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Student Handbook
2017-2018
Trailblazers
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Mascot:
The Trailblazers
Colors:
Maroon and Gold
Motto:
We take pride in everything we do!
Website:
ac21.clps.org
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Table of Contents
Topic Page
Welcome To Academy 21
Mission and Vision
Community Codes
Staff Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Responsibilities
Parent Responsibilities
Mentor Responsibilities
Student Support
Multi-Tiered Support Systems
Software Information
School Calendar
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Welcome to Academy 21
Our hybrid learning environment combines the benefits of online learning with one-on-one personal instruction from highly qualified teachers. As director of Academy 21, I have seen first-hand the benefits of our learning environment’s approach to personalized support from teachers and staff. This unique blend of online learning with an in-school component truly fosters positive relationships.
Students in our program come to us with a variety of learning styles and needs. It is our commitment to provide rich curricular experiences that meet the needs of every learner. A personalized approach not only helps to foster engagement in academics, but promotes real-world connections that ensure our learners will be career and college ready.
Our staff is committed to thinking with innovation as we continually develop practices that help our students understand the importance of self-motivation, time management, self-advocacy, and academic achievement.
We look forward to a successful year with you!
Jennifer Wickersham Special Programs and Community Liaison Academy 21 Director
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Our Vision
Academy 21’s vision is to provide an individualized,
innovative, balanced, challenging, and rigorous curriculum
that allows for differences in interests, learning styles, and
ability. We strive to provide a safe learning environment
that promotes responsibility for self and positive attitudes
toward others through an appreciation of individuality and
diversity. We are dedicated to supporting students
emotionally and academically with services and resources
to ensure that their online and in-person learning
experience is successful and meaningful.
Our Mission
Technology driven, student-centered, meaningful learning.
AC 21 Community Codes
We are a school family.
We are kinder than necessary and treat others how we
want to be treated.
We are more alike than different.
Helping you helps me too.
We work together to keep everyone safe.
We respect each other’s boundaries and property.
We achieve our goals by working hard.
The past and present won’t keep us from our future.
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School Information
Director Jennifer Wickersham 586-510-2068
Secretary Heather Gentner 586-510-2062
English Teacher Clarice Howard 586-510-2077
Science Teacher Bonnie Hanchon 586-510-2064
Math Teacher Robert Resio 586-510-2066
Social Studies Russanne Bucci 586-510-2061
Student Support Maureen O’Connor 586-510-2055
Teacher Consultant Kathryn Koch 586-510-2082
Academy 21
26400 Arsenal
Center Line, MI 48015
Main Office: 586-510-2062 Fax: 586-510-2034
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Virtual learning is new to me. Is it for everyone? What are the advantages? Academy 21 uses online learning platforms to deliver education to students. Our hybrid school combines a virtual experience with in-person interactions in our lab. Today’s student must be able to combine skills for the 21st century with the effective use of technology to succeed at the community college, tech and training schools, at the university and in the job market. The biggest advantage of a hybrid program is that the online classroom is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The only excuse for missing assignments is not getting online! You can get assignments, access notes, review assignments, take practice quizzes and study any time at home. Your schedule for attending lab hours can be adjusted to meet your needs, and will be determined by you and your mentor, with a minimum requirement of two days per week, 90 minutes each day.
Other advantages • Work and other responsibilities can be planned around
learning. • Courses can be customized to meet the needs of the
student. • Students are given personal attention: one-on-one
interaction with highly-qualified teachers online and in the Academy 21 lab.
• Students can focus on goals instead of distractions or peer pressure.
• Online courses teach the student to be self-disciplined. • Online courses bring education right to the home. • Online courses teach the student real world skills.
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2. Who can attend Academy 21? Academy 21 is open to all students in grades 6-12 who are Center Line Public School residents, or eligible school of choice students in Macomb County. The school of choice enrollment window is open twice during the school year.
3. Some online programs are very expensive. What is the cost of this program? This is a FREE program. Laptop computers are available for students to use while enrolled. The only time cost is involved is if a computer is damaged. The student/parent and student support coordinator work together to establish repair or replacement cost. 4. Do you offer transportation? Transportation is offered on a limited basis in the morning, and only within the Center Line Public School residency zones. Transportation must be arranged ahead of time. 5. My friend told me about Academy 21. I like the idea but is there anything I should consider? First of all, you should think about whether a hybrid school is right for you. It is a big commitment and it is important to consider WHY you want an online and in-person education.
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Students need the time and most of all they need the motivation to do the work. Ask yourself these questions: • Am I motivated enough to do the coursework? Do I
have a place to work where I can avoid distractions? Self- discipline and scheduling time to complete 1-2 hours of work per class each day is important.
• Am I willing to ask for help? Teachers may not know to help you if you don’t speak up and share in communication.
• Am I enrolling because I think online is easy? Online learning is DIFFERENT, not EASIER. There is a lot of reading and work involved.
• Academy 21 has deadlines for earning high school
credits. Will I be self-disciplined enough to reach these mandatory deadlines? Students should complete ONE credit EVERY six (6) weeks. That equals two semester classes per six weeks.
• Am I a procrastinator? Putting off your work sets you
behind the pace for success.
6. I keep hearing the word mentor. I have heard that each student has a mentor. What does this mean? Each student DOES have a mentor. The mentor monitors the student's progress through weekly contacts and conferences. There are requirements for keeping contact and having two-way academic conversations.
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7. Who is in the lab to help students with their work? The lab is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 AM – 3PM, and Wednesday from 9 AM – 2 PM. Academy 21 is staffed by teachers who possess valid teaching certificates. Our teachers are highly qualified in the areas that they teach: English, social studies, math, science, and French. 8. Are students required to come to the lab? Can students complete coursework at home? Since this is a HYBRID program, students are required to report to the lab:
High school students - two (2) times per week for ninety minutes each day
Middle school students - four (4) times per week for 90 minutes per day.
Students should also work a total of 3-4 hours per day at home/in the lab to keep on pace for course completion. 9. What about credits? Do you have requirements in that area? Yes, to stay in the program, high school students must earn a minimum one credit every six weeks. This is in order to keep pace with earning six credits per school year. Many students earn credits beyond the minimum. Middle school students are expected to complete four full year core academic classes and two electives.
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11. How will I know how my child is progressing? How can I keep informed about my child's progress? You may contact your child's mentor, the student support coordinator and/or come to parent/mentor conferences. 12. What can be done for students who are struggling with basic reading and math skills? Our staff implements intervention strategies to help students who need support in reading and math skills. The courseware is flexible to meet the individual needs of students who might need a little help, and we have skills classes available for students who need more intense intervention. We also provide support for special education students. 13. What happens when a student does not meet the program requirements? We want all students to have an educational experience that fits their learning style and needs. There are times when students struggle to meet requirements. We follow a process to try to help students succeed. This may involve parent/student meetings, academic success plans, and probation. Our last resort is to remove students from Academy 21.
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Student Responsibilities
To remain in good standing and be successful at Academy 21, it is expected that ALL students will: • Attend orientation
• Complete a yearly Educational Development Plan
• Attend lab on scheduled days: o Minimum 2 per week, 90 minutes per day. (Grades 9-12) o Minimum 4 per week, 90 minutes per day (Grades 6-8)
• Work AT HOME. In addition to the lab a total of 3-4 hour of work per day is needed to stay on pace.
• Attend during COUNT DAYS in the fall and winter. (October 4 and February 14)
• High School: Earn one (1) credit every six (6) weeks by the credit due date.
• Middle School: Complete a full year in each core academic area and two electives.
• Take MANDATORY district and state tests: o NWEA (fall and winter) o M-STEP (6th, 7th, 8th grade) o PSAT (9th & 10th grade) o SAT, ACT Work Keys, M-STEP (11th grade)
• Maintain weekly two-way ACADEMIC contact with their mentors. The content includes classes and assignments, not just “Hi there, how are you?”
• Handle the school issued laptop with care.
• Follow the CLPS secondary code of conduct and behave in a manner that supports Academy 21’s vision, mission, and community codes.
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Parent Responsibilities Parents are a major partner in student achievement. Students are most successful when parents: • Monitor student progress in the computer programs. • Help students develop a regular schedule and
determine a place to work at home. • Communicate with the student mentors, student
support coordinator, or program director about concerns.
• Attend parent/mentor conferences and school events. • Inform the school if the student will be absent for any
extended period of time. • Make sure school records are up-to-date and that
contact numbers are updated at all times. • Monitor student use of laptop for SCHOOL PURPOSES,
and pay any fines for laptop damage in a timely manner.
• Support your children and encourage success!
Mentor Responsibilities
Each student is assigned a mentor for the entire school
year. The mentor will help by:
• Monitoring academic progress in all assigned courses.
• Completing progress reports for all student mentees.
• Documenting two-way academic contact with each
mentee.
• Contacting parents when progress is not being made
or behavioral expectations are not being met.
• Developing positive relationships and support
mentees with their emotional and academic needs.
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Graduation Requirements
Academy 21 students are presented a Center Line High School diploma upon graduation. All high school students must reach graduation requirements as described in the Michigan Merit Curriculum. More information can be found at the www.michigan.gov website.
Student Support
Student well-being is important at Academy 21. Our staff continues to participate in professional development providing us with the tools to assist students who are experiencing personal issues that may become an obstacle to learning. We also have a school social worker on staff qualified to address concerns and recommend resources to help students and parents in need. Please reach out to any of us at any time. We care!
Multi-Tiered Support Systems
Staff will use pre-screening assessments and district NWEA assessments to determine the need for academic intervention. Some intervention may take place within the online course through flexible programming and one-on-one interactions with the teacher. For students needing more intense, direct instruction as an intervention, students may be enrolled in a skill building class for reading and/or math. This will build the skills necessary to become more successful with an independent online program.
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Online Learning Programs
All learning programs are online and accessible 24 hours
per day, 7 days per week. We use the following
programs:
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Important Dates
Sept 5 - 8 Student Orientation Days
Sept 11 Lab opens for all students
Sept 11 Fall NWEA testing begins*
Sept 27 Student Success Seminar #1
Oct 4 Count Day /Picnic /Open-House
Oct 20 Credit Deadline #1
Nov 7 No School – Election Day
Nov 15 Student Success Seminar #2
Nov 22 - 24 No School – Thanksgiving Break
Dec 1 Credit Deadline #2
Dec 22 - Jan 2 No School – Holiday Break
Jan 10 Student Success Seminar #3
Jan 15 No School – MLK Jr. Day
Jan 26 Credit Deadline #3 / End of Semester 1
Jan 29 No School – Teacher Records Day
Feb 21 Count Day/ Luau / Conferences
Feb 28 Winter NWEA testing begins*
Mar 5 No School – Professional Development
Mar 9 Credit Deadline #4
Mar 21 Student Success Seminar #4
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Mar 30 – Apr 6 No School – Spring Break
Apr 9-12 State Testing (Grades 9,10,11)*
No lab (Grades 6,7,12)*
Apr 16 – 19 State Testing (Grade 8)*
April 23 – 26 State testing Make–ups (Grades 8,9,10,11)*
May 1 – 18 State Testing and make-ups (Grade 7)*
May 4 Credit Deadline #5
May 9 Student Success Seminar #5
May 21-Jun 7 State Testing and Make-ups (Grade 6)*
May 28 No School – Memorial Day
June 15 Credit Deadline #6 / Last day of school
*= Dates are subject to change
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Superintendent
Eve Kaltz
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Andrew McKinnon
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Lisa Oleski
Center Line Public Schools
Board of Education Members
Ms. Karen Pietrzyk - President
Mr. Gary Gasowski - Vice President
Mr. Henry Newnan - Secretary
Mr. Darrell Vickers - Treasurer
Ms. Karen Harringon - Trustee
Ms. Shelley Harenski - Trustee
Mr. Gary Shimer - Trustee
Academy 21 is endorsed by the
Michigan Department of Education and the
Macomb Intermediate School District.
