Universal Audenried Charter High School
Family and Scholar Handbook
2014-2015
Administrative Staff
Mr. Reginald Johnson, Principal
Mr. Bill McCann, Assistant Principal
Ms. Kristin Williams-Smalley, Assistant Principal
Ms. Elizabeth Fernandez-Vina, Assistant Principal
Dr. Hayley Edwards, Assistant Principal
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Universal Companies
Assessment Calendar 2014-2015
Assessment
Administration Dates
Course Readiness Test (CRT)
Grades 3-12 September 9th - 12th
MAP Test #1 Reading & Mathematics
Grades K-2 October 6th – 17th
Elem. Benchmark #1 – Reading & Mathematics
Grades 3-8
November 5th-7th
Elem. Benchmark #1 – Science
Grades 4 & 8 November 5th-7th
H.S. Benchmark #1 – Alg. I, Bio, Eng. II
Grades 9-12
November 18th – 20th
Keystone – Algebra 1 Literature & Biology
Grades 9-11
January 7th – 21st
Grades 3-8
January 13th – 15th
Elem. Benchmark #2 – Reading & Mathematics
Elem. Benchmark #2 – Science
Grades 4 & 8 January 13th – 15th
MAP Test #2 Reading & Mathematics
English Language Proficiency Assessment
ACCESS for ELL
H.S. Benchmark #2 – Alg. 1, Bio, Eng. II
Grades K-2 January 12th – 23rd
Grades K-12
January 26th -March 6th
Grades 9-11
PASA Low Incidence - Reading and Mathematics
Grades 3-8 & 11
Elem. Benchmark #3 – Reading & Mathematics
Grades 3-8
Elem. Benchmark #3 – Science
February 3rd – 5th
February 16th - March 27th
March 3rd – 4th
Grades 4 & 8 March 3rd – 4th
NOCTI - Occupational Competency Testing
Grade 12
February 2nd – 20th
PSSA English/Language Arts
Grades 3–8
PSSA Math
Grades 3–8 April 20th – 24th
H.S. Benchmark #3 – Alg. 1, Bio, Eng. II
Grades 9-12
PSSA Science
Grades 4 & 8
PSSA Make-up
Grades 3-8
PASA Low Incidence Science
Grades 4, 8 & 11
April 13th – 17th
April 21st – 23rd
April 27th –May 1st
May 4th – 8th
May 4th – May 29th
MAP Test #3 Reading & Mathematics
Grades K-2
May 11th – 22nd
Keystone – Algebra 1 Literature & Biology
Grades 9-11
May 13th – 27th
Oct 11; Nov 8;Dec 6; Jan 24; Mar
14; May 2; June 6
Sept 13; Oct 25; Dec 13; Feb 7;
April 18; June 13
October 15
SAT (On Saturdays)
Grades 11-12
ACT (On Saturdays)
Grades 11-12
PSAT
G rades 10-11
** The 2014-15 PSSA Writing Assessment will be embedded in the PSSA – English Language Arts Assessment
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MISSION, VISION, AND CORE BELIEFS
Universal Audenried Charter High School is a multi -faceted comprehensive Career and Technical Education high school
located in the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia. All stakeholders have worked to create a positive school climate and
have a history of affirmative inter-relationships among the entire school community regardless of their cultural differences.
The school was named after Charles Y. Audenried, a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. Universal Audenried High
School’s mission is to emulate the scholarly principles exhibited by Charles Audenried, while providing every scholar with
the opportunity to prepare him or herself to be productive adults through academics, and activities that connect them to
careers and their community.
The total scholar population is approximately 718 scholars. The ethnic and racial make up of the scholar body is
approximately: 96% African American, .1% Asian, .1% Caucasian, .1% Latino and 1% others.
MISSION
Universal Audenried Charter High School (UACHS) achieves its vision by integrating a college preparatory curriculum
with a career technical education. Our engaging, scholar- centered community empowers lifelong learners whose
global awareness supports the growth and progress of the Universal Promise neighborhood of Point Breeze and Grays
Ferry.
VISION STATEMENT
Universal Audenried Charter High School (UACHS) equips all scholars with the academic abilities, character strengths,
and communication skills needed to succeed in a globally competitive marketplace.
Goals
UACHS will:
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Communicate school behavioral and academic standards and expectations clearly and regularly to scholars
and parents.
Consistently enforce school policies of discipline, academic standards, and community involvement.
Encourage individual and group success in projects, standardized testing, attendance, and graduation rate.
Prepare scholars for college and careers in a diverse, high-performing workforce or military service.
Enhance teachers’ education, training, and expertise in the classroom and across disciplines.
Provide the community with well-rounded citizens who contribute to its social and political life.
Provide each scholar with a Personal Educational Plan (PEP) in one of four academies:
! Freshmen Academy
! Arts, Entertainment, and Communications Academy
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STEM Academy
Hospitality and Human Services Academy
ENROLLMENT POLICY
Universal Audenried Charter High School (UACHS) is a charter school with limited enrollment. Therefore, admission is
through application and is on a first come, first served basis with preference given to neighborhood scholars. Scholars are
admitted based on available grade slots. Scholars who reside outside of our catchment area are admitted to UACHS on
a contingency basis. Failure to adhere to the academic, behavioral, and/or attendance policies of UACHS will result in
the revocation of admission and the return to his/her neighborhood school.
UNIVERSAL AUDENRIED CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL HOURS
Scholars will be in school Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:20AM to 3:45PM. Doors will open
everyday for breakfast at 7:50AM. Early dismissal: 1:00 PM. Twilight Classes and Credit Recovery classes: 4:00PM
– 6:30PM. Credit Recovery classes for seniors will be primarily written into their individual roster, unless their
roster is full and after school Credit Recovery becomes necessary. Special Closings will be announced via radio
or Parent Link: Listen to KYW 1060 AM.
UNIVERSAL AUDENRIED EMERGENCY/SNOW DAYS CLOSING PROCEDURE
UACHS follows the same emergency closing procedure as the School District of
Philadelphia. Most local radio stations, TV, and Cable TV stations broadcast school closings. This information will be
provided very early in the morning broadcasted at 5:00 am. If it becomes necessary to close during the school day,
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information will be forwarded to local radio stations, and local television networks. Universal Audenried will be closed on
the same days as the School District of Philadelphia.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Scholars will participate in evacuation drills each month; this includes fire drills and school lock-downs. These
unannounced drills are to prepare scholars and staff for any emergency that may arise which would require the
building to be evacuated. We ask that you reinforce the importance of following fire drill evacuation procedures at
home.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
It is imperative that UACHS have, on record, the current and up-to-date home telephone numbers, parent/guardian
cell phone numbers, home addresses, parent email addresses, and emergency contact information, for each scholar.
This is a matter of child safety in case of sudden illness or any unusual situation that may arise. This information
is also necessary to notify parent/guardians of any academic, behavioral, or attendance concerns. If a scholar moves
and/or changes phone numbers, the parent must contact a secretary in the main office with the new information
immediately.
UNIVERSAL AUDENRIED SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM
UACHS provides a free and reduced breakfast and lunch program through Primo’s FoodService. The scholars will
receive a full lunch everyday in the UACHS Cafeteria.
ATTENDANCE
Consistent attendance assures that our scholars will receive necessary instruction and scholastic opportunities that
will be invaluable to their pursuit of academic achievement. Maximizing attendance, while minimizing absences, is
essential for success in school. Scholars are required to be in school everyday except for:
• Illness
• Approved holidays
• Family emergencies
If a child is anticipated to be absent, the parent should notify the school. All absent scholars are expected to
submit a parental note providing a valid reason for the absence upon their return. If a scholar is absent for three or
more days for illness, a physician’s note is required. Please notify the school nurse if your child is ill with a diagnosed
disease, i.e. Chicken pox (Varicella zoster virus), Meningitis, Strep Throat (Streptococcal pharyngitis), etc.
It is the policy of UACHS that all children attend school regularly, be on time, and present for the entire
school day in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.
We take seriously, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as it applies to scholar attendance. The parents of
scholars with excessive unexcused absences, lateness, or early dismissals will be contacted to meet with the
administration. Together with Advisors and the Family Scholar Resource Center (FSRC), UACHS will maintain
contact with the parent/guardian to ascertain the reason for the scholar’s absences, and to attempt to aid in
eliminating the barrier. If this process proves unsuccessful further violations will require the scholar and
parent/guardian to appear in Truancy Court. Attendance requirements include, but are not limited to the
following:
The purpose of the UACHS Attendance Policy reflects our desire to have each scholar attend all classes and arrive
on time. Scholars and parents should familiarize themselves with the provisions and procedures of the policy. It is
expected that parents will support the intent of the policy and encourage their children to have good attendance. Any
questions should be directed to the administrators responsible for attendance.
THE ATTENDANCE POLICY
1. Excused Absences: (must be accompanied by a note from the parent/guardian, doctor,
hospital, funeral home, etc.)
• Scholar illness
• Death or critical illness in the family
• Response to a legal process
• Medical appointment (which could not be scheduled outside of the school day)
• College visit beyond two (juniors and seniors only)
• Early dismissal or late arrival for other than school related activities
• An absence deemed “excused” by the administrator responsible for the scholar for seniors only
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A verified visit to the Guidance Office to meet with a college representative. Juniors
missing class to meet with a college rep will be
charged with an unexcused absence.
Absences that also do not count towards the loss of credit include, but
may not be limited to, the following:
o School related activities
o Suspensions: in-school or out-of-school
o Homebound instruction
o “Special” absences
o Class meetings
o Field trips
o Sports or other school approved extracurricular activities
o Scheduled office and guidance appointments; normally,
scheduled office and guidance appointments should occur
during non-class time
o Religious Observance
o College visits (with pre-approval).
2. Unexcused Absences:
• All absences not identified above are considered UNEXCUSED
• Absences that are not explained by a note and/or a telephone call from a parent within 48 hours
after the scholar’s return to school from an absence, are considered UNEXCUSED
• An absence deemed “unexcused” by the administrator responsible for
the scholar
Note: If a scholar fails to report a minimum of 90% of the time a transpass will no longer be issued. Due
to any unforeseen circumstances of extended absences, UACHS will offer a Credit Recover Program to
assist scholars in making up loss credit(s).
LATENESS TO SCHOOL
All scholars are required to enter school prior to the first bell at 8:15 am. A scholar coming in after 8:15 am is late
and will held in the cafeteria until 8:45. Any scholar arriving after 8:45 am will receive a detention. No scholar
will be admitted into the school after 10:00 am, without a note from his/her parent or guardian (which will be verified
by a phone call from our Front Desk staff). School personnel will excuse lateness without written documentation
only if there is a genuine problem with SEPTA that can be verified.
If a scholar has an unavoidable early-morning appointment, written verification is required for the lateness to be
excused. The scholar will still be marked late but will not have to serve a detention.
All lateness will be recorded on the computer and will be listed on the daily attendance sheet. When lateness is
excused, it is the scholar's responsibility to show an “excused” lateness pass to his/her teachers.
Scholars who do not serve assigned detentions will be subject to further disciplinary action. Repeated lateness may
also result in a required parent to administrator conference. Persistent absence or tardiness adversely impacts a
scholar’s eligibility for extra-curricular activities and programs.
LATENESS TO CLASS
Occurs when a scholar arrives to a class after the late bell without authorization, but less than 10 minutes into the
class. Scholars arriving more than 10 minutes into the class without authorization will be considered absent (a class
cut).
EARLY DISMISSAL REQUESTS
Whenever possible, appointments should be scheduled after school hours as they can interfere with your child’s
learning program. When children have an appointment that requires them to leave early, the following procedure
must be followed:
• Send a note stating the reason for early dismissal that morning by 10:00am or come to the main office to ask
that your child be excused early. No scholar will be released after 1:00 pm for an early dismissal.
• Notify the office if someone other than yourself is picking up your child (the person must be listed on the
authorized scholar parental/guardian check list for child pick-up that you submitted, and must have photo ID for
security reasons).
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• You or the designated pick-up person must sign your child out at the office. Those picking up scholars,
including parents, may not go directly to the child’s classroom.
No scholar under the age of 17 is to be released from the school during regular hours without being accompanied by a
responsible adult. Certain disciplinary infractions may call for a scholar’s immediate dismissal from the premises.
Parents will be contacted for approval. If approval is granted the scholar will be dismissed from the premises with written
notification of the disciplinary consequence, and the date and time of the parent conference, if necessary. If approval is
not granted the scholar will remain in In-School Suspension for the remainder of the day; he/she will not be allowed to
return to class.
SCANNING
ALL SCHOLARS are required to show, as well as, scan their scholar ID cards at the security checkpoint area when
they enter the building. Scanning scholar ID cards is an essential part of the security and attendance process at
UACHS. Failure to scan the scholar ID card at one of the security checkpoint scan stations, or fill out one of the
appropriate daily attendance forms is a security violation. Any scholar found purposely violating this school
security procedure would not be allowed to enter the building. Using someone else’s ID card is strictly prohibited.
Any such scholars will receive a full day suspension and parent notification. ALL VISITORS are required to pass
through the security checkpoint at the front entrance and will then be directed to the Front Desk. At this location they
are to sign-in and obtain a visitor’s pass before entering the Main Office. Once there, our office staff will contact the
person with whom the visitor wishes to meet.
SCHOLAR IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Scholars must have school identification at all times in school. They must be able to present identification at all school
activities, and upon request by any school staff. One photo ID will be issued. The ID card is required to enter and
leave the building. The ID card will no longer be valid once a scholar has graduated or been dropped from
enrollment. Scholars who forget their ID card on any given day must sign in at the entry point and will be fined
$1.00. The loss of an I.D. card must be reported to the office at once; replacement cost is $5.00. The I.D. card
must be presented before receiving a school transpass.
TRANSPASS DISTRIBUTION
The Department of Transportation identifies scholars who qualify for free transpasses. Their names appear on a
computer print out each month. Scholars must attend school regularly in order to be issued their transpass for the
week. Scholars must show their UACHS I.D. Cards and sign for receipt of transpasses.
Transpasses will be distributed Monday and Friday, during morning arrival only, at the school store.
Scholars, who were legally absent and unable to obtain their transpasses, must bring their absence note with them
to the school store the following day in order to receive their transpasses. If school is closed on Monday,
transpasses will be distributed on Tuesday. Any scholar found using a school transpass as a "trade off" or in a sales
transaction will lose the privilege of receiving the transpass and can face prosecuted under the law.
If a scholar has lost, misplaced or left his/her I.D. card home, he/she will be given a warning. Another form of I.D.
can be shown to obtain the transpass that day. If a scholar has a problem obtaining an I.D. card within one week
of the warning, the scholar must see an administrator.
If a scholar is present but fails to pick up his/her transpass for a particular week, that scholar is not entitled to any
reimbursements. As an emergency plan, scholars are advised to keep two tokens on hand. If a scholar fails to
maintain a minimum of 90% attendance he/she may be in jeopardy of no longer being issued a transpass.
LOCKERS
Each scholar is issued a clothing locker and a combination lock. The lockers are located on all floors and are in
numerical order. Scholars who are new to UACHS will be notified when lockers and locks will be issued. Each
scholar will be held responsible for the proper care and return of locks in June. Lost locks will be replaced at the
cost of $6.00 each.
LOCKER POLICIES
Please be vigilant and mindful of the following:
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Lockers and locks are the property of UACHS; they are not the scholar’s personal property
Never give your combination to anyone or share a locker
Report all locker problems to Administration, immediately
Only school locks are permitted. (Any others non-issued UACHS locks will be cut off and removed.)
The school is not responsible for money or other valuables left in the locker
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7.
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b.
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After closing your locker, pull on the lock to make sure that it is locked
The scheduled times when scholars are allowed to go to their lockers are:
Before and after school
When a scholar is with a teacher, or with a note from a teacher permitting a scholar to go to his/her locker
Scholars may be denied permission to go to their lockers at other times, at the direction of school staff.
Gym lockers are also available. The scholar must supply his/her own lock to be used during his/her gym period
only. If a scholars’ locks remains on the gym locker beyond the assigned gym period, it will be removed.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
All lockers, locks, books, equipment, musical instruments, and other materials issued to scholars remain the property
of the School District of Philadelphia. Payment must be made for items that are lost or damaged before
replacements will be issued. NEW BOOKS OR MATERIALS WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO ANY SCHOLAR THAT
HAS ACCRUED A BALANCE FOR THE ORIGNAL COST OF ITEMS LOST/DAMAGED FROM THE PREVIOUS
YEAR. THE SCHOLAR WILL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE INELIGIBILITY RULE. If money is owed for school
property, graduates will not get their diplomas, report cards will be withheld, and records will not be forwarded for
transfers or early college acceptance.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Scholars shall be free from unreasonable search and seizure of property as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of
the U.S. Constitution. This individual right is balanced by the school's responsibility to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of others. Scholar lockers are the property of the school and may be subject to search by an
administrator at any time with or without reasonable suspicion to protect the health, safety, and welfare of others.
Search of individual scholars shall be based upon reasonable suspicion that the scholar's property or personal
automobile contains illegal substances, items or material detrimental to the safety and welfare of other scholars or
staff or in violation of the law or the Universal Companies 2014-2015 Code of Conduct. Scholars are responsible
and accountable for the contents of all items found in their lockers, book bags, purses, and any bags or
containers used to carry personal property. All alcohol, drugs, drug-like substances, look-alike substances,
and/or drug paraphernalia found in a scholar's possession shall be turned over to the principal or administrator and
be made available, in the event of a medical emergency, for identification. A request for analysis shall be made when
appropriate.
CELL PHONES, CD/MP3 PLAYERS, iPods, ELECTRONIC DEVICES
UACHS developed and will enforce regulations prohibiting the use of electronic equipment including cell phones,
iPods, MP-3 players, etc. by scholars. These items are not to be seen or heard. Scholars are urged not to bring
these items to school. Scholars, who feel the need to carry these items for personal reasons shall assume full
responsibility and liability for such items. If a scholar uses these items during classes, faculty and staff have the
responsibility to collect such items and deliver them to and Dean of Scholars or Administrator. The electronic devices
will be returned to the parent or guardian of the scholar by appointment only. Refer to the Universal Companies
2014-2015 Code of Conduct for consequences, if the rules are violated.
GRADE BOOKS
All teachers will utilize the PowerSchool System. This will be monitored by administration. Gradebooks should be
updated regularly (a weekly basis) to ensure that scholars and parents alike have the most up-to-date data regarding
grades. Families and Scholars may utilize PowerSchool Gradebook to view current grades at
universalcompanies.powerschool.com/public.
HOMEWORK
Universal Companies policy requires home assignments: "a homework assignment should be made as an extension or
follow- up of clearly defined school activities.” Homework of this type provides opportunity for scholars to become selfdirective. There are many worthwhile home activities that may be used to reinforce and enrich school experiences.
1. Assign homework in every major subject every day without exception.
2. Emphasize the assignment as part of your lesson; do not let it appear to be an afterthought.
3. Write the assignment on the board as well as stating it verbally; do not just dictate it.
4. Homework may include written, oral, reading, study, or other creative assignments. Group and
individual assignments may be used as well as whole-class assignments.
5. While an effort should be made to involve parents, homework assignments should be designed so that the
scholar can complete the work alone.
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6. Monitor scholars' assignment sheets or notebooks.
7. Maintain a record of assignments. Such a record can be invaluable for reference in parent conferences.
8. Check homework regularly. Scholars must recognize that homework is an extension of their classwork and will
be included in your evaluations.
9. Avoid assignments that will be perceived as punitive, burdensome, or repetitive.
10. Homework should be able to be measured and graded.
Homework is an essential element of the educational process. Both classwork and homework should be closely aligned to
the State of Pa K-12 Content Standards and Core Curriculum. Learning is a life -long and extended process. Homework
allows scholars opportunities to put learned skills to work in their everyday lives. Homework is not necessarily a written
assignment. Homework may be planned to offer the necessary practice in fundamental skills and/or to provide practical
experience.
Homework may be assigned for any of the following reasons:
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To reinforce concepts & skills taught
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To provide relevant, practical applications of abstract ideas and concepts
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To develop & to accept responsibility
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To organize & apply knowledge, understanding and skill
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To inform parents/guardians of course content
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To develop study skills
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To increase self-confidence
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To teach independence
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To provide opportunity for creativity
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To offer a challenge
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To expose scholars to community resources
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To evaluate and to analyze facts learned
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To give individualized practice on skills
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To prepare for the next day’s lesson
NOTE: Scholars are expected to have homework assignments in all academic subjects on a regular basis; and in other
subject areas when required for a particular activity. Frequency and amount of homework will vary according to the needs
of the scholar, the subjects involved, and the teacher’s requirements
HIGH SCHOOL GRADING POLICY
Universal Companies directs that evaluation of scholar progress be based on various aspects of performance as
measured against standards for the respective grade or subject. The requirements for evaluation shall take into
consideration the ability, aptitude, cultural background, and other characteristics of the scholar.
Grading shall be based on (1) achievement as it reflects a reasonable and conscientious effort on the part of the scholar
to fulfill in quantity and quality the requirements of the course, (2) the ability of the scholar as it relates to the scholar’s
demonstrated effort, and (3) other criteria as may be developed.
Grades shall be determined and reported in accordance with the procedures outlined. No school employee, including
administrative and supervisory personnel shall attempt, directly or indirectly, to influence, alter, or determine that the
grade is an error or that the grade is demonstrably inconsistent with the teacher’s grading policy. The same policy
applies to special education scholars. Actual weights will be determined at a later date.
GRADE COMPUTATION
Reports related to scholar progress will be made to parents of regular and special education scholars at the end of each
marking period throughout the session. Additionally, parents and scholars will have access to the PowerSchool portal.
Teachers are expected to evaluate at least ten (10) different times during the period to arrive at a fair grade (tests, class
participation, homework, reports, experiments, themes, etc.). Teachers shall not assign multiple grades to individual tasks
in order to meet the required number of evaluations. Special projects like term papers, which include multiple steps that
are graded separately, do not violate the spirit of this policy. The grade for the marking period will be an average of these
grades. All grades shall be recorded numerically.
SPECIAL EDUCATION/HOMEBOUND GRADES
Homebound scholars will receive all grades in all subjects from the homebound teacher for the length of time
enrolled in homebound. Special education scholars must receive a progress report every six weeks at the same time
that report cards are issued. Progress will be based on long term and short-term objectives as reflected on the
Individualized Education Program (IEP). Special Education scholars, who are included/mainstreamed for subjects,
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will receive a grade from the regular classroom teachers (teacher of record) for these subjects.
MARKING PERIODS/GRADE COMPUTATION
Teachers are instructed to average the numerical grades to arrive at a percentage grade for the marking period. The
percentage grade for the marking period shall be computed to tenths and rounded to the nearest whole number (.5-.9
rounds up).
SEMESTER/SESSION EXAMS
Semester exams will be given at the end of the semester and final exams at the end of the year for one (1) credit
courses. Each of these exams will cover content taught during the respective semesters. The principal will ensure that
the test schedule is fair and appropriate. The maximum time allowed for test review will be one (1) week.
FINAL MARKING PERIOD/EXAM PERFORMANCE
In no case should a scholar be allowed to feel that the final marking period is unimportant or that it will have no bearing
on his/her final grade. In fact, the performance of each scholar during the final marking period is expected to reflect and
approach a degree of proficiency comparable to the quality of work for the course may be considered unsatisfactory. In
other words, if a scholar deliberately refuses to participate during the final marking period or if he/she does not put forth a
sincere effort on the final tests, this may be considered sufficient reason to report his/her work as failure for the period or
session.
FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION
Scholars who make 90 or above each marking period and a 90 or above on the first semester exam may elect to be
exempt from the final exam for courses of one or more credits. For scholars exempt from the final, the end of session
average will be based on the marking periods and the semester grade.
END-OF-COUSE FINAL GRADE
The final grade for one-half (1/2) credit shall reflect an average of three marking periods and the semester exam.
Courses of one or more credits shall reflect an average of the marking periods, a semester exam, and a final exam.
Marking periods, semester exams, and final exams shall carry equal weight.
TRANSFER SCHOLARS
If a scholar transfers into the system during the school year and brings letter grades, the letter grades will be converted
to numerical grades using the following scale:
A
95
B
85
C
75
D
65
F
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TRANSCRIPT/GRADE POINT AVERAGE
On the transcript, the final end-of-course average shall be converted to a letter grade using the following scale:
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59-50
The first transcript will carry the end-of -course average in the form of a letter grade for courses attempted. The
transcript will reflect a 4.0 grading scale and a 4.0 scale used exclusively for AP courses. The final grade point
average(s) shall be computed to thousandths and rounded to hundredths.
C. Additional Information
 Subject marks are cumulative and represent what a scholar has earned.
 Behavior marks are not cumulative
 Illegal absence from class should be reflected in both behavior and class participation marks.
 Make-up exams may be given for excused absences only. An exam different from the original exam should be
administered; the re-exam must be at least as difficult as the original exam.
 Assignments that do not meet deadlines may be rejected entirely or given reduced grades.
 A grade of "W" may be given to new admits; however, a "W" may not be entered as a final mark.

Discuss unusual cases with the Administrative Team.
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation requirements may be found in the UACHS 2014-2015 Course Catalog.
ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS FOR ATHLETICS
UACHS developed a policy on scholar participation in high school sports. All scholars entering the 9th grade for the first
time are eligible to participate in sports until the end of the second report period. From the end of the second report period
forward, the academic eligibility provisions for all scholars participating in sports is a grade point average of 2.0.
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The UACHS has joined the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and must adhere to all requirements
set forth by the PIAA regarding academics, attendance, age, citizenship and behavior. Scholars who have reached their
19th birthday by June 30th are ineligible to participate in a sport. Scholars are eligible only at the school at which they are
enrolled. Scholars must be regularly enrolled in school and in full-time attendance there. If scholars are absent from
school during a semester for a total of 20 or more school days, they will lose
eligibility until they have been in attendance for a total of 45 school days following their 20th day of absence.
Scholars are eligible only if there is on file with the principal of the school, before he/she begins practice, an official PIAA
certificate signed by a parent/caregiver consenting to participation in the particular sport involved.
Scholars are eligible only if they have participated in a pre-participation physical evaluation performed by a licensed
physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine, a certified registered nurse practitioner, a school nurse practitioner, or a
certified physician assistant before their first practice. Before each subsequent sports season’s first practice day of that
same school year, scholars must be re- evaluated or certified that their condition is satisfactory before beginning to
practice for the sport.
UNIVERSAL AUDENRIED EXPECTATIONS
All UACHS community members, including families and scholars are expected to follow the Universal Companies 20142015 Code of Conduct.
All disciplinary actions for misconduct will ultimately reach a conference between the teacher and/or administrator,
student, and parents, in a timeframe corresponding to the severity of the infraction. These conferences will be preceded
by written notification to the parent or guardian.
As a means of ensuring a safe environment, scholars, staff, and/or parents who become aware that a fellow scholar is in
possession of illegal substances, firearms, weapons or any items that could endanger his/her safety or the safety of
others, that individual has a duty to inform an adult such as a fellow parent, teacher, counselor, director or staff member,
from amongst our community.
SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY / DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
The dress code was developed to establish a friendly and professional atmosphere that promotes pride, respect, and
safety for the scholars and staff. As a family of professionals, our basic standard for scholars is professional dress, and
for each to take pride in their appearance. School is a place of business and education is the scholar’s job. We depend
on our parents to support and assist us in maintaining our dress code standards. The following dress code guidelines are
enforced daily at UACHS of Medicine and Science. The uniform MUST be worn everyday. ANY SCHOLAR NOT IN FULL
UNIFORM WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUILDING. Dress-down days are only allowed with the principal’s
approval, and only apply to that particular day.
UNIFORM – For All Scholars in all Academies
Bottoms
1.
2.
3.
4.
Shirts
Vests
Footwear
Navy or Khaki Bottoms
Light Blue Oxford Shirt (9th Grade), White Oxford Shirt (10th – 12th Grade)
Sweater Vest (9th through 11th Grade) Cardigan Sweater or Blazer (12th Grade)
All scholars must wear all black, all brown, or all navy shoes. Also all black, all brown, or all navy sneakers
are permitted
• Cleanliness of the physical person consistent with good health is mandatory.
• Headgear is not allowed at High School. This includes things such as hats, caps, bandanas, scarves, towels,
stocking caps, hoods, large headbands, and headphones.
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 Tight, loose, distracting, extreme, or inappropriate apparel is not permitted. Special costumes may be worn when
appropriate for a school-approved activity.
The uniform policy will be enforced throughout the day - before school, during school, and after school.
Hoodies are not permitted in the building. Hoodies will be confiscated at the school entrances and will be held for
a period of 30 days.
ITEMS NEVER ALLOWED
• Body piercings or chains (earrings are allowed, except large hoop earrings)
• Bandannas, hair scarves, curlers, sweatbands, and/or wave caps
• Hair grooming on campus or combs/brushes worn in hair
• Extreme hair color (e.g. purple, green, red, etc.)
• Clothing or accessories with graffiti
• Ripped, torn, or clothing with holes
In addition, the scholar may also receive a disciplinary consequence for violating the school’s dress code. (If you
are not sure, do not wear it.)
SCHOLAR HEALTH SERVICES
The school nurse handles a variety of scholar concerns each day and maintains medical records on each scholar.
Please inform the nurse of any special health problems. When the nurse is not in school, the principal (or designee),
who has received training by the nurse, may administer medication under the guidelines established by the
Pennsylvania Health Services Commission.
If a child becomes ill during the school day, he/she will be given immediate attention. You will be called if your child
is too ill to return to class. Please advise your children that they should not personally call home if they feel ill but
should go directly to the nurse’s office or the principal.
Please complete the Emergency Contact Form and the Scholar Medical History Form for the school nurse by the
first day of the school. These forms provide important information, which can help to keep your child safe and
healthy during school hours. Please note that it is still the parent/guardian’s responsibility to directly inform the nurse
of any special medical conditions or needs by phone or in person.
IMMUNIZATION OF SCHOLARS
All scholars must be completely immunized or exempted before admission to any public, parochial or private
school in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Philadelphia County Board of Health and
Universal- Audenried Charter High School require this.
The purpose of requiring immunization is to protect scholars from preventable communicable diseases and their
medical and educational complications.
There are two exemptions:
Religious Exemption – Pupils need not be immunized if the parent/guardian objects in writing to the immunization on
religious/ethical grounds. However, please be advised that a formal application must be submitted to UACHS
board for approval.
Medical Exemption – Pupils need not be immunized if a physician or his designee provides a written statement that
immunization may be detrimental to the health of the child. When the physician determines that immunization is no
longer detrimental to the health of the child, the medical exemption ceases to be valid and the child must be
immunized.
In the event of an outbreak of a disease for which the child is exempt from the requirement to be immunized, that
child will be excluded from school until a competent medical authority determines that the child may return, or
until the child is appropriately immunized.
Disposition of Immunization Records
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When transferring from one school to another, parents should request the Certificate of Immunization from the current
school and take it to the new school. No pupil will be admitted to a new school without the certificate. The Certificate
of Immunization shall follow the scholar when he/she transfers, graduates, withdraws or otherwise leaves UACHS.
MEDICATION POLICY
For the safety of all scholars, NO medication (this includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, may
be given OR taken in school unless we have ALL of the following in the health office:
1. Written orders from the scholar’s health care provider
2. Written permission from the parent/guardian
3. Properly labeled medicine (in a container from the pharmacy or the health care provider, including the date
the prescription was filled)
This medication process must be restarted each school year, beginning with the first day of school and ending
on the last day of school.
Under special circumstances, the school nurse may give permission for the scholar to take his/her own medication if
the Scholar Contract Form has been completed and signed by the parent/guardian and the scholar.
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
UACHS maintains a firm policy regarding the confidentiality of its scholars, and prohibits the discussion of any scholar
or matters pertaining to scholars in any public venue.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
It is the policy of the UACHS that all of its employees are to be aware of, and comply with, the Child Protective
Services law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This law makes it mandatory for UACHS employees to report
suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect to the Administration, and required, by law, to file a report with the
Department of Human Services. Compliance with the laws of Pennsylvania, and the policies of UACHS, will serve to
protect everyone concerned.
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