Holton Public Schools An Online Virtual Academy Hybrid Pilot Program Student and Parent Handbook 2013-2014 8897 Holton Duck Lake Rd. Holton, MI 49425 Phone: (231) 821-1700 Fax: (231) 821-1724 Website: http://www.holtonschools.com
School Mission It is the mission of Holton Public Schools to provide the students of our district with a high quality and rigorous 21 st century learning experience, that is engaging, yet personalized, while providing flexibility to students, to ensure that we meet the needs of individual students within our school district. Learning in a Hybrid Model - The online virtual learning program created through Holton Public Schools is intended to be a hybrid high school experience that will include components of both online learning, as well as with face to face interactions each week with the student s assigned mentor. Students will have access to the learning environment 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Unlike traditional high school, you will only visit campus for student mentoring support with your coursework, while completing the rest of your coursework through an online virtual course provider. During the time that is spent on site, you will receive help on assignments, take part in learning assignments that are best suited for a face to face setting, and will complete assessments that are required to be proctored. Learning in a hybrid model such as this can be challenging for some individuals and may not necessarily be suited to meet the needs of all students. Holton High School Handbook This handbook and document is meant to serve as an addendum to the Holton High School Handbook. All policies presented within the Holton High School Handbook will apply to students attending the online virtual academy hybrid program, where applicable. Accessing Your Course To access your course, you must first complete the registration and orientation process so that you can be registered for the appropriate courses. Upon doing so, you will be issued login credentials where you may access your online hybrid course through the online course provider. Students may select from a series of differentiated courses based upon their reading level, all of which are highly aligned to the Michigan Merit Curriculum and the Common Core State Standards, as required by state law. Students may select from Foundations, Literacy Advantage, Core, or Honors courses based upon need and assessment scores. Graduation Requirements: Language Arts: (4 Credits) Mathematics: (4 Credits) - Including the successful completion of at least algebra 1, geometry, and algebra 2, and an additional math credit, or a retake of algebra 2. A pupil must successfully complete a math or math-related credit during his or her final year of high school. Science: (3 Credits) - Including the successful completion of 1 credit of biology, ½ credit of chemistry, ½ credit of physics, an additional ½ credit of either chemistry or physics, and an additional ½ credit of science. Physical science can also be used to satisfy this requirement. Social Studies: (3 Credits) - Including completion of at least 1 credit in United States history, 1 credit in world history, ½ credit in economics, and ½ credit in government. Visual, Performing, & Applied Arts: (1 Credit) - Including the completion of at least 1 credit from one of the following: art appreciation or music appreciation. Physical Education/Health: (1 Credit)
World Language: (2 Credits) Students may select from French of Spanish. Other world language selections may be possible upon request. Career Foundations and Exploration: (2 credits) Includes work experience and job training for work place readiness, college application and readiness, or military assessment and readiness. The online course or learning experience required of students by the Michigan Merit Curriculum for students in grades 7-12 is considered to be fulfilled through standard programming for all enrolled students in this program. Credits Total: 19 Credits Course Offerings: English / Language Arts (4 credits) English Foundations English I: Introduction to Literature /Composition English II: Critical Reading and Effective Writing English III: American Literature English IV: British and World Literature Reading and Writing Skills and Strategies Mathematics (4 credits) Math Foundations Algebra I Science (3 credits) Science Foundations Physical Science Social Studies World Language PE / Health (3 credits) (2 credits) (1 credit) US History French I Physical Education World History Algebra II Biology Government and Politics Geometry Chemistry US and Global Economics Personal Finance and Financial Literacy Pre-calculus Physics Earth Science Geography and World Cultures Sociology French II Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Skills for Health Visual, Performing, Applied Art (1 credit) Art Appreciation Music Appreciation Career Foundations and Exploration (1 credit) Career Preparation I Career Preparation II Transferring students: Any student enrolling in a seat-time waiver program through Holton Public Schools must meet minimum credit requirements for each grade level as transferred: 10th grade: transfer a minimum of 5 credits 11th grade: transfer a minimum of 10 credits 12th grade: transfer a minimum of 15 credits Any student transferring from another school will be assigned to the next grade level as last attended in grades 9-12. Trimester credits will be adjusted to semester credits when transferred to Holton s online virtual program.
Assessments: A pupil must complete all of the Michigan Merit Examination (MME) related assessments in order to be granted a diploma from Holton Public Schools. A pupil must complete the state assessments, as well as those administered by Holton Public Schools for all required courses, in order to be granted credit for those required courses. Credit for Junior High Classes: If a pupil successfully completes 1 or more of the high school Math, Science, or Foreign Language credits before entering high school, the pupil shall be given high school credit (CR) for that course. Academic Programming: Students must have a full schedule of courses in order to participate in our seat-time waiver program. Non-public, or homeschooled students, may take a maximum of 2 courses through Holton using the seat-time waiver. These courses must be non-essential as determined by the State of Michigan and Holton Public Schools Board of Education. Student Commitment: It is expected that the student will: Be committed to the course(s), adhere to the course schedule as prescribed, and understand that drops will be allowed only as outlined by the district and online provider. Work according to the pacing guides in order to complete the requirements of the course. Follow all other rules as specified by the district, mentor teacher and online teacher. Agree and adhere to the online learning contract. Mentor Requirements: In accordance with Holton Public Schools seat-time waiver and the Michigan Department of Education Pupil Accounting Manual 5-O-B, a teacher certified by the State of Michigan and employed by Holton Public Schools, will serve as a mentor teacher. The mentor teacher shall meet with or have weekly two-way communication with each student enrolled in the program. The mentor teacher assigned may also be the teacher of record. Holton Public Schools Transcript & Grading System: All final scores provided by online instructors will be converted to a letter grade as per the Holton Public Schools grade scale as listed below. Grades will be entered into PowerSchool and posted on the learner's transcript; included will also be the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). The following decimals are used in determining the GPA of a student: A 4.0 (94%-100%) A- 3.667 (90%-93%) B+ 3.333 (87%-89%) B 3.0 (84%-86%) B- 2.667 (80%-83%) C+ 2.333 (77%-79%) C 2.0 (74%-76%) C- 1.667 (70%-73%) D+ 1.333 (67%-69%) D 1.0 (64%-66%) D- 0.667 (60%-63%) E 0 (59% or less) If an incomplete grade (I) is issued for a course, the student then has four weeks following the end of the semester to satisfy the course requirements (or submit work to be graded) to the instructor. Failure to do so by the deadline will result in the replacement of the incomplete (I) with a failing letter grade of an (E). Awarding of Credit: In concurrence with the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum legislation, a student will be awarded credit for a course by achieving a C+ (77%) or better on the
final exam. While a student may earn credit for a course in this manner, the final semester grade issued by the teacher will be placed on the transcript and utilized for cumulative GPA tabulation. Testing Out Course Waiver Policy: This policy has been enacted to allow students who wish to waive a course to do so by showing competency in that course. This competency can be shown through a variety of means, but will generally be earned by taking the final exam for the course and earning at least a C+. The intent of this policy is to allow students the opportunity to test out of a course for which they feel they already possess the knowledge or skills to pass. Students who earn a C+ or better on the final exam of a course will be considered to have met course completion requirement and will receive credit to be applied toward the 20 credits required to graduate. Exams will be administered during the regularly scheduled exam week at Holton High School. Students who wish to take end of course exams must sign up in online virtual learning classroom with the program coordinator at least two weeks (2) prior to taking the assessment(s). Credit earned through the waiver policy will not be factored into GPA. Post-Secondary Enrollment Options: During the school year, students have the option of taking college courses if the following requirements and conditions are met: The student shall not have been enrolled in the program for more than 4 school years (grades 9-12) including the year the student seeks to enroll in a post-secondary course. The student must have achieved a qualifying score on the ACT Plan (Math-18, Reading-17, Science-19, English-21) or PSAT assessment (Reading-44, Writing- 49, Math- 45) or, The student must have achieved a qualifying score in all subject areas of the Michigan Merit Examination (MME), or, If the student has not achieved a qualifying score in all subject areas of the MME, the student may enroll in a course in the subject area for which he or she has achieved a qualifying score, in computer science, world language not offered by the school district, or in fine arts as permitted by the school district. The course offered by an eligible postsecondary institution is not offered by the school district in which the student is enrolled. The course may not be a hobby craft or recreational course and must be in an area other than physical education, theology, divinity, or religious education. At the time a student enrolls in the course, he or she shall designate whether the course is for high school credit, postsecondary credit, or both. Course Materials: Related course materials will be issued when appropriate to students for use in their classes. With the exception of expendable items, such as workbooks, practice sets, etc., these items become the responsibility of the student but remain the property of the school district. The books and materials must be returned upon completion of the course or if the student withdraws from school at any time during the year. Students are expected to return the books and materials in as good a condition as when issued. If a book shows signs of careless use or abuse, the student will be fined for the damage at the discretion of the school. Materials that are lost must be replaced at the end of the year at the expense of the student. Retaking a Course: Students will be allowed to retake a course with the grade earned the second time through the course replacing the original grade in the compilation of the cumulative GPA. Students must request, in writing, and require the approval of the principal. The principal s decision will be based on the following considerations: The intent of this policy is to allow students who did
not master the material in a course the first time, a second opportunity to learn the material. Students will not be allowed to retake a course if they received a C- or better the 1st time the course was taken. Academic Honesty Policy: Holton Public Schools is committed to helping students grow intellectually, emotionally and socially. In keeping with this mission, academic honesty and integrity are expected of all. Academic dishonesty adversely impacts the individual student and Holton Public School s commitment to maintain a safe, fair and positive program. Each student is responsible for his/her own ethical behavior, and for fostering ethical behavior in others. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: The unauthorized representation of another s work as one s own (plagiarism). Borrowing from print or electronically published material, either directly quoted or paraphrased, without including proper citations. Knowingly providing one s work to another student who then copies or presents the work as his/her own. Using materials or electronic devices not approved during tests, quizzes and other assessments. o 1st Offense Loss of grade for assignment; Parent informed. o 2nd Offense Loss of grade for assignment; A conference is held with parents and program coordinator; Possible failure of course. o 3rd Offense Automatic course failure; Loss of credit of course and removal from program. Attendance Policy: Attendance is performance based and will be monitored daily through login information provided within online provider s system. Hours logged into the system will be tracked and used to further monitor attendance and participation. Students are required to login to their courses and adhere to the timelines established for completion. Students must login during the State of Michigan count periods in the fall and the spring of each year, as instructed by the program coordinator. Weekly mentor contact is mandatory. Students will be expected to attend based upon the schedule provided by the program coordinator. Attendance at the learning lab sessions on campus are considered mandatory and any absences must be arranged with the program coordinator so that the time can be made up. Students must be in good standing, be passing their coursework, and logging into each course at least 5 hours per week. Failure to comply with the program attendance requirements may result in removal from the program and recommendation to the Muskegon County truancy court. Student Parking: All students and visitors must park their vehicles in the parking lot immediately across the building on 4 th Street. All motor vehicle rules and regulations, as outlined in the Holton High School Handbook, will be enforced. Student Sign-In / Sign-Out: Upon arriving at school, and at departure time, students are required to sign-in and sign-out according to procedures set forth by the program coordinator. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
Acceptable Use Policy and Online Access: All students taking online classes are expected to conduct their communications in a professional, respectful manner. The proper use of Internet etiquette is expected at all times. Students are expected to follow the Holton Public Schools Internet User Participation Agreement, even when working through a private Internet provider in the home. School issued Gmail is not private and is for educational use. The following will be addressed by administration upon notification by online instructors, parents, students, or any other person: Cyber-Bullying: The use of electronic information and communication devices, to include but not be limited to: e-mail messages, instant messaging, text messaging, cellular telephone communications, Internet blogs, Internet/course chat rooms, Internet postings, and defamatory websites, that: 1. Deliberately threatens, harasses, intimidates an individual or group of individuals; or 2. Places an individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual, including family members, or damage to the individual s property; or 3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the online course/school. Inappropriate Usage: This is included in the use of any Holton Public Schools issued computer, online course, school Gmail account, social media associated with Holton Public Schools and students of Holton Public Schools, as well as on campus usage. Violations include, but are not limited to: posting inappropriate language, pornographic material, inappropriate information, and any other type of unacceptable communication. Violations of the Acceptable Internet & Online Use Policy will be addressed by administration and may also include the notification of the Muskegon County Sheriff s Department. Depending on the severity of the violation, administration will exercise discretion as to the consequence assigned to a student, which may include removal from the seat-time waiver program.
ONLINE VIRTUAL ACADEMY HYBRID PILOT PROGRAM Seat-Time Waiver Program Online Learning Contract Introduction Welcome to online virtual learning with Holton Public Schools. Participation in this hybrid pilot program has similar requirements to other courses at Holton Public Schools. Students are bound by the standards set forth by the Board of Education within the student handbook, as governed by Board of Education policy. Holton Public Schools, with approval from the Michigan Department of Education, possesses the ability to operate a local district seat time waiver. In doing so, this allows for a unique and individualized academic program. Certain standards and behaviors are expected for all students enrolled in the online virtual program, as it is a privilege to participate in this program. Attendance Regular and prompt attendance is essential for student academic success in an online environment. Each student will be expected to comply with the attendance requirements outlined below: 1. The student will adhere to the school s timelines for completion of course requirements. 2. It is recommended that the student spend at least one hour a day per online course. 3. It is expected that the student will log in to course(s) on certain days as required, including the State of Michigan count periods. 4. Attendance for weekly mentor contact is mandatory. If an absence, or missed communication is unavoidable and reasonable, the student must communicate with the mentor prior to the scheduled weekly contact/communication and reschedule it at the mentor s convenience. 5. If a student misses more than two (2) weekly contacts/communications per term, that student may be subject to removal from the program. Student Commitment It is expected that each student enrolled in the online virtual program will: 1. Be committed to the course(s), adhere to the course schedules as prescribed, and communicate with course instructor(s) and the mentor teacher on a regular basis. 2. Work according to curriculum documents, pacing guides, and course syllabi in order to complete the requirements of each course that the student is enrolled in. 3. Refrain from inappropriate use of information with any online course. 4. Follow all other rules as specified by Holton Public Schools, the student s mentor, and online instructor provided by the virtual program. Parent/Guardian Commitment It is expected that the parents /guardians participation in a student s education will help determine his/her likelihood of success. Therefore, parents/guardians are expected to monitor and support the child in his/her studies, agree to be accessible to the mentor to discuss the student s progress, and
promote good attendance and time management of the student s participation. The parent/guardian must maintain reasonable Internet availability for the student and contact Holton Public Schools immediately if there is difficulty with access during the school year. Acceptable Use Policy It is the responsibility of the student to know the contents of any Acceptable Use Policies, as well as the student handbook for Holton Middle/High School. Anything that students do in the course(s) taken can be retrieved and monitored by the mentor/coordinator/instructor at any time. Tests/Exams The online provider may require some of the tests/exams to be proctored by the mentor or other responsible adult. Arrangements will be made with the mentor as needed. Students enrolled full-time in the district seat time waiver program must take the grade appropriate state assessment exam. Course Costs Holton Public Schools will cover the cost of approved online courses taken during the 2013-14 school year if the student is registered in the district (up to 6 courses per semester). Failure to meet the guidelines for attendance in this contract will result in reimbursement to Holton Public Schools of the costs incurred. Contract Violation 1st Offense Verbal warning; Parents notified. 2nd Offense Written warning; Parents will be notified with possible removal from the program. Student Acknowledgment and Understanding As a student enrolled in a seat time waiver program, I am aware that it is a privilege to participate in this program and, therefore, I am expected to adhere to the highest codes of conduct and integrity. I have read, understand, and acknowledge all the expectations and the policy as set forth in this document. I agree to abide by the guidelines as stated. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment and Understanding I have read and understand the policies and stated expectations for my child and agree to support the seat time waiver program expectations. I understand that participation in my student s education will help determine his/her likelihood of success in the program. Therefore I will monitor and support my student in his/her studies. I agree to be accessible and readily available to the mentor to discuss my student s progress and development. I understand time managements and attendance is vital to the student s success. I understand acceptance into this program is a privilege and my child must maintain the contracts and program policies in order to remain enrolled. Failure to follow these policies may result in dismissal from the program. Parent/Guardian Signature Date
ONLINE VIRTUAL ACADEMY HYBRID PILOT PROGRAM Academic Benchmarks and Requirements for Full Time Students Holton Public Schools is committed to high academic standards and will require seat time waiver students to validate their learning by the following assessments as required in the Michigan Department of Education Pupil Accounting Manual (5-O-B: Seat Time Waiver): 1. Grade Appropriate Assessment Pupils enrolling in a Holton seat time waiver program must take the grade appropriate state assessment exam. 2. Michigan Merit Examination (MME/ACT) Pupils enrolled in Holton s online virtual academy seat time waiver program, and are at junior status, must take the MME/ACT as scheduled by the Department of Education s Office of Assessment and Accountability. Holton Public Schools will provide a student with the testing materials at a location and time to be announced. Students will be notified of the dates and location of the appropriate testing, and will be responsible to be in attendance for the appropriate exams. State assessments are required for: Grades 6: Social Studies Grades 6-7-8: Reading (2 days) Grades 6-7-8: Math Grade 7: Writing (2 days) Grade 8: Science Grade 9: Social Studies Grade 11: Michigan Merit Exam (3 days)/act Student & Parent/Guardian Acceptance of Academic Benchmarks Requirements as stated Parent/Guardian: Student: Date: Date:
ONLINE VIRTUAL ACADEMY HYBRID PILOT PROGRAM Internet User Participation Agreement The goal of participation in the Internet is to assist in the collaboration and exchange of information between and among students and staff members and other members of the Holton Public Schools community. The intent of this policy is to comply with the Holton Public Schools Acceptable Use of Technology Policy (Board Policy #7540.03), and the stated purposes and acceptable use policies of any other networks utilized. This acceptable use agreement applies to all users accessing the network and equipment at Holton Public Schools, both on-site as well as off-site. Users have access to the Internet to facilitate diversity and personal growth in technology, information gathering skills, and communication skills. Users are responsible for all material sent and received under their user account. Users must understand that use of school email and Internet is not private, is for educational use, and can and will be monitored. This school account should not be used for personal or private email or other Internet use. Any violations of the use of Internet should be reported to the mentor or program director assigned to the user, or by contacting the Technology Department at Holton Public Schools. Users will accept the responsibility of keeping copyrighted software of any kind from entering the local/wide area network via the Internet. Users may not use any means to access pornographic material, inappropriate text files (such as, but not limited to, threatening, abusive, intimidating information, etc.), or files dangerous to the integrity of the local/wide area network or the Internet. It is the user s responsibility to maintain the integrity of the electronic mail system. The user has the responsibility to report all violations of privacy. Users have the responsibility to make only those contacts leading to some justifiable personal growth on the Internet. The user is also responsible for making sure all e-mail sent or received by him/her does not contain pornographic material, inappropriate material, inappropriate information, or text-encoded files that are potentially dangerous to the integrity of the Internet. Users who violate the policies of Holton Public Schools will have their account privileges discontinued and may face other actions as deemed necessary by the administration of Holton Public Schools. By signing below, I am agreeing to abide by the Holton Public Schools Acceptable Use of Technology Policy (Board Policy #7540.03). Student Signature Printed Name Date Parent Signature Printed Name Date