2009-2010 Howard Area Leadership Academy
Mission and Guiding Principles
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Mission Statement:
The mission of Howard Area Leadership Academy is to provide rigorous opportunities for students to gain the skills needed to transition to employment and college or other forms of higher learning.

Our school operates under three guiding principles:
1. Higher Learning- All HALA students will be prepared for college, regardless of whether they intend to attend college upon graduation or pursue employment or other forms of higher learning such as skilled trades, Job Corps, vocational education etc.

2. No Excuses-It does not matter where a person has been  or why they are here: our focus is where they are headed and what they are willing to do to get there. We make improvements not excuses.

3. See it through- We make a commitment to ourselves, our families and our communities to complete what we've started here at HALA and elsewhere in our lives. We will work hard. We will do our best. We will see it through.

Vision Statement:
The vision of Howard Area Leadership Academy is to focus on leadership for social justice as a unifying theme across the curriculum and to connect learning to our students' lives by incorporating project-based learning in all curricular areas. Academic subjects will be supported by project, problem and inquiry-based learning activities with the theme of leadership for social justice; interdisciplinary team-teaching: and internships. HALA values parent-community connections and will actively strive to improve those connections.

Student Learning Contract
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The mission of Howard Area Leadership Academy is to provide rigorous opportunities for students to gain the skills needed to transition to employment and college or other forms of higher learning.

Students are expected to:
1. Be in their classroom and ready to work when the bell rings at the beginning of each period.
2. Follow all classroom and school rules.
3. Bring classroom materials needed to complete the daily assignments.
4. Use time wisely by working on the current assignment until completed. Use extra time for working ahead, making up work, and/or doing assignments for other classes without leaving the classroom.
5. Behave in the manner that is respectful of oneself and others, and in a manner that allows everyone in the school to learn.
6. Have a positive attitude and be polite to all people
7. Ask for help when needed and then wait patiently and quietly until a staff member can help.
8. Passes out of the classroom will only be given if you have scheduled an appointment to see another staff member. Go to the restroom and drinking fountain before coming to class. In case of emergency, a classroom teacher may escort a student to the office for assistance.
9. NO, FOOD, DRINK, or GUM may be brought into any classroom.
10. Take care of the equipment and books provided for completing your work. Report any damage to equipment and books to a staff member. Leave each classroom and the school cleaner than when you entered it.
11. Be present every day. Part of your class grade is based upon attendance.
12. Bring a book, magazine and newspaper to school every day, and keep it with you al all times.

Students who follow the rules:
1. Will receive excellent grades in class work.
2. Will be prepared with significant social and academic skills.
3. Will be prepared with skills to be successful in college or other forms of higher learning, the workplace, and life after HALA.

If a student chooses to break a rule:
1st Consequence: Teacher/staff member will warn student that the rule was broken and will implement in-class consequences. A write-up will be submitted to the office and a copy will be mailed home.

2nd Consequence: If in class consequences are not effective, the student will be referred to the Principal for discipline (as described in the Student Handbook.)


" I will do whatever it takes to ensure that I and my fellow students can learn. I am committed to my education, and learning is my number one priority."



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Student's Signature and Date

School Rules
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    •    Office Space: Students are not allowed in the office unless they are engaged in a staff-supervised activity that cannot occur at any other location. Staff handle school records and have phone conversations that are confidential in nature. The presents of students greatly interferes with the performance of confidential tasks. In general, the office space at HALA is off-limits to students.

    •    Telephone Use: Students are not allowed to use the office phone for personal purposes at any time of the day. Before school and after school students may use the office phone at the discretion of the staff in the office. A staff member will dial the number for the students. Students cell phones are never to be used, visible, or heard in the building during normal school hours unless in the case of a DOCUMENTED emergency. Students who use or display cell phones will have them confiscated for the day.

    •    Computers: Students must obtain a staff member to use any computer in the school at any time, including the computers in both computer labs. Game playing and Internet use (except for internet use that is DIRECTLY related to education or employment) is prohibited. There is to be no printing in the computer labs without a Teacher's consent.

    •    Lunch Period: Students must remain in the cafeteria during lunch. Students are not permitted to leave the lunch room except under direct staff supervision. No student is allowed in the rest of the school building during lunch.

    •    Health and Safety Policies: Students are not allowed to leave the classroom to get food or drink, nor are they allowed to eat or drink during class except with explicit permission of a Teacher or staff member. No food or drink is ever allowed in the computer labs (regardless of time.)

    •    Closed Campus: Howard Area Leadership Academy is a closed-campus school. Students are not allowed to leave the building. Leaving the building for any reason without an official early dismissal can result in suspension or dismissal. Students are not to be in the hallways or in any unscheduled class without an appropriate pass or note. Without such documentation students will be counted as tardy/truant.

    •    Tobacco Prohibition: Howard Area Leadership Academy prohibits the use of tobacco on school property by any school personnel, students, or other people, when such property is being used for any school purposes. HALA will not authorize or permit any exception to or exemption from the prohibition at any place or time, including, without limitation, outside of school buildings or before or after the regular school day or on days when school is not in session.

    •    Non-Violence Policy: Students are expected to respect all students, staff and guests of all Howard Area Community Center Programs. Physical violence and verbally abusive language are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Verbal assaults will result in suspension or dismissal. Battery will result in dismissal and a police report will be made. Possession or use of weapons in or around school will result in dismissal and a police report will be made.

    •    Sexual Harassment Policy: Howard Area Leadership Academy does not allow any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined in this policy to include (but is not limited to) the following: unwanted sexual advances; verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; visual forms of a sexual nature; requests for sexual favors and any verbal harassment of a person on the basis of their sexuality, sexual preference or sexual habits. Physical contact of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment and is a Class IV Violation. These policies are in keeping with state and federal law and general workplace standards; their enforcement at HALA is intended to ensure that students are  aware of and abide by such laws and standards.

Enrollment Policies and Procedures
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Placement Requirements

Students who are interested in enrolling in Howard Area Leadership Academy must meet the following placement requirements:

Must between 16-20 years of age.
Must be a city of Chicago resident.
Must not currently be enrolled in a high school program.
Must read and do math at a 6th grade level.
Must be willing to enter a waiting list, take a TABE test, attend pre-enrollment orientation and interviews, and sign a probationary attendance contract.

Registration /Pre-Enrollment

Each student who meets the above criteria must secure and submit the following documents in order to be eligible for the Howard Area Leadership Academy waiting list:

A Pre-Enrollment Form (Lottery/Waiting List Application)

Transcripts from all high schools attended.

Withdrawal/drop slip from last high school attended.

Completed the lunch application form.

Completed the request for the Emergency Information Form.

Have Health/Immunization records from last high school attended or completed certificate of Child Health Examination.

Have a copy of their birth certificate

Have a copy of their photo ID

Have a copy of their Social Security card

Have proof of address

Have proof of Income

Enrollment
Once an application has met all placement requirements and has submitted all pre-enrollment documentation, he/she will be enrolled in Howard Area Leadership Academy and will meet with a counselor to complete an Alternative Education Plan (AEP) before being scheduled in classes.

Waiting List and Lottery
If HALA is at full enrollment, all applicants will be placed on the Howard Area Leadership Academy waiting list. Enrollment lotteries will be held as needed to fill any seats vacated during the school year. Applicants on the official waiting list will be informed in a timely manner of any upcoming lottery dates. The lottery will be a blind drawing among those who have completed ALL application requirements.

New Student Probation
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Students are on probationary status for the first four weeks of enrollment. During this period students must attend all classes and must exhibit respectful behavior to fellow students, Teachers, and staff. (Tardies are considered to be unexcused absences; please refer to the "Tardy Policy" for more information.) Absences will be excused for only the following reasons:

1. Death of an immediate family member with written verification.
2. Hospitalization, serious illness, or medical appointment verified by physician's note.
3. Court days verified by appropriate papers.
4. Incarceration verified by documentation.

Any other absences are counted as unexcused and may serve as termination grounds.

This policy is not intended as a punishment; rather, it is intended to help students become accustomed to the routine of school. We see a  students's attendance as a direct reflection of his/her commitment to completing school.

Grades
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Grades are based on a combination of daily homework assignments, test and quizzes, attendance, and class participation, and are administered by each course. Grades are issued at the end of each semester (two times per year.) Each semester is approximately 19 weeks in duration. Each class meets for 350 minutes per week for 19 weeks. One 19 week class is worth one full credit (the equivalent of one year of study in CPS.) HALA uses the following grading system:

    •    A: 100% to 90%
    •    B: 89% to 80%
    •    C: 79% to 70%

Students will automatically fail a class if they exceed 22 absences (25% of the semester.)

Academic Honesty
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No cheating, academic honesty is the foundation of education. Plagiarism, sharing of answers, or dishonesty will lead to suspension of explosion. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please discuss your concerns with your Teacher.

Testing
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The TABE (Test of Adult Basic Equivalencies) test and/or the Scantron Performances Series Test will be given a minimum of three times per year. The public Law 195 (U.S. Constitution) test will be given twice per year. The PLAN test will be given once per year to all underclass students. The Prairie State Achievement Exam will be given once per year to all 11th graders.

We expect students TABE and Scantron test scores to improve with time and instruction at HALA. If a student fails to improve on these tests, the student may be required to retake the test and may be required to set up a schedule for tutoring after school.

Course Offerings
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The following courses will be offered at HALA during the 2009-2010 school year.

    •    Language Arts Skill-Building
    •    Expository Composition A & B
    •    Literature A & B
    •    Listening, Speaking, & Research A & B
    •    Math Skill-Building
    •    Basic Math/Pre-Algebra
    •    Algebra A & B
    •    Geometry A & B
    •    Trigonometry
    •    Spanish 1 & 2
    •    Childcare Internship
    •    Pre-Calculus
    •    Earth/Space Science
    •    Life Science
    •    Physical Science
    •    Science and Technology
    •    U.S. History Pre-1865
    •    U.S. History Post-1865
    •    Constitution
    •    Genocide
    •    Life & Study Skills
    •    Health & Wellness

Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
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Each year a variety of activities are offered to students that are outside of the traditional classroom. These are positive and enriching experiences for social, intellectual, and career envelopment. Listed below are some past and current "extra offerings:

    •    Career Planning and Job Fairs
    •    College tours (Bradley University, Chicago State, Northeastern, etc.)
    •    Summer Schools
    •    Basketball Leagues
    •    Student Journalism
    •    ACT Tutoring

Graduation Requirements
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Higher Learning Portfolio
In order to receive a diploma all HALA students must complete a Higher Learning Portfolio to include:

1. Cover Letter
2. Completed Resume
3. One letter of recommendation
4. Participation in a mock interview
5. Test scores
6. Learner's Autobiography
7. Five-year plan
8. Choose one of the following:
    a. One completed college application, one completed scholarship application and proof of completion of the FAFSA
    b. One completed application to a vocational or trade school and proof of completing an enrollment interview
    c. One completed job application and proof of completing a job interview

Content Area Requirements
Student must have minimum of 24 credits (based on the Chicago Public Schools credit system) to graduate from Howard Area Leadership Academy. These credits must meet the Illinois State Board of Education minimum requirements and must come from the following areas:

    •    The equivalent of four (4) years of the study of English Literature and Language Arts
    •    The equivalent of four (4) years study of Mathematics
    •    The equivalent of two (3) years of study of Science (including one (1) year of U.S. History)
    •    The equivalent of two (2) years of study of Science
    •    The equivalent of (1) year of world language
    •    The equivalent of (1) year of Health
    •    The equivalent of nine (9) years of elective study

Special Mandates
    •    Driver and Safety Education: 30 clock hours of classroom instruction
    •    Consumer Education: 1/2 credit or minimum of 18 weeks
    •    Community Service: 40 clock hours prior to graduation

Tests
    •    Students must pass the U.S. Constitution Test (PL195) in order to graduate
    •    Students must take the PSAE or ACT in order to graduate

Graduation Ceremonies and Senior Prom
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Graduation ceremonies are held once a year in June. Students who are graduating at the end of the first semester or after the completion of Summer School will receive an official transcript at that time and are encouraged to participate in the official graduation ceremony the following June. The Alternative Schools Network holds a prom for all seniors prior to graduation in June. More information will be available close to that time.

Attendance Policy
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Unexcused Absences
    •    Any student absent 10 days in a single semester without a verified excuse will be dropped from Howard Area Leadership Academy.
    •    Staff and Teachers are under NO OBLIGATION to provide make-up work to students absent without a verified excuse. Providing such make-up work is entirely up to the discretion of each individual Teacher or staff member. Requests for make-up work for unexcused absences must follow the guidelines listed below for make-up work for excused absences.

Excused Absences
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Absences will be excused for only the following reasons:
1. Death of an immediate family member with written verification.
2. Hospitalization, serious illness, or medical appointment verified by physician's note or by a parent's note, with a phone verification.
3. Court days verified by appropriate documentation.
4. Incarceration verified by appropriate documentation.

    •    Any student absent more than 25%  of a single semester (more than 22 days) for any reason will be dropped from Howard Area Leadership Academy.
    •    Students with excused absences will be allow to make-up missed work under the following conditions:

    1. The student provides a note to the Teacher signed by an administrator or a counselor.
    2. The student arranges with the Teacher to collect missed work on the first day back from an excused absence.
    3. The student arranges without the Teacher to collect missed work at a time convenient to the Teacher (i.e., not during the middle of class.)

Note: Any student over the age of 18 who does not live with a parent or guardian will be considered his or her own guardian. Any student, regardless of age, who lives with a parent or guardian will be considered under guardianship.

Tardy Policy
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School begins each morning at 8:00 a.m. Students are allowed entrance to the building beginning at 7:30 a.m. Because public transportation often runs late, students are given a grace period of 30 minutes (from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.) to arrive late without being marked tardy. Students arriving after 8:30a.m. must go the main office, sign in and receive a pass to go to class.

Early Dismissal
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A student requesting an early dismissal for any reason must put the request IN WRITING and submit it to the office no later than 8:30 a.m.  A student's parent or guardian may also make the request for an early dismissal on the phone or in person in lieu of a written request. Reasonable excuses for an early dismissal include, but are not limited to, the following: Public Aid Appointment, Court Date, or a Doctor Appointment. The request will be considered by administrative personnel and the student will be notified of their early dismissal after a Principal has approved the decision.

Appropriate documentation of a hospital or doctor visit must be submitted the day of the student's return. Otherwise, the absence will not be considered unexcused.

Illnesses that develop during the school day will be handled accordingly by the school nurse. An early dismissal may be granted by a nurse or an administrator, in cases of severe illness. Appropriate documentation of a hospital or doctor visit must be submitted the day of the student's return.

Administrative personnel will always cal the student's home to let his/her family know of the early dismissal.

Any student absent from any class more than 25% of a single semester (more than 22 days) for any reason will be dropped from Howard Area Leadership Academy.

Uniform Policy
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Students will comply with HALA Uniform Policy at all times or be sent home for the day. Being sent home for a Uniform Policy violation will be counted as an unexcused absence. The following guidelines will be enforced during the school year and at all other times school is in session:

    •    Students will wear khaki (tan) pants/or skirts.
    •    Students have the option of wearing forest green (dark green), gold or white shorts or long-sleeve Polo shirt or white oxford shorts.
    •    Shorts and skirts may be worn during warm weather and must cover the thighs.
    •    Items may not be worn in a manner viewed as gang-related or associated with gang representation such as uneven pant legs or straps, shoelaces, socks, jewelry or earrings, hair ornaments, picks or combs in the hair.
    •    All pants must be worn at the waistline.
    •    Spandex or bare midriff tops will not be allowed. This includes tops permitting skin of the stomach, sides and back of the body to be visible when arms are stretched overhead.
    •    Garments with holes and garments which reveal undergarments will not be allowed.
    •    Caps and coats are not to be warn in the building at anytime during the school day.
    •    Hoods, scarves, bandanas or other head coverings are not permitted.
    •    Undershirts may not be worn as outer garments.
    •    See-through or semi-transparent garments are not allowed.
    •    No pajamas.

Discipline Code
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The code is an effort to standardize our discipline procedures and to implement them with consistency. This code will allow students and parents to know in advance the consequences of specific acts of misconduct. The Discipline Code divides violations into four categories according to their severity. Class IV Violations of school rules (as well as any violation of state and federal laws or city ordinances) will result in immediate dismissal. When appropriate, Class IV Violations will be reported to the proper authorities.

Class I Violations

    •    The use of any electronic device in school (includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, beepers, video games, CD players, tape players, ipods, mp3 players and headphones.
    •    Sleeping in class.
    •    The use of computers or printers without staff permission.
    •    Eating in class or displaying food in class without a Teacher's approval.
    •    Using inappropriate language outside of class (e.g.  in hallways, office, lunchroom,  on field trips or during extracurricular activities.)

Class II Violations

    •    Being disrespectful to Teacher's, staff and other students.
    •    Physical contact with another student (of a nonviolent/nonsexual nature.)
    •    Using inappropriate language in the classroom.
    •    Refusing to follow a Teacher's directives.
    •    Leaving a class without permission.
    •    Being in the hallway or office without permission.
    •    Throwing objects in class.
    •    Refusing to do class work.

Class II Violations (may result in dismissal from  school.)

    •    Leaving school without permission.
    •    Coming to school under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    •    Using cigarettes/ tobacco in school.
    •     Verbal assault

Class IV Violations (will result in immediate dismissal an the police may be called.)

    •    Sexual harassment of other students or staff.
    •    Threatening other students or staff with bodily harm.
    •    Battery of other students or staff.
    •    Possession of weapons in or around the school.
    •    Possession of alcohol or drugs in or around the school.
    •    Use of alcohol or drugs in or around the school.
    •    Vandalism
    •    Theft

 The Student Discipline Policy is not intended to address the entire spectrum of student misbehavior that may occur at the campus. Instead, the Policy outlines a range of appropriate responses for certain inappropriate behaviors. The campus administrators retain the discretion to address the students misconduct that is not specifically included in the policy.

If the student parent, or guardian feels that the intervention or consequence taken is unwarranted or excessive, he or she has the right to ask the Principal to review the matter and to reconsider the decision.

Scanned item of Discipline Violations and Consequences.

REMINDER!!!
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NO EXCUSES!
1. Arrive on time for school with the proper attitude for learning.
2. Cell phones are to be turned completely off during school hours.
3. IPods and headphones are not allowed during school hours.
4. Food is not allowed in the classroom. Food is only allowed in the cafeteria.
5. You must come to school each day wearing your school uniform. No uniform means no admittance to school.
6. Be respectful to all adults and all students.
7. Inappropriate language is not allowed.
8. When you enter a classroom, be seated and prepare yourself for instruction.
9. Do not talk out in the classroom.
10. When you are dismissed from school, go directly home.
11. Do not loiter on the school grounds.
12. Howard Area Leadership Academy is a closed campus. Students who leave the building for any reason will be
dismissed from school attendance.