DSA STUDENT HANDBOOK 2007-2008
Discover Your Future
Tel:
(918) 834-3936
Fax:
(918) 834-3352
Homepage:
http://dsatulsa.org
E-mail: dsatulsa@dsatulsa.org
Dear Students
Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year at
We believe that education is a shared responsibility and
that the successful operation of a school depends on the co-operation of
everyone concerned: students, parents, and staff. The mission of
This handbook/planner is an overview of our school’s goals, services and rules. It is an essential reference book describing what we expect and how to do things. Read it carefully, discuss it with your parents, and let it act as a guide for your effective involvement in all aspects of the school year. It has been written to provide you and your parents with the information that will make your school year purposeful and rewarding. Keep this book because you will use it throughout the school year.
On behalf of the entire
Sincerely,
Principal
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
It is the policy of Dove Science Academy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
It is the policy of Dove Science Academy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
NOTICE OF SURVEILLANCE
DSA’S VISION,
Vision Statement
Recognizing that educational success is in the harmony of the triad of student-teacher-parent, DSA forms a partnership among this triad, which helps our youth fulfill their highest potential intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Counseling Services
Special Service Area
Special services students will have an IEP conference during the first semester of school. Teachers will be aware of the identified special service students. Psychological testing is available through the special service area for students recommended for this service.
Special service students are subject to the same disciplinary measures as other students. If a special service student is assigned suspension exceeding 10 days, an IEP/Manifestation Determination/Behavior Plan Conference will take place. After this conference the recommended course of action will be presented.
Confidentiality
All individually collected records utilized for educational placement, including special education records, are maintained in a confidential folder separate from the student cumulative records. The records are maintained in a secure manner, which prevents unauthorized access.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
|
|
||
|
September, 2007 |
||
|
3 |
Monday |
Labor
Day (No Classes) |
|
21 |
Friday |
Progress
Reports will be mailed |
|
28 |
Friday |
Teacher-Parent
Conference(8AM to 2PM) (No Classes) |
|
October, 2007 |
||
|
17 |
Wednesday |
First
Quarter Ends, |
|
18 |
Thursday |
Professional
Development Day (No Classes) |
|
19 |
Friday |
Non-Calendar
Day (No Classes) |
|
22 |
Monday |
Second
Quarter Begins, Report Cards for First Quarter will be mailed |
|
26 |
Friday |
Honor
Roll Ceremony |
|
November, 2007 |
||
|
20 |
Tuesday |
Progress
Reports will be mailed |
|
21 |
Wednesday |
Thanksgiving
(No Classes) |
|
22 |
Thursday |
Thanksgiving
(No Classes) |
|
23 |
Friday |
Thanksgiving
(No Classes) |
|
30 |
Friday |
Teacher-Parent
Conference(8AM to 2PM) (No Classes) |
|
December, 2007 |
||
|
19 |
Wednesday |
Second
Quarter Ends, Report Cards for Second Quarter will be mailed |
|
20 |
Thursday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
21 |
Friday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
24 |
Monday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
25 |
Tuesday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
26 |
Wednesday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
27 |
Thursday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
28 |
Friday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
31 |
Monday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
January, 2008 |
||
|
1 |
Tuesday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
2 |
Wednesday |
Winter
Break (No Classes) |
|
3 |
Thursday |
Third
Quarter Begins |
|
11 |
Friday |
Honor
Roll Ceremony |
|
21 |
Monday |
Martin
Luther King Day (No Classes) |
|
February, 2008 |
||
|
1 |
Friday |
Progress
Reports will be mailed |
|
8 |
Friday |
Teacher-Parent
Conference(8AM to 2PM) (No Classes) |
|
18 |
Monday |
Professional
Development Day (No Classes) |
|
March, 2008 |
||
|
14 |
Friday |
Third
Quarter Ends, Report Cards for Third Quarter will be mailed |
|
17 |
Monday |
Spring
Break (No Classes) |
|
18 |
Tuesday |
Spring
Break (No Classes) |
|
19 |
Wednesday |
Spring
Break (No Classes) |
|
20 |
Thursday |
Spring
Break (No Classes) |
|
21 |
Friday |
Spring
Break (No Classes) |
|
24 |
Monday |
Fourth
Quarter Begins |
|
28 |
Friday |
Honor
Roll Ceremony |
|
April, 2008 |
||
|
18 |
Friday |
Progress
Reports will be mailed |
|
25 |
Friday |
Teacher-Parent
Conference(8AM to 2PM) (No Classes) |
|
May, 2008 |
||
|
26 |
Monday |
Memorial
Day (No Classes) |
|
27 |
Tuesday |
Fourth
Quarter Ends, Report Cards for Fourth Quarter will be mailed |
|
28 |
Wednesday |
Professional
Development Day (No Classes) |
AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION
This detention is served with the teacher or administrator who assigns it. It will be assigned for the following day in order to give the parent/guardian 24 hours notice. The detention is for an infraction such as disturbing the class, continuous tardiness to class, cafeteria misbehavior etc. The student will serve from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the number of detentions already served.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
Students caught bringing any type of contraband onto the school campus (including in student vehicles), will face long-term suspension. The suspension will not be less than 20 school days. The police will be called.
ALTERNATIVE ROOM
This location is used for students who need to be removed
from their class for a short time. It is
to enable a student to cool down after a minor upset with another student
and/or teacher. It may be another
classroom or the ISS room may be used.
This policy is to give the student a chance to avoid further conflict
and possible disciplinary action. This
move will not be recorded on the student’s database record.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is very important for the success of school students. There is no substitute for a child being in class and taking part in the daily lessons. Important information is given during a teacher’s lecture, and students learn from one another during discussions and group projects.
The school year consists of 185 days and if middle school students miss more than 18 ½ days, they will fail the grade on attendance. High school students’ attendance is counted in classes (subjects). If more than 18 ½ classes of one subject are missed, that subject will have to be retaken. Excused and unexcused absences are totaled together for attendance count.
A. Excused Absences
If an absence is excused the
student may make up the work missed.
Absences are excused for the
following:
§ Illness of the student (longer than 2 days requires a Doctor’s note)
§ Hospitalization of the student or parent/guardian.
§ Death of a close family member.
§ Doctor or Dentist visit. (Excuse note required from clinic/hospital)
§ Vacation with permission from Principal
§
Sent home by school Nurse or
§ Athletic participation
§ Field Trip
B. Unexcused Absences
If the absence is unexcused the student may not make
up the work missed.
Examples are:
§ Illness of more than 2 days without a Doctor’s note
§ Student phones home to be picked up without permission.
§ Student skips class.
§
Student skips school or leaves campus without
permission.
C. Anticipated
Absence
If
it is necessary for the student to be absent and there is advance warning, the
student may be able to collect his/her work prior to the absence. A letter should be submitted to the Counselor
and the teachers will be notified.
If
the absence will be 3 days or more, the letter needs to be submitted to the
Principal and permission obtained.
Without the permission, school work will
not be allowed to be made up.
Such
absences covered under this policy are: Funerals, hospitalization of the
student, vacations which cannot be taken any other time, certain Religious
events.
D. Homebound
In
extreme cases, students may be required to stay at home and receive their
school work. These students are not
counted as absent.
These cases are usually prolonged
illness or injury. There are also some
cases within Special Services.
All cases of Homebound students are decided
by the Administration.
The
tardies (to school) which are excused are Doctor or Dentist visits, (excuse
note from Clinic required) and students who use the public transportation.
The
only tardies to class which are excused are those when a student has
been to an office (including Nurse) The
student will be given an excused pass to class by the person they have been
seeing.
F. Make-up work
This
refers to the school work and/or homework missed due to an Excused
absence. The student is allowed 1 day
for each day absent to complete the assignments. Work not returned on time, will receive a
zero.
G. Check-in procedure
If a
student arrives after 8.00 a.m. for whatever reason, he/she MUST be signed in
by a parent/guardian at the front office. If
the student uses public transportation, he/she must sign themselves in.
Students arriving 20 minutes after
the start of any class (for whatever reason), will not be allowed to go to
class because it causes disruption. By
that time the teacher has
finished his/her lecture and the class has begun to work on the assignment. The
student will wait in the ISS room until the end of the period.
H. Checkout procedure
Sometimes
it is necessary for a student to be picked-up early from school. The parent/guardian has to sign-out the
student in the front office. Students will not be allowed to leave to meet the
ride in the parking-lot. If someone other than the parent/guardian is to
pick-up the student, the person’s name must be on file in the office. Students
who have permission to leave early to catch public transportation, are exempt
from this policy.
CLOSED CAMPUS
DSA has a closed campus policy. This means that no student may leave at lunchtime, for any reason, unless signed out by parent/guardian.
CAMPUS SECURITY
Students and parents are asked to cooperate with the school by following the security procedures. All visitors to the school are requested to check in at the main office and wear a visitor’s pass. Any adult observed by students, faculty or staff not wearing this pass, will be challenged. The only entrance that may be used after 8.00 a.m. is the front entrance in the new building.
CARE OF PROPERTY
Please refrain from damaging desks, tables, lockers, walls or floors. Students are responsible for all books and materials checked out to them. Any act of vandalism or destruction of any school property may result in suspension from school and payment for the damaged property. DSA is not responsible for any loss of student’s personal belongings.
CELL PHONES
Students may bring cell phones onto campus for use before and after school only. It is to be stored in student’s locker. Use of cell phone any other time will result in confiscation until parent collects it, and disciplinary action.
CHEATING
Students found cheating on an assignment or a test, will receive a zero and disciplinary action. Parents will be notified.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE - SEE ATTENDANCE
COUNSELORS AND SUPPORT STAFF
Guidance services are provided by the school counselor. His/her purpose is to aid students in solving problems and making adjustments to various life situations, such as personal problems, careers, testing, and college information.
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Students will be informed of any changes to the daily schedule, assemblies, and any other pertinent information each day before going to class.
DAILY TIME SCHEDULE
|
|
MIDDLE SCHOOL |
HIGH SCHOOL |
|
08:00
- 08:45 |
Period-1 |
Period-1 |
|
08:45
- 08:50 |
Break |
|
|
08:50
- 09:35 |
Period-2 |
|
|
09:35
- 09:40 |
Break |
Break |
|
09:40
- 10:25 |
Period-3 |
Period-2 |
|
10:25
- 10:30 |
Break |
|
|
10:30
- 11:15 |
Period-4 |
|
|
11:15
- 11:20 |
Break |
Break |
|
11:20
- 12:05 |
Lunch |
Period-3 |
|
12:05
- 12:50 |
Period-5 |
Lunch |
|
12:50
- 12:55 |
Break |
Break |
|
12:55 -
1:45 |
Period-6 |
Period-4 |
|
1:45
- 1:50 |
Break |
Break |
|
1:50
- 2:40 |
Period-7 |
Period-5 |
|
2:40
- 2:45 |
Break |
Break |
|
2:45
- 3:30 |
Tutoring or Activity |
Tutoring or Activity |
DANCES
School dances will be held periodically throughout the
school year. The sponsor teacher will provide all information, guest permission
slips, behavior/dress codes, and tickets. All students must be picked up
immediately following the dance otherwise the deposit will not be refunded.
Students not adhering to the school policies of behavior and/or dress, will be
asked to leave. Parents will be
contacted. Students under suspension (ISS or
DATABASE
DSA has electronic monitoring available to parents via the school database. Parents are able to see attendance, grades, homework assignments, and the discipline record of their student. The parent uses their student’s password to gain access to this feature.
DELIVERIES
Students are not permitted to call for meals to be delivered to them at school (pizza etc). Parents only may bring
food to the front office. Students who choose to ignore this policy will lose cafeteria privileges and eat in the ISS room for 3 days.
DISCIPLINARY POLICY
DSA prides itself on providing a safe, learning environment for its students and faculty. There are 3 kinds of detentions for minor violations, lunch detention, after-school detentions and Saturday detention. There are 2 suspension options (In-school suspension and Out-of school suspension) if the violations require them. The most extreme cases may result in expulsion.
The following are
examples of behavior which will result in a short-term suspension, long-term
suspension or possibly expulsion.
1. Possessing
a weapon on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity. This includes any item which can be used as a
weapon, produce an electrical charge, and items such as mace and pepper spray.
2. Possession or use of tobacco products, lights,
or matches.
3. Use, possession, or distribution of
alcohol or other drugs, simulations of drugs, or paraphernalia.
4. Disrespect, intimidation, or harassment
toward teachers, students, or other staff members.
5. Fighting
6. Assault and/or battery upon student or
staff member.
7. Leaving campus at any time without
permission.
8. Possession of fireworks, explosive
devices or any simulation of such.
9. Activating false fire alarms
10 Arson or attempting to commit arson.
11 Use of inappropriate language, cussing,
and racial slurs in any situation. This
includes verbal and written.
12 Committing an act that is dangerous or
potentially dangerous to students or staff members.
13 Stealing or being in possession of
stolen items.
14 Vandalism and destruction of property
15 Hand gestures, including simulation of
a weapon as a threat, harassment, intimidation, or defense.
16 Computer violations
17 Terrorist threats.
18 Participation in any student strike,
walkout, and/or demonstration.
19 Inciting racial issues and/or gang
rivalry through signs, language, or dress.
This includes tagging.
20 Use or possession of a cell phone in
class, cafeteria, recess, or hallways.
This list is not intended to be all inclusive. Violations outside this list will be handled on an individual basis. The length of suspensions will increase each violation.
Students under suspension may not be on school grounds
or attend school sponsored events - violation will be considered as trespass.
DISCIPLINE REVIEW AND APPEAL
Students and their parents/guardians have the right to appeal an out of school suspension. The application to appeal must be made in writing to the Principal. This appeal must be made within 1 school day of the suspension being assigned for suspensions up to 10 days, and within 2 school days for suspensions longer than 10 days.
The suspension and its circumstances will be reviewed by a panel of 3 teachers not associated with the suspension, in the presence of the student and parent/guardian. The decision of the panel will be final.
There are 3 possible outcomes for an appeal.
a) The suspension may be canceled and removed from the student record. All work may be made up.
b) The suspension may be shortened.
c) The suspension will stand as assigned.
DRESS CODE
Shirts, Pants and Skirts
The uniform consists of a school shirt, blue for 6th, 7th and 8th graders, and red for high school.
All grades wear either khaki or navy pants. Females may wear khaki or navy skirts (at least knee length).
Tee shirts may be worn under the school shirt, but they must be tucked in at all times. Sleeves may not extend below school shirt. If the student wishes to cover the arms, a long-sleeved top may be worn under the school shirt.
Pants may not be sagged. Cargo pants, capris, or shorts are not allowed. Pant legs may NOT be rolled up.
Outerwear
Coats, hoodies, gloves, scarves etc, may not be worn in the building. Caps will be removed at the door, and kept in the locker. During the colder months, sweatshirts with college logos may be worn over school shirt. (Not hoodies)
V-necked pullover or cardigan sweater may be worn over school shirt.
Seniors’ Uniform
Senior students may wear blue jeans (no cargo, baggy, or low-waist styles permitted).
Shoes
Students are required to wear proper fitting shoes. Clogs, slippers or snow boots are not permitted. (Snow boots when it snows are allowed)
General appearance
Students are expected to be well-groomed. Uniforms must be clean, not torn or written on. Hair should be tidy and not extreme in style. (No bright colored dyes, no mohawks etc) Male high school students may have mustaches and beards which must be trimmed short. Keep jewelry to the minimum - 1 pair earings (small studs or hoops) 2 rings, 2 bracelets, 1 necklace (inside of shirt).Makeup should be minimal. Visible piercings are not acceptable. They will be removed for the school day. Tattoos are not acceptable. Visible tattoos must be covered by a band aid or bandage for the school day.
DRILLS - FIRE, TORNADO AND IOC (Intruder on Campus)
Emergency drills are conducted each quarter, with and
without prior notice. There is an
evacuation diagram in every room, and the student needs to make him/herself
aware of the location to meet his/her class if he/she should become separated
from the class during an evacuation. In the event of a real emergency,
students should not use their cell phones to call parents until given
permission to do so. These drills are to be treated seriously and all requests
by teachers followed immediately, without question. Students who fail to act
correctly during a drill will face disciplinary action.
FIRE DRILL (or real emergency)
Every room will evacuate the building by using the nearest designated entrance. Students will walk in a quiet, orderly fashion to the designated location. Students who may be in the restroom or at the lockers when the alarm sounds, should leave the building immediately by the nearest exit and rejoin his/her class at the designated location. Students will leave all belongings (except purses) in the class. Students may not go to lockers for any reason on the way out of the building.
TORNADO DRILL (or real emergency)
The classes and other rooms with windows looking onto the outside of the building, are the only ones which will evacuate and move to their designated room on the interior of the building. All students will take their place in the innermost corner of the room, away from hall wall and door. Students will remain quiet until the all clear is sounded.
IOC (Intruder on Campus) (Drill or real emergency)
This alert will be used if an armed intruder enters the building. Students will remain in the class where they are, moving to the innermost part of the room, away from hall walls, doors and windows. The door will be locked, and the lights turned off. Absolute silence is necessary during this time. Students who are out of a room when this alert is given should go to the nearest restroom, or room with an open door. Lock the door, turn out the light if possible,
and remain absolutely quiet. Do not roam the halls trying locked doors.
DROP-OFF PROCEDURE
All middle school students are expected to be dropped off and picked up in north parking lot. High school students expected to be dropped off and picked up in south parking lot. For families with children from both schools can use the south parking lot.
EARLY GRADUATION
Those students who are able to graduate early should submit a letter of intention to the Counselor before the school starts. The student will be placed in senior class by approval from Principal.
END OF DAY PROCEDURES
Students are expected to exit the buildings within ten minutes of the final bell, unless taking part in tutoring or an after-school activity. Tutoring and after-school activities end at 3:30 p.m. Students must exit the building immediately. Parents are expected to pick-up or make arrangements to have their students picked up by 3:30 pm. The campus will be closed at 3:30 and the gates closed. Middle school students waiting to be picked up will wait alongside the cafeteria in the new parking lot.
EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES - SEE ATTENDANCE
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Some teachers choose to have an after-school activity/club. These last until 3:30 unless otherwise posted.
These activities will be announced after the start of school with any cost or materials required. Students who are identified as being in need of academic tutoring are not eligible to join a club if it is on the same day as his/her tutoring.
Students who have to attend ZAP, may not go to his/her club.
Students who have been in ISS that day, may not go to his/her club.
Students who miss club on 3 consecutive weeks, will be dropped.
Students attending a club must stay in the club location until dismissed by the teacher, and then leave the building immediately.
GRADING
All classes will follow the standard scale of assigning letter grades for the quarter and semester work.
Individual teachers will establish grading policies and procedures for their particular classes, but their grades will correspond to this scale.
% GRADE LETTER GRADE
90 - 100 A
80 - 89 B
70 - 79 C
60 - 69 D
0 - 59 F
Credits
Credits are earned semesterly at DSA. The semester grade is the average of 2 quarterly grades.
eg The average of quarters 1 and 2 = 1st semester grade
The average of quarters 3 and 4 = 2nd semester grade.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students are able to earn 61/2 credits per school year. The credits are assigned as follows:
SUBJECT CREDIT PER SEMESTER
Core Math ½
Core English ½
Core Science ½
Core Social Studies ½
Core Fine Arts (Art/Music) ¼
Computer
App. ¼
Foreign
Lang. ¼
PE/Health ¼
Char Ed
¼
In order to be promoted
to the next grade, students must have 6 credits and must pass all the core
classes.
A student has 5
credits and has not failed from more than one core course require summer
school.
Summer school must be
approved by the school.
Failing 2 core
classes at the end of the year average will require repeating the grade.
Missing more than
18.5 school days (excused/unexcused absences combined) means the grade is
failed on attendance.
HIGH SCHOOL
Credits are earned semesterly and are the average of 2 quarterly grades.
Failing a core class
will require attending summer school.
Failing one or more
semesters of an elective will require repeating the semester failed at a later
date.
Missing 10% of any
class (absent 18 ½ times) will mean failing that class on attendance.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Standard Diploma
Twenty-five
credits are required for graduation from
The 25 credits
are from the following areas:
ENGLISH 4 CREDITS 1 CREDIT EACH ENGLISH I, II, III, IV
MATH* 3 CREDITS 1 CREDIT EACH ALGEBRA I, II, GEOMETRY
SOCIAL
STUDIES 3 CREDITS ½ CREDIT CIVICS/U.S. GOVERNMENT
½
CREDIT
1
CREDIT
1
CREDIT WORLD HISTORY
SCIENCE 3 CREDITS 1
CREDIT EACH BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY,
PHYSICS OR PHYSICAL
SCIENCE
COMPUTER
SCIENCE 3 CREDITS
P.E./HEALTH 1 ½
FINE
ARTS 2 CREDITS (ART,
MUSIC, HUMANITIES)
FOREIGN
LANG. 2 CREDITS
ELECTIVES 3 ½
· Class of 2011 will require to take one more Math credit to be aligned with College Bound Requirements.
GRADUATING WITH HONORS
Twenty-seven
credits are required in order to graduate with Honors from
HALL PASSES
Hall passes are a benefit, not a right. They are given at the discretion of the teacher and should not be abused. If a student is found in a location other than where he/she was given a pass to be, the student will face disciplinary action.
HEAD LICE POLICY
If student is found to have lice, the parent will be contacted and the student sent home for treatment. A student may not return to classes until the Nurse has checked the student and found him/her to be clear of lice.
HEALTH ROOM
DSA has a school nurse available to the students. Please observe these rules if you become ill or injured:
· Report to the nurse immediately if it is an emergency. The secretary can help you if the nurse is unavailable.
· Do not ask to be released from class for non-emergency health matters - go to her office in your break time.
· If necessary, the nurse or an administrator will contact your parents. Do not use a cell phone, it is not allowed.
· There are only a few reasons for you to go home. The nurse or administrator will make that determination.
· Medication may be given if there is an authorization on file with the nurse. (SEE ALSO MEDICATION)
HOMEBOUND - SEE ATTENDANCE
HONORS
Valedictorian Medal is awarded at graduation to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative mathematical average in all courses through the end of the first semester of their senior year. The grade point average is not rounded up.
Salutatorian Medal is awarded at graduation to the graduating senior with the second highest cumulative mathematical average in all courses through the end of the first semester of their senior year. The grade point average is not rounded up.
Oklahoma Academic Scholar Award recognizes students with a grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale for 9th through first semester of 12th grade or who are in the top 10% of their graduating class. Students must also receive a composite score of 27 on the ACT or 1220 combined reading and mathematics score on the SAT. The ACT or SATI must have been taken on National Test Dates.
DSA Faculty Honor Roll Certificate is awarded to students who receive a 3.0 – 3.49 grade point average and no failing grades for each quarter. Weighted grades are included in the average.
DSA Principal Honor Roll Certificate is award to students who receive a 3.50 – 3.99 grade point average and no grade below a “C” for each quarter. Weighted grades are included in the average.
DSA Honor Roll Certificate is awarded to students with a 4.0 grade point average and all “A’s” for each quarter. Weighted grades are included.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
This suspension is a student’s final chance before being
suspended from school. The Administration are the only ones who may assign ISS.
The student is removed from his/her regular classes and works in the ISS
room. They may not have breaks with the
student population, may not eat in the cafeteria, nor go to recess. The class
work is provided by their class teachers, and must be finished and returned by
the end of the day. When students have served a total of 10 days ISS, they
cannot be assigned any more and can only be assigned
LIBRARY
Any library or textbook assigned to a student becomes his/her responsibility. The cost of books that are lost or damaged will be charged to the parent/guardian. Grade reports will be withheld until these dues are paid.
LOCKERS
All students will be assigned a locker with the combination. Students will use only this locker to keep school materials and personal belongings. Students found sharing lockers or the combination with other students will be liable for disciplinary action. The locker remains the property of DSA and as such may be searched at any time.
LONG-TERM SUSPENSION
This suspension means more than 10 days. It is assigned for the most serious of violations. The Law says that the student must receive school work during this time. An arrangement is made for the parent/guardian to collect/return the work every Tuesday. Any work not received will receive a zero. The student may not come to the school but they may contact their teachers by phone and/ore-mail for help with assignments.
LOST,STOLEN AND FOUND
Any belongings found by students or staff will be held in the front office. Students should make sure that all clothing and personal items as well as school materials, are labeled. The lost and found cupboard is emptied periodically, and all unclaimed items are donated to charity.
LUNCH DETENTION
This detention is assigned for the smallest violations such as coming to class unprepared (without materials), repeat tardies to class, talking after warnings, minor misbehavior etc. Parent will be contacted.
Middle school - Student will report to the detention room at lunchtime to write 50 sentences. He/she will be taken to the cafeteria after 20 minutes to eat lunch. Sentences can be worked on there if not finished. Not allowed to recess. High School - Student will report to cafeteria, eat lunch and then report to the detention room to write 50 sentences. No recess.
LUNCH PROGRAM
DSA does not have its own kitchen and school lunches are delivered by TPS. It is important that all students have a lunch program application completed for them at the start of every school year. Applications do not carry over to the next year. Even if the student is not eligible for the free or reduced program, an application must be on file for them.
The applications are available in English and Spanish from the front office. If there is any money owing for lunches at the end of the year, the final grade report will be withheld until the dues are paid.
MAKE-UP WORK - SEE ATTENDANCE
MEDICATION POLICIES
DSA medication
policies are governed by Oklahoma State Law and exist for the safety of
students, facility, and staff.
Administration of
medication at school is discouraged.
Parents should use a dosing schedule that allows medication to be taken
at home, if possible. The following information is provided to assist you in
complying with the school policies.
· The term medication is used to describe all prescription and non-prescription substances including OTC (over the counter) items such as vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements.
· All medication must be taken directly to the nurse or secretary A “Request Administration of Medication during School” form must completed before leaving the medication at school.
· Medication must be transported by a parent or guardian.
· Controlled substances must be accompanied by a count slip, signed and dated by parent or guardian.
· Carrying medication or self-administration of medication is strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Principal and/or Nurse.
· No experimental or investigational drug without FDA approval. No outdated medication will be given to a student.
· Sharing of any medication with another person is strictly prohibited.
Prescription Medication
Prescription medication may be administered only upon written authorization from a parent or guardian.” Request Administration of Medication during School”. The prescription medication must be in a pharmacy container labeled by a pharmacist or licensed physician. The label must show the following:
· Student’s Name
· Name of Drug
· Dosage
· Times of administration.
· Current Date
· Physician’s Name
· Pharmacy name/phone number.
Non-prescription (OTC) Medication
Non-prescription medication may be administered only upon written authorization from a parent or guardian. Medication must be in the original container listing directions for administration.
Emergency Administration of Non-Prescription (OTC)
Medication
Completion of the “Emergency Information Form” is required at the beginning of each school year. No OTC medication will be administered by the school Nurse or designate staff without this form on record. Verbal authorization will not be accepted.
Permission for Student to Carry/Self-Administer Medication
If a student has a life threatening diagnosis that requires immediate access to medication, an authorization form must be on file signed by physician, parent/guardian and student. The medication policy will be enforced.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
· Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are selected based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and service. Students who have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of a 3.50 during the 2007/2008 school year will be invited to participate in a selection process. Students may be placed on probation for one semester, if their
GPA drops below the entrance requirement for the year they were inducted. If a student does not raise their GPA within two semesters, the student will be dismissed from the NHS. Any member receiving disciplinary action may also be dismissed from NHS.
Junior National Honor Society (JNHS)
Students in the 7th and 8th grades are selected based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and service. Students who have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of a 3.70 during the 2007/2008 school year will be invited to participate in a selection process. Students may be placed on probation for one semester, if their GPA drops below the entrance requirement. If a student does not raise their GPA within two semesters, the student will be dismissed from the JNHS. Any member receiving disciplinary action may also be dismissed from JNHS.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
There are 4 conferences per year. They are held half-way into each quarter, after the mailing of the Progress Reports. All the teachers are available to discuss your student’s grades, work, and any difficulties in class they may be experiencing. The Special Services Dept. as well as the Administration are present to assist you in any way. The dates and times of the conferences will be posted on the Web site, and are also shown on the Academic
Calendar. Also, parents may request a conference any day after school (except Wednesday) with the student’s teachers. The request should be made to the Counselor or Dean of Students who will make arrangements.
PARKING REGULATIONS
Students who are driving themselves to school need to observe the following policies:
· A parking permit is required to park on the school campus. Cost is $15 per year.
· Students must park in the new parking lot. Please note this is a one-way.
· The speed limit is 5 m.p.h. Speeding violation will result in disciplinary action.
· Students must vacate their vehicles immediately after parking.
· Students cannot return to their vehicles at any time during the day without permission.
· Vehicles parked on campus are subject to search.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
This refers to the students who may be attending another education campus part of the school day.
The attending of that campus together with the required hours at DSA, make up a full school day for the
purpose of attendance.
PERSONAL PROPERTY - SEE LOST AND FOUND
PICK-UP - SEE END OF DAY PROCEDURES
PLAGIARISM
This is copying published work, either book form or from the Internet, and passing it as your own work. This is against the Law. Works can be used as reference for research etc but the content has to be put into your own words. The works must also be cited, which gives the author recognition for his/her work. Students committing this offense will face disciplinary action - and receive a zero.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA)
This behavior is not appropriate for school. It includes kissing, cuddling, caressing, and holding hands. Any other forms of display will come under the same policy. The first disciplinary action will be Saturday detention, and parent contacted. If the offense is caught on camera tape, not seen by a staff member, the result will be the same.
REPORT CARDS
There are 2 types of grade cards which will be mailed to parents/guardians during the year.
1. Progress
reports These are mailed about 4 weeks into each
quarter. The grades are not finalized,
but show parents/guardians where the student’s grades are at that date. This report precedes Parent/Teacher
Conferences.
2. Report Cards These are mailed at the end of each quarter
with final grades for that time period.At the end of the 2nd
and 4th quarter, the report
card shows the semester grades/credits.
SATURDAY DETENTION
This detention is held Saturday mornings from 7:45 -
11:45. Students must wear uniform and
bring paper and pencil/pen. They report to the old building North entrance
(near cafeteria) When the detention is assigned, the teacher/
SCHEDULE CHANGES
The school has right to change the time schedule at any time when needed. High school students who would like to add/drop class should do within first two weeks of the each semester.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
This behavior is a violation of Federal Law. The consequence will be long-term suspension with the possibility of
prosecution.
SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION
This suspension (
STATE TESTING
State tests are usually scheduled for the month of April. Failure to pass the English Writing test, taken in 8th grade, means that the student cannot apply for a driving license until the test is retaken and passed.
STUDENT OF LEGAL AGE
Students who attain the age of 18 before graduation, are subject to the same rules and policies as all other students.
SUMMER AND NIGHT SCHOOL
DSA does not offer a general public school summer or night school but students can attend those offered by the schools accredited by Sate Department of Education if necessary. DSA does have a summer school for those students who fail any State Test. Attendance is mandatory.
TRANSCRIPTS
High school transcripts are available from the Counselor at any time.
TUTORING
This tutoring is in place to aid the students for the core courses. Students will be tested early in the new school year and those as being in need of academic help will be identified at that time. Tutoring is after-school and is mandatory. Benchmark tests are taken monthly and when the student shows that he/she has progressed to the point that tutoring is no longer necessary, the student will be released from the tutoring program.
UNIFORM - SEE DRESS CODE
VISITORS
Parents need to make an appointment to speak to a
teacher. Only that particular teacher
will be able to make that arrangement. Visits to the Counselor, and/or any
other
WEB SITE
The school’s web-site address is dsatulsa.org. All links can be found on the Home Page.
ZAP - (ZEROES AREN’T PERMITTED)
Finishing class assignments and giving homework assignments in on the due date, is not only necessary to maintain a good grade, but it is a lesson in self-discipline. This program is for Middle school only at this time.
High school teachers will make arrangements within their own classes. If a student fails to do one/or both of the above, he/she will be “zapped” by the teacher. The teacher will submit the student’s name to the Dean’s office, and the student will be called to the office. The ZAP Coordinator will telephone the parent/guardian and inform them that he/she has been zapped and is required to stay after school to complete the assignment in question. Parents will have the following choices of days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. If a student attends tutoring, he/she will attend a lunchtime Zap session, missing their recess. If the student is a no-show at a zap session, the work will receive a zero. No further chance to make-up the work will be given. Zap will appear on the attendance record.
Because all of you have elected to apply to
Student Contract
As a student of
ü I will show consideration for the rights and feelings of others, being careful not to hurt them physically or make them feel bad.
ü I will not touch in any way to others.
ü I will stand up when an adult visits my classroom.
ü I will speak to others respectfully, not using profanity or uncomplimentary names.
ü I will talk in the classroom after getting permission from teacher.
ü I will show respect for all people working or helping in the school.
ü I will show careful regard for both my property and the property of others.
ü I will always ask permission before I borrow other people’s things, and I will return them promptly and in good condition when I am finished.
ü I will not talk about others and their families.
ü I will attend school regularly.
ü I will be in class on time with all necessary materials.
ü I will make good use of class time and complete and turn in assignments on time.
ü I understand that I must make up assignments I missed because of an absence.
ü I will remain on campus during school time, including the lunch period. I will not leave the school ground without the permission of the principal.
ü I will do my best in my schoolwork, and I will let others do their best.
ü I will ask for help if I do not understand.
ü I will not bring any contraband items to school.
ü I will help keep the school building and grounds clean and tidy.
ü I will walk in the halls.
ü I will follow the dress code and arrive at school in my uniform.
ü I will not participate in any behavior banned by the school.
ü I will set my goal to College/University Education.
ü I agree to follow all requirements of the DSA-TULSA Student Handbook.
Any changes to
this handbook will be given to the students and parents in writing.