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ANDRADA POLY
HIGH SCHOOL
Student Handbook
2015-2016
Principal - Darcy Mentone
Assistant Principal – Analizabeth Fiore
Dean of Students – Gloria Bernal
Office Manager - Lori Kelly
VAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Vail School District to provide parents with safe and nurturing school
communities where their children can obtain quality education.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Calvin Baker, Superintendent Mr. John Carruth, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Debbie
Hedgepeth, Assistant Superintendent
VAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD
Jon Aitken, Claudia Anderson, Margaret Burkholder, Jim Coulter, Debbie King
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
•Our schools are communities of learners
•We care about students.
•One of our highest priorities is keeping class sizes small.
•We are committed to fiscal responsibility.
•We are responsible to our local community.
•We respect parents and their values.
•Small schools are the best places to develop caring communities of learners.
•We believe learning extends well beyond the classroom.
•We uphold traditional values such as respect, personal and social responsibility,
honesty and hard work.
•We are continually improving.
•We value our employees.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Vail Unified School District #20 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, genetic information, or disability
in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title VII, Title IX,
Section 504, and Americans With Disabilities Act may be referred to the Superintendent, Calvin Baker, Assistant Superintendent, John Carruth,
13801 E. Benson Hwy. Vail, AZ 85641, 520.879.2000.
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Freedom with Responsibility
Expectations for Success at Andrada Poly High School
Andrada Poly operates with the philosophy that high school is a safe time for students to prepare for life after
graduation. It is a time for them to make friends, and develop character, study habits, and time management skills. With
that in mind, there is much freedom at Andrada, but with it comes responsibility to be good students and citizens.
What does freedom with responsibility mean?
Relationships
• Build supportive relationships with adults and peers at school.
• Get involved with school activities.
Respect
• Respect yourself, others, and your school.
• Treat others as you wish to be treated.
• Pick up your trash to keep school looking great.
• Respect others by not demonstrating public displays of affection.
• Language: Profanity and racial/religious/sexual orientation slurs will not be tolerated.
Resourcefulness
• Ask questions; come prepared to class.
• Be a problem solver.
• Get involved in volunteer activities.
Responsibility
• Be responsible for your own learning—turn work in on time.
• Be responsible for your own behavior.
• Set goals, explore career opportunities and post secondary plans.
Rigor
• Commit to graduate with a plan for your future.
• Take challenging courses and do your best!
• Academic integrity is essential.
By being responsible at Andrada Poly, we allow you more freedoms to manage your time and
become an active contributor to the Andrada community and beyond.
Freshman Advisory:
The freshman year is a unique period of transition. Freshman advisory gives students an
introduction to APHS and provides support and activities to ensure a successful transition. This
course provides structured activities and study time during the first semester of the school year,
transitioning students into a supervised Unassigned Free Time during second semester.
Andrada promotes freedom with responsibility and as such, freshmen are given increasing
increments of freedom over time.
At the beginning of the second quarter, student grade checks will occur each Monday. Students
with satisfactory grades will be given Unassigned Time for the remainder of the week.
Students struggling academically will remain in advisory to access tutoring.
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Unassigned Free Time:
Andrada offers an unassigned time program as an alternative to the traditional study hall. Its
purpose is to allow students flexibility in structuring their non-class time and to establish an
environment of trust and respect in which students can learn time management. During
Unassigned Free Time, students may move about the building to access tutoring, the library,
counseling, cafeteria services, etc.
Students may NOT leave campus during Unassigned Free Time.
Commons:
The Commons is defined as the cafeteria, the library, the tech desk and the Cyber Cafe. The
Cyber Café/cafeteria are open all day for students to use during Unassigned Free Time.
Students are expected to pick up their trash and help us keep the commons clean. Students
should also take care of their personal belongings to avoid items being lost or stolen.
Dress Code:
Student attire should be appropriate for the school environment and should not disrupt the
educational process. Symbols and words depicting racism, sex, drugs and/or weapons are not
allowed at school. Additionally, clothing must not expose stomach, chest or buttocks.
We rely upon parents’ good judgment and discretion as to what your student should wear to
school. However, faculty and administration of Andrada Poly High School reserve the right to
make the final decision to the suitability of any attire and to decide when attire violates school
code.
Student Attendance Policy:
It is unlawful for a child who is at least six but not yet sixteen years of age to fail to attend
school during the hours that school is in session, unless such child is excused pursuant to:
•A.R.S 15-802 verifiable records are kept of the reasons for the excuse.
•A.R.S. 15-901 for children with disabilities.
•The child being provided instruction at home.
•The child being accompanied by a parent or a person authorized by a parent.
Absence Policy - Loss of Credit:
Students who reach 12 non-school related absences (excused or unexcused, not including
suspension) in any one class will lose credit for that class. The student and parent may appeal
loss of credit to the Site Council. Without an appeal, loss of credit will be automatic.
Appeal Process - A student and parent may appeal loss of credit. Appeals will be heard by the
site council at the last regularly scheduled meeting of each semester. Parent and student must
be present at the meeting.
Attendance records:
Each time a class meets, the teacher shall check and formally record the attendance of all
students assigned to the class. The name of any absent student shall be entered on the
attendance report and be submitted to the office.
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Attendance Procedures:
1. Students shall be in physical attendance in the classrooms in which they have been assigned.
Students will be counted absent on a period-by-period basis whenever they are not physically in
attendance.
2. Students will be considered absent from a class if they miss more than 20% or 10 minutes of a
50 minute class.
3. Students may not leave during the school day without first checking out through the
attendance office. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to give permission by note or
phone call, prior to a student leaving campus.
4. Unassigned Time is considered school time. Students must remain on campus. Students will
not be excused from Unassigned Time on a regular basis.
Absences:
Parents/guardians need to contact the school attendance clerk in the event the student is going
to miss class. When a student returns to school after an absence, a note of explanation from the
parent must be submitted or a phone call received within two days following an absence. A
doctors statements regarding student illness will be accepted in place of a parent/guardian
note. If verification is not received within the two-day period, the absence is recorded as
unexcused. Student absences must be reported to the attendance office by a parent. The
attendance office number is (520) 879-3303. Students are responsible to see teachers for work
missed during any absence. Students may be in danger of losing credit on assignments if they
do not make up the missed work.
Tardy Policy:
Tardiness to class is unacceptable and may result in a consequence. If you have been detained in
the office or by a teacher, it is your responsibility to ask for a pass to your next class. Five
unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence.
Eighteen-Year-Old Student Policy:
Students who are eighteen years or older may sign themselves into and out of school for
legitimate reasons such as a doctor appointment. Attendance and tardy policies will apply. An
absence or tardy is excused only when a parent calls to excuse the student.
Andrada is a closed campus. Students are not able to sign themselves out to leave for lunch.
Once a student signs themselves out they may not return on the same day without parent
permission.
Leaving School for Internship:
Seniors may leave campus to go to their internship as long as permission has been granted by
parents (or by student if student is 18 years old). Please fill out and return form at the end of this
packet before the first day student is expected to leave. Please note that students will not be
allowed to leave campus to attend the internship until the consent form is on file with the front
office.
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Grade Point Average and Weighted Grades:
Grade point average will be calculated on a 4.0 scale. Students in Honors and Advanced
Placement courses will receive weighted grades. Andrada High School will use the following
grade scale to determine the grade point average of students:
Standard Classes: A=4.00, B=3.00, C=2.00, D=1.00, F=0
Honors Classes: A=4.03, B=3.03, C=2.03, D=1.03, F=0
AP and Dual Enrollment Classes: A=4.05, B=3.05, C=2.05, D=1.05, F=0
Class rank will be determined based on weighted grades. Valedictorian and Salutatorian will
be determined at the end of the 1st semester of the student’s Senior year. Students who transfer
from another school to Andrada will have their GPA calculated using Andrada rules. University
admission is based on un-weighted GPAs.
Final Exam Policy:
Students are expected to take a final exam in each class at the end of each semester. In cases of
emergency only, students may request to take early final exams. Any final exam missed due to
an “excused” absence may be completed by coordinating with the teacher. For final exams
missed during the first semester, students must make them up within the first ten school days of
the second semester. For exams missed second semester, students must make them up within
two weeks of the end of the semester. Students who miss a final exam due to an “unexcused”
absence will receive a zero for that exam.
Math Reteach:
Math reteach will be scheduled during students’ unassigned time. Students are assigned math
reteach based on formative assessments and how they perform in class. If a student is assigned
reteach, attendance is required.
Homework Policy:
Students will be assigned homework when it is instructionally appropriate. In all classes,
homework may be assigned during fall and spring breaks, on holidays, and on weekends.
Advanced Placement teachers may assign homework over the summer. When a student has a
"excused" absence they will be given that many extra days to complete homework. If a student
has an "unexcused" absence no extra time will be given for homework completion. Students are
responsible for collecting homework after an absence.
Schedule Changes:
Schedules are developed based on course requests submitted in the spring. Every effort is made
to provide students with a schedule that includes their first choices.
We hire and assign staff to teach courses students request. Class sections are created, reasonable
class size limits are set, and supplies are ordered on the basis of student registration counts.
Schedule changes after the master schedule is finalized in the spring can result in imbalances
and weaker educational experiences. We need accurate information to plan for the courses
students want and need.
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Course Withdrawal:
• Students may withdraw from a course during the first quarter of the semester without the
course appearing on the transcript.
• Students withdrawing from a course after the deadline will receive a notation of ―WF for
withdraw/fail on the transcript.
• Parent permission must be obtained before a student may request to withdraw from any
course.
Grade Level Classification:
Freshman 0-5 credits
Sophomore 5.5-11 credits
Junior 11.5-17 credits
Senior 17.5+ credits
Graduating with Honors:
The honor roll is calculated at the end of each semester and will be based on a student’s GPA as
follows:
High Honors 3.7 and above GPA
Honors 3.3-3.69 GPA
Academic Honesty Rules:
Academic Dishonesty in any form is unacceptable behavior for all students. Any type of
academic dishonesty will not be tolerated, including but not limited to the following:
• Cheating: Sharing answers, looking at another student’s work, sharing test information, use
of unauthorized aides or copying another student’s work/test. The student who shares his/her
work with another to copy without teacher permission is also cheating.
• Fabrication: Falsifying, inventing, or misrepresenting the actual source from which work is
cited.
• Unauthorized Collaboration: While working with others is often encouraged, unauthorized
collaboration is not permitted.
• Plagiarism: Any intentional representation of another’s ideas, words or work as one’s own.
Plagiarism includes the misuse of published material, electronic material and/or the work of
other students. It includes direct quotations and paraphrasing without adequate citation.
• Alteration of Materials/Forgery: Any intentional and unauthorized alteration of
student/teacher material or unauthorized signing of another person’s name to school related
documents.
Due to the serious nature of academic dishonesty, any act deemed in violation of the rules listed
above will result in an automatic zero for the work involved. The teacher will report the
incident to the administration. The student may be subject to further disciplinary action. A
student in an advanced placement class who is found cheating will be dropped into the regular
class.
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AP and Honors Classes:
Students enrolled in AP and/or Honors classes have to maintain a C or higher to remain in the
class for both semesters. Students not maintaining a C or higher may be moved to a regular
class. Students can also be transferred into a regular class during the first nine weeks by parent
request.
Dual Enrollment Classes:
Many Grand Canyon University classes are offered at Andrada. They provide one high school
credit and three university credits. Grand Canyon University charges $250 for each class.
Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will have the fee waived by GCU. All dual
enrollment classes will be awarded .05 added value for GPA.
Health Office:
According to Vail School District Board policy, the health service office may not administer any
medications, including over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, cold medication, etc.)
unless there is written prescription from a health care provider. The prescription must include
the following information: Student’s name, Doctor’s name, Name of medication, Reason for
administration, Dose and Time to be given. A parent or guardian must also sign a consent form.
The medication is required to be in the original store sealed packaging.
When an accident occurs on campus or a student becomes ill they should report to the health
office with permission from their teacher. A student should not leave campus without reporting
their illness or accident to the health office. It is the health aide’s responsibility to notify the
parents or guardians.
Theft/Vandalism:
The Vail School District is not responsible for the loss or theft of any property belonging to a
student or any other person when such property is brought onto or left on the Andrada campus.
Theft and vandalism should be reported immediately to a staff member.
Parking Policy:
To drive to Andrada High School, you must be a licensed driver and be able to show proof of
insurance upon request. Vehicles must be registered and legal for street use. You are expected to
drive on campus with courtesy and good sense. Driving privileges may be revoked for speeding
or for reckless or inconsiderate driving. A Vehicle Parking permit must be purchased for $20
from the bookstore within the first week of school. Each student must show his or her license
and proof of insurance to receive the parking permit. Students are to park in the student
parking lot only. The school will not be responsible for any damages incurred to vehicles while
parked in the school lot.
Cell Phone Use:
Cell phones may be used at Andrada. Each teacher has classroom guidelines for cell phone use
that must be followed by students. Other school-wide events may require no cell phone usage.
Cell phones should be secured, not left out on desks, or otherwise unattended.
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Bus Rules:
To ensure safe and orderly transportation for all students these rules must be consistently
followed:
• Students will comply with directions from the driver or any adult assisting the driver.
• Students will conduct themselves in a manner which will not distract the driver ’s
concentration or endanger the safety of anyone riding the bus.
Items / Behavior Prohibited on the Bus:
Prohibited Items
•large or glass objects
•knives, sharp objects
•animals (dead or alive)
•rubber bands/paper clips
•drugs, alcohol, tobacco products
Prohibited Behavior
•obscene language and gestures
•loud talking/yelling
•switching seats
•gum chewing
•hitting/fighting
Should you have any concerns regarding transportation, please call the
Transportation Department at 879-2475.
Volunteers:
At Andrada, we appreciate parents, grandparents, and neighborhood volunteers. There are
opportunities for volunteering in classrooms, in the library, tutoring, on field trips, and with the
Andrada Parent Team. Please let us know of your special talents so that we can best utilize
them. When you volunteer, please sign in at the front office and obtain a volunteer badge. We
need you!
We also have opportunities for helping at home for those who are unable to come to school
during regular school hours. We are committed to providing quality educational opportunities
and your help is needed and appreciated.
Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Mark Tate at 879-3342 for additional information.
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Instructional Model at Andrada
Six Pillars of Instruction
Philosophy - Standards-based, project rich
Effective Communication
Interpersonal
Technology
Written
Professional Communication
Questioning Climate
Responding to tough questions
Asking tough questions
Innovation
Creativity
Entrepreneurial
Critical Thinking
Analysis
Synthesis
Problem solving
Personal Responsibility
Individual/group projects
Multiple opportunities to learn
Collaborative learning
Time management
Teamwork
Academic Transfer
Cross-curricular
To the world
Open-ended
Standards application
Behavioral Expectations:
The staff at Andrada Poly believes that our primary objective is to educate students. We
believe that in order for students to meet the challenges that he or she will face in our society,
the development of self-discipline and individual responsibility is essential. Our intention is
to have a philosophy that supports the right of each student to be educated in a calm, safe,
and secure environment.
The rules and discipline procedures at Andrada have been established for the protection of our
staff and students. Students are expected to respect these rules as well as the people responsible
for carrying them out. Because you, as parents, are the most important people in your child’s
life, the staff needs your support in promoting acceptable behavior. Our goal is for each student
to learn to be responsible for his or her own actions.
During the first week of school, classroom teachers introduce, define and discuss individual
classroom expectations with their students. From one classroom to another, and one pathway
to another rules may vary somewhat depending on the individual teachers and the safety
needs of that classroom.
The administration will determine consequences for inappropriate behavior and parents will be
notified. Students must maintain a satisfactory discipline, attendance and academic record to
keep privileges.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
Andrada’s beliefs and expectations are listed below in bold. Underneath the expectations are
examples of infractions that violate that code. The listed infractions will result in disciplinary
action. Discipline is administered based on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.
At Andrada students and staff inspire each other to reach their full potential. Student
potential is unlimited.
• Insubordination (Failure to comply with adult request)
• Persistent Opposition to Authority
I push myself to do my best, and I do more than is asked of me.
• Academic Integrity (Cheating)
I am committed to reaching my goals.
• Truancy
I play an active role in the success of our school. My positive contributions matter and
reward me with additional freedoms and responsibility.
• Theft or Distribution/Receiving of Stolen Property
• Vandalism
I am respected and valued and offer the same in return.
• Bullying (including Cyber Bullying)
• Classroom Disruptive Behavior
• Disrespectful Conduct or Speech
• Fighting or provoking a fight
• Harassment (Threatening, intimidating or demeaning another student)
• Inappropriate Object (with potential to do harm or injury)
• Offensive Language with reference to race, religion or sexual orientation
I AM GIVEN FREEDOM AND I CAN BE TRUSTED WITH IT
• Automobile Violations
• Cell phone (and other electronic devices used in instructional areas)
• Computer misuse (including accessing inappropriate websites)
• Inappropriate Dress
• Tobacco Possession/Use
The following violations will result in immediate suspension, pending a Longterm suspension hearing. Law enforcement will also be notified.
• Alcohol/Drug Use/Possession/Distribution
• Committing a crime
• Weapons (possession or display of guns, knives, etc.)
Each disciplinary infraction carries a point value based on the seriousness. An accumulation of more than
12 points in the duration of a school year may result in an administrative recommendation for long-term
suspension. An administrative recommendation may include a 10-day suspension pending a long-term
suspension hearing.
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Permission to Leave Campus for Internship
As you know, seniors at Andrada are required to complete a 120-hour internship. Many of our students
complete it during the summer while others decide to complete this part of the senior exit project during
the senior school year. If a senior chooses to complete their hours during their senior year we have built
into their schedule a period that allows them extra time during the day to accomplish this task. Most
students have either 1st or 7th period dedicated to aid them in the completion of these hours.
We are asking that you confirm your child may leave campus during their internship hour. If you chose
not to give your child permission to leave campus, please be aware that he/she will continue to be
required to fulfill the 120 hours.
______________________________
Student Name
_______________________________
Parent Signature
_________
Date
My child is ______/ is not _______ allowed to leave campus during his/her internship hour.
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