Public Safety Academy of San Bernardino Parent/Student Handbook 2020-2021 CADET CREED I am a Public Safety Academy cadet. I strive to achieve academic excellence. I exemplify high moral character. I work diligently to prepare for the future. I know my success in school and in life is dependent on my own effort. Updated May 26, 2020 eh 1 School Mission Statement The mission of the Public Safety Academy is to develop a cadet towards a career in public safety, through a process of rigorous academics, realistic hands-on training, character development, physical fitness, and self-discipline. Public Safety Academy will strive to educate, empower, enhance and nurture the whole cadet, academically, ethically, and morally, through the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents, and the community. It is PSASB’s goal to produce independent thinkers who will contribute positively to the betterment of our society. Introduction This handbook is to provide the cadet and parents with information about the academy and its processes. The Public Safety Academy introduces cadets to the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in Public Safety. Our emphasis is on a guided regimen of self-discipline and skill development, while stressing teamwork and personal initiative, which are essential in public safety careers. Historically, public safety agencies have operated in a span-of-control/paramilitary environment. Academy cadets are expected to conduct themselves in a manner conforming to this tradition. PSASB’s education and training focus on the following: ● Academic Excellence ● Personal Initiative and Team Discipline ● Professional Behavior ● Personal and Team Safety ● Manipulative Skill Performance ● Physical Fitness Important Information Office Hours: 7:00a.m. to 3:30 p.m. School Phone Number: 909-382-2211 For general information about the Public Safety Academy of San Bernardino visit our homepage at: psasb.us 2 Admittance Eligibility Criteria Public Safety Academy is a free, public charter school. PSASB does not discriminate based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the California Penal Code. Once enrolled, students must strictly adhere to PSASB rules and regulations set forth in this handbook. Parents are responsible to monitor their child’s academics and behavior. Parent/Student Contract 1. I understand that PSASB is a public charter school and that I am making the deliberate choice to enroll my child. My student is not required to enroll at PSASB. 2. I agree to communicate with my child everyday about their school work, look over their assignments, and assist them when necessary with homework or projects. I will regularly check my child’s grades online (via POWERSCHOOL), and maintain contact with the teachers, which will enable me to stay current with my child’s progress in their classes. I will set aside time to read with my younger child and/or have my older child read every day. 3. I understand that PSASB is obligated by law to administer assessments and tests during the school year. I will support the school’s efforts to achieve maximum test participation. I will also work with the school to encourage and help my child to do their best work at all times. 4. I will notify the school promptly about illness or other excused absences and will work with my child's teachers to obtain any missed assignments. I understand that excessive absences may result in the student being unenrolled from PSA and transferred back to their home school in the district of residence. 5. I will treat the staff of PSASB with the same courtesy and respect that I desire for myself. 6. I understand that PSASB has a uniform policy. I agree that my child will follow the uniform policy and that any infraction may result in my child being sent home to obtain appropriate clothing. As a school of choice and a public charter school, PSASB students may not ​ "waive" the uniform dress code. 7. I understand that PSASB has a clear set of behavior codes that each child and family must follow. I agree to read the Parent/Student Handbook with my child and will assure that he/she understands the rules. I will return the signature page, indicating that I have read the handbook with my child. I understand that PSASB requires students to be people of character and that they are to adhere to the code of conduct and demonstrate the traits in the school motto: Virtue, Fidelity, and Integrity. ​ ​ 3 8. I understand that, as the parent/guardian, I have the primary role in ensuring that my child is prepared and ready to learn every day. Moreover, I understand it is my responsibility to help prepare my child, ensuring that he/she has all required materials and completed assignments, as well as appropriate rest and nourishment to perform at his/her best. If at any time my child is not ready to learn, I understand that the school staff will call upon me to aide in resolving these concerns. 9. I understand that my child must participate daily in physical training. If my child is unable ​ ​ to participate, a doctor's note must be provided prior to being excused. When excused, my child will complete a written assignment to get credit for the class. 10. I agree to replace lost, stolen or damaged books that have been assigned to my child at a predetermined amount. 11. I am aware that PSASB operates similarly to police and fire academies. Structure and discipline are very important. My child may be asked to participate in exercises that can include push-ups, sit-ups, leg raisers, etc. that are common in public safety training programs. I am also aware that my child will be asked to participate in daily “detail,” which includes cleanup and maintenance of the academy facilities and grounds. Academics Public Safety Academy of San Bernardino emphasizes academic excellence so cadets are prepared for college admission and/or for careers in public safety professions. Cadets are strongly encouraged to maintain a GPA of 2.0 with no F’s. Student Success Team Cadets failing to meet the academic expectations may be provided Student Success Team services (SSTS). As a part of the SSTS, cadets are encouraged to access additional tutoring and other available services from the academy staff, in order to improve grades. Parents may also be asked to attend conferences to provide support for their cadet. ● English learners and students with special needs will be given all special accommodations and interventions necessary per State/Federal laws regarding EL and Special Education. ● All documents and correspondences will be made available in Spanish as needed. Supplies Cadets are expected to come to school prepared to learn. As with most jobs, a few key tools are required for success. Supply lists will be given out the first week of school and are specific to each class. Teachers expect cadets to report to class each day with all appropriate materials. If cadets are unable to bring supplies, please contact Administration and arrangements will be made. A school-issued I.D. card to access lunch account and check out library materials will be given to 4 each cadet. Cadets are to keep this I.D. card on their person at all times. Replacement cards can be ordered in the office for $5.00 if the original I.D. is lost or damaged. Homework The term “homework” incorporates a wider definition than most cadets realize. It includes: 1. Completion of work not finished in class. 2. Completion of short-term and long-term assignments. 3. Review of work done each day in class. 4. Studying for exams and tests (daily review makes this easier). 5. Reading or studying ahead! The traditional rule calls for cadets to do about 10 minutes of homework for each grade level, 5 nights per week. Thus, a sixth grader should expect 60 minutes of daily homework, a seventh grader should expect 70 minutes, and an eighth grader an hour and 20 minutes. Of course, this is just an average—there may be days that require considerably more! Missed Assignments and Makeup Work If a cadet has an excused absence, he/she is encouraged to contact a fellow classmate or classroom teacher for required assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to request makeup assignments and to turn them in on time. It is PSA’s policy that the student has the number of days equivalent to the absence to make up the work. For example, if a cadet has an excused absence for three days, they have three days to make up the missed work. If the cadet is not able to complete the work within the time allowed, the cadet’s parent should contact the teacher to inquire if an extension is possible. If a cadet will miss a quarter or semester final exam, this must be pre-arranged with administration in writing, or the cadet may NOT make up the final exam and he/she will receive a zero, which may result in having to retake the course. Attendance and Absences Parents/guardians of all 7-12 grade students: Please be aware that school authorities are required to excuse any student from school to obtain confidential medical services without the consent of the student’s parent/guardian. Students shall not be absent from school without their parents’/guardians’ knowledge or consent, except in cases of medical emergency or confidential medical appointment. State law dictates our school and district’s attendance policies. Parents need to notify the school when their child is absent.