1 The O’Farrell High School Student Handbook 2016-2017 Brian Rainey Principal Dr. Jonathan Dean Superintendent 6150 Skyline Drive San Diego, CA 92114 (619) 266-0112 Fax (619) 527-0098 Name___________________________________ Grade Level___________ Homebase Teacher______________________________________________ A Private School Education in a Public Charter School AVID National Demonstration School NCUST Silver Award Winner Fully Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
A Private School Education in a Public Charter School
AVID National Demonstration School NCUST Silver Award Winner
Fully Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
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we are the falcons Falcons are different. Falcons do not operate like other birds of prey. Falcons are masters of the dive. They soar to tremendous heights then dive down on their prey with pin-point accuracy. With their wings pinned back they reach speeds well over 200 miles per hour, making the falcon the fastest animal on the planet. They choose their prey and commit themselves to their goal with a devotion unmatched in the animal kingdom. Like the falcons of the wild, O’Farrell Falcons are different. O’Farrell falcons do not operate like other high school students. We are committed to preparing ourselves to be accepted to and successfully completing a four-year university. We are committed to treating each other with kindness and respect. We are committed to serving our community and making it a better place. We are committed to creating a great life for ourselves and our families. We are the Falcons.
O’Farrell Alma Mater
Hail O'Farrell this our home Hearts be ever true
Loyalty and honor sing The gold and royal blue
Soaring far above it all
This is our family Forever here, forever one
Falcons ever free
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Mission Statement
The O’Farrell Charter School is a community-oriented institution dedicated to fostering high academic standards, ensuring emotional and social growth, and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all its students. The O’Farrell Charter School’s academic and extracurricular programs draw on the sustained efforts of motivated students, a talented and well-prepared faculty, and the ongoing commitment of supportive parents or guardians- all committed to the Falcon way-such that all students are empowered to become critical learners and thinkers and responsible, contributing citizens. The O’Farrell Charter School provides a multi-cultural, linguistically and racially diverse learning environment in which students experience educational equity and are encouraged to celebrate their own individuality. Each year, all students are expected to have acquired the fundamental tools and skills needed to move seamlessly onto the next grade level.
The Falcon Way Preamble: “I have the power to create a great life for myself. My character is demonstrated through high personal and academic standards. I always behave in a way that brings me closer to my goals of success in college and life. I respect the cultural differences in my school community. I follow the rules to keep my community safe and strong. To achieve my goals, I will follow the FALCON Way of Focus, Attitude, Leadership, Citizenship, Organization and Non-Violence.”
Resources for you or a friend when you are not at school
During school hours the high school counseling office is a safe place for students on campus. If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, please let your homebase teacher know or visit the counseling office.
If a crisis arises on the weekend or after school hours, you can call the Crisis Hotline at (888) 724-7240. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals who are available 24/7; the call is free and confidential. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the
o It’s Up To Us – Website for Young Adults - http://www.up2sd.org/yourlife/ This website provides youth with resources and offers tips on how to reach out to friends. They offer support groups and workshops, among other services.
o Reach Out - http://us.reachout.com/ This website is focused on providing tips and resources for youth to help them get through tough times or help a friend. Youth “who have been there and made it through” can share their personal stories or view those submitted by other youth. The site also features the “Reach Out” blog.
o TeensHealth - http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/ This website provides health information with different sections for kids, teens and parents. The TeensHealth section is an interactive site filled with games, animations, quizzes, fact sheets, and many other resources. Topics include exercise and nutrition, depression, drugs and alcohol, sexual health, recipes, preparing for college, volunteering, finding a job and even tips for taking tests and studying.
o 2-1-1 San Diego: Phone: 2-1-1 This hotline connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of San Diego County as the only free, confidential, dialing code service in San Diego.
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Bell Schedule Regular Day Period Start End
0 7:00 AM 7:45 AM
Homebase 8:00 AM 8:25 AM
1 8:30 AM 10:25 AM
Nutrition Break 10:30 AM 10:40 AM
2 10:45 AM 12:40 AM
Lunch 12:45 PM 1:15 PM
3 1:20 PM 3:15 PM
Mondays A Day Tuesday B Day Wednesday Minimum Day - All Classes Thursday A Day Friday B Day
Bell Schedule Minimum Day
Period Start End
0 7:00 AM 7:45 AM
Homebase 8:00 AM 8:20 AM
1A 8:25 AM 9:03 AM
1B 9:08 AM 9:46 AM
2A 9:51 AM 10:29 AM
Nutrition Break 10:34 AM 10:44 AM
2B 10:49 AM 11:27 AM
3A 11:32 AM 12:10 AM
3B 12:15 PM 12:55 PM
Lunch 12:55 PM 1:25 PM
4 1:25 PM 2:00 PM
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The O'Farrell High School Graduation Requirements
Attendance The O’Farrell Charter School (OCS) students in grades 9-12 must attend 8 consecutive semesters. Grade Point Average OCS students must maintain a cumulative weighted grade-point average (WGPA) of 2.0 or higher in scholarship, computed on the basis of A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0. The WGPA for graduation is computed from courses completed in grades 9-12. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and designated Honors and Advanced courses earn credit on a weighted or five-point scale: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 1, F = 0. Conduct OCS students must maintain a record of responsible citizenship. To participate in graduation ceremonies, students must meet a minimum standard of a 2.0 average in citizenship grades during senior year. The citizenship GPA is computed on a scale of E (excellent) = 4, G (good) = 3, S (satisfactory) = 2, N (needs improvement) = 1, U (unsatisfactory) = 0. Senior Exhibition OCS students in grade 12 are required to present a senior exhibition to a committee composed of OCS staff, a member of the community, and a parent or guardian. Community Service Each OCS student will be required to complete a total minimum of 30 hours of community service during grades 9 -12. Computer Literacy OCS students must demonstrate proficiency in the completion of a computer education course or completion of an approved course that incorporates computer education and computer applications. A test may be used for grades 9-12 when a course is not accessible or possible. Requirements by Subject Area OCS students must complete a minimum of 44 semester credits, as specified below. Students are expected to meet California standards in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, visual/performing arts, and physical education, as well as the UC/CSU "A-G" course requirements. Students who become credit deficient must enroll in summer school to earn missed credits. History/Social Sciences: 3 years (6 semester credits) Grade 9 or 10: one year of world history and geography or advanced alternative; grade 11: one year of U.S. history and geography or advanced alternative; grade 12: one semester in government and one semester in economics, or one year in an advanced alternative. English: 4 years (8 semester credits) Grade 9: one year; Grade 10: one year; Grades 11 and 12: two years, including one year in a course that emphasizes American literature and one year from a prescribed list of English courses or advanced alternative. English as a Second Language (ESL) may be used to fulfill the eight-semester English requirement.
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Mathematics: 3 years (6 semester credits) One year in Integrated Math 1 (Algebra 1- 2), one year in Integrated Math 2 (Geometry 1-2), and one year in Integrated Math 3 (Intermediate Algebra) or other advanced option as approved by UC “c” subject area. Science: 3 years (6 semester credits) One year of life science in Biology or other option in the UC “D” subject area; one year of Physical Science in Physics or Chemistry, or other Laboratory Science course on the UC “d” subject area; and one additional year of science coursework in the UC “d” (laboratory science) or UC “G” (elective) subject areas. Language other than English (LOTE): 3 years (6 semester credits) 3 years of a LOTE, in which 2 years are of the same LOTE. Students requiring additional academic support courses to meet I.E.P. goals may receive a waiver for one year of the LOTE requirement. Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year (2 semester credits) One year in a single UC "f" approved Visual and Performing Arts course. Electives Additional credits needed to reach a total of 44 credits may be earned by completing additional courses in the above areas and/or elective courses. General Requirements Physical Education: Two years (4 credits) required. OCS students must be enrolled in a physical education course in grade 9 and must earn four credits in grades 9-12. Career/Technical Education Requirement 1 year (2 semester credits) of Career Development in 12th grade. O’Farrell Student Policies Charter School Contract Agreement All students and their parent/guardian must sign the Charter School Agreement upon enrollment. This agreement states the following:
1. Compliance with the Uniform Policy. Students will be considered for suspension on the sixth violation of the uniform policy and continue to be suspended for one day for each additional dress code violation thereafter.
2. Appropriate behavior with 10 days or less of suspension per school year. Students will be considered for expulsion on the tenth day of suspension for any infraction.
Grading Scale The following grading scale is used for all courses at OCS. The only exception is ISPE. ISPE is a pass or no credit course.
90-100 A 80-89 B 65-79 C 01-64 F
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Grade Validation Math Validation A grade of a C or better in any second semester math course will validate the yearlong OCS graduation requirement. A grade of C or better in the first semester of Integrated Math 3 (IM3) validates both semesters of Integrated Math 1 (IM1) as it demonstrates proficiency of sequential knowledge. Foreign Language Validation A grade of a C or better in any second semester Language Other Than English (LOTE) course will validate the OCS graduation requirement. A higher-level LOTE course can validate the all lower level LOTE courses of the same language. Advanced Placement An AP exit exam score of a 3, 4, or 5 validates the corresponding course. Repeated Courses If a student retakes a course in which they received a D or F, and receives a higher grade in the same course, only the higher of the two grades will be used in computing the GPA. Both grades, however, will appear on the transcript.
Progressive Mastery Grading The purpose of the progressive mastery grading policy is for the final grade in each course to reflect more closely the mastery of the subject as the students moves up through high school. The intent is to better prepare students for the university environment. This policy begins in 6th grade and is maintained throughout high school. The following weights apply to all course subjects: Math, Science, History, and English with the exception of AP courses. Each AP course has a specialized grading policy determined by the department.
Grade
Assessment
Take Home Assessment*
Other (Homework, Participation, etc.)
12 95 30 5 11 90 25 10 10 85 20 15 09 80 15 20
*This is the maximum portion of the assessment weight that can be used for take home assessments. Take home assessments include essays and projects that are worked on partially or entirely outside of the classroom.
Honor Roll Each semester students are recognized for their academic achievements. Students can obtain four different levels of academic honor. The GPA for honor roll is calculated using OCS weighted classes. This GPA will be higher than the GPA calculated by individual universities as each college chooses which high school courses to weight. 3.0 Paratus College ready 3.5 Cum Laude “With honor” 3.7 Magna Cum Laude “With great honor” 4.0 Summa Cum Laude “With highest honor”
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and/or
The O’Farrell High School Graduation Requirements Checklist English (8 Credits) Mathematics (6 Credits) □ □ English 1/2 □ □ IM1 (Algebra) □ □ English 3/4 □ □ IM2 (Geometry) □ □ American Lit. or AP Eng. Lang. □ □ IM3 (Intermediate Algebra) □ □ World Lit. or AP Eng. Lit. Science (6 Credits) History/Soc. Sciences (6 Credits)
□ □ Biology (required) or AP □ □ World Hist. or AP
□ □ Chemistry □ □ US Hist. or AP
□ □ Physics or AP □ US Government or AP □ □ Investigation and Experimentation □ Economics Foreign Language (6 Credits)
□ □ Language 1 – 2
□ □ Language 3 – 4
□ □ Language 5 – 6 or □ □ Language 1 – 2 Other Electives/Courses (4 Credits)
□ □ _______________________ Career Development (2 Credits)
□ □ Career Development
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THE O’FARRELL HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY 2013-2014 UniformPolicyO’Farrellrequiresthatallstudentswearuniforms.ApprovedO’FarrelluniformsmustbepurchasedatMario’sFamilyClothing.28N.EuclidAve,or7761Broadway,LemonGrove,619-264-6081.PleaseDONOTpurchaseanythingthatisnotontheapprovedO’FarrellUniformlist(foundbelow.)• Purpose:SafetyandUnity
THE O’FARRELL HIGH SCHOOL 2016-2017 UNIFORM POLICY O’Farrell requires that all students wear uniforms. Approved O’Farrell uniforms may be purchased at Mario’s Family Clothing (28 N. Euclid Ave, 91950. 619-264-6081). Mario’s has a copy of the uniform policy for each academy that lists all of the approved O’Farrell uniform clothing. Please do not purchase anything that is not a part of this uniform policy as it will not be permitted on campus.
Purpose: Safety and Unity: Research has shown that students who dress alike also enjoy an increased sense of unity. The same evidence shows that uniforms will increase student safety, reduce violence and make it much easier to identify persons who do not belong on campus. Student uniforms ensure that we avoid styles of clothing that could be misinterpreted as gang-related, distracting, or immodest.
Scholarships/Assistance: Assistance may be available for students and families in need through Family Support Services. Contact them directly for more information.
Enforcement: Infractions will be routed to the student’s teacher, who will then follow through with appropriate discipline actions. If a student is not in uniform, the student will remain in their classroom for the remainder of the day or until the parent or guardian is able to bring them appropriate clothing. Additional consequences will be added with each infraction. Please refer to your academy’s Student Handbook or the Parent Handbook for information about consequences for uniform violations. Student uniforms must fit properly, not exceeding one size beyond the correct size, and may not be modified, altered or changed in any way. This includes bagging or sagging pants, oversized shirts, skinny pants, safety pins, rubber bands, etc. Clothes may not have a ripped or torn appearance. Rain gear, hats or other extreme weather and other non-uniform items must be removed and put away upon campus entry. Thank you for carefully reviewing and adhering to O’Farrell’s uniform policy. In doing so, you are helping to create a safe and structured learning environment for all O’Farrell students.
Accessories
• Jewelry & Hair Accessories: All jewelry must be plain with no lettering, logos or symbols and black, white, gold, or silver in appearance. Buttons or pins on clothing are not allowed. Hair accessories must be black, white, gold, or silver. Bandanas, scarves, or rags are not allowed. If headwear for religious or medical reasons is required, the head covering must be solid black, white, gold, or silver with no logos or writing.
• Hair: Hair dye, highlights, weaves, extensions, or other any other alterations to hair may only be black, brown, blonde, or red. Hair may not be shaved to show letters or numbers
• Beanies/Hats: An O’Farrell approved beanie will be available for purchase ONLY at O’Farrell in late fall. Students will be allowed to wear the beanie from December to March only when outside. Beanies must be worn above the eyebrows. No other hats, including rags or bandanas, are allowed.
• Mittens/Gloves: May only be worn in cold weather from December to March and may only be worn outside. Mittens/gloves must be plain solid black or plain solid white cotton only. Leather baseball gloves are not permitted. Students may not wear scarves.
• Glasses: Non-prescription glasses or non-prescription sunglasses are not allowed. • Backpacks: Any color/brand is ok. May not be modified or written on except for student’s name. • Tattoos and Body Piercings: Visible tattoos, body piercings, and gauges are not allowed with the
exception of earrings. All tattoos, including temporary tattoos, must be covered. o Students may wear standard earrings only. Earrings may only have a pin-hole size opening/post. o No more than 3 earrings per ear may be worn. o Plugs may be used to replace visible body piercings or gauges. Plugs must be clear or match
student’s flesh color. o Bandages to cover visible tattoos or body piercing holes must be plain/neutral-colored.
(Accessories or body modifications that prove to be a distraction will be handled on an individual basis.)
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THE O’FARRELL HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY FOR 2016-2017
SHIRTS Black or Maroon polo shirt (long or short sleeved) with the O’Farrell embroidered logo.
• Mario’s has only one style of polo allowed. • Shirts must be properly tucked in at all times so the O’Farrell
• Approved items are black with the O’Farrell embroidered
logo. • Winter garments do not have hoods. • A uniform shirt must be worn underneath any outer
garments.
BELTS Black web belt with plain silver hinge buckle
• The belt must match the waist size with extra length tucked
in the belt loops. • Belt is available for purchase at Mario’s AND O’Farrell
The following items do not have to be purchased at Mario’s, but must meet these guidelines:
JEANS Long jeans, jean shorts, jean capris, or jean skirt
• Jeans material may be blue, black, or grey • Must fit properly, worn at the waist and not be altered or
modified. Jeans which are too large (saggy, baggy) or too tight (skinny) are not allowed. No rips or tears.
• Shorts/Skirts: The shorts/skirts must be no more than 2" above or below the knee and not be form fitting. They must fit properly.
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UNDERSHIRTS OR TURTLENECKS Solid black, solid white, or solid grey
• No designs or logos. • Undergarments (bras) may not be visible.
SHOES Solid black or white, or black/white combo
• Leather or canvas shoes with closed toes and heels. No
boots, house shoes/slippers • Soles, logos, and laces must also be black or white only.
SOCKS Solid black OR solid white (NO black/white combo)
• Must be solid white or solid black • Socks must be 4 inches below the knee • No leggings or stockings
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Free Dress Day .
Congratulations on earning a free dress day! We are so proud of you and your efforts. We want you to enjoy your reward but we also want you to be safe and look your best. Please follow the following guidelines when preparing your outfit. Your outfit will be checked at the entrance gate and by your teachers throughout the day. Color Requirements: Your ENTIRE outfit cannot be more than 50% red, blue or green. If you wear a red shirt, do not wear red pants. If you wear green pants, do not wear a green shirt. A solid red/blue/green shirt is fine, as long as you wear different color pants and shoes. Gang association is not allowed. The school will determine if an outfit appears to be gang related.
Remember, students have earned this non-uniform day as a privilege. Problems arising from not being in uniform will result in disciplinary action for the students involved. We have tried to make adjustments to make this day as great as possible. Make this a safe, fun day!
Shirts/Sweatshirts/Sweaters
• Your shirts cannot have inappropriate writing of any kind. This includes ANY gang or drug
references. You cannot wear “SD,” “San Diego,” or “Calvin Klein.” • No inappropriate logos that display drugs or alcohol.
• Wear appropriate shirts that are not revealing, see-through, and don’t show your midriff. Shirts
cannot be low-cut. • Your shirts must have sleeves so don’t wear any tank or halter tops. Undergarments may not show.
• If you wear a sweatshirt with a hood, remember not to wear the hood on campus.
Shorts/Pants
• Make sure your pants are the appropriate length, aren’t baggy and aren’t skin tight.
• Your pants/shorts cannot have inappropriate writing or logos of any kind. This includes ANY gang
or drug references. You cannot wear “SD,” “San Diego,” or “Calvin Klein.” • No sweatpants, joggers, or pajamas.
• Jeans may not have ANY rips or tears in them.
Shoes and Socks
• Shoes must be closed toed shoes. No sandals or house shoes/slippers.
• Any color is acceptable, keeping in mind that your entire outfit cannot be more than 50% red, blue
or green.
Accessories
• Jewelry can’t have letters, numbers or words. • No hats, sunglasses, or bandannas.
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Progressive Discipline Every day a student is given two chances. The first a warning, second a consequence and the third strike will result in a referral that becomes a progressive discipline consequence. Classroom Consequences:
Progress Discipline Consequences-Each referral moves a student to the next level of consequences.
1. Detention and phone call home 2. Friday Night School and phone call home 3. Parent Conference and In School Suspension 4. Parent Shadow or Saturday Suspension 5. Formal Suspension
Please be advised that some behaviors may require a more severe consequence, by passing progressive discipline steps. Appropriate discipline will be determined by school administration. Academic misconduct O’Farrell fosters high academic standards and broadly defines academic misconduct as any prohibited and dishonest means to receive course credit, a higher grade, or avoid a lower grade. Academic misconduct misrepresents your knowledge and abilities, which undermines the instructor's ability to determine how well you're doing in the course. If you're unsure about how to complete an academic assignment with integrity, talk to your instructor or teaching assistant. Academic honesty means the use of one's own thoughts and materials in the writing of papers, taking of tests, and other classroom related activities. Students intentionally aiding other students in any infraction of the academic honesty policy are considered equally guilty. Students must
• Complete all academic assignments by yourself. • Don't use unapproved aids during an exam. • Acknowledge and cite source material in your papers or assignments. • Don't alter a graded exam and submit for new grade. • Don't copy another student's assignment, in part or in total, and submit it as your own work.
Consequences Students always receive a 0 on the assignment involved in the infraction.
• Minor infraction = Friday Night School • Major infraction = Saturday Suspension • Three minor infractions = one major infraction • Two major infractions in the same semester = F grade for the semester.
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Inappropriate Items O’Farrell students are committed to making a great life for themselves by remaining focused on their studies during the school day. Students are not permitted to have items at school that distract from this goal. Inappropriate items include: pictures, toys, electronics, excess cash, sports equipment, cell phones that are turned on during prohibited times and any other items as determined by a school official. For all offenses, the item will be confiscated and given to the Homebase teacher.
1. First offense – a. Student can collect Item at the end of the day. b. Phone call home
2. Second offense –
a. Parents must come to school to pick up the item. b. Detention
3. Third offense –
a. Parents must come to school to pick up the item. b. Friday Night School/Saturday School
4. Fourth offense –
a. Parents must come to school to pick up the item. b. In School Suspension and Parent Conference
5. Fifth offense –
a. Parents must come to school to pick up the item b. Parent Shadow or Saturday Suspension
6. Sixth Offense-
a. Parents must come to school to pick up the item. b. Suspension
Cell Phones Students may use cell phones before school, during nutrition break, at lunch, and after school. Students may only use their phones in the lunch court and high school area during these times. At all other times and locations phones must be put away and turned off. No Recording using Cell Phone or other device. Students are not allowed to take pictures or record in the classroom without the permission of the teacher. Any student who violates this will receive a school consequence. In addition, this is a misdemeanor. (Ed Code 51512). Staff will confiscate cell phones from students if they are seen or heard in class, or during passing period. The school recommends students do not bring cell phones to school; the school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones Gum/Candy Gum and/or candy are not allowed on campus. Having them is grounds for an immediate referral (no warning). Please enjoy these items at home.
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Safety All students are to be dropped off and picked up on 61st Street, or in the high school parking lot; please do not drop students off in the middle school parking lot-this is a safety hazard for students on the sidewalk. Students walking to and from school must use the crosswalks and obey traffic signals. The back gate (facing 61st Street) is reserved for elementary student entry only. Middle school students enter through the main entrance, near the O’Farrell office. High school students enter through the high school gates located near the high school office and must remain in the designated high school areas on campus at all times. Closed Campus The O’Farrell High School is a “closed campus.” Student visitors are not allowed on campus during the school day unless they have signed in and obtained a pass from the high school office. Students must not leave the school from the start of the school day until dismissal unless the attendance office has issued an “off campus pass.” Students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch. Students are not allowed to order food to be delivered to the school without teacher permission. Bullying Safe learning environments are essential for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Therefore, bullying, cyber-bullying, and cyber-threats will not be tolerated. Students who feel they are experiencing bully-like behavior should report it to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. Students who are found to be bullying will be disciplined in a progressive matter depending on severity of the incident(s). Bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive or verbal act or conduct directed toward one or more of the following: placing a reasonable student or students in fear of harm to that student’s or those students’ property; causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health; causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance; and/or causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school. (AB1156) Cyber-bullying or cyber-threats include, but are not limited to, the following misuses of technology under a person’s true or false identity: harassing, teasing, intimidating, defaming, threatening, terrorizing, or otherwise intending to harm, insult, or humiliate another staff or student member by way of any technological tool, such as sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, sound, digital pictures or images, social websites, blogs, chat rooms, or website postings. (E.C. 32261) Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment can be such actions as: unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors (verbal or visual), or physical conduct of a sexual nature by someone from or within the educational setting. The school prohibits any conduct having a negative impact on the student’s academic performance as well as any behavior creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. It is important to report any act of sexual harassment to the Homebase teacher. Dance Policy School dances are held several times throughout the year. Students will be eligible to attend if they have not been suspended during the six weeks prior to the dance, and if they have been following the FALCON Way, as determined by the Homebase teacher. Dance ticket sales will take place during lunch the week of the dance. All discipline codes and uniform rules are in effect. Staff members have full authority to admit, refuse, or dismiss any students. There are no refunds for dance tickets.
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Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is expected of all students. It is the key to a student’s success. Absence for any reason is to be reported to the attendance office on the first day of the absence. If parent contact is not made within three days the student will be unexcused. Students will be released from school only to persons with valid ID, who are listed on their enrollment card. If a student needs to leave school early, the attendance office must be notified in person, or by phone by the parent/guardian and a “blue slip” will be issued.
Loss of Academic Credit: Students may not accumulate more than fifteen (15) absences per class, per semester. Student’s who accumulate more than fifteen (15) absences will receive an “F” or no credit (NC) for the class. Independent Study Contracts or Long-term health problems are the exceptions.
Independent Contracts If a student will be absent for one or more days, the parent/guardian should request an independent contract. This will allow the student to receive work for the missed class time and receive “credit” for their attendance, rather than their record showing an absence. Please call the O’Farrell attendance office for more information.
Tardy Policy Students arriving to school during the Homebase class should report straight to Homebase. When they arrive to class they will follow tardy procedures. This will involve filling in the tardy chart and making a phone call to notify a parent or guardian about their consequence. If it involves an after school detention, the teacher will briefly speak with the parent to verify the consequence: 1st Tardy-Phone call home and Warning 2nd Tardy-Phone call home and Detention 3rd Tardy-Phone call home and Friday Night School/Saturday School 4th Tardy-Phone call home and In School Suspension 5th Tardy-Phone call home and Saturday Suspension Students arriving to school after Homebase must report to the attendance office to check in. Once they receive an admit slip, they must go directly to their Homebase teacher. After following the procedures above, and calling home, they will be given a pass to their proper class. Truancy Students who are truant (ditching) will be assigned a minimum of one day of Saturday Suspension. Student Signature: __________________________ Date: ___________ Parent Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________
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Athletic Policy OCS offers a wide variety of athletic opportunities. Participation on athletic events is a privilege. In order to participate in or tryout for any sport, you must be cleared for participation; this includes but is not limited to the following:
• Maintain an unweighted 2.0 grade point and citizenship average • Physical Examination - annual • Proof of Health/Accident Insurance • Signed Athlete’s code of conduct • Signed OCS Waiver and Release
Student Parking
Students who possess a California Drivers Licenses who seek to use the high school parking lot for their vehicle must apply and register for a parking permit with the main office. Students vehicles that park on campus may be searched at any time. O’Farrell is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen property from your vehicle.
Work Permits Students eligible for employment must apply for a work permit through the high school counseling office after being hired by an employer. Students must be in good academic standing and have good school attendance. The school reserves the right to request a student work permit be revoked at any time. The Dive OCS encourages all students to take advantage of the Dive. The Dive is a before/afterschool program with extra-curricular activities available after school. Activities range from intramural sports, student clubs and organizations, outdoor field trips, and leadership development. Participation in these events can assist with development of a stronger student profile during the college admissions process. Health Office Any medications for students must be left in the Health Office. The health technician is not allowed to administer medications. Parents will be required to administer over the counter medications for up to ten days. A doctor’s note is required to administer any prescription medicine. A written explanation with a parent/guardian signature and phone number is required to be excused from PE. Excuses for more than one day may require a doctor’s note. Nut-Free Zone Due to food allergies and heightened sensitivity, The O’Farrell Charter School has become a "nut-free zone". No nuts of any kind (i.e. peanuts, walnuts, almonds) should be brought on campus. Please be cautious when bringing food and/or treats on campus, especially when sharing with others. Students with food allergies should see the Health Tech in the Health Office for accommodations.
