Red Cloud High School Red Cloud High
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Red Cloud High School “Educating Lakota Youth in Lakota Catholic Values for Leadership and Service” STUDENT HANDBOOK 2011-2012 Home of the Crusaders Pine Ridge, SD 57770 Phone: (605) 867-1289; Fax: (605) 867-2528 www.redcloudschool.org Accredited by the State of South Dakota Member: North Central Association, and Jesuit Secondary Education Association This Student Handbook belongs to NAME :______________________________________ PHONE :_________________ Cell : _______________ 1 Red Cloud High School is sponsored and managed by RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL, INC. Red Cloud Indian School, Inc. also sponsors and manages Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School at Porcupine and Red Cloud Elementary School at Pine Ridge. The chief educational administrator for the three schools is the RCIS Superintendent (Ph: 605- 867-5888). Red Cloud Indian School, Inc. also sponsors the Heritage Center and the Catholic parish churches on the Pine Ridge reservation. AGREEMENT By the act of registering at Red Cloud High School (RCHS), the student and his/her parents/guardians agree to pursue the educational objectives and practices as stated in this handbook and to respectfully observe the disciplinary code of the school. These norms and policies remain in effect for the academic year until, and including, graduation. REVISION After review by and upon the recommendation of the Education Committee, the Board of Directors approved this handbook on January 28, 2011. RIGHT TO AMEND The Administration of Red Cloud Indian School reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time during the school year. Parents/guardians will be informed about any amendments that may be adopted. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s greeting Superintendent’s message Principal’s welcome 1. History of Red Cloud Indian School (RCIS) . 6 2. Mission Statement and Philosophy of RCIS . 6 3. Educational Objectives of RCIS . 7 4. RCHS Mission and Objectives . 9 5. Office Procedures . 9 6. School Personnel . 10 7. Admission Policies . 11 8. Registration Policies . 13 9. Payment and Refund Policies . 13 10. Student Information Policies . 14 11. Calendars and Schedules . 15 12. Academic Class Scheduling Policies . 18 13. Required Course of Study . 18 14. Academic Evaluation Policies . 18 15. Graduation Requirements . 21 16. Co-Curricular Activities . 21 17. Student Services . 24 18. Attendance Policies . 25 19. Safe School Policies . 28 20. Student Discipline Policies . 31 21. Sanctions . 36 22. Grievance Procedures . 37 23. Procedure Review Policies . 37 24. Departure Policies . 38 3 PRESIDENT’S GREETING Dear RCHS Students and Families, Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! I pray that it will be a time of blessing for all of you. May God keep you safe and may you be healthy. Let us walk and learn together as partners who are united by respect, friendship, and self-sacrifice. We are a community of hope marked by family bonds and deep friendships. Together let us put into practice what our Lakota and Catholic values teach us about bravery, generosity, and the many other virtues that give direction to our lives. Red Cloud High School succeeds when we keep our eyes focused on our mission of educating the whole person. Everything we do – classroom learning, study at home, sports and other activities, counseling, and participation in school events – contributes to the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual growth of each student. Opportunities arise every day for knowing ourselves, our talents, and our possibilities for the future. Be attentive! Listen to your teachers at school and at home. Trust God speaking in you. Some learning comes from persons or places you expect, such as classrooms, while other opportunities for maturing as persons come from helping others, working hard in whatever you do, and acting responsibly. God will surprise you in ways you least expect! Our lives are greatly influenced by the choices we make. One choice is to be grateful despite the challenges we face. We receive every day from our Creator opportunities for learning and spiritual growth. Let us be grateful for them and for one another. I pray for you and your loved ones, your faculty and staff, and all who support Red Cloud in any way. You are surrounded by people who care about you and for you. As they are a blessing to you, may you be a blessing to them. Sincerely, Fr. George Winzenburg, S.J. President 4 SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Parents/Guardians and Students: Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Red Cloud Indian School community. I hope that the 2011-2012 school year will be a great year for you. All communities have sets of principles, policies and procedures that guide day-to- day life, and Red Cloud High School is no exception. The Student/Parent Handbook serves as an agreement that the parents, guardians, and students make with our school regarding educational mission, philosophy, goals, policies, and rules. It is extremely important that you read this handbook so that you understand your responsibilities and rights as members of the Red Cloud Indian School community. Each year the administration and the Education Committee of the Board of Directors make revisions in the Student/Parent Handbook. I encourage you to read the entire handbook. Parent, guardian, and student input and involvement is welcome in the formation of educational mission, philosophy, goals, policies, and rules. Please feel free to contact members of the Education Committee or the school administration with your ideas. We appreciate your help and support in the education of your children! Let’s work together in the educational process to help form your children to be the leaders of tomorrow. Wakan Tanka Ni Yawaste yelo! Sincerely, Robert Brave Heart, Sr. Superintendent Red Cloud Indian School 5 1. HISTORY OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL Red Cloud Indian School was established in 1888 as the Holy Rosary Mission. Founded by the Jesuits, it owes its origin to Chief Red Cloud, the leader of the Oglala Sioux tribe, who petitioned the government to permit the "Black robes" (Jesuits) to establish a school on the Pine Ridge Reservation. In 1969, Holy Rosary Mission School officially changed its name to Red Cloud Indian School. This was done out of respect for the man whose work had made it possible to found the school and, as importantly, to affirm that the school seeks to build up the local Native American community rather than serve as a vehicle of cultural imperialism. Today, Red Cloud Indian School continues that rich tradition – of being a Lakota, Catholic, and Jesuit school that serves the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation. 2. MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPY OF RCIS 2.1. THE MISSION STATEMENT OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL The Mission of Red Cloud Indian School, a Catholic institution that is administered by the Jesuits and Lakota people, is to develop and grow as a vibrant Church, through an education of the mind and spirit that promotes Lakota and Catholic values. 2.2. THE PHILOSOPHY OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL Red Cloud Indian School seeks the formation of Lakota youth as modeled by the person of Jesus Christ. In its spiritual mission, the school recognizes the profound spiritual values that exist within the traditions of the Lakota community and seeks the expression of those values. The school upholds a person’s worth in the sight of God, each individual’s moral responsibility, and the need for continual renewal and a change of heart – from selfish concerns to a spirit of generosity and the service of God by serving one another. The Red Cloud Indian School System recognizes that a student’s intellectual capabilities are not lessened because of poverty, culture, or circumstance. Just as the school seeks to challenge the student to spiritual growth, it also challenges the student to grow intellectually and realize his/her highest potential. In essence, Red Cloud Indian School aims to form young Lakota men and women of competence, character, and conscience, rooted in their Lakota culture and as modeled by Jesus Christ. The following beliefs guide our schools in fulfilling its mission: Concerning our students, we believe that: All of students are capable of learning. Students learn in different ways and at different rates. Therefore, our students will: Realize the role that their faith plays in their lives, Treasure their Lakota traditions and culture, Grow in knowledge of the Catholic faith, 6 Be discerning and critical learners, Become responsible adults who live independent and productive lives, And become motivated citizens who desire to serve the tribe, thirst for justice, and respect others. Concerning our teachers, we believe that they will: Possess an understanding of the Catholic faith and an appreciation of Lakota traditions and culture, Maintain high standards and have high expectations for all students, Strive to meet the individual needs of our students, and Be role models for learning and living. Concerning our school, we believe that we will be: Partners with parents/guardians in helping our students grow, Partners with the community and a resource for each other, Creating and utilizing real life learning situations for students, and Promoting standards that allow and require our students to demonstrate what they learn inside and outside the school. 3. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL 3.1. SPIRITUAL The religious sensitivity of Red Cloud Indian School adds a distinctive quality to our community life. 1. The ideals of Lakota/Christian spiritual development and growth are to be emphasized in the general atmosphere of the school. Wisdom, courage, respect, and generosity, along with the other values flowing from Lakota tradition and Christianity are to be shown by all members of the Red Cloud community as they relate to each other on a daily basis. 2. Religion classes are to be a regular part of the curriculum at all levels, and each student is encouraged and guided in his or her own spiritual growth.