2005-2006
Student Handbook
Booker T. Washington High School
1201 South 13th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47802
(812) 462-4427
(812) 462-4428
Principal
Dr. Karen Andrews
Alternatives for Living and Learning, Inc. (Nursery)
(812) 462-4349
Dear Students,
We are pleased to welcome you to a new year at Booker T. Washington High
School. Your presence here indicates how very special you are.
Each student has been individually interviewed before being admitted.
We hope to provide the best opportunities and environment in which you will
learn, mature, and grow both intellectually and emotionally.
Booker T. Washington High School serves pregnant, parenting, and alternative
students who have either dropped out of school or who cannot cope with the
standard school system. Your enrollment here is a privilege.
You will be treated as an adult and needs will be met on an individual basis.
There is an electronic bell system marking the beginning and end of every
class period. You are expected to be in your class on time.
Please read and be aware of the information contained in the handbook.
As an adult you are expected to be informed of your rights and the rules
governing you, both in this school and in this school corporation.
The faculty and staff hope you will not hesitate to seek them out for help
or information on any matter of concern to you. We feel certain you
will discover that Booker T. Washington High School is the best school you
will ever attend.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Mission Statement
Booker T. Washington High School is devoted to meeting the physical, social,
and emotional needs as well as academic and career needs of each student.
In order to meet those needs, Booker T. Washington High School provides
a flexible education program and a supportive environment for a special
population of at-risk adolescents. Each individual student’s circumstances
will be considered in tailoring the academic plan required for successful
completion of high school and the pursuit of post high school goals.
Up
Vigo County School Corporation
Aims and Goals
Aim 1 – Student Learning:
Strategic Goals:
· Clear, rigorous, relevant, and high academic
standards for all students in every grade.
· All stakeholders accept continuous improvement
for each student, as well as the education system as a whole.
· All students reading at or above grade level
by the end of the third grade.
· All students in attendance every school day.
Aim 2 – Increase Teacher/Staff Quality, Recruitment and Evaluation:
Strategic Goals:
· A system with high standards of accountability
and responsibility for all school district employees.
· Highly qualified, competent, and caring staff
in all positions.
· A continuous improvement system that empowers
and engages leaders and stakeholders to create a shared vision for the improvement
of education at all levels.
· System of continuous learning and professional
development to support
high performance
of all employees that includes ongoing or continuous training aligned with
the state’s aims.
Aim 3 – Maintain Positive Financial Position
Strategic Goals:
· Aligning financial, personnel, and physical
plant resources so that every investment of time, energy, effort, and funding
maximizes educational achievement.
· A cost effective textbook rental program.
· To maintain the School Board mandate of an 8%
cash balance.
Aim 4 – Increase/Improve Technology
Strategic Goals:
· State of the art technology available and utilized
in the instruction of all students in all schools. Technology use
should be aligned with state and local education aims and goals.
· A coordination of all Vigo County School Corporation
technology efforts.
Aim 5 – Facilities
Strategic Goals:
· Maintain neat, clean, and safe buildings that
are welcoming.
· Ensure most efficient use of current buildings.
· Continuation of a 10 year strategic plan developed
for all facilities.
Aim 6 – Safety
Strategic Goals:
· Schools and learning facilities that are safe,
healthy, orderly, provide an environment conducive to student learning,
and appropriate behavior – free from illegal substances, and all harmful
behavior.
· Learning environments that promote citizenship
and civic responsibility, and recognize and respect individuals and cultures.
· Mutual respect expected and modeled among teachers,
students, administrators, school staff, and parents.
Up
STAFF DIRECTORY
Dr. Karen Andrews - Principal
Judi Barnes - Vocational Assistant
Heidi Carlson - Social Worker
Georgette Case - Mathematics
Christel Cooper - Cafeteria Assistant
Katy Drummy - Parent Educator
Jeri Harmon - FACS
Linda Holt - Attendance/Health Assistant
James Kendall - Social Studies
Kim Knoblock - Science/Health
Georgia Lenderman - English
Julia Miles - Custodian
Sheri Montgomery - A.L.L. Nursery Directory
Josie Newport - Reading Specialist
Cathy Nutter - A.L.L Nursery Secretary
Suzanne Radecki - English
Betty Raetz - Business
Emily Runion - Counselor
Clyde ‘Skeet’Sappingfield - Fireman/Custodian
Jeanenne Secrest - Secretary/Treasurer
Bonnie Sneed - Media Assistant
Martha Thompson - FACS/Librarian
Tanya Vire - Cafeteria Manager
Vicki Walsh - Art
Cynthia Weir - Social Studies
Up
Graduation General Requirements
To be graduated from high school, a pupil shall have completed the minimum
credits in several areas of study while in grades 9 through 12 as indicated
below.
If the student began 9th grade after August 2000 a total of 42 credits
are required to graduate. The credits required for these students
are the same required courses listed below with a total of 16 electives.
For all students that begin 9th grade August 2002 and later the following
course/credits are required:
English - 9 credits
Social Studies - 6 credits
Mathematics - 5 credits
Science - 4 credits
Health - 1 credit
Physical Ed. - 1 credit
Electives - 22 credits
Total - 48 credits
The state of Indiana requires all high school students pass the ISTEP Graduation
Qualifying Exam to be eligible to receive a high school diploma. Students
will be given several opportunities for remediation if they need to take
the test over. The test is given in September for first-time testers
and for repeat testers. The test is given in March for repeat testers
only.
Up
General Information
Supportive Services:
Nursery
Nursery services are provided by A.L.L. (Alternatives for Living and Learning,
Inc.), a nonprofit organization. Parenting students must place their
children in the nursery while attending classes. Parents have lunch
with their children daily. Due to insurance and safety reasons, parents
are not permitted to leave the school grounds without their children.
A nominal compulsory fee is charged for nursery services.
Schedule Changes:
Schedule changes will be kept to a minimum and only for valid reasons.
Schedule changes may occur only in the first two weeks of a trimester.
Up
Textbook Rentals:
Students’ book and instructional fees will appear on a copy of their schedules.
Please note: All book and instructional fees are per trimester at
Booker T. Washington High School. Each semester a billing will be
sent to the home address of fees due within approximately 3 weeks after the
beginning of the semester. Payment for these fees are made at the
main office. Please make all checks payable to Vigo County School
Corporation and if paying in cash please have the correct change available.
Forms for assistance are available. A form is given to each
student at the beginning of the school year and at the time they enroll
if a late enrollee. If you feel your family may be income eligible for
this assistance we encourage you to complete these forms and return them
promptly to the school.
The success of the book rental system depends upon the cooperation of all
students. Careless handling of books will soon break and tear the
binding. This means fewer years of use and an increase in rental costs.
Each student, therefore, is held responsible for the books rented.
A fine will be charged to those who lose or abuse school textbooks.
Up
Attendance Policy:
All students, in order to receive maximum benefits from the educational
programs of the Vigo County School Corporation, must be in attendance on all
prescribed school days except those exempt by law or policies of the school
corporation. Unexcused absences from any class (es) can result in your
withdrawal or expulsion from Booker T. Washington High School. Students
not complying with attendance policies will be withdrawn and referred to
North, South or West Vigo High School, the G.E.D. Program or McLean Education
Center.
The V.C.S.C. policies can be found in the student-parent guide for attendance
and participation as provided by the school corporation. This guide
will be given to each student at the beginning of the school year.
Booker T. Washington High School administration will hold a conference
with students and teachers
after a certain amount of days are missed that is deemed questionable.
An improvement plan will be made at that time to ensure that the student
will be more successful in school attendance.
All absences should be reported to the school by 9:00AM. The number
to call is 462-4427. The nursery office is 462-4349. Parenting
students are required to call the nursery if their child will not be in
attendance.
Remember, you lose hours of class time for all absences due to doctor,
dental, or legal appointments. Make every attempt to schedule you
appointments on Friday or after 2:20 PM.
Absences due to child delivery will be discussed with each individual student.
To be able to return to school after delivery, it is necessary to bring
a written statement from the doctor stating that mother and/or child may
return.
Up
Students Under Sixteen Years of Age:
Regular school attendance is a requirement for student sixteen or under.
The Attendance Department of the Vigo County School Corporation has specific
rules that have to be followed, and they will monitor all students’ attendance.
Poor attendance may result in being referred to the juvenile justice system.
Regular school attendance is one of the most important aspects of Booker
T. Washington High School.
Tardy Policy:
Students must get a late pass from the health office
or nursery office before entering class. If a student is late for
class, he/she should go directly to the health office for a pass. The
teachers will admit students to class, but the student should enter the class
in a non-disruptive manner and be responsible for their own notes, etc. that
were missed.
If a student has five tardies and his/her class grade is affected by the
tardies, the counselor will be notified and an arrangement will be made
to review his/her schedule.
Make-Up Test:
A student without an approved absence on the day of a scheduled test will
not be allowed to make up the test.
Up
Cafeteria Program
A breakfast and lunch program is available at Booker T. Washington High
School. Serving time for breakfast is 7:45 to 8:15AM.
Payment is to be made in the cafeteria when picking up the breakfast/lunch.
All food must be eaten in the cafeteria, or designated area. Students
desiring to bring lunch may, with permission, use the refrigerator in the
Foods classroom.
Care of the Building:
During the school day, as well as after-school activities, students are
expected to treat the building and its contents with care and respect.
Students should remember they are setting examples
for their children, so please show appreciation to the community by taking
pride in the appearance and care of the building. Help keep our campus
attractive by picking up paper and litter.
Up
Closing of School:
In the event of inclement weather or another emergency, students should
listen to the local TV and radio stations for school closing information.
Booker T. Washington High School closes when all other Vigo County Schools
are closed.
NOTE: Any lost school days are required to be made up. These will
be announced as needed.
Student Driving and Parking:
Drivers should avoid driving past the entrances since we have small children
on school grounds. A speed limit of 10 mph must be observed.
Parking is permitted on the north and south lots and along the streets, on
the school side of the street. Parking on the Hyte Center parking lot
or along their side of the street is prohibited. At your expense, the
Hyte Center may tow your car for parking in these areas.
Students may NOT go to their cars during the school day without principal
permission. If you drive to school, your car is subject to searches.
Up
Personal Appearance:
Personal appearance should not disrupt the educational process, call undue
attention to the individual, violate federal, state or local health and
obscenity laws, or affect the welfare and safety of the student or his/her
classmates.
· No hats or head coverings will be worn in the
school building during the school day. This includes both male and
female students.
· Shirts and blouses should be worn that are
appropriate for school, not beach or sunbathing. Tank/tube/crop tops
are NOT considered appropriate for school. No shirts with thin straps may
be worn without a shirt over them.
· Shirts and blouses with printed statements should
show good taste.
· Shoes are to be worn in the building. No ‘flip
flops’ or house slippers are to be worn.
· Shorts may be worn if fingertips reach the bottom
of the shorts while standing with both arms at sides.
· No torn or ripped jeans are to be worn to school.
· The physical educational class will be required
to wear appropriate clothing as designated by the instructor at the beginning
of each trimester.
· No sagging pants, shorts, or skirts. This
clothing will be worn at the waistline.
· No facial earrings (or similar items) are to
be worn. You will be asked to remove any such item on the first offense.
On the second offense the principal will retain the item until the end of
the trimester. This includes eyebrow, tongue, lips, nose or any other
area of the face. This rule is in effect at Booker T. Washington High
School because of the nursery children. We feel this is in the best
interest of the children for health and safety reasons.
Students not complying with the dress code, and at the discretion of the
principal or principal designee will be subject to disciplinary action or
transferred back to their home school.
Up
Bullying:
Bullying another student will be grounds for disciplinary action ranging
from direction/correction to suspension to expulsion. Bullying is
defined as overt, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written
communication transmitted; physical act committed; or any other behaviors
committed by a student or group of students against another student with
the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate or harm the other student.
Display of Affection:
Students are expected to use good judgment and good taste in their affectionate
expressions in school. Any behavior more demonstrative than hand holding
will be subject to challenge.
Field Trips:
Signed consent forms for all students must be on file before a trip.
Parenting students, please check with the Nursery Supervisor for childcare
information.
Fire and Disaster Drills:
Fire and disaster drills will be held regularly during the school year.
Fire and disaster drill instructions are posted in each area and each classroom
of the building. Special arrangements will be practiced with the nursery
to insure the safety of your children. Absolute quiet must prevail
in the building during the drills in order that any directions given for
the safety of students may be heard and understood.
Up
Student Illness:
Students who become ill during the school day must report to the health
assistant in the health room (clinic). Students too ill to continue
in classes must make arrangements to go home until able to return and attend
classes.
Student Lockers:
Lockers are located in the hallway in the lower level and on the top floor.
Students will be assigned a
locker when they enroll. Students will be given a copy of their
locker number and combination. It is the students’ responsibility to
ensure that no one else uses their locker.
The students’ use of the locker does not diminish the school corporation’s
ownership or control of the locker. The school corporation retains
the right to inspect the locker and its contents to insure that the locker
is being used in accordance with its intended purpose. The school
must eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt
to locate lost or stolen materials and prevent use of the locker to store
prohibited or dangerous materials, such as weapons, illegal drugs or alcohol.
Up
No Smoking/Tobacco Policy:
Smoking or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited at Booker T. Washington
High School (as well as all Vigo County Schools). Students shall NOT
use tobacco in any form on the school grounds. Violation of the NO
smoking policy may result in suspension or withdrawal from Booker T. Washington
High School.
Hyte Center has asked that our students refrain from smoking on the street
or sidewalk areas around their grounds. Please abide by this request
at all times.
Withdrawal Procedures:
If a student wishes to withdraw from school, it is mandatory to notify
the office. Also, any student UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST RECEIVE PARENTAL
PERMISSION AND PARTICIPATE WITH THEIR PARENTS IN AN EXIT INTERVIEW WITH
SCHOOL.
OFFICALS. Students must clear up all business, such as payment of
fees and returning of books and materials at the time of withdrawal.
Change of Address:
If for any reason a student has a change of address, phone number or legal
name, please notify the office as soon as possible. If a student marries
and wants to use their married name, she must submit a request in writing
and provide a copy of her marriage license to our office (this is a VCSC
policy).
Up
Student Message Board:
The student message board is located on the main floor, north end.
All student in-coming calls will be posted on this message board.
It is your responsibility to check daily. Only REAL EMERGENCY messages
will be brought to the student. Appointment changes, rides home, job
calls, etc. may be missed if not checked daily. Remember THIS IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY.
Lost & Found:
Inquiries concerning misplaced articles should be directed to the main
office immediately. Any found items should be brought to the office.
Electronic Devices:
Students are NOT to bring electronic devices to school (this includes beepers,
radios. CD/tape players, or any similar device). Having such items
inside the school may result in the student’s expulsion. If a student
is in possession of any such device, he/she will be required to bring it
to the office and the student’s parent/guardian must come to the school to
collect the device.
Up
Cell Phone Policy:
A student may possess a cell phone/paging device in school, on school property,
at after school activities and at school related functions, provided that
during school hours and on a school bus the cell phone/paging device remains
off and out of sight. Cell phone/pagers are to remain turned off and
out of sight from the time a student enters the building upon arrival at
school for the start of their school day until the end of the school day
dismissal bell.
A student possessing a cell phone/paging device shall assume responsibility
for its care. At no time will the school or the Vigo County School
Corporation be responsible for preventing theft, loss, or damage to cell
phones/paging devices brought onto its property.
Violation of the cell phone policy may result in confiscation of the device.
Repeated violation of the cell phone policy may lead to suspension from
school.
For further information on this policy please refer to the V.C.S.C. ‘Cell
Phone Policy’ sheet you have received.
Up
Sales/Solicitation:
Students are not allowed to sell tickets and/or merchandise of any type
without permission being granted by the principal.
Student Medication:
Any student seeking medication or first aid must come to the health office.
Also, any student bringing medication to school must take it to the health
assistant in the health office where it will be kept during the day.
Please bring ONLY what is required for the school day, not the entire prescription.
Visitors:
VISITORS ARE PROHIBITED. Visitors are prohibited unless arrangements
have been made previously with the office. This is for the protection
and safety of students and their children.
Any non-student entering the building must report to the principal’s office
and state their business. Please discourage friends and family from
coming to see you during the school day unless an immediate emergency exists.
Locating students is both disruptive to the classroom and you the student.
Up
Use of Telephone:
Students who need to use a telephone, for emergency/high priority phone
calls only, should report to the health assistant’s office. With her
permission, a call may be placed.
Report Cards:
Official report cards will be issued according to the VCSC calendar for
high schools. Usually, students receive their report cards approximately
one week after the trimester ends.
Final Exams:
Final exams are given at the end of each trimester. They are required
in all courses.
School Colors:
School colors are burgundy, white and black.
School Emblem:
Students chose the Phoenix as their school emblem. The ancient Egyptians
said this mythological bird flew into the fire and arose from the ashes
of its own destruction. The Phoenix represents rebirth and renewal
and is, therefore, an appropriate symbol for our students, all of who are
making a new beginning at Booker T. Washington High School.
Up
School Motto:
“A New Beginning” is Booker T. Washington High School motto.
Graduation:
Booker T. Washington High School conducts commencement exercises at the
end of each school year. Graduating seniors are encouraged to participate.
Booker T. Washington High School is a fully accredited high school through
the Indiana State Department of Education. All students graduating
from Booker T. Washington High School will receive a Booker T. Washington
High School diploma.
Diplomas will be mailed upon request. Students need to provide a
current mailing address: P.O. Box numbers cannot be accepted.
Guidance and Counseling:
The Guidance Office is open to all students any time during the school
day. Students will find an abundance of information dealing with educational
choices, vocations, and personal adjustments. Counseling or assistance
in finding pertinent information is always available. This office
is available for one reason—to aid students.
Guidance activities also consist of giving standardized tests. Students
will find this information useful in planning their futures.
Helping students deal with personal and family problems is one of the main
goals of the guidance office. Students should feel free to come on
either a pre-scheduled or walk-in basis.
Students will report to the counselor for class scheduling or schedule
concerns.
Group counseling is also conducted by the school counselor and by outside
agencies who are professionals in the topics to be covered by the group.
Up
Home