North Star Online School Enrollment Application In District Students 5450 Riggins Ct Reno, NV 89502 (775) 353-6900 Fax: 775-689-2537 Thank you for your interest in North Star Online School for your student s education choice. North Star Online School is a college preparatory school. Online school students typically are motivated, independent learners who generally can advocate for themselves. As the majority of the curriculum is online, it is very important for the student to have a good reading comprehension level to be successful in an online school. Please read the entire application packet before beginning. You will need the following turned in with your application. Please use this checklist to ensure everything is included. Applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis and enrollment will be closed when capacity is met. Applications received after capacity is met will be placed on a waiting list for the next semester. North Star Application (all areas filled out, email addresses are required) Essay Recommendation Form Signed Student/Parent Success Contract Signed Open Campus Waiver of Liability All applicants are required to attend an information session with a parent or legal guardian. Please call our office at (775) 353-6900 to set up your appointment. Record date of your appointment in space provided. Date of Information Session_ Time: Please take a moment to let us know how you heard about North Star Online School. _ Radio / Television _ Community Event _ Flyer / Newspaper _ WCSD Administration _ Friend/Relative _ School Counselor _ Current Administration Other Please specify: _ Acceptance Criteria Page 1 of 9
Minimum Criteria: Acceptance is based on a criteria set by the WCSD. All accepted students are provisionally accepted, dependent upon their final grades, attendance, credit accrual or minimum grade level expectations, state test scores, and behavior. Acceptance criteria: 2.0 GPA, not credit deficient Meets standards on state test reading and language arts sections Regular school attendance (90%, all reasons included). If for any reason a student does not meet the minimum attendance expectations, please provide written documentation from an appropriate source and a letter of explanation. Demonstrations of student motivation and self-advocacy for learning Note: If for any reason a student does not meet the minimum expectations, please provide written documentation from an appropriate source and a letter of explanation. Enrollment is a Privilege: Acceptance is a privilege and enrollment will continue from semester to semester provided the student continues to meet the grade, credit, GPA and WCSD behavior requirements as stated. Students not meeting these requirements will be notified of probationary status and subsequent revocation of attendance privileges, if applicable. All Students must log into all of their classes and complete work and assessments each week during the first four weeks of school to maintain full time status. Students who do not maintain the attendance requirements may be referred back to their zone school. Transportation: Students/families are responsible for providing transportation to and from North Star Online School as there is no District sponsored transportation. Students must come to North Star for all mandated testing and when attendance is requested by the teacher. If concurrently enrolled with their zoned school, students/families are responsible for all transportation to and from their zoned school. Student Involvement in Zoned School: Students may be concurrently enrolled in 1 to 2 classes in their zone school. Many students choose to participate in athletics, music, art, or theatre. Students may take electives at their zoned school that are not offered at North Star or classes that can provide educational support as needed due to an IEP, 504, or ELL services. Students will be expected to maintain attendance and grades at both schools as required by District policy or state law. Students enrolled at North Star Online School concurrently with their zone school are considered full time North Star students. Graduates will earn their diploma from North Star and will be eligible to participate in the North Star graduation ceremony only, and not that of their zoned school. Athletic Policy: Student athletes attending North Star Online School are able to participate in any sanctioned sport offered at their zoned school. North Star is an NCAA eligible school. Students must abide by the regulations of enrollment which include: Students must maintain full enrollment in the plan of study designated by North Star Online School and the zone school with which they are affiliated. Enrollment will be reevaluated each semester. Student athletic participation in their zone school is limited to the sanctioned sports offered by the zone school. Instructions to complete enrollment packet Page 2 of 9
Section 1 Enrollment form: Please complete the enrollment form in its entirety. It is important we have current information for all parent/guardians as well as student. We must also have an email address for student and parent/guardian. Please also note application must be filled out using legal names and only a legal guardian may enroll a student. Section 2 Essay Question: Please attach essay hand written by student to application packet. A parent may complete the essay for K-3 students. Topic of essay: Explain Why you want to attend North Star Online School and why you think this school will help you achieve your academic goals. Essay must be a minimum of 250 words. Section 3 Recommendations: A recommendation is required to be submitted with your application. The Recommendation should be completed by someone who currently works with the student and who knows them well enough to speak to the student s interest and abilities. Teacher and counselor recommendation form is included in this packet. One recommendation is required per application. Section 4 Student, Parent/Guardian Success Statement: North Star Online School believes in student success and commits to support our students in every way we can. We also believe that it takes a commitment from both the student and parent/guardian(s) to achieve this success. Please read and sign the included agreement. Section 5 North Star open Campus Waiver of liability: Please read and sign the Campus Waiver of Liability Submitting application: Applications can be submitted to the school in any of the following ways. Applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis and enrollment will be closed when capacity is met. Applications received after capacity is met will be placed on a waiting list for the next semester. Bring application to the school in person Scan and email to sstrange@washoeschools.net Mail to office at: North Star Online School, 5450 Riggins Ct, Reno, NV 89502 Students who require Special Education or 504 services: North Star welcomes student with disabilities! If a student is on an IEP or 504 plan there are several steps for enrollment. The North Star Online School application packet should be completed and accepted prior to an IEP or 504 meeting. After the application has been accepted students on a 504 plan must first meet with their current counselor who must contact the North Star Online School Counselor. For students on an IEP, a meeting must be called by the zone Program Consultant (PC) and Special Education Area Administrator (SEAA) in collaboration with North Star s PC and SEAA. The IEP team will determine the acceptance and placement of students who require special education services and accommodations. This team will consist of the student s zoned school IEP team, the North Star principal or designee, counselor and special education teacher/program facilitator. The following items will serve as basis for considering the student s change of placement: North Star Online School readiness criteria Special education adaptations and modifications criteria Student s IEP goals Student s academic level and ability as determined by standardized tests Input from the IEP team Page 3 of 9
SECTION 1 North Star Online School Enrollment Form - STATE LAW REQUIRES ENROLLMENT OF STUDENT BY LEGAL NAME Please Print STUDENT INFORMATION Only legal name STUDENTS Last Name First Name Middle Name Sex Grade Physical Address Apt # City State Zip Home Phone # Mailing Address City State Zip Student Lives With Nick Name Birth Date Birth City/State Previous/Current School, state and District. Student Email Student Cell # PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION Only legal name FATHER S First Name/ Last Name Natural Guardian _ Foster Have parental rights been revoked? YES NO If yes supply documentation. Physical Address Apt # City State Zip Home Phone # Father s Employer Father s Email Work Phone # Father s Cell Phone # MOTHER S First Name/ Last Name Natural Guardian _ Foster Have parental rights been revoked? YES NO If yes supply documentation. Physical Address Apt # City State Zip Home Phone # MOTHER S Employer Mother s Email Work Phone # Mother s Cell Phone # STEPPARENT (only Legal Stepparent using legal name) STEPFATHER S First Name/ Last Name May Student be released to stepfather? YES NO Stepfather s Physical Address Apt # City State Zip Home Phone # Stepfather s Employer Stepfather s Email Work Phone # Stepfather s Cell Phone # STEPMOTHER S First Name/ Last Name May Student be released to stepmother? YES NO Stepmother s Physical Address Apt # City State Zip Home Phone # STEPMOTHER S Employer Stepmother s Email Work Phone # Stepmother s Cell Phone # SIBLINGS Sibling Name Siblings School Grade Level Sibling Name Siblings School Grade Level Sibling Name Siblings School Grade Level EMERGENCY CONTACT (do not list Parent/Guardian/Stepparent) Local Emergency Contact Name Relationship to student Home Phone # Cell Phone # Local Emergency Contact Name Relationship to student Home Phone # Cell Phone # Does your student have designated support: IEP _504 English Language Learner (ELL) Multi- Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Gifted and Talented Program I hereby certify that all the statements above are true and correct. Parent Signature: Date: _ Page 4 of 9
North Star Online School Recommendation Form Teacher or Counselor: This student is applying to North Star Online School for the next semester. Your response is valuable in helping us determine the candidates who will benefit from an online learning program. We greatly appreciate your prompt response. Please return this form in the school mail to North Star Online School, mail it to 5450 Riggins Ct Reno, NV 89502 Student s Name: Current Grade: School: _ How long have you known the applicant? _ Your Name (Print): Your Signature: _ Subject/Counselor: _ Date: Request to be contacted by North Star? Yes No Contact #: Does this student read and comprehend on grade level: yes no Academic comments only: _ Please evaluate the student s current performance by checking one rating for each category: Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Inconsistent Works independently; manages time well (handles schedule and workload without close monitoring and assistance from adults) Takes responsibility for organizing school work Students at North Star are required to develop portfolios and exercise high degrees of independence. Has this student demonstrated such academic capability? Demonstrated the capability of following written instructions and the ability to stay on schedule and pace themselves. Completes homework assignments; demonstrates consistent academic effort and pride in work Seeks academic challenges; capable of handling a rigorous online curriculum Demonstrates positive learning attitude through participation, cooperation and follow through Shows potential for success in selfpaced academic learning Questions? Call North Star Online School at (775) 353-6900. Page 5 of 9
North Star Online School Student & Parent Success Contract Students/Parents (Guardians): North Star is a public school in the Washoe County School District and full-time students attend school tuition free. 1. The curriculum is free along with online text books. 2. Corresponding materials and books not available online that are provided by our vendor are free for use during the school year. 3. Parent/Guardian must maintain and pay for their own high speed internet. 4. Parent/Guardian is responsible for purchase of any materials or textbooks not provided by North Star s vendor as part of the online curriculum. Must place Academic Success as the number one priority. 1. Students must participate in online Live Lessons, scheduled meetings, conferences, and all district and state testing. 2. Students must maintain academic integrity by adhering to the North Star Online School Academic Honesty policy in the Student Handbook. 3. Parents and students check web mail and grade book daily, as communication is a vital part of our online school education. 4. Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 overall GPA and a 2.5 semester GPA with no F's. 5. Students must allocate a minimum of 4-6 hours each day for online schoolwork and study. Are given more freedom and are expected to be responsible, mature, and self-motivated. 1. Initiate a weekly check-in with Advisory Teacher via phone, web mail, or text where applicable. 2. Maintain high speed internet access, computer, functioning headset with microphone, and a printer. Student must have access to working computer for a minimum of 5 hours daily. 3. Must maintain all software updates as required with the program. 4. Must add or drop classes within the District timing guidelines. Must maintain open and frequent communication with North Star Online School. 1. Are required to attend a North Star Orientation Session. 2. Notify North Star Online School within 24 hours of any changes to phone numbers, email address, and/or physical address for both parents and students. Are withdrawn from their zoned school and enrolled as full-time students in North Star. High school students will graduate from North Star Online School. Must strictly adhere to all attendance, academic, and disciplinary requirements of Washoe County School District. Students may be asked to return to their zoned school for non-compliance in any area. Page 6 of 9
1. Adhere to the North Star Attendance Policy by making progress in every class each week by completing daily lessons and communicating with teachers. Parents must call when students are not able to comply. It is understood that students not making progress will be required to come to the North Star computer lab to work until caught up on all lessons. 2. Must have parents call, email, or fax in an absence excuse on the day of the absence or provide a written excuse within three days 3. Adhere to the WCSD dress code when on campus. 4. Adhere to all rules and regulations in North Star Student/Parent Handbook. May only voluntarily transfer back to zoned school at the semester break or end of the year. NOTE: Students and parents acknowledge that if students: drop, fail, or withdraw from courses; don t complete required coursework; Or don t inform their advisory teacher or counselor immediately if they re not doing well in a class,.the student would be in jeopardy of NOT graduating and/or NOT passing proficiency examinations. Parent Involvement Policy: Parents are an integral partner in the success of their students. Parents/Guardian are the home coach/educator. Parent involvement requires working with your student to make sure they are successfully completing all scheduled lessons, checking attendance, working with the teachers, and regularly communicating with the school. Parent involvement time requirements are estimated as: Grades K-6: three to six hours daily Grades 7-8: One to four hours daily Grades 9-12: Two to five hours weekly Transition to online education is exciting but can be challenging. North Star maintains a Student Success Team to review student progress and monitor those who have difficulties while attending our online school. The committee s first priority is to provide assistance; however, students may have to return to their zoned school if, despite assistance, they earn D and F grades, and/or demonstrate behavior or attendance problems. If the situation arises, North Star staff will facilitate the student s transition to their zoned school or a program more suited to their needs. My signature indicates that I have read and agree to all of the above guidelines and understand their importance to the student s success at North Star Online School. I have also read and agree to follow the North Star Student/Parent Handbook. Student Signature: _Date: Print Student Name: _ Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Print Parent/Guardian Name: _ Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Print Parent/Guardian Name: Page 7 of 9
North Star Open Campus Waiver of Liability North Star Online School serves students in multiple capacities. Most often students work online from home or other environments in which Wi-Fi/internet service is available. Students also attend on campus and/or off-site school sponsored activities including Blended Learning opportunities, field trips, working in the labs, and face to face for teacher support. Our campus is open weekdays from 8:00am -4:00pm and students are free to come and go as needed to ensure their educational needs are being met to the highest degree. Due to the nature of our open campus families are encouraged to have a plan in place for drop off/pick up of students, as well as rules for leaving campus during school hours. The student and/or a parent will sign-in on arrival including date and time. Upon departure, student and/or parent will sign out including time, destination, and mode of transportation and/or who is picking-up student. If a student fails to provide complete information on sign out log and leaves campus, school administration may not know the destination, whereabouts, and/or activity of the student; however, the student is still bound by the rules and regulations pertaining to personal conduct as outlined in the student handbook and will be subject to disciplinary action for violations. Waiver of Liability: By signing this agreement, the student and parents agree to release North Star Online School, an online school with the Washoe County School District, from any and all liability for a student s actions during his or her exercise of the open campus privilege. Furthermore, this signed agreement also releases North Star Online School for any personal injury or loss of life while the student is exercising his or her open campus privilege. In consideration of permission to participate in open campus at North Star Online School today and on all future dates, I, on behalf of myself, my spouse (if applicable), my heirs, personal representatives, or assigns, do hereby release, waive and discharge Washoe County School District and North Star Online School, (including its officers, employees, and agencies) from liability from any and all claims resulting from the inherent risks, associated with the open campus from negligence, strict liability, breach of contract, or any act or omission. I also agree to hold harmless, defend and indemnify Washoe County School District and North Star Online School, its officers, employees, and agencies (that is, defend and pay any judgment and costs, including investigation costs and attorney fees) from any and all claims of mine, my spouse (if applicable), family members, or other third parties arising from my student s participation in open campus at Washoe County School District and North Star Online School (including those arising from in the inherent risks or negligence, strict liability, breach of contract, or any act or omission). I covenant not to sue Washoe County School District or North Star Online School, its officers, employees, and agencies for any present or future claims arising directly or indirectly from my participation in this event. Assumption of Inherent Risk: I understand that it may be impossible to list all of the inherent risks associated with an open campus, but some are listed to give the parent a better idea of the risks involved. These include: student abduction, damage to property, personal injury or death to the student due to pedestrian accidents and/or vehicular accidents. This list is not inclusive and extends to damage and/or loss of personal property as well. I understand that the inherent risks associated with an open campus. I have read the previous paragraphs and I understand the nature of an open campus. I hereby assert that I knowingly assume all of the inherent risks of the activities, waive all liability, and that by signing below, I authorize my student to participate in the open campus environment at North Star Online School. If 18 or older: Printed Name of Participant Signature of Participant Date If under 18, this Agreement must be signed by parent or legal guardian: If I am signing this release on behalf of my minor child, I agree and understand that I will be giving up rights for the minor as if I had signed it on my own behalf. Printed Name of Participant Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Page 8 of 9
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Page 9 of 9