Turning Point Academy Student Handbook

Innovate Educate Graduate

“Sierra – Earn It Everyday”

2250 Jet Wing Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916

Main Office: (719) 579-2090 Attendance Office: (719) 579-2099 Office Fax Number: (719) 579-2536

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Mr. Zach Craddock, Principal Ms. Nicole Paxton, Assistant Principal

Ms. Nicole Schurbon, Assistant Principal Mr. Matt Mitchell, Assistant Principal

Mr. Robert Bentley, Athletic & Activities Director

Teaching Staff Ms. Ashley Hewitt Mr. John Lauron

Vision Statement The Turning Point Academy is a blended-learning program of Sierra High School dedicated for lifelong and independent learners who work hard to earn their credits.

Mission Statement

The mission of Turning Point Academy of Sierra High School is to provide an opportunity for lifelong and independent learners who are determined to pursue quality education in a blended-learning delivery model.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.) Profile of an Ideal Turning Point Academy (TPA) Student

The Turning Point Academy is a blended-learning program designed for students whose

circumstances do not allow them to attend school in a regular schedule from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. This may be due to work schedule, family responsibility, child-care concern, or any related situations. Instead of the typical schedule of school, TPA students attend school from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM and they are expected to continue working on their online modules outside school to compensate for the number of actual hours of direct instruction.

An ideal TPA student: S - has a Strong character who lead by example and learn independently; T - is Tenacious; A - has Audacious vision of him/herself; L - is Levelheaded amidst challenges and difficulties; L - is a Lifelong learner; I - is Intrinsically motivated to achieve academically; O - shows Outstanding work ethics in spite of challenges; N - has Novel ways of solving a problem. Overall, TPA is for students who have demonstrated clearly their desire to obtain a

regular high school diploma delivered in an innovative way, in spite of their socio-economic circumstances or situations. TPA prospective students have to show a positive attitude and consistency to perform well in class, in order to be admitted in the program. Once admitted, students have to maintain a specific academic standing in order to be given the privilege to remain in the program.

However, TPA is NOT:

• for 9th graders who are about to start their high school career; • for expelled students; • for behaviorally challenged students; • for those who refuse to do their work, as this is output and outcome-based

program; • an alternative school program.

2.) Six Week Cycle Classes The TPA will follow a 6-week cycle rotation with three classes each cycle. Thus, TPA students are expected to complete at least 9 classes per semester and at least 18 classes per academic year. rotations of 3 classes per 6-week cycle = 9 classes per semester = 18 classes per year

3.) Probationary Period: a. All students admitted during the first 6-week cycle will be considered on “probationary

status”. b. Readmission to their second cycle will be subject to the evaluation based on their

performance during the first 6-week cycle. c. A student has to meet the expected number of courses completed in order to remain in

the program. d. Students who do not pass three classes in a cycle will be given a probationary status.

However, if a student will be on probationary status for two consecutive cycles, he/she will be automatically disqualified for the blended-learning program privilege.

e. Once a student is on “probationary status”, he/she will receive a written warning and notification to parents.

f. Students have to bring their guardian or parents during the Parent’s Night on August 12th, 2019 for them to understand the expectations when given this privilege of a blended-learning program.

g. Waitlisted students will take the place of those who are disqualified from the program and new student applicants will be admitted in August and January every year.

h. A student who is disqualified to the TPA will automatically be re-enrolled at Sierra High School’s regular-day program.

4.) Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring

a. In this blended-learning program, which is output and outcome-based, students direct their own learning with minimal teacher directed instruction. Thus, students are expected to set their goal for the session at the start of each class (first 5 minutes) and check their own progress toward the end of class (last 5 minutes).

b. Progress monitoring grade will be based on how well the students are in meeting their SMART goals and in demonstrating self-directed learning.

5.) Daily Schedule a. Each day will start with a reflection period where the teacher will facilitate goal setting

exercise and self-reflection/evaluation, inspirational stories and show TED talks that will uplift the students’ spirit, so they are motivated to do work on their own.

b. The reflection period will then be followed by 3 periods of 50 minutes each. c. There will be a 5-minute restroom break in between periods. d. The last 5 minutes of class will be allotted for the accomplishment of the “Daily Log” or

progress check. Teacher will then grade their progress monitoring sheet for that session.

e. TPA teaching staff will set up a Data Tracking in the classroom which will be updated on a weekly basis. Course completion certificates will be posted during the weekly updates.

TPA Daily Schedule

Time Period or Activity

Monday (Ms. Hewitt)

Tuesday (Ms. Hewitt)

Wednesday (Mr. Lauron)

Thursday (Mr. Lauron)

4:30-4:40 Reflection Period

Goal Setting for the Week (Share to Class)

Ms. Hewitt’s Reflection

Mr. Lauron’s Reflection

Weekly Progress Evaluation (Share to Class)

4:40– 5:30 Period 1 Math or Science

Math or Science

Math or Science

Math or Science

5:30-5:35 Break 1

5:35-6:25 Period 2 English or Social Studies

English or Social Studies

English or Social Studies

English or Social Studies

6:25-6:30 Break 2

6:30-7:25 Period 3 Elective Class

Elective Class

Elective Class

Elective Class

7:25-7:30 Daily Progress Log

6.) Turning Point Academy Schedule 2019-2020

1st Six-Week Cycle

August 12 – September 19

Exam Windows August 26-29

September 16-19

2nd Six-Week Cycle

September 23 – October 31

Exam Windows October 7-10

October 28-31

3rd Six-Week Cycle

November 4 – December 19

Exam Windows November 19-21

December 16-19

4th Six-Week Cycle

January 8 – February 20

Exam Windows January 27-30

February 18**-20

5th Six-Week Cycle

February 24 – April 9

Exam Windows March 9-12

April 6-9 7.)

6th Six-Week Cycle

April 13 – May 20

Exam Windows April 27-30

May 13-19 *Final Exams will be offered during exam window dates during 1st period (4:40pm-5:30pm) unless otherwise arranged with teacher* **Exam Window on February 18 will be 1st and 2nd period (4:40pm-6:25pm) if necessary.

8.) Study Skills Credit as Elective Credit

a. Students will be graded daily based on their note-taking skills, self-management ability, engagement with online material and total time on-task.

b. Students will earn 0.5 credit for their Study Skills grade. This means that by simply coming regularly to school and by consistently doing their work with diligence and without prodding, students will earn 0.5 credit for elective classes labelled as Study Skills.

c. Study Skills grade is based on the following: i. 25% - Engagement/Time on Task and Attendance/Class Notes from OMI ii. 25% - Class Binders & Goal Setting and Progress Check iii. 50% - PSAT/SAT and ACCUPLACER Preparation

d. The grade will be given by both teachers assigned on specific days of the week. e. Students earn a ½ credit for Study Skills grade, every semester. This will be counted as

an elective credit.

9.) Grades Student’s grade from each subject will be generated by the Online Monitoring

Instruction (OMI), based on student’s performance in their mastery tests, unit tests and final exam. The grade that comes from the teacher will be in a form of Study Skills grade which will be considered as an elective credit. Students should pass the Study Skills grade per 6-week cycle in order to remain in the program. This demonstrates their ability to self-monitor themselves and be responsible for their own education.

ALL students have to maintain a grade of C or higher in all classes to remain in the blended-learning program. A failing grade implies that the blended-program is not the appropriate delivery of instruction to the student. Thus, students who are not able to maintain a passing grade for all classes will be replaced by other students who will benefit from the blended-learning delivery model of education.

10.) Teacher’s Responsibility at TPA

a. The teacher’s main responsibility in this blended learning delivery model is to provide a structure and an atmosphere, so that students can work on their modules in OMI independently.

b. Study Skills Lessons or modules such as note taking, annotating, developing a regular study habit, motivating one’s self to learn more, the importance of life-long learning, techniques in studying, how to succeed in academics, and any related topics will be covered in order to help students become independent learners. Also, students will be exposed to PSAT/SAT and ACCUPLACER type of questions, as they progress in the

program. Thus, they will also be prepared to do well in these standardized tests which are necessary for college admission.

c. During classes, the teacher will schedule consultation time for each cluster of students. For example, cluster Math I A consults with their teacher during period 1 while the other 2 clusters (English 1A and World History 1A) will be working independently. Then, during the second period, cluster English 1A will work with the teacher. And so on.

d. Overall, the teacher’s main responsibilities are to guide, monitor and facilitate the individualized instruction from OMI. Students direct their own learning by going through the modules.

11.) Attendance Policy The blended-learning delivery model is a privilege given to students who are

responsible for their own learning. In this innovative delivery model, students are expected to be present in all sessions of the 6-week cycle and be at the school before 4:30 PM. Attendance will be checked by 4:30 PM. Students will be marked absent after 4:40 PM. The following policy will be implemented:

a) Present – Students will be marked present, if they are in their assigned seats by 4:30 PM.

b) Tardy – Students will be marked tardy if they arrive after 4:30 PM and before 4:40 PM. c) Absent – Students will be marked absent and will not be allowed to attend class, if they

arrive after 4:40 PM. d) A student may only be allowed a maximum of three (3) marked tardies within the 6-

week cycle. Three marked tardies is equivalent to one day of absence. e) A student may only be allowed to be absent (unexcused absence) for a maximum of

three (3) days per 6-week cycle. Otherwise, he/she will be considered for probationary status due to violation of attendance policy.

f) A student may request for a pre-approved absences

12.) Behavior Policy

TPA students are expected to be at their best behavior at all times. However, if a student does not meet the definition of best behavior stated in the profile of an ideal TPA student, the Sierra High School Discipline matrix will be implemented. For minor or level 2 offenses, students may serve their detention and/or ISS (in-school suspension) during the regular school day from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Major or level 3 offenses will merit dismissal or disqualification from TPA.

Level 1 Infractions which will merit verbal/written warning from the teacher:

• Tardiness (1st and 2nd offense) • Absence (1st offense) • Classroom misconduct • Inappropriate language not towards staff • Inappropriate use of electronic devices • Cheating = 0 credit in the specific task in OMI

Level 2 Infractions which will merit a warning and be sent home for the evening for first offense:

• Physical mistreatment of fellow student, not a fight • Verbal altercation, not threatening a physical action or manner

• Dress code violation, repeated • Theft • Harassment • Continued willful defiance or refusal to cooperate • Repeated level 1, habitual level 1/2 infractions • Use of inappropriate language directed towards staff

Note: 2nd offense, student will receive OSS for two days. On the 3rd offense, student will

be disqualified to attend the TPA. Level 3 & 4 Infractions will merit an automatic withdrawal/dismissal from the TPA and may warrant a law enforcement referral. Level 3 Infractions:

• Physical altercation / fighting • Use/ under the influence of illegal drug or substance and or drug paraphernalia

(law enforcement) • Possession of illegal drug or substance and or drug paraphernalia • Bullying (Direct, Indirect, Cyber, Sexual) • Inappropriate sexual contact (unwelcomed touching) • Damaging of school property

Level 4 Infractions:

• Distribution or sale of drugs • Possession of Illegal weapon w/ or w/o intent (facsimile) • Gang activity • Pornography (child/adult) possession or distribution • Assault second degree towards fellow students or staff

Note: All infractions and consequences are subject to change/approval by building

Administrators. Consequences may increase for habitual infractions.

13.) Parking/Transportation

TPA does not provide transportation for students. A designated parking area at the

back of Sierra High School is allocated for TPA students from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM from Monday to Thursday.

14.) Identification Cards

Students are expected to carry their ID at all times and produce it when asked to do so by an adult employee of the District. Students are expected to have their ID on their person at all times. Students who lose their ID will be required to purchase a replacement.

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15.) Hall Passes No student is allowed to leave a classroom without a pass. Restroom passes should

not be issued the first 10 minutes or the last 10 minutes of class. Students are expected to sign out when leaving the classroom on a hall pass and are expected to sign in upon return. Use of restroom should be done during the restroom break. However, for emergency cases, students may use the restroom pass and they are expected to be back to the room within 5 minutes. Students use their planner for hall pass and will be allowed a maximum of 2 passes per 6-week cycle.

16.) USE OF CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES Students are permitted to use cell phones, as long as it does not disrupt their own learning and other student’s learning. However, cellphones may not be used during direct instruction. Text and calls maybe done during the 5-minute break. Earbuds are not permitted during instruction or during classroom cooperative or collaborative activities.

17.) STUDENTS EATING IN THE CLASSROOM Students may be allowed to eat in the classroom, as long as they are respectful

towards the classroom environment and fellow peers. Students have to clean their own space.

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CRISIS RESPONSE EMERGENCY OPERATION and PROCEDURES

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I have read and understood the contents of the Turning Point Academy of Sierra High School Student Handbook. I adhere to all of the policies and procedures contained in this handbook and will seek the guidance of my teacher if I am in doubt about any of the information. _____________________________ _____________________ Student’s Name Student’s Signature _____________________________ ________________________ Parent’s Name Parent’s Signature _______________________________ Date