1|P a g e

MIDDLEYEARSPROGRAMME

GRADES6th–8th

STUDENT/PARENTHANDBOOK

2017-2018

PatriciaM.Perkins,Principal/HeadofSchool

211SouthLopezStreet

NewOrleans,LA70119

www.morrisjeffschool.org

Telephone:(504)373-6258

2|P a g e

TABLEOFCONTENTS

2017-2018SchoolYearCalendar………..……………………………………………………………………………….3

OurVision/Mission/IBOMission………………………………………………………………………………………....4

CoreValuesandCodeofConduct……………………………………………………………………………………….5

InternationalBaccalaureateInformation………………………………………….…………………………………..6

InternationalBaccalaureateLearnerProfileAttributes…………………………………………………………...7

MYPDressCode/UniformPolicy……………..……………………….…………………………………….…………..8

AttendancePolicy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

SchoolHours/GeneralInformation……………………………………………………………………………………..14

StudentProgressReportsandReportCards/SupportServices……………………………………………….17

ResponsibleUsePolicy…………………………………………………………………………………………………….19

OverviewofDiscipline………………………………………………………………………………………………………21

MYPPositiveSupportsandBehaviorSystem……………………………………………………………………….22

MYPDisciplinePolicy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….23

DisciplinePolicy/ProceduresforStudentswithDisabilities……………………………………………………..30

DatingViolencePolicy………………………………………………………………………………………………………39

BullyingPolicy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………46

MYPCellPhonePolicy………………………………………………………………………………………………………48

MYPInclusionPolicy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………49

MYPAcademicHonestyPolicy…………………………………………………………………………………………...55

MYPAssessmentPolicy…………………………………………………………………………………………………….63

MYPLanguagePolicy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….73

School-Parent-StudentContract…………………………………………………………………………………………81

3|P a g e

2017-2018SchoolYearCalendar

July24–August4 ProfessionalDevelopment(FacultyOnly)

August3 MEETTHETEACHERDAYforallstudents,9-11amand1-3pm

August7 FIRSTDAYOFSCHOOLforallstudents

September1 ProfessionalDevelopment(FacultyOnly–Noschoolforstudents)

September4 LaborDay(Schoolclosed)

September5 Student-ledConferenceDay–11:00-6:30pm(Noschoolforstudents) StudentsattendParentConferenceswithparentsatappointedtimes.

October13 ProfessionalDevelopment(FacultyOnly–Noschoolforstudents)

October16-17 FallBreak(Hurricanemakeupdaysifneeded)

November20-24 ThanksgivingHolidays(Schoolclosed)

December21–January2 WinterHolidays(Schoolclosed)

January3 ProfessionalDevelopment(FacultyOnly–Noschoolforstudents)

January15 Dr.MartinLutherKing,Jr.Holiday(Schoolclosed)

February9 ProfessionalDevelopment(FacultyOnly–Noschoolforstudents)

February12-16 MardiGrasHoliday(Schoolclosed)

March30–April6 EasterHoliday/SpringBreak(Schoolclosed)

April23-May4 LEAPtesting

May24 Student-ledConferenceDay–11:00–6:30pm(Noschoolforstudents)StudentsattendParentConferenceswithparentsatappointedtimes.

May25 ProfessionalDevelopment(FacultyOnly–Noschoolforstudents)

May28 MemorialDayHoliday(Schoolclosed)

June1 Lastdayofschoolforstudents-ReportcardsmailedweekofJune4

4|P a g e

June8 Lastdayofschoolforfacultyandstaff

MORRISJEFFCOMMUNITYSCHOOL

OURVISION

Wearedrivenbytwofundamentalgoals:buildinganinstitutionofthehighestacademiccaliberforourchildrenandtransformingpubliceducationinourCity,andbeyond.

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolembraceslearnersofallbackgroundsandholdseachstudenttothehighestexpectations.Studentsareprovidedwithadeep,richcurriculumthatengagesthemininquiry,developsstrongcriticalthinkingskills,andchallengesthemtoanewleveloflearning.WepreparestudentsofMorrisJeffCommunitySchooltobecomelifelonglearners.

ButMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisnotjustaboutoneschooloroneneighborhood.

Weseeourselvesaspartofamovementtotransformpubliceducationinourcountry.Ourschoolwasimaginedandbuiltoutofthousandsofconversations,withparents,communitymembers,andprofessionaleducators.ThisgrassrootsapproachtoeducationalreformhascreatedMorrisJeffasoneofthemostraciallyandeconomicallydiversepublicschoolsinthehistoryofNewOrleans.

OURMISSION

MorrisJeffCommunitySchooloffersaneducationthatisasourceoffreedomandpossibilityforallstudents,permittingthemtodeveloptheirtalentsfully,becomecontributingglobalcitizens,andattainthefoundationneededtoexcelatcollege,careerandbeyond.

IBMISSIONSTATEMENT

TheInternationalBaccalaureateaimstodevelopinquiring,knowledgeableandcaringyoungpeoplewhohelptocreateabetterandmorepeacefulworldthroughinterculturalunderstandingandrespect.

Tothisendtheorganizationworkswithschools,governmentsandinternationalorganizationstodevelopchallengingprogrammesofinternationaleducationandrigorousassessment.

Theseprogrammesencouragestudentsacrosstheworldtobecomeactive,compassionateandlifelonglearnerswhounderstandthatotherpeople,withtheirdifferences,canalsoberight.

OURCAMPUS

5|P a g e

Wearelocatedinabrandnew,stateoftheartschoolfacilityat211SouthLopezStreet.

OURCOREVALUESandCODEOFCONDUCT

TheacademicandbehavioralexpectationsoftheMJCSfamilyarerootedintheschool’scultureofcommunity,ourbeliefthatallchildrencanlearnathighlevels,ourunitedcommitmenttosupportingchildrenintheirlearning,andtheInternationalBaccalaureateOrganization’sLearnerProfile.Inorderforthisculturetogrowandthrivetheremustbeguidelinesandsocialnormsthatareestablishedforthecreationofanorderly,safe,andstimulatingclimateforlearning.Hence,theschoolrulesestablishedatMJCSarebaseduponthesecorevaluesandattributesthatsupportlife-longbehaviorsandresponsibilities.

Caring Imakeapositivedifferenceintheworldthroughmycarefulstudiesandactions.

Principled Iworkandbehavewithintegrity,honesty,andpride.

Open-minded Igrowfromseekingoutandrespectingdifferentpracticesandperspectives.

Reflective Iknowmystrengthsandweaknessesandusethatknowledgetodevelopmytalentsfully.

Inquirers Ipursuemycuriositybyresearchinganswerstomyquestions.

Knowledgeable Ibuildmyknowledgeacrossmanysubjectsthroughexplorationandengagement.

Thinkers Ithinkcriticallythroughcomplexproblemsandcreatereasonedsolutions.

Communicators Ilistencarefullyandexpressmyselfconfidentlyinmanywaysandinmorethanonelanguage.

Risk-takers Ibecomestrongerandmoreresilientbyfacingchallengeswithdetermination.

Balanced Ishowleadershipydevelopingintellectually,physically,andemotionally.

6|P a g e

INTERNATIONALBACCALAURREATEORGANIZATIONCANDIDATESCHOOL

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisaWorldSchooloftheInternationalBaccalaureateOrganization(IBO)offeringthePrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP).ThePYPfocusesonthedevelopmentofthewholechildasaninquirer,bothintheclassroomandintheworld.ThemostsignificantanddistinctivefeaturesoftheIBPYParethetransdisciplinarythemes.Whoweare,Whereweareinplaceandtime,Howweexpressourselves,Howtheworldworks,Howweorganizeourselves,Sharingtheplanet.Thesethemesareaboutissuesthathavemeaningfor,andareimportantto,allofus.Theprogrammeoffersabalancebetweenlearningaboutorthroughthesubjectareas,andlearningbeyondthem.Thesixthemesofglobalsignificancecreateatransdisciplinaryframeworkthatallowsstudentsto"stepup"beyondtheconfinesoflearningwithinsubjectareas.

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisaCandidateSchooloftheIBOofferingtheMiddleYearsProgramme(MYP)toourmiddleschoolstudents.TheMYPisachallenging,five-yearprogramthatencouragesstudentstomakeconnectionsbetweensubjectsandapplytheirknowledgetotherealworld.TheMYPbeginsin6thgrade(Year1)endingwith10thgrade(Year5).InYears1through3,MYPstudentstakeeightsubjects:

• Arts(PerformingorVisual)• Design• IndividualsandSocieties• LanguageAcquisition• LanguageandLiterature• Mathematics• PhysicalandHealthEducation• Science

InYear3,allMYPstudentscompletetheCommunityProjectwherestudents,individuallyorcollaboratively,completeaserviceprojectthattheydesignwhichaddressesneedsinourschoolorgreatercommunity.

TheMYPismeanttoteachstudentsacademicindependence,inaddition,todevelopMYPstudents’personal,socialandemotionalwell-being.Itoffersstudentsopportunitiesto:

• developtheirpotential• exploretheirownlearningpreferences• takeappropriaterisks• reflecton,anddevelopastrongsenseofpersonalidentity.

*Information about IB was obtained from http://ibo.org/

7|P a g e

IBOLEARNERPROFILE(InternationalBaccalaureateOrganizatio2013)

TheaimofallIBprogrammesistodevelopinternationallymindedpeoplewho,recognizetheircommonhumanityandsharedguardianshipoftheplanetandhelptocreateabetterandmorepeacefulworld.IBlearnersstrivetobe:

Caring Weshowempathy,compassion,andrespect.Wehaveacommitmenttoservice,andweacttomakeapositivedifferenceinthelivesofothersandintheworldaroundus.

Principled Weactwithintegrityandhonesty,withastrongsenseoffairnessandjustice,andwithrespectforthedignityandrightsofpeopleeverywhere.Wetakeresponsibilityforouractionsandtheirconsequences.

Open-Minded Wecriticallyappreciateourownculturesandpersonalhistories,aswellasthevaluesandtraditionsofothers.Weseekandevaluatearangeofpointsofview,andwearewillingtogrowfromtheexperience.

Inquirers Wenurtureourcuriosity,developingskillsforinquiryandresearch.Weknowhowtolearnindependentlyandwithothers.Welearnenthusiasmandsustainourloveoflearningthroughoutlife.

Reflective Wethoughtfullyconsidertheworldandourownideasandexperience.Weworktounderstandourstrengthsandweaknessesinordertosupportourlearningandpersonaldevelopment.

KnowledgeableWedevelopanduseconceptualunderstanding,exploringknowledgeacrossarangeofdisciplines.Weengagewithissuesandideasthathavelocalandglobalsignificance.

Thinkers Weusecriticalandcreativethinkingskillstoanalyzeandtakeresponsibleactiononcomplexproblems.Weexerciseinitiativeinmakingreasoned,ethicaldecisions.

CommunicatorsWeexpressourselvesconfidentlyandcreativelyinmorethanonelanguageandinmanyways.Wecollaborateeffectively,listeningcarefullytotheperspectivesofotherindividualsandgroups.

Risk-Takers Weapproachuncertaintywithforethoughtanddetermination;weworkindependentlyandcooperativelytoexplorenewideasandinnovativestrategies.Weareresourcefulandresilientinthefaceofchallengesandchange.

Balanced Weunderstandtheimportanceofbalancingdifferentaspectsofourlives-intellectual,physical,andemotional-toachievewell-beingforourselvesandothers.Werecognizeourinterdependencewithotherpeopleandwiththeworldinwhichwelive.

8|P a g e

MYPDRESSCODEPOLICY(GRADES6-8)

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolrequiresstudentswearaschooluniformtoschooleachday.Wearingtheschooluniformcontributestoalearningenvironmentthatpromotesunity.Poree’sEmbroidery,ourschooluniformprovider,haslocationsat3401TulaneAvenueand3630MacArthurBlvd.

Note:ThePrincipalordesigneereservestherighttoruleonanythingnotincludedherethattheschoolmightdeemunacceptableattireorappearance.

MYPUniformandDressCode(Grades6-8)

Bottoms

• Khakishorts(noshorterthanthetopofknee)withabrownorblackbelt • Khakipantswithabrownorblackbelt • Khakiskortsorskirts(noshorterthanthetopofknee) • Maywearsolidblack,white,grayornavytights

Tops

• WhiteoxfordshirtmonogrammedwithMJCSinmaroonabovetheshirtpocket • MaroonpolomonogrammedwithMJCSinwhiteabovetheleftpocket • Undershirt(longorshortsleeved)shouldbeasolidwhite,grayornavywithoutanylogos,

designsorwords • Tuckedintopantsorshorts • Onlastdayofeachschoolweek,studentsmaywearaMJCSt-shirt

Neckwear(Optionalexceptforformaldressdays)

• Asolidmaroonnecktie,bowtieorcrosstie

Footwear

• Solidblack,solidwhite,orblackandwhitetennisshoesorclosedtoeshoes(noboots,heelsorsandals)

• Black,navyorwhitesaddleshoes • Solidblack,white,grayornavysocks

Outerwear

• AnavybluecardigansweatermonogrammedwithMJCSinwhiteabovetheleftpocket-abovetherightpocketisthemonogrammedfirstinitialandlastnameofthestudentinwhite

• Anavybluejacket,fleece,orsweatshirt(nohoods)monogrammedwithMJCSinwhiteabouttheleftpocket-abovetherightpocketisthemonogrammedfirstinitialandlastnameofthestudentinwhite

• OnlyMJCSjacketsandsweatshirtscanbeworninsideschool

9|P a g e

Accessories

• Nobandanas • Maywearstudearrings • Maywearasolidcoloredheadband/hairbandwithnodesignsorlogos • Maywearananalogwatch • Nootheraccessoriesincluding,butnotlimited,tolanyards,keychains,scarvesandjewelry • Noaccessoriesthatdistractthelearningenvironment

Makeup

• Nomakeup

PhysicalandHealthEducation/AthleticsPractice

Bottoms

• MJCSnavymeshgymshorts

Tops

• MJCSgoldathletict-shirt. • Undershirt(longorshortsleeved)shouldbeasolidwhite,grayornavywithoutanylogos,designsor

words.

Footwear

• Solidblack,solidwhite,orblackandwhitetennisshoes • Solidblack,white,grayornavysocks

Outerwear

• AnavybluecardigansweatermonogrammedwithMJCSinwhiteabovetheleftpocket-abovetherightpocketisthemonogrammedfirstinitialandlastnameofthestudentinwhite

• Anavybluejacket,fleece,orsweatshirt(nohoods)monogrammedwithMJCSinwhiteabouttheleftpocket-abovetherightpocketisthemonogrammedfirstinitialandlastnameofthestudentinwhite

• OnlyMJCSjacketsandsweatshirtscanbeworninsideschool

10|P a g e

MORRISJEFFCOMMUNITYSCHOOLATTENDANCEPOLICY

Schoolbeginseachdayat8:00am.Studentsmustattendschooldailyandbeontime.

• Excessiveabsencesareonekeyfactorconsideredinanyretentiondecisionsduetomissedinstructiontime.

• Studentsmustcompleteallclassworkandhomeworkmissedduetoabsences.• Regularandpunctualattendanceisakeyfactorofacademicachievement.

Whenstudentsareabsentfromschooltheyaremissinginstructionthatisvitaltotheirlearning.Theyarealsomissingimportantpracticeandcommunitybuildingopportunities.Belowisatablethatdemonstrateshowmuchinstructionaltimeismissedwhenstudentsareabsentfromschool.

Absent1day

Absent3days

Absent5days

Absent7days

Absent10days

Absent20days

Minutesofinstructionmissed

370 1,110 1,850 2,590 3,700 7,400

Hoursofinstructionmissed

6.2 18.5 30.8 43.2 61.7 123.3

StateofLouisianaSchoolAttendancePolicyRS17:233

233.Casesofhabitualabsenceortardinessreferredtojuvenileorfamilycourt;denialorsuspensionofdrivingprivileges.

A.Anystudentwhoisajuvenileandwhoishabituallyabsentfromschoolorishabituallytardyshallbereportedbyvisitingteachersandsupervisorsofchildwelfareandattendancetothefamilyorjuvenilecourtoftheparishorcityasatruantchild,pursuanttotheprovisionsofChapter2oftheTitleVIIoftheLouisianaChildren’sCoderelativetofamiliesinneedofservices,theretobedealtwithinsuchamannerasthecourtmaydetermine,eitherbyplacingthetruantinahomeorinapublicorprivateinstitutionwhereschoolmaybeprovidedforthechildorotherwise.

B.(1)(a)Astudentshallbeconsideredhabituallyabsentorhabituallytardywheneitherconditioncontinuestoexistafterallreasonableeffortsbyanyschoolpersonnel,truancyofficer,orotherlawenforcementpersonnelhavefailedtocorrecttheconditionafterthefifth(5th)unexcusedabsenceorfifth(5th)unexcusedoccurrenceofbeingtardywithinanyschoolsemester.

(b)Theparentorlegalguardianofastudentshallenforcetheattendanceofthestudentattheschooltowhichthestudentisassigned.

(c)Theprincipaloftheschool,orhisdesignee,shallnotifytheparentorlegalguardianinwritinguponastudent’sthird(3rd)unexcusedabsenceorunexcusedoccurrenceofbeingtardy,and

11|P a g e

shallholdaconferencewithsuchstudent’sparentorlegalguardian.Thestudent’sparentorlegalguardianshallsignareceiptforsuchnotification.

(d)TheparentorlegalguardianofanystudentinkindergartenthroughgradeeightwhoisconsideredhabituallyabsentorhabituallytardypursuanttotheprovisionsofthisSectionshallbepunishedasfollows:

(i)Afirstoffenseshallbepunishablebyafineofnotmorethanfiftydollarsortheperformanceofnotlessthantwenty-fivehoursofcommunityservice.

(ii)AnysubsequentoffenseshallbepunishableinaccordancewithR.S.17:221(A)(2)(iii)ForthepurposeofthisSubparagraph,anoffensemeansaviolationofthisSubsectionby

theparentorlegalguardianofachildwhoishabituallyabsentorhabituallytardy;multipleoffensesmayresultfromviolationsinvolvingdifferenthabituallyabsentorhabituallytardychildrenofthatparentorlegalguardian.

(iv)Inanycasewherethechildisthesubjectofacourtorderedcustodyorvisitationplan,theparentorlegalguardianwhoislawfullyexercisingactualphysicalcustodyorvisitationofthechildshallberesponsibleforthechild’sattendanceatschoolonthosedaysandshallbesolelyresponsibleforanyabsenceortardinessofthechildonsuchdays.Theparentorlegalguardiannotexercisingactualphysicalcustodyor

C.IfastudentislessthaneighteenyearsofageandishabituallyabsentortardyasdeterminedpursuanttothisSection,theDepartmentofPublicSafetyandCorrectionsmay,uponnotificationfromtheschoolboard,denyorsuspendthedriver’spermitorlicenseofthestudentinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofR.S.32:431.1

D.ForpurposeofthisSection,theterm“tardy”shallincludebutnotbelimitedtoleavingorcheckingoutofschoolunexcusedpriortotheregularlyscheduleddismissaltimeattheendofthedaybutshallnotincludereportinglatetoclasswhentransferringfromoneclasstoanotherduringtheschoolday.

Acts1990,No.158,2,effJuly1,1990;Acts1994,3rdExSess.,No.101,1,eff.July7,1994;Acts2008,No.688,1June1,2009;Acts2009,No.224,6,eff.June12009;Acts2009,No.305,1

SUBPARTC.SCHOOLATTENDANCE

RS17:221§221. Schoolattendance;compulsoryages;dutyofparents;excessiveabsences;conditionfordrivingprivileges

A.(1)Everyparent,tutor,orotherpersonresidingwithinthestateofLouisianahavingcontrolorchargeofanychild fromthatchild'sseventhbirthdayuntilhiseighteenthbirthdayshall sendsuchchild to a public or private day school, unless the child graduates from high school prior to hiseighteenthbirthday.AnychildbelowtheageofsevenwholegallyenrollsinschoolshallalsobesubjecttotheprovisionsofthisSubpart.Everyparent,tutor,orotherpersonresponsibleforsendingachildtoapublicorprivatedayschoolunderprovisionsofthisSubpartshallalsoassuretheattendanceofsuchchildinregularlyassignedclassesduringregularschoolhoursestablishedbytheschoolboardandshallassurethatsuchchildisnothabituallytardyfromschoolpursuanttotheprovisionsofR.S.17:233.

(2) Whoever violates theprovisionsof thisSubsectionorR.S. 17:234 shall be finednotmorethan twohundredand fiftydollarsor imprisonednotmore than thirtydays,orboth. Thecourt shallimposeaminimumconditionofprobationwhichmay include that theparent, tutor,orotherperson

12|P a g e

havingcontrolorchargeofthechildparticipateinfortyhoursofschoolorcommunityserviceactivities,oracombinationoffortyhoursofschoolorcommunityserviceandattendanceinparentingclassesorfamilycounselingsessionsorprogramsapprovedbythecourthavingjurisdiction,asapplicable,orthesuspensionofanystate-issuedrecreationallicense.

(3) Whoever violates anyotherprovisionof thisSubpartor anyotherprovisionof lawwhichprovidesforthepenaltyprovidedforinR.S.17:221shallbefinednotmorethanfifteendollars,and,forsuchviolations,eachdaytheviolationcontinuesshallconstituteaseparateoffense.

(4)Visitingteachersorsupervisorsofchildwelfareandattendance,withtheapprovaloftheparishorcitysuperintendentsofschools,shallfileproceedingsincourttoenforcetheprovisionsofthisSubpart.

SpecificsaboutMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolAttendancePolicySchoolbeginseachmorningat8:00amandanystudentarrivingafterthattimeisconsideredtardy.Dismissalisat3:30pmeachdayexceptWednesdaywhenstudentsaredismissedat2:30pm.Achildcheckedoutofschoolunexcusedbeforedismissalisconsideredtardy.

2ndUnexcusedAbsence: Classroomteachercontactsparent/guardian3rdUnexcusedAbsence: Lettersenthome,phonecallfromSocialWorker4thUnexcusedAbsence: Mandatoryschoolconference5thUnexcusedAbsence: Lettersenthomeincludingattendancedocumentation7thUnexcusedAbsence: PlanisdraftedWITHparent(s)andschoolpersonneltoaddress

attendance10thUnexcusedAbsence: IssuesummonstocourtExcusedAbsence-Allabsenceswillbereportedasunexcusedunlesstheschoolreceivesdocumentationofextenuatingcircumstances.ThePrincipalmayexcuseastudent’sabsenceinthecaseofextenuatingcircumstances.Examplesofextenuatingcircumstancesanddocumentationare:

• Doctor’snotespecifyingtheexcusedday(s)ofstudentillness• Note/formverifyingreligiousholidaysofthechild’sownfaith• Parentnoteindicatingthereisafamilyfuneral-thestudentwillbeexcusedupto(3)daysunless

extenuatingcircumstancesapply• Courtdocumentsmandatingacourtappearance-thestudentwillbeexcusedonlyfortheday(s)

indicatedonthecourtdocuments.• Parentnoteregardingpersonalillnessofthestudent• Naturalcatastropheand/ordisaster• Participationinschoolapprovedactivitywhichnecessitatesstudentbeingawayfromschool

(theseactivitieswillbereviewedbythePrincipalforeducationalappropriateness)• Incidentsofviolenceinthehome

Note:Allnotesanddocumentationregardingstudentabsencesand/ortardyoccurrencesmustbereceivedonthedaythestudentreturnstoschool.Documentationreceivedafterthatdaywillnotbeacceptedandtheabsencewillremainunexcused.

13|P a g e

Long-TermAbsences-Ifstudentsareabsentforanyreasonfor10consecutivedayswithoutparentnotificationor20dayswithnotification,thestudentwillbeautomaticallydroppedfromtherosterandwillbedismissedfromMorrisJeffCommunitySchool,unlessextenuatingcircumstancesapplyorspecialarrangementshavebeenmadewiththeprincipalpriortothe10thor20thdayofabsence.

Tardy-Schoolbeginsat8:00a.m.morningmeeting.Studentsmustbeinattendanceby7:50toreceivebreakfast.At8:01studentsareconsideredtardyiftheyarenotseatedinhis/herhomeroomclass.Anystudentarrivingatschoolafter8:00a.m.MUSTbeaccompaniedbyanadult.DONOTDROPOFFYOURCHILDWITHOUTANADULTACCOMPANYINGHIMORHERTOTHEOFFICEANDSIGNINGHIM/HERIN.Inaddition,MYPstudentswillearnatardyforindividualclassesinwhichtheyarenotintheirdesignatedseatbeforethebeginningofclass.AnystudentsthatarrivemorethanfiveminuteslatetoclasswillbereferredtotheDeanofStudents..CheckOuts-Allearlycheckoutsendat2:00p.m.onMonday,Tuesday,Thursday,andFriday.Earlycheckoutsendat1:00onWednesday.Nostudentwillbecheckedoutofschoolafterthistimeandbeforeregulardismissaltimeexceptinanemergency.Studentswhoarecheckedoutearlyareconsideredtardyunlessthereisverificationofadoctor’sappointmentorpersonalillness.Documentationshouldbegiventotheteacherthefollowingdayoronthedaythestudentreturnstoschool.Ifastudenthasamedicalordentalappointmentrequiringparentorguardiantocometoschoolrequestinganearlydismissal,pleasewriteanotetotheteacheraheadoftime.Checkoutsaremadefromtheoffice,notfromtheclassroom.Parentsarerequiredtosignoutstudentsfromtheoffice,evenifanotewassentthatmorning.Studentswillnotbeallowedtoleavecampuswithoutaresponsiblepartypresenttosignhim/herout.Thepersoncheckingoutthechildmustbedesignatedonchild’semergencyformintheofficeandmusthavevalidIDtoshowschoolpersonnelattimeofcheckout.Pleasearrangeappointmentsafterschoolhourswheneverpossible.Withdrawalsand/orTransfers–Withdrawalproceduresarehandledthroughtheschooloffice.ThefollowingstepsmustbecompletedtoofficiallywithdrawastudentfromMorrisJeff:

1. Parentnotifiestheschoolconcerningwherestudentwilltransferandobtainsawithdrawalform.

2. Parentreturnsalltextbooks,librarybooks,etc.andpaysforanyschoolbooksorpropertythatmaybedamagedorlost.

14|P a g e

SCHOOLHOURSArrivalandDismissal-MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolshoursarefrom8:00AMto3:25PMMonday,Tuesday,Thursday,andFriday.OnWednesday,schoolhoursarefrom8:00AMto2:30PM.StudentsaredismissedearlyonWednesdaysothatteacherscanparticipateinprofessionaldevelopmentandstaffmeetings.Studentswhoeatbreakfastatschoolareallowedtoenterat7:35AM.Breakfastisfrom7:35-7:55.StudentsmayenterMJCSthroughthegymentrancethatleadstocar-poolareauntil8:00AM.After8:00AMparentsMUSTescorttheirstudent(s)totheschoolofficeandsignintheirstudent(s).Allvisitorsmustsigninattheoffice.Dismissalisat3:25PMeveryschooldayexceptWednesdayswhendismissalis2:25PM.

Supervision-Adultsupervisionisavailableat7:35AManduntilstudentsaredismissedfromschool.Theschooldoesnotassumeresponsibilityforstudentswhoarrivebeforeorafterthosetimes.Upondismissal,studentswhoarenotengagedinsupervisedactivitiesandarenotpickedupinatimelymanner(15minutesafterdismissal)willbesenttotheafter-schoolExplorersprogramandparentswillbechargedadailyfeeforsupervision.

GENERALINFORMATION

School-HomeCommunication-Becausewebelievethatcommunicationbetweenhomeandschooliscrucialtostudents’academicwell-beingandtothelifeandcultureofourschool,wewillcommunicateoftenviatheschoolnewsletter(PelicanPress>,progressreports,reportcardparentconferences,e-mail,ourschoolwebsite,studentworkandprojects,studentgrades,etc.Eachstudentingradessixththrougheighthwillreceiveabinderthatwillcontainhomeworkassignmentsandbehaviorcomments.Pleasecheckyourchild’sbindereverydayforimportantschooltohomecommunication!

FoodService-MorrisJeffhasaBreakfastandLunchProgram.Breakfastisservedinthecafeteriafrom7:35-7:55eachmorning.Applicationsforfreeorreduced-costlunchesaredistributedtoallparentsatthebeginningoftheschoolyearormaybeobtainedfromtheschooloffice.Allparentsarerequiredtocompletethisformeachyear,asitisthebasisfromwhichourfederalfundsaredetermined.Studentsmaybringabaglunchiftheychoosenottoeattheschoollunch.

BirthdayCelebrations-Pleaserefrainfromsendingstudentswithorparentsbringingsnacks(cupcakes,candy,etc.)forbirthdaycelebrations.IffamilymemberswouldliketoeatlunchwiththeirMYPstudents,pleasecontacttheDirectoroftheMYPtoarrangeatime.

SchoolNewsletter-Asameansofinformingparentsaboutourschoollife,theschoolnewsletteriselectronicallydistributedeachWednesdayviae-mail.(Hardcopieswillbemadeavailableuponrequestintheschooloffice.)ThePelicanPresskeepsourschoolcommunityabreastofimportantdatesandhappenings,andisthekeywayofcommunicatingbetweenschoolandhome.

Medication-Theguidelinesregardingstudentstakingmedicationsatschoolareasfollows:

15|P a g e

AllmedicationintheschoolsettingmustbeorderedbyamedicaldoctorordentistlicensedinLouisiana.Medicationmustbeinacontaineracceptablebypharmacystandards.Clearinstructionsfortheadministrationofmedicationmustbeprovided.Allmedicationtobeadministeredroutinelyatschoolmustbebroughttotheschoolofficebyaparent.Medicationformsmustbecompletedbyboththeparentandthedoctorannuallyandamedicationplanmustbedevelopedwiththeschoolnurse.Studentsmaynotcarrytheirownmedicationunlessthedoctor’sordersspecifythatthestudenthasbeeninstructedinself-administration.Antibiotics,coughmedicines,aspirin,etc.,arenotpermitted,however,parentsordesigneesmaycometoadministersuchmedicines.Studentswillbecalledoutofclasstotheofficeforaparenttoadministerthemedicine.Anyquestionsonthesepoliciesshouldbedirectedtotheschoolnurse.

MandatedReporting-BasedonLouisianaChildren’sCodeArticle603,all“Teachingorchildcareproviders”whichareanypersonswhoprovidetrainingandsupervisionofachild,includinganypublicorprivateteacher,teacher’saide,instructionalaide,schoolprincipal,schoolstaffmember,socialworker,probationofficer,fosterhomeparent,grouphomeorotherchildcareinstitutionalstaffmember,personnelofresidentialhomefacilities,alicensedorunlicenseddaycareprovider,oranyindividualwhoprovidessuchservicestoachildaremandatedreportersofsuspectedabuseand/orneglect.Questionsaroundthismandatecanbeansweredbytheschoolsocialworker.

LostandFoundItems-LostitemswillbeplacedintheLostandFoundboxintheschoolcafeteria.Studentsshouldhavetheirnamesinalloftheirclothing,books,andpersonalitems.Itemsnotclaimedwillbedonatedtocharityperiodicallythroughouttheschoolyear.

Textbooks and Instructional Supplies Usage - Students are responsible for taking care of theirtextbooks,librarybooks,instructionalsupplies,technology(specificallychromebooks,ipads,computers,headphones, etc.) Parents will be required to cover the cost for replacing any lost or damagedtextbooks,librarybooks,instructionalsupplies,ortechnology.ValuableItems-Studentsshouldnotbringlargeamountsofmoneyorexpensiveitems,suchasjewelry,cameras,watches,electronics,etc.,toschool.Students--nottheschool--areresponsiblefortheirpersonalitems.Inappropriateitemswillbecollectedbyschoolpersonnel.

CelebrationFieldTrips/ClassFieldExperiences

MYPstudentswillhaveopportunitiesfortwotypesofexperiencesoutsideofMJCS’campus.

• EndofQuarterCelebrationFieldTrips–earnedthroughpositivebehaviorquarterly• FieldExperiences–relatedtoacademics

Writtenparentalpermission,alongwithnecessaryfeesfortransportationandadmissionarerequiredforanystudenttotakepartinsuchactivities.StudentsnotearningEndofQuarterCelebrationFieldTripsarerequiredtoattendschoolandMJCSwillplanactivitiesforthosestudents.StudentsnotattendingschoolduringacelebrationfieldtriporfieldexperiencewillhaveanunexcusedabsenceunlessproperdocumentationisturnedintotheofficeinaccordancewiththeMJCSattendancepolicy.

16|P a g e

Fire and/or Emergency Drills - The school holds regular unannounced fire and emergency drills.Students and adults should follow the directions posted in each classroom concerning the propermethodofexitingthebuildings.Studentsmustalwaysfollowthedirectionoftheirteacherstoensurethesafetyofeveryone.Emergency School Closures - In the event of emergency school closures (hazardous weatherconditions,mechanicalfailures,fires,etc.),WWL-AM(870onthedial)willbroadcastinformationonthehourandhalf-hourbeginningasearlyas5:00a.m.Morningnewschannelswillalsopresentthe latestinformationtowhetherMorrisJeffwillbeclosed.Inaddition,theschoolwillcommunicatewithparentsandguardians via SchoolMessenger, via email and text. In addition, please subscribe to theRemindtextingservicetoreceivetextmessageupdatesonschoolclosures.VisitorPolicy-PersonsvisitingMorrisJeffduringschoolhoursmustfirstgototheofficetosigninandobtainavisitor’spass.Uponleavingtheschool,thevisitormustreturntotheofficetosignout.Parent–TeacherConferences-Parent-Teacherconferencesarecomposedoftwostudent-ledconferences (beginningandendingof the school year) and threeprogress report conferencenights.Parentsmayrequestaconferencewiththeirchild’steacherduringhis/herteacher’splanningperiodbycalling theofficeand leavingamessagealongwitha returnphonenumberoremailing theteacher directly at their school email. All conferences with teachers should be pre-arranged for aconvenient time forboth theparent(s)andthe teacher;anappointment is required.Call373-6258toscheduleanappointmentwithyourchild’steacher.Teachersareunabletomeetwithparentsorhaveconversationsduringclasstime.Release of Grades, Reports, and Records - Parentsmay inspect their child’s education record inaccordancewiththeFederalFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA).MJCSstudentrecordscanonlybe releasedat thewritten requestofaparentor legalguardian,who is listedon theemergencycontact form. The release of education records may take several days after the written request isreceivedduetothetime-consumingnatureofdatacollection.Fundraising-ThePrincipalmustapproveallfundraisingprojects.Ticketsorarticlesofanykind,otherthanthoseassociatedwithschool-sponsoredactivities,arenottobesoldonschoolpropertybystudentsoroutsideorganizations.

ParentandCommunityVolunteers-MJCSencouragesparentsandcommunitymemberstovolunteer.Theschoolhasmanyopportunitiestoassistourstudents,teachers,andstaff.Pleasecontacttheschoolofficeifyouwouldliketoofferanyassistance.

• ParentsvolunteeringmustcompleteabackgroundcheckwiththeNOPD.Formsareavailableintheschooloffice.

• AllvolunteerswillbesearchedontheDruSjodinNationalSexOffenderPublicWebsite.

• Volunteersmustsigninandoutintheschooloffice.

17|P a g e

• Avolunteerbadgemustbewornatalltimes.

• CONFIDENTIALITYmustbekept.

Volunteersshouldnotrepeatwhatisheardregardingstudentswhilevolunteeringatschool.Students’grades,progress,orwhatgoesonintheclassroomshouldneverbediscussedwithanyonebutschoolstaff.Keepinmindthatourstudentshavearighttoprivacy.

Ifvolunteerssignupforaregulartimewithaspecificteacher,welookforwardtoyoubeingconsistentwithyourattendance.Studentslookforwardtovolunteersintheclassroomandteachersplanvisitingtimeintotheirschedules.Wehopevolunteerswouldnotbeabsent,butifitisnecessary,theschoolofficeandteachershouldbecalled.

Disciplineshouldbelefttotheschoolstaffandadministration.Ifavolunteerexperiencesaproblemwithastudent,theteachershouldbeconsulted.

Weexpectourstudentstomodelourcorevalues.Wehavethesameexpectationforadultsinthebuilding,includingvolunteers.Whenyouarevolunteering,pleaserememberthatyouarearolemodeltoourstudents.

STUDENTPROGRESSREPORTSANDREPORTCARDS

StudentProgressReportswillbediscussedwithparentsonparentconferencenights. EndofQuarterReportCardswillbesenthomewithstudents.Parentsandstudentswillbenotifiedinadvanceofthesedates.

PromotionPolicy-ThestudentpromotionpolicyfromorK-8studentsfollowsthePupilProgressionPlanofMorrisJeffCommunitySchool:

• Studentsinallgradesmustbeinattendanceatleast170daysayeartobeeligibleforpromotion.Promotion:Grades6-8Forpromotionfromgrades1–8,thestudentshall:

• Attainatleasta70%averageineachofthepromotionalsubjectsofReading,EnglishLanguageArts(oralandwrittencommunication,handwriting,andspelling),andMathematicsbasedontherequiredGradeLevelExpectations(GLEs).

AcopyofthePupilProgressionPlanispostedontheschoolweb-sitewww.morrisjeffschool.org

SUPPORTSERVICESCounselor-MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolemployeesafulltimeDirectorofCounselingandalsopartnerswithCommunitiesinSchoolsforcounselingservicesandforotherresourcesthatareavailabletousthroughthispartnership.

18|P a g e

SchoolNurse -The schoolnurse is a full-timeemployeewho is available for students. Thenurse isresponsible for the health screening of students as needed and to address any emergency healthconcerns. Immunization records are monitored regularly. Any chronic health problems should bereportedtothenursethroughtheschooloffice.ImmunizationandHealthRequirements-Atthetimeofstudentregistration,parentsmustsubmitimmunizationrecordsandcompletedhealthformsforeachchild.Allformsmustbecompletedbeforethechild’sfirstdayofschoolatMorrisJeff.Astudentwillnotbeallowedtoattendschooliftheserecordsarenotonfile.Ifyouhavequestions,pleaseseetheschoolnurse.

ComputerandTechnologyPolicy-Networkaccessisaprivilege,notaright.Studentsmaylosethisprivilegeandmayreceiveotherconsequencesifhisorhercomputerorinternetuseisinappropriate.Allhardwareandsoftwareisthepropertyoftheschool,notthestudent;therefore,allinformationsavedonortransmittedthroughanypartoftheschoolnetworkissubjecttoschoolreview.ParentsarerequiredtoreadandsigntheParentConsentFormofResponsibleInternetUseandmakesurethestudentabidesbythispolicy.

Morris JeffCommunitySchoolBoardofDirectors - Theboardof directors sets all policy for theschool,inlinewiththeschool’scharter.Anupdatedlistofboardmemberscanbefoundontheschoolwebsite. Theboardmeetingscheduleis listedontheschoolwebsite.Boardmeetingsareopentothepublic.MorrisJeffFamilyPartnership-TheMJFPisaparent-ledorganizationthatprovidescommunitybuilding,staffsupport,volunteer,andfundraisingopportunitiesforMorrisJefffamiliesandthelargercommunity.Thereareregularlyscheduledmeetingsandvariouseventsthroughouttheyear.AllmeetingsandeventsareopentotheentireMorrisJeffCommunity.AllparentsofMorrisJeffstudentsaremembersoftheMJFP.Therearenoduesrequiredformembership

Homework-Homeworkisassignedeachnightinorderforstudentstopracticeimportantskillsandlearningthathastakenplaceinschoolthatday.TheStateLibraryofLouisianaoffersanafterschoolonlinehomeworkassistanceservice.Parentsandstudentscanaccessthisresourceatwww.homeworkla.org.

Anti-DiscriminationLaw-MorrisJeffCommunitySchooldoesnotdiscriminateagainststudentsonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,gender,disability,sexualorientation,familysituation,religion,orpoliticalaffiliation.Forquestionsorconcernscontacttheschoolprincipal

19|P a g e

ResponsibleUsePolicy MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolintegratesdigitaltechnologytoenhancepersonalizedlearningandthedevelopmentofIB21stcenturylearners.Wevaryouruseofdigitalresourcestomatchthedevelopmentandlearningateachgradelevel.PYP:PreK-1studentsutilizetabletsincentersfortargetedinstructionandpractice.2nd-thgradestudentsuseChromebookstoaccessLexiaCore5forEnglishLanguageArtstargetedinstructionandpracticeandmoveattheirownpacewithZearntosupplementtheirsmallgroupmathinstruction.Additionally,5thgradestudentsareassignedaChromebookwhenpreparingtheirpersonalinquiryprojectforthePYPExhibition[a].MYP:StudentsareassignedaChromebooktouseinclass[b]andareresponsibleforitscare,handlingandstorageatschool.MYPteachersguidetheuseofavarietyofdigitaltoolstobuildindependentandcollaborativestudent-centeredlearningalignedtotheirIBunitsofinquiry.Studentsingrades2-9areissuedaccountswithGSuiteforEducationinordertoaccesslearningwebsitesonChromebookswithaschool-issuedusernameandself-selectedpassword.Studentsingrades5-9taketheLEAP360formativeandsummativeassessmentsonChromebooks.Studentsareheldaccountablefortheiractionswithalldigitaltechnologyinaccordancewithschoolrulesandexpectations.Intheeventthatastudentcausesvandalismordamagetoschoolproperty,thefamilywillbefinanciallyresponsiblefortherepairorreplacementofschoolproperty.[c]StudentsandfamiliesmustsignandadheretotheResponsibleUsePolicy.TheuseofdevicesandtheInternetonthesystemsownedbyandonthepremisesofMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisaprivilege,notaright,andassuch,thereshouldbenoexpectationofprivacyonthepartofthestudenttothecontentsofpersonalfiles.Theschoolwillmaintaincontrolovermaterialsonthesystemorcontainedinfilesonthesystem.StudentResponsibilitiesinInternetUsage:Studentsareexpectedtocommunicate,collaborateandutilizeourdigitalresourceswiththesameIBvaluesasinofflinebehaviorandactions.CaringCommunication• StudentshavearesponsibilitytouseappropriatelanguagewhenusingtheInternetordigitaldevices.

Theschoolwillnottolerateastudent’suseofprofanityorobscenityontheInternet.• Astudentmusttakeresponsibilityforhisorherownmessages,actionsandwordsonline.• Studentshavetheresponsibilitytodisplayexemplaryonlinebehavior,andmustconductthemselves

asrepresentativesofboththeschoolandthecommunityasawhole.KnowledgeableCollaboration• Studentsmustrespecttherightsofothersinthedigitalcommunity.Sending,storingordisplaying

offensive,vulgar,violent,abusiveorinflammatorymessagesorimagesisprohibited.Personalattacks,threatsorinsults(cyberbullying)isforbidden.

• Studentsmustrecognizetheprivacyrightsofothersandrefrainfromre-postingpersonalmessagesand/orimageswithouttheoriginalauthor’spriorconsent.

• Studentsmustreportanysuspiciousactivitynoticedontheiraccount(s)toateacherimmediately.PrincipledIntegrity• Studentshavetheresponsibilitytofollowcopyrightlawsandrules,andmustrespectallcopyright

20|P a g e

issuesincludingbutnotlimitedtomovies,music,images,books,andarticles.• StudentsmustusetheInternetonlyforlegalactivities.Trespassinginanotheruser’swork,filesor

decryptingsystemoruserpasswordsisunacceptable.Studentsmaynotengageinillegallaws,rulesorregulations.

ReflectiveSafety• Studentsareresponsibleforavoidingtheinadvertentspreadofcomputerviruses.Deliberate

attemptstodisruptsystemperformancebyspreadingcomputervirusesisconsideredcriminalactivityunderstateandfederallaw.Additionally,studentsmaynotuseanymeanstocircumventtheschoolfilteringsystems.

• Astudentmustacceptfullresponsibilityforusageofhisorheraccount(s).AllowinganotherpersontouseyouruserID/passwordtogainaccesstoanyschoolsystemisprohibited.

StudentResponsibilitiesregardingSchool-issuedDevices:AlldevicesusedatschoolarethepropertyofMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolandremainatschool.Studentsareexpectedtotreatschoolissueddeviceswithrespectandcare.CareandHandlingofDevices• Studentsareexpectedtoensuretheserialnumber,barcodelabelandanydevicelabelsaresecurely

attachedtoanyschoolissueddevice.• Whenintransition,studentsmustcarrythemsecurelywithtwohands.• Studentsmaynotleanonorstackheavyitemsontopofdevices.• Studentsmustwipethemwithaclean,dampclothasneededandwashtheirownhandsregularly

whileusingdevices.Protection,StorageandChargingofDevices• Whenintransitionbetweenclasses,devicesmustbeclosed,carriedwithtwohandsorclosetobody

orinclosedbackpack.• Alldevicesmustbereturnedtotheircartoforiginwhennotinuse.• Alldevicesandcartsmustbepluggedinattheendofdaytochargeovernight.• Studentsmustgainpermissionfromteacherbeforeusingadevicenotassignedtothem.Note:Itishighlyrecommendedthatacasebepurchasedbystudentstoprotectitfrompotentialdamage.StudentResponsibilitiesregardingE-mailAccounts:Forthesafetyofourstudents,school-issuedaccountsaremonitored.Currently,ourstudentsinGrades6-9areissuedstudentemailaccountsforlearningpurposesonly.Schoolissuedemailaccountsaredesignedforacademiccommunicationbetweenstudentsandteachers,andstudentsareresponsibletousethemregularly.Dependingonthefactorsinvolved,astudent’sfailuretofulfilltheseanyoftheseresponsibilitiesmayresultinschooldisciplinaryactiontoincludeanyofthefollowing:restrictedorlossofprivileges,detention,conferencewithteacher/counselor/principal,parentscontacted,out-of-schoolsuspension,andpossiblecontactwithlawenforcement.MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolhasestablishedmeasurestofilterand/orblockoffensivematerialharmfulforchildren.Nofilteringsystemis100%effective.Studentdigitalactivityismonitoredcloselybyadministration.Additionally,staffsupervisionanduserresponsibilityareessentialforstudentonlinesafety.

21|P a g e

OverviewOfMiddleYearsProgrammeDiscipline

SchoolRules:

1. UseKindWordsandKindActions.a. Towardspeopleb. Towardstheenvironment(anyclassorschoolmaterials,furniture,etc.)

2. FollowDirectionstheFirstTime

FromalladultsworkingatMJCS(teachers,teachingassistants,administrators,secretaries,custodians,tutors,substituteteachers,etc.)

Thesetworules,thoughsimple,areallencompassing.Theserulesextendthroughouttheschooldayandinallschool-relatedenvironments(e.g.concerts,fieldtrips,sports,bus,etc.).Kindwords,kindactions,andfollowingdirectionsthefirsttimeareextremelyimportantinallwalksoflife.Usingkindwordsandkindactionscreatesapositive,safeenvironmentforallstudentsthatisnecessaryforlearningtotakeplace.Followingdirectionsthefirsttimeallowsforthemaximumamountoflearningforallstudents.Inadditiontoschoolrules,individualteachersareencouragedtocollaboratewithstudentstomakeessentialagreementsfortheirclassrooms.

22|P a g e

MiddleYearsProgrammePositiveSupportsandBehaviorSystem

Toencouragepositivebehaviorsfromourstudents,MJCSsystematicallyreinforcesbehaviorsthatleadtoapositiveschoolclimateandapositivelearningenvironment.MJCSusestheInternationalBaccalaureate(IB)LearnerProfileasitsschoolvalues.MJCSschoolvaluesareBalanced,Caring,Communicator,Inquirer,Knowledgeable,Open-minded,Principled,Reflective,Risk-Taker,andThinker.

Systemsusedtoencourageschoolvalues:

1. MYPAssemblies–EachMondayandFriday(12:28pmforgrades6and7&12:52pmforgrades8),MYPstudents,teachers,administrationandfamiliesholdacommunitymeeting.Thepurposeofthemeetingistoreinforceschoolvalues,buildapositivemiddleschoolcultureandannounceorreviewanyimportantupcomingevents.

2. GlobalLeadersAward–EachadvisoryclassnominatesonepeerfromtheiradvisoryclassfortheGlobalLeaderawardattheendoftheadvisoryunit.TheMYPteamwillselecttheGlobalLeaderfromthenominations.Thestudent(s)nameswillbepublishedintheschoolnewsletter.Attheendoftheadvisoryunit,GlobalLeaderAwardrecipientswillbehonored.

3. MonthlyCelebrations-Attheendofeachmonth,studentscanearnentrytotheMonthlyCelebrationbyearning85%ofthepossiblestampsinthemonth.StudentswhohavehadanyInSchoolorOutofSchoolSuspensions,and/orSaturdayDetentionsmaynotattend.Studentsearnstampsintheirbindersbyfollowingschoolrules,completingclassworkandwritingdownhomeworkeachclassperiod.Duringhomeroom,studentsearnstampsbybeingontimeandinuniform.MonthlyCelebrationsoccurattheendofthedayandtakeplaceontheschoolcampus.StudentswhodonotattendwillcompleteIBLearnerProfiletraining,restorativeconferences,reflectionand/orserviceactions.

4. EndofQuarterCelebrations–Attheendofeachquarter,studentscanearnentrytotheQuarterly

Celebrationbyearning85%ofthepossiblestampsinthequarter.StudentswhohavehadanyInSchoolorOutofSchoolSuspensions,and/orSaturdayDetentionsmaynotattend.Studentsearnstampsintheirbindersbyfollowingschoolrules,completingclassworkandwritingdownhomeworkeachclassperiod.Duringhomeroom,studentsearnstampsbybeingontimeandinuniform.EndofQuarterCelebrationsoccurattheendofthequarter,andtakeplaceofftheschoolcampus.StudentswhodonotattendwillcompleteIBLearnerProfiletraining,restorativeconferences,reflectionand/orserviceactions

5. Advisory–EachTuesday,Wednesday,andThursdayadvisorywillbeheld.Thepurposeofadvisory

isforstudentstobuildknowledgeoftheIBLearnerProfileAttributesandbuildApproachestoLearningskillsthatwillleadtoindependentMYPstudents.Studentswilldeveloptheirorganizational,communication,collaboration,affective,andreflectiveskills.

23|P a g e

FieldExperiences–AspartoftheMYP,studentswilloftengoonfieldexperiencesinthecommunity.Thesefieldexperiencesshouldbeseenascriticallearningexperiencesandnotrewardsforpositivebehavior(astheQuarterlyCelebrationsare).Studentswillnotbebarredfromafieldexperienceexceptwhenastudentisservinganinoroutofschoolsuspensionduringthefieldexperience.

MiddleYearsProgrammeDisciplinePolicy

MorrisJeffCommunitySchool’sdisciplinepolicyencouragespositivebehaviorforourstudents,emphasizescooperationbetweenhomeandschool,andensuresthatourschoolcultureisnotcompromisedbymisbehaviors.Studentsaretreatedfairlyandequitably.Disciplineisbasedonacarefulassessmentofthecircumstancesofeachcase.Thefollowingfactorsareconsidered:

• Seriousnessoftheoffense

• Student’sage

• Frequencyofmisconduct• Student’sattitude

• Potentialeffectofthemisconductontheschoolenvironment

• Specialneeds

• Anyextenuatingcircumstances

Parentsand/orguardiansareresponsiblefortheirchild’sbehaviorandarestronglyencouragedtomakesuretheirchildknowsandunderstandstheschoolrules.Parent-teachercooperationresultsinthebestpossiblelearningenvironmentforallchildren.

Disciplinary offenses result in consequences subject to the discretion of the Principal or Dean ofStudentsandmayincludedetention,schoolservice,lossofschoolprivileges,in-schoolsuspension,out-of-schoolsuspension,and/orexpulsion.Thelistofoffensesinthetablebelowandconsequencesisnotexhaustive,butprovidesexamplesofprohibitedconductandpossibleconsequences.Theschool’srulesandregulationsmaybesupplementedbytheteachers’rulesfortheirclassesandotherschoolevents.Repeatedoffensesresultinginrepeatedsuspensionsmayleadtoexpulsions.Suspendedstudentsarenotentitled toparticipate in schoolevents. Inaddition,anybreachesof stateor federal lawmaybehandledincooperationwiththepolicedepartmentorotherauthorities.The following behaviors are the standard offenses in accordancewith R.S. 17:416 for the public schoolsystemaccordingtotheLa.DepartmentofEducation.

24|P a g e

ClassIbehaviorswillbehandledattheclassroomandgradelevels,withsupportfromthePrincipalor Dean of Students. These offenses may result in a teacher-student conference, loss of classprivileges,aphonecalltoorconferencewiththeparentorguardian,detention,studyhall,studentreflectionand journaling (notesofapology,etc),schoolservice,etc. RepeatedClass1behaviorsmayresultinareferraltotheResponsetoInterventionteam.

LevelIOffenses PossibleConsequences

• Beingunkind/teasing• Distractionofotherstudentsinclass• Willfuldisobedience/disrespect• Minordisruptionsinclass• Unexcusedabsences/tardiness• Repeatedfailuretobringclassroommaterials

orhomeworktoclass• Consumingfoodordrinkwithoutteacher

approval• Chewinggumatschool• Inappropriatebehaviorinthecafeteria,at

morningmeeting,specialperformances/assemblies,orfiredrillsandanyemergencies

• Logicalconsequencebasedonschool-wideclassroommanagementplanortheteacher’smanagementplan

• Lossofrecess• Detention• Reflectiontime• BehaviorReflectionForm• Teacher/studentconference• Phonecalltoparentorguardian• Conferencewithparentorguardian• Schoolrelatedtask• Studentmakesamendstothose

affectedbyoffense

*Consequencesgivenbystudent’steacher

25|P a g e

ClassIIbehaviorswillbehandledbythePrincipalorDeanofStudents.Theseseriousoffensesmayresult insuspension(inoroutofschool)orexpulsion.Severeand/orrepeatedoffensesresult inareferraltotheResponsetoInterventionteam.

LevelIIOffenses PossibleConsequences

• Violatingcellphonepolicy• Violatingthedresscode• Cheating/plagiarism• Bullying• Harassmentorintimidation• Datingviolence• Leavingtheclasswithoutpermission• Inappropriatetouchingoradvanceswith

sexualovertones• Fighting• Intentionallyhurtinganotherstudent• Theft(stealing)orextortionofanamountof

moneylessthan$100,oranobjectvaluedatlessthan$100

• Possessionofstolenproperty• Usingorpossessingtobaccoproducts,

matchesorlighters• Trespassing• Vandalism• Battery(withoutbodilyinjuryonanother

student)• Assault(verbalthreats)toanyemployee• Poorbusbehavior• AnyotheroffenseswhicharesimilartoLevelII

Offenses

• Behaviorreflectionform• Dismissalfromclassforspecified

timetoworkindependently• AssistanceTeamResponseto

Intervention(RTI)Team• Immediateparentconferencewith

principal• FunctionalBehaviorAssessment• BehaviorInterventionPlan• CrisisManagementPlan• Studentmakesamendstothose

affectedbyoffense• Payingfororreplacingdamaged

property• Suspension(Inoroutofschool)• Detention• Expulsion• Bussuspension

*ConsequencesgivenbythePrincipalorDeanofStudents

26|P a g e

ClassIIIbehaviorswillbehandledbythePrincipalorDeanofStudents.Theseseriousoffensesmayresultinsuspensionorexpulsion.Severeand/orrepeatedbehavioralissuesmayresultinareferraltotheResponsetoInterventionteam.

LevelIIIOffenses PossibleConsequences

• Fourthsuspension• Thirdfight• Batterywithbodilyinjury• Possession,use,concealment,ortransmittal

ofillegaldrugsoralcoholordrug/alcoholparaphernaliaatschoolorschoolrelatedactivities

• Arson• Theft(stealing)orextortionofproperty

valuedat$100.ooormore• Burglaryofschoolproperty(unauthorized

enteringofanybuildingwiththeintenttocommittheftordamages)

• Possession,use,transmittal,orconcealmentofaknife(orsimilarobject)ortheuseofanyobjectorsubstancetoharm,frighten,orintimidateothers

• AnyotheroffenseswhicharesimilartoLevelIIIoffenses

• Behaviorreflectionform• Dismissalfromclassforspecified

timetoworkindependently• ReferraltoResponsetoIntervention

(RTI)Team• Immediateparentconferencewith

principal• FunctionalBehaviorAssessment• BehaviorInterventionPlan• CrisisManagementPlan• Studentmakesamendstothose

affectedbyoffense• Detention• Suspension• Expulsion

*ConsequencesgivenbythePrincipalorDeanofStudents

Confidentiality

Allinformationconcerningastudent’sstatusasavictimorperpetratorofbehaviorsresultingindisciplinaryactionbythePrincipalorhis/herdesigneesoritsemployeesshallberetainedinthestrictestconfidencebyMJCSanditsemployees,excepttotheextentthatdisclosureisrequestedorconsentedtoinwritingbythestudentorisrequiredbyapplicablefederalorstatelaws.

Schoolemployeesshallrefrainfromsharingconfidentialstudentinformationwithotherschoolemployees,students,orcommunitymembers,unlessdisclosureisrequiredbylaworschoolpolicyorisnecessarytoprotectthestudent’ssafety.

27|P a g e

ProceduresandDueProcessforShort-TermSuspension

Ifastudentcommitsanoffensethatresultsinshort-termsuspension(lessthan10days)thestudentisaffordeddueprocessrightsandissubjecttothefollowing:

• Ifnecessary,immediateremovalfromclassand/orschool

• Entitledtorespondtothechargesagainsthim/her• Principalorhis/herdesignee(s)addressestheconductandassignsanappropriateconsequence

• Parent/guardianisnotifiedbythePrincipalorDeanofStudents

• Parent/guardianisrequiredtomeetwiththePrincipalorDeanofStudentsregardinginfractionspriortothestudent’sreturntoschool

ProceduresandDueProcessforRecommendationforExpulsionProceduresfordueprocessforrecommendationforexpulsionareadministeredbytheRecoverySchoolDistrict.Theseproceduresandpoliciesareonfileattheschool.

BusConduct

Studentswhorideabustoandfromschoolareresponsiblefortheiractionsboarding,riding,disembarkingthebus,aswellaswaitingforandleavingthebus.Thebusdriverhastheresponsibilityofmaintainingorderlybehaviorofstudentsonschoolbusesandwillreport,inwriting,allmisconducttothetransportationservicesmanagerandthePrincipal.ThePrincipalandhis/herdesigneeswillhavetheauthoritytotakeappropriatedisciplinaryactionforstudentsengaginginmisconductonaschoolbus.Toavoiddisciplineissuesandtomeetexpectationsforstudentbehaviorontheschoolbus,studentsshouldfollowtheguidelineslistedbelow:

• Berespectfulofthedriverandotherstudentsridingthebus

• Remainseatedatalltimesonthebus

• Keeptheaisleofthebusfreeofallobjects

• Respectthepropertyandspaceofothers

AnyMorris Jeff student in uniform is under obligation to the school’s behavior expectationsbefore,during,andafterschoolregardlessofwhereheorshemaybeinpublic.Ifachildissuspendedfromthebus for misbehaviors, it is the responsibility of parent/guardian to arrange for the students’transportationtoschool.

28|P a g e

Harassment

Harassmentisprohibitedinallrelationshipsattheschool(supervisor-subordinate,employee-employee,employee-student,etc.).ThefollowingbehaviorsareprohibitedatMJCS:

• Sexualharassment(verbal,nonverbal,andphysical)

• Harassmentbasedonanyprotectedright(includingrace,sex,disability,religion)

• Thislistisnotall-inclusive.

Astudentwhobelievessheorheisavictimcanreport ittotheschoolprincipalorsocialworkerwhowillinvestigateandrespond.Allrecordswillbekeptconfidentialexceptasrequiredbylaw.

AfterSchoolDetentions

AfterschooldetentionswillbeservedonthefollowingThursdayofthetransgressionfrom3:35pm–4:30pm.One6th/7th/8thgradeteacheroradministratorwillmonitorafterschooldetentioninaroomonthethirdfloor.Studentsreporttoafterschooldetentionafterthedismissalbell.Thestaffmemberwhogavethedetentionwillcontactfamiliesviaemail,phoneorlettertoletfamiliesknowtheirstudentisservingandafterschooldetention.Thestudentandfamilywillbenotifiedofthenumberofdetentionitisforthecurrentquarter.

SaturdayDetentions

Saturdaydetentionswillbeservedonceamonthfrom9:00am–12:00pmatMorrisJeffCommunitySchool.StudentsearnSaturdaydetentionsforunexcusedabsencefromanafterschooldetentionorinlieuofanInSchoolorOutofSchooldetentionatthediscretionoftheSchoolPrincipal,orhis/herdesignee.

SchoolSecurityCameras

Ourcampusisequippedwithsecuritycamerastoensurethesafetyofstudents,staffandvisitorsaswellastoprotectschoolproperty.Securitycamerasareusedinlocationsbothinsideandoutsidethebuildingwherethereisnoreasonableexpectationofprivacy.

Studentsorstaffidentifiedonsecuritycamerasinviolationofschoolpolicieswillbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction,inaccordancewiththedisciplinaryproceduressetforthinthisStudent/ParentHandbook.Violationsofthelawmaybereferredtolawenforcementagencies,andvideoevidencemaybeprovidedtothoseagenciesbythePrincipal.

Theschoolshallfollowproperproceduresregardinguse,viewing,retention,anddisposalofvideorecordingsorphotographsfromsecuritycamerasinaccordancewiththelaw.Securitycameravideorecordingsareonathirty-dayloop,meaningtheyareautomaticallydeleted,ifnotneeded,everythirtydays.AsecuritycameravideorecordingshallbethesolepropertyofMorrisJeffCommunitySchool.

29|P a g e

AccesstovideorecordingsfromsecuritycamerasshallbelimitedtothePrincipalandhis/herdesignees,andlawenforcementofficials.AccessbyotherswillbedeterminedbythePrincipalinconsultationwithlegalcounselandinaccordancewithanyapplicablelaws.

Property,Search,andSeizure

Astudentandhisorherpossessionscanbesearchedifthereisreasonablesuspicionthatthatspecificstudentviolated the lawor school rules.A schooladministratororMJCS staffmembermay seizeanycontrabandthatisillegalorviolatesschoolrules,includingweaponsanddrugs.Students’desks,lockers,bookbags,purses,andanypropertycanbesearchedatanytimeandforanyreason,withorwithoutnotice.

SpecialEducationPolicy

TheschoolhasadutyundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesAct(IDEA)andSection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973toidentify,refer,andevaluatestudentswithdisabilities.AnyparentconcernedthathisorherchildhasadisabilityandwishestolearnmoreorrequestanevaluationshouldcontactourDirectorofStudentSupportServices.Inaddition,childrenwithspecialneedsareprovidedwithproceduralsafeguardsinregardstodiscipline.Foralistofthoseproceduralsafeguards,parent(s)canobtainacopyinthemainofficeorcontacttheDirectorofStudentSupportServices.

DrugandAlcoholPolicy

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolconsidersalcohol/druguseamongchildrenaveryseriousthreattotheirwell-beingandtothewell-beingoftheentireschoolcommunity.MJCSwillseekabalancebetweennon-disciplinaryanddisciplinaryresponsesfortheultimategoodoftheentirestudentbody.

For our young students, expectations and rules that apply to both alcohol and substance usewill becommunicatedthroughaschoolclimatethatencouragesnon-use.

30|P a g e

DisciplinePolicyandProceduresforStudentswithDisabilities

I. OverviewofProceduralSafeguards

A. General.Disciplinaryactionsgivestudentswithdisabilitiesextralegalprotectionswhenthedisciplineconstitutesachangeinplacement.IfastudentviolatestheStudentCodeofConduct,beforeconsequencesorpunishmentareimposed,theprincipal/designeemustconsiderwhetherthestudent:

• HasanIDEAorSection504disability;or• Isastudentwhois“thoughttohaveadisability.”Whileallstudentsmaybedisciplined,theplacementofstudentswithdisabilitiescannotbe“changed”whentheoffenseisdirectlyrelatedtohis/herdisabilityorwhentheIEPorSection504planisnotimplemented,exceptinthecaseofemergencycircumstances(drugs,weapons,significantbodilyinjury).SeeSectionIIformoreinformationaboutemergencycircumstances.

B. DeterminingChangeinPlacement.Achangeinplacementisalegaltermthatappliestothesituationsdescribedbelow.Astudent’sschoolsuspensionthatoccurredinaLAlocaleducationagency(LEA)duringthesameschoolyearoftransferintoanotherLALEA“counts”andisaddedtoanyadditionalsuspensionsinthenewschool.

1. Morethan10ConsecutiveDaysofSuspension,i.e.,Expulsion

Anysuspensionthatisformorethan10consecutivedaysisconsideredtobeachangeinplacement.

2A.Morethan10TotalDaysofSuspensioninOneSchoolYear.Option1

Aseriesofsuspensionswithdaysthattotalmorethan10totalschooldaysinaschoolyearisachangeinplacement.1Thespecialeducationchairperson,withassistanceanddocumentationfromtheAdministration/Disciplinarian,monitorsthenumberofdayseachstudenthasbeensuspended.Studentswithdisabilitieswhohavenotreachedthis10-daythresholdmaybesuspendedundertheproceduresthatapplytoallstudents.

2B.Morethan10TotalDaysofSuspensioninOneSchoolYear.Option2

Aseriesofsuspensionswithdaysthattotalmorethan10totalschooldaysinaschoolyearmaybeachangeinplacement.2Thespecialeducationchairperson,withassistanceanddocumentationfromtheAdministration/Disciplinarian,monitorsthenumberofdayseachstudenthasbeensuspended.Studentswithdisabilitieswhohavenotreachedthis10-daythresholdmaybesuspendedundertheproceduresthatapplytoallstudents.

1 In-schoolsuspensionandsuspensionfromthebusmayconstituteasuspensiontotheextenttheyimpactimplementationofastudent’sIEP.Seeadditionalinformationonthenextpage.

2 In-schoolsuspensionandsuspensionfromthebusmayconstituteasuspensiontotheextenttheyimpactimplementationofastudent’sIEP.Seeadditionalinformationonthenextpage.

31|P a g e

32|P a g e

FACTORSFORDETERMININGPATTERNOFSUSPENSIONSSubstantiallySimilarBehavior.Isthestudent’sbehaviorsubstantiallysimilartothebehaviorforwhichthestudenthaspreviouslybeensuspended?(Factorsmayincludesametypeofbehavior,samevictim,sameclass,samedayoftheweekorsametimeofday,etc.)Iftheanswerisyes,continuewiththefollowinganalysis:

OtherPatternConsiderations.Considersuchfactorsas:• Lengthofeachsuspension,e.g.,1day,4days,etc.• Totalcumulativedaysofsuspensions,e.g.,11days,20days,etc.• Proximityof(timebetween)suspensions,e.g.,1weekapart,2monthsapart,etc.Apatternismorelikelytoexistwhenthefactsineachfactoraremoreextreme,e.g.,longersuspensionlengths,morecumulativedaysofsuspensionandfewerdaysbetweeneachsuspension.Also,considerwhetherthesuspensionsare:fromthesameclassonaregularbasis;onthesamedayoftheweek;atthesametimeofday;forthesameactivity;involvingsamestafforotherstudents.

ConsistentDecision-Making.Determiningwhetherapatternexistsisverysubjective.Thus,schoolstaffshouldconsultwiththeircentraladministratortoensurethatfactorsareconsideredconsistentlyacrossschools.

TheDeterminingaPatternofSuspensionsWorksheet,AppendixAorBshouldbeusedtodocumentconsiderationofthisissuewheneverastudent’ssuspensionhassurpassed10cumulativedaysfortheyear.

3. AdditionalConsiderations.Thefollowingconsiderationsapplytoin-schoolsuspension;asuspensionorremovalforaportionoftheschoolday;andforsuspensionsfromtransportation.

a. In-schoolSuspension.Anin-schoolsuspensionwillnotbeconsideredasasuspensionfortheabovepurposesaslongasastudentisgiventheopportunitytocontinueto:appropriatelyparticipateinthegeneralcurriculum;receiveIEPspecifiedservices;andparticipatewithnondisabledchildrentotheextent(s)hewouldhaveinthecurrentplacement.Anyin-schoolsuspensionthatdoesnotmeetthisstandardmustbeconsideredasasuspensionforpurposesoftheseprocedures.

b. Suspension/RemovalforPortionofSchoolDay.Studentssenthomefromschoolinthemorningbecauseofmisconductisconsideredtohaveafull-daysuspension.Studentssenthomeintheafternoonisconsideredtohaveahalf-daysuspension.Theseconditionsapplyunlessthestudent’sBIPspecificallycallsforthestudenttoreceiveashortenedschooldaywhencertainbehaviorsareexhibited.3

c. BusSuspension.ThefollowingstandardsapplybasedonwhethertransportationisarelatedserviceontheIEP:

1) BusTransportationIsIEPService.WhentransportationisanIEPservice,astudent’sremovalfromthebusisconsideredtobeasuspensionunlesstransportationis

3 Note:TheStudentInformationSystemallowsonlytheentryofsuspensionforafullday;halfdaysarenot

permitted.Thus,theremaybeadifferencebetweenastudent’sactualtotalnumberofsuspensiondaysandthetotalrecordedontheSystem.Thestudent’s“actual”fulltimeequivalentdaysofsuspension,however,arerelevanttotheapplicationofthesestandards.Schoolsarestronglyencouragedtoentersuspensiondatain“realtime.”

33|P a g e

providedinsomeotherway.Inthiscase,transportationhasbeendeterminedtobenecessaryforthestudenttoaccesseducationalservices.

2) BusTransportationIsNotIEPService.WhentransportationisnotanIEPservice,thestudent’sremovalfromthebusisNOTconsideredtobeasuspension.Inthiscasethestudent/parenthavethesameobligationsforthestudenttogettoandfromschoolasanynondisabledpeerssuspendedfromthebus.However,schoolofficialsshouldconsiderwhetherthebusbehaviorissimilartoclassroombehaviorthatISaddressedinanIEPandwhetherthebusbehaviorshouldbeaddressedintheIEPorthroughaBIP.

MonitoringSuspensions-Principalsmusthaveproceduresinplacetomonitorandcumulativelytotalallsuspensionsforstudentswithdisabilities.

C. DeterminingManifestationDetermination&Services.

1. ManifestationDetermination.Within10daysofanydecisionresultinginachangeofplacementtheLEArepresentative,parent,andrelevantmembersofthechild’sIEPTeam(asdeterminedbytheparentandtheLEArepresentative)mustmeetanddeterminewhetherthestudent’sbehaviorisamanifestationofhis/herdisabilityusingtheManifestationDeterminationform.Theproceduresbelowareusedtomakethisdetermination.

a. MakingtheDecision

1) ReviewRelevantInformation.Theteamparticipantsreviewallrelevantinformationinthestudent’sfile,includingtheIEP.IftheIEPwasnotimplemented,theteamdocumentswhyitwasnotimplementedandwhetherthefailuretoimplementtheIEPimpactedthestudent'sbehavior.

2) ObserveBehavior.Theteamalsoreviewsdocumentationofstaffobservationsregardingthestudent'sbehavior.Thisshouldincludeananalysisofthestudent’sbehavioracrosssettingsandtimesthroughouttheschoolday.

3) InformationfromParents.Theteamreviewsanyrelevantinformationprovidedbytheparents.

4) AskTwoQuestionstoDetermineManifestation.Theteammustconsiderthetwoquestionsbelowtodetermineifastudent’sbehaviorwasmanifestedbyhis/herdisability.

a) RelationshipofBehaviortoMisconduct.Wastheconductcausedbyordirectlyandsubstantiallyrelatedtothestudent’sdisability?

Considerwhetherthebehaviorinquestionhasbeenconsistentand/orhasanattenuatedassociationwiththedisability:

• ConsistentBehavior.Behaviorthathasbeenconsistentacrosssettingsandacrosstimemaymeetthisstandard.

• AttenuatedAssociation.Behaviorthatisnotanattenuatedassociation,suchaslowself-esteem,tothedisabilitywouldnothaveadirectandsubstantialrelationshiptothestudent’sdisability.

34|P a g e

b) IEPImplementation.Wastheconductadirectresultoftheschool’sfailuretofollowthestudent’sIEP?Ifso,theprincipalmustensurethatimmediatestepsaretakensothattheidentifieddeficienciesareremedied.

d. BehaviorIsManifestationofDisability.IftherelevantmembersoftheIEPteamanswersyestoeitherquestion,thenthestudent’sbehaviorisamanifestationofhis/herdisability.Inthiscase:

1) ReturntoPlacement.UnlesstheIEPteamagreestoachangeofplacementaspartofthemodificationoftheBIP,theschoolmustreturnthestudenttotheplacementfromwhich(s)hewasremoved.Note:thisprovisiondoesnotapplytostudentsinvolvedwithweapons,drugsorseriousbodilyinjury.(SeeSectionII.)

2) FBA&BIP.TheIEPteammustconductorreviewafunctionalbehavioralassessment(FBA)andcreateabehaviorinterventionplan(BIP)addressingwaysthattheschoolcanhelpthestudentwiththeconductatissue.IfthestudentalreadyhasaBIP,itmustbereviewedandmodifiedtoaddresshowtheschoolcanbetterassistthestudentwiththeconductatissue.Note:IftheFBArequiresanewassessmentofstudentbehavior,parentalconsentisrequired.

e. BehaviorisNOTManifestationofDisability

1) SameConsequences.IftheIEPteammembersagreethatthestudent’sconductwasnotamanifestationofhis/herdisability,thenthestudentmaybesubjecttothesameconsequencesasallstudents.4

2) RequiredServices.Astudentwithadisabilitywhoisremovedfromhis/hercurrentplacementmustreceivethefollowingservicesbeginningonthe11thdayofcumulativesuspensionsduringtheschoolyear.TheIEPteam:

a) IdentifiesServices.Identifiesanddocumentseducationalservicesthestudentswillreceivetoenablethestudenttocontinuetoparticipateinthegeneraleducationcurriculum,althoughinanothersetting(e.g.,aninterimalternativeeducationalsetting(IAES),etc.)andtoprogresstowardmeetingthegoalssetoutinthestudent’sIEP;and

b) Develops/ReviewsFBA/BIP.Provides,asappropriate,anFBAandBIPservicesandmodifications,whicharedesignedtoaddressthebehaviorviolationsothatitdoesnotrecur.

c) ConsidersNeedforMoreRestrictiveServices.Mayconveneandmodifythestudent’sIEP.Schoolpersonnelmayconsideranyuniquecircumstancesonacase-by-casebasiswhendeterminingwhetherachangeinplacement,consistentwiththerequirementsofthissection,isappropriateforastudentwithadisabilitywhoviolatesacodeofstudentconduct.

4 Ifaparentdisagreeswiththeteam’sdecisionthatthebehaviorwasnotamanifestationofthestudent’s

disabilityorwiththeinterimalternativeeducationalservicesorlocation,theparentmayrequestanexpediteddueprocesshearingtochallengethisfinding.IftheHearingOfficeragreeswiththeparent,thestudentwillremainintheschoolwheretheoffensewascommittedunlesstheparentandtheschoolagreeotherwise.

35|P a g e

II. Weapons,DrugsorSeriousBodilyInjury:EmergencyProcedures

Incircumstancesrelatedtoastudent’suseofweapons,drugsorimpositionofseriousbodilyinjury,schoolofficialsmayremoveastudentfor45schooldaysbyfollowingtheproceduresbelow.

A. CriteriaforEmergencyRemoval.

1. Weapons.Astudentcarriesaweapontoorpossessesaweaponatschool,onschoolpremises,ortoorataschoolfunctionundertheschool’sjurisdiction.

Aweaponisadevice,instrument,materialorsubstanceanimateorinanimatethatisusedfororisreadilycapableofcausingdeathorseriousbodilyinjury(excludingpocketknifewithabladeoflessthan2½inchesinlength);firearms,includingastartergun;theframeorreceiverofsuchaweapon;amufflerorsilencer;anydestructivedeviceincludinganyexplosiveincendiaryorpoisongasbombs,grenades,rockets,missilesandmines;doesnotincludeantiquefirearms.

2. Drugs.Astudentknowinglypossessesorusesillegaldrugs,orsellsorsolicitsthesaleofacontrolledsubstance,whileatschool,onschoolpremises,orataschoolfunctionundertheschool’sjurisdiction;

AcontrolledsubstanceisadrugorothersubstanceintheFederalCodethatdoesnotincludeasubstancelegallyusedandpossessedunderthesupervisionofalicensedhealth-careprofessional.

• Possessionofalcoholandtobaccodoesnotfallunder“controlledsubstance.”Therefore,theprincipalcannotmoveastudenttoanIAESforpossessionoftheseitemsunderthissection.Instead,theremovalissubjecttotheproceduralsafeguardsapplicabletoothertypesofmisconduct.

3. SeriousBodilyInjury.Astudentinflictedseriousbodilyinjuryuponanotherpersonwhileatschool,onschoolpremises,orataschoolfunctionunderthejurisdictionoftheStateoranLEA.5

Seriousbodilyinjuryinvolvessubstantialriskofdeath;extremephysicalpain;protractedandobviousdisfigurement;orprotractedlossorimpairmentofthefunctionofabodilymember,organ,ormentalfaculty.

B. Removal

1. General.Theschoolmayimmediatelyremovethestudentforupto45schooldaystoanIAES.Becausedrugs,weaponsandseriousbodilyinjuryaresodangeroustoasafeschoolclimate,aschoolmayremoveastudentunderthesecircumstancesfor45schooldaysregardlessofwhethertheteambelievesthatthebehaviorisamanifestationofthestudent’sdisability.

The45schooldaysdonotincludethosedaystheschoolisnotinsession,e.g.,SpringBreak.TheIEPteammayspecifyaremovalforfewerdaysthanthemaximum45days.

C. ActionduringRemoval.Duringthe45schooldayperiod,theschoolmustconveneameetingtodeterminewhetherthestudent’sbehaviorisamanifestationofhis/herdisability.(SeeSectionI.C.aboveformoreinformationaboutthemanifestationdeterminationprocess.)

5 Tocomplywiththelaw,a45schooldayemergencyremovalforseriousbodilyinjurymustbeextremely

serious,i.e.,requiringmedicaltreatment.

36|P a g e

1. BehaviorISManifestationofDisability

a. FBA/BIP.Asdiscussedabove,theIEPteammustconductorreviewanFBAandcreateaBIPaddressingwaysthattheschoolcanhelpthestudentwiththeconductatissue.IfthestudentalreadyhasaBIP,itmustbereviewedandmodifiedtoaddresshowtheschoolcanbetterassistthestudentwiththeconductatissue.Note:iftheFBArequiresanewassessmentofstudentbehavior,parentalconsentisrequired.

b. Reevaluation.Thestudentmaybereferredforareevaluation.

c. MoreIntensiveServices.TheIEPteammaymeettoconsidermoreintensivespecialeducationservicesupontheexpirationofthe45dayIAESorsooner.

2. BehaviorisNOTManifestationofDisability

a. DisciplinaryHearing.Ifallteammembersdeterminethattheconductwasnotamanifestationofthestudent’sdisability,thenthe45schooldayemergencyplacementmayproceedtoadisciplinaryproceedingaffordedtoallstudents.

b. FBA/BIP.Thestudentmustreceive,asappropriate,anFBAandBIPservicesandmodifications,whicharedesignedtoaddressthebehaviorrelatedtothedisciplinaryviolationsothatitdoesnotrecur.

III. Appeals

A. ReasonsforRequestinganExpeditedDueprocessHearing

1. ParentDisagreement.Parentswhodisagreewiththeappropriatenessofthealternativeplacementorremedialdisciplinarysettingorservicesmayrequestanexpediteddueprocesshearing.

2. SchoolConsidersStudenttobeDangerous.Ifaschoolhasdocumentedreasonstobelievethatkeepingthestudentinhis/hercurrentschoolissubstantiallylikelytoresultininjurytothestudentortoothers,theschoolshouldrequestanemergencyhearingforthepurposeoftransferringthestudenttoanIAESforupto45schooldays.Note:thisstandardisnotashighasseriousbodilyinjury;itdoesnotallowforanimmediate45schooldayremoval.

B. AuthorityofHearingOfficer

1. Ahearingofficermay:

a. Returnthestudenttotheplacementfromwhichthestudentwasremovedifthehearingofficerdeterminesthattheremovaldidnotcomplywiththeseproceduresorthatthestudent’sbehaviorwasamanifestationofthestudent’sdisability;or

b. OrderachangeofplacementtoanIAESfornotmorethan45schooldaysifmaintainingthecurrentplacementofthestudentissubstantiallylikelytoresultininjurytothestudentortoothers.

2. Theschoolmayrepeatitsrequestforanexpeditedhearingifitbelievesthatreturningthestudenttotheoriginalplacementissubstantiallylikelytoresultininjurytothestudentortoothers.

C. ExpeditedDueProcessHearingProcedures.

1. Anexpeditedhearingmustoccurwithin20schooldaysofthedatetherequestisfiled.Thehearingofficermustmakeadeterminationwithin10schooldaysafterthehearing.

37|P a g e

2. Unlesstheparentsandschoolpersonnelagreeinwritingtowaivetheresolutionmeetingoragreetomediatethedispute:

a. Aresolutionmeetingmustoccurwithinsevendaysofreceivingnoticeofthehearingrequest;and

b. Thehearingmayproceedunlessthematterhasbeenresolvedtothesatisfactionofbothpartieswithin15daysofreceiptofthehearingrequest.

3. Evidencenotdisclosedtotheotherpartythreebusinessdaysbeforethehearingisexcluded,unlessthepartiesagreeotherwise.

Expediteddueprocesshearingdecisionsareappealabletostateorfederalcourt.

D. PlacementduringAppealofDisciplineDecision

1. Weapons,DrugsorSeriousBodilyInjury.ThestudentremainsintheIAESpendingthedecisionofthehearingofficeroruntiltheexpirationofthe45-dayorcodeviolationtimeperiod(iflessthan45schooldays),whicheveroccursfirst,unlesstheparentandschoolpersonnelagreeotherwise.

2. BehaviorNotManifestedbytheStudent’sDisability.ThestudentremainsintheIAESpendingthedecisionofthehearingofficeroruntiltheexpirationofthe45-dayorcodeviolationtimeperiod(iflessthan45schooldays),whicheveroccursfirst,unlesstheparentandschoolpersonnelagreeotherwise.

3. BehaviorIsManifestedbyStudent’sDisabilitybutBeliefBehaviorisSubstantiallyLikelytoCauseInjury.Thestudentremainsintheplacement(s)hewasinatthetimeofthebehaviorinquestionunlesstheparentandschoolpersonnelagreeotherwise.

IV. StudentsWithoutIEPsorSection504Plans“DeemedtoHaveaDisability”

Insomecases,astudentwithoutadisabilitywillbedeemedtohaveadisability.Thecriteriaformakingthisdeterminationandtheapplicableproceduresrelevanttosuchafindingarediscussedbelow.

A. Knowledgeofsuspecteddisability(Thoughttobeastudentwithadisability)

Therearecertaincircumstancesthatwouldindicateaschoolhadknowledgethatastudentmight(oristhoughtto)haveadisabilitypriortotheviolationofthedisciplinaryviolation.Thefollowingthreesituationsgiverisetosuchlegalevidence:

1. EvaluationRequested.Theparentrequestedanevaluation.

2. WrittenConcern.Theparentexpressedconcerninwritingtothestudent’steacherorschooladministrationaboutthestudent’sneedforspecialeducationandrelatedservices

3. SpecificConcernsbyStaffaboutPatternofBehavior.Thestudent’steacherorotherschoolstafftoldschoolsupervisorypersonnelofspecificconcernsaboutthestudent’spatternofbehavior.

Ifanyofthethreefactorsabovearepresent,thenschoolofficialsconsiderdisciplinaryactionasifthestudenthasadisability.

B. NOTDeemedToHaveKnowledge.Thisprovisiondoesnotapplyif:

1. Parentdidnotconsenttoaninitialevaluationofthestudent

38|P a g e

2. Parentrefusedspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforthestudentor

3. Thestudentwasevaluatedandwasdeterminednottohavedisability.

Ifanyofthesethreecircumstancesexist,thestudentmaybesubjectedtothesamedisciplinarymeasuresappliedtothosewithoutdisabilitiesengaginginsimilarbehaviors.

TheUSDepartmentofEducation’scommentstotheIDEAstates:apublicagencywillnotbeconsideredtohaveabasisofknowledgemerelybecauseachildreceivesservicesunderthecoordinated,earlyinterveningservicesoftheIDEAlawUNLESSaparentorteacherofachildreceivingearlyinterveningservicesexpressesaconcern,inwriting,toappropriateagencypersonnelthatthechildmayneedspecialeducationandrelatedservices.

C. SchoolPersonnelHaveNoKnowledgeandParentSubsequentlyRequestsanEvaluation

IftheparentrequestsanevaluationforasuspecteddisabilityafterthestudentissenttoanIAES,theschoolmustconductanexpeditedevaluationatparentalrequest.However,thestudentremainsinplacement,includinganIAES,duringtheevaluation.Ifthestudentisfoundtohaveadisability,anIEPmustbedeveloped.TheIEPteammustthenconductamanifestationdetermination.Ifthebehaviorismanifestedbythestudent’sdisability,theteamreconsidersthestudent’splacementinlightofthenewinformation

V. ReferraltoandActionbyLawEnforcementandJudicialAuthorities

A. ReportingCrimes.NothinginthispartprohibitsschoolpersonnelfromreportingacrimecommittedbyastudentwithadisabilitytoappropriateauthoritiesorpreventsStatelawenforcementandjudicialauthoritiesfromexercisingtheirresponsibilitieswithregardtotheapplicationofFederalandStatelawtocrimescommittedbyastudentwithadisability.

B. TransmittalofRecords.Schoolpersonnelreportingacrimecommittedbyastudentwithadisabilitymustensurethatcopiesofthespecialeducationanddisciplinaryrecordsofthestudentaretransmittedforconsiderationbytheappropriateauthoritiestowhomtheagencyreportsthecrime.RecordsmustbetransmittedonlytotheextentthatthetransmissionispermittedbytheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct.

VI. ApplicationofSection504andADA

Generally,studentswithdisabilitieseligibleforservicesonlyunderSection504/ADA(i.e.,needrelatedandsupplementaryaidsandservicesonly)areentitledtotheproceduralsafeguardsspecifiedinthissection.Anexceptiontothisgeneralruleappliestostudentswithbehaviorthatisnotamanifestationofhis/herdisabilities.Inthiscase,thesestudentsareentitledtothoseservicesnormallyavailabletonondisabledstudentswhoaresuspendedorremovedpursuanttotheschool’sCodeofStudentConduct.

39|P a g e

DatingViolencePolicy

ThepurposeofthisdocumentistoestablishMorrisJeffCommunitySchool’sresponsetodatingviolenceorsexualviolenceamongstudentsandontheschoolcampus,includingpoliciesandprocedurestofollowwhenrespondingtoanincidentofdomesticordatingviolence.MJCSiscommittedtoprovidingitsstudentswithapositivelearningenvironmentthatenhancesstudentsafetyandpromotesrespectamongallstudentsandstaff.

DatingViolenceisdefinedasapatternofbehaviorwhereonepersonthreatenstouse,oractuallyuses,physical,sexual,verbal,oremotionalabusetocontrolhisorherdatingpartner

WarningSignsInclude,ButAreNotLimitedTo:

PhysicallyAbusive Psychologically/EmotionallyAbusive SexuallyAbusive• Hitting• Punching• Shaking• Throwingthings• Scratching• Choking• Shoving• Pushing• Usingaweapon• Biting• Threatening• Spitting• Pullinghair

• Ignoringadate’sfeelings• Insultingadate’sbeliefsorvalues• Actinginanintimidatingway• Usingsexuallyderogatorynames• Callingadatenames• Isolatingadatefromothers• Displayinginappropriateanger• Damagingpersonalproperty• Scaringadate• Keepingadatefromleaving• Puttingdownfamilyorfriends• Humiliatingadateinpublicorprivate• Tellinglies• Purposefullyinjuringananimal• Threateningtohurtoneself

• Forcingadatetohavesex

• Forcingadatetodoothersexualthingsheorshedoesn’twanttodo

Thispolicyappliesinanysituationwhereastudent’srightsandresponsibilitiesareimplicated.

Studentrightsandresponsibilitiesmaybeaffectedbytheactionsofotherstudentsattheschool,includingbeforeandafterschoolhours,whiletravelinginvehiclesownedorfundedbytheMJCS,andatallschoolsponsoredorschool-relatedeventsandactivities.Studentrightsandresponsibilitiesmayalsobeimplicatedbytheactionsofnon-studentsorbyactionsthattakeplaceoffschoolgrounds.Studentswhohaveexperienceddatingviolenceorsexualviolencehavetherighttorequestthattheschooladdresstheirneedsaccordingtothispolicy,regardlessofwhethertheschooltakesadditionaldisciplinaryactionagainsttheallegedperpetrator,iftheallegedperpetratorisastudent.

Allinformationconcerningastudent’sstatusasavictimorperpetratorofdatingviolenceorsexualviolenceorasthepetitionerorrespondentofaprotectionorderprovidedtoMJCSoritsemployeesshallberetainedinthestrictestconfidencebytheDistrictanditsemployees,excepttotheextentthat

40|P a g e

disclosureisrequestedorconsentedtoinwritingbythestudentorisrequiredbyapplicablefederalorstatelaws.

Schoolemployeesshallrefrainfromsharingconfidentialstudentinformationwithotherschoolemployees,students,orcommunitymembers,unlessdisclosureisrequiredbylaworschoolpolicyorisnecessarytoprotectthestudent’ssafety.Therighttoconfidentialityextendstodisclosurestoaminorstudent’sparent(s),unlessdisclosureisotherwiserequiredbylaworschoolpolicy.

DutyofMJCS

Underthispolicy,guidedbythePrincipaloftheschool,shall:

• Educateschoolemployeesaboutteendatingviolence,itseffectonstudents,anditsrelationshiptoschoolsafety

• Respondquicklyandeffectivelytoincidentsofdatingviolenceamongstudents• Assistintheenforcementofstudents’civilprotectionorders• Notifystudentsandparentsofthispolicy• Complywithstateandfederallawsregardingschoolresponsetodatingviolence,particularly

TitleIX• Providedatingviolencepreventioneducationtostudentsin8thgrade• Holdallstudentsandschoolemployeesaccountableforparticipatinginanyformofviolence,as

perpetratorsorbystanders

RespondingtoIncidentsofAbuse

Allschoolemployeeshaveadutytorespondquicklyandeffectivelywhentheysuspectorbecomeawareofanincidentofdatingviolenceorsexualviolence.Whenastudentdisclosesanincidentofdatingviolenceorsexualviolencetoaschoolemployee,orifaschoolemployeewitnessesanincidentthathe/shebelievesisdatingviolenceorsexualviolence,theschoolemployeemusttakethefollowingactionswiththenon-offendingstudentormakeatimelyreferraltothePrincipalorhis/herdesigneewhoshalltakethefollowingactionsassoonaspossible:

• Informthestudentofthispolicyandhis/herrightsunderthepolicy,includingaccommodationsandcomplaintprocess.

• Ifdesiredbythestudent,assistwithrequestsforaccommodationorcomplaintforms.• Providethestudentwithalistoflocalresources,includingon-andoff-campusservices,and

referhim/hertoappropriateservices.• Ifdesiredbythestudent,createasafetyplanthataddresseson-andoff-campussafety.• Offertoconnectthestudentwithacampusorcommunity-basedadvocate.• Assistwithenforcementofprotectionordersasdefinedbythispolicy.• Offerongoingassistanceandadvocacytothestudentthroughoutthestudent’sschoolcareer.

41|P a g e

Withmiddleschoolstudents,theschoolwill,inadditiontotheaboveactivities:

• Providethestudentwithage/developmentallyappropriatematerialexplainingdatingviolenceandsexualviolence,includingtheschool’spolicyonteendatingviolenceandsexualviolence.

• Promptlyinvolvedparent(s)andassistinfacilitatingcommunicationwithstudentandparent(s),includingprovidingeducationalmaterialsandresourcesondatingviolenceandsexualviolence.

• Involveparent(s)inthecreationofasafetyplanforthestudent.

Ifaschoolemployeetakesanyactionwithregardtoanincidentofdatingviolenceorsexualviolence,theschoolemployeeshalldocumenttheactioninwritingandprovidethedocumentationtothePrincipalorhis/herdesignee.Afteraschoolemployeerefersanon-offendingstudenttothePrincipalorhis/herdesignee,theschoolemployeeshalltakewhateverstepsarenecessarytoensurethestudent’ssafetypendingactionbythePrincipalorhis/herdesignee.

Thesedutiesareinadditiontoanystepstheschoolemployeeisrequiredtotakepursuanttotheschool’sdisciplinarycodeorotherindividualschoolpolicy,includingdutiesrelatedtowitnessingandinterveninginprohibitedconduct.

Inperformingtheseduties,schoolsandschoolemployeesshallactinaculturallycompetentmanner.Ataminimum,culturalcompetenceincludesutilizingstrategiesthatreflecttheuniqueculturaltraditionsandexperiencesofdiversegroupsthrougheachphaseofthehelpingprocess.Schoolsandschoolemployeesshallmakeallreasonableeffortstocommunicateeffectivelyandconveyinformationinamannerthatiseasilyunderstoodbystudents,parents,andthecommunity,includingpersonsoflimitedEnglishproficiency,thosewhohavelowliteracyskillsorarenotliterate,andindividualswithdisabilities.

Accommodations

Anystudentwhohasbeenavictimofdatingviolenceorsexualviolencemayrequestaccommodationfromtheschoolinordertopreservehis/heraccesstomeaningfuleducationandsafetyoncampus.

Accommodationsshouldonlyimpacttheschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmentofthestudentexperiencingdatingviolenceorsexualviolence.Changestoanallegedperpetrator’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmentmustbemadethroughthecomplaintproceduredescribedbelow.

RequestsforaccommodationmaybemadeorallyorinwritingtoanyschoolemployeeordirectlytothePrincipalorhis/herdesignee.SchoolemployeesshallreferallrequestsforaccommodationtothePrincipalorhis/herdesignee.Iftherequestismadeorally,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshalldocumenttherequestinwriting.

Principalorhis/herdesigneewillprovideawrittendecisiontotherequestingstudentassoonaspossible,butinallcasesadecisionmustbemadewithinfiveschooldaysoftherequest.Adenialtoarequestforaccommodationmustincludethereasonsforthedenial.

42|P a g e

Allrequestsforaccommodationunderthissectionshallbekeptstrictlyconfidential.ItistheresponsibilityofthePrincipalorhis/herdesigneetonotifythestudent’steacherswhenanaccommodationimpactstheirclassrooms.

Allaccommodationsunderthispolicyarevoluntary;astudentmaychoosetodeclineorrescindanyaccommodationatanytimebynotifyingthePrincipalorhis/herdesignee.Thestudentshallnotbesubjecttoanyretributionordisciplinaryactionforsuchdecisionandshallnotlosetherighttorequestandreceivefutureaccommodations.

Formiddleschools,bothtypesofaccommodationrequireparentalnotificationunlessthePrincipalorhis/herdesigneedeterminesthatitisthestudent’sbestinteresttopursuetherequestwithouttheparent.

TierOneAccommodations

TierOneaccommodationsarethosethatrequireaminorchangetothestudent’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironment,donotrequireasignificantexpenditureofschoolresources,andarenotalreadyprovidedforinotherschoolpolicies.UponreceivingarequestforaTierOneaccommodation,theAdvocatemustscheduleameetingwiththestudenttodiscusstherequestand,ifthestudentisaminorandthesituationwarrants,discussthepossiblenotificationofthestudent’sparent(s).

UponreceivingarequestforaTierOneaccommodation,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneemustscheduleameetingwiththestudenttodiscusstherequestandnotifythestudent’sparent(s).However,ifthePrincipalorhis/herdesigneedeterminesthatparentalnotificationwillendangerthewelfareofthestudent,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneemustnotinvolvethestudent’sparent(s).

RequestsforTierOneaccommodationsshallbegrantedabsentexigentcircumstancesandshallbegrantedwithoutnoticetoaminorstudent’sparent(s),unlessstudentisinmiddleschool,consentedtobythestudentorotherwiserequiredbylaworschoolpolicy.Ifparentalnotificationisrequestedbythestudentorrequiredbylaworschoolpolicy,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallassistthestudentindevelopingaplanforsafelyinvolvingthestudent’sparent(s),includingmeetingwiththestudentandparent(s),asnecessaryorasrequiredbylaw.

ExamplesofTierOneaccommodationsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:

• Changeofclassseatassignment• Changeoflockerassignment• Changeofstudent’sclassschedule• Permissiontoleaveclasstoseeacounselororsocialworker• Privatespaceformeetingwithcounselorsandschoolemployeesregardingdatingviolenceand

sexualviolenceissues• Excusedabsenceforclassesmissedduetodatingorsexualviolence• Makeupclasswork,includinghomework,quizzes,tests,andanyothergradedwork,forclasses

missedduetodatingviolenceorsexualviolenceorthreatthereof

43|P a g e

TierTwoAccommodations

TierTwoaccommodationsarethosethatrequireamajorchangetothestudent’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmentorrequireasignificantexpenditureofschoolresources.

UponreceivingarequestforaTierTwoaccommodation,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneemustscheduleameetingwiththestudenttodiscusstherequest(s)and,ifthestudentisamiddleschoolstudentorthesituationwarrants,notificationofthestudent’sparent(s)and/orappropriateauthoritiesasrequiredbylaw.Ifparentalnotificationisrequestedbythestudentorrequiredbylaworschoolpolicy,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallassistthestudentindevelopingaplanforsafelyinvolvingthestudent’sparent(s),includingmeetingwiththestudentandparent(s),asnecessary.

ExamplesofTierTwoaccommodationsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,creatinganAlternativeeducationplanforastudentorprovidinganoptionofSchooltransferforastudent.

DenialsofrequestsforTierOneorTierTwoaccommodationsmaybeappealedwithintenschooldaysofthedenialusingthecomplaintproceduredescribedbelow.

StudentComplaints

Astudentwhoisexperiencingdatingviolenceorsexualviolencehastherighttofileacomplaintwiththeschoolrequestingthattheschooltakeactionregardingtheabusetheyhaveexperienced.Therearetwotypesofcomplaintsunderthispolicy:

1. Appealofadenialofarequestforaccommodation2. Requestfordisciplinaryactionagainstanallegedperpetrator,includingchangestothealleged

perpetrator’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironment

Aminorstudentmayfileacomplaintonhis/herown,withoutparentalinvolvement.Aparentmayfileacomplaintonbehalfofaminorstudentwiththestudent’swrittenconsent,unlessstudentisenrolledinmiddleschool.Acomplaintrequestingdisciplinaryactionagainstanallegedperpetratormaybebasedoneitheroneincidentofdatingviolenceoracourseofconductwhichmaycomprisemorethanoneincident.Ineithercase,theschoolofficialhandlingthecomplaintshallconsidertheentirehistoryoftherelationshipbetweenthecomplainingstudentandtheallegedperpetrator,regardlessoflength,whenconsideringanappropriateresolution.

Ifamiddleschoolstudentfilesacomplaint,uponthereceiptofthegrievance,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneewillworkwiththestudentonhowtoinvolvehis/herparent(s).However,ifthePrincipalorhis/herdesigneedeterminesthatparentalnotificationwillendangerthewelfareoftheminorstudent,theAdvocatemustnotinvolvetheminorstudent’sparent(s).

ThecomplainingstudentmustfileawrittengrievancewiththeappropriatePrincipalorhis/herdesignee.ThePrincipalshallattempttoresolvethecomplaintbyholdingindividualmeetingswiththecomplainingstudentandrelevantschoolemployees.ThePrincipalmaychoosetodesignateanother

44|P a g e

schoolemployeetoresolvethecomplaint.Ifthecomplaintisrequestingdisciplinaryactionagainstanallegedperpetrator,thePrincipalshallalsomeetindividuallywiththeallegedperpetratorandanyrelevantwitnesses.AtnotimewillthePrincipalmeetwithboththecomplainingstudentandtheallegedperpetratortogether.

Ifthecomplaintisappealingthedenialofanaccommodation,thePrincipalshallnotrequirethecomplainingstudenttodisclosethenameoftheallegedperpetrator,seektoinvolvetheallegedperpetrator,ornotifyhim/herofthecomplaint.Thecontentofallmeetingsheldpursuanttothisprocessshallbekeptstrictlyconfidentialaccordingtheconfidentialitypolicysetforthabove.

ThePrincipalshallworktogetherwiththecomplainingstudenttocreatearesolutionthatisacceptabletotheschoolandwhichadequatelyaddressesthecomplainingstudent’ssafetybothonandoffcampus.Theresolutionmayutilizetheaccommodationslistedinthispolicyoranyotheraccommodationsagreeabletothecomplainingstudent.Noresolutionwillbeconsideredfinalunlessagreedtobythecomplainingstudent,theallegedperpetrator(ifnecessary),andtheschool.

Neithermediationnorpeercounselingisanacceptableresolutiontoadatingviolenceorsexualviolencecomplaint.ThePrincipalshallnotoffereitherasaproposedresolution.Voluntarytransferisafinalresolutiononlyifconsentedtobythecomplainingstudentandpermittedunderschoolpolicy.

IfthePrincipalisabletoresolvethecomplaint,thePrincipalshalldocumenttheresolutioninwritingandprovideacopytothecomplainingstudent,allegedperpetrator(ifnecessary),andanyrelevantschoolemployees.

IfthePrincipalisunabletosatisfactorilyresolvethecomplaintforthecomplainingstudentwithinten(10)schooldays,thecomplainingstudentmayfileanappealthroughtheschool’sappealsprocess.

Followinganyappeal,theappealsbodyshallprovidewrittenfindingsandrecommendationstothePrincipal,thecomplainingstudent,theallegedperpetrator(ifnecessary),andtheallegedperpetrator’sparent(s)(ifnecessary).

Inanyhearingconductedpursuanttothispolicy,inadditiontotheschool’susualhearingprocedures,astudentwhoisavictimofdatingviolenceorsexualviolencehasthefollowingrights,totheextentallowedbythehearingprocessandpermittedbylaw:

• Therighttoexpresshis/herwishesregardingresolutiontothehearingofficer• Therighttohavehis/hersafetyconsideredandrespectedatallstagesoftheprocess• Therighttobenotifiedoftime,location,status,andoutcomeofthehearinginatimelymanner• Therighttobepresentduringthehearing• Therighttohaveanadvocatepresentduringthehearingprocess,includingtheAdvocate,

parent,orcommunity-basedadvocate• Therighttopresentavictimimpactstatementwhichwillbecomepartoftherecord• Therighttohaveaccommodationsaddressedinanyresolution• Therighttomeetwiththeschoolemployeesrepresentingtheschoolinthehearingprocess

45|P a g e

EnforcementofProtectionOrders

Enforcementofcourt-issuedprotectionordersiscriticaltoensuringsafetyforstudentsexperiencingdatingviolenceandsexualviolence.Schoolshaveadutytotakeanyandallstepsnecessarytoenforceaprotectionorderheldbyastudent.Uponreceivingnoticethatastudentholdsaprotectionorder,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallimmediatelyscheduleameetingwiththeprotectedstudenttocreateaplanforenforcementoftheprotectionorderontheschoolcampus.

ThePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallworkwiththeprotectedstudenttocreateanenforcementplanregardlessofwhethertherestrainedindividualisastudent.Inaddition,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallprovidetheprotectedstudentwithinformationaboutreportingviolationsoftheprotectionorder,assisthim/herwithreportinganyviolations,andprovidehim/herwithalistofschoolandcommunityresources.

Iftherestrainedindividualisastudent,theschoolshallmakeanynecessarychangestotherestrainedstudent’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmentinordertocomplywiththeprotectionorderandensuretheprotectedstudent’ssafety.Changestotherestrainedstudent’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmentthataremadepursuanttoavalidprotectionorderdonotrequireanadditionalwrittencomplaintorcomplaintbytheprotectedstudent.Inaddition,thePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallworkwiththeprotectedstudentandtheschooltomakeanychangestotheprotectedstudent’sschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmenttowhichhe/sheconsentsandwhicharenecessarytoensurehis/hersafety.

Therestrainedstudentmayfileacomplaintusingtheproceduressetforthinthispolicytochallengeanychangesmadetohis/herschoolenrollment,participation,orenvironmenttoenforceaprotectionorder.

TrainingforSchoolEmployees

MJCSiscommittedtoprovidingtrainingondatingviolenceandsexualviolencetoschoolemployees.

MJCSrequiresthatallteachers,counselors,mentalhealthprofessionals,socialworkers,andschoolresourceofficersreceiveannualtrainingonthedynamicsofdatingviolence,therelationshipbetweendatingviolenceandotherschoolsafetyissues,andtheschool’spoliciesondatingviolence.

MJCSmayworkdirectlywithcommunity-basedorganizationsthatspecializeinteendatingviolenceandsexualviolencetoprovidetrainingsspecificallytargetedtoeachpopulation.Allschoolemployees,includingPrincipals,areencouragedtotakeadvantageofadditionaltrainingopportunitiesprovidedbycommunity-basedorganizations.

MJCSiscommittedtoeducatingitsstudentsaboutdatingviolenceandsexualviolence.MJCSwillincorporatepreventioneducationintotheircurriculaforstudentsingrades6through12.Wheneverpossible,thisinformationshallbepresentedinconjunctionwithinformationaboutrelatedhealthandlifeskillstopics.MJCSmaypartnerwithcommunity-basedorganizations(CBO)andaccesscommunityresourcestoaccomplishthisgoal,particularlythoseCBO’sthathavealreadyundergonenecessaryDistrictscreeningprocesses.

46|P a g e

BULLYINGPOLICY

MJCSbelievesthatallstudentshavearighttoasafeandhealthyschoolenvironment.MJCShasanobligationtopromotemutualrespect,tolerance,andacceptanceamongstudents,staff,andvolunteers.Behaviorthatinfringesonthesafetyofanystudentwillnotbetolerated.Astudentshallnotbullyorintimidateanystudentthroughwordsoractions.Suchbehaviorincludes,butisnotlimitedtodirectphysicalcontact,verbalassaults,theuseofelectronicmethods,andsocialisolationand/ormanipulation.TheMJCSpolicyprohibitingbullyingisincludedinthestudentcodeofconductandincludesbutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Anystudentwhoengagesinbullyingwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingexpulsion.

• Studentsareexpectedtoimmediatelyreportincidentsofbullyingtotheprincipalordesignee.• Schoolstaffand/oradministratorswillpromptlyinvestigateeachcomplaintofbullyingina

thoroughandconfidentialmanner.• Ifthecomplainantstudentorparentofthestudentfeelsthatappropriateresolutionofthe

investigationorcomplainthasnotbeenreachedafterconsultingtheschoolprincipal,thestudentortheparentofthestudentshouldcontactthelocalsuperintendentorhisorherdesignee.

• Theschoolsystemprohibitsretaliatorybehavioragainstanycomplainantoranyparticipantinthecomplaintprocess.

Allstudentsand/orstaffshallimmediatelyreportincidentsofbullying,harassmentorintimidationtotheschoolprincipalordesignee.Schoolstaffmembersareexpectedtoimmediatelyintervenewhentheyseeabullyingincidentoccur.Eachcomplaintofbullyingshallbepromptlyinvestigated.Thispolicyappliestostudentsonschoolgrounds,whiletravelingonaschoolbustoandfromschool,oraschool-sponsoredactivity,andduringaschool-sponsoredactivity.

Bullyingandintimidationwillnotbetolerated.Disciplinaryactionwillbetakenfollowingeachconfirmedincidentofbullying.Disciplinaryactionafterthefirstincidentofbullyingmayincludebutisnotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Lossofaprivilege• Reassignmentofseatsintheclassroom,cafeteriaorschoolbus• Reassignmentofclasses• Detention• In-schoolsuspension• Out-of-schoolsuspension• Expulsion• Assignmenttoanalternativeschool

Ifnecessary,counselingandotherinterventionsshouldalsobeprovidedtoaddressthesocial-emotional,behavioral,andacademicneedsofstudentswhoarevictimsofbullyingandstudentswhocommitanoffenseofbullying.

47|P a g e

Students,parents/guardiansandotherschoolpersonnelmayreportincidentsofbullyingtoanadministrator,teacher,counselororotherstaffmemberorallyorinwritingbyusingtheappropriateform.

Theproceduresforinterveninginbullyingbehaviorincludebutarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

• Allstaff,students,andtheirparentswillreceiveacopyofthepolicyprohibitingbullyingatthebeginningoftheschoolyearaspartofthestudentcodeofconduct.

• Theschoolwillkeepareportofbullyingandtheresultsofaninvestigationconfidential.• Staffareexpectedtoimmediatelyintervenewhentheyseeabullyingincidentoccurorupon

receiptofanyreportofbullying.• Anyonewhowitnessesorexperiencebullyingisencouragedtoreporttheincidenttoaschool

official.

Thefollowingactionswillbetakenwhenbullyingisreported:

1. InvestigationUponreceiptofanyreportofbullying,schoolswilldirectanimmediateinvestigationoftheincident.Theinvestigationwillbeginnolaterthanthenextbusinessdayinwhichtheschoolisinsessionafterthereportisreceivedbytheschoolofficial.Theinvestigationwillbecompletednolaterthantenschooldaysafterthedatethewrittenreportoftheincidentissubmittedtotheschoolofficial.Theinvestigationshallincludeinterviewingtheallegedperpetrator(s)andvictim(s),identifiedwitnesses,teacher(s),andstaffmembersseparately.Physicalevidenceofthebullyingincidentwillbereviewed,ifavailable.

2. NotificationParentsorlegalguardiansofthevictimandaccusedstudentwillbenotifiedoftheinvestigativeprocedure.Iftheincidentinvolvesaninjuryorsimilarsituation,appropriatemedicalattentionshouldbeprovidedandtheparent/guardianshouldbenotifiedimmediately.

3. DisciplineUponconfirmingthatbullyinghasoccurred,theaccusedstudentwillbechargedwithbullyingandwillreceiveage-appropriateconsequenceswhichshallinclude,atminimum,disciplinaryactionorcounseling.

4. FollowUpComplainantswillbepromptlynotifiedofthefindingsoftheinvestigationandtheremedialactiontaken.

5. DocumentationWrittendocumentationcontainingthefindingsoftheinvestigation,includinginputfromthestudents’parentsorlegalguardian,andthedecisionbytheschoolofficial,willbepreparedandplacedintheschoolrecordsofthevictimandperpetrator.

48|P a g e

MJCSCELLPHONEPOLICY

Studentsarenotallowedtousecellphonesatschool,onthebus,oratschoolrelatedevents(sports,fieldtrips,etc.).Cellphonesthatstudentsbringtoschoolmustremainoff,notsilentorvibrate.Ifacellphoneinastudent’spossessionorinastudent’slockergoesoff,orastudentusesthecellphoneduringschool,onthebus,oratschoolrelatedevents,thefollowingactionswillbetaken:

FirstInfraction:ObservingstaffmemberwillconfiscatethecellphoneandgiveittotheDeanofStudents.TheDeanofStudentswilldocumenttheconfiscation,andtheparentorguardianofthestudentmustpickupthephonefromtheDeanofStudentsinperson.

SecondInfraction:ObservingstaffmemberwillconfiscatethecellphoneandgiveittotheDeanofStudents.TheDeanofStudentswilldocumenttheconfiscationandkeepthephoneuntilthelastdayoftheschoolyearora$30fineispaidtoMorrisJeffCommunitySchooltoretrievethephone.

Intheeventofanemergency,familiesareaskedtoleavemessagesforstudentsbycallingtheschool’sphonenumber(504)373-6258,andtomakeafterschoolarrangementsinadvancewheneverpossible.Studentscanusetheofficetelephoneswithpermissionforschoolstaff.

49|P a g e

MiddleYearsProgrammeInclusionPolicy

OurVision:TransformingPublicEducation,FromtheGrassrootsUp

Wearedrivenbytwofundamentalgoals:buildinganinstitutionofthehighestacademiccaliberforourchildrenandtransformingpubliceducationinourCity,andbeyond.

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolembraceslearnersofallbackgroundsandholdseachstudenttothehighestexpectations.Studentsareprovidedwithadeep,richcurriculumthatengagesthemininquiry,developsstrongcriticalthinkingskills,andchallengesthemtoanewleveloflearning.WepreparestudentsofMorrisJeffCommunitySchooltobecomelifelonglearners.

ButMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisnotjustaboutoneschooloroneneighborhood.

Weseeourselvesaspartofamovementtotransformpubliceducationinourcountry.Ourschoolwasimaginedandbuiltoutofthousandsofconversations,withparents,communitymembersandprofessionaleducators.ThisgrassrootsapproachtoeducationalreformhascreatedMorrisJeffasoneofthemostraciallyandeconomicallydiversepublicschoolsinthehistoryofNewOrleans.

OurMission:

MorrisJeffCommunitySchool(MJCS)offersaneducationthatisasourceoffreedomandpossibilityforallstudents,permittingthemtodeveloptheirtalentsfully,becomecontributingglobalcitizens,andattainthefoundationneededtoexcelatcollege,career,andbeyond

TheInternationalBaccalaureateOrganization’s(IBO)definitionofstudentswithlearningsupportrequirements²:

Studentswithlearningsupportrequirements,asdefinedbytheIB,may:

• Displaydifficultiesorlivewithconditionsthatareabarriertolearningandthereforeneedparticularteachingstrategiesforclassroommanagementandeffectiveeducation.

• Displayahigherthanaverageaptitudeinoneormoresubjectsthatrequiresadaptationandextensionofthecurriculum.

Studentswithlearningsupportrequirements,asdefinedbytheIB,may:

• Havetheaptitudetomeetallcurriculumandassessmentrequirementsbutrequiresupporttoreachtheirfullpotentialinlearningandassessment.

• Requiresupporttoaccessteachingandlearningincludingplannedstrategiestoaccesscurricularinstructionandinclusiveassessmentarrangementstoaccessassessment.

50|P a g e

OurPhilosophyofInclusion

Webelieveinclusiveenvironmentsarethebestenvironmentsforstudentstolearnandgrow.Allstudentslearnbestwhentheylearnwithpeersfromavarietyofbackgroundsandexperiences.Dailyinteractionsbetweenstudentswithdifferencesbuildsourstudentsempathyforothers,increasestheirabilitytoseeothers’perspectives,andallowsourstudentstounderstandculturesdifferentfromtheirown.AtMorrisJeffCommunitySchool,webelievethatinclusiondoesnotjustapplytostudentswithdisabilities,butallstudentsthatrequiresupporttodeveloptheirtalentsfully.

Thesestudentsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

• StudentswithIndividualEducationPlans(IEPs)• Studentwith504plans• StudentswhospeaklanguagesotherthanEnglishathome• Studentsfrompoverty• Studentsinneedofcounselingsupport• Studentswithacademicand/orbehaviorchallenges• Studentsthatarehighachievingand/orgifted

WeBelieveInclusionIs:

“Aschool-widebeliefsysteminwhichdiversityisviewedasarichresourceforeveryoneratherthanaproblemtoovercome…Inclusionmeansthatwehelpallchildrenlearnandparticipateinmeaningfulways.”³

OurGuidingPrinciplesforInclusion⁴:

1. Allstudentsattendtheschooltowhichtheywouldgoiftheyhadnodisability.2. Azero-rejectionphilosophy–meaningnostudentisexcludedbasedondisability.3. Placementsareageandgradeappropriatewithnopermanent,self-containedspecialeducation

classes.4. Cooperativelearningandpeerinstructionalmethodsreceivesignificantusageinclassrooms.5. Specialeducationsupportsareprovidedinintegratedenvironments.

TheRelationshipbetweenIBO,MJCSandInclusion:

TheIBOaims⁵to“encouragestudentsacrosstheworldtobecomeactive,compassionateandlifelonglearnerswhounderstandthatotherpeoplewiththeirdifferences,canalsoberight.”Webelieveforourstudentstounderstandotherpeoplewiththeirdifferences,studentsmustinteractandlearnfromandalongsidestudentsfromdifferentbackgroundsandperspectives.AtMJCS,wepracticeintentionalinclusionofstudentsfromourcommunity.

Webelievetoreachourvisiontotransformpubliceducationinourcountry,wemustmodelthepracticesandshowthepowerofinclusiveschools.Wealsobelieveinorderforourstudentstodevelop

51|P a g e

theirtalentsfully,wemustremovebarrierssostudentscanlearninintegratedenvironmentswiththeirpeersratherthansegregatestudentsbasedonobstaclestolearning.

OurInclusionGoalsAre:

• Tocreateawelcomingenvironmentforallstudentsandtheirfamiliesregardlessoflearningneeds

• Toguideallstudentstowardsacademicandsocialindependence• Todevelopfaculty,staffandtheschoolcommunity’smindsetsandskillsforcreatinginclusive

learningenvironments

Tomeetthosegoals,wemustmodelandembracetheIBLearnerProfileAttributesof

• Communicator• Risk-Taker• Open-Minded

WeareAllresponsibleforInclusion:

AllMJCSfaculty,staff,studentsandstudents’familiesareresponsibleformodelingandexhibitingIBLearnerProfileAttributesandsupportinginclusionofallMJCSstudents.

ThePrincipal,DirectorofStudentSupportsandServices,DirectorofFinancesandOperations,andDevelopmentDirectorareresponsibleforraisingfunds,budgetingandallocatingschoolresourcestosupportallstudentsdevelopingtheirtalentsfully.

The504Coordinator,CurriculumCoordinators,EnglishLanguageLearner(ELL)Teacher,ResponsetoIntervention(RTI)Team,andMYPCoordinatorareresponsiblefordevelopingstaffskillsatdeliveringinstructionandensuringresourcesareefficientlyandeffectivelyusedtosupportallstudentsdevelopingtheirtalentsfully.

TheSubjectAreaTeachers,SpecialEducationTeachers,andTeachingAssistantsareresponsibleforcollaboratingwitheachotheranddeliveringinstructioneffectivelyusingtheprinciplesofUniversalDesignforLearning(UDL)thatsupportsallstudentsdevelopingtheirtalentsfully.

TheDeanofStudents,Counselor,Nurse,andRelatedServiceProvidersareresponsibleforsupportingstudentsandteachersindevelopingstudents’talentsfully.

52|P a g e

OurProcessforIdentifyingStudentsinNeedofAdditionalLearningSupports:

• Useauniversalscreeningassessment(s)andotheracademicandbehaviordataforallstudentstodeterminestudentswhomayneedlearningsupports

• HoldameetingcoordinatedbytheRTIteamtodeterminea)iflearningsupportsareneededandb)thetypeoflearningsupportsneeded

• Monitorstudentprogressafterlearningsupportsareputinplace• ReviewstudentprogressafteralengthoftimedecidedbytheRTIteamtodetermineifthe

learningsupportsareleadingtostudentsuccess

Commonadditionallearningsupportsincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• Differentiationofclasswork• Extrainstructionorattentionwithinasubjectareaclass• Additionallanguageormathsmallgroupclasses• FunctionalBehaviorAssessmentsandBehaviorInterventionPlans• Referraltooutsidecommunityprogramsandsupports• Healthplans

OurProcessforIdentifyingStudentswithDisabilities

AtMorrisJeffCommunitySchool,wefollowboththeFederalIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)⁶andguidelinesalongwithLouisiana’sBulletin1508⁷foridentifyingstudentswithdisabilities.Upondeterminationofastudent’sdisability,theIEPteamwilldeterminewhatspecialinstructionisneededforastudenttodeveloptheirtalentsfully.TheLouisianaDepartmentofEducation⁸explainsanIndividualizedEducationProgramasthefollowing:

Schoolsprovideapersonalwrittenplan,calledanIndividualizedEducationProgram,foreverystudentwithdisabilities.Theplanincludes:

• Presentlevelsofacademicachievementandfunctionalperformance,

• Measurableannualgoals,

• Reportsofprogressontheannualgoals,

• Specialeducationandrelatedservicesandsupplementaryaidsandservices,

• Degreeofnonparticipationinregularclassandextracurricularactivities,

• Accommodationsandmodificationsonstateanddistrictassessments,

• Frequency,location,beginninganddurationofservicesandmodifications,and

• Measurablepost-secondarygoals,transitionservicesandtransferofrightsstatement.

53|P a g e

Studentswithdisabilitiesaresupportedbyateamthatincludes:

• Oneorbothparents/guardians

• Oneormoreofthestudent’steachersincludingspecialeducationcasemanager

• Anofficialdesignatedrepresentativefromtheschool

Commonspecialinstructionincludesbutisnotlimitedto:

• Accommodatedsupportsandmaterials

• Modificationofmaterialsandstandards

• Individualizedscheduling

• Assistivetechnology

• Specialinstruction(withinthegeneraleducationclassroomandinaresourcesetting)

• Specialeducationconsultationwithsubjectareateachers

• Teachingassistantsupportorinstruction

• Relatedservicessuchasoccupational,speechorphysicaltherapy

• AdaptedPhysicalEducationinstruction

ThisInclusionPolicywasdevelopedbyateamofMorrisJeffCommunitySchooladministrators,teachers,andteachingassistantsandwasreviewedbystudents’familiesandtheschool’sBoardofDirectors.ThisPolicywillbereviewedyearlybyMYPstaffledbytheMiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,SchoolPrincipal/HeadofSchool,andDirectorofStudentSupportsandServices.Thispolicywillbeupdatedontheschoolwebsiteatwww.morrisjeffschool.org

ForanyquestionsorsuggestionsaboutMJCS’sInclusionPolicycontactanyoftheMJCSstaffbelow,

PatriciaVentura,DirectorofStudentSupportServices,pventura@morrisjeffschool.orgRyanRuyle,DirectoroftheMiddleYearsProgramme,rruyle@morrisjeffschool.orgPatriciaPerkins,SchoolPrincipal,pperkins@morrisjeffschool.org

CitationsforDocumentsUsedtoCreatetheMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolInclusionPolicy

54|P a g e

1. "MorrisJeffCommunitySchool-Vision."MorrisJeffCommunitySchool.N.p.,n.d.Web.02June2016

2. MYP:FromPrinciplestoPractice.InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization,May2015.Web.

3. Valle,JanW.,andDavidJ.Connor."Chapter4-PracticingEducationalEquityinaDemocracy."RethinkingDisability:ADisabilityStudiesApproachtoInclusivePractices.NewYork,NY:McGraw-Hill,2011.N.pag.Print

4. Sailor,Wayne."SpecialEducationintheRestructuredSchool."RemedialandSpecialEducation12.6(1991):8-22.Web.(Guidingprincipleswereadaptedfromthisarticle)

5. "Mission."InternationalBaccalaureate®.InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization,n.d.Web.02June2016.

6. "IDEA-BuildingtheLegacyofIDEA2004."IDEA-BuildingtheLegacyofIDEA2004.N.p.,n.d.Web.06June2016

7. Louisiana.DepartmentofEducation.PupilAppraisalHandbook.ByCecilJ.Picard.BatonRouge:LouisianaDept.ofEducation,2004.Print.

8. "HotTopics."StudentswithDisabilities.LouisianaDepartmentofEducation,n.d.Web.06June2016.

55|P a g e

MiddleYearsProgrammeAcademicHonestyPolicy

OurVision:TransformingPublicEducation,FromtheGrassrootsUp

Wearedrivenbytwofundamentalgoals:buildinganinstitutionofthehighestacademiccaliberforourchildrenandtransformingpubliceducationinourCity,andbeyond.

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolembraceslearnersofallbackgroundsandholdseachstudenttothehighestexpectations.Studentsareprovidedwithadeep,richcurriculumthatengagesthemininquiry,developsstrongcriticalthinkingskills,andchallengesthemtoanewleveloflearning.WepreparestudentsofMorrisJeffCommunitySchooltobecomelifelonglearners.

ButMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisnotjustaboutoneschooloroneneighborhood.

Weseeourselvesaspartofamovementtotransformpubliceducationinourcountry.Ourschoolwasimaginedandbuiltoutofthousandsofconversations,withparents,communitymembersandprofessionaleducators.ThisgrassrootsapproachtoeducationalreformhascreatedMorrisJeffasoneofthemostraciallyandeconomicallydiversepublicschoolsinthehistoryofNewOrleans.

OurMission:

MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolwillofferaneducationthatisasourceoffreedomandpossibilityforchildren,permittingthemtodeveloptheirtalentsfully,becomeeffectivecitizensinourdemocracy,andattainthefoundationtheyneedtoexcelathighschool,college,andbeyond.¹

InregardstoAcademicHonesty,TheInternationalBaccalaureateOrganization’s(IBO)states²:

“ItisarequirementthateveryIBWorldSchoolofferingtheMYPhasapolicytopromoteacademichonesty.AcademichonestyintheIBisaprincipleinformedbytheattributesoftheIBlearnerprofile.Inteaching,learningandassessment,academichonestyservestopromotepersonalintegrityandengenderrespectforothersandtheintegrityoftheirwork.Upholdingacademichonestyalsohelpstoensurethatallstudentshaveanequalopportunitytodemonstratetheknowledgeandskillstheyacquireduringtheirstudies.”

OurPhilosophyofAcademicHonesty

Webelievethatinordertobuildaninstitutionofthehighestcaliber…thatoffersaneducationthatisasourceoffreedomandpossibility,wemustmodel,asaschoolcommunity,andexplicitlyteachstudentsprincipledaction.WeseeAcademicHonestyasacomponentofbeingPrincipled.

TheIBLearnerProfilestatesPrincipledas:

Weactwithintegrityandhonesty,withastrongsenseoffairnessandjustice,andwithrespectforthedignityandrightsofpeopleeverywhere.Wetakeresponsibilityforouractionsandtheirconsequences.²

56|P a g e

StudentsintheMJCSPrimaryYearsProgramme(PYP)learnPrincipledastakingresponsibilityfortheiractionsandbeinghonest.AsastudentprogressesthroughtheMYP,theylearnPrinciplednotonlyappliestobehavior,buttoacademics.

Understandingacademichonestyisanaturalprogressiontocultivateastudent’sinquiryintoactionablereflectionsanddecisions.PartofMYPstaffmembers’responsibilityistoimpartwisdomonwhatconstitutesacademichonestyanddefinepropermethodologytodetermineappropriateownershipandapplicationofknowledge.

Inanagewheretechnologicalinnovationincreasesonadailybasisandknowledgeandlearningprotocolsassimilatetomeetsociety’sincreasingsenseofglobalawareness,itismoreimportantthanevertoclearlydefineforourstudentscitationstandards,determininginformationownership,examplesofacademicdishonesty,andthecorrespondingdisciplinaryresults.Thesefactorsareonlypartoftheequation.AsanIBeducator,itisalsoaresponsibilitytoinstilltheindoctrinatedvaluesthatconstituteanethicalspiritinnature.

WeareAllresponsibleforAcademicHonesty:

AllMJCSfaculty,staff,studentsandstudents’familiesareresponsibleformodelingandexhibitingIBLearnerProfileattributes,particularlyprincipledforallMJCSstudents.

ThePrincipal,DirectorofFinancesandOperations,andDevelopmentDirectorareresponsibleforraisingfunds,budgetingandallocatingschoolresourcestosupportallstudents’knowledgeofAcademicHonesty,skillsforproperlycitingworkofothers,andrespondingtoinfractionsrelatedtoAcademicHonesty.

TheDeanofStudents,CurriculumCoordinators,SchoolLibrarian,andMYPCoordinatorareresponsiblefordevelopingstaffskillsatdeliveringinstruction,includingteachingresearchApproachestoLearningskillsandensuringresourcesareefficientlyandeffectivelyusedtosupportallstudents’knowledgeofAcademicHonesty,skillsforproperlycitingworkofothers,andrespondingtoinfractionsrelatedtoAcademicHonesty.

TheSubjectAreaTeachers,SpecialEducationTeachers,andTeachingAssistantsareresponsibleforcollaboratingwitheachotheranddeliveringinstructioneffectivelytosupportstudents’knowledgeofAcademicHonesty,buildingtheirresearchApproachestoLearningskillsandrespondingtoinfractionsrelatedtoAcademicHonesty.Inaddition,anysituationsinwhichtheteacherorteacherassistantbelievesacademicdishonestymayhavetakenplaceshouldbereportedtotheDeanofStudentsimmediately.

TheMYPStudentsareresponsibleforexhibitingtheIBLearnerProfileAttributeofPrincipled,knowingandunderstandingtheAcademicHonestyPolicyandaskingtheirsubjectteachers,Librarian,DeanofStudentsortheMYPCoordinatorwhentheyhaveanyquestionsaboutAcademicHonesty.

57|P a g e

WeFollowIBDefinitionsforAcademicMisconduct:

TheIBdefinesacademicmisconductasbehaviorthatresultsin,ormayresultin,thestudentoranyotherstudentgaininganunfairadvantageinoneormoreassessmentcomponent.

Academicmisconductincludes:

• Plagiarism-therepresentation,intentionallyorunwittingly,oftheideas,wordsorworkofanotherpersonwithoutproper,clearandexplicitacknowledgment

• Collusion-supportingacademicmisconductbyanotherstudent,asinallowingone’sworktobecopiedorsubmittedforassessmentbyanother

• Duplicationofwork-thepresentationofthesameworkfordifferentassessmentcomponents

• Anyotherbehaviorthatgivesanunfairadvantagetoastudentorthataffectstheresultsofanotherstudent(falsifyingdata,misconductduringanexamination,creatingspuriousreflections).

FormostMYPassessments,studentsareexpectedtoworkindependentlybutwithappropriatesupportfromteachersandotheradults,althoughtherearemanyoccasionswhencollaborationwithotherstudentsisanimportantpartofthelearningprocess.

WeFurtherDefineAcademicMisconductas:

AcademicMisconduct

Description

Cheating Definition:

Cheatingistakingorgivinganyinformationormaterialwhichwillbeusedtodetermineacademiccredit³

Examples:

• Copyingfromanotherstudent’shomework

• Usingacellphoneoracalculatoronaquiz

Plagiarism Definition:

Therepresentation,intentionallyorunwittingly,oftheideas,wordsorworkofanotherpersonwithoutproper,clearandexplicitacknowledgment²

Examples:

• Notcitingsomeoneelse’sworkwhenwritingaresearchpaper

58|P a g e

• Turninginanotherperson’sessayyoufoundonline

Additionally,

MYPsubjectteacherswilldetermineandexplicitlyteacheitherAPAorMLAcitationsrelevanttotheirsubjectareasostudentsproperlycitetheworkofothers.Studentsshouldcitetheauthorsofideas,words,imagesorcodeusedingradedassignments.

AcademicMisconduct

Description

Bribery Definition:Briberytakesontwoforms³:

1. Bribingsomeoneforanacademicadvantage,oracceptingsuchabribe(i.e.astudentoffersateachermoney,goods,orservicesinexchangeforapassinggrade,oraprofessoracceptsthisbribe).

2. Usinganacademicadvantageasabribe(i.e.ateacheroffersastudentapassinggradeinexchangeformoney,goods,orservices,orastudentacceptsthisbribe).

Examples:

• Astudentofferingtobuylunchtoasubjectteacherinexchangeforahighergradeonasummative

• Asubjectteachergivingastudentahighergradeforthestudentwalkingtheteacher’sdog.

Misrepresentation

Definition:

Misrepresentationisanyactoromissionthatisintendedtodeceiveaninstructorforacademicadvantage.Misrepresentationincludeslyingtoaninstructorinanattempttoincreaseyourgrade,orlyingtoaninstructorwhenconfrontedwithallegationsofacademicdishonesty.³

Example:

• TellingaMYPstaffmemberyouaresickandcannotturninassignmentontimetoimproveyourgradewhenyouarenotsick.

Fabrication Definition:

Fabricationistheuseofinventedormisrepresentativeinformation.Fabricationmostoftenoccursinthesciences,whenstudentscreateoralterexperimentaldata.Listingasourceinyourworkscitedthatyoudidnotactuallyuseinyourresearchisalso

59|P a g e

fabrication.³

Example:

• Changingormakingupdataonascienceexperimenttoearnabettergrade.

AcademicMisconduct

Description

GhostWriting Definition:

Aghostwriteras"somebodywhowritessomethingfororwithsomebodyelse,theotherpersonreceivingsolecreditastheauthor”⁴

Example:

• Astudentwritesapaperforanotherstudentwithouttakinganycreditforthewrittenwork.

DuplicateSubmission

Definition:

Thepresentationofthesameworkfordifferentassessmentcomponents²AND/ORAduplicatesubmissionmeansastudentsubmitsthesamepaperfortwodifferentclasses.³

Example:

• AstudentsubmitsanessayforLanguageandLiteratureandsubmitsthesameessay(orpartof)foranassignmentinIndividualsandSocietieswithoutaskingforpermissionfrombothsubjectteachers.

Collusion Definition:

Supportingacademicmisconductbyanotherstudent,asinallowingone’sworktobecopiedorsubmittedforassessmentbyanother²AND/ORCollusionistheactoftwoormorestudentsworkingtogetheronanindividualassignment.³

Example

• Agroupofstudentsworktogethertocompleteasummativethatwasintendedasindividualwork.

Additionally,

60|P a g e

“Whenstudentsworkingingroupsarerequiredtosubmitindividualpiecesofworktheymayfindthedifferencebetweencollaborationandcollusionconfusing.It'simportant,therefore,thatyoumakethedistinctionclear.Thismeanssupportingthemtocollaborateeffectivelywhileexplainingthatsubmittingapieceofworkdonejointlyasifithasbeendoneindividually(whetherunintentionallyorotherwise)isconsideredcollusionandassuchissubjecttoacademicmisconductprocedures.”⁵

AcademicMisconduct

Description

OtherAcademicMisconduct

Definition:

Academicmisconductistheviolationofpoliciesbytamperingwithgradesorbyobtainingand/ordistributinganypartofatestorassignment.³

Example:

AnoldersiblinggivesayoungersiblingacopyofasummativeinMathematics.

WeRespondtoPossibleAcademicDishonestyby:

1. AnyMJCSstaffmemberorstudentthatsuspectsacademicdishonestyhastakenplaceimmediatelyreportstheincidenttotheMYPDeanofStudents.Theincidentcanbereportedverbally,butawrittenaccountoftheincidentmustbegiventotheMYPDeanofStudentswithin24hoursoftheverbalaccount.

2. TheMYPDeanofStudentsmustbeginaninvestigationoftheincidentincludingnotifyingtheaccusedstudent’sfamily.Theinvestigationmustbecompletedwithin3schooldaysofthenotificationfromtheMJCSstaffmemberorstudent.

3. TheMYPDeanofStudentsdetermineswhetheracademicdishonestyhastakenplacebasedontheinvestigation.

4. TheMYPDeanofStudentsnotifiestheaccusedstudent,accusedstudent’sfamily,andthestaffmemberwhetherornotacademicdishonestyhastakenplace.

5. TheMYPDeanofStudentsdeterminesconsequencesforacademicdishonesty.

61|P a g e

Studentmisbehaviorsthatarenottheresultofineffectivedirections

Suggestedteacherresponse Suggestedadministrativeresponseiffoundtohavebeenacademicallydishonest

• SuspicionofbreachofAcademicHonestyPolicy

• ReferraltoDeanofStudents • Contactfamilyofstudent

• ContactstaffmemberreferringtoDeanofStudents

• Restorativeconference(ifneeded)

• Studentredoestheentireorportionoftheassignment/assessment/paperatatimeandplacesetbytheDeanofStudents

OurAcademicHonestyPolicywasdevelopedbyateamofdedicatedMorrisJeffCommunitySchooladministrators,teachers,andteachingassistants.Thisdocumentwasreviewedbystudents’familiesandourBoardofDirectors.ThisdocumentwillbereviewedyearlybyMYPstaffledbytheMiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,SchoolPrinaipal/HeadofSchool,andSchoolLibrarian.Thispolicywillbeupdatedontheschoolwebsiteatwww.morrisjeffschool.org

ForanyquestionsorsuggestionsaboutMJCS’sAcademicHonestyPolicycontactanyoftheMJCSstaffbelow,

SarahBlaum,Librarian,sblaum@morrisjeffschooml.orgRyanRuyle,MiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,rruyle@morrisjeffschool.orgPatriciaPerkins,SchoolPrincipal,pperkins@morrisjeffschool.org

CitationsforDocumentsUsedtoCreatetheMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolInclusionPolicy

62|P a g e

9. "MorrisJeffCommunitySchool-Vision."MorrisJeffCommunitySchool.N.p.,n.d.Web.02June2016

10. MYP:FromPrinciplestoPractice.InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization,May2015.Web.

11. "Plagiarism&AcademicIntegrity:TypesofAcademicDishonesty."TypesofAcademicDishonesty.St.PetersburgCollegeLibraries,n.d.Web.07June2016

12. "Plagiarism&AcademicHonestyatBowValleyCollege:FormsofPlagiarism:Cyber-Plagiarism,GhostWriting&PaperMills."FormsofPlagiarism:Cyber-Plagiarism,GhostWriting&PaperMills.BowValleyCollege,n.d.Web.07June2016.

13. "Collaborationvs.Collusion."Collaborationvs.Collusion.UniversityofReading,n.d.Web.07June2016

63|P a g e

MiddleYearsProgrammeAssessmentPolicyOurVision:TransformingPublicEducation,FromtheGrassrootsUp:Wearedrivenbytwofundamentalgoals:buildinganinstitutionofthehighestacademiccaliberforourchildrenandtransformingpubliceducationinourCity,andbeyond.MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolembraceslearnersofallbackgroundsandholdseachstudenttothehighestexpectations.Studentsareprovidedwithadeep,richcurriculumthatengagesthemininquiry,developsstrongcriticalthinkingskills,andchallengesthemtoanewleveloflearning.WepreparestudentsofMorrisJeffCommunitySchooltobecomelifelonglearners.ButMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisnotjustaboutoneschooloroneneighborhood.Weseeourselvesaspartofamovementtotransformpubliceducationinourcountry.Ourschoolwasimaginedandbuiltoutofthousandsofconversations,withparents,communitymembersandprofessionaleducators.ThisgrassrootsapproachtoeducationalreformhascreatedMorrisJeffasoneofthemostraciallyandeconomicallydiversepublicschoolsinthehistoryofNewOrleans.OurMission:MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolwillofferaneducationthatisasourceoffreedomandpossibilityforchildren,permittingthemtodeveloptheirtalentsfully,becomeeffectivecitizensinourdemocracy,andattainthefoundationtheyneedtoexcelathighschool,college,andbeyond.¹

64|P a g e

“Weareobligatedtoconsidertheassessmentevidenceimpliedbytheoutcomessought,ratherthanthinkingaboutassessmentprimarilyasameansforgeneratinggrades.”

-WigginsandMcTigheOurAssessmentPhilosophy:Weunderstandthatinorderforstudentstomaximizetheirpotential,theymustbeprovidedwithchallengesandopportunitiesthatensuretheirgrowthandpushtheirthinking.Weunderstandthatassessingstudentlearningiscomplexandthatrigorous,authenticandalignedassessmentsareessentialtothelearningprocess.Theintentofassessmentistorevealwhatastudentunderstands,knowsandisabletodoandisintegraltothelearningprocess.Weunderstandthatwealldeservevariouswaystoshowwhatweknowandhonorevidenceofstudentunderstandingthatisvaried,constructivistandholistic.Ourassessmentpracticeswillenhanceandimprovetheteachingprocess,encouragestudentlearningandhonorandrewardgrowth.ThroughouttheMYPunitsofstudy,studentsaretaughttheApproachestoLearning(ATL)skillsofcommunication,social,self-management,research,andthinking.Theseskillsgivestudentstheskillsandhabitswhichwillhelpthemtobesuccessfulonsummativesaswellasenhanceskillsneededtoexcelinhighschool,collegeandcareer.Wefeelthatstudentsshouldbeinvolvedintheassessmentprocessandshouldbeawareoftheexpectationssothattheycantakeownershipoftheirlearning.BysharingMYPobjectivesandassessmentcriteria,offeringtargetedfeedback,andprovidingourstudentswithtimeforreflectionandgoalsetting,wecanensurethatstudentsaremeetingwithsuccessandachievingathighlevels.Studentsmusttobeabletoapplytheirlearning,independentlyandthoughtfully,tovariedcomplexsituations,insideandoutsideofschool.Lackingthisabilitytotransfertheirlearning,astudentwillbeneithercollegenorworkplaceready.Therefore,assessmentpracticeswillbeguidedbythislargergoal:allstudentsbecomingindependent,criticalandcreativethinkerswhotakeownershipoftheirlearningandsuccess.

65|P a g e

OurGuidingPrinciples:Assessmentaccuratelyrevealswhatstudentsunderstand,knowandareabletodo.

● Drivenbylearningoutcomeswhichareauthentic,rigorousandalignedwithsubjectgroupobjectivesoftheMYPaswellaLouisianaStateStandards

● PromotesdeepunderstandingofsubjectcontentandIBconcepts● Designedtoensurestudents’developmentoftheApproachestoLearningskillsinorder

topromoteindependenceandtransferandbuildstrongacademichabitsAssessmentprovidesmeaningfulfeedbackandpromotesreflection.

● Givesstudentsaclearpictureoftheirprogressandfeedbackonhowtoimprove● Promotesreflectionamongteachersandstudents● Providesstudentswithopportunitiestoowntheirownlearningandchallenge

themselvestoimprovetheirskillsandgrowtheirknowledgeinresponsetofeedback● Providesstudentswithopportunitiesforreflection,aswellaspeerassessmentandself-

assessmentAssessmentdrivesinstructionalpractice.

● Providesdatathatinformsinstructionaldecisions● Ensuresteacherreflectionandgrowth

Assessmentpromotespositiveattitudestowardslearning.

● Encouragesintrinsicmotivationandbuildsconfidenceandthepositivefeelingsthatresultfromsuccess

● Encouragesamindsetthatvaluesfailureandseesitasawaytogrow● Encouragesstudentstoseekoutchallengesandberisktakersaslearners

Assessmentisdifferentiated.

● Identifiesareasofgrowth● Recognizesandtakesintoaccountstudentswithdiverselearningneedsbymodifying

andaccommodatingexpectationsinrelationtoindividualizedneeds● Honorsthewholechild● Isvariedintypeandpurpose

66|P a g e

OurPrimaryAssessmentMethodsAre:Formative(AssessmentFORlearning)Formativeassessmentisalloftheactivitiesusedbytheteachertogatherinformationthatallowsforfeedbacktomodifyandguideteachingandlearning.Thisoccurswhileknowledgeisbeinglearned.Itspurposeistoprovidespecific,timelyfeedbackforimprovement.Itisusedfrequently,thoughtfullyandstrategically,throughoutaunitofstudy,topromotesuccessonsummativeassessments.Someexamplesofformativeassessmentsareexittickets,quizzes,homework,checklists,etc.Summative(AssessmentOFlearning)Summativeassessmentoccursattheendofalearningcycleandprovidesinformationtobeusedindeterminingastudent’sachievement.MYPsummativeassessmentsusuallyoccurattheendofeachunittoprovideevidenceforevaluatingstudentachievementusingsubjectrubricsprovidedbytheIB.Diagnostic/UniversalScreeningAssessmentsDiagnostictestingtakesplacepriortoinstructiontodeterminestudentneedsaswellasmakedecisionsforremediationandsupport.ProgressmonitoringisskillspecificbenchmarktestingalongthewaytodetermineifstudentsareprogressingandtobeusedtomodifyoradjustRTIprogramming.Someexamplesofdiagnostic/UniversalScreeningAssessmentsareSTARReadingandMath,,LEAP360,LEAPandEOCpracticetests,etc.ExternalMandatedAssessmentsSeveralexternalassessmentsarerequiredbytheStateofLouisianawhicharetheLEAP2025andEndofCourse(EOC)tests.Louisianastudentsareassessedannuallyingrades3through8andinthehighschoolgrades.Studentsingrades3through8takeassessmentsinEnglish,math,scienceandsocialstudies.Forhighschoolcourses,studentstakeEOCtestsin6subjects:AlgebraI,Geometry,EnglishI,EnglishII,BiologyandU.S.History.Theseassessmentsmeasureproficiencyineachsubjectarea.

67|P a g e

OurAssessmentStrategies:Avarietyofstrategieswillbeusedinordertoprovideabalancedandevidencebasedconclusionaboutastudent’sachievementthroughthedevelopmentofrigorous,alignedassignments.Thefirstthreecouldbeaformalendofunitsummativeorpartofthetraditionalgrade.PerformanceTasks/ProjectsComplexchallengesthatmirrorrealworldproblemsandcanrangeinlengthfromshorttermtaskstolong-term,multistageprojects.Theyareauthenticandusuallyaddressarealorsimulatedaudienceandallowstudentsgreateropportunitytopersonalizethetask.AcademicPrompts/TasksOpen-endedquestionsorproblemsthatrequirethestudenttothinkcriticallyanduseanalysis,synthesisandevaluation.Theyrequireaconstructedresponseandareopenwithnosinglebestanswer.Theyrequireevidencefortheanswergivenandapossibleexplanationofmethodsusedtosolvetheproblemortask.Thisincludeswritingassignments(essaysandcreativewriting).QuizzesandTestsTraditionalassessmentformatsconsistingofcontent-focuseditemsthatassessforfactualinformationandoftenuseselectedresponse(multiplechoice,true/false,matching)orshortanswer/extendedresponseformats.PortfolioAssessmentPortfoliosprovideameansforstudentsandteacherstocompileevidenceoflearningovertime,aswellasofferaplacetospotlightone’sidentityandpersonalaccomplishments.Portfoliosinvolvestudentsinreflectionoftheirlearning,astheychoosepiecesofworkthatdemonstratetheirlevelofknowledgeandunderstanding,aswellastheirskills.Theyarealsousefulwaystoinvolvestudentsintheirownlearning.

68|P a g e

OurMYPSummativeAssessments:MYPsummativeassessmentsarerequiredbytheIBinYears1–5.MYPsummativeassessmentsareteacher/departmentcreatedassessmentsalignedtotheIBsubject-specificcriteriaandareuniquetoeachsubjectareaasseeninthetablebelow.IBrequireseachsubjectareatoassesseachcriteriaatleasttwiceduringtheschoolyear.

Teachers/departmentsuseprofessionaljudgmentdeterminingachievementlevelsattainedbystudentsoneachsummative.Oneachsummativestudentsarescoredona0-8scalebasedondescriptorsfromIBrubrics.

69|P a g e

OurGradingPoliciesfor2017-2018:MYP(grades6-8)studentsatMJCSearntwotypesofgrades,MYPsummativegrades*andanacademichabits’grade.MYPSummativeGrades

• Basedonsummativeassessmentsusuallygivenattheendofaunitofinquiry• Eachassessmentwillassessoneormoresubjectspecificcriteria• Eachassessmentcriteriawillbeassessedtwiceduringtheschoolyear• Summativeachievementlevelsaredeterminedbysubjectteachersusingsubjectspecificrubrics• Nootherwork,besidestheworkonthesummative,canbeusedtodetermineMYPsubject

achievementlevels• Achievementlevelscanrangefroma0(lowest)to8(highest)onasummativeassessment• Attheendoftheschoolyear,subjectteachersaddtogetherthestudent’sfinalachievement

levelsinallcriteriaofthesubjectgrouptodetermineaMYPoverallgeneralscoreforthesubjectonascale1-7.

AcademicHabit’sGrade

• Basedonclassworkcompletion,participationinclass,homeworkcompletionandbehavior.• AchievementlevelsaredeterminedbyteachersusingtheAcademicHabit’sGradeRubric.• Achievementlevelscanrangefroma0(lowest)to8(highest)onasummativeassessment•

*Students,grades6-8,takingacoursethatearnsahighschoolcreditwillbegradedaccordingtothehighschoolgradingpolicyinthehighschoolcourse.Thatgradewillincludeatraditionalgrade(i.e.A,B,C,D,orF)

70|P a g e

MYPOverallSubjectScoring

71|P a g e

WeReportLearningProgressandGradesBy:FormativeandSummativeAssessmentsTimelinessoffeedbackisparamounttoimprovingstudentlearning.Allformativeandsummativeassessmentsshallbereturnedtothestudentscoredand/orwithfeedbackwithintwoweeksoftheassessmentbeingcompletedbythestudent.ReportCardsReportingofstudentachievementforMYPstudentswillbetwotiered.StudentswillreceiveasubjectspecificscorebasedonMYPsummatives.ThiswillbeaMYPgradethatisbasedsolelyoncontentsummativesthatarescoredusingacriterion-basedrubricthatissharedwithstudentsinadvanceofsummativework.ThesecondwillbeaAcademicHabit’sGradebasedonclassworkcompletion,participation,homeworkcompletionandbehavior.Reportcardsareissuedattheendofthequarterviawww.morrisjeff.managebac.comand/orsenthomeviapapercopies.StudentLedConferencesTwiceayearparentswillbeinvitedtoattendtheirchild’sstudentledconference.Thiswilloccuratthebeginningandendoftheyear,andthestudentwillleadtheconference,sharinggoals,progress,bestworkandselectedachievements.ProgressReportConferencesParent/teacherconferenceswillbeheldmidwaythroughthesecondandthirdquarterreportingperiodinordertogiveparentsandstudentsfeedbackontheirchild’sprogress.ManagebacSubjectteacherswillentersummativegradeswithintwoweeksofthestudentcompletingtheassignment/assessment.Parentsandstudentswillhaveaccesstothefeedback/scoresviawww.morrisjeff.managebac.com.OurAssessmentPolicywasdevelopedbyateamofdedicatedMorrisJeffCommunitySchooladministrators,teachers,andteachingassistants.Thisdocumentwasreviewedbystudents’familiesandourBoardofDirectors.ThisdocumentwillbereviewedyearlybyMYPstaffledbytheMiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinatorandSchoolPrincipal/HeadofSchool.Thispolicywillbeupdatedontheschoolwebsiteatwww.morrisjeffschool.orgForanyquestionsorsuggestionsaboutMJCS’sAssessmentPolicycontactanyoftheMJCSstaffbelow,RyanRuyle,MiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,rruyle@morrisjeffschool.orgPatriciaPerkins,SchoolPrincipal,pperkins@morrisjeffschool.org

72|P a g e

Bibliography

1. MYP:FromPrinciplestoPractice.InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization.May2015.2. Marzano,RobertJ.(2006).Classroomassessmentthatworks.Alexandria,Va:Associationfor

SupervisionandCurriculumDevelopment.3. Wiggins,G&McTighe,J.Understandingbydesign(expanded2nded).Alexandria,Va:

AssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopment.4. O’Connor,Ken.(2011).Arepairkitforgrading,Boston,MA:PearsonEducation

73|P a g e

MiddleYearsProgrammeLanguagePolicy

OurVision:TransformingPublicEducation,FromtheGrassrootsUpWearedrivenbytwofundamentalgoals:buildinganinstitutionofthehighestacademiccaliberforourchildrenandtransformingpubliceducationinourCity,andbeyond.MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolembraceslearnersofallbackgroundsandholdseachstudenttothehighestexpectations.Studentsareprovidedwithadeep,richcurriculumthatengagesthemininquiry,developsstrongcriticalthinkingskills,andchallengesthemtoanewleveloflearning.WepreparestudentsofMorrisJeffCommunitySchooltobecomelifelonglearners.ButMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolisnotjustaboutoneschooloroneneighborhood.Weseeourselvesaspartofamovementtotransformpubliceducationinourcountry.Ourschoolwasimaginedandbuiltoutofthousandsofconversations,withparents,communitymembersandprofessionaleducators.ThisgrassrootsapproachtoeducationalreformhascreatedMorrisJeffasoneofthemostraciallyandeconomicallydiversepublicschoolsinthehistoryofNewOrleans.OurMission:MorrisJeffCommunitySchoolwillofferaneducationthatisasourceoffreedomandpossibilityforchildren,permittingthemtodeveloptheirtalentsfully,becomeeffectivecitizensinourdemocracy,andattainthefoundationtheyneedtoexcelathighschool,college,andbeyond.¹

IBLearnerProfileAttributeFocus

● Communicator● Thinkers● Open-Minded● Knowledgeable

74|P a g e

OurLanguagePhilosophy:

“Nomatterwhatpeopletellyou,wordsandideascanchangetheworld.”-RobinWilliams

Languageisfundamentaltolearning,thinkingandcommunicatingandthereforepermeatesallinstructionalpracticeshenceallteachersarelanguageteachers.WeembracethetruththatliteracyskillsareutilizedallofthetimeandthereforeshouldbethoughtfullyandstrategicallyembeddedintoallMYPcourses,projects,andextracurricularactivities.Studentsneedtobetaughttobecritical,creativeandindependentthinkersandcomprehending,ormeaning-making,iswhatlearnersmustdoallofthetimeinordertobeeffectivecommunicators.Developingadvancedliteracyskillsduringtheadolescentyearsisparamountinpropellingstudentsintobecomingindependent,skilled,confidentcommunicators.Stronglanguageskillsareessentialtomeetingthechangingandchallengingdemandsofcollegeandcareeraswellasdevelopingthesoftskillsnecessarytonavigatelife’schallenges.RunningalongsideourcommitmenttoensuringourstudentsarehighlyliterateinEnglishisourcommitmenttoourlanguageacquisitionprogram.Ourstudentswillgrowtobelife-longlanguagelearnerswithacuriosityforandknowledgeoftheSpanish-speakingworld.StudentswillbeequippedwithavarietyoflinguisticskillsandculturalknowledgetocommunicateeffectivelyinSpanishandinreal-lifesituations.OurPedagogicalandLiteracyLearningBeliefs:Webelievethatourliteracyapproachshouldencourageourstudentstobecomeaction-orientedlifelonglearners,readersandwriterswhounderstandthataccesstopowerandprivilegearedeeplyconnectedtoone’sabilitytocommunicate.Withthisaccessandunderstandingonecanbecomeanagentofchangeusingacquiredknowledgeaswellascritical,creativeandindependentthinkingskillstobeindividualswhoaffectchangeandworktobuildamorepeacefulworld.Languageisavehicleforthought,creativity,self-expressionandsocialinteraction.

75|P a g e

WeWillDothisby:

1. Embracingliteracyinstructionacrossalldisciplinesandcommittingtoincorporatingeffectiveliteracyinstructionintoourdailypractice.Itisevidentthatallaspectsofliteracyimpactlearninginallsubjectareas-reading/comprehending,writing,speaking,listeningandaccessinginformationfrommedia.

• OurMYPunitsacrossallsubjectswillhaveliteracyembeddedintolessonsandourinstructionalpractice.

• Engaginginliteracydevelopment• IBandLouisianaacademicstandardscallfordeepconceptualunderstandingwhich

commandsthinking,processingandsynthesizingofcomplexandmultifacetedinformationinavarietyofways–inallsubjectareas,andinmorethanonelanguage

• Developingskills-listening,speaking,reading,writing,viewingandpresentinginavarietyofcontexts

• Applyinglinguisticandliteraryconceptsandskillsinavarietyofauthenticcontextsanddisciplines

2. Aligningliteracypracticesandproceduresacrossalldisciplines.

• Writinginallclassesanduseshared,commonrubrics• Teachvocabularyacrossthecurriculum• Usealignedcomprehension/closereadingstrategies• Developingoralfluencythroughacademicdiscussionsanddiscourse

3. Committingtohavingallstudentsreadauthentic,interestingandchallengingtextswitha

focusoninternationalmindednessaswellassocio-politicalconsciousness.• Thoughtfulandcommunaltextselectionthatcontributestothedevelopmentof

“opinion-forming,decisionmakingandethical-reasoningskills,andfurtherdevelopstheattributesofanIBlearner”(LanguageandLiterature)

• Differentiatedanchortextsandsupplementaryreadingsandviceversa• Independentreadingexpectationsbasedoninterest,choiceandexposure• Engagingwithtextsfromdifferenthistoricalperiodsandavarietyofcultures• Workingtodevelopalifelonginterestinreading

4. Honoringgrowth,effortandself-awarenessaswellassharingasincerebeliefthateverychild

cangrowtheirlanguageskillsandbecomeindependentreaders,writersandcommunicators.• Incorporatinggrowthmindsetintoourcurriculum.• Helpingourstudentsperceivethemselvesascapableofbeingsuccessfulinschooland

empowerthemtorecognizethattheyareinchargeoftheiracademicsuccess.• Inspirelifelongreaders,andlearners,bydeliberatelyandcollectivelyworkingto

improvestudents’attitudestowardreadingandlearning.• Motivatingolderchildrentoreadisdeeplyhinderedwhentheyarrivedysfunctional

readersandwritersandtheresearchisgrimintermsoftheirabilitytoevercatchup.Anindividual’ssuccesswillbehinderedifunabletointerfacewithlotsofinformationfromvarioussourceswithease,efficiencyandconfidence.Wemustdefythisandneverstopbelievingthatallstudentscanbecomeindependentreadersofcomplextextwhenappropriatelysupported.Thisbeginswithinnovation,commitmentanda

76|P a g e

collectiveandrelentlesseffortbyalloftheteachers-acrossallsubjectareas-tosupportcatchingourstudentsup.

• MotivatingolderchildrentoreadwhocometousasfunctionalorhighlyfunctionalreadersisequallyimportantandchallengingasmanyofthetraditionalpracticesinplaceinMiddleSchoolsandHighSchoolskillanylove,excitementorinterestthatouronandabovelevelreadersmaybring.Italsounderestimatestheirabilitybynotofferingthemthoughtful,interestingchallengesthatpushthemtogrowasreadersandwriters.

5. Embracingdifferentiatedinstructiondrivenbyourcommitmenttoinclusionbybeingopen

mindedtopersonalizedlearningandutilizingallofthetoolsthattechnologyoffersustodothiseffectively,honoringindividualneeds(interest,readinessandapproachestolearning)whileembracingthebeautyandpowerofcollaboration.Wemustattempttostrikeabalancebetweenindividualgrowthempoweredbyself-awarenessandownershipandthepowerandimportanceofcollaboration.

6. Embracingcomputerliteracyisessentialtoourstudentsbecomingcareerandcollegeready.Usingtechnologyanddigitalmediastrategicallyandcapablywillbesupportedanddevelopedthroughapersonalizedlearningfocus

• IBstates,“Studentsareencouragedtouseapplicationssuchasdatabases,presentation,software,onlinegames,podcasts,socialmedia,simulations,spreadsheetsandsearchengines.Oneoftheaimsoflanguageandliteratureis‘toengagewithavarietyofmediaandinformationandcommunicationtechnologyinordertoexplorelanguage(Languageandliteraturepilotguide2012)

• Thisincludesblogs,websites,emails,films,musicvideos,digitaladvertisementsandotherelectronicmediaasexamplesofthetextsstudentsshouldbereading,producing,listeningtoandviewingaspartoftheireducation.Additionally,oneoftheaimsofMYPdesignisalsotouseandapplyinformationcommunicationtechnology(ICT)toolseffectively.”(ConnectingIBtotheCoreIBandtheCommonCoreStateStandards,page21)

OurApproachtoLanguageAcquisition:

Learningtospeakanother’slanguagemeanstakingone’splaceinthehumancommunity.Itmeansreachingouttoothersacrossculturalandlinguisticboundaries.Languageisfarmorethanasystemtobeexplained.Itisourmostimportantlinktotheworldaroundus.Languageiscultureinmotion.Itispeopleinteractingwithpeople.Savignon(1983)AnintegralpartoftheMYPstudents’academicexperienceislearninghowtocommunicateinmultiplemodesandinmorethanonelanguage.IBencouragesnotonlymultilingualismbutalsointerculturallearning.“ThestudyofadditionallanguagesintheMYPprovidesstudentswiththeopportunitytodevelopinsightsintothefeatures,processesandcraftoflanguageandtheconceptofculture,andtorealizethattherearediversewaysofliving,behavingandviewingtheworld.”(LanguageAcquisitionGuide,page4).Languageacquisitionclassesarepartofourcorecurriculumandstudentshavetheopportunitytostudyatleastonelanguageotherthantheirmothertongue.Learninglanguagesbeyondtheirmother

77|P a g e

tonguedevelopsstudents’international-mindednessbyincreasingstudents’understandingofothers’perspectivesandcultures.MJCSMYPstudentshaveawiderangeofpriorlanguagelearningexperiences,whichrequiredifferentphasedcoursestomeetstudentneeds.AtMJCS,weofferphasedcoursesofSpanishLanguageAcquisition.WedetermineMYPstudents’languageacquisitionphaseby

a. ScreeningpriorSpanishknowledgeandskillsb. DetermininganappropriateLanguageAcquisitionphasec. Monitoringprogressthroughthephasesd. Reviewingprogresstodeterminespeedstudentsmovethroughphases.

WeareAllResponsibleforLanguageAcquisition:AllMJCSfaculty,staff,studentsandstudents’familiesareresponsibleformodelingandexhibitingIBLearnerProfileAttributes,particularly‘communicator’forallMJCSstudents.ThePrincipal,DirectorofStudentSupportsandServices,DirectorofFinancesandOperations,andDevelopmentDirectorareresponsibleforraisingfunds,budgetingandallocatingschoolresourcestosupportallstudents’LanguageAcquisitiondevelopment.TheMYPCoordinatorandLanguageAcquisitionDepartmentChairareresponsiblefordevelopingstaffskillsanddeliveringlanguageacquisitioninstruction,includingteachingandensuringresourcesareefficientlyandeffectivelyusedtosupportallstudents’LanguageAcquisitiondevelopment.TheLanguageAcquisitionTeachers,SpecialEducationTeachers,andTeachingAssistantsareresponsibleforcollaboratingwitheachotheranddeliveringinstructioneffectivelytosupportstudents’languageacquisitiondevelopment.TheMJCSLanguageAcquisitionMission:Ourstudentswillgrowtobelife-longlanguagelearnerswithacuriosityforandknowledgeabouttheSpanish-speakingworld.StudentswillbeequippedwithavarietyoflinguisticskillsandculturalknowledgetocommunicateeffectivelyinSpanishinreal-lifesituations,aswellasstrivetobeconversationalbytheendof10thgrade.HowWeTeachLanguageAcquisition:

1. TheMJCSMYPLanguageAcquisitionProgramisanextensionoftheMJCSPYPSpanishProgram.InthePYPSpanishProgram,studentsreceivedailylanguageclasses,beginninginPre-K.IntheearlyPYP,emphasisisplacedondevelopinglisteningskillsandexposingthemtothelanguageinmultiplemodes.SimilartothePYP,intheMYPstudentslearntolisten,speak,read,andwrite,buttheyalsoreceiveexplicitgrammarinstructionwiththeintentionofhelpingstudentsunderstandhowlanguageworksandtohelpthembecomeindependentlanguagelearners.ManyoftheseconceptsaretransferabletoLanguageandLiteracy.

2. TheMYPprogramprovidesstudentswith90minutesoflanguageinstructioneveryotherschoolday,exceedingthe50hoursofinstructioninSpanishpertheIBrequirementsforthe

78|P a g e

MYP.3. MYPstudentsingrades7and8studyanadaptedversionofHighSchoolSpanishIandII.

Studentshavetheopportunitytoearnhighschoolcredit,throughouttheirMYPstudies.4. StudentsstudyIBunitsofinquiryandcompleteIBsummativesusingrubricsfromtheIB.5. AllSpanishlanguagelearningisassessedaccordingtoACTFLandMYPObjectivesandCriteria.6. LanguageAcquisitionclassesaredifferentiatedtomeetindividualstudentneeds.Thisisdone

bygroupingstudentsbyphases,pertheIBnorms.Classgroupingsandmaterialsarealsodifferentiatedaccordingtoastudent’sphaseandastudent’spriorexperiencewithlanguageandliteracy.

7. TheLanguageAcquisitionDepartmentbelievesthatstudentchoiceisanotherimportantelementofpersonalizedlearning.Throughtheuseofcurriculummaterialsandtechnology,studentsareaffordedchoiceinhowtheypracticetheSpanishlanguageonaregularbasis.InthelaterstagesofMYPLanguageAcquisition,studentinterestandstudentchoicewillbeparticularlyimportantasstudentsbecomemoreindependentintheirlanguagestudies.StudentsthatcompleteHighSchoolSpanishIandIIcreditsbefore10thgrademaybeofferedtheopportunitytocontinuetheirSpanishlanguagelearningortostudyathirdlanguage,usingtechnologyorotheravailableresources.

OurApproachtoSupportforEnglishLanguageLearners:AtMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolourlanguageofinstructionisEnglish.Werecognizethatlanguagelearningoccursinallsettings,throughtheentireschool,andthatallteachersareresponsibleforteachinglanguage.PertheIB,“Languagelearninginschoolisnotaseparatedisciplineisolatedfromallotherlearning.Aswellasbeingpartofsocialandpersonaldevelopment,languagelearninginschooliscrucialforacademiccognitivegrowthandtheconstructionofknowledge.”(LearninginaLanguageOtherThanMotherTongueinIBProgrammes,page4).AtMJCSsomeofourstudentsstudyinalanguagethatisnottheirmothertongue.OurESOL(EnglishforSpeakersofOtherLanguages)Programisresponsibleforidentifying,supportingandmonitoringtheprogressofELLs(EnglishLanguageLearners).TheESLteacherisresponsibleforsupportingstudentsandteachersbothinthewholeclasssettingandinsmallgroupsettings,whenappropriate.InworkingwithELLs,thefourdimensionsofteachingthatareparticularlyimportantinensuringlearnerparticipationandpromotingengagementare:

● toactivatepriorunderstandingandbuildbackgroundknowledge ● toscaffoldmeaning● toextendlanguage ● toaffirmidentity

ThestudentpopulationofMorrisJeffmirrorstheracial,economicandlinguisticdiversityofthecityofNewOrleans.TheIBcurriculumaimstohelpstudentsdevelopintomultilingualandmulticulturalmembersoftheglobalcommunity.WeseektosupportourELLsintheirdevelopmentintheEnglishlanguageandintheirunderstandingofourlocalcultures.WeareAllResponsibleforsupportingstudentslearninginalanguageotherthantheirmothertongue(ELLs):

79|P a g e

AllMJCSfaculty,staff,studentsandstudents’familiesareresponsibleformodelingandexhibitingIBLearnerProfileAttributes,particularly‘communicator’forallMJCSstudents.ThePrincipal,DirectorofStudentSupportsandServices,DirectorofFinancesandOperations,andDevelopmentDirectorareresponsibleforraisingfunds,budgetingandallocatingschoolresourcestosupportourEnglishLanguageLearners.TheMYPCoordinatorandESLTeacher(EnglishasaSecondLanguageTeacher)areresponsiblefordevelopingstaffskillsatsupportingELLs,bothinandoutsidetheclassroom.TheyarealsoresponsibleforensuringresourcesareefficientlyandeffectivelyusedtosupportallELLs.TheESLTeacher,MYPTeachers,SpecialEducationTeachers,andTeachingAssistantsareresponsibleforcollaboratingwitheachotheranddeliveringinstructioneffectivelytosupportstudents’languagedevelopment.HowEnglishLanguageLearnersareSupported,atMJCS:

MJCSwillsupportstudentswithLimitedEnglishProficiencyinEnglishlanguageandliteracyinthefollowingways:

1. PerthemandatesoftheLouisianaDepartmentofEducation,allELLswillbeidentifiedasstudentswhosehomelanguagesurveysdesignateanylanguageotherthanEnglishontheirhomelanguagesurvey.

2. Atthebeginningofeachyear,incomingKindergarten-8thgradeELLsareassessedusingtheWoodcock-MuñozDiagnostics,todeterminetheirlevelsinconversation,readingandwriting.

3. LearningaccommodationsforELLsarewrittenincollaborationwithRTI,teachersandfamilies,foreachELL.

4. AttheendofeachyearELDA(EnglishLanguageDevelopmentAssessment)isadministeredtoELLs,tomonitortheirgrowth.

OurApproachtoSupportStudents’MotherTongue:TheIBprogramrequiresthatschoolsprovidestudentswithopportunitiestocontinuedevelopingintheirmothertongue.WeareAllResponsibleforSupportingStudents’developmentofTheirMotherTongue:AllMJCSfaculty,staff,studentsandstudents’familiesareresponsibleformodelingandexhibitingIBLearnerProfileAttributes,particularly‘communicator’forallMJCSstudents.ThePrincipal,DirectorofStudentSupportsandServices,DirectorofFinancesandOperations,andDevelopmentDirectorareresponsibleforraisingfunds,budgetingandallocatingschoolresourcestosupportallstudents’languagedevelopment.Theyarealsoresponsibleforprovidingcommunicationwithfamilies,intheSpanishlanguage.TheMYPCoordinator,andLanguageAcquisitionDepartmentChairareresponsibleforhelpingsupportstudentsinthedevelopmentoftheirmothertonguethroughinstructionandthroughtheacquisition

80|P a g e

oflanguagelearningresources.TheMYPLanguageandLiteracyTeacher,LanguageAcquisitionTeachers,SpecialEducationTeachers,andTeachingAssistantsareresponsibleforcollaboratingwitheachotheranddeliveringinstructioneffectivelytosupportstudents’continueddevelopmentoftheirmothertongue.HowStudentsareSupportedinTheirMotherTongue:

1. Tosupportstudentandfamilycommunication,theschoolnewsletterandotherschoolnoticesaremadeavailableinSpanish,whichisthesecondmostwidelyspokenlanguageintheschool.Parent/teachermeetingsandotherphoneorin-personcommunicationarealsoavailable,inSpanish.

2. Thelibraryincludesmaterialsthatsupportthecontinueduseofthemothertonguesofourstudents.

3. TheliteracycollectionsreferencedintheLanguageandLiteraturesectionofthisdocumentwillincludebooksrelatedtothelanguagesand/orculturesthatrepresentthebackgroundsofourstudentbodies,aswellasotherworldlanguagesandcultures.

4. MYPstudentswillbeprovidedwiththeopportunitytolearnadditionallanguages,withtheuseoftechnology.Thelanguagesmayincludelanguagesspokenbystudents,athome.

5. NativeSpanishspeakerswillattendLanguageAcquisitionSpanishclasseswiththegoalofsupportingtheirmothertongue.ClasseswilloffertheseNativeHeritageSpeakersamorethoroughunderstandingofthegrammarandsyntaxoftheSpanishlanguage.TheclasswillalsoofferthemtheopportunitytodeveloptheirwritingskillsandlearnaboutavarietyofSpanish-speakingcultures.

OurLanguagePolicywasdevelopedbyateamofdedicatedMorrisJeffCommunitySchooladministrators,teachers,andteachingassistants.Thisdocumentwasreviewedbystudents’familiesandourBoardofDirectors.ThisdocumentwillbereviewedyearlybyMYPstaffledbytheMiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,theDeanofAcademicsandTeacherDevelopment,andLanguageAcquisitionDepartmentChair.Thispolicywillbeupdatedontheschoolwebsiteatwww.morrisjeffschool.orgForanyquestionsorsuggestionsaboutMJCS’sLanguagePolicycontactanyoftheMJCSstaffbelow,AaronForbes,LanguageAcquisitionteacher,sblaum@morrisjeffschool.orgRyanRuyle,MiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,rruyle@morrisjeffschool.orgPatriciaPerkins,SchoolPrincipal,pperkins@morrisjeffschool.orgCitationsforDocumentsUsedtoCreatetheMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolLanguagePolicy

1. InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization.ConnectingIBtotheCore.InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization(UK)LtdPetersonHouse,MalthouseAvenue,CardiffGate,2013

2. InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization.MYP:FromPrinciplesintoPractice.Cardiff:InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization,2008.

3. MiddleYearsProgrammeLanguageandliteraturepilotguide.Unpublished,June2012

81|P a g e

School-Parent-StudentContract

Note–Pleaseprintthissheetout,sign,andreturntoyourchild’s1stperiodteacher.

Schoolpersonnelwill:

o Makedecisionsthatalignwithourmission.o Provideasafe,orderlyandcaringenvironmentcreatingthemaximumamountoflearningtime.o Providerigorousacademicinstructionforallstudents.o DemonstrateandmodelschoolvaluesoftheIBLearnerProfileforourstudentsthroughtheir

actions

Parentswill:

o Takeresponsibilityformystudent’sacademicsuccessandbehavior.o Ensuremychildabidesbytheschoolattendance,discipline,anddresscodepolicies.o Attendmychild’sprogressreportconferencesandallrequestedmeetingsthroughoutthe

year.o Supportmychild’sschoolactivitiesbyattendingschoolevents,volunteeringmytime,and/or

offeringmytalentsandservices.

Studentswill:

o Followthedirectionsoftheadultswhoworkatmyschool.o Workhardeverydaytodomybestwork.o Followthedisciplineanddresscodepolicies.o DemonstratetheschoolvaluesoftheIBLearnerProfileinworkandconduct.

Bysigning,IensuretheschoolthatIhavereadthestudent/parenthandbookanditspolicies,andIagreetotheschool-parentcontract.

__________________________________________ ________________________________________

(Parent/Guardian) (Date)

__________________________________________ ________________________________________

(Student) (Date)