Tornado Academy (9th Grade Academy Plan for
Fairmont High School 2010-2011)
Mission Statement
The mission of our Academy is to create a collaborative environment which
ensures every member reaches a higher level of academic achievement in
accordance to state standards while developing social responsibility.
Vision
We envision an academy where students are placed in a small learning
community where they build relationships while demonstrating mutual respect
and responsibility with the focus on higher learning
Values
WE BELIEVE...
 Students can achieve at the highest level
 Students can convert potential into achievement
 Responsibility can always be demonstrated
 A student’s concern is our concern
 Staff, students, parents are responsible for everyone’s success
 Extra help is offered and provided
 In providing a safe, secure, and inviting learning environment
Goals/Objectives/Action Plans
Goal: Promote high expectations through a rigorous curriculum
Objective: All students will meet curriculum standards
Strategy/Activity: Implementation of the Power of “I”, Review of teacher’s lesson
plans
Timeframe: Ongoing; Biweekly; Mid-semester; Semester
Persons: Academy team, Academy counselor, Administration, YDS,
Social Worker, Parent-liaison, Drop-out prevention coordinator
Resources: Student schedules, Pathway (student), Teacher syllabi, Teacher lesson
plans
Progress: Data Collection (grades/assignments), Samples of work (portfolio),
Record of Contacts
Goal: All Academy participants will reach a proficient level for all state mandates
Objective: Will increase # of students scoring a level 3 or higher in Alg. I & Eng. I
(Alg. I by 7.5% = 70%)
(Eng. I by 5.9% = 75%)
Strategy/Activity: Provide for tutorial sessions
Timeframe: Biweekly, Semester
Persons: Academy teams/ Tutorial personnel/Counselor
Resources: Planning Schedules/Incentives (teachers/students)/Transportation/
Teaching Materials
Progress: # of 3 or 4 on Academy’s E.O.C./Grade Reports/Attendance
Goal: Increase the academic achievement of all freshmen
Objective: Increase the number of students promoted to 10th grade by 10% (Goal: 91%)
Strategy/Activity: Place students earning two or more “I”s into mandatory after
School tutorial programs
Timeframe: Biweekly/Common Planning
Persons: Academy team, Tutorial personnel, Administration, YDS,
Social Worker
Resources: Student Alert Letter/ Student Plan for success (Syllabi)/ Tutorial Programs
Progress: Grade Reports/ Biweekly Reports/ Team Meetings/# of Parent contacts/
# of student tutorial participation/ # of Student referrals/ Conferences Records
Goal: Enable students to develop interpersonal skills (Social responsible, discipline,
attendance, etc.)
Objective: Student attends the Academy 95% of the Academic school year
Strategy/Activity: S.I.G. Team/YDS/Social Worker/
Counselor/Teacher Contact/Saturday Academy
Timeframe: Daily/Team Meeting/9-week/Semester
Persons: SIMS Operator/YDS/Social Worker/Counselor/Teacher/Administrator
Resources: Daily Attendance Sheet/Saturday Academy
Progress: Attendance Record/Contact Logs/Saturday Academy Attendance/
Grade Report
Goal: Enable students to develop interpersonal skills (Social responsible, discipline,
attendance, etc.)
Objective: Decrease the number of disciplinary referrals by 10%
Strategy/Activity: Guidance Counseling/Parental Contact/Conferences
Timeframe: 9-weeks/Semester/Year
Persons: Administrator/Teacher/Counselor/Social Worker/YDS
Resources: Discipline Files
Progress: Student Contact Folder/# of Discipline per Student
TORNADO ACADEMY
FAIRMONT HIGH SCHOOL
EXPECTATIONS
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO
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Be on time.
Obey all school and classroom rules
Be prepared (i.e. supplies, books, paper, pens, homework)
Have an attitude conducive to learning
Respect themselves and others
Respect property
Remain seated until dismissed by the teacher
Use time wisely
Follow directions
Leave food (including gum) and drink outside of “B” Building (except bottled
water)
Limit their bathroom breaks to 5 per class a semester (unless Dr.’s note
provided)
Wear I.D. tags at all times (If provided)
Wear proper clothing at all times
Restrict the use of electronic devices b/w 7:30 am – 3:00 pm (school hours)
DISCIPLINE POLICY
For the safety and instructional environment of the Tornado Academy, the following
policies and their consequences are as follows:
Class Unprepared – not having the correct text and materials for class
 Teacher warning/Alternative Learning Center
 Administration or Counselor warning (Referral)
 Parent/Teacher/Administration Conference (Referral)
 ISS/OSS (Referral)
Smoking – is prohibited on any Public School of Robeson Co. location
Cell phones, audio devices, & other unauthorized electronics – are prohibited
between 7:30 am – 3:00 pm (school hours); includes visible or heard!!!
 Confiscation & turned in to Mr. Hunt (Academy Administrator)
 Parent/Administrator Conference
 Withheld for a time frame
Inappropriate Clothing – Alcoholic, drug oriented, violent, revealing, racial,
sexually offensive, or demeaning are NOT allowed under any circumstances
 Administrator or Counselor with appropriate action taken (changing of attire)
Academy Student in an Unauthorized Area – area outside of “B” building
without proper documentation (note) unless for an elective class
 Administrator w/ appropriate action taken
Student I.D.’s – must be worn at all times (applies to Academy students & teachers)
 Administration – 1st warning: 5-day Temporary I.D. made
 After 5 Days – New I.D. made at the student cost of $5
** THIS ONLY APPLIES IF IDS ARE PROVIDED
Class Disruption – any act(s) which creates a disturbance in the educational
environment
 Teacher warning/Alternative Learning Center
 Administration (Referral); possible Parent Conference or Notification
 ISS/OSS
Tardies – late for class without proper documentation (note); all students late for
school must check in the front office before coming to class
 1 – 4: Documented & Warned
 5: ISS (2 Consecutive Days) – Referral to Admin.– Parent Conference
 10: ISS (3 Consecutive Days) – Referral to Admin.– Parent Conference
 15: OSS – Referral to Admin. – Parent Conference
Bus Infractions – any behavior which prevents the safe transportation of students
to and from school
 See Student Handbook
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is a necessary part of every course and constitutes a portion of the class
grade. Expect homework every day. Failure to NOT do homework could result
in being sent to the Alternative Learning Center
STANDARDS FOR QUALITY WORK
All written work must be clearly written or typed on 8 ½ x 11 white loose-leaf paper,
unless otherwise specified.
 All margins should be one inch (top, bottom, left, and right)
 All spelling and punctuation should be correct
 All writing should be in complete sentences, unless specified otherwise
 Student name, class period, and date should be in the top right corner of all
work
 Title should be centered on the first line
All essays and projects must meet standards of quality of work as described in essay
and project rubrics
All research must follow MLA guidelines unless specified by the instructor.
Plagiarism is using another’s ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the
source of that information. To support instructors in their efforts to curtail this
intellectual and illegal dishonesty, and to maintain a consistent policy, a procedure
for dealing with plagiarism is outlined in this manual. Students are responsible for
understanding and adhering to this policy.
STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC HONESTY
The goal is integrity. Each student should perform the work assigned. Academic
dishonesty (cheating) occurs when students obtain or assist others in obtaining credit
for work which is not their own. Students must conduct themselves according to
the rules prohibiting dishonest academic behavior and must resist peer pressure to
violate those rules. Students must not use dishonest methods to fulfill their school
responsibilities.
Common examples of academic dishonesty (cheating) include, but are not limited to
the following:
 Copying, faxing, or duplicating assignments that will each be turned in as an
“original”
 Exchanging assignments by print-out, disk transfer, or modem, then
submitting each as an “original”
 Writing formulas, codes, key words on your person or objects for use in a test
 Using hidden reference sheets during a test
 Using programmed material in watches or calculators when prohibited
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Exchanging answers with others (either giving or receiving answers)
Taking someone else’s assignment and submitting it as your own
Permitting another student to copy one’s homework, assignment, paper,
project, report or take-home test
Submitting material (written or designed by someone else, without giving the
author/artist name and/or source (e.g., plagiarizing, or submitting work
created by family, friends, or tutors)
Taking credit for group work, when little contribution was made
Not following additional specific guidelines on cheating as established by
department, class, or a certain teacher
Consequences for academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
 A “Inc” or “0” on the involved work with a required completion/correction of
the assignment
 Parent notification
LUNCH POLICY
Academy lunch will be from 11:50 – 12:15. Students will be required to be in and
remain in the cafeteria during the entire lunch period. Students will have the
opportunity for a bathroom break in “B” building 5 mins. following lunch.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND GRADES
Each course syllabus outlines the assessment and grading procedure for the specific
course.
GRADING SCALE
A
96-100
A93-95
B+
91-92
B
87-90
B85-86
C+
83-84
C
80-82
C77-79
D+
75-76
D
72-74
D70-71
INC 69 or below
There are two semesters: Fall and Spring. Each semester is divided into two terms. Grades
are cumulative during each term and are sent home at the end of each term.
Parents/guardians should discuss these reports with their student. Following is a typical
schedule for progress/grade reports:
FALL SEMESTER
End of week 2
Tornado Alert
End of week 4
Tornado Alert
End of week 6
Tornado Alert
End of week 9
Grade (37.5 % of final grade)
End of week 11 Tornado Alert
End of week 13 Tornado Alert
End of week 15 Tornado Alert
End of week 18 Grade (37.5% of final grade)
Final Exam
(25% of final grade)
SPRING SEMESTER
End of week 2
Tornado Alert
End of week 4
Tornado Alert
End of week 6
Tornado Alert
End of week 9
Grade (37.5 % of final grade)
End of week 11 Tornado Alert
End of week 13 Tornado Alert
End of week 15 Tornado Alert
End of week 18 Grade (37.5% of final grade)
Final Exam
(25% of final grade)
TORNADO ACADEMY LAB POLICY
Students enrolled in ANY lab class must meet the safety requirements for that
particular class in order to participate in ANY lab activities.
EXTRA HELP
Tornado Academy Teams believe that all students can achieve high standards when
education is a partnership between the teacher, the parent/guardian, and the student.
In order to maintain an educational environment that promotes high standards and
student success, Academy Teams provide extra help for all students. As partners,
parent/guardians should encourage their students to take advantage of the extra help
available.
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REMINDER: A student whose grade does not reach a 70 or mastery
level will be required/expected to correct or complete the major
assessments.
Afterschool Tutorial Session: (3:15 – 4:30)
Mon: Science Dept.
Tues: Social Studies Dept.
Wed: Math Dept.
Thurs: English Dept.
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Buses will probably run around 4:30 – 4:45 for the tutorial session, students
who ride buses will have to remain in their tutoring session until the buses are
available
Snack provided (if funds are available)
TUTORING SCHEDULE WILL BE ADJUSTED FOR EOC REVIEW
THE FINAL 2 WEEKS OF THE SEMESTER
Saturday Academy (8:00 – 1:30)
 Saturday Academy may be used for tutoring (when available), make-up days
for absences, & “Inc” completions/corrections
 NO students are allowed to enter the building after 8:00
 Students who are making up days for absences must remain in the Academy
the entire allotted time
 Students who are participating in tutoring or “Inc” completion/corrections
may be dismissed when work in completed or tutoring session has ended
Individual tutoring can be provided by teachers at the request of the student
or parent/guardian
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Education is an evolving process in which student, parent and teacher must all
participate to develop a student’s potential into achievement. Parents are highly
encouraged to involve themselves in their student’s academic career. If a parent has
any questions, concerns, or thoughts, they may set up a conference with the
Academy Administrator Aaron Hunt. He will set an appropriate time for the parent,
student, and the Academy team to meet in regards to these concerns. Parents are a
major part of this educational process and have a responsibility to be involved.
-----------------------------------Sign and return to your Block 1 teacher------------------------------We have read and understand the expectations of the Tornado Academy:
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I.D. #
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Student’s Name (Print)
_______________________
Student’s Signature
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Date
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Parent/Guardian’s Name (Print)
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Parent/Guardian’s Signature
The Tornado Academy of Fairmont High School
Required Classroom Materials
To the Parents and Students of the Tornado Academy,
Welcome to the Tornado Academy. We are looking forward to the upcoming school
year. We feel that in order for you to be successful in their academy each student will need
classroom materials. These items should be brought to class each day in addition to their
textbooks. The following teachers are requiring the following items:
Mr. Kemp (World History)
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Mrs. Chavis, Ms. Foy (Math)
2”inch 3 Ring Binder
8 Index Dividers (Not for Mr. Studer)
Loose-leaf Notebook Paper
Blue/Black Pen or Pencil
Mrs. Lowery (Science)
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∙2” inch 3 Ring Binder
∙4 Index Dividers
∙ Loose-leaf Notebook Paper
∙Mechanical Pencils/Lead
∙TI-83 Calculator (TI-84
optional)
Mrs. Buie & Mrs. Mustafaa (English)
2”inch 3 Ring Binder
4 Index Dividers
Loose-leaf Notebook Paper
Blue/Black Pen or Pencil
Pack of Coloring Pencils w/Sharpener
∙2”inch 3 Ring Binder
∙ Loose-leaf Notebook Paper
∙ Index Dividers
∙ Blue/Black Pen or Pencil
∙ Flashdrive
Teacher’s Wish List
Kleenex Facial Tissue
All Purpose Wet Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Tennis Balls (Chavis)
Peppermint Candy (Student Rewards &Motivation)
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
The Tornado Academy Staff
Grading Procedures:
* Test, Quizzes, Assigned Reading, & Standard Assignments = Current Grade Scale
** Projects (Major & Minor) = Rubric Scale
- What is a rubric scale? A rubric is a scale to which your work meets a certain
level of achievement. It explains to each student what is required to reach each level of
mastery of an assignment. Example 1: If you make a standard 69/F on the current grade
scale, it could be equal to a “1” on a rubric scale. You made a 69 or a “1” because your
work lacks necessary evidence to prove mastery of a subject. Example 2: If you make a
standard 96/A on the current grade scale, it could be equal to a “4” on a rubric scale. You
made a 96 or a “4” because you work excelled in evidence to prove mastery of a subject.
The scale runs from 1 (being insufficient) to 4 (being near-perfect).
Power of “I”:
All major assessments which do not reach satisfactory level of achievement (70 or
lower on grade scale or “1” on rubric scale) will receive an “I” or “Omit” in the grade
system. This “I” means INCOMPLETE which will REQUIRE the student to re-do the
assignment to meet satisfactory standard.
How can the teacher make me do an assignment or correct one?
There is no other option but to do the major assessments to satisfactory standard. If
you have any “I”s or “Omits” at the end of the 9 weeks you will receive an “F” for your
9-weeks grade. As a student you do not want to receive an “F” for the 9-weeks because
of one non-corrected or missing assignment!
When will I have time to complete or correct these assignments?
NO CLASS TIME WILL BE USED TO CORRECT OR COMPLETE
ASSIGNMENTS. There will still be many opportunities to remove an “I”: After-school
tutorial programs (3:15 – 4:30) – days will be posted w/ sign-up sheet, Saturday
Academy (Sat. mornings 8:00 – 1:30) – must be there on time no exceptions, Mandatory
Study Hall (Work in Progress), at home (most assignments can be corrected or completed
at home).
REMINDER: ALL CURRENT GRADE SCALE SCORES OF 69 AND BELOW
AND A RUBRIC SCORE OF 1 WILL RECEIVE AN “I”. THESE “I”s MUST BE
CORRECTED OR COMPLETED!! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!