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Table of Contents Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………………………. School Calendar…………………………………………………………………………………………………… Developing a Comprehensive Educational Plan (NCLB)………………………………………………………… Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Non-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Retaliation Statement…………………………………………………. Mission, Vision, Philosophy, Motto, Mascot, School Colors……………………………………………………. History……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Bell Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Student Records/Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)……………………………………………. Student Expectations……………………………………………………………………………………………… Enrollment Policies and Operations/Lottery Procedure…………………………………………………………... School Fees………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Student Orientation………………………………………………………………………………………………. Attendance Policies………………………………………………………………………………………………. Student Withdrawal and Release: Truancy/Excessive Absences…………………………………………………. Closed Campus…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ID/Swipe Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………………… Breakfast…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Tardiness…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Early Dismissals…………………………………………………………………………………………………. Student Dress Code Policy………………………………………………………………………………………. Locker Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Hall Passes………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Lunch, Food, Vending Machines and Gum……………………………………………………………………… Textbook and Instructional Materials Policy……………………………………………………………………. Book Reports, Poetry Recitals…………………………………………………………………………………… Student Code of Conduct (YCCS Student Discipline Policy Distributed and Reviewed) ……………………………. ​ ​ Cuts, Detention, Social Exclusion Activities List (SEAL)………………………………………………………... Student Suspension ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Restorative Justice………………………………………………………………………………………………. Cellular Phones and Other Information Technology Devices…………………………………………………… Smoking…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Computer Use Policy, Academic Dishonesty……………………………………………………………………. Bullying/Cyber-Bullying………………………………………………………………………………………… Dating Violence…………………………………………………………………………………………………. Transgender Statement………………………………………………………………………………………... Off Campus/Field Trip Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………… Safety Procedures: Fire, Shelter-in-Place/Tornado, Lockdown and Bus Evacuation Drills……………………... Metal Detector……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Instructional Program/Graduation Requirements………………………………………………………………… Grading Scale, Promotion, Testing, Credits, Progress Reports…………………………………………………. Homework Policy, Academic Probation, Remediation, Homebound…………………………………………… School Support Services Alternative Education Plan (AEP)……………………………………………………. ​ ​ Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)………………………………………………………………. Independent Students……………………………………………………………………………………………. Special Education Services……………………………………………………………………………………… English Language Learner (ELL)………………………………………………………………………………. Driver’s Education………………………………………………………………………………………………. CTA Bus Passes…………………………………………………………………………………………………. Medical, Psychological and Suicide Emergency Protocol………………………………………………………. Parents and Community…………………………………………………………………………………………. Helpful Information, Emergency School Closure, Visitor’s Policy……………………………………………...

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Grievance and Appeal Process and Guiding Principles for Parents……………………………………………... Student/Parent Compliance Agreement…………………………………………………………………………

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DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATIONAL PLAN (NCLB)

All members of the CCA learning community are invited to participate in the development of a comprehensive plan to identify and prioritize strategies and activities that will provide opportunities for all students. The CCA learning community include all employees, parents, students, community members, funders, and/or any other stakeholders.

The CCA Academy has a schoolwide NCLB program. The NCLB annually: ​ ● Reviews the current schoolwide plan using all indicators of academic achievement and ​ perception data to determine if the school’s improvement plan has been effective in addressing major problem areas and increasing student achievement, attendance and behavior. ● Conducts a comprehensive needs assessment of the entire school using achievement data and perception data from school staff, parents, and others in the community. Using a systematic method, such as root-cause analysis, the comprehensive needs assessment will identify the major problem areas that CCA Academy needs to address. ● Prepares an updated comprehensive schoolwide plan that describes how CCA Academy will improve academic achievement throughout the school by addressing the major problem areas identified in the comprehensive needs assessment. This plan will be integrated into the existing school improvement plan.

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Summer 2010 CCA Student Created Mural

Welcome! We are honored that you made the decision to attend CCA Academy, a west region campus of Youth​ Connection Charter School, YCCS. YCCS is the largest Charter School in Chicago whose mission is to prepare students for quality life experiences, technological literacy, graduation, college and vocational education and competitive employment.

CCA’s core values of courage, integrity, respect, commitment, leadership and excellence promotes that mission. We are enthusiastic about empowering students to succeed in the world of work and life. CCA promises to offer quality programs within a safe and caring learning environment.

As partners in students’ education, we aim to make the learning process a personally rewarding and an enjoyable experience. Our expectations for staff, as well as students, mirror that expectation. CCA offers a variety of support services, both academic and non-academic, to further this cause.

CCA is dedicated to our students and we need parents as partners. We value parental involvement and invite your collaboration. We look forward to working with you to develop young people who will become strong leaders of tomorrow.

Students and staff often refer to CCA as “a family”. Learning institutions, like families, need rules to function efficiently. This Student and Parent Handbook outlines current policies and provides useful information related to students’ educational experience at CCA. Please take time to read it carefully and keep it for reference. Should you have any questions about the contents of this handbook, please reach out to the school.

Also, note that this handbook is subject to change. Changes will be provided in writing.

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Non-discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation Statement

All employment-related decisions, education-related programs and activities and all other policies and procedures of CCA shall be administered without regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender or sex (includes gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and pregnancy related medical conditions), race or ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age (40 and above), immigration status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, political belief or affiliation (not union related), military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation. As such, no employee, student, contractor, consultant, vendor, or volunteer shall engage in any conduct that discriminates, sexually harasses or retaliates against another, as defined in this policy, against another while employed, working for, attending school or participating in school related/work related extracurricular functions or during work related social functions.

Definitions Discrimination: Unjust or prejudicial treatment, including harassment and sexual misconduct, towards individuals due to the person’s real or implied membership in one or more of the Protected Categories.

Harassment: Unwelcome verbal, nonverbal, visual, and/or physical conduct that is the person’s real or implied membership in one or more of the Protected Categories. Unwelcome conduct may include, but is not limited to, bullying, intimidation, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, assaults or threats, touching, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, messages sent via email, text or social media, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, conduct of a sexual nature and/or any other persistent, pervasive or severe conduct that interferes with work performance or a student’s access to or participation in education, athletic, or other extracurricular activities.

Retaliation: Adverse employment action or adverse change in academic status, such as discipline or denial of or access to a service or benefit, against any person for having made a complaint or report of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct, whether made internally, or externally with a federal, state, or local agency; or participating or aiding in an investigation, of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct, whether internal, or external with a federal, state, or local agency, is strictly prohibited.

Sexual Misconduct: Any conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome or inappropriate, including but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, grooming, child sexual abuse, dating violence, and inappropriate touch or electronic recordings of a sexual nature.

Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or retaliation should file a grievance with the Title IX Coordinator. Complaints will be investigated and processed pursuant to CCA and YCCS Grievance Policies.

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Mission To create lifelong learners

Vision Our learning community will reclaim and nurture youth and adults, enable them to realize their potential, and empower them to change the world.

Philosophy To punch holes in the darkness, to change lives…one student, one family at a time.

Motto At CCA, everyone’s job is to learn. ​

School Mascot School Colors Cougar Maroon and Gold

History CCA Academy is a community-based high school and was founded in 1978. The Board of Directors is the governing body and includes clergy, educators, civic, community, and business leaders.

CCA Academy was originally founded as an alternative school and is among the oldest alternative schools in the country. At the end of its first year, CCA was granted recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education as the first community-based school to award the high school diploma. Its purpose has always been to serve students who wanted a small school environment, dropouts, high risk, high minority, and high poverty students.

CCA Academy has been a member of the Alternative Schools Network (ASN) since its inception. An urban high school located on Chicago’s Westside, CCA was a small private community-based school for its first twenty years then transitioned into a charter. Since 1997 it has been a West Region Campus of the Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS).

To engage students in the learning process, CCA Academy offers multiple pathways to graduation including traditional classes/courses, virtual learning, blended learning, credit recovery, and competency-based learning through a theme-based approach: Urban Agriculture/Sustainability. Academic, social, and real-world learning is provided through the lens of the themed curriculum. It is a model for students and staff to improve their well-being by making healthy choices while contributing to the wellness and sustainability of the local and global community. The design principles of permaculture help to: reduce personal and community stress by growing food in the North Lawndale food desert; reduce crime by increasing the tree canopy (a 10% increase is associated with a 12% decrease in crime); and fight global warming (Union of Concerned Scientists).

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The CCA living laboratory includes: thirteen vacant city lots transformed into two urbans gardens with a greenhouse and learning circle; a 1400 gallon aquaponics system with grow beds and hundreds of fish; a bioswale with native plants and trees to attract birds, bees and butterflies; three beehives; and a one half acre permaculture food forest - an edible forest garden incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines and vegetables – that serves as a safe community green space.

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2020 – 2021 HYBRID/REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Period/Time Monday & Wednesday Schedule A

st 1 :​ 8:30 - 9:45 Tuesday & Thursday Schedule B ​

nd 2 :​ 9:50 - 11:05 ​ A Schedule: Synchronous Mon & Wed rd 3 :​ 11:10 - 12:25 Asynchronous Tues & Th ​ A Schedule for Seniors and Juniors th 4 :​ 12:25 – 12:55 ​ Lunch B Schedule: Synchronous Tues & Th Asynchronous Mon & Wed th 5 :​ 1:00 - 2:15 B Schedule for Underclass ​

th 6 :​ 2:20 – 3:35 ​ SEL: Mon – Th 8:30 – 11:30am th 7 :​ 3:40 – 4:55 Teacher Rotation ​ ​

th 8 :​ 5:00 – 6:15 Office Hours: Mon – Th 8:50am – 12:25pm ​ Teacher Rotation ​

Friday: Common Planning: 9:00 – 11:00am All Staff Meeting: 11:15am - Noon Professional Development: 1:00 – 3:00pm

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STUDENT RECORDS/FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

CCA will securely maintain education records for each student enrolled. CCA will follow the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations for maintenance and release of student records.

The parent shall have the right to inspect, review and challenge all the student’s education records maintained by the school. Request for review or challenge must be made in writing.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Being a CCA Academy student is a privilege, not a right. CCCA endeavors to provide students with a positive learning environment. To this end, disruptions of the learning process will not be tolerated. Students are expected to be respectful and cooperate with one another, school staff, teachers and administrators. Students should bring the appropriate materials to class. Students should always have pens, pencils, paper, and other required materials. Students are expected to actively participate in class by following directions, staying on-task, and completing assignments promptly.

ENROLLMENT POLICIES AND OPERATIONS

CCA serves high school youth 16-21 years of age who resides within the City of Chicago (Board of Education District #299) who is at risk or has dropped out or formally withdrawn from his/her former school. Students are charter school students and are selected by lottery. Priority enrollment is given to pupils enrolled the previous year, to siblings of students currently enrolled, offspring of former students, homeless students, and neighborhood youth.

All applicants must have graduated from 8th grade and must be able to complete high school ​ requirements by the age of 21. If a student turns 21 during the school year, he/she may remain active that year only. Students who reach the age of 21 before the academic year begins are ineligible. Registration Days/Time

Prospective students can register any day that the school is open. Registration hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Applicants 18 years old or older will be allowed to complete registration without a parent/guardian. Parent/guardian presence, however, is encouraged.

Enrollment Process

Applicants may begin registration without submitting documents required for enrollment, but registration is not complete until all required documents are provided. Students in Temporary

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Living Situations (STLS) - without permanent housing - may register without health or school records.

To complete registration, please submit the following documents: ● A CPS Status Report or a Release Form from a Non-CPS school ● Current Transcript ● Birth Certificate ● Social Security Card ● Immunization Record ● A School Physical, no more than 1 year old, including a TB test or proof of a scheduled doctor’s appointment ● Proof of Address (utility bill) ● Proof of Household Income (current (IDPA card, two most recent check stubs, Social Security award letter, Unemployment award letter, etc.)

CCA has a multi-step admission process:

Step 1: Lottery Application Students applying for enrollment at CCA must complete the YCCS waiting/lottery on-line application and indicate CCA as their campus of preference. Students may visit the school in person or complete the application online at www.applytoyccs.com to apply. Applicants must ​ realize that the application is for entrance into the lottery and does not guarantee enrollment into the school. CCA maintains a Waiting/Lottery list of eligible applicants to document the application process. If space is available, immediate enrollment will be offered. Letters of acceptance will be mailed to students that meet admission criteria with a designated time to respond and complete enrollment. If a student does not respond/complete by set deadline, that student will be removed from the list and must reapply to the lottery. Applicants who do not meet the admissions criteria will be referred to the Charter office. The Charter office will then refer the applicant to other campus locations. If an applicant meets pre-enrollment criteria and there is no available space, the applicant will be placed on the YCCS lottery/waiting list.

Step 2: Lottery Conducted If at any time, there are more eligible applicants for enrollment than available space, eligible applicants are selected by lottery. Lotteries will be conducted via a computer/randomized selection as scheduled by the Youth Connection Charter School Accountability Department and will be witnessed by a third or videotaped. Lottery dates will be officially announced.

CCA will enroll all students drawn from the lottery unless students are no longer interested or were unable to be reached. The applicant will remain on the waiting list until removed due to enrollment at another school or the student has moved with no forwarding address or working

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phone number, is no longer interested in attending or is no longer eligible for enrollment. The lottery application is valid for only one academic year.

Applicants exempt from the lottery are: ● Students that were active at close of the previous academic year and returning at the onset of the fall semester ● Siblings of students currently enrolled in YCCS ● Homeless Students ● Students transferring from one YCCS campus to another YCCS campus during the school year

Step 3: Pre-Enrollment At the time of notification, applicants on the waiting list will be scheduled a date to submit all documentation required for enrollment. During this state of the enrollment process, students will take screening exams to determine class placement.

Step 4: Registration/Enrollment completion Pending applicants that successfully complete the pre-enrollment process will complete a CCA registration packet including the CPS Family Income Information Form. The purpose of this form is to determine school funding. CPS and CCA Academy may receive additional funding based on the number of low-income families enrolled. A parent/guardian is required at registration of all new students under 18 years old unless proof of the student’s emancipation is submitted. Student orientation will be scheduled after all admission steps have been completed.

Lottery Policy for Withdrawn Students According to YCCS policy, CCA can deny enrollment for one semester to any student that fails to meet academic or attendance standards. Any student that is not in good standing at the time of withdrawal must complete one semester at another school, be in good standing, and complete an interview in order to be meet admission criteria for the CCA lottery.

School Fees Students will not be charged an annual Registration/Activity fee. Students who complete registration will be issued one maroon CCA logo shirt without charge.

Registered students may also purchase a CTA Reduced Fare Student Ventra Card at the school, ​ ​ ​ ​ if desired, at the CTA price.

Graduation and prom fees are separate charges. Fees may be charged for certain field trips, although most field trips are sponsored by selected funding sources of the school. Fees may be paid in cash, with a credit card or money order made payable to CCA Academy.

Student Orientation Orientation is designed to help students positively adjust to the school environment. During orientation, school rules and policies are distributed to and discussed with all students and

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parents. Students are required to attend orientation before their class schedules can be issued. During orientation, students participate in workshops on Goal Setting, Conflict Negotiation and Anger Management. Students are also assigned lockers, issued school photo identifications and one polo or tee shirt, and provided an opportunity to purchase Reduced Fare Student Ventra ​ Cards. Late registrants will receive orientation on the CCA Student Handbook and the YCCS ​ ​ Student Discipline Policy before attending classes. ​

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Students who are in good attendance are more engaged in the academic process and more likely to succeed and to graduate. It is difficult for students to build skills and progress if school attendance is not consistent. Good attendance is also a crucial skill that students will need to exceed in post-secondary experiences or in the workforce. Failure to attend class creates educational gaps.

There is a direct correlation between good grades and good attendance. Students are less likely to pass tests and accurately complete assignments if they are out of class. Daily records will be kept on every student and entered on his/her permanent record at the end of each semester.

Absences may be excused only for an illness, doctor’s appointment, death in the immediate family, observance of a religious holiday, verifiable family emergency, situations beyond control of the student as determined by administration, or other circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent or legal guardian for the safety or health of the student.

A parent/guardian should call the school at (773) 762-2272 ext. 225 if a student is going to be absent. Parents calling before 7:30 a.m. should leave a message. The attendance line is open twenty-four (24) hours and on weekends and holidays.

Absences can be excused only if a written note from the parent/guardian is received by the school office upon the student’s return, acknowledging dates of absence. This note is required, ​ even if the parent/legal guardian calls the school to inform the school of the absence. ​

If a student has an excused absence, opportunity will be provided to make up any missed work including tests. Student must see teachers upon return to determine make-up work deadlines.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL AND RELEASE Truancy/Excessive Absences

The following describes CCA policy and procedures relative to student withdrawal. Policies and procedures specific to the withdrawal and release of special education students must be in accordance with the Policy and Procedures of District #299 and all state and federal laws. (See section on the provision of educational services to special education students.) By statute, CCA does not remove, counsel out, transfer, refuse to reenroll, or permanently remove a student based

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solely on academic performance because such practices violate IDEA and Due Process standards.

CCA will contact the parent/guardian each time a student is absent from school. All calls will be recorded in a phone log.

The guideline below lists other procedures that take place after a specified number of unexcused student absences: rd 3 ​ Consecutive Unexcused absences: ​ ● If unable to contact by phone, a home visit will be made ● Administration will conference with student upon return th 5 ​ Unexcused Absence ​ ● 5-Day Notification letter sent to the last known address by regular mail ● A parent/counselor conference to discuss attendance will be requested th 10 ​ Unexcused Absence ​ ● 10-Day Notification Letter requesting conference is sent to home th 15 ​ Unexcused Absence ​ ● A certified Notification Letter requesting a conference and that allows five business days for response with documentation to support reasons for absences will be sent to home. If the parent/student is unable to be contacted after 15 days of unexcused absences, the student will be removed from membership ● Students that are removed may reapply during the next semester

CCA makes every effort to encourage the student to remain in school.

CLOSED CAMPUS CCA operates a closed campus. Students must enter the school immediately upon arrival. Once students have entered the building, they may not leave without authorization until the end of the day. Students arriving early must report to and remain in the breakfast/lunch area until the bell st rings at 8:20 a.m. Students may then report to their 1 period​ class. Any student who leaves the ​ building (even though school has not yet begun) will be charged with a cut and it will be documented that the student left without consent.

It will be documented if a student leaves the building without authorization and the parent/guardian will be notified. This is a grave safety concern. Additionally, the following applies: Attendance/absences are recorded at the beginning of the day. Late arrivals are recorded with time of arrival noted. Times that students leave and return, if applicable, are recorded. Attendance is taken during each class period.

ID/SWIPE PROCEDURES Upon arrival to school, all students must swipe in at the front entrance. Students are always required to wear their photo ID and to show it upon request. If a student does not have his/her ID, or if the swipe card is unreadable, the student must obtain a temporary ID for the day. After receiving 3 consecutive temporary ID’s, student will be required to purchase a new ID.

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The student ID can be used with the bus pass for student rate. Students must also carry their ID to all school-related activities, both at home and away. If a student loses his/her ID, he/she should report to the main office for a replacement. There is a $5.00 fee to replace a swipe card that is lost, stolen, or damaged.

BREAKFAST Breakfast is served from 7:45a.m. until 8:15a.m. Breakfast will not be served to students arriving after 8:15a.m. without approval from administration.

TARDY TO SCHOOL Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. Students are expected to be in their classrooms ready to work when the bell signals the beginning of the first period. A student that is tardy-to-school must obtain a tardy pass from the main office before going to class.

Students who arrive late to school due to a doctors/dental appointment, personal illness, family emergency, or court appearance are instructed to report directly to the main office with verification. If no verification documentation is provided, the parent/guardian will be called prior to the student obtaining an admit slip to class.

Students who miss 1 period will be marked absent ½ day unless they stay after school (9th period) ​ to make up the work missed.

TARDY TO CLASS A student who is tardy to any class must be admitted and marked tardy in the teacher’s PowerSchool. Excessive tardiness will result in a detention.

EARLY DISMISSAL A parent/guardian must be contacted before an early dismissal is granted. Students should present a note from a parent/guardian to the school registrar at the beginning of the school day in order to be dismissed early, except in cases of sudden emergency or illness. If a student becomes ill, the student should report to the main office. A parent/guardian will be contacted and may be ​ ​ required to pick up a sick student.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

STUDENT DRESS CODE It is the responsibility of the student to dress appropriately for school and school related functions. Clothing, hair styles and accessories must be appropriate and consistent with school philosophy and should not impede the learning process.

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The dress code is in effect any time students are in the building and participating in off-campus events. Staff may require students to adjust their attire, as necessary.

1. Uniform attire of CCA logo polo, tee shirts and/or sweatshirts issued by the school is strongly encouraged but not mandated while in school. CCA logo shirts must be ​ worn on all school trips. a. No alterations may be made to uniform shirts. Long sleeved warm clothing may be worn underneath uniform shirts. b. CCA Academy has no uniform pants. ​

2. Pants and Skirts a. All pants are to be worn at waist level. b. If pants are torn or frayed, skin must not be visible under pants. c. Skirts, dresses, shorts, skorts, or culottes must be knee length or longer. CCA uses the fingertip rule: bottoms may not be shorter than your longest fingertip when standing up with your arms at your side. 3. Outerwear a. Coats, jackets or any other outer garments are not permitted to be worn in the school and should be stored in lockers.

4. Students may not wear: a. Stretch/spandex pants or shorts. b. See through leggings, blouses or dresses. c. Tank-style undershirts, halters, tube tops, or tops that do not meet the waistline. d. House shoes or pajamas. e. Hats, caps, rags, rollers, combs or picks, hoods, bandannas, scarves, or head coverings used for sleepwear. Wearing hats or head coverings that honor ​ religion or that is necessitated by a medical issue are permitted only with written approval of administration.

5. Individuality/Self-Expression Students may not display slogans, signs, emblems ​ or colors, etc. that: a. Promote the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products. b. Promote or incite violence, gang activity, or other illegal acts. c. Convey sexual vulgarities or profane obscenities. d. Send other messages that impact the emotional and physical safety of the school community

LOCKER POLICY Two students are required to share lockers. The registrar’s office will assign lockers during orientation. The school furnishes combination locks. Combinations should not be shared. The only items that may be placed in lockers are articles of clothing, schoolbooks, or supplies relating to school use and personal items, which the student is legally entitled to have in his or

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her possession. Lockers are school property and must be treated with care. They should be kept clean. Locker sweeps may occur randomly throughout the school year. All lockers must be emptied on the last day of final exams during the fourth quarter.

HALL PASSES Any student in the hallway during class must have a pass from a staff member. Passes will be given on an extremely limited basis. This includes passes to the bathroom, water fountain, lockers and staff offices.

LUNCH Students are not permitted to leave campus during lunch. Meals are provided by Chicago Public Schools. Parents/guardian will be provided applications for free or reduced priced meals. Refrigeration and microwaves are provided for students who bring their own lunches. No opened drinks are allowed in the school. No outside deliveries are permitted.

FOOD VENDING MACHINES AND GUM Students may eat only at specified times and in designated areas. Vending machines can Only be used before or after school and during lunch. Gum is prohibited. TEXTBOOK AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS POLICY Students are assigned textbooks, novels and resource materials throughout the year. The instructor will advise the student whether the materials may be kept or must be returned to school. A student in need of a schedule change for an upcoming semester should turn in assigned books at the end of final exams.

BOOK REPORTS/POETRY RECITALS In order to successfully complete a semester, it is mandatory that students submit one book report and recite two poems, in addition to any class assigned book reports or poems that are required as part of the regular curriculum. Students will receive a pass/fail grade. No student may graduate without completion of the required novels and poems.

The English Department will provide an approved list of novels and must approve poetry recitals. Poetry may be recited during a class lesson or at a school function. Students may be creative, or they can choose poems from other sources of reference.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

All students are governed by the YCCS Student Discipline Policy. The YCCS Student Discipline ​ ​ ​ Policy is reviewed with and signed by each student before the start of classes. Additionally, all ​ ​ CCA rules are consistent with the YCCS Student Discipline Policy and may address ​ inappropriate student behaviors not included in it.

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Poor academic achievement alone is not an inappropriate behavior. Struggling students will receive academic interventions to help them achieve success.

CUTS A cut is defined as an unexcused absence. Every class cut will result in one detention. If a student accumulates three (3) or more cuts in one day, a conference will be scheduled with the student and the parent/guardian will be notified. Excessive cuts will result in further disciplinary actions.

DETENTION Detention is one of the most common consequences for conduct prohibited by the CCA Student ​ Code of Conduct and the YCCS Student Discipline Policy. Detention must be served in an ​ ​ expedient manner on the assigned day.

A detention is one hour. During detention, a student may complete homework assignments and/or detention writing prompts. It is the student’s responsibility not to earn detentions and to track detentions once they have been earned.

Any student that accumulates ten detentions will be placed on the Social Exclusion Activities List (SEAL) and the parent/guardian will be notified.

AUTOMATIC DETENTION BEHAVIORS Non-Negotiable No Exceptions No Excuses No Pre-Warning Necessary

● Eating or drinking other than in the lunchroom or assigned area ● Electronic device visible or turned on in the classroom or hallway ● Leaving a class while in session without permission or a pass ● Loud profane or vulgar language

SOCIAL EXCLUSION ACTIVITIES LIST (SEAL) Once a student has accumulated ten (10) detentions and has been placed on the Social Exclusion ​ Activities List (SEAL), he/she must clear all detentions before he/she can resume participation ​ ​ ​ in designated activities. SEAL exclusion activities include, but are not limited to dances, sports ​ ​ activities, club activities, field trips, prom, or participation in the graduation ceremony. STUDENT SUSPENSION The school’s administrative team will deliberate all student suspensions. CCA will maintain records in the student file of any disciplinary infractions and/or suspensions. Parents/guardians will be notified and provided an opportunity to respond to charges that determined a student suspension. (See Grievance and Appeals Process) ​ ​

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

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Out of school suspension may not exceed 10 consecutive days or no more than 20 total days within a school year. Students with disabilities may be suspended for up to 10 consecutive or 10 cumulative school days in one year. CCA will ensure that suspended students are assigned homework. Students will be given the opportunity to make up quizzes, special projects, or exams given during the period of suspension. Students will be allowed to take statewide assessments unless the student is available to take the test during makeup testing period.

Students serving out-of-school suspensions may not come on campus for any reason, unless to see an administrator, counselor, or teacher nor may they participate in extracurricular activities or attend school sponsored events while suspended. Violators of this policy will be considered trespassing and police will be notified.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Restorative justice is designed to repair and strengthen relationships, so it should be used as a tool for creating school safety. Within the discipline context, restorative justice practices and philosophy bring the student who misbehaved with those who were affected in order to hold the student accountable, repair the harm that was caused, and prevent similar actions in the future by addressing needs. Restorative justice makes schools safer, improves relationships between staff, students, parents, and the community, helps to lower suspension, expulsion, and arrest rates, and provides social-emotional support so that all can be successful. Some of the techniques CCA will implement to promote Restorative Justice are: Peace Circles, Restorative Chats, and Check-Ins throughout the day.

CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY Electronic devices can be beneficial or harmful to the learning environment. Computers, laptops, iPads, and other electronic devices needed during school hours will be provided by CCA Academy. Students will be allowed to use cell phones during their assigned lunch period, before the starting bell, and when directed by the teacher. At all other times, use of electronic devices is prohibited and devices must remain off. Electronic device violations will be dealt with according to the YCCS Student Discipline Policy. ​ ​

Security of their electronic devices is the sole responsibility of the owner. CCA Academy is not responsible for any device damaged, lost, or stolen on campus. Personal technology must run off its own battery and may not be charged on school circuitry.

SMOKING Smoking is not permitted on school property including the garden, parking lot and sidewalk in front of the school. Non-smoking rules apply to all school events. Lighters and cigarettes found in the possession of a student will be confiscated by staff and will not be returned.

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COMPUTER USE POLICY Student use of school computers is a privilege that allows each student to broaden their educational experience. Proper computer use at school is mandatory. Violating proper use, as outlined in this policy, will carry serious consequences and may result in computer uses being cancelled or disciplinary measures as outlined in the YCCS Student Discipline Policy. Students are specifically prohibited from: ● Accessing, producing, posting, sending or displaying material that is offensive by nature. This includes obscene, discriminating, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, disrespectful, or sexually suggestive language or images, including images of exposed private body parts. ● Attempting to damage computers, computer systems, software, or networks. ● Using another’s login ID or password. ● Illegal use of data in folders or work files. ● Posting personal or private information about you or other people on the Internet. ● Arranging or agreeing to meet with someone you have met online. ● Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the network. ● Posting information that could be disruptive, cause damage, or endanger students or staff. ● Downloading files without prior approval from supervising staff. This includes downloading or playing games that are not educational and/or assigned by a teacher. ● Accessing chatrooms unless assigned by a teacher for a valid educational purpose.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY CCA is dedicated to preparing students for success. As such, CCA has a firm policy regarding academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty is any action intended to obtain or assist in obtaining credit for work that is not one's own. Such actions include but are not limited to the following: ● Submitting another student's work as one's own. ● Obtaining or accepting a copy of tests or scoring devices. ● Giving test questions or answers to a member of a later class or receiving test questions or answers from a member of an earlier class. ● Copying from another student's test or allowing another student to copy during a test. ● Using materials that are not permitted during a test. ● Plagiarizing material (presenting another's work as one's own) from an on-line course, an Internet or print source without adequate paraphrasing or without appropriate citation/documentation from a published source. Whether the material is quoted or paraphrased, appropriate documentation of the source, both within the text and in bibliographic form, is required to avoid plagiarizing.

Academic dishonesty of any kind is detrimental to the educational progress of all students and will not be tolerated. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense, the following options may be exercised by the teacher and/or administration: ● Resubmission of the assignment or completion of a makeup assignment.

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● Earning zero points for the assignment even if such a score leads to failure of the course. ● Suspension.

BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLYING CCA Academy prohibits “bullying” or “harassment” including using data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system or computer network of any type. Bullying behavior can be verbal or nonverbal. Any student found bullying will be subject discipline according to the student discipline code.

Cyberbullying is being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material or engaging in other forms of social aggression using the internet or other digital technologies.

Cyberbullying can take different forms: ● Flaming - Online fights using electronic messages with angry and vulgar language. ● Harassment - Repeatedly sending nasty, mean, and insulting messages. ● Denigration - “Dissing” someone online. Sending or posting gossip or rumors about a person to damage his or her reputation or friendships ● Impersonation - Pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material to get that person in trouble or danger or to damage that person’s reputation or friendships. ● Outing - Sharing someone’s secrets or embarrassing information or images online. ● Trickery - Talking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information, then sharing it online. ● Exclusion - Intentionally and cruelly excluding someone from an online group. ● Cyber talking - Repeated, intense harassment and denigration that includes threats or creates significant fear.

Any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, direct toward a student or students that has or can reasonably be predicted to have effect of one or more of the following: ● Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the students’ person or property. ● Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student or students physical or mental health. ● Substantially interfering with the student (s)’ academic performance. ● Substantially interfering with the students or student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a school.

DATING VIOLENCE Any school employee who is notified by a parent, guardian or student, or who reasonably suspects that a student has been the victim of dating violence shall immediately report that

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information to the principal/designee. The principal shall ensure that the student victim receives appropriate support services in accordance with YCCS policy.

TRANSGENDER POLICY It is the goal of CCA Academy to create a learning environment in its school community where students are protected from bullying, discrimination, and harassment. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that students who are transgender and gender nonconforming have a safe and welcoming school environment. This includes ensuring that any incident of discrimination, harassment, or violence is given immediate attention, including investigating the incident, taking appropriate corrective action, and providing students and staff with pertinent resources. Complaints alleging discrimination or harassment based on a person's actual or perceived transgender status or gender nonconformity should be reported to staff immediately and will be handled in accordance with the school's Anti-Bullying policy, the Non-Discrimination, Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy and the Student Code of Conduct. If a student or parent/guardian needs additional supports and/or accommodations, please contact school administration.

OFF CAMPUS/FIELD TRIP CODE OF CONDUCT Students are expected to adhere to CCA rules and regulations pertaining to discipline even when they are off premises. The CCA Parent/Student Handbook, YCCS Student Discipline Policy and ​ ​ ​ ​ the CPS Student Code of Conduct apply to students at all times during the school day, while on ​ ​ school property, while traveling to and from school, at any school-related event, on any vehicle funded by CCA, and while using the CCA network.

CCA rules also apply to student behavior outside of school if: (1) a student commits a Group 5 or 6 behavior, and (2) the behavior disrupts or may disrupt the educational process at school. In other words, students may be disciplined at school for seriously inappropriate behavior off school property and during non-school hours if the behavior will interfere with teaching and learning at the school. This includes seriously inappropriate behavior on social networking websites that disrupts or may disrupt the educational process at school.

SAFETY PROCEDURES ● CCA complies with all applicable health and Safety laws of the Federal Government, State of Illinois and City of Chicago. ● Disaster Lineup Procedures and Evacuation Information are posted in each classroom and office near the doorway. ● Additionally, Evacuation Route maps are displayed in each hallway and the multipurpose room. All exit signs are lighted. ● The school is equipped with emergency lighting in case of utility failure. FIRE DRILLS Fire drills and any other emergency that necessitates evacuating the building are signaled by a sporadic horn. Engine 38 of the Chicago Fire Department performs fire drills at least four times annually.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE/TORNADO

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Reverse evacuation disaster, tornado or severe weather is signaled by a continuous horn. One drill is conducted by CCA administration each semester. During this drill, everyone must line up in the designated interior hallway, without touching and in no more than three rows, face the wall and cover their eyes. In an actual emergency everyone must crouch with arms folded over face.

LOCKDOWN/REVERSE EVACUATION DRILLS Chicago Police Department conducts one Lockdown/Reverse Evacuation drill annually.

BUS EVACUATION DRILL CCA Academy will schedule a CPS approved student transportation vendor to conduct a bus evacuation drill, as required by law, at least once a year.

FIRE ALARMS, EMERGENCY EXITS, CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS CCA’s fire alarm is located on the administrative side of the building. Fire pull stations are located at each exit door. There are two main entrance doors and eleven emergency exits located throughout the school building. Carbon monoxide detectors are located at each utility closet.

METAL DETECTOR To help ensure safety and reduce the threat of potential violence, a metal detector has been installed at the main entrance. All students, staff and visitors are required to pass through the detector.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM ​ ​ ​ The CCA requires 18 credits to graduate and is designed for retrieved dropout or frequent transfer students. Students my graduate when they have finished all graduation requirement regardless of age or class year.

CCA ACADEMY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 2019

Required Credit Bearing Requirements Units Course Required Series I Four years of English Language Arts 4 credit English Mathematics Three years of Mathematics 3 credits Integrated I, Integrated II, Integrated III or Applied Math Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry Science Three years of Science–Must include Biology or a course included Biology 3 credits Integrated Science I (Biology), Integrated Science II, Urban Agriculture Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Environmental Science Social Science Three years of Social Science 3 credits U.S. History (one-year State Requirement), World History, African American History Cultural History, Law, Civics (one semester State Requirement), Government, Economics

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World Language One Year of Fine Arts or Foreign Language 1 credit or Fine Arts Career Education One Year of Career Education 1 credit PE and Health One Year of PE/Health/Wellness 1 credit Electives Selection of additional courses not already listed above 2 credits Total Credit Students must earn a minimum of 18 credits as described above to earn a diploma from the CCA Required Other Requirements Writing Intensive 2 courses that contain a writing –intensive component, one year is part of an English language arts Courses course and the other year may be part of an English language arts course or part of another course Service Learning Twenty hours of approved Service-Learning activities per semester enrolled (minimum 40 Hours) 10 hours must be completed at CCA Academy with Restorative Justice or Urban Agriculture Programs. Consumer Minimum of 9 weeks (1 quarter) Consumer Education Education Book Report & Students must recite 2 poems and read 1 novel and submit a book report for each semester enrolled Poems Public Law 195 Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. and Illinois constitutions as part of subject area curricula and/or Constitution test. No student shall receive certification of graduation without passing an examination upon such subjects Driver Education Required. Online course offered.

SAT State Requirement

th th 12 g​ rade Minimum of 12 g​ rade reading level as measured by the STAR ​ ​ Reading Residency One-year residency

College Students must apply to college/postsecondary institutions and receive an acceptance letter acceptance

GRADING SCALE POLICY CCA uses the Carnegie Grading CCA grades are linked to achievement of a criterion. Student performance is not compared with the performance of others but to the ability to attain instructional outcomes. CCA uses a letter grade system. In the letter grade system, a teacher may use a point average of all grades of student assignments as their grading formula or a percentage formula where they determine the “weight” for each assessment area. These grade formulas are aligned to the cut scores of:

A = 90-100% Work is exemplary; regularly exceeds standards B = 80-89% Work slightly exceeds standards C = 70-79% Work meets average standards F = 69% or below Work is below average standards

Grades earned in all courses will be used to determine class rank and honor roll according to the following grade point system: A……………………….4 points B…………………….…3 points

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C……………………….2 points F or withdrawals….…...0 point

Students who transfer with advanced placement or honor courses, or who take college level courses while at CCA will be assigned honors weighting as follows: A……………………….5 points B…………………….…4 points

Principal’s List: 3.6 grade point average with no grade below a “B”.

Honor Roll: 3.0 grade point average with no grade below a “C”.

Honor Roll is based on the semester grade point average. Senior class rank is determined by the cumulative grade point average.

PROMOTION POLICY In order to assure that students are well prepared for junior and senior levels of high school as well as postsecondary transition, and to assure that students are adequately prepared to meet the Illinois State exit requirements and YCCS goals of increasing the number of students who exit at the early and late high school bench mark and who successfully transition to post-secondary employment, education or military settings, CCA assigns students to one of the following categorical population pools based upon the defined eligibility criteria:

Ungraded Underclassman Population All students who by definition: ● have completed 0%-49% of their credit requirements towards graduation ● have Star scores in reading and math below 8.0 All students remain in the UNGRADED population until they successfully meet the th requirements/eligibility to move to the 11 graded​ population, subject to student’s AEP/IEP. If a ​ th student does NOT meet a minimum of 8.0 on the Star to progress to the 11 grade​ population, an ​ RTI with supporting documentation will be written for the student to help provide support for improved overall performance. Students with an active RTI or applicable IEP will become th identified 11 grade​ students after and with appropriate documented intervention. All AEPs ​ should be developed upon student entry and reviewed quarterly as needed.

11th Grade Population All students who by definition: ● have completed 50%-74% of their credit requirements towards graduation ● have successfully passed the following core courses with a minimum of 70% or better or shown proficiency, for incoming credit to be accepted in the following courses: ● 2 English/Literature and are currently enrolled in an English or Literature course ​ ​ ● currently enrolled in a Writing course, if writing is not a MAJOR component of their prior English/Literature course

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● 1 Math-which includes Algebra or Geometry and are currently enrolled in ​ ​ a Math course ● 1 Social Studies-which includes U.S. History or be currently enrolled ​ ​ ● 1 Science-which includes Biology and are currently enrolled in a Science course ​ ​ ● Have a minimum Score Range of 8.0 on STAR in both reading and math. th ● All students once identified within the 11 grade​ population must remain in the ​ th population until April 30 ​ of that year. ​ Accelerated Students All students who by definition: ● begin in the ungraded population and accelerate during school year to become th 12 grader​ s ​ th nd th ● must be added to 11 grade​ population at 2 semester​ and must meet 11 grade​ ​ ​ ​ population requirements subject to their AEP/IEP

12th Grade Senior Population All students who by definition: ● have successfully passed or are currently enrolled in: ● 3 English ● 2 Math ● 2 Social Studies ● 2 Science ● have a minimum of 1 semester (90 days) residency requirement

CCA Testing Policy ● CCA complies with all mandated testing activities and procedures as defined by the Chicago Public Schools and Illinois State Board of Education. YCCS central staff coordinates state and district level testing. Testing takes place at CCA Academy. ● CPS requires that all students take the STAR reading and STAR math tests at the beginning of the school year (pre-test), the middle of the year (mid-year text) and at the end of the school year (post-test). CCA administers standardized exam in accordance with the test guidelines. These are online tests and the results can review by CPS and YCCS after 24 hours. ● The State of Illinois requires that all students take the SAT test to receive a high school diploma. ● Accommodations are made for special needs students by providing non-timed test.

CCA Transfer of Credit Credits earned at other high schools – including alternative schools, summer schools, and correspondence schools – are accepted by CCA when properly certified transcripts are received.

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Students may be placed in courses according to their ability and/or knowledge regardless of what courses they have earned credit in at previous schools.

Adding/Dropping Courses Students who wish to discuss schedule changes should report to the Academic Dean for referral. Repeating Courses A course may be repeated for credit only when a student previously received an “F”. Both the original grade received, and the credit earned for repeating the course will be used in computing the student’s grade point average. The student’s transcript will indicate the first grade, as well as, the second grade and credit earned.

Incompletes An incomplete represents work not completed by the end of the semester. Incompletes are given only in extraordinary circumstances. Work must be made up within the first two weeks of the following semester. The incomplete will change to a grade after the work is corrected. If the work is not made up by the end of the second week period, the grade will be changed to an “F”. No incompletes will be issued at the end of the second semester.

Midterms and Final Exams Midterms and Final exams are an important part of the student’s grade. If a student misses a final exam it can only be re-administered if the student has a doctor’s statement or other official documentation, and obtains permission from the Academic Dean.

Progress Reports/Report Cards th th th th Progress reports are issued at the end of the 5 ,​ 15 ,​ 25 and​ 35 weeks​ of school so that ​ ​ ​ ​ parents/guardians may help the students focus on their areas of need. Report cards are issued at th th the end of each ten-week marking period. The 10 and​ 30 weeks​ are midterm report cards. The ​ ​ th th 20 and​ 40 weeks​ are final grades recorded on student transcripts. PTSA (Parent Teacher ​ ​ Student Association) meetings are scheduled after each Progress Report and each Report Card. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend all meetings to discuss student progress. Parent/guardian conferences may be mandatory for students who are failing.

Homework Policy Homework is given to complement in-class learning and to provide practice to ensure that certain skill and concepts are mastered. Homework is an integral part of the grade. Teachers are required to provide homework, and students are required to complete it.

Academic Probation/Remediation Any student that fails two or more classes a semester will be placed on academic probation. At the end of the semester, appropriate academic placement will be determined. A conference will

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be scheduled to develop a remediation plan. The student’s progress will be reviewed at the end of the following quarter and the remediation strategy will be adjusted as needed.

Homebound Policy CCA student homebound policy is a subsidized short-term program that provides specialized educational services. This service allows students to receive educational instruction in the home when there is a medical, physical or emergency problem that interrupts school attendance.

Once a student has been granted homebound status, the social worker and master teacher will be notified. A staff member will be assigned to the student for the length of time indicated by the medical referral given by the physician requesting homebound services. The staff member will provide homebound instruction. Instruction is not given on holidays, weekends or on days when school is not in session.

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES

Alternative Education Plan (AEP) An individual learning plan called an Alternative Education Plan (AEP) is developed for each ​ student attending CCA in collaboration with the parent/guardian. AEP’s are used as a goal ​ setting device and a tool for the process of continuous assessment. The AEP serves to guide the student’s education through high school completion. Since students vary greatly in their academic and basic skill levels, credit needs, and barriers to completion of high school, this plan ​ enables staff to assist the student in devising strategies that will make their goals attainable.

During registration/orientation, students and parents/guardians will be required to complete a statement for AEP development. The statement addresses the student’s previous school and social history, living status, strengths and weaknesses, expectations and possible barriers to completing the education program.

An interview with a counselor/advisor will be scheduled for each student following enrollment. During the interview, academic barriers, basic skill levels, student learning, annual behavioral and social goals and long-term plans are identified. Previous school, social and medical records will support the performance standards and expectations delineated in each student’s individual ​ plan.

Additionally, the AEP will: ● describe the educational performance and competency level expected of the student by the time he/she graduates (including post-secondary transition goals) ● identify academic, career related and support services that will be provided including off-site referrals. ● include objective criteria, evaluation activities, and schedules of determining whether the short-term instructional objectives are being achieved.

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Standardized test results and the student’s most recent academic records will be used in planning the AEP, developing the student schedule and in setting target graduation date. Short and long term academic and behavioral goals will be developed based on the individual needs of the student. Pre and post, as well as interim progress will be monitored. Goals and individual outcomes will be documented in each student’s file.

Students in Temporary Living Situations Students in Temporary Living Situations are provided the assistance needed to ensure that they have all materials and supplies needed for school. Uniform shirts and pants, (if they are not ​ ​ owned by the student) will be provided. Fees may include but are not limited to funds for student ​ ​ IDs, lab fees, field trips, and graduation fees. Fees also include any instructional supplies that are purchased by students and their families.

Independent Students Since the school, family and community enter a partnership to educate child, we encourage family and community participation even when a student is over 18 years of age. Independent students are encouraged to have family or community members to partner their education. An independent student is one who is head of household as determined by official documentation.

Special Education Services CCA is subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination based on need for special education services. CCA provides services and accommodation to students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with ​ Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1073.

Special education services are provided by Youth Connection Charter School Office of ​ Specialized Services to all YCCS special education students. Each special education student will receive all educational services in accordance with the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and in accordance with Federal law and the Illinois School Code.

English Language Learner (ELL) The Home Language Survey will be administered to new students enrolled in the district for the ​ first time. The survey which determines if a language other than English is spoken at home and whether the student speaks a language other than English. The survey requires a parent signature and will be kept in the student's permanent record.

If the student answers yes to either question, that student will be administered the W-APT. Depending on the scores, a student will either be eligible for ELL services or enter the general population of instruction. Any student identified as an ELL will be administered the ACCESS for ELLs State Assessment annually.

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Driver’s Education The Chicago Public School Driver’s Education Program is available to all active CCA youth. Student eligibility is contingent on the following criteria: ● Must be at least 16 years of age. ● Must have successfully passed eight courses in two consecutive semesters. ● Must be actively enrolled fulltime. ​ Students who qualify should have a copy of their unofficial transcript and a request letter from the principal or designee sent to the Chicago Public School in their area of residence.

CTA Bus Passes CTA Student Ventra Cards may be purchased at the school. Prices are as designated by CTA.

STUDENT COUNCIL Any student that meets attendance and academic requirements is eligible to serve on the Student Council. The President of the Student Council must be a junior or senior. The entire school body will elect officers. A representative will be selected by each advisory class.

Other Services ● Computer Aided Instruction Tutoring ● Case Management for Parenting and Pregnant Teens ● Math, Science and Technology Academy Curriculum ● Dual Enrollment Program with Malcolm X City College ● Extra-curricular Activities ● Other services as generated by students’ needs and interests

Lost and Found The Lost and Found is in the main office. Please turn all found articles into that office.

MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL

Medical Emergency CCA staff will administer first aid, tend to injured or sick students, and notify parents if needed. Staff certification to administer emergency care is provided by the American Red Cross. Under no circumstances will any CCA staff administer medication to any student, other than an EpiPen.

● If a student has an accident while in school, it should be reported to a staff member. The staff member will then take whatever action is necessary to see that the student receives treatment and notify administration. If the case warrants, 911 will be called. ● In the case of illness or injury, parents will be contacted and informed of the symptoms that the child exhibits and the school’s recommendation. Depending upon the symptoms, the parents will be asked to pick up the child or meet the child at the designated hospital.

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● If a student must take prescription drugs during the school hours, a doctor’s statement must be kept on file. The medicine must be self-administered. ● The school must have permission from a parent/guardian before Tylenol can be taken. It must be self-administered. ● Students who have a history of medical problems, which may require emergency care, must provide a doctor’s statement which will be kept on file. ● If a person’s behavior indicates that he/she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs on a consistent basis, he/she must attend individual or family counseling. If the person exhibits medical danger because of the influence of alcohol or drugs, procedures as outlined above will be followed. ● Any of the above incidents will be documented in the student’s medical file.

Emotional, Mental Duress Counseling and support staff are available to all CCA students. Each student will be involved in some aspect of the counseling program. If a student is undergoing such emotional duress that he/she is a potential threat to self or others, procedures as outlined under “Medical Emergency” will be followed.

Suicide Prevention Take all threats seriously! Understand the importance of not being a bystander. If a classmate is threatening to harm himself, herself, or another person, please report the situation to the nearest adult immediately. CCA will follow CPS Suicide Protocol as outlined in CCA Policy and Procedure Manual. First Aid First Aid Kits are in the main office, the science lab, art room, green house and kitchen.

Immunization/Physicals Health and immunization records are due at the time of registration. Students will be excluded th for non-compliance on October 15 .​ ​ Parents It is desirable that parents reinforce the values and beliefs taught to CCA. To this end, classroom visits are permissible upon request and by prior arrangement with the teacher and/or principal. Parents are encouraged to participate in the CCA Parent/Teacher/Student Association. The President of the PTSA sits as an Ex-Officio on the CCA Board of Directors. At the end of the Presidency, he/she may request to be elected as a Board member.

Parents may request conferences with a teacher at any time. A time convenient for both the teacher and parent/guardian will be arranged. Members of the Administrative Team are available for a parent-teacher conference following the initial parent-teacher contact.

Community CCA is proud of its deep roots in the community. Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in school activities. Parents and community members that serve in

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volunteer positions are eligible for stipends at times. Please refer to the calendar of events, check your mailbox for announcements or drop by the school and visit.

CCA also partners with other institutions: businesses, churches, community organizations, schools, etc., to ensure the holistic development of students and clients. Please call the school to indicate interest.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Facility Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ​ Class Periods: 8:20 a.m. to 2:53 p.m. ​ Intervention/Extended Day: 2:56 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday ​ Detentions: Afterschool ​

Emergency Closing of School YCCS campuses follow the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) with respect to snow days or other weather-related issues. Local radio stations will make announcements and a message will be on the school’s answering machine if the school must be closed. If other emergencies necessitate the closing of school, parents/guardians will be notified. Visitors All visitors must pass through the metal detector to gain access to the school office. Office personnel will escort visitors to their destination or call to have the visitors met at the office. When leaving, all visitors must be escorted to the door.

GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Student and/or Parents/Guardians Rights: Students and/or parents/guardians have a responsibility to learn and follow procedures for filing grievances. Grievance and appeal procedures are used to handle serious problems when students and/or family believe that there has been a violation of the policies and procedures outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook, including Due Process. The Grievance and Appeal Process is ​ ​ defined below:

Step 1: Informal. Most disagreements can and should be settled informally by discussing the ​ matter with the teacher or staff member involved. The student or parent/guardian must discuss the grievance the person responsible for what the student or parent/guardian believes to be unfair

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treatment. This discussion must occur within five (5) school days of the alleged unfair treatment. No grievance will be processed unless this informal discussion has occurred.

The parent/guardian or student should write down the date and time of the incident, what occurred, and the date and time of the informal discussion, and the outcome of that discussion. The parent/guardian or student will need to present this information at the next grievance level.

Step 2: School Administrator. If the grievance cannot be resolved on the informal level, the ​ parent/guardian or student must contact an administrator (Assistant Principal, Director of Student Services or Academic Dean) within five (5) school days of the informal discussion and request that they hear the grievance. The administrator will schedule a conference and give a decision within five (5) school days of the date of contact.

Step 3: Executive Director/Principal. If the grievance has not been resolved at Step 2, the ​ parent/guardian or student must submit in writing within five (5) school days of the decision in ​ ​ Step 2 a request for the principal to hear the grievance. The Executive Director/Principal will have ten (10) days after receipt of the written documentation to schedule a review of the grievance and to respond in writing.

Step 4: CCA Board of Directors. If the parent/guardian or student is not satisfied with the ​ Step 3 response, the parent/guardian or student may request that the CCA Board of Directors review the grievance. To initiate this review, the grievance and all responses should be submitted to the Executive Director/Principal requesting that the grievance be heard by the Board within five (5) days of the receipt of the Step 3 response. The CCA Board of Directors will have twenty (20) days to review and respond in writing to the matter or to initiate a hearing.

Hearing Procedures

In hearing grievances, the Board serves in a fact-finding role. Testimony will be requested from parties the Board considers relevant. The Board’s review will focus on:

● Whether there was compliance with all relevant laws, policies, rules and regulations. ● Whether there is convincing evidence that the decision was not irrational, arbitrary or capricious. ● Whether, in case of discharge, there existed a legitimate business reason for the discharge.

The parent/guardian or student or the Board may choose to have an attorney at the hearing. Legal counsel may not participate in the proceedings of the hearing but may only be present to advise the client.

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All grievance hearings will be closed. Only the Board, the parent/guardian or student, person responsible for the alleged unfair treatment and administrators, witnesses called by either party, or legal counsel of either party will be allowed to attend proceedings of the hearing. Board deliberations will be in a closed session and will be confidential.

Resolution The Board will submit written findings and recommendations to the Chief Education Officer or Principal within 10 days of completion of the hearing. The Chief Education Officer, Principal or designee will submit a written decision to the employee within 5 days of receipt of the Board’s findings and recommendations. The CCA Board of Director’s decision is final.

** GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTS

We recognize that as our children’s first and most influential teachers, we can promote their success and contribute to an excellent school if we make and fulfill the following commitments:

● We establish high expectations for our students. We will not accept minimum effort or indifference to quality work. ● We will know what is expected in each of our student classes and communicate with teachers when we have a question or concern. ● We will insist on good attendance. ● We will provide a quiet time and place in our home for study.

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● We will insist that our students accept responsibility for their learning and conduct. ● We will model the importance of lifelong learning.

**DuFour, R., Eaker, R. (1998). Professional Learning ​ Communities At Work: Best Practices For Enhancing Student Achievement (p.94). Indiana: ​ National Educational Services

CCA Parent/Student Handbook Part I

CCA Parent/Student Handbook Part II: See YCCS Student Discipline Policy

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF THE CCA STUDENT HANDBOOK

Student Agreement

I, ______(print student’s name) have received and read the CCA Student Handbook. I am aware of my rights and responsibilities under the CCA Student Handbook. Furthermore, I understand that acts of misconduct or inappropriate student behavior will result in interventions and consequences as stated under the CCA Student Handbook.

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______Student Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Agreement

I am the parent or guardian of the above-named student. I have received and read the CCA Student Handbook. I understand that by signing this document, I agree to support and promote the goals of the CCA Student Handbook and make every effort to work with the school in resolving all disciplinary matters.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

******************************************************************************

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF THE YCCS STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

Student Agreement

I, ______(print student’s name) have received and read the Discipline Policy. I am aware of my rights and responsibilities under the Discipline Policy. Furthermore, I understand that acts of misconduct or inappropriate student behavior will result in interventions and consequences as stated under the Discipline Policy.

______Student Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Agreement

I am the parent or guardian of the above-named student. I have received and read the Discipline Policy. I understand that by signing this document, I agree to support and promote the goals of the discipline policy and make every effort to work with the school in resolving all disciplinary matters.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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