Grade Promotion: A student in the eighth grade will not be promoted to the ninth grade until he or she has successfully completed two of the eighth grade core classes of English, Civics, and Earth Science. Additionally, an eighth-grade student who receives promotion but fails the required Latin I class will be required to repeat Latin I as the first year of the Academy’s two-year foreign language requirement. Students failing to gain promotion to ninth grade will not be enrolled in high school classes; rather, they will be required to repeat all eighth grade classes.
Freshman Standing: A student does not have freshman standing until he or she has successfully completed two of the eighth-grade core classes of English, Civics, and Earth Science, and is on track to graduate in four years. Having failed any one of these classes, a student will be required to retake that class in the place of a ninth-grade elective, while taking a full load of ninth-grade core classes.
Sophomore Standing: A student does not have sophomore standing until he or she has completed all of his or her ninth-grade core classes of literature, social studies, science, foreign language, and math, has accumulated at least ten credits, and is on track to graduate in three years.
Junior Standing: A student does not have junior standing until he or she has successfully completed all of his or her tenth-grade core classes of English, social studies, science, foreign language, and at least two credits of high school math, has accumulated at least 22 credits, and is on track to graduate in two years.
Senior Standing: A student does not have senior standing until he or she has successfully completed all of his or her eleventh-grade core classes of English, social studies, science, at least four credits of high school math, one credit of fine arts, two credits of foreign language, has accumulated at least 32 credits, and is on track to graduate by the end of the school year.
Elective Credit: At the principal’s discretion, the Academy will award elective credit for classes that are not offered at the Academy, and are needed to graduate or enhance a student’s career objectives. In order to qualify, parents must present a copy of the curriculum covered, documentation of hours, and name and qualifications of instructor. One (1) credit for every seventy (70) hours of instruction may be awarded. Grades will be on a pass/fail basis and will not be calculated in the grade point average. Also, students can receive, on a one-time basis, one (1) credit for ninety (90) hours of documented volunteer activity. In addition to a log of hours, students will be required to write a minimum three-page report discussing the nature of the volunteer work, and any lessons learned and value gained from the experience.
Remediation: If a student fails any course required for graduation, (or any course required for completion of grade seven or eight) the student must retake the course before continuing on to the next course level. In addition, to move forward in any sequential courses (e.g., math, foreign language), a student must have a minimum grade of C-. The course may be retaken at the Academy the next time it is offered, space permitting.
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment is defined as taking classes for credit at or through another accredited learning institution while enrolled as a full-time student at the Academy.The privilege of dual enrollment may only be extended to students who have at least junior standing with a cumulative weighted GPA of 2.5 or higher. The student must apply to the principal or designee on the approved form signed by the student and parent one month prior to the required enrollment deadline at the other institution. To assist in completing the master schedule, students will notify the principal by the completion of school (approximately June 15) of their intent to dual enroll the following fall. Classes taken through dual enrollment must meet the Academy standards for rigor and content. No more than two classes per semester at or through a post secondary institution may be taken through the dual enrollment process. For every credit earned at or through a post secondary institution, the student will earn half a credit at the Academy (e.g. four college credits equals two Academy credits). All classes taken outside the Academy will be designated as such on the student’s transcript, and grades received by dual enrollment will not be included in the student’s grade point average. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the registrar with documentation of all earned dual enrolled credit in the academic year it is obtained. Seniors must provide this documentation by the end of May to ensure credits are in order for graduation. Contact the office for a complete copy of the dual enrollment policy.
Classroom Interruptions: Classroom interruptions will not be permitted except in the event of an emergency. Non-emergency messages will not be delivered to the classroom. Students are not allowed to leave their class to use the phone or for any other non-emergency reason. Every effort will be made at all times to ensure the integrity of the classroom. The office staff does not accept or deliver items such as flowers, balloons, gifts, etc. to students. Only items such as homework, lunches, or uniforms may be left for a student on the drop off table (located by the front entry), the student may check for his/her item between classes or during lunch. Valuable items should be brought to the office.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, and all other personal electronic devices are not permitted during school hours [7:55 – 2:45, including passing time and lunch]. Students found to be in possession of these devices will have them confiscated. Repeated violations will result in short-term suspension.
Daily In-School Communication: Daily bulletins will be announced to the student body and staff via the P.A. system. Parents receive the daily announcements by e-mail. Parents may also access the daily bulletin by reading the copy posted outside of the school office.
School-to-Parent Communication: School newsletters will be sent home each month. The newsletter can also be accessed through the school web site (www.cdacharter.org). All written communication from the Academy will be identified by school logo.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences are held during the first semester. Parents are encouraged to schedule additional conferences with a teacher as soon as any concern or question arises. Teachers will respond as soon as practical, and in less than two (2) working days in the absence of unusual circumstances.
Grievance Policy: The daily conduct of the business of the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy is under the direction of the principal and he is the authority over all daily decisions, such as disciplinary issues, uniform compliance, and attendance/absentee issues
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy teachers strive to challenge our students academically, pushing them to achieve more and grow more than they have before. Sometimes this will result in frustrations from students who feel they are being pushed too hard. Students may have problems with the way class is conducted, with a teacher’s disciplinary procedures, or with the content of the class. We encourage students to come to teachers with questions or concerns. Sometimes, however, a student may have a serious grievance that requires parental involvement. The Charter Academy has adopted the following procedure for dealing with such issues:
- Student approaches teacher outside of class with the problem. If the problem is not resolved,
- Parent contacts the teacher outside of class. If the problem is not resolved,
- Student, parent, and teacher meet with the vice principal. If the problem is not resolved,
- Student, parent, teacher, vice principal meet with the principal. If the problem is not resolved,
- Student, parent, teacher, vice principal, and principal meet with the Charter Academy Board of Directors. The student will be present but may be excused at the discretion of the board. The decision of the Board is final.
In exceptional circumstances, when the safety of any party is threatened, or when other legal authority prevails, this policy may be disregarded.
Along each step, the faculty, administration, and the Board of Directors will attempt to resolve the grievance to mutual satisfaction, consistent with the mission and policies of the school.
A letter will not be issued to a student who has been denied credit based on attendance in the previous or current term. In the case of a student who has exceeded the number of allowable absences and is appealing denial of credit, the verification letter will be withheld pending the outcome of the appeal.
Student Parking: Any student who plans to drive to school must follow these rules:
- Each student must register with the office and obtain a parking permit.
- The permit must be hung on the rear view mirror. The permit is not transferable.
- Students will park in the designated parking area only.
- Students must enter and leave the campus according to the traffic patterns specified.
- Once students arrive on campus, vehicles are off-limits until the time of departure.
- Driving to school is a privilege and may be subject to forfeit if the student fails to observe all traffic laws and school regulations, or if the student operates his/her vehicle in any manner that endangers the health and safety of any person.
Extracurricular eligibility will be based on official Charter Academy quarter grade reports. In the case of dual enrollment, college semester grade reports will also be used to determine extracurricular eligibility. The minimum grade requirements for full eligibility are passing at least four classes, having no F’s and no more than one D. Classes used to determine extracurricular eligibility include all Charter Academy classes, all dual enrollment classes, and all classes taken from non-traditional schools such as home schools or internet schools. Any class, regardless of duration, will be considered for eligibility purposes when the grade is reported on an official grade report. In no circumstance may eligibility be regained during the summer.
Ineligibility will result when a student receives one or more F’s on a Charter Academy quarter grade report and/or a college semester grade report. This student will be ineligible for participation in extracurricular activities until the next Charter Academy quarter grade report indicates he/she is no longer failing any Charter Academy class. If the failing grade(s) are on a college fall semester grade report, the Charter Academy third quarter grade report will present the first opportunity for a dual enrolled student to regain eligibility. During the period of ineligibility students will not be allowed to participate in sports and/or other extracurricular activities; they may not practice, rehearse, meet, compete, perform, assist, or in any way participate in an extracurricular activity.
Academic probation will occur when student receives two or more D’s on a Charter Academy quarter grade report and/or a college semester grade report. While a student is on academic probation, he/she may practice or rehearse, but may not participate in games or events. If the first Charter Academy school-wide progress report following a report card indicates a student on academic probation has raised his/her grades to meet the minimum grade requirements, he/she will be removed from academic probation and be allowed to participate in games or events. If a student does not sufficiently raise his/her grades during these time periods, he/she will become ineligible for any participation in extracurricular activities until the Charter Academy quarter grade report indicates the grades are at or above the minimum grade requirements.. In lieu of Charter Academy grade reports and school-wide progress reports, the school administration will provide an alternative method of determining extracurricular eligibility for non-traditional students who are on academic probation. A non-traditional student is defined as a student who is not enrolled full time in Charter Academy and/or college dual enrolled courses.
For purposes of determining extracurricular eligibility, grades earned on fourth quarter Charter Academy grade reports and/or college spring semester grade reports will carry over to the Charter Academy first quarter of the following school year.
Sixth grade students new to the Charter Academy are eligible to participate in all extracurricular activities during their first quarter.
Eligibility status will be determined at the established deadline for grades to be submitted to the registrar for progress reports and grade reports.
Also, at any time, regardless of probationary status, students may not be allowed to go on class trips that will cause them to miss classes where their grades are deficient, defined as a D grade or lower. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the teachers, with the principal having final determination in cases of disagreement. In this manner we expect to maintain the high academic standard for which this school was founded and to provide the proper expectation for student success.
Attendance Requirement for Student Participation in Extracurricular Activities: Students who are absent from school one or more periods on the day of an extracurricular activity in which they are scheduled to take part, will not be allowed to participate in that activity. This includes games, practices, meetings and/or rehearsals. Exceptions may be made by the activities director for verified medical appointments, unavoidable circumstances, or other prearranged cases. This policy affects all Charter Academy extracurricular activities, i.e., sports, drama, music, debate, clubs, etc. Any extracurricular activity involving in-school time or out-of-school time requires attendance at school that day. Coaches/advisors of the various activities will advise their students of this requirement and be responsible for monitoring its implementation. Any students suspended from school for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity on the days they are out of school.
Sports Physicals and Interim Questionnaires: Students are required to undergo a physical examination and have the Idaho Health Examination and Consent Form (Athletics & Activities Packet) on file in the school office prior to their first practice for any Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy sponsored sport. An Interim Questionnaire must be completed and on file in the school office in any year a physical exam is not taken. The required Idaho Health Examination and Consent Form and the Interim Questionnaire are available on the school website, in the school office, or from the coach of a specific sport. Physical exams must be conducted by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner.
For any student in grades 6-8 to participate in sports, a physical exam taken after May 1 of the 5th grade year will remain valid for the duration of middle school. The Idaho Health Examination and Consent Form is valid for all three years of middle school.
For any student in grade 9 to participate in sports, a physical exam must be taken after May 1 of the 8th grade year. For high school students, The Idaho Health Examination and Consent Form is valid for two calendar years.
Fundraising: In order to prevent overlap and duplication, all fundraising efforts (PTO, ASB, faculty) must be coordinated through the Academy business manager. (Policy Title: Student Activity Fund Management, Adopted: November 20, 2001).
Lockers: Student lockers will be assigned during the first week of school. Locks are available from the office for a charge of $10.00. At the end of the school year, locks must be returned to the office, and the student will receive a refund of $5.00. Only school locks may be used on school lockers, and the office retains the right to open any locker for unannounced inspection at any time. Any change to locker assignment must be done by the administration.
Lost & Found: A lost-and-found bin will be maintained during the school year. Students or parents may check the receptacle at any time for missing items. The bin will be emptied as needed, and all unclaimed items will be taken to a local charity outlet. All uniform articles look alike; therefore identify yours by putting your name on the label.
Lunches: Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy does not participate in the federal student lunch program, which provides free and reduced lunches. Therefore, students need to bring a sack lunch from home or may purchase lunch from our approved vendors.
Media Policy: All videos/movies shown in the classroom must have serious academic value and approval from the principal prior to being shown to students. G-rated videos/movies may be utilized by classroom teachers without parental notification. PG and PG-13 videos/movies will be shown only if parents have been notified in advance. Parents have the right to restrict their child from viewing those videos/movies without penalty to the student. R-rated videos/movies will not be shown at the Academy.
Closed Campus/Visitors:Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy is a closed campus. A student may not leave the campus between the scheduled time of arrival and the scheduled time of departure without permission from the office and his/her parent or guardian. Students leaving and returning to school and all visitors must check in at the office before proceeding to class or other locations in the building. All visitors must wear a visible visitor pass while on campus. No loitering by any person on school grounds will be allowed.
Leaving Campus During Unscheduled Class Periods
Juniors and seniors in ‘good standing’ will be given the privilege of leaving campus during periods they have no classes scheduled. In order to attain ‘good standing’, juniors and seniors must meet all of the following requirements:
- Juniors must have at least 22 credits earned and be on track to graduate with their class.
- Seniors must have at least 34 credits earned and be on track to graduate with their class.
- Have no suspensions for behavior or other school violations.
- Have a valid Permission to Leave Campus form on file in the office. This form must be signed by a student’s legal parent or guardian, the school counselor, and the vice principal.
The following rules apply to students leaving campus.
- A student may not be off campus during lunch unless he/she has no class scheduled during period 4 or 5.
- A student may not leave campus during Study Lab unless he/she has no class scheduled during period 2 or 3.
- Students leaving campus during the school day are required to sign in and out at the office. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in loss of privilege.
- Students who are tardy to class upon returning to campus more than 3 times in a semester will lose the privilege to leave campus during unscheduled class periods. Parents will be notified if privileges are revoked.
- Students who remain on campus during unscheduled class periods, or arrive on campus during unscheduled class periods must be in an assigned Study Hall or comply with other arrangements made with the vice principal.
- Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy will not monitor, nor take responsibility for transportation methods used by students leaving campus during unscheduled class period and/or returning to campus to attend scheduled classes.
Drop-off and Pick-up of Students: All persons driving on campus will observe a safe and efficient traffic pattern established by the administration in cooperation with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. The directions for drop-off and pick-up will be available in the office.
After School Supervision Procedures: The Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy does not provide transportation to or from school for our students. It is the responsibility of each family to make all the necessary arrangements to provide this transportation for their child(ren).
At the Academy, regular classes end at precisely 2:45 P.M. each day. After 2:45 the students have until 3:00 to gather their things, take care of any business, and vacate the building. All students must be out of the halls and off the playground no later than 3:00 P.M. Students who have made arrangements to be picked up by 3:00 may wait in front of the building for their ride to arrive. Students who are going to be picked up after 3:00 must check into our supervised study hall room or be in a classroom with another teacher until their ride gets here. Study hall is in the high school MPR and is open from 3:00 – 4:00 on Monday-Friday. All students accessing the after school study hall must be picked up no later than 4:10 P.M. (The only exception is that students beginning an activity at 4:00 must go immediately to their coach/advisor no later than 4:00 P.M.)
Students remaining at school after 3:00 P.M. will be allowed to use their cell phones or the phone in the commons to communicate regarding their pick up time. Also, before 4:00 P.M. you may come into the building and the office will call your child out of study hall for you.
These procedures also apply to students who are waiting after school for sports or other extracurricular activities. Please be aware of your child’s extracurricular schedules and make all the necessary arrangements for transportation immediately at the end of the scheduled activity.
Other than the supervised study halls, meeting with individual teachers in their classrooms, and supervised extracurricular activities, the Academy does not provide supervision of students after 3:00 P.M. Again, it is the responsibility of the family to make all the necessary arrangements for transportation. Due to supervision and liability issues, the Academy will not allow students to ‘hang out’ in the hallways or playground areas after school.
We have a closed campus, so after your child arrives at school he or she may not leave campus without a parent or other adult pre-arranged, (i.e. carpool, relative).
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We are committed to the safety and well being of our students, and having them on campus unsupervised is not acceptable to us.
Emergency Drills/Procedures: Fire and lock-down drills will be conducted at unannounced times during the school year. During the first week of school, students will be instructed by their classroom teachers as to routes and procedures to be followed. Instructions will be given regarding responding to intruders in the building, hazardous material exposure, and other safety issues. It is crucial that all students follow these rules for the safety of all persons in the building. In addition, this school has a zero tolerance policy for weapons on campus (see Student Behavior/Discipline). A student who notices a condition that could be dangerous should inform a staff member immediately.
Emergency Information File: Each student will have on file in the office all information required to assist the student in an emergency situation. Included will be phone numbers for contact persons, known medical conditions, doctor’s numbers, and any other pertinent information. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to keep this information current.
Medication Policy: Students requiring prescription or nonprescription medication during the school day must bring the medication to the office upon arrival at school, in its original container with the student’s name clearly visible on the bottle. (No Baggies or pillboxes allowed.) A completed Medication Administration form (copy attached) from the parent or guardian must accompany the medication, specifying the time(s) and amount(s) of required dosages. If the medication is to be administered at different times or in different amounts from what is specified on the label, a physician’s signature is required. The medication will be administered to the student by the school secretary (or other authorized staff member) in the school office. No medicines of any kind may be retained by the student in lockers or backpacks, with the following exception: A student who has been instructed in the self-administration of medication for treatment of a serious condition (e.g. asthma, allergies, diabetes) shall be permitted to possess and use a prescribed medication (e.g. inhaler or Epi Pen) at all times, provided the school has received, and administration has approved, a signed prescription or written direction from his/her physician or health care provider stating that the carrying of such medication is medically necessary. There will be disciplinary action for students who violate this policy.
Expected Behavior: Students at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy are expected to be courteous and well mannered, respectful of teachers, staff members, and each other. They are expected to be honest and trustworthy. The following rules shall pertain to all students of Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy and shall be in effect during school hours and at all school-sponsored activities.
Prohibited Behavior: The following is a partial list of some of the misbehaviors that will be dealt with by the staff of the Academy:
- Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic fraud will not be tolerated. All teachers are required to report all incidents of academic dishonesty to the principal. The consequences of academic dishonesty are severe.
- Assault, provoking assault, and fighting
- Hazing/harassment
- Possession of a weapon
- Willful disobedience
- Disruptive behavior
- Vandalism
- Vulgarity or profanity
- Use of any kind of tobacco
- The use, sale, and/or distribution of controlled substances
- Stealing
- The operation of any motorized vehicle in a dangerous manner on or near school property
- Outward displays of affection
- Any behavior that is harmful to the school, the school community or any individual
The Academy expects appropriate conduct at all times. The range of consequences for any inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, parent contact, detention, out-of-school suspension, and expulsion.
Multiple infractions or unacceptable behaviors will result in compound consequences. The Academy staff follows a progressive discipline model to encourage positive changes in behavior.
Only the Board of Directors can expel a student.
Zero Tolerance Policy: Students and all visitors to the school are forbidden to knowingly and/or voluntarily possess, handle, transmit, or use any instrument that can be used as a weapon of any kind while on school property. Any object which could be used to injure another person and which has no school-related purpose for being in school or on school grounds will be considered a weapon for purposes of this policy. This policy will EXTEND to any property in use for school purposes or events.
Possession/Use: Any student found to be in possession, using, or attempting to use any object as a weapon will result in the student’s immediate suspension or possible expulsion. Any student expelled from the Academy for a weapons violation will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Any person not a student at the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy found similarly engaged will be removed from the school property and referred to law enforcement authorities.
The safety of our students will take priority over any other considerations.
Suspension/Expulsion Procedure: A student can be suspended for up to five (10) days for an offense. The Board of Directors, upon request of the principal, can extend a suspension for up to a total of fifteen (15) days. The Board of Directors can also add an additional five (5) days. Any student recommended for expulsion will immediately be placed on suspension pending Board of Directors’ approval of the expulsion.
In the case of a suspension or an expulsion proceeding, parents will be notified immediately regarding the nature of the offense and the consequence. Suspensions can be appealed first to the principal, and then to the Board of Directors.
Student Government: The purpose of the Associated Student Body (ASB) organization is to provide an opportunity for students to express themselves through their elected representatives concerning those phases of the school program on which students may take action. They take an active role in serving as a liaison between the student body and the administration, where the students can assume as much responsibility for organizing their high school activities as they are able to handle. Student council consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, plus one ASB representative for each grade level, elected by the student body at large in each respective grade. Elections take place at the end of the school year for the upcoming year. There is an ASB organization for high school and a separate ASB for middle school.
Telephone Policy: A telephone will be available at the office for students’ use before and after school and during their lunch break. Students will not be excused from classes to use the phone except in emergencies.
Cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, and all other personal electronic devices are not permitted during school hours [7:55 – 2:45, including passing time and lunch]. Students found to be in possession of these devices will have them confiscated. Repeated violations will result in a short-term suspension.
Links
4904 N. Duncan Drive, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83815 |
Phone: 208.676.1667 |
Fax: 208.676.8667© 2011 Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy. All rights reserved.