Alternative Education High School Staff

Phone:  945-6922

This handbook was designed to be geared to the Alternative Education students.  The district information can be found in detail on www.salamancany.org under Salamanca High School handbook and was sent out in the POW WOW.  The student code of conduct is available also in paper copies at the high school office.

Campus 

Seniors are given permission to leave school grounds during their lunch period and their breaks with signed permission from their parent/guardians.  10^th B Group and 11^th graders are given the above privileges if they have earned it through positive behavior and positive academic course work.  9/10^th group A students have access to the lounge and gym during their breaks and lunch.

Telephone

There is a student phone available in the main office.  It is better if students leave cell phones home or off during classroom hours so it does not disturb the learning environment.

Parents

Parents are considered an integral part of the Alternative Education School.  You will be notified on a regular basis via phone, e-mail or mail of your child’s progress.  We encourage parents to e-mail or call teachers, the counselor or the principal if you have questions regarding your child’s progress.  We also encourage parents to keep the school notified of changes in the student’s circumstances.

Student Responsibility

The Alternative School is set up as an informal setting.  Students are expected to treat each other and the staff with respect.  One of the main goals is to have each student obtain social skills that will be utilized in the world of work.

Gymnasium

The gym is available during breaks, lunch, and before school for any student wishing to utilize it.  The gym use is a responsibility and privilege.

Lunch

Lunches are brought to the Alternative School by the High School cafeteria.  Anyone wishing to purchase lunch may do so at the beginning of each day.  (AM out-of-district BOCES students need to let us know the week before).

          Seniors and Group B 10/11 graders may eat lunch outside or in the lounge but are responsible for clean up.  All trash must be disposed of in the cafeteria bins.

          Students with permission to leave the campus have access to a few local diners but must return in time for class.  NO students are permitted to drive anywhere for lunch.

          On some occasions 9/10 Group A grade students will be taken to lunch and must provide their own money for lunch.  They will be advised ahead of time for this occasion.

          Pop/Water is available from the vending machine in the cafeteria.

Driving Privileges

          Students are encouraged NOT to drive, but if they must for employment reasons:

Attendance

          Students need to attend school on a regular basis.  Most students enjoy attending school at the alternative school and it is important to be in school for learning.  Perfect attendance for each week will enable the student to be given a ticket for a drawing.  Quarterly tickets will be drawn and prizes awarded. 

Athletics

All students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the high schools athletic programs.  All students involved in athletics are held accountable to the same academic standards as those at the high school.

Progress

          A student report will be sent home at the end of every 5 weeks.  Report cards will be sent home at the end of every 10 weeks.  The report cards and progress reports will also be sent to a representative at each home school for each out-of-district student.  Comments as well as grades will be reported on each report card.

          An average of all grades will be recorded at the bottom of the report card.  Honor Roll is 84.5 - 89.4%.  High Honor Roll is 89.5% and above.  If a student has any grade less that 65% or an incomplete it will disqualify them for the honor roll.

Smoking

          Students are not permitted to smoke on school property.

Discipline

         In school suspension, out of school suspension and parent contacts are the main form of discipline used at the Alternative School.  The Alternative School refers to the discipline Code of Conduct and uses it as a guide.

Bus Rules

         Please abide by all safety rules and regulations when riding the bus.  Bus drivers have a huge responsibility in the safety and care of our students.

Sign Out

          Sign out of students will be allowed by parents by contacting either the principal or the counselor.  Sign out in the office. 

Working Papers

Students desiring to obtain working papers are to secure the form from the high school office, complete form and have parent/guardian sign it and return it to the nurse.  The form then will be processed according to information needed.

Emergency Closings

         The Superintendent of Schools may close the schools or dismiss students/staff early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten health or safety.

          Parents are requested to avoid calling schools on days of poor weather; it is important to keep school phone lines open.  School closings are delayed starting times will be announced over local radio and TV stations.  If no report is heard, it can be assumed the schools are opening on time.

GED Requirements

          Students in the GED program at Alternative Education must commit to a 2-year vocational training program with few exceptions.  The vocational training is an integral part of the school and is mandated by NYS to be included in such a program.

          Students are given a visit when needed to choose the program at BOCES most suitable to them.

          Half of the day is set up for academics.  Teachers provide academic instruction in the five areas of the GED test – Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Math and Science.  In addition, there is time allotted for individual support for students in their areas of weakness.

          All students are given a practice test and must score high enough to pass the actual GED exam in order to take the actual test. 

Tests are offered throughout the year and students that pass are channeled into employability skills training or are permitted to find gainful employment for ½ day while they finish BOCES.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Graduation Requirements for Regents Students

           Students that attend BOCES Vocational Center will obtain 3 units of credit each year for their vocational course and ½ unit per year for both Math and Science.

Tests Required for Diploma

          All students must pass regents exams in the following areas:

           All students that entered their freshman year in 2004 and before must obtain a 55% or higher on all exams.  Freshman starting in 2005 must get a 65% or higher on one exam and a 55% or higher on all others.