Revised 12, 2012 STUDENT HANDBOOK

Revised 12, 2012 STUDENT HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION: elearning East and West offer a unique opportunity to students with 12 or more credits who are not successful in the traditional high school setting or who have dropped out of school and want to return for their high school diploma. When requirements for graduation are met and a post-graduation plan is developed and implemented, students will receive a diploma from their zoned high school. The curriculum offers computer-based instruction, individual work, employability skills training, on-the-job training, community service, Volusia Virtual courses, and dual enrollment. elearning East and West are Volusia County Public Schools and follow the Volusia County Schools calendar, except for early-release Wednesdays which are not offered at elearning. elearning East is located at Atlantic High School. elearning West is located at University High School. The schools will be closed in times of emergencies when Volusia County Schools are closed. Students follow the district s Code of Student Conduct and elearning Student Handbook and Policy Manual. Certified teachers provide both live classroom instruction and instruction through Volusia Virtual School. Virtual teachers communicate with students through email, instant messaging, and online office hours. Individualized learning plans and progress monitoring fosters positive student/teacher relationships in our small learning community. We believe that all students will learn in our unique learning culture. Eligibility Criteria Attempted at least 2 years of traditional high school Earned 12 or more credits Passed 10 th grade FCAT Counselor referral for current Volusia County School students Meet at-risk/dropout criteria COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS While enrolled in e-learning, students will complete the coursework necessary to obtain their diplomas. Twenty four (24) credits, a 2.0 GPA, and passing the required Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and/or end-of-course exams are basic diploma requirements. Our school also requires students to be enrolled in applied vocational training either through cooperative work experience with employers, dual enrollment credit classes at Daytona State College, a Volusia Virtual course, or through an approved volunteer position. I. WORK EXPERIENCE/VOLUNTEER WORK If students do not attend school on a given day, they may NOT work that day unless approval is received from the administrator. elearning Time Cards It is the student s responsibility to ensure he/she is working the correct number of hours and that his/her time card is filled out correctly. Time cards need to be totaled, verified by the student s supervisor, and signed by both the student and the supervisor (name must be listed on the Signature Verification Form). The student s completed time card must be submitted to the Instructor on the FIRST CLASS DAY OF EACH MONTH and no later than the 5 th day of the month.

Work Documents Work documents consist of three papers: Work Agreement, Training Agreement, and the Signature Verification Form. These forms must be reissued when there has been a job/internship change and at the beginning of each new school year. Documents must be completed and turned in on the due date. Student hours will not start until all documents have been completed and submitted. II. DUAL ENROLLMENT CREDIT Students may request permission to attend classes at Daytona State College (DSC) under a dual credit system. Credit is earned toward a high school diploma and held for college credit until the student enters college. Students must meet Volusia County Schools guidelines for admission to dual enrollment. III. POST-GRADUATION PLACEMENT PLAN Students will work with the guidance counselor and/or their instructor on post-graduation plans. elearning personnel will refer students to the appropriate services and assist with career planning. IV. GRADUATION Diplomas are issued by the zoned high schools in May/June each year. Students who complete their graduation requirements before May/June may use their transcripts as proof of graduation. Transcripts may be obtained from the zoned high school registrar two weeks after completion of e-learning courses. Students may participate in their zoned high school s graduation ceremony if they participate in graduation rehearsal. It is the responsibility of the student to contact his/her zoned school activity director in regards to all upcoming graduation events including ordering his/her cap, gown and graduation supplies POLICIES & PROCEDURES V. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday Friday: Session 1 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Session 2 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Students are required to attend their assigned sessions every day. Exceptions will be made for dualenrolled students. elearning follows the Volusia County Schools calendar with the exception of early release Wednesdays. VI. ATTENDANCE: Students may request a time track according to their individualized needs; however, students must be prepared to accept the time track that is assigned every day without absence and to be on time each day. If students become ill at school, a parent/guardian will be contacted. Students may not sign out or leave for any reason without approval. If students must miss school unexpectedly, they are required to call the school each day they are absent. A phone call from a parent/guardian/self is required for the absence to be considered excused. A doctor s note may be required. Front desk personnel may also confirm absences with a parent/guardian. Should a student need to be absent for a reason other than illness, such as an appointment, the student/parent/guardian should notify school personnel. Each situation will be considered individually. Excessive absences will require an attendance contract and could be grounds for dismissal from the program.

VII. PROGRESS MONITORING Staff will closely monitor the academic progress of each student to assure s/he remains on track. Students lagging behind may be placed on an academic contract. VIII. DAILY BREAKS One, short break is provided during each session. Students must remain on campus. Personal visitors/friends are not permitted. IX. DRESS CODE Students will follow the Volusia County Schools District-wide Dress Code Policy located online at http://myvolusiaschools.org under the Parents and Students tab/parent Links/Back to School Guide. The instructor or an e-learning representative will make the final decision regarding what is or is not appropriate dress. Students dressed inappropriately may be sent home. X. PARKING/DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP Student parking is provided. Students are required to display a parking pass provided by the school. Drop-off and pickup are in front of the main entrance of each facility. XI. STUDENT IDENTIFICATION All elearning students will be issued a student ID upon entry into the program. Students must have ID visible while on campus. XII. INJURIES/ILLNESS Trained personnel on staff are available to administer first aid for minor issues. Emergency medical personnel will be called when there is an indication of serious injury or illness. Parents/guardians will be notified of any injury or illness. XIII. MEDICATION An authorization form shall be completed by the parent/guardian for each prescription medication that students must take during the school session. The elearning administrator or designee will provide an authorization form upon request. Each prescription medication administered must be prescribed by a duly licensed medical practitioner authorized by the laws of Florida to prescribe such medications. It must be brought to school in the original container labeled by the pharmacy or prescribing physician with the following information. 1. Name of student 2. Name of prescribing physician 3. Name of medicine 4. Instructions as to dosage (amount, time and method) 5. Indication of special storage, in needed 6. Pharmacy s name, address, phone number, if applicable

Authorization for the administration of prescription medication shall expire concurrently with the prescription. Remember, students cannot give any medication, prescription or over-the-counter medicine to other students. All medications, including over-the-counter medicines (Tylenol, Advil, etc.), are considered drugs in the school setting. XIV. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Emergency procedures will be followed in accordance with Volusia County Schools guidelines. A classroom copy is available for review. XV. ELECTRONIC USAGE AGREEMENT Turn off personal electronic devices. Become familiar with and adhere to Volusia County Schools Electronic Information Services Acceptable Use Agreement, located in the back of this handbook. Electronic devices not directly related to instruction are to be kept turned off and out of sight. XVI. CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT Enrollment at elearning East and elearning West is a privilege. In order to maintain e-learning s ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service, we reserve the right to remove anyone whose behavior impedes the environment of our school, or who threatens the life or liberty of individuals on school property. By registering, students assume the responsibility of becoming familiar with, and abiding by, the Volusia County Schools Code of Student Conduct and Discipline. The Code is attached and also may be found at http://myvolusiaschools.org under the Parents and Students tab/vcs Policies and Procedures.

ELECTRONIC INFORMATION SERVICES ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT FOR STUDENTS

Volusia County Schools provides your student with access to Electronic Information Services (EIS) through the use of VCS computers and/or other electronic devices. Use of EIS is a privilege, not a right. A. General Notice The use of EIS can put new and exciting resources at the fingertips of both students and teachers. Due to the fundamental lack of restrictions on the Internet, parents, teachers and students should be aware that there is a possibility of accessing information that has not been screened by educators and that may not be consistent with other district policies. Individual users will be held responsible for their use of EIS. All students and their parents/guardians shall be required to sign and return an acceptable use agreement provided by the school prior to using EIS. B. Specific Provisions on Use of Equipment and Services All students must agree to adhere to the following requirements: 1. All student use of EIS shall be in accordance with school board policy, the code of conduct, other rules that the individual school may have that supplement school board policy, and the instructions given to the student(s) by staff. 2. The student is responsible for good behavior on the school computer system, just as he/she is while at school or any school district activity. School board policy and school rules for behavior and communications apply. 3. The student shall use EIS for educational purposes only. 4. The student will not access or attempt to access information that is not authorized for the student s access or account. 5. Students are not permitted to use EIS for commercial purposes or product advertising, unless specifically allowed by the teacher as part of the class. 6. Students are not permitted to use EIS for political lobbying or campaigning. This prohibition does not restrict communications with public officials as part of a class activity approved by the teacher. 7. Students are not permitted to access, transmit, receive, submit, or publish any defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, offensive, or illegal material, any material related to gambling, weapons or terrorist activities, or any materials involving hate speech, or to make any attempt to do so. 8. Students will not use EIS to invade the privacy of and shall not trespass into another student s or employee s folders, work, or files without proper authorization. 9. The student shall abide by all copyright laws and regulations. 10. The student shall not harm, modify, or destroy software or equipment, or interfere with system security or make any attempt to do so. 11. The student shall not introduce unauthorized software into the system. 12. The student shall not use EIS in any way that would disrupt the use of EIS by others.

13. The student shall not allow another individual to access EIS by using the student s account or password, unless the student has authorization to allow such use by others. Students are ultimately responsible for all activity under their accounts. C. Supervision Employees responsible for supervising student use of EIS will provide reasonable guidance and instruction to students on such use. No student shall be permitted to engage in interactive communication using EIS without the expressed permission of the supervising staff member. Interactive communication on the Internet by students shall be closely supervised. D. Sanctions for Misuse Any violation of this policy by a student may result in loss or limitation of use of EIS, shall be grounds for discipline under the code of student conduct and/or referral to law enforcement where appropriate under the law, and may result in the student being financially liable for the cost of improper use. Computers are provided for student use to further the educational goals of the district. To ensure students benefit from computer technology, they will adhere to the following guidelines, as well as those specified in School Board Policy 518 and other district policies and procedures governing student conduct. 1. Students will only use programs and devices selected by the teacher. 2. Students will not install or download from the Internet any software, including games, on any computers at school. 3. Students will not make any changes to desktop settings or to programs. 4. Students will save their files to a removable device unless the teacher gives other directions. 5. Students may use the Internet for only curriculum research and projects assigned by the teacher. No surfing or browsing the Internet for recreational purposes is allowed. Any inappropriate material inadvertently accessed should be reported to a teacher. 6. Students shall not visit non-district-supported chat rooms or use instant messaging without permission and direction from the teacher. Students shall not give out personal information about themselves or others. 7. Students will immediately notify the teacher if malfunctions occur in any computer, peripheral, or software. Any tampering with hardware, peripheral devices, or software will be considered vandalism and will be handled accordingly. 8. Students will use district-supported e-mail for school curriculum only, with permission and at the direction of the teacher.

I understand that failure to follow these guidelines may result in the loss of access to the network or other disciplinary action. The use of EIS is a privilege and not a right. Please review Support Services Policy 518 (reverse side). Having read this form, sign and have your son/daughter sign below to use student computers at his/her school for the years he/she is in attendance at the school listed below. Computer/Internet Use Consent Complete and return this form to student s school. STUDENT: Name (please PRINT): Student ID: School: Grade: I understand that my computer use is not private and that the District will monitor my activity on the networked communication system. I have read the Student Support Services Policy 518 (on reverse) and agree to abide by the provisions. Access to Internet sites is filtered and in compliance with CIPA. Any attempt to bypass the filter is a violation of district policies and procedures governing student conduct. I understand that violation of these provisions may result in revocation of network access or other disciplinary action. Student s Signature Date ********************************************************************************************** PARENT: By signing below, I am stating that I have read the Volusia County Schools Student Support Services Policy 518. Access to Internet sites is filtered and in compliance with CIPA. Any attempt to bypass the filter is a violation of district policies and procedures governing student conduct. Further, I certify that the information contained on this form is correct. Check only one: I give permission for my child to participate in the District s electronic information services (including Internet access). I DO NOT give permission for my child to participate in the District s electronic information services. Parent s Signature Date NOTE: It is the parent s responsibility to complete a new form if circumstances change.