AKRON EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL 225 S. Main Street * Akron, Ohio 44308 * Phone: 330.972.6450 * Fax: 330.972.5305
AKRON EARLY COLLEGE MISSION Each student in our diverse population will achieve his or her fullest potential in a safe and affirming learning center characterized by an extensive, student-focused collaboration of all segments of the community, with an emphasis on preparing students to live and excel in a global environment.
CLASS SCHEDULE Monday-TuesdayWednesday-Friday
Thursday
Thursday
7:45 – 8:35
Period 1
Period 1
Advisory
8:50 – 9:40
Period 2
Period 2
Period 8
9:55 – 10:45
Period 3
Period 3
Period 9
11:00 – 11:50
Period 4/5
Period 4/5
Period 4/5
12:05 – 12:55
Period 6/7
Period 6/7
Period 6/7
1:10 – 2:00
Period 8
Dismissal at 1:00
Dismissal at 1:00
2:15 – 3:05
Period 9
BLUE
GOLD
APPOINTMENTS Parents are asked to call the school office to schedule appointments with school personnel. Drop-in visits may not afford you the opportunity to meet and confer with office or teaching staff.
ATTENDANCE Attendance is a most important factor in the establishment of a good school record and the first documentation requested by a potential employer. The expectation is that students will be present and on time to school and class each day. When a student has an excused absence, he/she is permitted to make up classroom work. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the procedures for make-up work on the day he/she returns to school. ABSENCE When a student is absent, a parent/guardian must report the absence and the reason for the absence by calling the school between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. Failure to call will result in an unexcused absence and a zero grade in classes. A parent/guardian may call or submit a written explanation of the reason for the absence within ten school days of the date of absence. Excused and unexcused absences will be determined according to APS policy. PHONE DIALER When a student has an unexcused absence from class, an automated phone dialer will call the student’s home with a pre-recorded message. The message will indicate the class(es) in which the student was marked with an unexcused absence. TARDY TO SCHOOL Students who arrive tardy to school should report to their scheduled class. Students who arrive tardy due to an appointment should report to the office with a note verifying the appointment. APPOINTMENTS Appointments should be scheduled so as not to cause absence from school or class. For any excused appointment, parents/guardians must call the school and submit a note to the office on the day of the appointment. The parent/guardian of student leaving for an appointment must sign out the student in the office. Persons picking up a student may be asked for identification. ILLNESS/EMERGENCY AT SCHOOL If a student becomes ill at school, the student should notify his/her teacher and report to the office. The parent, guardian, or designated adult listed as an emergency contact will be notified. Every student must have current emergency contact phone numbers on file in the office. Arrangements will be made for the student to leave school. The parent, guardian, or designated adult of an ill student must sign the student out in the office. Persons picking up a student may be asked for identification. LEAVING SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION Leaving school without proper home notification and signing out is considered truancy.
ATTENDANCE AND CREDIT Credit course work demands that students be regular in attendance. A student may not earn credit during a semester when he/she has seven or more unexcused absences from a class. DISCIPLINE POLICIES REGARDING ATTENDANCE Unexcused Tardies: 1-2 Classroom Conference/Warning 3-4 AM Detention assigned by teacher 5 AM Detention/Teacher call home 6-9 Office Referral/Friday Detention 10+ Principal Discretion Unexcused Absences: 1-3 AM Detention 4+ Friday Detention/Principal Discretion
BLUE AND GOLD CARDS/GOLD STATUS Blue and Gold Cards are awarded to grade 9 and 10 students each grading period for excellence in academics and attendance. Gold Status is awarded to grade 11 and 12 students for academics. Blue and Gold Cards and Gold Status expire one week after the end of each grading period. GOLD CARDS Requirements: 3.8 or above GPA MAP growth minimum of 2 points Citizenship marks of 1, 2, or 3 Three or fewer unexcused tardies One or none unexcused absences No office disciplinary action Rewards: Daily one-hour campus dining privileges Independent Study Hall (Teacher signatures required for each) BLUE CARDS Requirements: 3.3 – 3.7 GPA MAP growth minimum of 2 points Citizenship marks of 1, 2, or 3 Three or fewer unexcused tardies One or none unexcused absences No office disciplinary action Reward: Daily one-hour campus dining privileges (Teacher signature required) A grade of C- or below will make you ineligible for this privilege. GOLD/BLUE STATUS Gold/Blue Card status requires Juniors and Seniors to maintain 3.0+ GPA. Fall semester, Juniors must have a 2 point growth in sophomore MAP scores from the previous Spring. Juniors and Seniors who have a “C-“or below grade will be assigned to study hall for the next semester. Juniors and Seniors who have not met the GPA requirement will be assigned study hall for the grading period in order to help improve their grades.
CARD PLAYING Card playing is not permitted in high school zones. Cards, including game cards, may be confiscated.
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES Students are encouraged to carry a cell phone and to enter the Office phone number and the University Police phone number into a speed dial setting. Cell phones and electronic devices are not to be used in high school or university classrooms. Cell phones/electronic devices may be used in the Polsky atrium with permission. DISCIPLINE POLICY REGARDING CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES 1ST Offense Warning/Classroom Conference 2+ Place phone or device in a designated container upon entering the room Phone Call to Parent Failure to comply with classroom policy or repeated violations will result in an Office Referral.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Any change of address or phone number, including cell phones, must be reported to the office and updated in My Akron. The office must be able to contact a parent/guardian at all times. Every student must have current emergency contact phone numbers on file in the office.
COMPLAINTS Any concerns regarding university classes should be brought to the AECHS principal. The principal, in conjunction with the university liaison, will attempt to resolve any issues at the university level. It is the desire of the Akron Public Schools to rectify any misunderstandings between the public and the district by direct discussions in an informal, timely manner among the interested parties. The district’s procedure for resolving any oral or written misunderstandings or complaints from parents and/or stakeholders concerned with the appropriate delivery of services to children is simple and straightforward. All complainants should first contact the child’s teacher, if applicable, to attempt to resolve any issues. [THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT A TEACHER IS BY EMAIL.] If not resolved, contact the building principal. In most cases, problems can be quickly resolved at the building level. If not resolved at the building, contact the executive director. (General Provisions Regulations at 34 CFR Sections 299.10-299.12)
DROP/WITHDRAW CLASS POLICY Students must meet with the Early College school counselor prior to withdrawing from any college class. A “Drop Class” form will be provided to the student to verify all interventions were attempted. Various signatures are required to complete the form. In addition, all university policies for withdrawing from a college course will be followed with appropriate instructor and advising signatures obtained.
ELIGIBILITY Eligibility requirements apply to ALL extra-curricular activities. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to: clubs, organizations, office assistants, Student Council, and APS athletics. The following requirements must be met: 1. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students with a grade point average of 1.5 – 2.0 will remain eligible on a weekly basis if Homework Club is attended. 2. Pass enough courses in the grading period immediately prior to participation that if it were the end of the semester, the courses passed would yield at least two and one-half (2 ½) units of credit. Some Early College activities have eligibility standards that exceed the minimum set by Akron Public schools and OHSAA.
CONDUCT
EMAIL
Clearly stated rules and regulations ensure that all students know what is expected of them. Early College will apply both the “Code of Student Conduct” of The University of Akron and the Akron Public Schools “Code of Student Behavior.” Students are asked to always remember that they are on a university campus and to be especially vigilant about keeping the noise level under control. Horseplay and other immature behavior will not be tolerated anywhere on the university campus. The display of affection is inappropriate behavior and not permitted at Early College. Behaviors not condoned are: kissing, holding hands, embracing, and caressing.
Every student will receive a university email account. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CHECK EMAIL DAILY. Communication and information is shared with students through email. Students may communicate with both APS and university instructors through email.
FIGHTING Students who engage in fighting are removed from Early College High School and returned to their home/neighborhood school. [This is an exception to the APS student discipline code.] As a part of Akron Public Schools pre-established emergency safety intervention procedures that are in place in our schools, any student who poses an imminent risk of injury to himself/herself or others may be physically restrained and/or placed in seclusion by school staff in accordance with State of Ohio and District policies. As soon as possible after any such incident, the parent or guardian will be informed when any of these actions have occurred. These policies will be available with other school board policies to all parents electronically via our website or as a hard copy, upon request. SOCIAL MEDIA Students who engage in negative social media attacks will be disciplined according to the student code of behavior for Akron Public Schools and be referred to The University of Akron Judiciary Board for possible dismissal.
DETENTIONS Detentions are assigned by classroom teachers for class/school rule infractions. Detentions are served on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday mornings from 7:00 – 7:30 AM. The detention site will be determined by the teacher assigning the detention. Failure to serve a detention will result in an office referral. Friday Detentions are assigned by the office and are served Friday afternoon from 3:15 – 4:30 PM in the office.
DRESS AND GROOMING As a general rule, all garments must be neat, clean, properly size, without holes and rips, and not promote gangs, tobacco, drugs and alcohol use, sexual activity, or anything illegal or immoral. HEAD: Hats, caps, head coverings, and gloves are not permitted to be worn indoors at APS sites SHIRTS: Underwear, shoulders, chest, back and midsection may not be visible – shirts must have sleeves and be properly sized BOTTOMS: Skirts, shorts, tight-fitting (body con skirts, leggings/yoga pants), oversized, drooping and garments exposing more than mid-thigh (fingertip rule plus 3 inches) are not permitted. SHOES: Slippers, flip-flops, shower shoes, and stilettos are not permitted OTHER: Clothing designed for sleepwear is prohibited ACCESSORIES: Sunglasses are not to be worn indoors 1st Offense: 2+ Offense:
Warning Office Referral – Call Home/Principal Discretion
EXAMS Exams are given at the end of each semester. University exam schedules are provided by the university instructors and days and times may be different from the class schedule. Students are responsible for knowing the exam schedule for their university courses. APS exams are given at the end of each semester. Exam schedules may differ in day and time from the normal class schedule. Exam schedules will be emailed to each student and posted in each APS classroom. Absence from an APS exam may be excused only with the approval of the principal. A written note verifying a doctor appointment or a court appointment must be provided in order to make up an exam. A makeup exam day is scheduled during exam week.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students are encouraged to participate in the many activities offered at Early College. These activities may vary each year: All-Class Competition Bridge Building Chess Club Cultural Awareness Club Dances Future Educators Intramurals Literary Magazine Lock-Ins National Honor Society Science Fair Senior Class Officers Spring Drama Student Council Student Leadership Talent Show 3.0 Club Yearbook Early College students are able and encouraged to participate on athletic teams at their home/neighborhood school. Students enrolled from another district will be assigned an APS high school (nearest to their residence) for participation in athletics and activities.
FEES Some university courses require a minimal fee for supplemental books, materials, or supplies. APS science classes may require a lab fee.
FOOD SERVICE Breakfast and lunches prepared by The University of Akron Food Service Department will be served every school day. The meals are served in the first floor Atrium in the Polsky Building. Breakfast is served 7:00-7:45 a.m. daily. Lunch is served during scheduled lunch periods.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION The number of units of credit acquired determines grade classification. Sophomore – 4 units of credit (2 units must be in core classes) Junior – 9 units of credit (5 units must be in core classes) Senior – 15 units of credit (8 units must be in core classes) Core classes: English LA, Math, Science, Social Studies Students are required to earn a minimum of 21 units of credit to qualify for graduation. SUMMER CLASSES THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY MAY BE TAKEN ONLY TO MEET GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.
GRADES Academic grades encompass an evaluation of homework, test grades, class work, quizzes, reports, projects, participation, and attendance. Citizenship grades encompass courtesy, participation, attitude, dependability, trustworthiness, effort, initiative, and general behavior. Interim Progress Reports are issued approximately midway through each grading period. **Second Semester: SENIORS MUST TURN IN TWO (2) UA PROGRESS REPORTS INDICATING A PASSING GRADE IN THEIR COLLEGE CLASSES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average in college classes. Students earning less than a 2.0 grade point average will be placed on academic probation. University policy dictates that any student that falls below a 2.0 grade point average in college classes for two consecutive semesters will be released from Early College. Honor Roll status is achieved by maintaining a 3.5 or higher grade point average. Merit Roll status is achieved by maintaining a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.499. Receiving an F grade or a citizenship mark of a 4 or 5 in any subject disqualifies a student from Honor Roll or Merit Roll. GRADING SCALES: Akron Public Schools A 4.0 A3.8 B+ 3.2 B 3.0 B2.8 C+ 2.2 C 2.0 C1.8 D+ 1.2 D 1.0 D0.8 F 0.0
The University of Akron A 4.0 A3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 C1.7 D+ 1.3 D 1.0 D0.7 F 0.0
HOLDS Holds are issued for failure to return a textbook; loss or destruction of school property; laptop fines; Tuition Reimbursement; failure to pay a class fee; withholding fund raising items, payments, or profits; etc. Holds will prevent the release of report cards, school records, and transcripts and MUST BE PAID PRIOR TO GRADUATION. Students with outstanding Holds will not be permitted to attend or participate in extra-curricular activities
INTERVENTION/ACADEMIC SUPPORT Students who receive a grade of C- or below in any class will be placed in an intervention program. Grade 11 and 12 students with a C- or below will be placed in a mandatory study hall. Students will be required to sign a contract indicating their commitment to participate in an intervention program and obtain academic support. Students may receive academic support from APS teachers, peer tutoring, study groups, attending Homework Club, tutoring through the Summit College Advising office and through the UA Bierce Library tutoring programs.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR TUITION Students enrolled from Akron Public Schools who attend any college/university course where tuition is paid by APS and the student fails the course(s) or chooses to withdraw from course(s) will be responsible for tuition reimbursement. The Ohio Revised Code 3365:11 states: 3365:11 Reimbursement where student fails course. (A)If the superintendent of the school district or the chief administrator of the community school in which a participant is enrolled determines that the participant has not attained a passing final grade in a college course in which the participant enrolled under this chapter, the superintendent or chief administrator shall see reimbursement from the participant or the participant’s parent for the amount of state funds paid to the college on behalf of the participant for that college course. The board of education of the school district or the governing authority of the community school, in accordance with division (C) of section 3313.642 of the Revised Code, may withhold grades and credits received by the participant for district or community school courses taken by the participant until the participant or the participant’s parent provides reimbursement.
Tuition Reimbursement for Failed Courses: IN THE EVENT THAT A STUDENT FAILS A UNIVERSITY COURSE, IT IS THE STUDENT’S FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO REIMBURSE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT THE AMOUNT OF STATE FUNDS PAID TO THE UNIVERSITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR TUITION AND FEES FOR THAT COURSE(S). *TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAILED COLLEGE COURSES MUST BE PAID THE SEMESTER FOLLOWING THE FAILURE. IF THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATION IS NOT MET OR A PAYMENT PLAN ESTABLISHED WITH A DOWNPAYMENT MADE DURING THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER, THE STUDENT WILL NOT BE
PERMITTED TO ENROLL IN COLLEGE CLASSES FOR THE SUCCEEDING SEMESTER.
Tuition Reimbursement for Withdrawn Courses: See Chart. Credit course refunds will be processed according to the following: Process Paperwork in Person During Applicable Refund Week
Akron Early College
First Week
Owe 0%
Second Week
Owe 30%
Third Week
Owe 50%
Fourth Week
Owe 70%
Fifth Week
Owe 80%
After the Fifth Week
Owe 100%
Percent of Refund
Maximum percent refund during first week of semester or 6.67% of class attended 70 percent refund during second week of semester or 13.333% of class attended 50 percent refund during third week of semester or 20% of class attended 30 percent refund during fourth week of semester or 26.667% of class attended 20 percent refund during fifth week of semester or 33.333% of class attended 0 percent refund after fifth week of semester or more than 33.333% of class attended
TECHNOLOGY Early College students in grades 9 and 10, and grade 11 students enrolled in Algebra II/Trig, will be issued a laptop, charger, and backpack each school year, provided all financial obligations are met. The laptop is the property of The University of Akron. A parent/guardian and the student are required to sign a contract at the time of distribution. The contract specifies appropriate and inappropriate use and provides information regarding damage or loss of the computer. Computers, accessories, and backpacks will be collected in May for servicing during the summer months. Failure to return the laptop, charger, and backpack by the assigned date will result in a $20.00 late fee. Fines will be assessed for lost or damaged laptops, chargers, or backpacks. Grades and credits received may be withheld until fines have been paid. The laptop must be carried in the university-issued backpack. Failure to use the university-issued backpack will result in the laptop being confiscated by staff. STUDENTS IN GRADE 11 OR 12 ARE NO LONGER GUARANTEED THE AVAILABILITY AND USE OF A UNIVERSITY LAPTOP. STUDENTS IN THE UPPER GRADES WILL NEED TO PURCHASE A PERSONAL LAPTOP FOR USE IN COLLEGE CLASSES. The University of Akron is a wireless campus, so students will have access to the Internet anywhere on campus, even outdoors. Early College students must become proficient in the use of My Akron and Springboard.
TEXTBOOKS High school textbooks are provided by Akron Public Schools. Fines will be assessed for damaged or lost books. Grades and credits received may be withheld until fines have been paid. Akron Early College will provide required college textbooks. College textbooks are distributed and collected only at the University Bookstore in the Polsky building. Specific dates are assigned for the distribution and collection of college textbooks. Students must return all college textbooks at the same time. Failure to return a college textbook by the assigned date will result in a $20.00 late fee. Fines will be assessed for damaged or lost books. Grades and credits received may be withheld until fines have been paid.
VISITORS/SHADOWING It is the policy of Early College that student visitors/shadowing is not permitted except by incoming freshmen. Any visitation must be pre-approved by and scheduled through the office a minimum of two days prior to the visit. Parents will be required to complete a Guest Form prior to a student being approved for shadowing. Shadow days are limited to APS Spring break.
WEATHER CLOSINGS If bad weather occurs, call 330-972-SNOW (7669). This is the school closing information line for The University of Akron. In addition, please check the university webpage, www.uakron.edu. If Akron Public Schools close, we may still have school. Early College classes are cancelled only if The University of Akron cancels classes. Exception: Winter Break.
ZIP CARDS A Zip Card is a university identification card. All incoming freshmen are
issued a Zip Card during orientation. Zip Cards must be carried at all times. Zip Cards are required to attend classes in the Rec Center, to ride the Roo, and to make copies at DocuZip. The fee to replace a lost Zip Card is $20.00. Zip Cards must be returned to the Akron Early College office if/when a student(s) leaves AECHS.