Northern Summit Academy
2014-2015
Student-Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................. 1
Vision and Mission Statement .............................................................................. 2
Northern Summit Academy Contacts…………………………………………… 3
Welcome message ….............................................................................................4
Highlights of our Program .................................................................................... 5
Program Information ............................................................................................ 5
Enrollment Procedures ..........................................................................................7
Student Responsibilities ........................................................................................8
Parent Responsibilities ....................................................................................... ..9
Teacher Responsibilities .................................................................................... 10
Evaluation of the Student’s Progress ................................................................. 10
Academic / Attendance Problems & Concerns .................................................. 11
Use of the School Facility .................................................................................. 11
Computer Lab .................................................................................................... 12
Graduation Requirements ...................................................................................12
Graduation Ceremonies ..................................................................................... 13
Things to Keep in Mind ..................................................................................... 14
Uniform Complaint Procedure ............................................................................15
1
Northern Summit Academy
Vision
Northern Summit Academy envisions enabling students to move through compulsory K12 education into post high school opportunities with the confidence that their education,
personal well being and contributions as members of a global society are valuable and
personally controllable. Students need to be nurtured into taking responsibility for
creating a fulfilling, healthy life. In order to do this, young people need support in the
forms of personalized instruction, up to date resources, and healthy adult and peer
relationships and activities. These supports will help develop healthy personal habits,
collaborative work and social skills, and career goals and skills. Northern Summit
Academy is committed to equipping the students to meet the complex challenges of the
21st century. It is imperative that these habits and skills be seen as having value and
relevancy on a personal and community level.
The collaborative support system at Northern Summit Academy enables each student,
parent/guardian, staff member and involved community member to contribute to
developing each student as a valuable individual and a valuable, contributing community
member. In addition, this collaboration provides opportunities for parent/guardians, staff
members, and community members to realize their own value as individuals and
contributing community members.
Mission
The mission of Northern Summit Academy is to provide educational opportunities to
students who need the flexibility of independent study and the support of classroom
teachers, classes, and an academic environment. Northern Summit Academy’s
personalized approach and delivery utilizes traditional and innovative materials,
equipment, techniques and community resources with an emphasis on collaborative
relationships. Active collaboration among students, families, administration, support staff
and the community will develop the students’ self assurance, self reliance, and a positive
and reciprocal relationship with individuals and the community.
2
Northern Summit Academy
Northern Summit Academy Contact Information
Administrative Office
Shasta County – K-12 Independent Study Program
PO Box 1156
Main Street
Cottonwood, Ca, 96022
(530) – Phone
(530) – Fax
Website – www.northernsummitacademy.org
Staff
Bryan Knight, Independent Study Teacher: bknight@northernsummitacademy.org
Vanessa Latham, Independent Study Teacher: vlatham@northernsummitacademy.org
Pam Britton-Baer, Administrative Assistant: pbritton-baer@northernsummitacademy.org
Julia Knight, Executive Director: jknight@northernsummitacademy.org
3
Northern Summit Academy
Welcome Message
The staff of Northern Summit Academy extends you an enthusiastic welcome and thanks
you for considering Northern Summit Academy to be your child's school! The
Independent Study Program allows students to work outside of the traditional classroom
setting and affords many educational privileges and opportunities. Northern Summit
Academy serves K–12th grade students. As a new charter school this year, we will begin
the process to become WASC accredited.
Our school is unique in that we personalize our students' educational choices and offer a
variety of instructional options and classes that are tailored to each student's needs and
interests. Academic support and guidance are provided by highly qualified, credentialed
teachers. Each student is given the opportunity to work closely with his/her assigned
teacher to create individualized lesson plans that promote academic success and a
meaningful education. Group and individual tutoring sessions are available. Approved
educational materials are supplied by the school. A variety of small group courses,
vendor-based classes and field trips are also offered throughout the entire school year.
High school students meet the graduation requirements as well as prepare for college or
vocational opportunities.
In order for students to be successful in independent study, it is necessary for
parents/guardians to take an active role in the education process. We value our
parents/guardians and will do whatever we can to come alongside you in your child's
educational journey. We are here to help you! This handbook is intended to introduce you
to our school. Please read its contents carefully and keep in mind that the staff is
available to answer any questions you may have about Northern Summit Academy.
We look forward to working with you this school year and will do whatever we can to
promote academic success and offer meaningful support to your family. We are here to
serve you and assist you in your child's education!
4
Northern Summit Academy
Highlights of Our Program
Highly Qualified Credentialed Teachers
Parent/Guardian Participation Required
Educational Materials provided by the School
Curriculum Choice, Flexible Scheduling
Placement Testing & Assessment
Online Curriculum
Lessons Personalized to Student Ability & Interests
Options to Accelerate Learning
Lessons Paced to Individual Student's Ability
One-On-One Personalized Guidance & Support
Tutoring
Educational & Enrichment Classes
Field Trips
Career Exploration
Community Service Opportunities
Personalized Cap and Gown Graduation Ceremony for Seniors
Earn a California High School Diploma
Concurrent enrollment in Community Colleges
Local Advisory Council
Program Information
Northern Summit Academy admission is open to any resident of Shasta County or the
counties which are contiguous (Tehama, Trinity, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas),
grades levels K-12 for Independent Study.
Northern Summit Academy provides academic support through tutoring, small group
class instruction, peer activities, and resource center time. The school’s purpose is to
provide opportunities for teachers, parents, pupils, and community members to improve
pupil learning; encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods; and
provide parents and pupils with expanded choices in the types of educational
opportunities that are available within the public school system. The Charter School
consults with parents and teachers on a regular basis regarding the Charter School’s
education programs as required by the Charter Schools Act.
Standards
The academic program for each student is based on the State Standards for
each subject. These standards determine the content and target skills for each grade
level. Standards may be accessed on our Northern Summit Academy website at
www.northernsummitacademy.org or hard copies are made available upon request.
5
Northern Summit Academy
Master Agreement
The master agreement is filled out at the beginning of each semester or at the time of
enrollment. It defines the subjects, deadlines, and requirements that a student must
meet during the school year. The student, parent/guardian, and the assigned teacher sign
the agreement because a commitment is made by everyone involved to do their part to
fulfill the terms of the agreement. The student agrees to complete the courses and the
parent/guardian and assigned teacher commit to providing the support the student needs.
Independent Study Teachers
Every student is assigned to a highly qualified, certificated teacher who oversees the
student’s academic program and progress. The assigned teacher monitors the
instruction that the parent/guardian gives at home. The assigned teacher supports and
assists the parent/guardian in helping to select appropriate skill/grade-level materials and
develop a program suited directly to the academic needs of the individual student.
Monthly Schoolwork Deadlines
All students at all grade levels are required to turn in the work assigned no later than the
last day of the learning period. Turning the work in on time is vitally important to
academic success because accuracy can be monitored and problems can be identified
in a timely manner. The completed work verifies student progress or identifies areas of
academic need. In addition, completed assignments determine student attendance.
Students who fail to complete all assigned work receive letters of non compliance. After
three letters of non compliance a student may be exited from Northern Summit Academy.
Educational/Enrichment Classes
A variety of educational and enrichment classes are offered to independent study
students at various times throughout the school year. Core academic classes are taught
by Northern Summit Academy staff. Contracted vendors offer instruction within the
centers and in vendor business locations. Most classes are optional, but some will be
required coursework for certain grade levels. These classes not only provide an excellent
opportunity for students to work cooperatively, but to also support student knowledge
through hands-on activities. Classes and schedules are posted when available. Please
watch for updated information on our school website a
www.northernsummitacademy.org.
Special Education, 504 Plans
Students with special needs are provided appropriate educational support and services.
One on one and small group instruction is provided through the general education
program and, as need is determined, through specialized instruction delivered by
special education staff.
6
Northern Summit Academy
Courses
Courses offered to students in grades 9-12 are listed and described in the Course
Catalog. Students and parents should consult with the assigned teacher about the most
appropriate courses for the student, considering the student’s grade level, goals and
instructional level.
Elective and resource center classes are offered according to student academic needs
and expressed interests. These classes are subject to change from semester to
semester based on the identified needs and requests.
Student Transcripts
Student transcripts are maintained by the Northern Summit Academy registrar. All high
school course work, regardless of where earned, is recorded on the transcripts, Teachers
can access an unofficial transcript at any time for students, parents , and for credit and
course review and planning. The registrar can provide official transcripts for college
applications.
The Enrollment Process
To complete enrollment, students must have completed the following and have
appropriate forms on file:
• Pre-enrollment interview
• Student Registration and Demographic Information with birth certificate
• Master Agreement
• Acknowledgement of Responsibilities
• California School Immunization Record (on blue card stock with copy of
immunization record attached)
• Kindergarten Entry Health Exam (kindergarten students and any 1st graders who did
not attend kindergarten)
• Special Education or 504 documents (when applicable)
• High School transcripts (High School only)
• Emergency Card
Many documents are in the student’s file from the sending school. The Northern Summit
Academy teacher will assist new enrollees in obtaining necessary documents In order to
complete the enrollment process as quickly and easily as possible.
7
Northern Summit Academy
Student Responsibilities
Meet with your assigned teacher as scheduled. Be on time.
Dress and behave in a manner that shows respect for oneself and others in a business
like setting.
Complete the assigned schoolwork by the assigned due date.
Make sure all student work has the correct heading (name, date, & subject) in the
upper right-hand corner.
If an emergency arises and you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment,
communicate with your assigned teacher.
Your assigned teacher is your first point of contact for questions; however, if you
are unable to get in touch with him/her, you may always contact the office for
assistance.
Your assigned teacher must receive all assigned work in each assigned subject
area for every learning period.
When something in the curriculum is confusing or directions don’t make sense,
contact your assigned teacher immediately. Do not wait until your next
appointment.
Set up daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for completing your schoolwork, and
for coming in for classes and tutoring.
Failure to complete assigned work on a consistent basis will affect your grades,
your credits if in high school, and will jeopardize your continued enrollment in
Northern Summit Academy.
Prepare for and participate in the state mandated testing. This applies to
2nd through 11th graders.
Prepare for and complete the CAHSEE (CA High School Exit Exam) testing. This
applies to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.
Complete all local, on-line and other assessments. This applies to all grade
levels.
Use the school website to check for updates or find other important school
information. Our school website is www.northernsummitacademy.org
8
Northern Summit Academy
Parent Responsibilities
Complete necessary paperwork to enroll your child in independent study.
Ensure that your child is aware of the school's expectations and maintain
involvement with your child's learning to promote academic success.
Ensure that your child has a study area that allows him/her to concentrate on
completing school assignments at home.
Maintain good communication with your child's teacher to ensure a solid home to
school connection.
Meet with your child's teacher as requested.
Monitor your child's schoolwork on a daily basis to ensure that meaningful
learning is taking place. Support and guide your child in his/her studies.
Provide transportation for your child to attend classes, workshops, tutoring,
testing, field trips, and meetings at the local Resource Learning Center.
Ensure the safe return of all instructional materials that are checked out to your
child at the end of each semester and/or school year. You are financially
responsible for any lost or damaged items.
Your assigned teacher is your first point of contact for questions; however, if you
are unable to get in touch with him/her, you may always contact the office for
assistance.
All student work should be reviewed on a daily basis. Review might include
correcting and grading if this is a responsibility you have elected to take.
Set up daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for completion of your child’s
schoolwork and for prompt and prepared participation in resource center classes
and tutoring.
9
Northern Summit Academy
Teacher Responsibilities
Prepare necessary enrollment paperwork for student and parent/guardian.
Obtain all signatures on forms for enrollment.
Meet with the parent and student to create an appropriate learning plan for the
student.
Make available to the family appropriate curriculum materials and related
educational resources.
Meet with the student and parent regularly to review and assess student work.
Provide information about all academic activities, which may include: classes,
tutoring, field trips, and/or other educational activities that will be offered.
Maintain historical portfolios of student work for accurate student evaluation at the
close of each semester.
Notify parent/guardian of any concerns regarding student’s academic progress.
Evaluation of Student Progress
Evaluation is an ongoing part of the education process. While traditional testing is
viewed as the most common way to determine progress, there are several acceptable
ways to monitor student achievement. They include:
Completed assignments
Completed projects
Demonstration of skills
Written tests and reports
Oral or written presentations
Standardized state tests
Competency tests
Student’s attitudes toward learning and achievement
At Northern Summit Academy we strive to have a comprehensive evaluation of student
progress that will include a combination of the above forms of evaluation. Parent and
student input in this process is valued.
10
Northern Summit Academy
Academic and/or Attendance Problems and Concerns
To enjoy continuous enrollment in Northern Summit Academy, a student must keep
scheduled appointments, complete assignments, and turn in required schoolwork by the
monthly due dates. Students who do not turned in all assigned work by the end of each
learning period will receive absences. In the independent study program, completed
assigned work equals attendance. If 80% of the assigned work in a learning period is not
completed, on time, the student will receive a Non-Compliance letter. After 3 NonCompliance letters a student may be withdrawn from Northern Summit Academy. In
order to avoid missed assignments and subsequent Non-Compliance letters and the
associated process, students and parents are encouraged to communicate with the
assigned teacher regarding any problems, misunderstandings or difficulties completing
assignments. It is never acceptable to do nothing until the next meeting – the student is
already behind at that point. Northern Summit Academy is committed to personalized
support of students when difficulties arise. The assigned teacher will work with the
student or parent to clarify or reteach concepts, explain assignments and expectations
provide different or additional curriculum, or enroll the student in resource center classes
or tutoring. Assistance can sometimes be handled with a phone call or e-mail, other times
an appointment to work together is necessary.
Use of the School Facility
It is important that Northern Summit Academy remain a safe and secure school facility.
To help ensure that the facility remains secure and safe, the following procedures will
apply:
Students will only be allowed inside the resource centers under staff supervision.
For purposes of student safety, students should not remain outside the school for
prolonged periods of time waiting for transportation or for other reasons.
During school hours the school phone will be available to students who need to
contact parents for transportation.
Cell phones must be silenced while in the resource centers for any reason.
Cell phones and personal electronic devices are not allowed, at all, in testing
sessions.
Respect of school property, furniture, and materials is mandatory.
Any student who disregards these policies will be subject to being dropped from our
program.
11
Northern Summit Academy
Computer Lab
The use of technology as a tool for student learning and for staff data management has
played an increasingly significant role at Northern Summit Academy. The school has
computers for student use, including access to the Internet. To ensure that the
computer stations will be valuable learning tools, each student must follow these rules:
Submit a completed computer User On-Line Services Contract, signed by both
the student and the parent/guardian.
Use school computers for assigned academic purposes only.
Sign in upon arrival.
Put away any materials used and clean up the work area before leaving.
Log off the computer and sign out upon leaving.
Keep the noise level down in order to avoid disturbing others in the building.
No food or drink is allowed at the computer workstation
Graduation Requirements
Northern Summit Academy is beginning the process, as a new charter school, to become
WASC accredited. Course requirements vary according to a student’s of goal. Students
may pursue a general education course of study or a college prep course of study. To
receive a Northern Summit Academy diploma, a student planning to graduate must
successfully meet the following course/credit requirements:
Courses
English
Mathematics
Science
History/Social Science
VAPA/For. Lang
Physical Education
Technology/Voc. Ed.
Health & Safety
Electives
Total Credits
General Ed College Prep
40
40
30
30
20
20
35
35
20
30
20
20
20
10
5
5
40
40
230
230
High school students must pass the California High School Exit Exam as a graduation
requirement. Students who don't pass the CAHSEE but have completed all other diploma
requirements receive a Certificate of Completion or return to Northern Summit Academy
for CAHSEE preparation courses and receive a diploma as soon as the CAHSEE is
passed. All students are encouraged to pursue a diploma.
Northern Summit Academy works with foster youth under the guidelines of AB 167.
12
Northern Summit Academy
Northern Summit Academy assists college bound students in planning high school
courses that will meet the requirements of the school or types of schools the students
would like to attend after high school. Teachers are prepared, as an on-going process, to
help students explore educational options within the Northern Summit Academy course
offerings as well as local community college classes, on line courses and special,
applicable learning opportunities. Northern Summit Academy assists general education
students in planning high school courses that will help these students meet their
vocational, military, or other post high school goals. Northern Summit Academy works
with students through career exploration to discover desirable options. Northern Summit
Academy responds to the needs and goals of the students by providing an ever increasing
number of vocational electives.
Graduation Ceremonies
In each of the counties that Northern Summit Academy serves the acknowledgement
of the transition from elementary to high school is at the discretion of the local
resource center.
A senior graduation ceremony is held in Shasta County. Much effort is put into making
graduation personalized and meaningful for each graduate and the class as a community.
Students are encouraged to help plan the graduation ceremony. Seniors are given the
opportunity to speak or to express their individualized talent at the graduation
ceremony. For example, some graduates play a musical instrument, sing a
song, deliver a speech, or read a poem, etc. Each ceremony highlights the
individual graduate’s academic and personal accomplishments and goals.
The Northern Summit Academy Board of Directors and administration congratulate each
graduate and present him or her with the diploma. The annual graduation
ceremony culminates the Northern Summit Academy school year.
13
Northern Summit Academy
Things to Keep in Mind
Use the school website to check for updates or to find other important school
information. Our school website is www.northernsummitacademy.org
Communication makes all the difference. Contact your assigned teacher
whenever you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Northern Summit Academy welcomes family involvement – ask about all the
opportunities for involvement.
While Northern Summit Academy maintains rigorous academic standards, students
considering returning to other public or private high schools should check with the
receiving school to verify their policies regarding acceptance of transfer credits.
Students desiring to join a branch of the military should confirm with the military
and special requirements the particular branch might have regarding required
courses, required assessments, charter schools, and required seat time. Northern Summit
Academy will work with the recruitment office and the student to provide the necessary
course of study wherever possible.
Northern Summit Academy seeks the involvement of all stakeholders through
participation in local Advisory Councils, the school wide Advisory Council, board
meetings and board membership, volunteerism, and suggestions.
All board adopted policies, agendas, minutes and schedules are available on the
school web site, www.northernsummitacademy.org.
14
Northern Summit Academy
Uniform Complaint Procedure
Northern Summit Academy recognizes that it is responsible for ensuring that it
complies with state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs.
The Northern Summit Academy shall follow uniform complaint procedures when
addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination based on ethnic group
identification, religion, age, gender, color, or physical or mental disability in any program
or activity that receives or benefits from state or federal financial assistance. The
Northern Summit Academy shall also follow uniform complaint procedures when
addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state or federal law in consolidated
categorical aid programs, child nutrition programs, and special education programs.
The Executive Director and Board of Directors encourage the early, informal resolution
of complaints at the site level whenever possible.
Upon receipt of a written complaint from an individual, public agency or organization,
uniform complaint procedures shall be initiated. The Executive Director or designee shall
distribute full information about these procedures. The Board prohibits retaliation in any
form for the participation in complaint procedures, including but not limited to the filing
of a complaint or the reporting of instances of discrimination. Such participation shall not
in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the complainant. In
accordance with uniform complaint procedures, whenever all parties to a complaint agree
to try resolving their problem through mediation, the Executive Director or designee shall
initiate a mediation process before beginning a formal compliance investigation. The
Executive Director or designee shall ensure that mediation results are consistent with
state and federal laws and regulations.
15
Northern Summit Academy