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Bridges
Community Academy |
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WELCOME TO
Dear Students and Parents: This handbook is designed to inform students and parents/guardians of Bridges Community Academy's policies, procedures and services. We hope you will take the time to read and discuss the information. Included in the booklet you will find the Attendance Policy, Student Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy, and other important items. It is our intent to provide a safe learning environment at BCA that will allow students to learn and progress. Both online work and regular attendance are critical factors for students to be successful. The BCA staff and Board are committed to having expectations for excellence, and we all sincerely hope that each student will strive to reach his/her potential. Together, the home and school can prepare students to become lifelong learners. Dona Kaufman Director of Bridges Community Academy
SCHOOL ENTRANCE AND PLACEMENT BIRTH CERTIFICATE/SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER A birth certificate, hospital certificate or baptismal certificate is required for all students new to BCA at the time of enrollment. If one cannot be produced within 14 school days, school officials are to notify the local police department according to state law. The school also requests that a social security number for each student be submitted for the purpose of maintaining student records. CUSTODY DOCUMENTS Custody papers need to be provided to the school by the custodial parent as soon as they are provided to the parent by the court and at the earliest possible time of enrollment. The school also needs to be immediately provided with court documentation of any changes in custody. An official court seal needs to be stamped on the document with the appropriate judge's signature. IMMUNIZATIONS The Ohio Department of Health, under the authority granted in Sections 3313.671, 3701.13, and 5104.011A (5) of the Ohio Revised Code has established the following minimum requirements for school attendance: 1. Five doses of DtaP, DPT or DT (Adult). If the fourth dose was given after the fourth birthday, a fifth 2. Four doses of Polio Vaccine (OPV or IPV). If the third dose was given after the fourth birthday, a 3. Two doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). Effective January 15, 1999, all entering 4. Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. 5. One dose of Hib. Any child entering who is still under the age of 5 will need at least one dose of the 6. Any student entering seventh grade must show proof that they have had another MMR immunization. Kindergarten students must have the necessary immunizations to begin school. In accordance with the Revised Code of the State of Ohio, Section 3313.671, new students, at the time of entry, will not be permitted to remain in school for more than fourteen (14) days unless written evidence is satisfactorily presented to the director that he/she has been immunized by a method of immunization approved by the Department of Health, pursuant to Section 3701.13, 3313.671, and 5104.011A(5) of the Revised Code against Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus b. SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT BOOK When students need to leave school during the "official school day," parents are required to sign their students "out" in the school office. Upon their return to school, parents should also sign their students "in.” A notebook is available in the school office for this purpose. STUDENT RECORDS According to the Ohio Revised Code Section 3319.321 and the Education Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974 (FERPA), parents have a right to inspect their child's records. According to the Federal Register, Thursday, June 17, 1976, Part Ii, HEW, Privacy Rights of Parents and Students, Final Rule on Educational Records, Volume 41, No. 118-24673, prior consent for disclosure is not required of an educational agency or institution. Should you request that your child's records be sent to other agencies, you must sign a form for the release of information. School personnel will not release personally identifiable information of student records without a signed release. Parents requesting personal copies of school records will be provided with the following at no cost: grade cards, front of cumulative folder, birth certificates, test records (back of cumulative folder), birth certificate, social security information, immunization records, IEPs, 504s, and attendance reports for the current school year. Those parents requesting additional information or copies will be charged the current copy rate (paper and lease charge).
Directory information about students will be released upon request in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Directory information includes the student's name, address, telephone, date, place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities, sports, dates of attendance, date of graduation, pictures of students participating in school events and awards received. A parent or student over the age of 18 must inform the district in writing by October 1 of each school year if such information cannot be released without consent. The transfer of student records will be made to schools or school systems to which a student has sought to enroll. Use of records in a missing child investigation may be accessed by a law enforcement officer who has indicated to school officials that an investigation is being conducted as the student may be a missing child as defined in the Ohio Revised Code. This information may be used by law enforcement agency personnel in any manner appropriate to solving the case. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE Changes of address and telephone number must be reported immediately to the school office. SCHOOL FEES Fees have been set for BCA by the Governing Board. The fee for the 2008-2009 school year is $85.00. Checks should be made out to BCA and paid at the office. This fee should be paid by the first day of school. If this creates a problem, please contact the school director. Parents will also be responsible for any excess cost of high school course fees.
ATTENDANCE POLICY PHILOSOPHY Learning activities that take place in the school classroom are a vital part of the teaching and learning process. A day lost from the classroom can never be recaptured, and the dialogue that has taken place between teacher and student cannot be duplicated. Thus, attendance at each day and/or class is very important. Good attendance is encouraged and required in our society for an individual to be successful. BCA encourages and expects students to develop good attendance habits. DEFINITIONS Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each morning and at the end of the day. Those students missing more than 2 hours of class, for any reason, will be considered absent for a half day. Students will not be marked tardy if they have a note from a doctor, dentist, counselor, psychologist, etc. Excused Absence - Absence of students from school at the request of parent/guardian and with the consent of school authorities and in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code. Truancy - Absence of students from school without the permission of parent/guardian or school authorities. Exclusions - No birth certificate, lack of proper immunizations, lice, suspected pink eye or other highly communicable diseases, suspected rashes, vomiting or temperature above 100 degrees within last 24 hours. ABSENCES The "Missing Child Act" requires parents to notify the school when their child is absent. In the event such notification is not made, the director or his designee will: a. Contact the parent by telephone if numbers have been provided to the school; or b. Contact the person designated on school records; notify them of the student's absence; or c. Provide written notification to the parent/guardian in the event the school is unable to reach either the Upon the student's return to school, a dated note must be sent with the student indicating the reason for the absence and the total number of days missed.
1. Excused Absences 2. Family Vacation The Board recognizes that an increasing number of employers arrange their employees' vacation at a time when children may be in school. Consequently, many parents request that their children be excused from school in order to go on a family vacation. Such an absence may be approved by the director if: a. Parents inform the director at least a week in advance of the proposed absence. If approved by the director, the student is responsible for obtaining the assignments to be completed during his/her absence. These assignments will be accepted by teachers for grading upon the student's return to school.
1. ABSENCES Under Ohio law, a parent could be fined up to $500 if a child habitually skips school, and judges could order parents to perform up to 70 hours of community service. Habitually truant is defined as those students who are absent from school 5 consecutive days, 7 or more days in a month, or 12 unexcused days during a school year. Administrators may waive days and court action only if absences can be medically documented due to extended illness or injury. Other exceptions may include funerals or other absences deemed appropriate by the building director.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS OR DELAYS Bridges Community Academy will close for weather emergencies following the Sentinel Career Center. If Sentinel closes or delays due to bad weather, BCA will do the same. Closings and delays can be seen on TV channels 11, 13, and 24. Also, local radio stations continuously announce such closings and/or delays. MEDICATION-DISPENSING PROCEDURES If your child needs any medication during school hours, call the school office to obtain an "Administration of Medication" form. This form must be taken to your doctor for completion and signature if it is a prescribed medication. The parent/guardian must also complete the form appropriately and return it with the medication, in its original container, to the school office staff. Over-the-counter medication also requires a form to be completed by the parent/guardian. New medication forms must be completed at the beginning of each school year and when changes occur in the type of medication, dosage, frequency and/or duration. A record of the dispensing of medication will be kept in the office. All medication will be stored in a secured area that can be locked in the office. Note: NO MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN TO A STUDENT BY AN EMPLOYEE OF BRIDGES COMMUNITY ACADEMY UNLESS AN ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION FORM HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THE DOCTOR AND PARENT/GUARDIAN. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Students attend public school by direction of state law and BCA by choice with full benefits of constitutional protection for their rights as citizens. The students, therefore, should act, speak, and behave as young citizens. Our code, published in conformity with Ohio Revised Code 3313.661, specifies the school expectations. Students have a right to reasonable treatment from the school and its employees or visitors. The school, in turn, has a right to expect reasonable behavior from all students. Freedom carries with it responsibilities for all concerned.
If a violation of these responsibilities occurs, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the proper procedures of the Bridges Community Academy. The customary chain of command should be followed when concerns arise about discipline: a. the classroom teacher/faculty resolution team VIOLATIONS-handled by CLASSROOM TEACHERS or FACULTY RESOLUTION TEAM 1. Disrespect/Insubordination - A student will comply with directions of a regular teacher, substitute, student teacher, teacher aides, supervisors, director, bus drivers, or authorized school personnel during any time when the student is properly under the authority of school personnel. 2. Disruption of School - A student will not (in the school building, on school grounds, or at any school-sponsored event) exhibit conduct that will intentionally cause disruption or destruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school. 3. Fighting, Hitting, Horseplay, Unauthorized Touching - Students acting in an unruly, boisterous or rough manner that may be harmful to others and/or property will be prohibited, as well as inappropriate physical contact between two or more students. 4. Hazing/Harassment (Bullying) - Ohio law specifically states this is prohibited in any manner in Ohio schools and is defined as any unwanted verbal, visual, or physical contact. This could include making propositions, threats, actual reprisals, remarks, gestures, rumors, derogatory comments, jokes, slurs, pinching, grabbing, pushing, or touching. The definition is "in the eyes of the beholder." That is, it is the recipient of the harassment who decides when the actions become harassment. 5. Obscene Language/Literature - No student will use foul or obscene language, gestures or noises directed toward other students or school personnel, or possess, sell, disseminate, or otherwise distribute any pornographic materials to other students or school personnel, while on school premises. 6. Public Display of Affection - Students will not, at any time under school jurisdiction, make any inappropriate display of affection toward another student or school employee.
VIOLATIONS referred directly to the DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATION 1. Alcohol and Other Drugs - The BCA recognizes its responsibility to provide all students with an environment conducive to the development of the maximum learning potential. The presence of alcohol and other drug use is a deterrent to learning, therefore limiting, interfering with, or inhibiting the primary responsibility vested in the educational system. Therefore, the BCA's alcohol and other drug use policy strictly state that no student will possess, transmit, conceal, consume or show evidence of having consumed or used, or offer for sale, any alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or any mind altering substance while on school grounds or facilities, at school-sponsored events, in other situations under the authority of the district, or in controlled vehicles. Included in this prohibition are any substances represented as a controlled substance, steroid, or drug paraphernalia. 2. Other Drug Use - BCA is committed to assisting students who not only violate the school's alcohol and drug policy but also those who exhibit behaviors and attitudes commonly associated with alcohol and other drug use. All efforts will be made to intervene with the student. 3. Assault - A student will not intentionally cause or attempt to cause physical injury or intentionally behave in such a way which could reasonably cause physical injury to a teacher, an administrator, other school employee, another student or visitor not employed by the school. Sexual assaults, acts or gestures directed toward other students or any school personnel are expressly forbidden. 4. Unauthorized Fire - No student will willingly and maliciously burn or attempt to burn all or any part of any building or property of BCA. 5.Damage to School or Private Property - A student will not intentionally cause or attempt to cause damage or destruction of school or private property on school grounds or during a school activity, function or event off school grounds. Referral to a law enforcement agency will be dependent upon the extent of damage. The school will pursue restitution in most cases.
Definition of Sexual Harassment: Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment where: B. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or education C. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to the following: A. Repeated unwanted and/or offensive sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions. B. Repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature. C. Graphic or degrading verbal or written comments about an individual, the individual's appearance, or the D. The implication or threat that an employee's or applicant's employment, assignment, compensation, E. Any offensive, abusive or unwanted physical contact. Complaint/Reporting Procedure Any employee or student who believes that he/she has been the subject of sexual harassment, and/or any employee or student who has witnessed an incident or incidents of sexual harassment, should report the matter(s) to the proper authority immediately. If the director is the subject of the complaint, the employee or student should report to the president of the Governing Board. A. The employee or student alleging sexual harassment should provide the following in writing: 1. The employee's/student's name. B. If the employee or student alleging sexual harassment is unwilling to complete the complaint, the matter C. After the requisite report.has been completed, the complaint will promptly be investigated by the D. If the investigation reveals that the complaint is valid, prompt action will be taken to end the harassment 14. Smoking/Use/Possession of Tobacco & Paraphernalia - The use or possession of tobacco or tobacco products and/or paraphernalia on school property or at any school activity is prohibited. A reduction in the penalty assigned by the director may be granted to those students who attend a smoking educational/cessation program provided by a professional agency. Evidence of enrollment and attendance is required. Failure to comply will result in maximum disciplinary action. 15. Theft - Stealing or attempting to steal any school or private property, or the personal property of other students or school personnel, either on school grounds or during a school-related activity, function or event off the school grounds, is prohibited. 16. Threats/Intimidation - No student will direct any verbal, written or implied physical threats or intimidations toward other students, school personnel, school property, or personal property. 17. Trespassing - No student will trespass on any unauthorized area of school property or premises. 18. Vandalism/Graffiti - Destruction of and writing/drawing on school property will not be tolerated. 19. Weapons, Explosives and/or Instruments of Violence - In accordance with the Gun-Free Schools Act, students are prohibited from bringing, possessing, or using any weapon on school property, in school vehicles, or at any school-sponsored activity. Students who violate this policy will be subject to expulsion or removal from school for a period of not less than one year. The Governing Board will have the authority to modify this expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The definition of a weapon will include, but is not limited to firearms, rifles, shotguns, knives, explosives, poisonous gas, lasers, or any forms thereof or paraphernalia associated with such weapons. Definition of Firearm: Gun Free Schools Act of 1994; ORC 3313.66 (A) any explosive or incendiary or poison gas-- (B) any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be converted to expel a (C) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive Definition of Knife: "Knife" means any instrument that possesses a pointed or sharp-edge blade of metal or other rigid material and that is designed for or can be used for cutting, slicing, piercing or stabbing. This definition will include, but is not limited to, straight razors, utility knives, box-cutters, ice picks, pocket knives, switchblades, and buck knives. 20. Pupil Conduct En Route to and from School - Pupils are expected to follow the laws and regulations for proper behavior set forth by local community, county, and state government en route to and from school. Pupils involved in juvenile delinquent behaviors (assault, trespassing, vandalism, theft, drugs, alcohol, arson, hazing, weapons, etc.) will have their parents notified and may face juvenile charges. 21. Any other behavior deemed inappropriate by the director. DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES Due process is a clearly established means to assure that all students have a fair opportunity to counteract, contradict, challenge or defend charges made against them and to have an opportunity to clear themselves of any charges. SUSPENSION/EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL The director may choose Parent In-School Supervision, In-School Suspension, or the parent may choose to no longer have their child return to BCA. The guidelines listed below will be followed for all suspensions. 1. The student will be informed of the potential suspension/expulsion and the reasons for the proposed action. 2. The student will be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge the reasons for the intended action and explain his/her actions. This can be immediate and before the director. 3. An attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians by telephone if a suspension/expulsion begins immediately or the next day. 4. If suspension/expulsion is decided, within twenty-four (24) hours, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian stating the specific reasons for the action and including notice of their right to appeal such action and right to representation at the appeal hearing.
If the action is appealed, a hearing must be held before the Governing Board or its designee. The hearing will be in Executive Session if requested by the student, parent or guardian. The final decision will take place at a public Governing Board meeting by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board or by action of its designee. The Board or its designee may affirm, reverse, vacate or modify the action. The Board or its designee will make a verbatim record of the hearing. The decision of the Board or its designee may be appealed to court pursuant to Chapter 2506 of the Revised Code. DRESS CODE 1. violating the conditions of the Ohio Revised Code dealing with students' and employees' rights to privacy; 2. using profanity, obscenity or other language which may be offensive to another user; 3. reposting (forwarding) personal communication without the author's prior consent; 4. copying commercial software in violation of copyright law; 5. using the network for financial gain, for commercial activity or for any illegal activity; 6. accessing inappropriate material; 7. downloading of freeware or shareware programs. INTERNET POLICY Technology can greatly enhance the instructional program, as well as the efficiency of the school. The Governing Board recognizes that careful planning is essential to ensure the successful, equitable and cost-effective implementation of technology-based materials, equipment, systems and networks. Computers and use of the school network or on-line services support learning and enhance instruction, as well as assist in the administration. Computer networks allow people to interact with hundreds of thousands of networks. All computers are to be uDress Code for BCA The Board does not condone the use of such materials. Employees, students and parents of students must be aware that the privileges to access on-line services are withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or who do not follow the rules and regulations established. A user's agreement is signed to indicate the user's acknowledgment of the risks and regulations for computer/on-line use. As a result of the Children's Internet Protection Act of December 21, 2000, all school computers used by students will be monitored with special filtering devices in place to restrict access to undesirable locations. SEARCHES AND SEIZURE—PERSONAL CONTAINERS, DESK, OR OTHER BOARD PROPERTY The BCA recognizes that the privacy of students may not be violated by unreasonable search and seizure and directs that no student be searched without reason or in an unreasonable manner, except when administrative searches of students and students' personal property are authorized. a. Personal containers and other school property - The Board acknowledges the need for in-school storage of student possessions and will provide storage places. All storage places are property of the Governing Board, and the contents of such are subject to random searches without regard to reasonable suspicion of a criminal statute or school rule violation. A search under this section will always occur where reasonable suspicion of a violation of a criminal statute or a school rule exists.
In order to secure and maintain a safe school environment, it is the policy of the Governing Board to authorize administrative searches of students and students’ personal property for the purpose of preventing students from bringing weapons into the schools. Such searches will be conducted by the administration. At the conclusion of a weapon search of students under this policy, persons conducting these searches will also conduct an appropriate weapon search of school grounds before leaving the search site. Any weapon or other contraband discovered during searches of students or school grounds will be confiscated by an administrator. If a student refuses to cooperate with the search, the student will be escorted to the director’s office, where efforts will be made to contact the parent or guardian and/or disciplinary action may be initiated along with police notification. No weapon search of a student will be conducted on a non-random basis unless the searcher has reasonable grounds to suspect that the specific student possesses a weapon.
The director will be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each student search including the reasons for the search, information received that established the need for the search, the name of the informant, if any, the persons present when the search was conducted, any substances or object(s) found and the disposition made of them. The director will be responsible for the custody, control and disposition of any illegal or dangerous substance or object(s) taken from a student.
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