School Guidelines

Everything You Need to Know From A to Z

Academic Achievement
At the end of each marking period, parents will be notified by the principal and/or classroom teacher if there are multiple failing grades. Notification will be made via a report card, which will be distributed approximately every 8 to 10 weeks. Students with multiple failures will receive a letter at home informing parents of these failures. A conference will be requested.

Attendance and Lateness
Attendance: State Education Law requires that all students "attend school regularly for instruction." This means that school attendance is mandatory. The Chancellor has declared that a student must have a minimum of 90% attendance in order to be promoted to the next grade. Students are expected to be in school regularly and to be punctual. Good school and class attendance and punctuality both in school and class are essential for academic success. If a student is absent, a written notice from a parent/guardian or doctor must be presented to the teachers the day of return to school.

Lateness: All students must be in school by 8:40 AM. On time is defined as being in class ready to work when the period begins. Students who arrive to school late will be stopped in the lobby. Their names will be taken. They will be directed to the lecture hall where they will work independently until the next period begins. Teachers will mark any student absent who in not in class attendance. Failure to attend school regularly will affect a student’s chances of doing well in classes.

Change of Address
Students are to notify the school immediately regarding a change of address, telephone number, and change in Emergency Contact phone numbers. Change of address forms are available in the General Office. This is the only way we can contact a parent if there is an emergency.

College and Career Advisor
College and Career preparation begins in the 9th grade. We have devised several extensive programs to begin this process. The 9th grade house advisor will begin this process along with your Guidance Counselor. The college and career advisor in collaboration with your guidance counselor will work with you in preparation for your entry into college and your career plans in the 11th grade. All questions related to PSAT and SAT exams, college, financial aid, and preparation for work should be directed to the Guidance Counselors: Ms. Nowlan Joanna, and Mr. Rosa Jeff.

Computers
Computers are located in every classroom. Strict guidelines must be adhered to when using the computer equipment. Food or drink is never allowed near a computer. Individual disks are not allowed in these computers. We can’t have viruses. Any student caught tampering with the equipment will be subject to expulsion from this area. Students caught or suspected of abusing this privilege will be subject to possible suspension.

Cutting
Cutting class is a serious matter and will be dealt with by the proper school personnel. Students who are not in school during assigned hours are subject to New York City Truancy Policies. Parents will be notified, and in addition, they may have to pick you up at the truancy site. School is like a job and you must attend classes.

Early Excuse Pass
NO student will be allowed to leave the school building, unless a parent or guardian escorts them. THIS IS THE LAW. DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS OR LETTERS FROM HOME WILL NEVER BE HONORED. If there is an emergency, an authorized member of the school will call the home to verify this information. All appointments to see a doctor are to be made for after school. Keep in mind that each time you are absent from class, academic work is affected.

Emergency Home Contact Cards
All students, parents/guardians must fill out an emergency contact card upon admission to the school. It is of extreme importance that a parent/guardian be contacted if an emergency situation arises. We can only do this if we have the information on file updated. Any existing medical condition must be noted on the card. These cards are confidential and are not reproduced for any reason. Our ability to help students in the event of an emergency is impeded if we cannot notify a parent or guardian.

Grading Policies
During the first class session, each subject teacher will distribute to every student the minimum competencies required for successful completion of the course. A copy of these requirements can be made available to parents upon request.

Guidance
Your guidance counselors will take an active role in your high school career. The guidance counselors’ offices are in Room 127B and B22. Requests for appointments of a non-emergency nature should be made in advance.

Illness during the School Day
Students must secure a medical pass from their subject class teacher and go to the medical office. If the medical office is closed, you are to report to the main office, Room 121. Your parent/guardian will be called to pick you up if you must leave the school building. NO student is permitted to leave the school premises unless escorted by an adult, authorized by the parent/guardian and senior administrator in the building. If there is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention, we will contact EMS. An assigned member of the school will escort you to the hospital and remain with you until your parent/guardian arrives.

Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located in the General Office, Room 121 and is accessible before school, during your lunch period and after school. All thefts should be reported immediately to the Dean, Mr. Mac.

Promotional Requirements
9th to 10th grade - 10 credits*
10th to 11th grade - 20 credits
11th to 12th grade - 30 credits *
To move into an 11th grade class, you must have a minimum of 20 credits and have successfully completed four English classes and four Global Studies classes.

Report Cards and Transcripts
Report cards are issued three times each semester. You will receive six report cards during the course of the year. The grades that appear on the last report card of each semester (January and June) are reflected on your official academic record, the transcript. Transcripts will be issued once each year. The minimum-passing grade for each class is 65%. Failed courses must be made up in summer school or PM program offered in our school.

Transportation Cards
Metro Cards shall be issued to students who meet the eligibility requirements of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Transportation cards are issued on the first day of the semester in official class; therefore students will receive two new cards per year. Students absent must see Lamont Sparrow in the General Office, Room 121 after school. Lost or stolen transportation cards cannot be replaced for at least two weeks. This is a costly item. We do not hold extra cards on file. Additional cards must be requested directly from the Department of Transportation. Please, protect your Metro Card.

Working Papers
Working paper applications are available in Room 121, during lunch periods or after school ONLY, for students ages 14-17.

Created on 8/12/2007 - Last updated on 8/14/2007