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 HOME SCHOOL INFORMATION

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

ATTENDANCE PROBLEMS

PROCEDURES FOR SCHOOL ABSENCE

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MAKE-UP WORK

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Pre-planned absences – For pre-planned absences, such as vacations, the student or parent must request work prior to leaving or risk forfeiture of make up work and tests.

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COLLEGE VISITATION PROCEDURES - Junior students will be permitted two (2) excused days and senior students permitted three (3) excused days for visitation to colleges, and/or job interviews related to their training, state boards and the military.  Students must have a "C" average in all courses and 90% attendance at the time of the visitation.  Visitation forms must be obtained from the guidance counselor at least three school days prior to the visitation date and approved by the guidance counselor and attendance officer.  These will not count as days absent if the procedure is followed.  Not following this procedure will result in the day(s) counting as absent.

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PROFICIENCY TESTS/OHIO GRADUATION TEST

OHIO GRADUATION TEST - All students must pass the Ohio Graduation Test to receive a high school diploma. The only exceptions to this are students with Individual Education Plans that could exempt them from all or part of the test. Career Technical Certificates can be earned without passage of the Ohio Graduation Test. Students scheduled for remediation are required to attend these classes. Any student not attending will be considered truant from class.

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GRADES AND CREDITS

         Grading Scale:                        End of Year
         Letter Grade      Percentage     Cumulative Percentages

    A               92 - 100          366 - Above

    B               83 - 91            330 - 365

    C               74 - 82            294 - 328

    D               65 - 73            258 - 293

    F               64 - Below       257 - Below

    I                Incomplete      Incomplete

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - Students enrolled in the ACJVS retain membership in their respective home schools.  They will consequently be required to fulfill the graduation requirements of their home schools.  In addition, they will receive a Career Technical Certificate (if requirements are met) issued by the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School.  Since the home school maintains all records, all transcript requests must be forwarded to the home high school.

BELL SCHEDULE - All students (bus riders and drivers) arriving before 8:10am are to report to the cafeteria.

X Period        7:30-8:10          5th Period     11:05-11:35
1st Period     8:14-8:56          6th Period     11:38-12:08
2nd Period    9:00-9:42          7th Period     12:12-12:54
3rd Period     9:46-10:28        8th Period     12:58-1:40
4th Period    10:32-1102        9th Period     1:44-2:26

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TARDY TO SCHOOL

TARDY TO CLASS

When a student is late to any scheduled class without an authorized pass, the student will be considered  tardy and will receive a tardy slip.  When a student receives four (4) tardies (tardy to school or to class), Alternative Learning Center time will be assigned.

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EARLY DISMISSALS

When a student enters the school grounds, that student is under the jurisdiction of the ACJVS.  Under no circumstances shall any student leave the campus without obtaining permission from the Principal's Office.  Students must follow these guidelines for an early dismissal:

(a) provide prior notification, in written form, to the Principal's Office before school the morning of the needed early dismissal.

(b) sign-out in the Principal's Office at the time the student leaves school.

1. Personal illness/medical appointment (a signed slip from doctor/dentist and/or school nurse)
2. Illness in family
3. Emergency or circumstances approved in the office
4. Death in the family
5. Required attendance in court
6. Verified home school activities

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EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD POLICY  

            All students regardless of age will be required to follow and abide by all school rules, procedures and policies.  If a student is no longer financially dependent upon his/her parents, no longer living at home, and eighteen (18) years old or older, he/she must bring a copy of some documentation to the Principal's Office and complete an independent student form prior to writing his/her own notes.  This documentation can be a utility bill in his/her name, rent receipt, etc.  For the school to recognize the student's adult status, his/her parent/guardian must waive their complete school responsibility for the student.  ALL school communications would thus be made directly and solely with the student.

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ALC/SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

Suspensions/Alternative Learning Center will be a full day for ALL students.  Co-op and Early Placement students are responsible for making arrangements with their employers.  Students who are assigned to ALC or an out of school suspension must collect assignments in advance of the first assigned day in order to receive credit for class work missed.  When assignments cannot be colleted before a suspension due to an emergency removal, arrangements may be made by the principal's office that would allow a student to complete work missed when the student returns to class. Any lab tests, quizzes, projects, and assignments that could not be obtained in advance shall be made up upon the students return. However, an alternative assignment shall be given for lab assignments/activities that are missed due to ALC and/or out of school suspensions unless the original assignment/activities can be replicated. The ALC monitor may assign additional class work, as well as assign additional days of ALC to students who refuse to comply with the ALC guidelines.  In some cases poor behavior in the ALC may result in immediate removal from school premises.  In such cases, the ALC day will be rescheduled and additional disciplinary action may be taken.

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STUDENTS UNDER SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

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COUNSELING SERVICE

Guidance and counseling services are available to all students. The purpose of the Counseling Service is to help students in any way possible to profit from instruction, achieve personal and educational goals, make decisions about goals, and to make decisions about plans for now and in the future. The Counseling Service is open before and after school, and during lab periods.  Students may also schedule appointments with the counselors through their instructors.  The Counseling Department is located in the Principal's Office in "B" Building.

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LINKS!

The ACJVS LINKS! Program is a student advisement program designed to link students with an adult advisor who provides a forum for discussion, information, and life lessons. The regularly scheduled meetings afford the student the opportunity to develop a connection with a group of students outside the career technical class and with an adult, not their instructor. By providing this safe and relaxed environment students will be assured a pathway to information regarding social services, credits, counseling, academic assistance, as well as carefully constructed living skills activities.

Links Bell Schedule    40 minutes      20 minutes
X Period                       7:30 – 8:10       7:30 – 8:10
Links                           8:14 – 8:56       8:14 – 8:34
1st Period                    9:00 - 9:34        8:38 – 9:16
2nd Period                   9:38 – 10:12      9:20 – 9:58
3rd Period                   10:16 – 10:50    10:02 – 10:40
4th Period                   10:54 – 11:24    10:44 – 11:13
5th Period                   11:28 – 11:58    11:17 – 11:46
6th Period                   12:02 – 12:32    11:50 – 12:19
7th Period                   12:36 – 1:10      12:23 – 1:01
8th Period                   1:14 – 1:48        1:05 – 1:43
9th Period                   1:52 – 2:26        1:47 – 2:26

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COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE

Cooperative work experience is unique.  They enable students to receive part of their training in their field under actual working conditions.  Placement in co-op programs is dependent upon availability of appropriate training stations.

            Once placed, students will maintain the job as long as they are profiting from the experience.  It is important to note that the employer must also profit from employment of cooperative work experience students.  Co-op students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from school and to the job site.  Because their own transportation is a requirement for acceptance into a co-op program, students are expected to attend school every day the ACJVS is in session.  The only exception to this will be when home schools are closed because of weather conditions.

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EARLY PLACEMENT

The Early Placement Program is intended for senior students enrolled in the second year of a program.  Participation in Early Placement is contingent upon the availability of appropriate training stations and must be approved by the Career Technical instructor and the early placement administrator.

The following will be considered:

• Meet identified academic, Career Technical, and attendance standards.
• Have passed all parts of State proficiency testing required for graduation.
• Have the approval of the Dean of Students with regard to discipline.
• Be free of deficiencies or be in the process of making them up.
• Have tool and fee charges fully paid or they must be current on a payment plan with the school.
• Have no outstanding debts from class fundraisers.
• Have a job that is directly related to their training program.
• Have the recommendation of their Career Technical instructor.
• Have their own transportation.
• Have a fully approved "Early Placement" packet.

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CAFETERIA

The cafeteria is a multi-purpose area, used not only at lunchtime, but also for group meetings during regular school hours and after school.  Since it is used for a variety of purposes, it is important that we all make every effort to keep it clean. Students are required to remain in school during their lunch periods.  Lunch may be purchased in the cafeteria or may be brought from home and eaten in the cafeteria.  Students will be expected to:

1. Pay for their lunch.
2. Stand in line and wait their turn.
3. Eat in cafeteria.
4. Keep the table areas clean.
5. Return trays and dispose of refuse in the proper containers.
6. Use good table and eating manners.
7. Put chairs back in place.

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FOOD AND BEVERAGES

FOOD AND BEVERAGES ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN INTO ANY CLASSROOM, HALLWAY OR LAB AREA.

            Since some Career Technical classes are in session during lunch periods, students are not permitted in any hallways, buildings or areas of "B" building other than the cafeteria.  An area directly outside the front doors of the cafeteria bordered by the sidewalks leading to "A" and "C" is an authorized area during lunch.  Students are not permitted to sit in automobiles   during the lunch periods or any other time while school is in session.  Since we have closed lunch periods, students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch except for co-op or early placement students who are leaving for the day.

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HEALTH CLINIC

The clinic is provided for emergency treatment of illness or injury, which may occur during the school day.  Should you need such services, report to the clinic with permission from your instructor.  The nurse will give emergency treatment and, if necessary, inform parents and enlist a doctor's aid or call an emergency ambulance.

            ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION MUST BE STORED WITH THE NURSE.  ANY STUDENT WHO IS ILL MUST BE CHECKED OUT THROUGH THE SCHOOL NURSE TO BE DISMISSED.  Every student MUST have a health and emergency form on file with the school nurse.  Students are not permitted to bring or consume over-the-counter medication while at school without a signed non-prescription medication form signed by the student’s parent/guardian on file in the clinic.  Students must leave medication with school nurse, who will dispense the medication as required.

            The School has made the form available to every parent at the time of enrollment. Failure to return the completed form to the school will jeopardize a student's educational program.

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RESOURCE CENTER

Students are welcome to read current magazines and check out books during free time or class time with their instructor’s permission.  The Resource Center (Library) has the same access to iPac as the other high school libraries in Ashtabula County.  iPac gives you the capability to borrow books from other libraries in the county and have them delivered to the ACJVS.  Computers are available for students' use.  Our online catalog (iPac) can be accessed at webpac.cacl.lib.oh.us.

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INTERNET USE  

Students shall not make any unauthorized connection to the school equipment or server. This prohibition would include, but not limited to, any device – installed, used as a plug-in, or any wireless connection. Students must have a completed “Network Usage Agreement” form on file in order to access the Internet using computers on the ACJVS campus.

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EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN, FIRE, and TORNADO DRILLS

Emergency lockdown, fire, and tornado drills will be held periodically throughout the school year. Procedures for evacuating the building will be posted in each room, and students will be given verbal instructions. Please walk to the designated areas in an orderly manner. Instructions will also be given to students to follow in the event of other emergencies..

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STUDENT TELEPHONE CALLS

A public pay phone is available in the cafeteria for students to use.  A time limit of five (5) minutes per student is set so others may share this convenience.  In emergency situations, consult your instructor.  Instructor phones in labs, classrooms and offices are not to be used by students.

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LOST ARTICLES

A student lost and found service is maintained in the Principal's Office in "B" Building. We hope that everyone will do his/her part to see that all items are returned to their rightful owners.  You have a better chance of getting something back if you put your name on your possessions.  All tools are to be engraved.

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CAREER TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

            Youth clubs are an integral part of every program.  All students are automatically members of their respective youth clubs. 

The following is a list of those clubs:

1. Business Professionals of America (BPA)
2. DECA, an Association of Marketing Students
3. FFA
4. Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
5. SkillsUSA
6. Future Educators of America

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - Membership in the National Honor Society at the vocational school is based upon scholarship, leadership, character, and service.  Members of the ACJVS staff elect students to the honor society.  (1) To qualify for consideration a student must have a 3.35 cumulative GPA for high school.  (2) Once a student meets this qualification, the student will be asked to complete an information packet.  (3) A committee consisting of members of the school staff will make final selections from the information packets received, based upon the qualities of leadership, service, and character.

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LOCKERS

Students will be assigned lockers.  Lockers should always be locked when not in use. Students are not to share locker combinations with others.  Students are not to leave money or valuables in lockers.  Individual lockers may be searched by school officials, without warning, when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that potentially dangerous objects, stolen tools or contraband are present.  All combination locks will have the combination number on file with the career technical instructor.

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SEARCHES

            School authorities are charged with the responsibilities of safeguarding the safety and well being of the students in their care.  In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search the person or property (including, but not limited to, vehicles, purses, book bags, gym bags, toolboxes, electronic devices) of a student, with or without the student’s consent, whenever they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or of school rules.  The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction.  General housekeeping inspection of school property may be conducted with reasonable notice.  Student lockers are property of the district, and random searches of the lockers and their contents may be conducted.  Unannounced and random canine searches may also be conducted. 

            Anything that is found in the course of a search that may be used as evidence of a violation of school rules or the law may be taken and held or turned over to police.  The school reserves the right not to return items that have been confiscated.

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STUDENT VEHICLES

It is the policy of the school to provide limited parking areas for motor vehicles.  However, any student who chooses to utilize the parking areas will be required to permit the interior of the vehicle he/she owns, operates, or has control over to be inspected upon request of the Principal or Dean of Students. 

            Students who fail to comply with the Principal's or Dean's request will be subject to discipline in accordance with this handbook. NOTE:  Students drive and park vehicles at the school at their own risk.  The school does not assume responsibility for damage incurred while on school grounds.

            Students, registering in a timely manner, are permitted to provide their own transportation to and from school with co-op students receiving first consideration.  Only co-op, early placement or early dismissal students will be permitted to remove their cars from the parking lot before 2:26 p.m.

            Standard safe driving will be expected and enforced.  Revocation of driving privileges will be exercised whenever necessary.  Drivers are fully responsible for passengers and their actions.  Students are to exit vehicles immediately upon arrival to school. If arrival is prior to 8:10 a.m. students are to report to the cafeteria.  Students are not permitted to return to their cars until dismissal from school.

            All students who drive MUST display a student parking tag from the rear view mirror. These parking tags are issued by the Principal's Office at a cost of $ 20.00.

            To obtain a permanent parking tag, students must complete the Application for Driving Permit and show proof of (1) a valid driver's license, (2) authorization of the parent or guardian, (3) proof of automobile insurance, and (4) proof of ownership (registration).

            Parking spaces are limited.  Therefore, they will be issued on a first come-first serve basis.  If a student drives a car that is not registered he/she must obtain a temporary parking permit and park in the one-day parking area.  This permit is good only for one day and must be displayed in the car.  Temporary tags are to be obtained in the Principal's Office and placed in the car before school.  A $2.00 cost per temporary tag will be assessed.

            No student will be permitted to park his/her vehicle in the visitor parking areas or school staff parking areas.  Visitor parking areas are painted with BLUE parking lines.  School staff parking areas are painted with RED parking lines.  Student parking areas are painted with YELLOW parking lines.  Handicapped parking is marked with WHITE lines.  Students violating these rules are subject to disciplinary action and/or having their cars towed at owner's expense.

At 8:30 a.m. the State Route 167 entrance will be closed to all traffic and the entrance gate will be lowered.

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STUDENT FEES

STUDENT FEES - Student fees are amounts that cover the costs of supplemental materials within each of the Career Technical/academic programs.

PAYMENT OF FEES - Student fees must be paid in full or a payment plan arranged no later than September 14, 2008. Failure to pay or to have made arrangements to pay fees may result in the withholding of grades and credits. Some students may be eligible for assistance through the Youth Opportunities Program located at the Ashtabula County Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Workforce Development. All students received a pre-registration form in their August letter. No student will be denied the opportunity to attend the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School due to inability to pay fees.

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STUDENT PHOTO ID

            All students will be issued photo ID’s.  Students must wear and appropriately display the photo ID at all times during the school day.  Failure to display the photo ID will result in disciplinary action.  Students will be required to replace lost or stolen photo ID’s at their own expense.

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DRESS CODE

            Since we are a Career Technical school concerned with public image, employability, and safety, the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School has adopted the following student dress code.  Individual programs dictate the appropriate dress and appearance and expect attire appropriate for program occupations.  Individual Career Technical programs may have more structured dress requirements as set by the instructor (i.e. uniforms).

            The Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School believes that a well-groomed student body creates an atmosphere conducive to achievement and good order.  Selection of school dress is a parental/student responsibility.  It is requested that parents/students be discreet in selecting  school attire.  Attire or appearance which attracts undue attention to the individual is not acceptable.  Above all else, common sense must be interwoven with decency, neatness and cleanliness.  Your school appearance reflects an attitude of pride in yourself, your family, your program, your school and your community.  To assist in meeting these standards, the following guidelines are being listed:  (These guidelines are to be regarded as minimal acceptable standards.)

1. Hairstyles must be neat and clean and meet safety standards.
2. Any display of clothing, jewelry or patches that diminish the dignity of others, such as, but not limited to, traditionally known hate symbols, derogatory racial, ethnic or gender references are prohibited. Additionally, any of the above that are in suggestive places or that advertise in writing, with pictures, or that otherwise depict, suggest or promote violence, weapons, death, obscenities, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, satanic cults or gang activities are prohibited.
3. Bare midriff tops are prohibited. The bottom of the shirt must meet or overlap the top of the skirt or slacks at all times during the course of normal daily activity. Tops must have sleeves that extend over the shoulder.
4. Underwear or underwear style garments are inappropriate when worn as outerwear.
5. Students must wear footwear designed to be worn on the street. Also, health and safety standards must be met.
6. Shorts, short dresses/skirts, cut-off T-shirts, mesh shirts, clothing with holes, athletic style pants, pajama style clothing, and spandex clothes are prohibited. Pants are to be worn at the waistline and are to be full length. Capri pants are permitted.
7. Hats or caps must be removed during assemblies or other organized indoor activities. Hats may be worn in classrooms and labs unless otherwise directed by the individual classroom teacher.
8. Sunglasses and headbands must be removed upon entering the buildings. Bandannas are prohibited at all times. Chains, such as wallet chains, are not permitted to be worn.
9. All types of slacks, shirts and blue jeans should be clean and intact. “Cut off” clothing is prohibited.
10. Any clothing that excessively exposes the body or is in poor taste in a school environment is inappropriate.

            This student dress code represents what is believed to be reasonable rules and regulations and applies to all students any time they represent the school in academic, Career Technical, youth organization or field trip activities.  Authority for enforcement rests with the faculty and administration.

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GANGS

            It is the purpose of the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School to maintain an environment that is safe for students and staff and conducive to learning.  Any presence of gangs on campus disrupts that environment by threatening the safety of individuals, and causing a disruption of the academic process.  In accordance with this, gangs and gang related activities are prohibited at the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School.

            Gang related activities - such as initiations, hazing, intimidation, recruitment, fighting, establishing "turf" or placing graffiti on school property - at school functions or school related activities will not be tolerated.

Students at the ACJVS shall not:

1. participate in gang related activities.
2. wear or display recognized gang attire, colors, or tattoos.
3. designate boundaries or "turf" (including defacing property with graffiti).
4. imply gang membership or affiliation by written communications, marks, drawings, designs, gestures, etc.

            If a student is found to be in violation of any of these provisions, disciplinary action will be taken.  Possible consequences include suspension, expulsion, and legal prosecution.  All students involved in such activities will be counseled and encouraged to cease gang affiliations.

            The ACJVS will maintain a record of known gangs and gang members, and share this information, when appropriate, with home schools, local law enforcement agencies and court personnel.

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STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

Part I:  Rights and Responsibilities