Student Handbook

MISSION

Our mission is to help students who have not succeeded in traditional schools to return at grade level, prepare for work and post secondary experiences using a combination of classroom work and community internships.

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STUDENT POPULATION

The following students in priority order may be assigned to the Dixon Center:
- Freshmen who have not earned a minimum of 3.00 academic credits by the end of summer school of their freshmen year will be assigned.
- 10^th grade students who remain in the program and continuing 7^thgraders who are placed through teacher recommendation/administration. Students must return to JCHS for their freshman and senior years.
- Students assigned through Due Process Hearings.
- Middle School students who have failed two or more classes in a semester.

SCHEDULE

1. Regular Schedule--Students assigned to a Full Day Program
- The school day is from 7:45 a.m. to 2:25 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- 7:45-12:35 Core Academic Classes
- 12:35-2:25 Work Experience Elective Classes (Offsite)
- Closed lunch.
- All students are enrolled in English, Math, Science and Social Studies
- 2nd Chance P.M. Academy (PMA) 2:30 to 3:15
- Consequences Program—3:15 to 6:15 as assigned.
2. Modified Schedule-Students assigned to the A+ Program ONLY
- The school day will be one of the following
- 8:00 to 11:00 A.M.
- 12:00 to 3:00 P.M.
- 3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
A+ Students will not be provided lunch.

The A+ Program is a comprehensive K-12 curriculum that is designed for students who
need to complete credits in another environment besides the regular classroom instructional atmosphere.

3. Twilight School
- Twilight School--Twilight School is a voluntary credit recovery program that is held from 2:25 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday. A student may sign up for Twilight School in order to use the A+ computer curriculum to recover a previously failed course. The student will be placed on a waiting list and informed when a slot becomes available. Due to limited slots available, there is a strict attendance policy upheld. Students will be dropped from the Twilight session if they accumulate more than 2 absences. Once a student has been dropped they will need to re enroll and start the course from the beginning. There is no charge for Twilight School sessions at the Dixon Center.
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EXPECTATIONS OF STAFF, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS
- Staff, students, and parents will demonstrate self-respect, respect for others, and
  respect for all things in the school environment.
- Staff, students, and parents will maintain for all individuals a safe, orderly and
  productive learning environment through the use of self-discipline.
- Staff, students, and parents will handle all conflicts without the use of violence and
  with respect for the rights of all.
- Staff and students will be on task at all times while in the classroom with other learning
  activities.
- Staff and students will complete all academic tasks in a timely manner.
- Staff, students, and parents will assist in helping students change unacceptable
  behaviors.
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IDENTIFIED LEVELS OF UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS ALONG WITH MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONSEQUENCES.
- LEVEL 4: Safe Environment- This behavior is described as any behavior that is physically and/or mentally threatening to others or is illegal. Examples are (this list is not inclusive)
  - Weapons of any type
  - Theft
  - Fighting
  - Threatening Physical Harm
  - Gross disrespect toward any individual (cursing and name-calling)
  - Defiance
  - Alcohol/Drugs
  - Smoking in the building
  - Sexual Harassment of any kind
  - Inappropriate touching
  - Explosive devices
  - Vandalism
  Minimum Consequences-One day out of school suspension
  
  Maximum Consequences-Expulsion for 186 school days.
- LEVEL 3: Orderly Environment-This form of behavior is outside of the classroom that
  are not physically and/or mentally threatening, and are not illegal, but negatively affect
  an orderly environment. Examples are (this list is not inclusive):
  - Disruptive behaviors in the hallway
  - Disruptive behaviors at a school activity
  - Disruptive behaviors before or after school
  - Absences and tardiness
  - Inappropriate literature
  - Destruction and defacement of property
  - Dress code violations
  Minimum Consequences-Verbal correction by a staff member.
  
  Maximum Consequences-Short term out of school suspension and assignment to the
  After School Tutor program.
- LEVEL 2: Classroom Environment - Any behavior that occurs in the classroom and
  interferes with the learning of others. Examples are (this list is not inclusive):
  - Failure to follow reasonable request of the teacher
  - Talking out
  - Horse play
  - Disturbing another student in any way
  - Out of seat without permission
  - Disrespect/Defiance
  - Improper use of equipment
  Minimum Consequence-Verbal correction by staff member.
  
  Maximum Consequence-Sent home and required to attend the After School Tutor
  Program (3:00 to 4:00 p.m.).
- LEVEL 1: Personal Classroom Environment - Behavior that occurs in the classroom
  that only affect the disruptive student. Examples are (this list is not inclusive):
  - Not having appropriate equipment and materials
  - Sleeping
  - Off task, but not disrupting others
  Minimum Consequences-Verbal corrections by a staff member.
  
  Maximum Consequences-Assigned to the After School Tutor Program.
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ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Progress will be monitored every three (3) weeks. Any high school student failing at the six (6) weeks will be assigned to the Credit Recovery (A+) Program. In order to return to the Middle School at semester a student must have “C” or better grades to be considered and that only after conferencing with all concerned.

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ABSENCES

A parent or guardian must excuse all absences. A parent or guardian is expected to telephone the school on the day of the absence or send a note with the student upon his/her return. Otherwise, the absence will be counted as unexcused.

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TRUANCY

In compliance with State of Kansas statutes students under the age of eighteen (18) inexcusably absent for either three (3) consecutive days, or five (5) days in a semester or seven (7) days
in a school year shall be reported to the County Attorney for truancy. This includes attendance at the After School Tutoring Program and the A+ Program.

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TARDIES

A tardy is defined as an unexcused absence from any part of the school day. Included are late arrival to school and leaving early. A tardy is equal to one-half (1/2) day absence. Also tardies can be cause for a student to be assigned to the A+ Program.

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APPEARANCE/DRESS CODE

All students must appear for school in appropriate attire for the learning environment . Clothing must be appropriate for the current weather conditions. Pants must be pulled up at all times. Appropriate footwear must be worn. Personal hygiene must be kept up. Hair must be clean and neatly combed.

Acceptable school attire guidelines:
WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Students will be assigned to a Work Experience placement from 12:35-2:35, Monday through Friday. Bus transportation will be provided to and from work sites. The work experience placement will allow student’s to acquire employment related skills as they earn elective credits. Students will be evaluated by both their employer and supervisor. Student’s grades are determined by these evaluations. The numbers of credits earned are determined by the number of hours on the work site. Students who are removed from the work experience program due to behavior issues or repeated absences will be placed on a shorten schedule, with the school day ending at 12:35. Transportation home will not be provided by the school in such cases.

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