Animo Mission Statement The mission of Animo Leadership Charter High School is to provide a small college preparatory high school experience for students from the Lennox community. We are committed to serving underrepresented students and increasing the number who pursue a college education. We will achieve this through a curriculum that emphasizes self-awareness, bi –literacy, and technology. We will support students by collaborating with families to secure a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Every Animo graduate will be prepared to be College -Directed Learners who are:

• Able to think critically and analytically in order to understand complex concepts across the curriculum
• Familiar with the college application process that will enable students to independently access college opportunities
• Eligible for college by completing required coursework.
• Knowledgeable regarding career field choices and educational pathways

Every Animo graduate will be prepared to be Cultural Learners who are:

• Aware of cultural differences, unique group histories and diverse perspectives
• Bi-literate in English and Spanish
• Able to understand the dynamics of language and culture
• Able to communicate with sensitivity within and across diverse communities

Every Animo graduate will be prepared to be Innovative Leaders who are:

• Models of ethical behavior through their involvement in school functions, clubs, and committees
• Able to contribute to the success of individuals and their community through voluntary service
• Effective oral communicators in distinct situations
• Informed participants in the democratic process

Every Animo graduate will be prepared to be Life-Long Learners who are:

• Responsible, mature decision-makers
• Goal-oriented in their personal pursuits
• Able to successfully integrate multiple uses of technology
• Adaptive to a wide array of professional and cultural settings through exposure to events outside the immediate community

SCHOOL POLICY

Students do their best at Animo when they follow all the rules and seek out help from adults in whatever problems they can not solve independently. There are many privileges for students who attend every day, do their homework and ask questions. Be that privileged student. When a student makes a mistake or has a concern it is always best to come forward and tell an adult. Truth is always respected. Throughout the year additional policies may need to be enforced. These new additions will be posted on the website and in the school bulletin and sent home to parents.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

All students are required to arrive and depart from Ánimo High School on the bus provided by the school. Students should arrive to the designated bus stop ten minutes prior to departure time. Having transportation to Ánimo High is a privilege, if a student does not follow any of the school rules on the bus, he/she may lose the privilege of using the bus and the parent will have to arrange for transportation. If students will not be using the school transportation they must have on file in the office a signed letter from their parent stating their form of transportation. Students may not drive to school.

CLOSED CAMPUS/VISITOR POLICY

Ánimo High is a closed campus. All students are required to remain on school grounds during the regularly scheduled school day, including lunch period.

It is unlawful for anyone to take a student away from school during the regular school day without obtaining proper permission from a school official. Any visitor entering the school grounds must register in the office, identify themselves and the nature of their business.

NO STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO BRING VISITORS TO SCHOOL.

ATTENDANCE

Daily attendance in school is compulsory for all assigned classes (including mandatory study hall). The only reasons for absences that are considered as EXCUSED are:

1. Personal illness
2. Emergency medical, dental, and optometry appointments
3. Serious family emergencies (subject to administrative approval)

4. Death of an immediate family member. All other reasons for absences are considered UNEXCUSED. Any planned absences (for any of the 4 above mentioned reasons) over 3 consecutive days requires approval from Administration for permission to make up work. When a student returns from an absence he/she must bring a note from the parent, doctor or court explaining the absence. If a student does not bring a note they will be assigned detention. Students with unexcused absences for more than 1 week will have a parent conference.

Progressive Absence Plan

# of absences in a semester	Type	Action
1-3	Excused	Phone call home informing
		parent child was absent
	Unexcused	Parent called to verify
		truancy. Student assigned detention and loses free dress
4-7	Excused	Parent meeting is set up to
		discuss alternative planning.
	Unexcused	Parent meeting is set up Student is put on an attendance daily check-in for at least 2 months with
		designated adult
7-10	Excused	Parent letter is sent home
		stating that the number of absences is threatening the child’s stay at Leadership. Parent meeting is planned and alternative schools are
		discussed.
		Student may not participate in extra curricular field trips that affect school day.
	Unexcused	Parent is notified case is being recommended to SARB-
		Student Attendance Review
		Board.
		Student may not participate in any extra curricular activities during the school day and will go before the review board.
> 10	Excused and Unexcused	Case is recommended to
		SARB board where families
		can be cited, students put on contract with probation and stay at Animo will be in jeopardy.

VERIFICATION OF ABSENCE

A valid written excuse is required for EACH DAY a student is absent for all or part of a school day. Absent notes shall be signed and written by the parent or guardian and delivered to office before school begins. Notes must be written in ink and include:

• Full name of the student

• Date(s) or time of absence
• Reason for absence (BE SPECIFIC)
• Telephone numbers where both parents/guardians can be reached (Home and Work)
• Signature of parent or guardian

If a student does not bring a note, he/she will be marked truant and assigned detention until a note brought.

EARLY CHECK-OUT

Parents are urged to make all dental, medical, and other appointments after school hours. If it becomes necessary for you to check out your son or daughter during the day, we ask that parents report to the attendance office to sign students out.

TARDINESS Each student is responsible for being on time to all classes. A student who is willfully or carelessly tardy will be marked as an UNEXCUSED tardy.

Any student tardy to class will have their Leadership Card signed by the teacher which results in losing Free Dress Friday. Excessive tardies, more than 3, will result in a parent conference and detention. Assigned work missed due to tardies will not be allowed to be made up.

STUDENTS OUT OF CLASS All students must carry their “Hall Pass” found in their Daily Planner verifying their authorization to be out of class during class time. “Hall Passes” are signed by each teacher as necessary. If a student does not have his/her Daily Planner with the “Hall Pass” in tact, then he/she will not be permitted to leave his/her classroom. If students tear out the “Hall Pass” from their Daily Planner, they will not be permitted to leave class.

OFFICE PHONE

All office phones are to be used in case of emergency only. A pay phone is available for use

before school, during lunch, or after school.

EMERGENCY CARDS Every student must have completed and up-to-date “Emergency Card”, properly signed and on file with the school. STUDENTS MAY ONLY LEAVE CAMPUS WITH AN ADULT WHO’S NAME IS LISTED ON THE EMERGENCY CARD.

INJURY OR ILLNESS All injuries and illnesses MUST be reported to the nearest faculty member in charge or to the office. Most injuries are avoidable if safety rules are observed. Parents will be contacted to make arrangements for their child to go home if s/he is too ill to stay in school.

HEALTH SERVICES A school secretary or administrator will assist students in need of help. The health office is located in the office.

1. Emergency care is given for sudden illnesses or injury occurring in school. Conditions occurring at home should be taken care of before coming to school.
2. Students should be covered under family insurance. The school is not responsible for medical bills for injuries occurring at school.
3. No student is to report to the office without a pass, not even between periods.
4. The secretary/administrator does not diagnose illnesses. If ill, the student should be given care at home or if the condition persists, the student should seek medical attention.
5. School personnel are prohibited by law from giving any medication to a student unless the student’s physician has given written instructions. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) can sign a waiver

to authorize the school to administer Tylenol to the child in emergency situations. All other

medications require a physician’s note.

1. Arrangements to leave school because of illness or injury must be made through the office. Students may not call home from personal cell phones requesting to be picked up.
2. The school follows the recommendations of the Los Angeles County Health Department in excluding students with communicable conditions. Current laws require that Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B test results be on file with the office upon entrance into the school.
3. Health matters are treated confidentially.
4. Students expecting to be absent one week or more for medical reasons MUST contact the office regarding home instruction. The student’s physician must make a request for home instruction.
5. Students who are unable to remain in class because of illness will be sent home. Parents will be contacted to make arrangement for transportation. No student will be allowed to leave the campus without parent notification.
6. Female students need to carry with them feminine protection. The office may charge frequent users of its emergency supply.

HOMEWORK The faculty and administration of Ánimo High believe that homework is a valuable learning experience. In general, students should average 1-2 hours of homework per night, not including long-term projects. Homework can accomplish any or all of the following:

a) Reinforce academic skills learned in class b) Communicate the curriculum to the parents c) Encourage self-discipline d) Provide opportunities for students to improve technology and research skills.

Homework Policy

Missed homework cannot be made up. If a student is absent on the day that an assignment is due, the student must turn it in the day he/she returns to that class. Students need to call a classmate or look up the assignments online (ps.animo.org). All students are accountable for turning in assignments regardless of absence on the day the student returns. Teachers also have their syllabus available to view online at www.animoleadership.org. If a student does not understand the assignment he/she are encouraged to seek assistance from a teacher or staff member, or attend study hall. Attempting homework is always better than coming to class with nothing done.

IMPORTANT ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Physical Education Excuse

Physical Education and physical activities will be offered to 9^th grade. Unless a parent notifies the school otherwise, all students will be expected to participate in the P.E. activity. Students must purchase PE school uniform from the office. Financial hardships are considered. A doctor’s excuse from P.E. is required by the school if a student is to be excused for more than three (3) consecutive days. This excuse must state the reason, the extent of restriction of P.E. activities, and the date of doctor’s release. A parent note will suffice for up to three (3) consecutive days as a P.E. excuse. 10^th and 11^th grade will not have physical education.

Progress Reports/ Final Report Cards

Progress quarter reports are distributed to students during the months of October, and April. Final semester report cards are mailed home in December and June. Semester grades are determined by averaging the mid-semester and final grade. Parents can also track student progress and attendance online through our school website.

In the event a student earns a “D” or “F” in any subject it is strongly suggested that the parent contact the school (if the teacher has not contacted you first) to set up a conference with the student, teacher, and parent(s). The goal of this conference should be to problem solve and prioritize ways to improve the grades to a minimum level of “C”.

Scholastic Awards/Rewards

At the beginning of each semester students will be recognized for their academic achievement through a special activity, lunch, or celebration. An honors society, CSF (California Scholarship Federation) will begin this year.

Exclusion From Social/ Extra-curricular Activities

Any student will be excluded from social activities if he/she has:

• A FAILING GRADE IN ANY CORE SUBJECT AREA each grading period
• MORE THAN 3 Tardies
• Any suspensions in the given semester.
• A GPA less than 2.0 GRADE POINT SYSTEM

Grade Grade Points A 4.0 A-3.667 B+ 3.333 B 3.0 B-2.667

Grade Grade Points C+ 2.333 C 2.0 C-1.667 D 1.0 D-.667 F 0

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD Student I.D. cards will be issued when school pictures are taken in the fall. Temporary ID cards will be issued at the beginning of the school year. They will be distributed to students at no cost. All students are required to carry their I.D.’s at all times. If a student is asked to show his/her I.D. and does not have it, the student will be assigned detention. Replacement for lost cards is $5.00 and may be obtained in the office. ID cards are needed for the meal plan. Students without a school ID must pay $.50 in addition to whatever he/she normally pays to get lunch or breakfast.

CAFETERIA Free and reduced lunch applications are included in the registration packet or they may be picked up from the office. In order to benefit, students must return completed applications. All students are on paid status until lunch applications are turned in. Students turning in applications after the deadline are responsible for bill accrued prior to processing the application.

TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are issued to the students by their classroom teachers. Students assume full responsibility for the security of their own textbooks. Should books be lost or stolen after issuance to a student, that student will be required to pay for the cost of the book before a new one is issued. Book fines are paid at the office. Students are required to keep textbooks covered and in good condition. Students may not keep books in the office for between classes. Students may also be required to purchase required texts for their classes. Students may expect to spend approximately $25-$50 a year, on books that they have to buy here at Animo. There are financial plans available to families who may not have the money at hand, but all students will be expected to these texts readily available.

PAYING BILLS Students often contract bills during the year in various ways: lost reference books, lost textbooks, damage to school property, etc. A record of these bills is kept in the Main Office. Students are expected to pay their bills promptly, without constant reminders. Students should always request a receipt when paying any bills. All services, goods and bills paid by check are subject to a $15 returned check fee. If a student fails to pay any bills owed to the school, it will result in possible exclusion from Senior Activities (Graduation Ceremonies, prom, etc.) and possible withholding of transcripts.

LOST AND FOUND Items which have been found should be returned in to the office. Pupils who have lost an item at school may come to the office during the break or after school to check lost and found articles. School is not responsible for lost or stolen student items.

Student Materials Students must come to school every day with all their necessary materials to learn. All students are to have:

• Notebook/ 3-Ring Binder

• Calculator-depending on math

class-type may vary

• Daily Planner* -Able to be

purchased at school for $5.00

• paper

• Pens

• Required textbooks

•

Pencils

• Backpack or book bag

•

Personal Pleasure Reading Book

• Colored pencils

Parent Information:

INFORMATION:

• Parents should personally sign all written communication with the school
• Parents are responsible to see that all the required vaccinations are taken care of in a timely manner applications, etc.
• Parents must contact Ánimo immediately if there is any change in address or phone number for the student or family
• Parents are also responsible for all required enrollment forms, federal meal application, etc.

ATTENDANCE:

• Parents’ most important responsibility is to ensure that students attend school each and every day and are here on time.
• If a student is going to be absent please notify the school in advance. When the student returns to school, they must have a note explaining his/her absence signed by the parent.
• If a student is absent due to an unexpected illness or emergency, please notify the school by 10 am.
• Seniors may not miss more than 10 days or 46 class periods in order to participate in graduation. This includes excused and unexcused absences.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT:

• Parents of Ánimo students are responsible to contribute 15 hours of service to the school each semester. Hours may be set up with the office. Students may assist with these hours. All other volunteers must be over the age of 21.
• Parents are encouraged to attend parent conferences and stay informed about their child’s progress academically.

Families that do not serve their hours by their child’s senior year will affect their child’s participation in senior activities to include: graduation ceremony, grad night, and senior prom.

Families who are not up-to date on hours may not have the privilege of a younger sibling in ^th grade to be automatically placed on the incoming 9^th grade school list and will be forced to participate in the lottery.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Our newsletter contains important information to parents and students about Ánimo High school. Topics include notification about upcoming events, highlights of activities, dates to remember and other points of interest. We encourage parents to look for this vital piece of communication in the mail and update your calendar. Newsletters will be going out twice each month on the first and third Monday. We also have the school calendar available for you to view by going to www.animoleadership.org and clicking on “Calendar – Upcoming Events”.

ACCIDENT INFORMATION:

• Parents are advised that if their child is hurt at school, there is no school insurance to cover medical costs. In case of accident, Ánimo staff will administer first aid. An ambulance will be called in case of serious injury. The school will notify parents or other adults listed on the emergency form immediately.
• If a student feels sick at school, he/she will be able to lie down. The school can not administer any medication to students. If the student is running a fever or has severe illness symptoms, parent will be notified. Students cannot be released until a parent or guardian comes to pick them up.

OTHER:

• Parents are to see to it that students take good care of all school issued textbooks and equipment. Families will be held financially responsible for the loss or damage to school issued materials.
• Parents should see to it that students come to school dressed in proper school uniform.
• Parents should attempt to ensure that students have a quiet, well-lit place at home to do their homework.

8/22/04

Ánimo Staff,

We, the parents of ____________________________ have read the student handbook and reviewed the Parents Guidelines, school policy, school wide discipline plan and the dress code policy.

We are in agreement with the policies set by the school and understand that it is the school’s interest to maximize the students’ educational opportunities and will support the standards set forth. We understand that the school has established these guidelines in order to best benefit the students as they prepare for a college education.

We agree to abide by the policies set forth in the school handbook.

Parent Signature Parent Signature

Student Signature Date