| 1 |
AcademicsAcademic Success
The opening of each school year is the most important time of the year. It is during this time that students establish proper behavior, study habits, and attitude. It is essential that parents use this time to work with their child in developing strong school habits.
Such habits to be fostered include:
§ Goal-setting for school
§ Attending school daily
§ Being prompt for school and class
§ Desiring to do their best
§ Being prepared for every class
§ Completing homework in a timely fashion
§ Evaluating academic progress
§ Reviewing the graduation plan
§ Adhering to school policies and rules
If these basic habits are instilled and followed, you will have a very successful school career.
Awards/Scholarships/Contests
During the year, there are scores of opportunities for students to earn recognition. Announcements regarding these opportunities will be made through your classroom teacher, guidance counselor, or student government. Additional possibilities appear in school newsletters as well as in local newspapers and magazines. Most of these have fixed deadlines and criteria to which the student must pay close attention.
The Guidance Department maintains a computer site called TCCi which provides scholarship information to seniors. All students, beginning in their sophomore year, are trained in the use of this excellent resource.
Class Attendance/Course Credit
Attendance is taken in every class. It is the student’s responsibility to justify an absence from any class. A student who has in excess of 24 absences from a full year course or 12 absences from a half-year or half-credit course may be denied credit. Please be aware that absences include both excused and unexcused absences. See the Appendix for more information on the district attendance policy.
Class Rank/Grade Point Average (GPA)
Eastchester High School does not rank its students. A cumulative, weighted GPA is computed at the end of 11th grade and includes all high school credit bearing courses with numerical averages as well as high school courses taken at the middle school.
Advanced Placement (AP) and college level courses are weighted at 1.10
Honors courses are weighted at 1.05
No other courses are weighted
The Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the graduating class are determined after the third quarter report cards are distributed in the spring of senior year. All high school credit bearing courses with numerical averages are included in the computation. The student with the highest average earns the distinction of Valedictorian while the student with the second highest average becomes the class Salutatorian. Should a tie occur (the average carried to 4 decimal places), there would be co-Valedictorians for the graduating class and no salutatorian.
Only grades earned in courses taken at Eastchester will be calculated in the GPA.
Candidates for the two highest awards must have attended Eastchester High School for the entirety of their sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Course Catalog
A complete list and description of courses are outlined in the Eastchester High School Course Catalog. The Catalog is updated every year and is distributed to students in February. Copies are available in the Guidance Office throughout the year.
Ethics in Education: Academic Integrity
It is important to emphasize that hard work and effort lead to true success. Students are encouraged to avoid taking “short cuts” in their studies, not only because it is not ethical, but also because it robs them of the knowledge they are supposed to gain.
Representing someone else’s work as your own is dishonest. For this reason academic misconduct is considered a serious issue. Examples of academic misconduct include:
· Copying or allowing others to copy test answers.
· Copying or allowing others to copy work that is intended to be completed individually and independently.
· Sharing information about a test or assignment with students who have not yet completed the assignment.
· Using someone else’s ideas or words without affording proper credit (appropriate citation methods).
Students who are involved with plagiarism, cheating, copying, altering records, or assisting others in these endeavors are subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences for academic misconduct include but are not limited to:
· A grade of zero (0) for the assignment or school test in question with no opportunity to make up that work. This grade may lead to failure for the quarter and/or course.
· Notification of Honor Society advisors for possible action.
· Referral to administration for further disciplinary action.
Colleges desire to admit students who have demonstrated a high degree of academic integrity. Please know that the Common Application, used by many colleges and universities, asks students to honestly answer the following question: “Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any Secondary School you have attended, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in your probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from the institution?”
Grading
Student course work is graded numerically. Grades of incomplete (I) must be resolved within 10 school days of the end of the marking period in which they occur. Unresolved incomplete grades become a “45.” The exception to this rule is the fourth quarter where all work must be completed and turned in before the last day of school prior to final exams.
Final Grades
A final grade in a full year course is the average of the four quarter grades and the final examination grade. Each grade represents 20% of the final grade.
In half-year courses, each quarter grade represents 40% of the final grade and the final examination represents 20% of the final grade.
Regents Examination Retakes
Eastchester High School believes students should strive for mastery. When a student retakes a Regents exam, the higher grade will be reflected on the student’s transcript. There will be no recalculation of a final course grade nor will there be any change in the student’s GPA. In the event a retake results in a lower grade, no notation will be made on the student’s record.
Doubling in Courses
Doubling is not permitted for students in grades 9, 10 and 11. If a student in those grades fails a course required for graduation, it is expected that he/she attend summer school.
Should a junior fail a required course in English, social studies, math, or science, he/she may be permitted to “double” in the senior year.
Graduation Requirements
All students are required to pass 22 units of credit, including: 4 English, 4 social studies, 3 math, 3 science, 1 foreign language, 1 art/music, .5 health, and 2 physical education as mandated by the New York State Education Department.
Students must also complete 5 Regents examinations.
In order to obtain a Regents Diploma, students must earn a passing grade of 65 on all five exams. In order to obtain a Regents Diploma with Honors, students must earn an average of 90 on all five exams.
In order to obtain an Advanced Regents Diploma, students must also:
· Earn a passing grade on the Math B Regents exam.
· Earn a passing grade on a second Science Regents exam. (All 3 science courses must be Regents level courses.)
· Earn a passing grade on a Foreign Language Regents exam.*
and one of the following:
· 3 credits in a language other than English.*
· 5 credits in business.
· 5 credits in art.
In order to obtain an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors, students must meet the course requirements for the Advanced Regents Diploma while earning an average of 90 on all eight Regents exams.
In addition, students can graduate with a High Honors Designation if their cumulative GPA at the end of senior year is at least 95. Honors Designation is awarded to seniors who earn a cumulative GPA of at least 90.
In order to obtain a Local Diploma, students who enter Grade 9 in September:
2006- must attain a score of 65 or above on three required Regents examinations and a score of 55 or above on the remaining two required Regents examinations.
2007- must attain a score of 65 or above on four required Regents examinations and a score of 55 or above on the one remaining required Regents examination.
Homework
Homework contributes greatly to successful student achievement and is an important and necessary element of the school program. Students at the high school level are expected to spend a significant amount of time on homework assignments including preparation for each class, reports, projects, term papers, and independent reading. An average of one half hour per subject per day or 2-3 hours per subject per week is expected. Please call the Guidance Office to make arrangements to get class assignments when an extended absence (3 or more days) is anticipated.
Suggestions for Students
· Set up a place to study that is as free from distraction as possible. Be sure to have good lighting. Eliminate noise, phone calls, and other interruptions.
· Establish a study schedule or routine. Organize your time; decide what tasks need to be done; don’t put it off; do more difficult subjects first; take a short break if you get tired.
· Plan ahead to study for exams and to complete long-term assignments. Try not to leave assignments for the last minute.
· Not all homework takes the form of a written assignment. Reading, studying, and reviewing are also homework.
· If you do not understand an assignment, ask your teacher for clarification.
· Make every effort to complete each assignment to the best of your ability.
· Be able to distinguish between a reason and an excuse for not completing an assignment.
· Attend extra help sessions if you are experiencing difficulty with a subject.
Honor Roll
Students who meet the criteria below, carry a minimum of 5 credits, and have no incompletes and no failures, earn placement on one of three Honor Rolls at the end of each quarter.
· Honors with Distinction - Students earn a weighted GPA of 94.5 - no grades below 85
· High Honor Roll - Students earn a weighted GPA of 89.5 - no grades below 85
· Honor Roll - Students earn a weighted GPA of 84.5 - no grades below 80
NOTE: Students should be aware that the criteria are under review and may be modified during the first quarter of the school year.
Honor Societies
A major focus at Eastchester High School is academic excellence. For this reason we wholeheartedly endorse the following honor societies. We encourage all students to strive for excellence and invite all qualified students to apply for membership in these organizations. Induction into the various societies is based on consistent academic achievement and behavior. Students should consequently focus on both outstanding achievement and character from the beginning of their 9th grade year.
National Honor Society
Selection for membership into the Eastchester High School Chapter of the National Honor Society is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. While selection occurs after completion of the junior year, building a record of success in each of these four areas is critical beginning in ninth grade. A Faculty Council of 5 faculty members will evaluate each application in the following required areas:
· Scholarship- Students must have a cumulative weighted average of at least 90% at the end of junior year. Your course of study should reflect an academically rigorous course load. NOTE: Incoming freshmen should be aware that this criteria is under review and may be increased to 92% during 2012-13.
· Character- Students with outstanding character consistently exemplify desirable qualities of behavior. They:
o Contribute to a positive atmosphere in class, activities, and sports.
o Comply with all school regulations and policies while on and off campus.
o Demonstrate the highest standards of reliability, honesty, and integrity, both in and out of school.
o Show courtesy, concern, and respect for others.
o Demonstrated concentration and perseverance in order to attain goals.
· Leadership- Students should hold at least one leadership position and demonstrate meaningful participation in two or more school organizations.
· Service- Students should evidence contributions to the school and the surrounding community by volunteering/giving of themselves in ways to benefit others.
The selection procedures for the National Honor Society, as suggested by the national organization, are as follows:
1. Academic records for students are reviewed after the completion of junior year to determine which students are scholastically eligible for membership.
2. Scholastically eligible candidates are notified that they have met the academic threshold and are then given the opportunity to complete the membership application. Students cite their accomplishments in the areas of Service and Leadership.
3. All faculty members are then invited to provide confidential input via a Faculty Evaluation Form to the five-member Faculty Council for review. The teachers, based on professional interaction with the students, comment on the candidates’ leadership, service, and character record over the previous three years.
4. Upon receipt of the student application and the Faculty Evaluation Form, the Faculty Council reviews all student applications along with any other verifiable information about the candidates relevant to their consideration for membership.
5. Those candidates receiving a majority vote of the faculty council will be formally notified in writing about their selection and the date of the induction ceremony. Those not selected will be notified in a timely and considerate manner.
Selection to the National Honor Society is a privilege which must be maintained throughout the duration of the member’s high school career. Should a member fall below the standards of acceptability for scholarship, character, leadership, or service, the member will be promptly warned in writing by the chapter advisor and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency. In the case of a flagrant violation of school rules or the law, no warning is necessary. In the instance of impending dismissal, a member shall have a right to a hearing before the Faculty Council prior to the Council rendering a decision. A person who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council under the same rules for disciplinary appeals at Eastchester High School.
Art Honor Society
Academic: 92 average in at least 3 semesters of high school art and currently enrolled in an EHS art course.
Character: Demonstrates excellent character.
Business Honor Society
Academic: Maintains an 85 average in at least 3 credits in Business/Computer courses; accounting is required; teacher recommendation is required; probationary period for juniors who have at least 2 ½ credits by spring of junior year and scheduled to take a Business course during the next school year.
Character: Demonstrates excellent character.
Service: Participates in all BHS-sponsored activities.
French Honor Society
Academic: 90 average or above in French during semester of selection; cumulative 90 average in French during 3 prior semesters; 80 average or above in all other subjects during semester of selection, as well as during 3 prior semesters; must be actively engaged in the study of French.
Character: Demonstrates excellent character.
Service: Tutoring and fundraising activities.
Italian Honor Society
Academic: Maintains a 90 average in a minimum of 2 courses in high school; must be enrolled in a high school Italian course to maintain membership.
Character: Demonstrates excellent character.
Service: Participation in all IHS-sponsored activities.
Math Honor Society
Academic: 90 average in Math; 88 average overall; 3 years of high school Math and currently enrolled in a high school Math course.
Character: Demonstrates excellent character.
Service: Participation in all MHS-sponsored activities, including Math Team.
Spanish Honor Society
Academic: 92 average in Spanish III. If average is 90/91, the average of Spanish II and current third level course must be 92.
Character: Demonstrates excellent character.
Service: ½ hour per week tutoring for students taking Spanish and participation in all SHS-sponsored activities.
Midterm and Final Examinations
Students and parents will be advised concerning the special schedules for mid- year, final and Regents exams in January and June.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Progress reports are mailed to all parents at mid-quarter. Report cards are issued at the end of each 10-week quarter and will be mailed home approximately two weeks after the quarter ends. For concerns about your academic success or attendance please call the teacher or counselor.
Marking Period Progress Reports Report Cards
1 Oct. 6, 2009 Nov. 6, 2009
2 Dec. 11, 2009 Jan. 29, 2010
3 March 5, 2010 April 14, 2010
4 May 14, 2010 June 11, 2010
Promotion Requirements
5 credits are needed to enter Grade 10 with at least 3 in English, math, social
studies, and science
11 credits are needed to enter Grade 11 with at least 7 credits in English, math
social studies, and science
17 credits are needed to enter Grade 12 with at least 11 credits in English, math,
social studies, and science
Schedule Changes
Adding a Course
An elective course may be added to a student’s schedule within the first 10 school days of the semester.
Dropping a Course
Full Year Course
Students may drop an elective course during the first 20 school days with no notation on their permanent record. After 20 school days, WP (withdraw passing) or WF (withdraw failing) will be noted on their transcript. This change must occur prior to February 15.
Half-Year Course
Students may drop an elective course during the first 10 days of school and the first 10 days of the third quarter with no notation on their transcript. After 10 days, WP (withdraw passing) or WF (withdraw failing) applies. This change must occur prior to the end of the first (semester 1 course) or third (semester 2 course) marking period.
BOCES Program
Students wishing to drop this program must do so officially with their guidance counselor no later than September 25.
A student must attend class until the guidance counselor officially removes him or her. No course may be dropped without appropriate reasons and permission of the parent, teacher, counselor, and assistant principal.
Study Halls
Ninth and tenth graders are assigned to study halls when no class has been scheduled. Students are expected to use their time quietly and productively. Students may request a pass to the library during the study hall period.
Students in grades eleven and twelve have the privilege of an unscheduled study period to spend in the cafeteria or library. They may be assigned to a study hall if they misuse the privilege or are in jeopardy of failing a course.
Testing Program
At the high school, the testing program is coordinated by the Counseling Department and school administration. In addition to the tests listed, students will be exposed to career interest surveys and value inventories during their freshman and sophomore years as counselors meet with small groups to focus on career development and decision-making.
GRADE TEST DATES
9 New York State Regents Exams January/June
9 Departmental Exams January/June
9 Advanced Placement Exams (AP) May
10 Preliminary SAT (PSAT) October
10 New York State Regents Exams January/June
10 Departmental Exams January/June
10 Advanced Placement Exams (AP) May
10 SAT II Subject Tests May/June
11 Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) October
11 New York State Regents Exams January/June
11 New York State Proficiency Exams January/June
11 Departmental Exams January/June
11 Advanced Placement Exams (AP) May
11 SAT Reasoning Test May/June
11 SAT II Subject Tests May/June
11 ACT June
12 SAT Reasoning Test October/November
12 SAT II Subject Test October/November
12 ACT October/December
12 New York State Regents Exams January/June
12 Departmental Exams January/June
12 Advanced Placement Exams (AP) May
Registration materials for Preliminary SATs, SAT Reasoning Tests, SAT Subject Tests, and ACTs can be obtained in the Counseling Office. Test dates are publicized through student announcements and are listed on the district calendar. Not all Regents exams are offered in January or August. Not all SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests are offered on all dates at Eastchester High School.
Test Descriptions:
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT is a practice exam for the SAT and is also the basis for the National Merit Scholarship for juniors. Consequently, all sophomores should take the PSAT as the first step toward earning competitive standardized test scores. This will allow them to become familiar with the exam prior to their junior year. As juniors, students will take the PSAT again. If results are high enough, students will be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Competition, a very prestigious national honor.
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT is a 3-hour exam and is a required part of a student’s application for admission to most colleges and universities. The test consists of writing, critical reading, and math sections. All juniors and seniors planning to attend college should take the SAT.
SAT Subject Test
These are 1-hour exams in 19 specific subject areas. Many of the more competitive colleges and universities require two or three subject tests for admission.
ACT
The ACT is a 3-hour test with 4 sections: English, mathematics, science, and reading. The ACT Plus includes the four subject area tests and a 30-minute writing test. This exam is an alternative to the SAT.
AP
Advanced Placement Examinations are offered and graded by the College Board and are designed to evaluate a student’s level of achievement in course work designed by the College Board and college professors. Eastchester High School offers 16 Advanced Placement courses. A student is required to take the AP exam in each advanced placement course in which he or she is enrolled. There is a fee for each exam.
NEW YORK STATE REGENTS
These are mandated comprehensive examinations in various subject areas prepared by a statewide committee of educators and administered to students in Regents courses.
Testing Schedule For Classroom Tests
Full period classroom tests will be given according to the following schedule:
1st Semester 2nd Semester
English Monday, Wednesday Tuesday, Friday
Social Studies Tuesday, Thursday Monday, Thursday
Math Tuesday, Friday Wednesday, Friday
Science Monday, Thursday Tuesday, Thursday
Language Wednesday, Friday Monday, Wednesday
All Others Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday
Testing and Absence
Excused Absence:
§ A grade reduction may be made for each day a student does not hand in a project or take a test on a prescheduled date.
§ Students may have to take a different version of any scheduled test that is missed.
§ All students are responsible for notifying teachers of any pre-arranged absence from class.
Unexcused Absence:
§ A student who has an unexcused absence or cut receives a “0” for all class work for that day and forfeits the right to take a make-up exam for a test given that day.
|
|