Student Handbook

Students' absences will count against them at different weights: 0 points, 1 point, 1.5 points.  The weight is determined by district policy, planned and approved absences, and unplanned absences. 

At 0-4 absence points, all opportunities will be available to students.  As students accrue absence points beyond 4, they will lose outside of class opportunities, and/or will be scheduled for interventions outside of class. 

Students can only have 4 planned/pre-approved absences each quarter before any absence after that holds a 1.5 weight, regardless of being planned or unplanned. 

Students who maintain near perfect attendance will get increased opportunities throughout the year. 

Absence weights are as follows: 

0 points = District Policy (i.e. communicable diseases) and extenuating circumstances per admin approval

1 point = Planned and pre-approved absence* or an unexcused partial absence** or ISS.

1.5 points = Unplanned absence*** or out of school suspension

*Students must complete an “Pre-Approved Absence” form, get it initialed by all teachers, get it signed by a parent, and get it signed by an administrator.  Parents must call a student in via the attendance line if the absence is 2 or more days. 

**An unexcused partial absence is any tardy after 10 minutes into the class period. 

***An unplanned absence is any absence that occurs the day of (regardless of excused or unexcused) or any planned absence that is 5 or beyond in a quarter. 

Repeated CRITICAL ATTENDANCE may result in further intervention, an individualized attendance contract, or referral to District Contract and/or Truancy.

Handling your business (0-3 absence points)

• Do not need to attend Demonstration Day (if passing all classes) or Opportunity Day.
• Can attend field trips
• End of quarter raffle

Committed (3.5-6 absence points)

• Cannot attend field trips
• Lose access to initial credit EPass (class is locked)
• Must attend Student Engagement Day (if passing) and Warrior Day (if not passing) to earn back absences.

Slipping (6.5-9.5 absence points)

• Cannot attend field trips
• Lose access to initial credit EPass (class is locked)
• Must attend Student Engagement Day (if passing) and Warrior Day (if not passing) to earn back absences.
• Lose any classes you are failing 
• Complete Truancywise 3rd Millennium Course
• EPass for credit recovery only after completing Truancywise
• Weekly check-ins with Dave

Critical Attendance (10+ absence points)

• Cannot attend field trips
• Lose access to initial credit EPass (class is locked)
• Must attend Student Engagement Day (if passing) and Warrior Day (if not passing) to earn back absences.
• Lose all classes
• Complete Truancywise 3rd Millennium Course
• EPass for credit recovery only after completing Truancywise
• Weekly check-ins with Dave

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  Additional Attendance Measures/Supports

Tardy Policy (1-10 minutes late)

• 0-3 tardies = no consequence
• 4th tardy = 1.0 absence point
• Every tardy after 4 (5+) = 0.25 absence point 

Cell phones

• Cell phones count as tardies. No cell phone in the pocket = points progression for tardies
• Refusal to put cell phone in pocket = defiance 

Advisory

• Students will track their absences in their Discovery binder. 

Perfect attendance (0 absence points)

For perfect attendance each quarter, students can earn either food delivery (UberEats, DoorDash, etc) availability or can earn a snack cart pass!

In order to ensure a positive and safe learning environment that helps facilitate self-discipline, encourage academic success and promote school wellness, school staff will enforce District policies and school rules related to expected student behavior. Consequences will be administered by staff in those circumstances where a student exhibits behavior contrary to these policies/rules. Each teacher/staff member will have a set of specific guidelines of acceptable behavior, in addition to the school rules and District policies. 

The summary of Student Code of Conduct includes information such as:

• student conduct
• student attendance
• cell phones and personal technology devices
• District technology and Internet usage
• student dress code
• bullying and harassment

In-School Suspension 

For certain infractions, a student may be assigned to in-school suspension (ISS) instead of being assigned out-of-school suspension. In this case, the student will be expected to complete all assignments that are provided by teachers. Students assigned to ISS may not attend nor take part in any extracurricular or after school activities on days of suspension, unless special arrangements are made.

The following rules apply to the student cafeteria for all students throughout the day.

• Littering may result in consequences or loss of privileges for the individual or the group.  Please, clean up after yourself!
• Please do not sit on table tops, stand on the tables, sit on the backs of chairs, or put feet on the tables.
• All rules of conduct will be enforced.

The district’s policy on student cell phones and other personal technology devices (PTDs) is as follows:

• PTDs must be in the “off” or “silent” position and stored out of sight at all times during the school day, including during lunch.
• In non-academic settings outside the school day, including before or after school activities or on school transportation, PTDs may be used in “silent mode” provided the use of the PTD, as determined by the supervising staff member or bus driver, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern or otherwise violates the District’s Student Code of Conduct.
• Students with an IEP/504 plan/health care plan are permitted to have access to their cell phone or other PTD in accordance with their plan.

District Policy 5030 defines the term “Personal Technology Devices” to include any privately-owned portable technology device, including but not limited to cell phones and wearable technology such as smart watches, smart glasses, wireless earbuds, and wireless headphones.

The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen or destroyed PTDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity away from campus. School administration, teachers, or staff will not investigate incidents.

Students who violate the district’s policy on student use of cell phones and other personal technology devices may be disciplined in accordance with District Policy.

Connect with your school and teachers.

The free Adams 12 Five Star Schools mobile app makes it easier than ever to stay connected with your school community. Get the latest school and district news, event updates, student highlights, and important alerts—all in one place. Learn more.

Download the app:

Free and Reduced Benefits help families and their schools.

Here's How:

• Boosts School Funding: Schools receive additional funding from the state to enhance the educational experience for all students. Your child's school can receive more than $1,100 per qualifying student, directly enhancing the educational experience for all.

• Reduces School Fees: Families can receive 50% off select fees or not have to pay them at all. These include athletic fees, course fees, and activity and field trip fees tied to the curriculum. See the Fees Schedule
• Supports High Schoolers: High school students can receive discounts and/or tuition-relief when preparing for their future; which may include course fees, post-graduation planning, scholarships, state and national testing (including SAT, ACT, AP and IB), and post-secondary enrollment.

• Access to Community Resources: Families can qualify for additional resources, such as medical, food and cash assistance, and discounted services like internet

Families must reapply for free and reduced benefits every new school year.

Learn more & apply today!

The primary purpose of the grading system is to clearly, accurately and consistently communicate learning progress and achievement to students, families, staff and postsecondary institutions. In accordance with District Policy, our school reports student progress using letter grades with the following numerical scale:

A  89.5 – 100%

B  79.5 – 89%

C  69.5 – 79%

F  Below 69.5%

Student grades can be accessed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at any time.

All students enrolled in Adams 12 Five Star Schools can receive a FREE breakfast and lunch. Additional items such as snacks, beverages, and extra servings of our healthy entrée and side items are available for purchase a la carte.

Access menus and/or add funds for a la carte items:

SchoolCafe Family Hub

For more information about dietary needs, wellness policy and more, visit Nutrition Services.

In an effort to keep our school feeling safe for all students and families and in accordance with District Policy 1220, only service animals and therapy dogs are permitted on school property. District policy requires prior authorization from the principal to have a therapy dog on school property. We ask that all other pets remain off school grounds during school hours. We appreciate your cooperation with this request.

Your child’s progress will be reported at individual parent conferences at least twice a year. Academic progress can also be found via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

In our ongoing efforts to provide the safest and most secure environment for our students, an additional security measure has been installed, which requires the following safety measures.

• ALL exterior doors will be locked at all times.
• Please do not open the door or hold the door open for others.
• In order to enter the building, you will need to press the button located [describe location of button for school entry].
• An office member will release the doors, allowing access to the building.
• Once entering the building, ALL visitors must check in at the office, show ID, and obtain a visitor pass.
• If you would like to wait with your child before school or wait for your child after school, you will need to wait outside.

We are proud of our school and show our pride by taking care of our building. You can add to our pride by keeping classrooms, halls, and restrooms clean. You can help make the school a pleasant place to be by respecting student’s and staff’s personal property. 

Large amounts of money, expensive jewelry or watches and other valuable possessions should not be brought to school. At no time will the school assume responsibility for valuables. All lost and found items (other than clothing) are to be turned in to the school office. Clothing items should be placed in the box in the cafeteria and any unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

All students will be issued a student ID at the beginning of the year. Students who are enrolled after the first day of school, will be issued an ID within the week of their start date. All students are required to have their student ID with them at all times.

The student ID is a valuable tool permitting access to many opportunities including:

• School bus transportation (for those qualified)
• Student meal accounts. Parents may deposit funds in a student’s meal account via the district website. Access to these funds will be only with the student identification.
• Admission to athletics and activities (such as dances)
• Library book/material checkout

Replacement IDs are $5.00.

District Policy 1200 requires that all parents and visitors must present a drivers license/I.D. at the front desk and sign in at the office upon entering the building. Your license will be scanned through our Raptor system and a visitor’s badge/sticker will be provided. You will be asked to wear a visitor’s badge/sticker at all times.

If you would like to spend time with a teacher, please call and make arrangements prior to visiting. Also, if anyone other than a parent or legal guardian will be visiting the school (such as a grandparent coming for lunch) you must call the office ahead of time to let us know.

Students are NOT permitted to bring friends or siblings with them to school. Students who permit friends or siblings to attend school and/or who violate District policy by attending a District school where they are not enrolled will be subject to discipline and may be referred to law enforcement.

In the event of bad weather, Adams 12 Five Star Schools uses a variety of resources to determine if conditions exist that warrant a 1-hour delayed start or closure of schools.

Every effort will be made to announce a decision by 5:30 a.m. to close or delay opening schools. 

Alerts are ONLY sent if schools are closed or operating on a 1-hour delay. If schools are operating on a normal schedule you will not receive an alert.

Learn more about the district’s 1-Hour Delay and School Closure process.