Ninth Grade Academy Parent-Student Handbook 2018-2019 This Agenda belongs to: ______________________________________________ - 0 - TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents/Welcome 1 School Vision and Mission 2 Ninth Grade Academy Faculty 5 Academics 5 Attendance Policy and Procedures 14 Bus / Transportation / Weather 20 School Discipline and Standards of Behavior 24 Bullying/Harassment 34 Technology Expectations 37 Athletics 41 B.A.R.K. 44 Wellness Policy 45 Appendix 52 Welcome to the Academy of Science and Innovation The following guidelines have been created by the Ninth Grade Academy teachers and administration. These guidelines will give students a clear understanding of the manner in which our classes and teachers will operate so that every student will have a successful school year. The basic team rules and requirements are designed to assist you in making the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9. To help you find information quickly, these guidelines are broken into the following themes: Academy of Science and Innovation Faculty Academics Graduation Requirements Attendance Policy and Procedures Bus Transportation School Discipline and Standards of Behavior Bullying/Harassment Technology Expectations Athletics B.A.R.K. Wellness Policy Grade 9 Academy Policies and Procedures Appendix - 1 - The Academy of Science and Innovation School Vision: The Academy of Science and Innovation Magnet School is a solutions-oriented, technology-based science and engineering community. Students are inspired and prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century through a robust academic program where collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking skills ensure college and career readiness. Students are respectful, self-disciplined, and productive global citizens in a diverse, multicultural environment. Mission: The mission of the Academy of Science and Innovation Magnet School is to empower learning, unleash talent, and lead a culture of creativity to find solutions to global problems. Innovative Solutions to Global Problems: - Promote farming practices to combat global famine (Aquaponics) - Conserve and rebuild habitats (Global Informational Systems, Environmental Engineering) - Prevent and restore damage from natural disasters (Material Science) - Investigate our microscopic world (Forensics, Cellular Biology) - Design new buildings with alternative resources (Green Building Design) - Improve production and techniques for automation in industry (Robotics, Drones) - Enhance personal and business data security (Java, Python) We Believe... -We believe our science, technology, and environmental themes are key components to developing 21st century learners who are college and career ready. - 2 - -We believe a diverse school community enriches learning and promotes a collaborative and productive culture where students are valued, empowered, challenged, and recognized. -We believe in cultivating environmentally and socially conscious students, citizens, and future leaders. -We believe success is dependent upon partnerships among students, staff, families, and the community. -We believe in an educational community where everyone chooses to bring energy, passion, and a positive attitude. -We believe in an education tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. -We believe fostering teacher growth and effectiveness is directly linked to student achievement. -We believe in instilling a sense of personal integrity, abiding by the tenets of Belief, Awareness, Respect, and Kindness (BARK). The CREC Difference CREC Magnet Schools cultivate the mind, body and heart of each student. We have a shared vision and coordinated plan for promoting, enhancing and sustaining a positive school climate. Each member of the faculty and staff understand their individual role while applying a systematic approach to developing an environment that fosters optimal academic engagement for all students. CREC Magnet School parents and staff work together to: • Promote a positive and successful educational experience for every child • Embrace diversity • Ensure students are college and career ready • Foster self-confidence and self-discipline in our students • Connect success in school to future successes in life • Develop global awareness - 3 - • Guide students through conflicts, encourage them to restore trust and rebuild relationships • Value and support students through disciplinary issues CREC Magnet School students will: • Demonstrate honor, respect and responsibility in their actions and decisions • Embrace diversity • Develop self-confidence and self-discipline • Connect success in school to future successes in life • Develop global awareness • Reflect on conflict and seek ways to restore trust • Work with teachers, administrators and parents when school rules are violated to restore environment and relationships CREC District Goals: 1. Inspire all students to achieve at high levels through an innovative, student centered approach to teaching and learning that prioritizes the mastery of core content and the development of essential skills. 2. Mobilize a positive, collaborative and productive culture where students are at the center of their learning. 3. Engage families and the community as active partners in the education of our students. 4. Maximize professional capital and cultivate innovation by supporting and empowering a diverse group of talented educators. - 4 - Ninth Grade Academy Faculty The Ninth Grade Academy teachers and staff will be working as a team with the Grade 9 students. Those teachers are: Kristen Juda – U.S. History Teacher/9th Grade Team Leader Eric Roy – Algebra and Geometry Teacher Marc Bilodeau – English Teacher Bryan McCain – Integrated Science Teacher Greg Larson – STEM Teacher Damaris Ruiz – Spanish Teacher Danni Holyst – Math Intervention Teacher Kathleen Askintowicz – Reading Intervention Teacher Sandra Moya – Special Education Teacher Dan Baccaro – Counselor Academics at the Academy of Science and Innovation At Academy of Science and Innovation, Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish make up the core curricula which is enriched and integrated with elective offerings. Elective subject areas include Instrumental Music, Art, Physical Education, Health, Engineering, and Technology Education. Students will be gain exposure to 3 separate pathways throughout middle school, as middle school is deemed the foundational years of study. Students in the 8th grade will choose one of the three pathways listed below: Biotechnology - Students pursuing the biotechnology pathway will focus their study on the application of engineering and technology within the fields of biology and medicine. Within the biotechnology pathway, students will explore cellular and biomolecular processes and how these processes can be used in technologies that impact and improve our lives. Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat debilitating and rare - 5 - diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes. Environmental Engineering - The Environmental Engineering pathway focuses on the applied sciences to prepare students to plan, design, construct, and implement technologies and industrial systems that improve and enhance the quality of the environment, protect public health, and investigate new energy sources. Students in this pathway will utilize the engineering design process along with skills developed in biology, chemistry and physics to study and propose solutions to issues such as water quality, air and soil pollution control, and waste management. Robotics and Computer Science - The Robotics and Computer Science pathway provides students with a fundamental understanding of energy transfer, the mechanical systems that make up robots, machine automation, and computer control systems. As Robotics and Animation brings more technologically-advanced solutions to businesses around the world, operating models that adopt automation will cut costs, drive efficiency and improve quality. Courses within this pathway are student lead, self-paced, problem and project based with the intent of leading students to develop innovative robotic solutions to open-ended engineering design problems. The School Counselors follow the progress of each student closely, help students develop important life skills, and explore their learning styles and career interests. Additional support services include: Math Intervention and Literacy Intervention classes which are designed to enhance student understanding in reading, writing, and math. Special Education Teachers, the School Nurse, the School Social Worker, and Paraprofessionals also provide specific supports to enhance student learning. Academic Terms: There will be four Quarters with a Progress Report and Report Card issued each Quarter. 6 Parent Conferences/Student-led Conferences Parents are encouraged to become partners in their child’s educational successes. Conferences with teachers may be held at any time during the school year. Parents and students, as well as teachers, counselors or administrators may initiate a conference. Formal conference will be held in December and March. A parent or student may arrange a conference with an individual member of the school staff or a group conference with school staff members. Conferences are held during school hours but every effort will be made to accommodate parent schedules. Homework The purpose of homework