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A+ CADET TEACHING HANDBOOK The A+ Cadet Teaching Program provides tutoring opportunities during the school

day, after school and during summer school. An A+ Cadet Teaching class is offered as an elective semester course available to juniors and seniors. This course is designed to assist students in completing a minimum of 50 hours of

school-based tutoring required for the A+ Schools Financial Assistance after graduation.

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Evaluate teaching as a profession.

2. Act as a positive role model for younger students. 3. Appreciate and apply the concept of confidentiality.

4. Understand the value of unique and different individuals. 5. Learn and appreciate the responsibilities of working with others. 6. Attain a minimum of 50 tutoring hours required by the A+ Schools Program.

Semester class qualifications (these are

intentionally lower than the A+ Program

qualifications):

In order to enroll in the A+ Tutoring class, student tutors must:

1. Be a junior or a senior.

2. Have a 2.0 grade point average.

3. Have a good citizenship record. 4. Have a 90% overall attendance record. 5. Be a participant in the A+ Schools program.

6. Receive permission from a teacher to tutor in his/her class.

Grading Criteria:

1. Performance Points: 500 points– 18 points each day you report to your

tutoring assignment. It is possible to earn more than 500 points, but this portion of your quarter grade will be computed using only the 500 points

2. Teacher Evaluation: 100 points– The supervising teacher will complete an evaluation at the end of each quarter.

3. Tutoring Test: 100 points– You will be tested on your knowledge of the A+

Program and the Tutoring Handbook each quarter.

NOTE: Each quarter grade will be based on 700 points; 1400 points possible for the entire semester. It is possible to earn more than 1400 points, but your

semester grade will be figured on only 1400 points.

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Tutoring Guidelines:

1. Tutors must complete the orientation process prior to logging tutoring

hours. Orientation will include active participation in discovering the characteristics of an effective A+ tutor. Tips will be shared on how to

communicate with children and also how to build a positive working relationship with the supervising teacher. This Tutoring Handbook will also be reviewed and

discussed. 2. The A+ Office will assist in placing student tutors throughout the district, but

student tutors are responsible for contacting a teacher and receiving permission

from that teacher to tutor in his/her class. 3. Supervising teachers must report to the high school office immediately if a

student tutor is absent. 4. Tutors must be on time, and not leave early. 5. When a tutor is going to be absent, i.e., field trips, illness, etc., the tutor

must notify the supervising teacher AND the A+ Coordinator. 6. Students should keep THEIR OWN tutoring time log. This will be submitted

to the A+ Coordinator at each mid-quarter and each quarter end. Failure to do so will result in loss of performance points.

7. Tutors will perform tasks assigned by the supervising teacher completely

and respectfully. 8. Tutors must reflect a positive and supportive attitude toward younger

students. 9. Tutors must keep information about the students being tutored confidential. 10. Tutors must comply with the rules of the high school as well as the rules of

the building in which they tutor. 11. Tutors must dress appropriately and in line with the personal appearance

code in the student handbook. Inappropriate dress will be handled at the discretion of the supervising teacher and the building principal.

12. Students are responsible for verifying that all paperwork regarding their

semester of tutoring is on file in the A+ Office. 13. Students who fail to follow the A+ Tutoring Program guidelines may be

removed from the program and will not receive credit for the semester class.

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A good tutor has the ability to:

Ø Be patient and understanding. Ø Honor the student’s right to privacy. Ø Understand the student’s basic interests. Ø Strive to make learning an enjoyable experience. Ø Treat the person being tutored as you would have them treat you. Ø Establish a positive caring and sharing relationship with the student. Ø Work with the supervising teacher in order to ensure success for both students. Ø Demonstrate professionalism by being punctual, dependable, and dressing appropriately.

A successful tutor has the ability to:

Ø Encourage – Become familiar with and use the words of encouragement provided during the

orientation classes.

Ø Be patient – Everyone wants to do well; try another explanation if your first attempt fails to get your

point across.

Ø Withhold personal opinions – Keep your foot out of your mouth.

Ø Accept people as they are, where they are and like them for it – Look for the potential in

each student.

Ø Use good listening skills – Listening is not the same as hearing and taking time to understand.

Ø Demonstrate self-discipline– Dress appropriately: you are a role model.

Ø Demonstrate a sense of humor – Be mature enough to laugh at your mistakes.

Ø Admit to error and ask for assistance – Do not be embarrassed to ask for assistance.

Ø Plan and be prepared – Look at the students’ work to determine their needs.

Ø Respect confidentiality –Treat the student as you would expect to be treated.

Ø Be in attendance – Come to school; your grade depends upon your presence.

Ø Share information – Keep your supervising teacher up to date

with regard to your school activities.

Ø Keep good records – Don’t assume someone else is doing it for you!

Ø Cooperate in the classroom – Follow the wishes of your supervising teacher.

“No one is useless in this world

who lightens the burdens of it for another." Charles Dickens

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Supervising Teachers: Thank you for agreeing to assist with the A+ Schools Tutoring Program. We

realize that this is an added time commitment for you. This is a good program that will be mutually beneficial to both the high school student who is serving as the tutor as well as the student who is being tutored.

The student assigned to your classroom will come at the designated time every day. During the first 7 days of the semester, the students will be attending A+

Tutoring Orientation and a special Tutoring Class.

To fulfill requirements for the A+ program, students must complete a minimum of

50 hours of supervised, one-on-one tutoring of younger students. As a supervising teacher, you should assist the student tutor in attaining the necessary 50 hours.

The following is a list of suggested activities for earning tutoring hours. This list is not all inclusive.

Tutoring Activities:

Working with flash cards

Assisting with a class project Helping students study or review

Reading to students or being read to Assisting students with assignments

Helping students select reading materials Helping students to review spelling words or math drills Mentoring playground activities (if actively participating with the student

being tutored) Mentoring lunchroom activities (if actively participating with the student

being tutored)

Activities for which students may NOT log tutoring hours:

Making copies

Grading papers

Running errands Creating bulletin boards Observing class activities

Any other clerical activities

A record of student tutoring hours must be maintained by entering the start time and stop time spent tutoring on the spread sheet provided to the supervising

teacher by the A+ Office. It is advisable to keep back-up copies of time logs. Supervising teachers should verify that the student is documenting time

accurately on the spread sheet before awarding performance points. Performance points will be given each day a student reports for the tutoring session.

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Performance points will be awarded using the following criteria:

18 performance points per day will be awarded for each day the student

arrives promptly at the tutoring site. 10 performance points will be awarded for any day a student is tardy. 5 performance points will be awarded for any day a student is absent.

0 performance points if a student is absent and the supervising teacher and the A+ Office has not been notified prior to the tutoring time.

Note: If a student is absent and has followed procedures for notifying the

supervising teacher and the A+ Office, he/she may earn the daily performance points by making up the tutoring session.

Please email the log/performance sheet to the A+ coordinator. The A+ coordinator will forward quarter/semester grades to the counselor's office.

As the Supervising Teacher, you should maintain the tutoring time log and performance spread sheet mentioned above on a daily basis. This will greatly

diminish the amount of work for you at the end of the quarter or semester. You may also be asked to e-mail it to the A+ Office anytime it is necessary for review purposes. When the time log/performance spread sheet is complete at the end of

the quarter or semester, you will need to e-mail it and your completed supervising teacher evaluation spread sheet to Darin Henderson, A+ coordinator.

NOTE: Tutoring is a scheduled class. Students get credit for tutoring. If they are not there to tutor, they are absent, just like any other scheduled class. Student

tutors must attend all scheduled tutoring classes regardless of the number of tutoring hours they may have earned to date.

The A+ Coordinator will complete the grade report portion of the spread sheet by filling in the Test Score and the total performance points for the quarter into

Lumens.

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Participation in the A+ Schools Program is both an honor and a privilege. To qualify for the A+ financial incentive, a student must have at least a 95% attendance record for the four year period of high school attendance. A student who exceeds 34.8 absences over the four years will have less than 95% attendance and therefore will not qualify for the A+ financial incentive. ATTENDANCE UPDATE The A+ Coordinator will update each student’s attendance status on a semester basis. An A+ Status Review will be mailed home each semester. Updated information will be used to satisfy the attendance requirement of the A+ Schools Program. APPEALS Students and/or parents may appeal absences in special circumstances. These may include conditions that require ongoing doctor visits and/or hospitalization to treat or cure a condition. Long-term illness or injury requires an application for homebound instruction which, if granted, does not count against the days absent. Appeals of absences must be made to the A+ Office within 14 calendar days after the A+ Status Review or Letter of Ineligibility has been mailed. An A+ Attendance Appeal Form and all documentation provided by doctors should be returned to the A+ Office within those 14 days after the semester in which the absences occurred. REVIEW PROCEDURES The review committee (consisting of the principal, assistant principals, a counselor, two teachers and the A+ Coordinator) will respond in one of two ways. Ø Grant a waiver of the appealed absences Ø Deny a waiver of the appealed absences The student and/or parents may or may not wish to attend the review committee meeting. The A+ Coordinator will make notification of the appeals decision to the student and parent/guardian. Appeals of the review committee decision may be made to the Superintendent and Board of Education in writing within 14 calendar days of notification. Appeals after 14 days will not be considered. The Superintendent will make notification of the appeals decision to the student and parent/guardian. DROP/REENROLL A student who drops and/or transfers to another school, but re-enrolls at PCHS within 15 days, will still be eligible for the A+ financial incentive. Any absences during this time will be added to the student’s PCHS absenteeism total.

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PIERCE CITY RVI SCHOOL DISTRICT

A+ CITIZENSHIP POLICY The Pierce City RVI School District’s mission statement is as follows: “The mission of Pierce City R-VI School District is to provide an excellent academic, physical, social/moral, and vocational experience for every student in a safe orderly environment.” Participation in the A+ Schools Program is both an honor and a privilege. Good citizenship is a measure of the quality of conduct in school and away from school. All of the A+ Schools’ Financial Assistance eligibility factors are indicators of good citizenship. A+ participants are expected to exhibit standards of behavior which will bring credit to themselves, the A+ Schools Program, the school and the community. To qualify for the A+ financial incentive, a student’s behavior shall be in compliance with Board of Education policies, the guidelines in the student handbook, the A+ Schools guidelines, the Safe Schools Act and state and local regulations and laws. CITIZENSHIP UPDATE The assistant principals will update the Discipline Tracker Program with each student’s citizenship status asrequired. The updated information will be checked on a semester basis or as needed by the A+ Coordinator and used to satisfy the citizenship requirements of the A+ Schools Program. CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY Student discipline records will be maintained throughout their four years of high school. These records will be reviewed at the end of each semester by the A+ Coordinator. Citizenship/discipline violations that may jeopardize a student’s A+ eligibility status include, but are not limited to, the following: ·In School Suspensions 5 days of ISS – students will be counseled with regard to their A+ eligibility status. 10 days of ISS – students will receive additional counseling and placed in a warning status. 15 days of ISS – students will be immediately removed from the A+ Financial Assistance Program. · Out of School Suspensions 1 or more days of OSS – students will be counseled with regard to their A+ eligibility status. 5 or more days of OSS – students will receive additional counseling and placed in a warning status. 10 days of OSS – students will be immediately removed from the A+ Schools Financial Assistance Program.

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· Review/Action Individual citizenship/discipline records of all A+ students will be reviewed at the end of each semester. Students who are placed in a warning status will be counseled by the A+ Coordinator. The parents/guardians of students who are placed in a warning status will also be notified via certified mail of the student’s status in the A+ Schools Financial Assistance Program. Students who are to be removed from the A+ Schools Financial Assistance Program and their parent/guardian will also be notified via certified mail that the student has been removed from the A+ Schools Financial Assistance Program and will not be eligible for the A+ financial assistance. A review committee (consisting of the principal, assistant principals, a counselor, two teachers and the A+ Coordinator) will review any appeals regarding placement in a warning status or removal from the A+ Schools Financial Assistance Program. AUTOMATIC INELIGIBILITY In compliance with the regulations of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s A+ Schools Financial Assistance Program, a student will be removed immediately from the program and thus forfeit the opportunity to receive funds through the program for any of the following: Drugs/Alcohol/Substance Abuse · Violations of the Pierce City RVI School District’s Drug/Alcohol/Substance Abuse policy outlined in the board policy during the A+ Agreement time · Unlawful possession and/or selling of drugs or alcohol which is formally reported to the school through the Safe Schools Act Violation of Local, State or Federal Criminal Laws · Conviction of a felony · Conviction of criminal activity which is formally reported to the school as defined by the Safe Schools Act APPEALS Appeals of the review committee decisions (regarding warnings or ineligibility) or appeals of the automatic ineligibility (regarding drugs, alcohol, Safe Schools Act, etc.) must be made to the Superintendent and the Board of Education in writing within 14 calendar days of notification. Appeals after 14 days will not be considered. The Superintendent will make notification of the appeals decision to the student and parent/guardian.

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P.C. H. S. A+ TUTORING PROGRAM Tutoring Class Application and Parent Agreement

Name ____________________________________ SSN _____________ Address ___________________________________________ Block # ____________ Phone Number ________________________________ Graduation Year ___________ As a student enrolled in the A+ Tutoring Program, I agree to follow the “Tutoring Guidelines” listed in the Tutoring Handbook. I will dress in accordance with the guidelines of the building in which I have permission to tutor. I will strive to attend each scheduled class session and work diligently to attain a minimum of 50 tutoring hours. If I am unable to attend the scheduled class, I will notify the attendance office as well as the A+ Office as soon as possible. My interests or strongest areas are: Math Science English Social Studies Other (list) ________________________________________________ I have contacted ________________________ who has agreed to fulfill the obligations of a supervising teacher (CLEARLY PRINT NAME OF TEACHER) by maintaining a tutoring time log/performance spread sheet daily and emailing it along with my evaluation at mid-quarter, the end of the quarter and semester to the A+ Office. I will be tutoring at ________________________________. (Building)

I understand that I must be in the A+ Schools Program, have a 2.0 cumulative GPA, 90% average attendance and in good standing in A+ citizenship status to be enrolled in the A+ tutoring class. I agree to accept the opportunities and obligations of the A+ Tutoring Program. I understand I may be dismissed from the program for failure to comply with the guidelines of the program. Should this occur, I would not receive credit for the semester class. Student Signature ________________________________________ Date __________ I agree to cooperate in the development and implementation of my student’s A+ Tutoring Program. I understand that some of these activities might require transportation to other buildings in the district which is not provided by the school district. My son/daughter will furnish his/her own transportation in such a situation and has my permission to drive to tutoring assignments during school hours. My child has the proper insurance and understands the necessity of driving carefully and safely. My child also understands that he/she is to drive directly to and from his/her tutoring assignment without stops along the way. Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________________ Date ___________________ Office use only: __________Cumulative GPA __________ % Attendance

__________Initials A+ Student Citizenship OK

PLEASE BRING THIS COMPLETED FORM WITH YOU TO OUR SESSION ON MONDAY. IF NOT

COMPLETED, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE IN THE CADET TEACHING CLASS!!!

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A+ Tutoring Log Schedule

Fall Semester 2010; Spring Semester 2011

(You must submit your time log with all appropriate signatures and the total minutes of tutoring to the A+

Coordinator by/on these dates.) Fall Semester 2010:

September 17 October 16

November 18 December 21

Spring Semester 2011:

February 4 March 11 April 14

May 7 (Seniors) May 14 (Juniors)

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PIERCE CITY HIGH SCHOOL A+ SCHOOL PROGRAM AGREEMENT

Students graduating from a designated Missouri A+ School may qualify to receive financial assistance for tuition and fees

to attend a Missouri community college or technical school. As a Pierce City High School student you may be eligible for

these incentives. The state of Missouri agrees to (assuming the state continues to fund the program):

Reimburse the cost of tuition and general fees for up to two years

Accept enrollment in any Missouri public community college or vocational/technical school

Guarantee the incentives for a period of four years after the student graduates from high school

Eligibility requirements

The student must:

Sign an A+ Schools’ Program Agreement

Attend a designated A+ School for three consecutive years

Graduate from high school with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring/mentoring

Maintain a record of “good citizenship” and avoidance of the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol

Make a good faith effort to secure all available federal post-secondary student financial assistance funds that do not require repayment

Male students need to sign up for Selective Services if 18 years old Post-graduate responsibilities

The student must:

Be a US Citizen

Attend on a full-time basis a Missouri public community college or vocational/technical school

Maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Apply for federal post-secondary student financial assistance during subsequent semesters

This agreement signifies that it is my intent to meet or exceed the above noted eligibility criteria that will allow me to

participate in the A+ Schools student financial assistance program. I further understand that if I qualify and provided

funding is available, the State of Missouri will pay the cost of tuition and fees for me to attend any Missouri public

community college, vocational or technical school. I understand that I must make a good faith effort to secure federal

assistance that does not require repayment. The A+ program may provide these educational incentives provided state

funds are appropriated by the legislature and is subject to state funding approval. Signing this agreement in no way

obligates the student to participate in the A+ Schools Program. It shows that the student is aware of the opportunity

afforded by this program and will satisfy the letter of intent requirement for those who choose to participate.

_______________________________________________ _________________________

Student Signature Date

_______________________________________________ _________________________

Please Print Student Name Expected Graduation Date

_______________________________________________ _________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_______________________________________________ _________________________

High School Principal Date

_______________________________________________ _________________________

A+ Coordinator Date Office Use Only:

Attendance Check ( ) GPA Check ( ) Discipline Check ( ) School Check ( )

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PIERCE CITY HIGH SCHOOL

APPEAL OF CITIZENSHIP FORM

FOR A+ SCHOOLS STUDENT CERTIFICATION

Student Name: ____________________________Date:___________________

Parent Name: _____________________________________________________

Parent Address: ___________________________________________________

Home Phone Number: ______________________________________________

This request is to appeal the removal of my son/daughter from the A+ Schools’ Program

because of his/her failure to meet the good citizenship requirement for the following offense:

Why should the student be able to regain their A+ Status?

Parent Signature: _________________________________ Date: ____________

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A+ Advisory Committee Comments:

____________________________ ___________________________

A+ Coordinator Signature High School Principal

Appeal Granted ________________________ Date _________________

Appeal Denied _________________________ Date _________________

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PIERCE CITY HIGH SCHOOL

APPEAL OF ABSENCE FORM

FOR A+ SCHOOLS STUDENT CERTIFICATION

Student Name: ____________________________Date:___________________

Parent Name: _____________________________________________________

Parent Address: ___________________________________________________

Home Phone Number: ______________________________________________

In the space provided below, please indicate the date(s) of the absence and the reason for the

request to be reviewed. You may use the back of this form if you need more room.

Date(s) of Absence(s):

Reason:

Parent Signature: _________________________________ Date: ____________

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A+ Advisory Committee Comments:

____________________________ ___________________________

A+ Coordinator Signature High School Principal

Appeal Granted ________________________ Date _________________

Appeal Denied _________________________ Date _________________

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Dear Parent(s),

At the end of each semester, we will send a letter to keep you informed of your

child’s progress in the A+ Program. Below you will find your child’s GPA,

Average Daily Attendance, and Tutoring Hours. If your child has any discipline

referrals, a copy will be attached.

Sincerely,

Darin Henderson, A+ Coordinator

Student’s Name: ________________________________________

Projected Graduation Year: _______________________

Grade Point Average: ____________

(Must be 2.5 or higher)

Average Daily Attendance: _________________

(Attendance must be 95% or above)

Tutoring Hours: _________________

(Hours must total 50 or more at the end of senior year.)

Good Citizenship: In Good Standing

See Attached for Discipline Referral

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PIERCE CITY HIGH SCHOOL

A+ SENIOR FOLLOW-UP & ELIGIBILITY STATUS

Current Information:

Name: ________________________________ SSN: ____________________

Current Mailing Address: __________________________________________

__________________________________________

Telephone No.: ____________________Cell No.: _______________________

Parent(s) Name: _________________________Telephone No.: _____________

Address (if different from above):______________________________________

Name of someone (other than your parents) who you will keep in touch with after graduation.

Name: _____________________________Relationship:__________________

Address: ________________________________Phone No.: ______________

I will be attending__________________________________________________.

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I have reviewed my A+ Program folder and understand that:

_____ I have met GPA requirement.

_____ I have not met GPA requirement.

_____ I have met ADA requirement.

_____ I have not met ADA requirement.

_____ I have met tutoring requirement.

_____ I have not met tutoring requirement.

_____ The A+ Office has a copy of my Social Security Number.

_____ The A+ Office does not have a copy of my Social Security Number.

_____ I have filed FAFSA.

_____ I have not filed FAFSA.

_____ I have registered for Selective Service if applicable.

_____ I have not registered for Selective Service if applicable.

Student Signature: _____________________________Date: ______________