Student
Handbook
2015-2016
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
2200 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 856-8119 (Main Office)
(919) 856-8158 (Fax)
www.vernonmalonecca.wcpss.net
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vernon_malone
Principal: Dr. Ashlie Thompson
Assistant Principal: Mr. Mitch Weaver
MISSION
All Vernon Malone College and Career Academy students will graduate college and career ready.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (VMCCA) is an application school for students in
Grades 9-12 focused on graduating students college and career ready in one of eight (8) program
areas. VMCCA features a partnership between the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and
Wake Technical Community College (WTCC). VMCCA students have the opportunity to graduate in
four (4) years with a high school diploma and earn college credits leading to a certificate, diploma, or
Associates Degree in their program area. College credits completed while enrolled in the school are
tuition-free and are applicable towards their chosen program of study. AAS degree programs are not
guaranteed to transfer to one of North Carolina’s sixteen public universities; however, the college
courses are transferrable to Wake Technical Community College with a grade of “C” or better. The
school’s small size provides one of the most individualized environments available to Wake County
students.
VMCCA students complete their high school courses for the UNC system during the three years they
are enrolled in VMCCA. In their junior and senior year, students enroll in WTCC courses in their
program area to earn credits towards a certificate and/or diploma. Some college credits serve as dual
enrollment credits toward a high school diploma. Students receive advisement about their course of
study from both VMCCA counselors and Wake Tech academic advisors. This experience provides
students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to continue their education and/or career
pathway in their program area.
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Disclaimer
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy students are expected to be familiar with the Wake
County Public School System (WCPSS) Code of Student Conduct and the policies, procedures and
practices outlined in the WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook. They are required to comply with all
policies outlined here and in WCPSS School Board Policy. All Code of Student Conduct polices
are contained in the WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook, which is located online at www.wcpss.net.
Parents may also request a paper copy from the school’s main office.
Additionally, Vernon Malone College and Career Academy students are considered Wake
Technical Community College (WTCC) students. They must comply with the academic and student
codes of conduct that govern the college. Students are accountable to all Wake Tech policies and
practices that are applicable to their status as early college students. The Wake Tech Student
handbook can be located at http://www.waketech.edu/student-services/student-handbook.
As partners, WCPSS and Wake Tech Community College work collaboratively to provide each
student with opportunities and experiences appropriate to the purpose of an early college. In the
event a question or situation arises that requires a review and application of policy or procedures,
representatives from each organization will determine the appropriate policy to be applied based
on the nature and the location (high school, college, or clinical site) of the situation.
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy has used reasonable endeavors to ensure that materials
contained in this handbook were correct at the time the handbook was printed. However, Vernon
Malone College and Career Academy reserves the rights at any time to make changes, as it deems
appropriate. Students should check for confirmation with the originating or authorizing faculty,
department or administrator. A current version of the student handbook will be maintained on the
website.
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Table of Contents
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
Mission
School Overview
2
Disclaimer
3
VMCCA History
5
VMCCA Faculty and Staff
10
Wake Tech Faculty and Staff
11
Calendar and Daily Schedules
School Calendar
Daily Schedules
12
Academic Essentials
General Information
Academic Expectations
Monitoring Academic Progress and Grade Reporting
Grading System/Policies and Procedures
Reporting Periods/Report Card Guidelines
Homework Policy (To be added later)
Graduation Requirements
Online Courses
Maintaining and Reporting Grades for Students in WTCC Courses
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privay Act)
14
Career Development Opportunities
29
Academic Support Services and Programs
30
VMCCA Transcript Policy
32
College Planning and Financial Aid
The Scholarship Process
College Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
College Websites
33
Campus Life
Principal’s Weekly Message
VMCCA Website (Changing October 2014)
Student Email
Wake Tech Blackboard/WebAdvisor Accounts
Student ID’s
Daily Attendance
Check in/out Procedures
Off Campus Lunch (see lunch contracts)
36
Transportation
41
Medication
44
Code of Conduct
45
Additional Processess
53
Safety Drills
54
Acceptable Use of Technology/BYOD
55
Frequently Asked Questions
58
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The History of Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
The Origins
For many years WCPSS has evaluated the best means to deliver Career & Technical Education (CTE)
to its students. For the past two decades, CTE has focused on improving programs including the
addition of career academies at high schools as an effort to concentrate resources to increase college
preparedness of students. Furthermore, throughout Wake County Public School’s (WCPSS) history,
school boards and staff have discussed the possibility of a Career and Technical Education High
School and, for a variety of reasons; it was not until 2010 that the conversations resulted in the actions
needed to follow through with creating such a school.
Prior to the merger of the Raleigh City Schools and the Wake County Schools in the 70s, there was a
vocational high school headed by Principal Phil Maultsby who later became a school board member
and advocated for its return in the early 90s. The possible school structure changed over time, and
Horace Tart began the conversation to create a CTE school again in early 2000s. When John Tedesco
was elected to the school board in 2009, he had conversations with the board about a CTE high
school. Tony Tata was hired as superintendent in December 2010 and he created an office of
innovation; the mission of his chief of staff was to develop this department. Mr. Tata listened to the
community, which was advocating for a vocational school, and his team did research on different
models. In the summer of 2011, WCPSS Facilities was tasked with identifying and evaluating existing
buildings in the downtown Raleigh area to determine suitability for adaptive reuse to accommodate
innovative schools. Mr. Tata employed a director for innovation who took on the CTE HS project
and plans began in 2012. At the same time, at the state level, NC Schools Superintendent June
Atkinson and Governor Beverly Purdue began work on Career and College Promise to start in 20132014, which helped support the rationale for a CTE High School.
Because of the success of Wake Health Sciences Early College and projects in process to develop
NCSU STEM Early College and the Leadership Academies, it was clear that a college partner for the
CTE High School would be beneficial. Early informal conversations were held by WCPSS in the fall
of 2011 with Wake Tech facilities staff. On January 17, 2012, a meeting was held with Dr. Stephen
Scott, President of Wake Tech Community College and Superintendent Tony Tata to review and
discuss the CTE High School concept, which was also attended by senior leadership and staff teams
from Wake Tech and WCPSS. On January 18, 2012, David Wehbie sent a preliminary program list to
Bryan Ryan, Wake Tech Senior Vice President of Curriculum Education Services. On February 9,
2012, a meeting was held with members of the academics and facilities departments of both
organizations including Bryan Ryan, Wendell Goodwin, David Wehbie, Sheri Green, Ann Dishong
and Betty Parker to discuss the proposed educational programs, identify issues, discuss next steps and
set up a regular meeting schedule. In mid to late February, some of the Wake Tech and WCPSS teams
toured the facility with the design consultants. Wake Tech, WCPSS and a local developer, who was
initially involved with the project, agreed to share the costs of a design charrette with design
consultant LS3P Associates Limited for building design input, which was held in Mid March, 2012.
The final WCPSS School Board approval for the project was given by: Keith Sutton, Chairman;
Kevin Hill, Immediate Outgoing Chairman; Susan P. Evans; Debra Goldman; Christine Kushner;
Chris Malone; Jim Martin; Deborah Prickett; John Tedesco; Stephen Gainey, Interim Superintendent.
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The Facility
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy has been a unique project for Wake County Public
Schools because of the collaboration with Wake County Government who is responsible for
renovating the building where the school will be located, the former Coca Cola Bottling Plant on
South Wilmington Street.
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (CCBC) first announced its intent to relocate and sell its
existing facilities on South Wilmington Street in January 2009. At the time, the company anticipated
that it would first sell its buildings and would then identify its future location. After more than 50
years of operating out of the south Raleigh plant, which had been used as a base of operations in the
Triangle since 1957, CCBC relocated its area sales and distribution operations to Clayton in May
2011, where the company now has twice the space. CCBC is the second-largest Coca-Cola bottler in
the United States and delivers Coke products to territories in 11 states, including most areas of North
Carolina.
The building’s east entrance faces Wilmington Street and is accessible from the student drop- off
drive and visitor parking areas. The main lobby just inside this entrance provides access to Reception
and the main Administration Area on the right. Directly ahead, a monumental stair leads down to the
main floor level from the lobby. A wheel chair lift is located near the stair for accessibility. At the
foot of the monumental stair is the Dining Commons to the left, group toilets to the right and the main
corridor directly ahead. The main corridor brings you to the primary intersection of the building with
the Learning Commons to one side and a large open Classroom Commons to the other. This flexible
common space can be used for instruction, informal gatherings or casual space between classes.
General classrooms align on one side of the Classroom Commons, while resource classrooms and
science labs make up the other side. Three large rooftop “light boxes” allow natural daylight deep
into the space and storefront glazing at the entrance to each lab and classroom allows natural
borrowed light into these spaces as well.
Beyond the intersection of the Classroom Commons and the Learning Commons on the west side of
the building is the Multipurpose Room and a second administration suite dedicated for use by Wake
Tech. This administration area will be the arrival point for students from the student parking lot on
the south side of the building. Adjacent to the multipurpose room are locker rooms, a training room
and a health science classroom. The multipurpose room will include a basketball court and bleachers;
however the school will not have competition athletics.
On the south side of the centrally located Learning Commons are lab spaces dedicated to Wake
Tech’s program requirements. These labs include Cosmetology, Simulation & Game Development,
Nursing Assistant, Biopharmaceutical Technology, Electrical Systems Technology and Geomatics
Technology. Additional general classrooms, an Art Classroom and Business Information Technology
Labs are also adjacent to the Learning Commons. Student lockers are dispersed throughout the school
along the corridors and in the Classroom Commons.
Located across the open lawn area at the southwest corner of the site is an auxiliary building that will
accommodate industrial trade labs including Welding, Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Auto
Collision Repair. This building also includes a general classroom for shared use by all the labs, group
toilet facilities and a small open office administration area.
The campus includes program- related outdoor instructional areas, such as the outdoor grinding area
for welding and the plumbing pit. The open lawn area will serve as a flexible athletic space and a
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plaza on the east side of the building can be used as an outdoor dining space for students.
This project, consisting of 102,000 SF of space between two buildings on 15 acres, is an innovative
example of an adaptive reuse of an industrial complex into a vocational education campus. It is also
represents an exciting partnership between Wake County Public School System and Wake Technical
Community College as the end users, and Wake County Government, as the managing entity for the
overall project.
The Naming
Once the decision was made to create the Career and Technical Education High School and renovate
the Coca Cola site, conversations turned to naming the high school. There was considerable energy in
the community to name the school after Vernon Malone, the late North Carolina State Senator, former
school board member and county commissioner and educator. Commissioner James West spearheaded the effort to name the school after Malone. The WCPSS school board adopted a resolution to
name the school after Malone in early November 2013, and shortly after, the Wake County
Commissioners voted to name the school after Malone, making it the first school to be named after a
person since 1969.
Vernon Malone was born on December 20, 1931, near Wake Forest, North Carolina. He was the
youngest of eight children, and his father died when he was very young leaving him to help his
mother work on their farm when not in school. Barry Malone, one of Malone’s sons, said that
because of his dad’s circumstances as a young child he was “never a kid” and was “hyperresponsible.” After graduating from Dubois High School, Malone was drafted into the Army for the
Korean War. He worked for military police and became a sergeant. After his time in the Army, he
returned home to pursue a career as a police officer, but it was his mother who reminded him of the
GI Bill and encouraged him to spend one semester in college. He went to Shaw University where he
decided to stay and earned a bachelor's degree in 1957. He furthered his education at the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Minnesota.
Vernon Malone served as a teacher at Washington Elementary School and later as a teacher and
administrator at Governor Morehead School (GMS) in Raleigh for over 34 years, teaching math and
science from 1957 to 1968 and serving as Superintendent from 1986 until his retirement in 1991.
While at Governor Morehead, Malone started a camp for the students in Swansboro where they could
go each summer for sailing, fishing, crabbing, and other summer activities. Malone wanted the GMS
students to have experiences others said they could not do. He did not believe that their blindness was
a barrier to such experiences and set out to prove that to the students and others.
Vernon Malone was appointed to the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Advisory Council in1968 and
later appointed to the Raleigh City School Board in 1972, where he provided invaluable leadership
with the successful merger of the city and county school systems. He served as vice-chair of the
Interim Wake Board of Education in 1975 and was named Chair of the new Wake County Board of
Education in 1976.
"Of all his accomplishments in public life, it was his work in the 1970s that led to the merger of the
Raleigh city and Wake County school systems that made him the most proud”, said his son Barry.
Malone also recalled as a child that he and his siblings would play with John Murphy’s (WCPSS
Superintendent) children and have sleepovers. Both Malone and Murphy knew that they had to model
for the community what integration meant for the newly merged school system.
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“While other systems put off merging until much later — Durham's consolidated in 1992 —
Wake County schools and Raleigh schools became one system in 1976. The merger changed the
county's real estate landscape, as all homes were in the same school district. As the unified
school system thrived and developed a reputation for first-rate schools, many newcomers to the
region were drawn to Wake County for its schools. What started as a decision about education
also fueled two decades of rapid growth in Wake County. His legacy is the success that we've
achieved with the Wake County schools,”' said John Gilbert, who served on the Wake school
board from 1983 to 1999. “Without Malone's leadership, the merger ‘could not have
happened.'"
Vernon Malone was elected to the Wake County Board of Commissioners in 1984 and served until
2002, during which time he was Chair from 1990 to 1994 and from1998 to 1999. In total, Malone
held an elected office for 40 years.
Vernon Malone served with honor and distinction as a member of the North Carolina Senate during
the 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009 sessions of the General Assembly, where he served on many
committees and provided leadership as Co-chair of the Appropriations Committee on
Education/Higher Education and the Committee of Education/Higher Education.
Vernon Malone maintained a lifelong commitment to education, serving as vice-chair of the Board of
Trustees at Shaw University, Chair of North Carolina Public School Administrators' Task Force, a
member of the Board of Trustees of North Carolina State University and Cities in Schools, and as a
member of the Wake Education Partnership and Wake County Dropout Advisory Council.
Barry Malone describes his father as one who valued sacrifice and hard work. He had high
expectations for people, especially his own children. And in his work as an educator and public
servant he always thought of what was best for all kids. Malone never believed that college was the
only option for children; he believed in multiple options. He believed children could be anything they
wanted. Perhaps most importantly, he believed that “education was the great equalizer.”
Barry
Malone describes his father as quiet, disciplined, kind, and with an uncanny ability to hold
conversations with the homeless man on the street or the wealthy businessman trying to negotiate a
deal. Barry credits this to his father’s deep respect for all people. His father was known for “random
acts of kindness;” he took great joy in seeing others succeed.
Vernon Malone was married to the late Susan Caldwell, who was also a former educator.
Vernon Malone died on April 18, 2009, at the age of 77.
Vernon Malone is survived by two sons, Vernon Roderick Malone and Barry Fitzgerald Malone; a
daughter, Susan LaVerne Malone Battle; a sister, Bessye Burwell; and three grandchildren, Jonathan
Battle, Sydney Battle, and Susan Battle
The Early Vision
Before the first principal of the school was named, there was a committee formed by the district office
in March 2013 whose purpose was to begin the plans for the school. The committee inherited a
skeletal vision. The school would employ WCPSS teachers to teach the curriculum required for
graduation while the Wake Technical Community College faculty would be employed to teach
courses in the 10 programs that had been identified from jobs data for the region: Air Conditioning,
Heating and Refrigeration; Welding; Plumbing; Collision Repair; Biopharmaceutical; Geomatics
Information Systems; Cosmetology; Nursing Assistant; Electrical; and Simulation & Game
Development. The school would be considered part of the Early College & Application schools in the
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district requiring students to participate in an application and selection process for admission.
When the committee began work in March 2013, there were representatives from WCPSS, WTCC,
and Wake County Government all working in collaboration. Subcommittees were formed in
academic areas, recruiting, facilities, and logistics. The committee developed a plan for marketing
and recruitment, developed and completed the Memorandum of Agreement between WTCC and
WCPSS, and made some key decisions about the type of student who would be served at the school
and how the academic program would complement the career and technical program. These decisions
included an emphasis on work-based learning experiences and project- based learning. The priority
was placed on finding students who were first and foremost passionate about the program to which
they were applying and secondly they met the academic expectations that would lead them to begin
college coursework as juniors in high school.
Student Governance
Just as collaboration is vital for faculty success, it is also vital for student success. In an effort to
make sure students are able to collaborate and feel connected to the purpose of the school, a student
government association is essential and will involve as many students as possible. We strongly
encourage all students to consider participating in the student government association.
The Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Student Government Association will be guided by
a constitution. Article 2 states the objective and purpose of the organization as to:
1. Provide a democratic form in which members can plan school activities and events.
2. Maintain communication throughout the school between faculty and students of every grade
level on campus.
3. Offer year- long functions and community service projects.
4. Provide leadership opportunities for students with responsibilities in planning events,
fundraisers and community involvement.
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Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
Faculty and Staff
Administration
Principal
Assistant Principal
Student Services
Dean of Students
Career Development Coordinator
Career Development Coordinator
SAP
Special Populations Coordinator
Student Information Data Manager
Support Staff
Lead Secretary/Bookkeeper
Receptionist/Office Assistant
Certified Staff
Alternative Learning Center (ALC)
Business Education
Business Education
Drafting
English
English
English
Instructional Coach/PBL
Intervention Coordinator
Math/Technology Facilitator
Math
Math
Media Specialist
Science
Science
Science
Spanish
Spanish
Special Programs
Special Programs
Social Studies
Social Studies
Custodians
Head Custodian
Custodian
Dr. Ashlie Thompson
James “Mitch” Weaver
athompson@wcpss.net
jweaver2@wcpss.net
Shanora Kingsberry
Jill Oliver
Sharon Edwards
Linwuan Fulton
Lyn Flammia
Angela Hill
skingsberry@wcpss.net
joliver@wcpss.net
sedwards4@wcpss.net
Lfulton@wcpss.net
pflammia@wcpss.net
ahill@wcpss.net
Tina Jackson
Annika Hallberg
Kristen Whitehead
Monica Price
Christopher Williams
Erin Smith
Shanel Goodson
Carrie Horton
Erin Johnson
Michelle Woods
Dale Warren
Ashley Allen
Tomika Kennion
Sharon Strachan
Jill Ray
Ryon Barton
Anna Downey
Thomas Tomlinson
Carmen Nurinda
Johnny Vargas
Alicia Ellington
Jonathan Nettles
Tammy King
Jason Schlafer
cjackson@wcpss.net
ahallberg@wcpss.net
kwhitehead@wcpss.net
mprice@wcpss.net
cwilliams18@wcpss.net
eschneidersmith@wcpss.net
sgoodson@wcpss.net
chorton2@wcpss.net
ejohnson2@wcpss.net
mwoods@wcpss.net
dwarren@wcpss.net
aallen5@wcpss.net
tkennion@wcpss.net
sstrachan@wcpss.net
jray@wcpss.net
rbarton@wcpss.net
ayasinovskaya-downey@wcpss.net
wtomlinson@wcpss.net
crnurinda@wcpss.net
jvargas@wcpss.net
cellington1@wcpss.net
jnettles@wcpss.net
tking2@wcpss.net
jschlafer@wcpss.net
Miguel Giron
Tamara Williams
mgiron@wcpss.net
twilliams5@wcpss.net
Bobby Williams
Keela Chance
cns581@wcpss.net
cns581@wcpss.net
CNS Staff
CNS Manager
CNS Assistant
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Wake Tech Community College Faculty and Staff
All Trades
Patti Godin
Dean, AET
Russell Wahrman
Administrative Dept. Head, AET
Facilities Technology: Multi-Trades
James Freeman
AHR Program Administrator
Mark Marino
AHR Instructor
William Timberlake
AHR Program Administrator
Richard Moore
EST Program Administrator
Jeffrey Hutchins
EST Instructor
Richard Ramey
EST Program Administrator
David Underwood
PLU Program Administrator
Adam Harward
PLU Program Administrator
Stephen Dumey
PLU Instructor
Biopharmaceutical (BPM)
Dr. Diane Bonner
Instructor
Collision (COL)
Stephen Dumey
Instructor
Cosmetology (COS)
Walter Martin
Dean, Business & Public Services Technologies
Paula Askew
Department Head
Leah Lockamy
Instructor
Geomatics (GIS)
Byron Latil
Program Administrator
Su Leone
Instructor
Nursing Assistant (NA)
Diane Cardamone
Department Head
Brenda Williams
Instructor
Susan Baker
Instructor
Simulation & Game Design (SGD)
Cindy Halliday
Department Head
George Cox
Instructor
Angela Bequette
Dean, CET
Cynthia Foster
Department Head, SGD
Welding (WLD)
Christ Gitthens
Program Administrator
Patricia Mills
Instructor
Vacant
Jeremy McFarland
WTCC Administrative Staff
Director, CTEP (Wake Tech Liaison)
WTCC Police Officer
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2015-2016 Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
Calendar
http://www2.wcpss.net/calendars/index.htm
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Bell Schedules 2015 – 2016
Regular Day
Periods
1st
2nd
Hawks Nest (Lunch)
Lunch
3rd
4th
First Bell at 7:18
Start
End
7:25
8:49
8:54
10:18
10:23
10:50
10:50
11:20
11:25
12:49
12:54
2:18
Time
84 min
84 min
27 min
30 min
84 min
84 min
READY
(Fridays)
Periods
1st
2nd
Lunch
Advisory
3rd
4th
First Bell at 7:18
Start
End
7:25
8:45
8:50
10:10
10:10
10:47
10:51
11:28
11:33
12:53
12:58
2:18
Time
80 min
80 min
37 min
37 min
80 min
80 min
Early Release
September 14th, October 16th, December 18th
January 15th, February 12th, March 6th
Periods
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
First Bell at 7:18
Start
End
7:25
8:27
8:32
9:34
9:39
10:41
10:46
11:48
Bag lunches will be served
Time
62 min
62 min
62 min
62 min
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Delayed Bell Schedules
1-Hour Delay
First Bell at 8:18
Periods
1st
2nd
Lunch
3rd
4th
Start
End
8:25
9:46
9:41
11:02
11:02
11:36
Time
76 min
76 min
34 min
11:41
1:02
12:57
2:18
76 min
76 min
Start
End
9:25
10:31
10:26
11:32
11:32
12:06
Time
61 min
61 min
34 min
12:11
1:17
1:12
2:18
61 min
61 min
2-Hour Delay
First Bell at 9:18
Periods
1st
2nd
Lunch
rd
3
4th
3-Hour Delay
Periods
1st
2nd
Lunch
3rd
4th
Start
First Bell at 10:18
End
10:25
11:16
11:11
12:02
12:02
12:41
1:32
12:36
1:27
2:18
Time
46 min
46 min
34 min
46 min
46 min
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Academic Essentials
General Information
Credits and college options: Students complete the majority of their high school graduation
requirements during their sophomore and junior years at VMCCA. Opportunities to earn credit
toward certification, competitive admissions, diplomas and/or associate degrees are during the
junior and senior year. Work- based learning experiences including internships and preapprenticeships will occur during the senior year.
Course assignments: The VMCCA program is designed on the principle of student cohort
support and course assignments. Therefore, VMCCA students register for high school and college
courses at the direction and with the approval of the VMCCA administration and the WTCC
Director of Career and Technical Education Partnership.
Criteria for college course enrollment: Students are eligible to take college courses when they
demonstrate college-readiness based on the following criteria: 1) above average achievement in
high school courses (cumulative grade point average of 3.0 weighted); 2) proficient levels of
achievement on North Carolina end-of-course tests and MSLs; and 3) conduct reflective of the
maturity of a college student. The VMCCA administration and WTCC Director of Career and
Technical Education Partnership determine the point at which students may take a college course
and the appropriate courses in which students will enroll.
College courses and high school credits: VMCCA students receive both high school and
college credit for college classes. Grades earned in community college classes are reported on the
high school transcript and calculated in a student’s overall high school grade point average. Most
college classes carry an additional quality point (5.0 scale) as required by the North Carolina
Department of Public Instruction.
Wake Tech information and communication: VMCCA students must have a current Wake
Tech application on file. Students are issued a Wake Tech student identification number, a
Wake Tech email account, and access to Blackboard. All information about college courses is
communicated through the Wake Tech Blackboard account, not the WCPSS HomeBase account.
Students must use their Wake Tech email account when they communicate with VMCCA and
Wake Tech instructors.
Program graduation after completions of high school graduation requirements: When a
VMCCA student completes all high school graduation courses and/or is not able to advance to
college courses, that student will be eligible for graduation as he/she will have exhausted all
components of the VMCCA program.
Academic Expectations
Enrollment requirements: VMCCA adheres to the standards for instruction and attendance
required of all Wake County Public School System high schools. To achieve the VMCCA
mission, the academic program requires full-time enrollment for all students. During the first two
years, VMCCA students are required to take four (4) courses each semester. Early release/part-time
enrollments are not available during the first two years of the program. Special circumstances
may allow for seniors to participate in a modified schedule. Requests and approval of reduced
schedules requires parental consent and VMCCA administration approval.
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Attendance and academic support: VMCCA students attend all classes regularly to succeed in
their high school and college courses. Successful VMCCA students maintain close contact with
their high school teachers and college instructors. They check their grades often and seek help
when needed through the instructor or VMCCA staff. All VMCCA students have both formal and
informal meetings with VMCCA and Wake Tech staff periodically for the purpose on monitoring
their academic progress.
Monitoring Academic Progress and Grade Reporting
Academic evaluation is a process whereby teachers maintain and analyze reliable and valid
information for the purpose of making decisions about a student’s progress. Teachers are asked to use
educationally sound criteria in the evaluation process and the grading procedures and grading system
established by the Wake County Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public
Instruction.
The Wake County Board of Education authorizes the release of grades and progress reports on a
regular basis throughout the school year. The purpose of each grading period is to inform students,
parents and counselors of the quality of work performed by each student during a given time period.
Meaningful evaluation shall include consideration of all activities that have occurred during a
particular evaluation period. Such activities shall include homework, projects and assessments. The
relative value attached to any activity shall be determined by the importance of the activity in
mastering the objectives of the course. VMCCA faculty shall make contacts over and above the
formal reporting schedule to assure that parents are aware of unsatisfactory or unusual student
progress, especially if a student is failing.
WCPSS Grading Policy
5520
GRADING SYSTEM
5520
The Board of Education is committed to maintaining rigorous performance and achievement standards
for all students and to providing a fair and consistent process for evaluating and reporting student
progress that is understandable to students and their parents and relevant for instructional purposes.
A. GRADING SYSTEM
1. The purpose of a grading system is to appropriately and consistently measure and
communicate an individual student’s level of mastery of defined learning objectives.
2. All WCPSS grading and reporting practices will support the learning and teaching process
and encourage success for all students.
3. Grading practices are not to be punitive in nature.
4. For students at risk of academic failure, schools will develop and implement a plan for
grade recovery.
B. ASSESSMENTS
1. All local assessments and assignments will be aligned with state/district adopted standards
and /or curriculum and be designed to appropriately assess student achievement.
2. Appropriate and consistent evaluation of academic achievement shall employ formative
and summative assessments to determine a student’s level of mastery of curriculum
objectives.
C. SCHOOL-BASED GRADING PLAN
16
1. The principal of each school will ensure the development of a school-based grading plan
and will place the plan on file in the school and will submit it to the designated area
superintendent.
2. Upon approval of a school-based grading plan, the principal shall be responsible for
communicating the plan to staff, students, and parents.
D. COMMUNICATION
1. Teachers will provide students and their parents/guardians with clear explanations of their
grading practices.
2. Teachers will provide each student with regular feedback to promote learning, selfevaluation, and growth.
3. Communication between teachers, parents, and students will be timely, including ongoing
system-wide mechanisms for communication of student progress and grades.
E. GRADING PERIOD/INTERIMS/REPORT CARDS
In grades K-12, report cards are issued to students each quarter. Interim reports are issued to
all students at the mid-point of each quarter.
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Grading Policies and Procedures
In the Wake County Public School System, we are committed to maintaining rigorous performance
and achievement standards for all students and to providing a fair and consistent process for
evaluating and reporting student progress that is understandable to students and their parents and
relevant for instructional purposes.
At Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, we believe that a grade is a fair and consistent
measurement that gauges student mastery of learning objectives. Their purpose is to communicate to
all stakeholders a student’s level of understanding about established objectives. We believe
achievement should be communicated separately from information about student’s effort and
behavior.
The information below shares specific information about grading at our school.
Assessment Types
There are two types of assessment: formative and summative.
Summative assessments are designed to evaluate students’ academic achievement at the end of a
sequence of instruction. Only summative assessments will count toward a student’s grade in order for
the grade to reflect only the academic achievement.
Formative assessments are designed to provide the student with direction for improvement and to
provide the teacher with direction for instruction. All formative assessments will receive feedback,
and performance on formative assessments will be reflected in the student effort and behavior grade.
Homework
The following are district-wide expectations for homework:
•
Assignments:
o The teacher will introduce a concept or skill, thoroughly explain the concept or skill,
and provide guided practice before making a related homework assignment.
17
o Homework assignments shall be specific, within the student' ability and have clearly
defined expectations. Questions pertaining to the completion of a homework
assignment should be answered and clarified.
o Homework assignments are not to be given as punishment or busy work.
o Homework assignments will not require the use of books or materials, which are not
readily available in the home or accessible to the student.
The following are school-wide expectations for homework:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Should not exceed an average of 30 minutes per class each night;
Aside from long-term projects, should not be scheduled during student breaks;
Will count towards the summative assignment grade for that unit of study and will count for no
more than 10% of that summative grade.
Homework/classwork may be completed throughout the duration of a unit of study.
Homework/Classwork will be accepted at any time until the summative assignment is
complete, for no penalty.
Homework/classwork will not be accepted after the summative and unit of study has been
completed.
All homework should receive feedback.
Extra Credit
The following are school-wide expectations for extra credit:
•
Extra credit will not be offered to students. We commit to assigning students meaningful,
purposeful work to facilitate learning. All of it is essential to mastery of learning objectives. If
additional practice is needed for mastery, it will be assigned.
Missed Work
The following are district-wide expectations for missed work:
•
•
If the absence is approved in advance and/or if the work is assigned by the teacher in advance,
all make-up work, including tests assigned for the day of return, is due upon the student's
return to school. Teachers should use discretion and may make exceptions in the case of
students whose excused absences were not planned in advance, were beyond the student'
control, and the nature of which would not support make-up work the day of return
If the make-up work has not been assigned in advance, for absences of one (1) to three (3)
days, the student will have one day for each day absent. For absences exceeding three (3) days,
the student may have two (2) days for each day absent to make up work. Special consideration
will be given in the case of extended absences due to injury or chronic illness.
The following are school-wide expectations for missed work:
•
•
If the missed work is not related to absences, students will have up to three days to turn in the
assignment. After a maximum of three days, the teacher will notify the parent. Students will
then have a minimum of three additional days to submit the work.
Students will receive full credit for the assignment. The behavior grade will address
submission of late assignments.
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•
Power School, by default, does not calculate missing work in the grade. Teachers will enter
missed work as a zero throughout the quarter to indicate that it is missing. At the end of a
grading quarter, any missing work will be recorded as a 40.
Prevention-Intervention Plan
For all students, our school seeks to provide a prevention/intervention system that promotes successful
completion and mastery of standards.
The following are school-wide expectations for how we support prevention-intervention efforts:
•
•
•
Hawks Nest Tutorial will be required for all classes the first four weeks of each new
semester. It will serve as an opportunity for students to accelerate their learning, spend extra
time on topics and to benefit from re-teaching. At the end of the required four weeks, students
that have a “C” or better will be exited from HN. Students may self-initiate to attend or be
assigned by the teacher. The teacher can reassign students if their average drops below a “C.”
Resubmission of Assignments
o Students will be allowed to resubmit summative assignments. They will be allowed
one resubmission. Teachers will determine when a resubmission is allowed, the
timeframe in which it is allowed, and whether whole or part of the resubmission will be
done.
o If students don’t complete a set of formative/ practice homework assignments and then
fail the related summative assessment, they must go back and complete all the
formative tasks before they can retake the assessment.
o For resubmissions, the new grade will replace the original grade whether it is higher or
lower.
If a student earns below a 50 in the first quarter and then passes the second quarter and the
final exam for the course, the teacher may go back and increase the first quarter grade to a 50
to calculate the final grade.
Calculating Grades
The following are school-wide expectations for calculating grades:
•
Grading Scale for Summative Assessments:
§ Major Assessments: 55%
§ Minor Assessments: 35%
§ Homework
10%
•
Range of Summative Assessments in a Quarter
§ In order to maintain consistency in calculation, all teachers will include 10-20
assessments per quarter* as part of the student’s grade
(* per semester for year-long courses)
•
Grading Scale for Formative Assignments*:
§ Mastered
2
§ Not Yet Mastered
1
§ Not Yet Submitted 0
*All formative assignments will receive feedback and will be reflected in the student effort and
behavior grade.
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•
Teachers are committed to updating their grades in Power School at a minimum of every two
weeks.
Grading Scale: Students entering high school for the first time in the 2015-2016 school year and
after.
Letter Grades
A
B
C
D
F
Community College Honor Courses
Courses Quality Points Quality Points
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
0
0
Other Courses
Quality Points
4
3
2
1
0
Grading Scale: Students entering high school for the first time before the 2015-2016 school year.
Letter Grades
A
B
C
D
F
Community College Honor Courses
Courses Quality Points Quality Points
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
0
0
Other Courses
Quality Points
4
3
2
1
0
All students are now on the following 10 point grading scale below.
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
D = 60 – 69
F = 59 – 0
I = Incomplete
WF = Withdrawal with an F
FF = Failure due to absences
Grading Periods and Interim Report Periods
Reports cards will be issued at the end of each nine- week grading period at Vernon Malone College
and Career Academy. Teachers must issue interim reports for all students at mid-point of each quarter
according to the WCPSS calendar. The relative value attached to any activity is determined by the
importance of the activity in mastering the objectives of the course.
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Reporting Periods and Report Card Timeline
2015-2016
Interims Due
Week of:
1st Quarter
September 8
2nd Quarter
November 9
3rd Quarter
February 8
4th Quarter
April 25
October 8
January 7
March 31
June 2
Report Cards
Distributed On:
Course Withdrawal Penalty
Except in emergency situations as approved by the principal, students are not allowed to drop a course
after the first ten days of school. If a student withdraws after a ten-day period and an emergency
situation does not exist, a failure (WF) is noted as the grade and the course is counted as a course
attempted with no quality points relative to class rank.
Process for Calculating Grades for EOC Courses (including MSL courses)
In all courses with an End of Course test (English II, Common Core I and Biology), the EOC shall
count as 25% of the student’s final grade. A uniform process and formula shall be used to calculate
student grades.
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
37.5%
37.5%
25% EOC
Final Grade Average = .375 (Q1 Average) + .375 (Q2 Average) + .25 EOC
Process for Calculating Grades for CTE Post Assessments
In all courses with a post assessment, the CTE Post Assessments exam shall count as 20% of the
student’s final grade.
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
CTE Post Assessment
40%
40%
20%
Final Grade Average = .4 (Q1 Average) + ..4 (Q2 Average) + .2 (CTE Post Assessment)
21
Process for Calculating Grades for Non-EOC Courses
In non-End of-Course courses, the following procedures will be used to calculate grades. The final
exam shall count up to 20% of the final grade.
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
40%
40%
20% Final Exam
Final Grade Average = .4 (Q1 Average) + .4 (Q2 Average) + .20 Final Exam
Recognition Systems
The following honor roll will be used in recognition of academic achievement
• “A” honor roll
• “A-B” honor roll
Grades below “B” and incomplete grades are not acceptable for honor roll purposes. Honor rolls will
be computed and published for each grading period.
Class Rank
Wake County currently utilizes class rank based on a three- tiered classification with Advanced
Placement, Advanced and Honors course having more weight than other courses because of the
academic rigor of these courses. To compute a grade point average, the total number of quality points
earned using end of course grades is divided by the total number of units of credit attempted and the
results rounded to the third decimal place. AP, IB and Honors Concentration (HC) designated courses
will carry weighted credit.
Repeating a Course
Students may opt to repeat a failed course or to improve a low grade received for a first attempt. In
both cases, record of the first attempt must be kept.
Grade Recording
Teachers have a responsibility to keep accurate records of student performance on all assignments.
Grades should be recorded in the teacher’s grade book and an indication of the nature of the
assignment and each student’s grade on the assignment should be recorded. Records should be neat,
legible and accurate. In addition, grades in PowerSchool must be updated every two weeks. Grade
books will be collected at the end of the school year and will be filed at school.
Teachers should maintain hard copies of grades for their students. Administrators may request printed
copies of grades for students during the quarter and/or at the end of a grading period. Teachers should
follow PowerSchool procedures for submitting grades.
22
Graduation Requirements
The NC State Board of Education developed gateways outlining minimum standards of proficiency
students must demonstrate. Before entering high school, students must pass Gateways 1, 2, and 3 by
demonstrating proficiency on End-of-Grade Tests and writing assessments. Gateway 4 must be passed
to meet the minimum requirements to receive a North Carolina High School Diploma. The following
are the minimum requirements:
• Pass existing local and state graduation requirements
• Pass the NC Reading and Math Competency Test (Administered in 8th Grade)
Students must satisfy all the course and testing requirements within one of the four North Carolina
Courses of Study. Freshmen entering in 2012-2013 must have 22 credits to graduate, all others need
21. Students should refer to the Vernon Malone High School Course Description Guide for
information regarding requirements within the North Carolina Courses of Study.
Promotion Requirements
Promotion to grade ten is based on successful completion of at least four credits, one of which must be
English and two that must me in the area of mathematics, social studies or science and one additional
credit.
Promotion to grade eleven is based on the successful completion of a minimum of eight credits; two
that must be ninth and tenth grade English, one must be in mathematics, one must be in social studies
or science.
Promotion to grade twelve is based on the successful completion of fourteen units of credit, three of
which must be English. The student must be enrolled in a program that is successfully accomplished,
will result in the completion of graduation requirements.
No two English courses shall be taken concurrently in the same academic year except in extenuating
circumstances as defined by the principal. Any student failing an English course is strongly
encouraged to make up that credit in summer school.
23
Courses of Study/Credits
The Wake County Board of Education requires students to pass three EOC assessments (Common
Core Math 1, Biology and English II).
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PREP
FUTURE READY CORE
Course of Study Requirements
Meets the highest level of academic standards and fulfills the
minimum course requirements for admission to UNC Institutions
Course
No. of
Credits
English
English I, II, III, & IV
4
Mathematics
Math I, II III & Integrated Math IV
4
Science
Biology
Earth/Environmental Science A
Physical Science
3
Social Studies
World History Civics &
Economics American
History I* American
History II*
Second Language
Two credits in the same language
Healthful Living Education
Healthful Living I
Electives/ Wake Tech Program Area Courses
Total*
4
2
1
*Varies
by
program
22
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Graduation Requirements
The NC State Board of Education developed gateways outlining minimum standards of proficiency
students must demonstrate. Before entering high school, students must pass Gateways 1, 2, and 3 by
demonstrating proficiency on End-of-Grade Tests and writing assessments. Gateway 4 must be passed
to meet the minimum requirements to receive a North Carolina High School Diploma. The following
are the minimum requirements:
• Pass existing local and state graduation requirements
• Pass the NC Reading and Math Competency Test (Administered in 8th Grade)
Students must satisfy all the course and testing requirements within one of the four North Carolina
Courses of Study. Freshmen entering in 2012-2013 must have 22 credits to graduate, all others need
21. Students should refer to the Vernon Malone High School Course Description Guide for
information regarding requirements within the North Carolina Courses of Study.
Promotion Requirements
Promotion to grade ten is based on successful completion of at least four credits, one of which must be
English and two that must me in the area of mathematics, social studies or science and one additional
credit.
Promotion to grade eleven is based on the successful completion of a minimum of eight credits; two
that must be ninth and tenth grade English, one must be in mathematics, one must be in social studies
or science.
Promotion to grade twelve is based on the successful completion of fourteen units of credit, three of
which must be English. The student must be enrolled in a program that is successfully accomplished,
will result in the completion of graduation requirements.
No two English courses shall be taken concurrently in the same academic year except in extenuating
circumstances as defined by the principal. Any student failing an English course is strongly
encouraged to make up that credit in summer school.
Course Registration and Student Schedules
Each semester the VMCCA administration develops a school-wide schedule for students. The
prescribed nature of the VMCCA academic program provides limited opportunities for students
to select courses or follow the traditional schedule selection procedures of larger high schools.
However, students will have some choice of elective courses.
Each semester the VMCCA Student Services team will meet with each student individually to
review his/her schedule for the upcoming semester. They will review credits earned/
credits required and ensure that the schedule for the new semester meets the students’
academic program requirements.
Student schedules for Wake Tech courses are recorded by the Director of Career and Technical
Education Partnership in the student’s Wake Tech Web Advisor account. Students use their
Wake Tech log-in to access their Web Advisor account.
25
Online Courses
The VMCCA academic program has been designed to fulfill all student course needs through seated
courses during the regular school year. Occasionally, students may need an additional course to
complete their schedule. Thus, they may be recommended for an on-line course offered through the
North Carolina Virtual Public Schools (ncvps.org) delivery system.
In such cases, students work with VMCCA Student Services staff to identify an appropriate course
offered through North Carolina Virtual Public Schools. VMCCA staff will be responsible for course
registration and will insure that students have access t o materials necessary to complete the
course. Students will complete the VMCCA NCVPS Agreement prior to their registration in an online course. Students will be provided a period for accessing the course during the school day.
Grades earned in the on-line course are included on the high school transcript and are
calculated in a student’s cumulative grade point average.
Students may be interested in applying for a summer on-line course. They may request only those
courses that are not offered during the traditional school year. They must complete the VMCCA
NCVPS Agreement prior to being registered for the course.
VMCCA students are not eligible for enrollment in Wake Tech online courses, except when a
course that is required for graduation is not available during the instructional day or a student must
repeat a course and the on-line section is the only one that a student’s schedule can accommodate.
Career and College Promise Courses
The program area courses taught by WTCC instructors are Career and College Promise courses
Students receive both WCPSS credit and WTCC credit for their work.
Grades for Career and College Promise courses are a part of the student’s transcript. Grades for
Career and College Promise courses are calculated as part of the student’s overall grade point
average for VMCCA and Wake Tech. Students are expected to maintain a “C” or better in their
Career and College Promise class. Failure to do so may result in the student being prohibited from
future college courses and may result in the student being graduated from the VMCCA program if
the student has met all of the high school graduation requirements.
Students may not substitute other courses in the CCP certificate or diploma programs.
Summer School and Credit Recovery Policy
WCPSS summer school, using GradPoint, will be offered to VMCCA students as long as it is
offered through WCPSS. Summer school seats will be assigned to upperclassmen first. Courses
through this system are for recovery credit only. Every GradPoint summer school student must
complete an official registration form. All student requests and registrations require the approval of
the VMCCA Administration. Transportation and Child Nutrition Services are not provided by
WCPSS for summer school.
With the approval of the VMCCA Administration and W T C C Director of Career and Technical
Education Partnership, VMCCA students may take summer school courses through Wake Tech
to recover a course for which they did not receive a transferable credit if the grade earned was
below a C. Students may not take Wake Tech summer school courses for first-time credit toward
an associate’s degree. ALL costs associated with summer school are the responsibility of the
student.
26
Maintaining and Reporting Grades for Students in WTCC Courses
College instructors maintain communication appropriate to the college environment. They
communicate directly with their students, the academic deans and department heads. This practice
is applied to VMCCA students universally. Instructors also maintain communication with the
WTCC Director of Career and Technical Education Partnership, who communicates and collaborates
with the VMCCA administration. VMCCA administration will call parents and meet with students
as they are notified of academic or other performance information or concerns.
College instructors are not required to meet reporting deadlines normally associated with high
school grade reporting. Students and their families should maintain awareness of academic progress
and may do so via the Wake Technical Community College Blackboard System. The WTCC
Director of Career and Technical Education Partnership assists students with accessing their
Blackboard account. VMCCA faculty and staff do not have access to Blackboard information.
Students must provide parents with the log-on information for the account.
Wake Tech instructors maintain Blackboard accounts. In addition, students are encouraged to take
advantage of the instructor’s office hours to ask questions and discuss their grades. Students may
also request an alternate meeting time if the instructor’s office hours conflict with other class times.
College grades are reported at the end of each semester. Wake Tech reports student college course
grades.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a
Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that
receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights
transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school
level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
•
•
•
v
v
v
v
v
Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records
maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for
reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the
records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they
believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent
or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still
decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement
with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to
release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to
disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following
conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
27
v
v
v
v
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address,
telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However,
schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and
eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory
information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights
under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student
handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.
28
Career Development Opportunities
Experiences beyond the classroom richly enhance the VMCCA experience. Our partnership
with Wake Tech, and business and community partners, provide great opportunities for students to
expand their understanding and exposure in their chosen program area. The Career Development
Coordinator will schedule events and present opportunities that students should plan to include in
their professional resume.
Speakers
Each month Wake Tech and professionals representing the business community make
themselves available to students during SMART Lunch. Presentations address areas that students
have identified as potential career fields.
Volunteering
Community and business representatives work closely with the VMCCA Career Development
Coordinator to create meaningful volunteer services experiences. Information sessions are offered
throughout the year. To be eligible to volunteer students must have demonstrated strong
academic performance and personal character. Volunteer opportunities may begin during the
junior year. Potential volunteers complete an application and undergo an interview and orientation
process to earn these opportunities.
To be considered for these opportunities, students must complete the Community Service
Volunteer packet in its entirety. Once a student has been approved for the Community Service
Volunteer Program, he/she must complete the Volunteer Contract. Volunteer hours must be
completed outside of the school day. Students who do not uphold the Volunteer Contract may be
asked to terminate their volunteer experience and may be prevented from additional career
development opportunities within the community. In addition, students volunteering in a health
care setting must have up to date immunizations.
Job Shadowing
Students may be eligible for job shadowing opportunities in their sophomore year. These
include participating in program area classes offered through Wake Tech, visits with
professionals and other individuals associated with VMCCA Advisory Boards.
Internships and Apprenticeships
Students may consider participation in internships and apprenticeships between their junior and
senior years. Students should contact the Career Development Coordinator for additional
information about competitive internships and apprenticeships available through the Advisory
Board and business partnerships.
Enrichment Experiences outside of the VMCCA Partnership
Numerous enrichment opportunities in the program areas are available to students who want to
broaden their backgrounds and build their resumes. Students should visit the VMCCA College
and Career Center for information. An ongoing list of opportunities is also available on the
VMCCA website.
29
Academic Support Services and Programs
READY
All Vernon Malone College and Career Academy students will graduate college and career READY.
In an effort to provide students with support, all VMCCA students participate in an advisory
program, READY, focusing on 3 priorities: preparing students to be successful learners in a project
based learning environment; preparing students to be career-ready by educating them on employability
skills; and preparing students to be college-ready by educating students on topics including college
applications and financial aid. In addition, the READY program will promote stuents building close
relationships with faculty, developing strong friendships with fellow students, and being innovative in
applying knowledge and skills through their work. READY activities encourage students to reflect
on the work they are doing and the way they are presenting themselves. Activities may include
group discussions, reading selections, academic and personal goal setting, character education, guest
speakers and many other activities. READY meets on Fridays during SMART Lunch for 30 minutes.
Clubs, Organizations, and Activities
Campus organizations are available to all VMCCA students. In the opening year we will work to
establish FBLA, NHS, National Technical Honor Society, SGA, SkillsUSA, and Yearbook an
activities that are of interest to the students. Students may propose additional clubs and
organizations. They must have a faculty sponsor before the club or activity begins.
Counseling and Student Services
The VMCCA Counseling and Student Services department includes a Dean of Students, Counselor,
two Career Development Coordinators, SAP counselor, ALC teacher and Intervention Coordinator.
These individuals work collaboratively to develop academic plans for students, to monitor student
progress toward completing those plans and to offer intervention and support when students are
struggling.
The Career Development Coordinators work closely with VMCCA partners to insure that each
student has academic and extracurricular experiences that relate to his/her specific interests in the
program area in which he/she is enrolled. Students and their families may schedule an appointment
with any member of the Counseling and Student Services department at any time.
Parent-Student Conferences
The principal, assistant principal, counselor or any teacher may request a conference with the
parent/guardian to discuss student progress or concerns. Parents may call the VMCCA office to
schedule a conference at any time during the school year as well.
Wake Tech college instructors do not attend VMCCA parent conferences. Parents may request
specific information about a course by communicating with Wake Tech Liaison, Lisa Bulls, after
attempting to obtain grades from their child.
Class Nights
While each year in high school represents a major milestone in a student’s academic development,
junior and senior year are vitally important years. A special parent/student information night for
juniors and seniors will be held during the fall semester. The program for these events may include
presentations from Wake Tech officials, as well as information about financial planning for
college and career planning information. Families should plan to attend these events.
30
Open Houses
VMCCA hosts an Open House for the purpose of connecting VMCCA families to the VMCCA
faculty and staff and to share important curriculum details. These occur within the first few weeks of
the first semester. Additional meetings to facilitate home-school communication and for families to
be a part of the exciting work at VMCCA will occur throughout the year as well. Input from
VMCCA families is always welcome and encouraged.
Below 70
Students should develop a mindset of earning a “C” as the minimum standard in all courses. This
standard is an essential one for VMCCA students because of the unique relationship of high school
and college courses. If students fail to maintain this standard in college courses they may be
dropped from the courses. Additionally, advancing to higher levels within an academic area is
contingent upon students earning a C or higher in the preceding course.
The Below 70 List conditions students to this level of success. It also ensures students have
continued access to college courses during their enrollment at VMCCA.
Every two weeks VMCCA faculty submits their “Below 70 List.” This list alerts the VMCCA
administration, Student Services, and Intervention Coordinator about students who are failing to
maintain a C average in their high school courses. Students on the below 70 list will be required to
attend the Hawks Nest during lunch. VMCCA families may be contacted for conferences if students
consistently fall below 70 in their courses.
Personal Education Plans (PEP)
In accordance with WCPSS Board Policy 5530, students who are at-risk for academic failure and
who may jeopardize graduating from high school will have a PEP developed for them until they
demonstrate consistent academic success. Teachers work in conjunction with the VMCCA
Intervention Coordinator to identify appropriate strategies they recommend for improvement. The
student and the parent/guardian will receive a copy of the PEP as well as regular reports on the
student’s academic progress toward the completion of the PEP.
Hawks Nest
Hawks Nest is a vital intervention strategy available to all VMCCA students. The VMCCA
Intervention Coordinator facilitates this program. Students will be assigned tutorial during lunch by
the Intervention Coordinator based on information provided by teachers. This time is intended to be
an opportunity for re-teaching content students are not mastering as well as front-loading difficult
instruction in the future. Hawks Nest is intended to provide students time for academic support in lieu
of staying after school hours. Students who are in good standing and do not need academic support
will have the entire lunch period for lunch, study, or project work on their own. All students will be
placed in Hawks Nest at the beginning of each semester or quarter and will have to be exited.
Starfish System
Wake Tech Community College uses the Starfish System in Blackboard. This is an early warning
system that allows the instructor of a course to initiate communication with a student if there is a
concern about the student’s grades. It is important to note that students only will see this warning
unless the student provides the parent with access to the Blackboard site. If a student receives a
warning from the instructor via Starfish, it is important for the student to follow up with the instructor
to determine how to improve his/her grade.
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VMCCA Transcript Policy
VMCCA students create a high school and a college transcript during their enrollment in the
program. The high school transcript reports ALL courses in which a student has enrolled, including
Wake Tech college courses, NCVPS courses, Summer School courses, and any other credit-bearing
courses related to high school achievement.
The college courses listed on the high school transcript DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA for
transcript records required for admissions to colleges and universities. Therefore, VMCCA students
are responsible for sending BOTH their VMCCA transcript and Wake Tech transcript to the
colleges and universities to which they are applying.
Students need to have their transcript sent when applying to colleges in the fall or winter. They will
also need to submit A FINAL transcript from both VMCCA and Wake Tech at the end of their
graduating year. Mid-year transcripts are often requested from a college, as well. Students will need to
request them in the same manner in which they request other transcripts.
Transcript Reviews and Requests
Each semester Student Services’ staff reviews every student’s WCPSS transcript to ensure that they
accurately reflect the courses students have taken and the grades they have earned. If a student has a
Wake Tech transcript, counselors compare the WCPSS transcript with the Wake Tech transcripts.
VMCCA Transcripts
All VMCCA students will use the Wake County Public School System website to request all
VMCCA transcripts. Please visit http://www.wcpss.net. Scroll down and click on “Get Student
Transcripts” on the left side of your screen. When the page comes up, scroll down and click on
“Request Transcripts and Student Records”. You will then see 5 options from which to choose.
Only the first 2 options will apply to you.
Option 1 will take you directly into the College Foundation of North Carolina site. This is the site to
use for all NC colleges and universities. It will send your final transcript automatically after
graduation if you have requested an initial transcript at some point during the year. Option 2 is for
all other transcript requests - out of state colleges and scholarship requests. The first 3 requests
under option 2 are free; each additional request will be $10.00. You will have to request your final
transcript after graduation.
Student Transfers within WCPSS
If a student transfers from Vernon Malone College and Career Academy to another WCPSS high
school, he/she should provide two transcripts to the school in which he/she is enrolling: a WCPSS
transcript and a Wake Tech transcript. The WCPSS transcript will provide documentation of high
school and college level courses, and the Wake Tech transcript will show college credits earned.
Wake Tech Transcripts
Student may obtain unofficial transcripts through their WebAdvisor accounts. For information
on how to obtain an official Wake Tech transcript visit: http://www.waketech.edu/studentservices/registration-student-records/transcripts
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College Planning & Financial Aid
College Planning
Students should begin exploring their options beyond VMCCA as early as the fall of their junior
year. VMCCA student counselors will hold junior and senior conferences to begin to determine the
interests and intentions that students have. Students should also attend information sessions hosted
by VMCCA and the colleges/universities of interest to them. They should also meet with VMCCA
Student Services counselors for guidance in the application process and for support with admissions
and financial planning.
Getting into College
VMCCA students must begin the college application process in the fall of their senior year with
the least amount of negative marks as possible on their college, as well as high school,
transcripts. A strong transcript significantly increases a student’s chance of being accepted by the
college(s) where they apply.
Four year colleges and universities look for students who have:
1. Earned good grades in both their high school and college courses,
2. sufficiently challenged themselves while demonstrating a solid work ethic and effective
study habits,
3. earned final grades that are transferable (grades of C or better),
4. achieved satisfactory SAT and/or ACT scores,
5. Actively and consistently participated in activities and organizations in school and the
community including volunteering/community service work, and attended class regularly.
For example, East Carolina University currently requires a minimum 2.5 GPA on students’
college transcripts to be considered for admission. Other criteria are also considered (see list above)
once the GPA minimum has been met.
Letters of recommendation offer significant merit to the application. Be sure to participate in
some school-related activities, keep your grades up, keep the school staff informed about your
extracurricular activities, and build positive and respectful relationships while at school.
It is important that student’s request letters of recommendation in a timely manner (allow at least
two weeks prior to the application deadline) and provide the recommendation writer with the
following:
A copy of your updated resume - activities are extremely important.
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the receiving college or university. Do not
put your personal return address on the envelope.
Remember, to follow-up with a thank you (card or email); this always goes a long way.
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The Scholarship Process
Private sources make up a small piece of the total financial aid picture. Nonetheless, there are a
number of scholarship opportunities – the challenge is finding the opportunities that are applicable
to your individual situation. Websites are listed on the next page that will assist you in your
scholarship search and college information research. Mrs. Shanora Kingsberry, Dean of Students
will be emailing updates regarding local scholarship opportunities, as well. Check VMCCA
Student Services website for updates as well.
Researching appropriate scholarships and completing scholarship application forms can be timeconsuming – plan accordingly. Remember to never pay for a scholarship or for scholarship
information. Individual colleges and universities also offer merit-based scholarship programs which
will be offered to qualified students once accepted. Be sure to review the scholarship websites of
your college(s) of interest for a complete list of college-specific websites.
Examples of Scholarship Criteria:
Academic merit
Leadership activities
Community service
Extracurricular activities
Work experience
Honors and achievements
Financial need
Personal statements and essays
Overcoming adversity
Examples of Scholarship Essays:
Describe a person or event having a significant impact on you.
Describe a social problem of interest to you.
What are your plans after graduation?
Explain what motivates you to volunteer in your community.
Explain why you need this scholarship.
Write a statement describing your interests, life goals, ambitions, and hopes.
College Financial Aid
There are several types of financial aid students and parents may pursue in paying for college.
These include: scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, entitlement programs, and employment. All
types of financial aid come from various sources that include the federal government, local clubs,
civic organizations, and colleges and universities themselves.
Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by all students wishing
to be considered for any federal financial aid. The FAFSA form is the gateway to all federal
money. To initiate the financial aid process, you and your parents must submit a financial aid form.
The FAFSA is a confidential document used to collect information for determining a student’s need
for financial aid.
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An estimate of your family’s financial ability to contribute to the costs of education beyond high
school is computed. The amount is known as the Estimated Financial Contribution (EFC). The
EFC is an indicator of how much the government believes the family can pay each year for their
student’s education. However, this amount does not necessarily mean that the college or university
will require the family to pay the entire amount. This estimate and a copy of the appropriate form
are forwarded at your request to the Pell Grant Program, to state scholarship and grant programs,
and to financial aid officers at the colleges or other post-secondary institutions you specify on the
form. Speak with the college or university financial aid officer directly to discuss adjustments to
this financial aid package.
The decision to award financial aid rests with individual institutions and programs – who directly
inform students whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. Some colleges and universities
require submission of both the FAFSA and College PROFILE - along with their own financial aid
application for consideration for merit or academic scholarships. Only 5 colleges require the
College PROFILE in Northern Carolina. They are: UNC-Chapel Hill, Davidson, Duke, Elon, and
Wake Forest.
The FAFSA forms are available through the VMCCA Student Services Office beginning in January
of your graduation year. The earliest the form may be sent electronically or through US Mail is
January 1, 2015 for a student entering college in August of 2015. The forms for North Carolina
colleges generally must be submitted before March 1st of your senior year. Some schools have an
earlier date; therefore, you must adhere to the deadline for each school. You may complete the
FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and the PROFILE online at www.collegeboard.com.
The US Department of Education publishes an annual guide for high school and college students
regarding financial aid. This guide explains in-depth the federal aid process. You can view this
guide online at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
Types of Financial Aid
Stafford Loans
Stafford Loans are available to undergraduates on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Interest
rates continue to be favorable and interest is paid by the federal government for the first six months
after graduation. A program called the “Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program” is available
to undergraduates who do not demonstrate financial need. Students must file the FAFSA for the
regular Stafford Loan first – and if not eligible, will automatically be considered for the
“Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan” program.
Although borrowing limits and interest rates are identical to the regular Stafford Loan, interest will
not be subsidized while the undergraduate is attending college. Students have the option of either
paying interest as it accrues on the loan or capitalizing the interest and paying it off – along with the
principle – following graduation. Even though the government does not pay interest, this option is
attractive because of the very favorable interest rate.
Pell Grants and Supplemental Education Grants
Pell Grants and SEOG’s are distributed to students based solely on need as determined by the
FAFSA. The college financial aid office determines the amount received through a SEOG.
Work-Study
Work-Study is a federally funded program that allows students to work on campus to help defray
the costs of education. This program is organized by the school’s financial aid office.
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Perkins Loan
The Perkins Loan provides funds for students who demonstrate need as determined by the FAFSA.
Colleges have a restricted amount of funds available for Perkins Loans and allocate it accordingly.
Repayment begins 6 months after graduation.
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Through this program, parents may borrow the entire cost of their students’ education – less
Financial Aid. Repayment of PLUS loans must begin within 60 days of disbursement. Bank
approval of a PLUS loan hinges on examination of the family’s credit history. The low interest
rates on PLUS loans can make these an attractive option for families who plan to finance
educational costs.
College Financial Aid Conferences:
To schedule a College Financial Aid Conference with VMCCA’ Financial Aid Advisor please call
VMCCA’ Main Office at (919) 212-5800 beginning the 3rd week of October.
College Information Websites
The College Foundation of North Carolina
Research and apply to four and two year colleges in North
Carolina; send transcripts; learn more about careers and
college majors.
www.cfnc.org
Fast Web
www.fastweb.com
Free, searchable scholarship database
Wake County School’s Scholarship Database
Peterson’s
www.scholarshipplus.com/wake
www.petersons.com
Search colleges by GPA, tuition, sports and more.
The Princeton Review
www.princetonreview.com
Prepare for standardized tests, research colleges and
majors.
FAFSA on the web
www.fafsa.ed.gov
Find information on the use of the free application for
federal student aid
College Board
www.collegeboard.com
Register for the SAT; explore college admissions
information; learn more about financial aid and
scholarships.
The North Carolina Community College System
www.ncccs.cc.nc.us
Research the 59 community colleges in North Carolina
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Campus Life
Principal’s Weekly Message
Dr. Thompson will use the School Messenger system to inform the Vernon Malone College and
Career Academy parents and students about upcoming events, academic information and any other
topics she deems essential for students and families. Messages are generally sent every Friday.
These messages are posted to the VMCCA website and then archived after one week. Parents
will also receive an automated phone call for any student absences. Families should notify the
VMCCA office if they are not receiving these messages as a current phone number may not be on
file with the school.
Atrium
During Hawks Nest and lunch, students should only be in the atrium if they are working on
assignments or for a quiet break. With classrooms being right next to the atrium, a lower noise level
will need to be maintained as to not disturb students getting any remediation during Hawks Nest or
lunch.
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Website: vernonmalonecca.wcpss.net
The school website offers valuable information about school programs, academic opportunities,
career development activities, parent programs, campus celebrations, and community events. The
site is updated regularly to include highlights and accomplishments of students and the VMCCA
community and other essential information. Here you will find a link to teachers’ websites containing
daily instructional information and resources.
Student Email
VMCCA students are provided a Wake Tech account. Students must use their Wake Tech account
to communicate with Wake Tech personnel. This is the ONLY email address students can use to
communicate with Wake Tech personnel; all other addresses will not receive a response. The
Director of Career and Technical Education Partnership oversees Wake Tech student email accounts
and should be contacted if there are interruptions in student access.
In addition, students will also receive a Wake County Public Schools email account. Students must
use their WCPSS account to communicate with WCPSS personnel. This is the ONLY email address
students can use to communicate with WCPSS personnel; all other addresses will not receive a
response. The Media Coordinator may assist students with email accounts.
Wake Tech Blackboard Accounts
All VMCCA students who are enrolled in Wake Tech classes are issued a Blackboard account that
is accessible to the student ONLY. Students are responsible for remembering their log-in and
password; they SHOULD NOT share their account information with any other student. Wake Tech
instructors use Blackboard sites to post assignments, to assign on-line quizzes, and to record grades
earned in classes. Information on Blackboard is not communicated to any WCPSS systems.
Therefore, students and families must go directly to the Blackboard site for information related to
college courses. Wake Tech Blackboard accounts may be accessed at http://waketech.edu/.
Wake Tech WebAdvisor Accounts
All VMCCA students who are enrolled in Wake Tech classes access information about their
schedules and their college transcripts from their Wake Tech WebAdvisor accounts. Wake Tech
WebAdvisor accounts may be accessed at http://waketech.edu/. The Career and Technical Education
Partnership will facilitate registration in Wake Tech classes for VMCCA students.
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Student Identification Cards:
Students must have a VMCCA identification card (ID) that functions as both their Wake Tech
identification and their VMCCA identification. Note that for some program areas students will be
required to also have a WTCC ID. Students who need a WTCC ID will have the opportunity to
obtain a WTCC ID with the help of the WTCC Director who supports VMCCA students. VMCCA
Student IDs will be obtained during the first week of school from the Student Services office. Students
must have their VMCCA ID on their person at all times during the school day or at any school
function. In the event a student is asked to present his/her ID to any WCPSS, VMCCA or Wake
Tech personnel, he/she must do so immediately and without questions.
Daily Attendance
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy students are required to comply with all Wake
County Public School System (WCPSS) and Wake Tech attendance policies. Students should
review the policies in their WCPSS student handbook and Wake Tech Student Handbook online.
Full versions of these documents may be found at www.wcpss.net and www.waketech.edu.
For absences from WCPSS classes, students must bring a note from home or a doctor to excuse
any absence from high school classes within two (2) days of the absence. Absence notes cannot be
emailed or faxed. Parent daytime contact numbers should be included on the absence note as well
as the student’s full name, date of absence and reason. Notes received after the two day window
will remain unexcused regardless of the reason. When VMCCA students return from an absence,
they must report to the VMCCA office to sign in and receive an admit slip.
Please note that Wake Tech does not have an excused absence policy. Students who are absent
from more than 10% of a college course will either receive a W, WP or WF for the course. Students
may receive a W if they have completed less than 60% of a course; after 60% is complete a WP or WF
will be issued by the instructor. Please review the Wake Tech Attendance Policy.
Check In/Out Procedures
Drop off/Pick-Up
Students may be dropped off as early as 7:00 A M . Students should go immediately to the 1st
period class at the 7:18 bell. S tudents who do not ride the bus must be picked up by 3:00 pm
each day unless students are participating in a VMCCA function or there is a pre-arranged
agreement with the VMCCA administration. VMCCA and WTCC faculty/staff are not available or
able to supervise students after 3:00. Families of students who show a pattern of remaining on
campus unsupervised after 3:00 will be contacted to discuss arrangements for student supervision.
Checking Out
Students who wish to check out of school before the end of the school day must bring a written
note, signed by a parent or guardian (with a daytime contact number). VMCCA reserves the right to
speak to the parent or guardian before the student is allowed to leave. Check out notes must be
turned in to the Student Information Data Manager. All parents/guardians must come into the office
to sign students out. No exceptions.
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Learning Commons
The VMCCA Learning Commons is a place where students may go to do research, use the
computer, work in small groups or study. Use of the Learning Commons is a privilege. Students
must have a signed permission slip from the VMCCA administration to use the learning commons
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at all times unless they are accompanied by a VMCCA faculty member. Students may not “hang
out” in the learning commons at the end of the school day. If a student needs to use the learning
commons after school, he/she must inform the VMCCA administration and secure permission
prior to going to the learning commons. Valid student identification is required. All students must
sign in when entering the learning commons. Students may not eat or drink in the learning commons.
Students must use their identification card to check out materials, to use computers, or to print.
Without this card, they will be unable to utilize the resources within the learning commons.
Students who engage in disruptive behavior, destroy or damage any of the learning commons
property, bring food or drinks into the learning commons, fail to secure permission or fail to
comply within any directions by the learning commons staff will lose their privilege and incur a
disciplinary consequence as directed by Wake County Public School System and/or Wake Tech
Community College policies for student behavior.
Lunch
WCPSS Child Nutrition Services provides a full-service cafeteria for student lunches each day. All
students must eat their lunch in the commons area unless they have a pass to go to a teacher’s
classroom. Students may go to the learning commons during lunch but cannot eat or drink in the
learning commons.
Off Campus Lunch (see email with 2015-2016 lunch contracts)
1. Contract
2. Fee
3. Juniors and Seniors only
Textbooks, Supplies, Fees and Fines
Many materials necessary for a public school education are provided for students by the State of
North Carolina. Textbooks (college and high school) are school and state property. Textbooks
become the responsibility of the student the moment they are assigned to the student. If they
are lost, damaged, or stolen, the expense for replacement will be charged to the student.
Charges will be assessed for lost and damaged books, materials, supplies, equipment and property
in accordance with established replacement or repair costs. Students are responsible for providing
their own pencils, paper and other basic supplies needed to take their courses.
All outstanding books and fees must be resolved by the student as a condition of students
receiving textbooks for the next semester and/or final transcripts from VMCCA and WTCC
or school records before or after graduation. Students with outstanding fines and fees will
not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises.
Additional School Fees
Any fee or charge due to be paid to any school in the system and not paid at the end of the school
year shall be carried forward until the next succeeding school year, as such debts are considered to
be debts of the student to the school system and not to a particular school. Fees are to be paid
within 30 days after enrollment.
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Fees will be charged for the following:
1. Special events (Graduation Cap & Gown, Processing Fee for Graduation/Degree
Conference)
2. Lost or damaged books
3. Lost or damaged materials, supplies, or equipment. All outstanding textbook and/or other
fees must be resolved as a condition of students receiving textbooks for the next semester.
4. Certain field trips
5. Transcripts
6. Senior Fee (for select activities).
7. Program Area fees associated with WTCC programs.
Overdue fines and fees that are not paid in a timely manner will result in a delay in the releasing of
transcripts, participation in graduation, course registration, and approval for graduation.
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Transportation
Bus Riders
VMCCA students who ride buses are assigned routes based on Southeast Raleigh High School
transportation, which follows “Express Bus” routes. These routes do not go into neighborhoods;
instead, a “hub” at a WCPSS middle or high school or a centrally located site identified by
WCPSS Transportation serves as the pick-up and drop-off locations. Wake County buses have
scheduled times of arrival for stops on their routes. On a normal school day students should allow a
10-minute leeway before and after their scheduled time of pick-up. They should allow more time
throughout the school year on inclement weather days and for delays that may arise due to
mechanical problems.
VMCCA bus riders typically arrive on campus at 7:00 AM and should go immediately to the
commons area. In the rare case the bus is late and students are tardy, students should report to the
main office to obtain a pass to class.
School buses are state property and are the means of transportation provided by the state. Students
who ride the buses are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner. The school
administration of Southeast Raleigh High School and VMCCA has the authority to suspend pupils
from riding the bus for the following infractions as well as any others announced during the year:
• Delaying the bus schedule.
• Fighting, smoking, using profanity, or refusing to obey the instructions of school authorities or
bus driver while riding the bus.
• Tampering with a school bus.
• Refusing to meet the bus at the designated stops.
• Unauthorized leaving of the bus when traveling from home to school or vice versa.
• Playing, throwing trash, paper, or other objects while the bus is in operation.
• Violation of Wake County Public School Board Rules.
• Failure to observe established safety rules and regulations.
*Transfer students and requests for before and after care are not being accepted by Transportation
Staff at this time. Look for updates for these types of requests throughout the year.
Riding the bus to school is a privilege and not an inherent right.
All Vernon Malone College and Career Academy rules for student behavior apply while riding the
bus. The bus driver has full charge over all pupils riding his/her bus. Students may lose this
privilege in the event they violate WCPSS transportation policies. Suspension from the bus may
last from one day through the remainder of the school year, depending on the nature of the offenses.
Carpool
Families who choose to carpool must follow all procedures for drop-off and pick-up as outlined
by Vernon Malone College and Career Academy. This includes following procedures for entering
and exiting the campus and procedures for waiting for students to exit. Cooperation and
understanding will make circumstances much easier for all involved to navigate and reduce
conflicts on campus. Students may enter the building at 7:00 am and report to the commons area.
See the carpool map mailed home in July for traffic flow information.
Student Driver/Parking
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (VMCCA) juniors and seniors are the ONLY students
eligible to apply for a parking tag on the VMCCA campus. Request forms may be obtained from the
main office and questions should be directed to the Assistant Principal.
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Board Policy for Motor Vehicles
7180
PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES
7180
The Board authorizes the establishment and enforcement of regulations and procedures for
the parking of motor vehicles and other modes of conveyance on public school grounds.
The superintendent is responsible for issuing appropriate regulations and procedures and
for supervising local school principals in the enforcement of regulations and procedures.
Local school principals shall establish rules for parking on the respective school campuses
in keeping with available spaces and needs of the school staff, students, community, and
others who have bona fide reasons for visiting the campus. Local school principals shall
file any such individual school rules with the Superintendent's office.
7180.1
Any rules governing parking on school grounds shall give first priority treatment
to the physically handicapped.
7180.2
Any parking lot on a school campus, which is subject to restricted parking or no
parking by duly established rules, must be clearly designated as such by a sign
no smaller than 24" x 24" prominently displayed at each entrance thereto.
7180.3
Individual school rules may make individual and/or group assignments to
parking spaces.
7180.4
The superintendent, under authorization from the board of education, may
establish rules and regulations related to security in and around school parking
lots, and may impose a fee for parking. In the absence of such rules and
regulations, an individual school may provide for the registration and regulation
of motor vehicles as noted in 7180.5.
7180.5
Individual school rules may provide for the registration of motor vehicles and
other means of conveyance maintained, operated, or parked on school grounds.
The rules may further provide for the sale, issuance, and use of stickers, decals,
permits, or other indicia representing the registration status of vehicles or the
eligibility of vehicles to park on school grounds. Individual school rules may,
also, prohibit the forgery, counterfeiting, unauthorized transfer, or unauthorized
use of any official stickers, decals, permits or other indicia.
7180.6
The Superintendent may press charges (misdemeanor) against any person who is
in violation of a rule concerning parking on public school grounds in Wake
County. A person found guilty on charges is guilty of a misdemeanor and may
be punished as prescribed by law.
7180.7
In addition to or in lieu of any misdemeanor charges which may be brought by
the Superintendent as provided in Policy 7180.5, the principal may revoke the
parking permits and parking privileges or otherwise limit or temporarily suspend
the use of parking privileges of students who are in violation of a rule
concerning parking on public school grounds.
7180.8
In addition to or in lieu of any misdemeanor charges which may be brought by
the superintendent as provided in Policy 7180.5, the principal may invoke
generally accepted means of punishing students who are in violation of
individual school rules prohibiting the forgery, counterfeiting, unauthorized
transfer, or unauthorized use of any official stickers, decals, permits, or other
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indicia authorized in Policy 7180.4.
7180.9
Any motor vehicle parked on school grounds in violation of board policy,
system-wide regulations, and school rules may be removed from school grounds
to a place of storage and the registered owner of such vehicle shall become liable
for removal and storage charges. The application of charges or punishment
authorized by this policy shall not exclude the removal of any vehicle which is
parked in violation of this policy. The individual school principal or
administrator designated by the superintendent may request removal of vehicles
per the terms of this policy and subsequent regulations, procedures, and rules.
7180.10 This policy, subsequent countywide regulations and procedures, as well as
individual school rules governing parking on school grounds shall be made
available for inspection by any person upon request and shall be given to each
person who obtains a parking permit.
7180.11 Carpooling should be encouraged to the extent possible.
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Medication
Distribution of Medication
Students may receive or self-administer medication at school when the medication is medically
necessary for health or learning and must be taken during the school day. Medication must be
prescribed by a licensed physician. Alternative medications, such as herbal or homeopathic
medications that are not tested by the US Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness,
lack safety information and therefore cannot be administered at school.
School staff may administer medication to students only when the “Parent and Physician Order for
Medication” form (1702) is completed by the parent and physician and present at the school. Form
1702 is available from the school or on the WCPSS website. No medication will be given by a school
official unless it is in a container dispensed by a pharmacy with the student’s name, name of
medication, date prescription was filled, and directions clearly marked. A new medication form must
be completed if there is a change in medication or medication dosing directions. Parent/guardians are
responsible for monitoring medication expiration dates and replacing medication when expired.
Students may not share prescription or non-prescription medications with other students.
Students who bring unauthorized substances on school grounds will be subject to disciplinary
action.
Student Self-Administration of Emergency Medications
Students may self-medicate with emergency prescription medication if they have permission to do so
documented on Form1702. Senate Bill 663 was enacted in the 2005-2006 school year. This bill
allows students who have met certain conditions to carry and self-administer emergency medication
for asthma and severe, life-threatening allergies (anaphylaxis) during the school day and at all schoolsponsored after-school events including transportation to and from the event(s). Medication includes
asthma inhalers and injectable epinephrine. The parent/guardian(s) must provide the school with a
completed “Parent and Physician Order for Medication” form (1702). The student must be observed
and certified by the school nurse to be able to self-administer the medication.
Controlled Substances
Controlled substances may be administered in the school setting with a completed medication form
(1702). Controlled substances may be self- administered and self-carried at the secondary level only.
Medication should be in a container dispensed by a pharmacy with the student’s name, name of
medication, date prescription was filled, and directions clearly marked. Students that self-carry
should carry no more than a daily dose at any time.
Computer Use
VMCCA students use school computers and internet access as part of their academic
program. Students must complete the VMCCA Acceptable Use Policy prior to accessing any
technology. This document must be on file in the VMCCA office. Any violation of this policy,
including use of technology for purposes other than academic and/or accessing inappropriate
websites, will result in disciplinary consequences in accord with the VMCCA Acceptable Use
policy and WCPSS Board Policy 6446, Student Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources. This
form must be updated and signed each academic year.
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Codes of Conduct
Student Conduct
All students are responsible for complying with and are expected to be familiar with the WCPSS Code
of Student Conduct and school board policies governing student behavior and conduct. All Code of
Student Conduct policies are contained in the WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook, which is distributed
to all students and parents at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment in WCPSS. If there
is a conflict between the rules expressed in this handbook and the Code of Student Conduct policies,
the WCPSS Code of Student Conduct policies shall take precedence.
Todos los estudiantes son responsables de cumplir con y familiarizarse con el Codigo de Conducta
Estudintil de WCPSS y las politicas de la Junta de Educacion que gobiernan el comportamiento y lo
conduct de estudiantes. Todos las politicas del Condigo de Conducta Estudiantil se encuentran en el
manual de WCPSS de Estudiantes/Padres, el cual se distribuye a todos lo padres y estudiantes al
principio de cada ano escolar o al matricularse en el WCPSS. Si hay un conficto entre las reglas
expresadas en este manual de Estudiantes/Padres y el manual de las escuela de su hijo(a) las reglas
expresadas en este deben tomar prioridad.
The Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Student
At Vernon Malone CCA, we first seek to help students understand the characteristics we expect them
to display. VMCCA students should be:
Respectful
Reflective
Focused
Self-directed
Self-advocates
Creative
Effective Communicators
At VMCCA the faculty and staff will be committed to developing these traits in our students, and they
will serve as the guide in all disciplinary interventions. Further, teachers will seek opportunities to
recognize students when they exhibit the characteristics of a VMCCA student.
We do understand that the students at VMCCA will sometimes make bad decisions and violate
policies and procedures, and we will establish clear consequences for those behaviors. However, it is
important that students understand we have high expectations for them, and we will support them to
reach those expectations. Further, because all students applied to attend VMCCA, we expect them to
have high expectations for themselves as well. It is only through high expectations that students will
realize their potential and maximize the opportunities that come with being accepted to VMCCA. Bad
decisions and disciplinary problems are not the pathway to graduating college and career ready.
Parents will be a vital part of student success at VMCCA. In applications schools where students take
college courses early, students experience rigor and challenges they may not have experienced before.
The students must take responsibility for their learning in this type of environment and be selfadvocates with VMCCA faculty and their parents. We will rely on parents to support their students
and share concerns so that we may support students as well.
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Respect for School Environment
VMCCA facilities should be respected in every way. Students have access to many areas on the
VMCCA Campus. School property is state property and, therefore, belongs to everyone. It should
be treated with all due respect and care. Defacing or damaging walls, desks, doors, walkways,
books, and other school property is a sign of disrespect and poor citizenship. At VMCCA we
respect our school and try our best to see that it is protected from needless abuse. Anyone who
damages or destroys school property will be responsible for cost associated with
replacing/repairing that property and be subject to additional disciplinary action as warranted.
Tardy Policy
Because instructional time is valuable and should be protected, it is very important that student arrive
on time to each class every day.
Morning Arrival
If a student arrives to school in the morning less than 15 minutes late, the student should report
directly to class and the teacher will assign a consequence for the tardy.
If a student arrives late due to the bus, a security officer will provide the student with a late bus pass
directly to class.
If a student arrives to class in the morning 15 minutes or more after the morning bell, he/she should
report to the main office to check in. The receptionist will provide a pass to class. The student should
then go directly to class where the teacher will assign a consequence for the tardy.
Consequences for Being Tardy to Class
First Tardy: Warning
Second Tardy: Contact a parent/ guardian
Third Tardy: Assign lunch detention and contact a parent/ guardian
Fourth Tardy: Assign period detention, contact a parent/ guardian, and refer to counselor
Fifth Tardy: Counts as 1 absence AND administrative referral
If a student arrives to 2nd – 4th period more than 15 minutes late, the student is considered skipping and
appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Hall Passes
Students are not permitted in the halls during the school day unless they have their student agenda or
office pass signed by a faculty member. For student- initiated requests, students must use their agenda
books. For faculty-initiated requests, students will be issued an office pass. Students without a hall
pass will be sent back to class and/or receive appropriate disciplinary action. Students are responsible
for getting a hall pass from a teacher at all times if they are in the hall during class time.
Locks and Lockers
Students will be assigned a locker by the Assistant Principal who will provide the combination for the
locker. Students are to use only the locker assigned to him/her by his/her teacher or by the Assistant
Principal. Individual personal locks will not be allowed and will be cut off. The school will not be
responsible for the security of any item stored in lockers. Books and/or other belongings placed in an
unassigned locker or in a locker designated to another student will be removed. In addition, the lock
will be removed. Lockers are the property of the school and may be searched at any time by a school
official. Students should contact the Assistant Principal in charge of lock to determine the proper
procedure to follow to replace a broken or lost lock. If a lock is broken or lost by a student, the
replacement cost is $6.00. If the fine is not paid promptly, the teacher will turn in a fine at the end of
school.
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Dress Code
Students should be appropriately dressed at all times. Students should not dress in any manner, which
would be disruptive to a climate conducive to serious study or the orderly operation of school.
Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an
effective learning environment. Presenting a bodily appearance or wearing clothing which is
disruptive, provocative, revealing, profane, vulgar, offensive, or obscene, or which endangers the
health and safety of the student or others is prohibited.
Prohibited dress or appearance include, but are not limited to:
1. No exposed undergarments
2. No spaghetti straps
3. No bare midriff shirts, halter tops or backless shirts
4. No tank tops/undershirts worn alone
5. No pants worn below the hips; no sagging pants
6. No excessively short or tight garments (no “daisy dukes”)
7. No strapless shirts
8. No hats, caps, scarves, head rags, night caps
9. No head covering of any kind (except for religious reasons)
10. No attire with messages or illustrations that are lewd, indecent, or vulgar or that advertise any
product or service not permitted by law to minors
11. No adornments such as chains or spikes that reasonably could be perceived as or used as a
weapon
12. Shoes are to be worn at all times.
13. No see-through clothing
14. No attire that exposes cleavage
15. No symbols, styles or attire frequently associated with intimidation, violence or violent groups
about which students at a particular school have been notified
16. No sunglasses inside the building during the school day
17. No mask or facial covering (except for religious reasons)
Students dressed inappropriately will be given appropriate attire to wear. Inappropriate attire will be
returned at the end of the school day.
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Wireless Communication Devices, IPods, Bluetooth, CD Players and Laser Pointers
During instructional time, no student shall use, display, transmit or have in the “on” position on
school property any wireless communication device including all types of cell telephones, paging
devices, two-way radios, CD/MP3 players, electronic games, or any laser pointer or similar
device. This policy also includes electronic accessories. The only exception is if the teacher gives
permission for the students to use a device for instructional purposes. The school is not
responsible for any stolen items. Students who violate this policy will have their item held in
the office until a parent or guardian can claim it. Students who refuse to cooperate are subject
to disciplinary consequences. Students are encouraged not to have electronic devices or accessories
visible in their cars to limit the opportunity of thieves.
If a student uses a laser pointer in a way that reasonably could or does cause physical harm, the laser
pointer may be considered a dangerous instrument and the student may be charged with violation of
Board Policy 6427 and disciplined accordingly. Electronic devices not picked up by a parent by the
end of the year will be donated to charity.
Sale of Items
Students are not to engage in the sale of items to other students unless the sale is schoolsponsored. Any sale of an item for the purpose of raising funds for school activities by the
students shall have prior written approval by the principal and the superintendent. All fundraising
activities should be coordinated with the administrator in charge of this assignment,
Card Playing, Dice Throwing and Gambling
No student or group of students is to engage in card playing, dice throwing, or gambling on
campus during the school day. Students shall not participate in any unauthorized event, action, or
statement which relies on chance for the monetary advantage of one participant at the expense
of others. Playing cards on campus violates School Board Policy.
Trespassing on Another School’s Campus
No student shall be on the campus of any school except the one to which the student is
assigned during the school day without the knowledge and consent of the officials of Vernon
Malone College and Career Academy and that school.
Smoking and Possession of Tobacco Products
No student shall possess, smoke, or otherwise use any tobacco product in any school building or
school vehicle at any time or on the school premises or while attending or participating in a school
function. Possession of the above mentioned items will result in disciplinary action as outlined by
School Board Policy.
Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, Controlled Substances, Chemicals, and Drug Paraphernalia
No student shall possess, use, distribute, sell, possess with intent to distribute or sell, or
conspire to attempt to distribute or sell, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug,
hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, other controlled
substance, any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, other intoxicating liquor, drug
paraphernalia, counterfeit substance, any unauthorized prescription drug, or any other chemicals
or products with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration, euphoria, or otherwise
altering the student’s mood or behavior. Any student violating this School Board Policy shall
receive disciplinary actions.
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Seniors and ACE
Seniors who violate Policy 6429 and are recommended for ACE (Alternative Education Counseling)
must satisfactorily meet the agreed upon conditions prior to the school’s deadline for
commencement. Failure to do so will preclude the violator from participating in graduation
ceremonies. Diplomas will only be issued upon satisfactory completion of the agreed upon
program.
Possession of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any weapon, facsimile of a weapon, or other object
that can reasonably be considered or used as a weapon or dangerous instrument.
Wake County Public School System’s Code of Conduct defines a weapon as any firearm, BB gun,
stun gun, mace/pepper spray, air rifle, air pistol, ammunition, power loads, fireworks, knife, slingshot,
leaded cane, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors, razor blades (except cartridge razors used
solely for personal shaving), box cutter and any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except
instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food,
instruction, and maintenance.
A dangerous instrument is defined as any object that is possessed, handled, transmitted, or used
for the purpose or intent of causing or attempting to cause physical injury. A student violating
this policy is subject to disciplinary action.
Fighting
No student shall hit, shove, scratch, bite, block the passage of, or throw objects at another
person. No student shall take any action or make comments or written messages which might
reasonably be expected to result in a fight. In addition to school disciplinary consequences,
students who are involved in a fight may be arrested and charged with an affray, assault, and/or
disruption.
Students who do not fight back will not be subject to punishment
Those students should report the incident immediately to an administrator or teacher. Students should
not take matters into their own hands but should allow an adult to handle the situation. Students
who instigate fights but are not actively involved (for example, students who carry rumors back
and forth between other individuals who subsequently fight) are subject to disciplinary action.
Students who are intimidated or harassed by another student should report the incident to a teacher or
an administrator. In conclusion, fighting will not be tolerated on this campus or on school buses.
Gang and Gang Related Activities
The WCPSS does not support or condone gang membership or gang activity. No student shall
commit any act that furthers gangs or gang-related activities. Conduct prohibited by this policy
includes:
• Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry,
emblems, badges, symbols, signs, visible tattoos and body markings, or other items, or
being in possession of literature that shows affiliation with a gang, or is evidence of
membership or affiliation in any gang or that promotes gang affiliation
• Communicating either verbally or non-verbally (gestures, handshakes, slogans, drawings,
etc.) to convey membership affiliation in any gang or that promotes gang affiliation
• Tagging or otherwise defacing school or personal property with gang or gang-related
symbols or slogans
• Requiring payment of protection, money or insurance, or otherwise intimidating or
threatening any person related to gang activity
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•
•
•
Inciting other students to intimidate or to act with physical violence upon any other
person related to gang activity
Soliciting others for gang membership
Conspiring to commit any violation of this policy or committing or conspiring to commit any
other illegal act or other violation of school district policies that relates to gang activity
Bomb Threats
No student shall make, aid, and/or abet in making a bomb threat or hoax by making a false
report that a device designated to cause damage or destruction by explosion, blasting, or
burning is located on the school premises or at the site of school activities. Any student
violating this School Board Policy will be subject to receiving a disciplinary action.
False Fire Alarm
No student shall set, attempt to set off or aid and abet anyone in giving a false fire alarm. No
student shall interfere with or damage any part of a fire alarm, fire detection, smoke detection, or fire
extinguishing system. Any student violating this School Board Policy will be subject to
receiving a disciplinary action.
Threat/False Threat
No student shall make any threat through written or verbal language, sign, or act which conveys a
serious expression of intent to cause harm or violence.
Furthermore, no student shall make a false threat of harm or violence, even in jest, which
causes or is reasonably likely to cause fear or a disruption to school activities.
Hazing
Hazing is prohibited. No group or individual shall require a student to wear abnormal dress, play
abusive or ridiculous tricks on him/her, frighten, scold, beat, harass or subject him/her to personal
indignity. For example: This includes extra-curricula activities during Homecoming, Spirit
Week, etc.
Intimidation/Disrespect/Bullying
Verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that interferes with an individual’s learning environment is
prohibited. Intimidation, bullying, repeated teasing or taunting, or the use of offensive or
degrading language including but not limited to, remarks that demeans a person’s race, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, intellectual ability or physical attributes are specifically prohibited. This
includes cyber-bullying. A student who violates this School Board Policy is subject to receive a
disciplinary action.
Harassment
It is the priority of the Wake County Board of Education to provide each and every student in the
Wake County Public School System with a safe, orderly and caring learning environment. To this
end, the Board prohibits bullying and harassment under any circumstances. This policy is in
addition to the Board’s sexual harassment policy.
Harassment means any offensive verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct that is sufficiently
severe, persistent or pervasive to interfere with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an
educational opportunity or activity. Prohibited conduct may include, but is not limited to, abusive
jokes, insults, slurs, name-calling, threats, bullying or intimidation.
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Sexual Harassment
The Wake County Board of Education believes that all employees and students are entitled to work
and study in school-related environments that are free of sexual harassment. To this end, the board
prohibits employees and students from engaging in sexual harassment and advises employees and
students that when evidence of sexual harassment is established, disciplinary action may be taken,
up to and including dismissal (for employees) and suspension or expulsion (for students).
Independent contractors and volunteers are likewise prohibited from engaging in sexual harassment
and are subject to removal from their duties or activities with the school district for violations of
this policy.
Please refer to Board Policy regarding sexual harassment located in the Wake County Employee
Handbook and on the Wake County Public School website.
Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior
Each student has a role in helping his/her peers, teachers, and administrators maintain a safe and
orderly school environment. So that one may gain the most from his/her experiences in the classroom
and participation in school activities, every student has the responsibility of exhibiting appropriate
behavior. A student has the right to learn in a classroom free from distractions caused by
inappropriate behavior of others.
Integrity
Any student who engages in or attempts to engage in plagiarism, falsification, violation of
software copyright laws, or violation of computer access shall be subject to disciplinary action. The
following actions are specifically prohibited:
Cheating – giving or receiving any unauthorized assistance on academic work
Plagiarism – copying the language, structure, or idea of another and representing it as one’s
own work
• Falsification – verbal or written statement of any untruth
• Violation of software copyright laws – unauthorized duplication of computer software
(computer piracy), printed material related to computer software, and/or the use of
pirated computer software
• Violation of computer access – willfully, directly, or indirectly, accessing or causing to be
accessed any computer, computer system, computer network, or any part thereof without
proper authorization or otherwise violating School Board Policy 6446: Student Internet
Access and Electronic Mail.
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Possible Behavior Related Consequences/ Loss of Privileges
Faculty/Staff Response
•
Verbal Reprimand
•
Removal from Class
•
Parent/Guardian
Involvement
•
Written Notification to
Parent/Guardian
•
Conference with
Parent/Guardian
•
Lunch Detention
•
Period Detention
•
ISS/ALC
Parent/Guardian
Accompanies Student
to Class
•
Short Term
Suspension
•
Alternative Online
School
•
RLT/Long Term
Suspension
•
Expulsion
Phone Call to
Parent/Guardian
•
•
Loss of Privileges
•
Teacher Conference
•
Student Contract
•
Confiscation of Items
•
Attendance Contract
•
Period Detention
•
Lunch Detention
•
Counselor Referrals
Administration
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Additional Processes
Flowers, Balloons and Other Gifts
School personnel will not accept delivery of flowers, balloons, or other gifts for a student. Due to
the limited amount of space, please bring only your books, notebooks, paper, pencils and other
academic materials with you every day.
Selling or Soliciting on Campus
No student is allowed to sell any items or to solicit business for individuals or any group for any
reason without the express written consent of the principal or assistant principal.
Visitors
No student may bring guests on campus at any time between 7:25 A.M. and 2:18 P.M. during a
school day.
Vending Machines
VMCCA students have access to vending machines in the commons area. While the vending
machines remain operable throughout the day, students SHOULD NOT USE VENDING
MACHINES other than in the periods before or after school or at lunch. VMCCA will not be held
liable for any currency lost in a vending machine located on the school campus. Student use of
vending machines is at their own risk. Vandalism of any of the vending machines may result in
disciplinary action in accordance with Wake Tech policy.
Pledge of Allegiance
WCPSS Board Policy 6880 states:
Each school shall include a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. The
school shall not compel any person to stand, salute the flag, or recite the Pledge of
Allegiance, but each person shall maintain proper decorum while others participate.
Each day VMCCA students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the school day.
Contacting Parents/Families/Students during the School Day
If a family member must contact a student or be contacted by a student during the school day,
students use the VMCCA phone in the main office. VMCCA staff will ensure that students receive
all messages in a timely manner.
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Safety Drills
Fire Drills
Fire drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution. Routes for
the nearest fire exit are posted in each room. All students and staff should vacate the building in an
orderly manner. Students must remain with the class so that the instructor may take roll. Students
must return to class after a fire drill. Not returning to class will be considered skipping and will be
subject to disciplinary action.
Lock Down Drills
Periodically, throughout the year, lock down drills will occur in order to ensure the safety of
students in the event of a real emergency. After the drill has occurred, Dr. Thompson will notify
parents.
Tornado Drills
VMCCA administration will signal tornado drills. All personnel will congregate in the designated
areas. Classes are to remain together and under the supervision of the instructor. Students are to sit
in a crouched position. Students must sit close together and remain quiet throughout the drill.
Areas Off Limits During the School Day
1. Any of the parking lots except for juniors and seniors with lunch passes who are leaving for or
returning from lunch.
2. Shrubbery and tree areas around the school campus.
3. Unoccupied classrooms or office areas where an instructor is not present.
Students who are found in any of these areas can be treated as trespassing according to WCPSS and
Wake Tech policies and may have the appropriate disciplinary consequence applied to them.
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Acceptable Uses of Technology
The Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (VMCCA) students will use Wake County Public
School System internet access and they may also access to the world-wide web without content
filtering being provided through Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Although
accessing Wake Tech webservers is encouraged, accessing Wake Tech administrative servers is
strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, email, student information servers, switches,
routers, or access points This deviation from the WCPSS policy requires acceptance by the student
and his/her guardian as to the risks of exposure to content deemed unacceptable by WCPSS
standards, including but not limited to accessing MySpace.com, YouTube.com, Facebook.com, any
site exhibiting nudity, pornography, threats of violence, hate groups, etc. Adherence to the WCPSS’s
Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy still applies.
The use of the Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (VMCCA) computers is a privilege.
Use computers wisely and for academic purposes. The same applies to Wake Tech computers found
in their Media Center. The settings including but not limited to: desktop image, wallpaper, icons,
cursors, etc. are to be left unchanged. Downloading software of any kind without permission from the
Wake Early College of Health and Sciences administration is strictly prohibited. If software is to be
downloaded for a class, permission MUST first be granted in writing.
Saving documents and files (including pictures) is to be limited to saving these on recordable CDs
or USB flash drives; they are not to be saved anywhere on the computers. Downloading music or
pictures that are not academic in nature is prohibited. Downloading music will result in a minimum
penalty of 15 days without the use of laptop privileges.
Visiting sites or performing searches for sites that are not approved by Wake County Public School
System (this includes any site that portrays nudity, obscene gestures, contains obscene language,
messages of racism or hate based on gender, race, ethnicity, etc., or any site that is for gaming, or
social networking (including, but not limited to Facebook.com, Myspace.com, Bebo.com, or
YouTube.com) is not allowed. Accessing inappropriate websites is an automatic 30 day penalty
without the use of computers. Multiple offenses will result in more stringent policies in accordance
with WCPSS guidelines.
The computers made available to you are expensive to maintain. Your cooperation in the
maintenance of these is much appreciated. Failure to adhere to any of the above listed items will
result in losing privileges for a minimum of 30 days on all VMCCA computers in addition to
disciplinary and legal action based on the offense. Multiple offenses will result in more stringent
policies in accordance with WCPSS guidelines.
By having an Acceptable Use of Technology Contract on file you agree to abide by all policies set
forth by Wake County Public Schools System (WCPSS), Wake Technical Community College, and
Wake Early College. Students will only be allowed to use WCPSS’ computers only after submitting
this contract with the appropriate signatures. Computer use located on Wake Tech campuses as
well as those located on other Wake County School campuses will be held to the same expectations as
those listed above.
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Should you decide to bring your own personal laptop to school, you must also have a Contract on
file to access it within a classroom setting. Access to your computer will also be at the Principal’s
and teacher’s discretion. Students with their own laptops will also be regulated by all guidelines set
forth by the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement.
Any questions of comments regarding Technology should be directed to the Wake Early College of
Health and Sciences administration. Refer to the Acceptable Use Agreement provided on the first
day of school.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Definition and Purpose of “Technology”
BYOD technologies are privately owned wireless and portable electronic devices that can
be used for wireless Internet access, word processing, image/video capturing, sound
recording, and information transmitting. Students unable to bring own devices to school
have ample access to technology.
Technology Requirements for Primary Devices
1. Wireless connectivity
2. Internet Browser
3. Google Docs/Moodle Accessible
4. Flash Drive or HD Storage
5. Keyboard ( Laptop, computer, tablet, netbook, etc.)
6. Headphones
A SMARTPHONE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AS YOUR PRIMARY TECHNOLOGY DEVICE
Security and Damages
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy is not liable for any device that is stolen or
damaged. Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. Students are
required to keep their devices with them at all times. We recommend using skins (decals) and
protective cases for an easy identification, differentiation, and protection of personal devices.
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Bring Your Own Device
FAQs
How does Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) work?
BYOD allows students to turn their personal devices into learning devices while freeing up access to
school computers for those students who might not have their own.
What types of devices may students bring?
Any device that is portable and can provide Internet access can be used. That would include mostly
smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Why is it advantageous for students to bring devices from home?
Students in BYOD see their own personal devices as something more than just a toy or a phone. They
will now be able to appreciate them as learning devices. Also, we are seeing a lot of creativity going
on. Students are excited and motivated to perform learning tasks on the devices they bring from home.
It’s a “familiarity” thing for them.
What about equity? Will students who cannot bring their own devices from home be at a
disadvantage?
All learning activities that students can do with their personal devices will also be able to be
performed with devices the school provides. Full access is made available to each and every student.
BYOD will encourage students to see their personal devices as tools for learning and not just as “toys”
for gaming, texting, etc. This can foster collaboration among students, as well.
What about Internet safety?
Safety and security measures are in place for personal devices just as they are for equipment provided
by the school. Wi-fi access will come with the same security walls, etc., that are in place for all school
devices.
How is BYOD being introduced to WCPSS?
Thirteen schools are participating in a pilot that kicked off in December 2014. Expansion to other
schools will begin in fall 2015.
Is this one more thing for teachers to have to worry about? How are they supported in this?
WCPSS is working in partnership with the NC State University Friday Institute to offer professional
development for BYOD teachers. Teachers are pleased that more school-provided devices are
available for instruction, and that makes their jobs easier, and more rewarding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if Wake Tech is open but WCPSS is closed?
We have tried to align both schedules to minimize these scenarios. Most of students choose to
attend their WTCC classes, but in the event they are not able to do so, they will not be held
responsible and will be allowed to make up the work. There are no “excused” absences; WTCC
students are required to make up missed work (online). Refer to the VMCCA calendar for specific
dates.
What athletic programs does Wake Tech offer and can VMCCA students participate?
Interested in playing sports? Check out the Southeast Raleigh High School athletics website
http://www.srhs.net/. Please note that many sports hold meetings and workouts before school
starts. Check the site or call the Athletic Director, for complete information. Students may
participate with available programs on Wake Tech Campus. Transportation and any associated
fees/costs are the student’s responsibilities.
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