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MIDDLEYEARSPROGRAMME
GRADES6th–8th
STUDENT/PARENTHANDBOOK
2017-2018
PatriciaM.Perkins,Principal/HeadofSchool
211SouthLopezStreet
NewOrleans,LA70119
www.morrisjeffschool.org
Telephone:(504)373-6258
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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• 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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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,[email protected],DirectoroftheMiddleYearsProgramme,[email protected],SchoolPrincipal,[email protected]
CitationsforDocumentsUsedtoCreatetheMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolInclusionPolicy
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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• 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
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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,
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“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.
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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,[email protected],MiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,[email protected],SchoolPrincipal,[email protected]
CitationsforDocumentsUsedtoCreatetheMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolInclusionPolicy
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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
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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
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“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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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OurMYPSummativeAssessments:MYPsummativeassessmentsarerequiredbytheIBinYears1–5.MYPsummativeassessmentsareteacher/departmentcreatedassessmentsalignedtotheIBsubject-specificcriteriaandareuniquetoeachsubjectareaasseeninthetablebelow.IBrequireseachsubjectareatoassesseachcriteriaatleasttwiceduringtheschoolyear.
Teachers/departmentsuseprofessionaljudgmentdeterminingachievementlevelsattainedbystudentsoneachsummative.Oneachsummativestudentsarescoredona0-8scalebasedondescriptorsfromIBrubrics.
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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)
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MYPOverallSubjectScoring
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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,[email protected],SchoolPrincipal,[email protected]
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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):
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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
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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,[email protected],MiddleYearsProgrammeCoordinator,[email protected],SchoolPrincipal,pperkins@morrisjeffschool.orgCitationsforDocumentsUsedtoCreatetheMorrisJeffCommunitySchoolLanguagePolicy
1. InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization.ConnectingIBtotheCore.InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization(UK)LtdPetersonHouse,MalthouseAvenue,CardiffGate,2013
2. InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization.MYP:FromPrinciplesintoPractice.Cardiff:InternationalBaccalaureateOrganization,2008.
3. MiddleYearsProgrammeLanguageandliteraturepilotguide.Unpublished,June2012
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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)
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