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 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 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. 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. 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: ______________ I.D. # __________________________ Student’s Name (Print) _______________________ Student’s Signature ______________ Date __________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Name (Print) _______________________ 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) 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) ∙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!!!