Student Handbook

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Life at EBRATS— not your ordinary school

• What’s a Charter school—public school with special responsibilities

Charter schools were established to meet the needs of at-risk students who are typically ignored in larger schools. We are expected to experiment educationally while ensuring success of students. We accept a wide-range of students, but we expect that all students who attend EBRATS want to be a part of the school. As a charter school, we must meet strict accountability requirements such as more high-stakes testing and yearly reviews. Our success depends on your participation and involvement in the school.

• Definition of an EBRAT—you want to be here

We do not expect every student at EBRATS to be the same. Though we respect your individuality, there are minimum expectations for the culture of the school. An EBRATS student wants to attend the school and be a part of this community. All students demonstrate concern for their academic careers. You come to class prepared to participate, you keep up your journal, and you must maintain at least a 70% average. Another aspect of our program is the experiential learning component. Community service, service learning projects, and job shadowing are required, and you must treat these opportunities appropriately and respectfully. Support the school, your teachers, and each other. Operate daily with respect and compassion.

C. Student Voice—there are appropriate channels

An online forum exists for opinions and suggestions. Also, you will attend frequent Community Meetings to discuss activities, concerns, and other information vital to the day-to-day operation of the school. Students will be offered an opportunity in these meetings to speak, so please utilize your voice, but recognize that they are not gripe sessions. If you have a concern, make sure you also have a suggested solution, and understand that just because your suggestion is not accepted does not mean you have no voice. Student Government and ATM’s are also avenues for discussion and change.

•   Attendance Policy— 8 absences per semester

Students are allowed eight (8) unexcused absences per semester. If a student will not be in school, a parent or guardian should notify the school via phone or email by 8:30 AM . On the third unexcused absence per quarter, the administration will notify the student, parent, or guardian by telephone and in writing. On the fourth absence, the administration will conduct a conference with the parent and student to address the attendance concern. On the fifth absence, the student will be placed on attendance probation.

• The administration may dismiss from school a student placed on attendance probation for two consecutive quarters (9in a semester), permitting another student to assume his or her spot in the school.

• Excuses—Turn in to office the next day

Excuses must be turned in to the office within five (5) days of the student’s return, though we would like parents to provide a note the next day. For three (3) consecutive days absent, the student must provide a doctor’s excuse. No photocopies, phone calls, or emails are allowed. Excused absences include illness, serious illness in the family, death in the immediate family, or natural disaster. Traffic IS NOT an acceptable excuse.

• Tardies—School begins at 8 and there are five minutes between classes. Students should be to class on time.

School begins at 8 am and ends at 5 pm. This means that students must be in their first hour by 8 am and parents should not pick up students before 5 pm. There are five (5) minutes between classes for bathroom, lockers, and water. Students not in their seats by the tardy time will be reported for tardiness. Students arriving five minutes after the bell are considered to be skipping class. Even one tardy can lead to disciplinary action, though four tardies in a quarter result in disciplinary action including conference and attendance probation. Four tardies in a quarter can also lead to loss of privileges.

• Check-ins/Checkouts- abuse leads to attendance probation

Students are allowed three unexcused check-ins and NO unexcused checkouts. Until 9 am all late arrivals are considered tardy, not a check-in, so these unexcused check-ins will result in tardiness infractions. Acceptable check-ins and checkouts mean that a parent has authorized the check-in or checkout and that it is accompanied by a written explanation such as an appointment card. These are due to the office at check-in. Traffic is not an acceptable excuse; please plan ahead. Students should leave school only for official proceedings, medical or dental appointments, and emergencies deemed excusable by administration. Also, students may not check out within the last hour of school except for emergencies. At the fourth unexcused check-in or the first instance of leaving school early unexcused, administration will conduct a parent conference. On the fifth unexcused check-in, disciplinary action including attendance probation will be pursued. For driving students who will be checking themselves out, a written letter of explanation must be provided by the parent. Only persons listed on the application and emergency forms are allowed to check students out.

• Consequences

A student who misses class, including ATM, for any reason is responsible for making up missed class assignments and notes. All issues described above are considered aspects of absenteeism. Attendance probation can lead to course failure or dismissal. Students who are chronically tardy, absent, or routinely leaving early will be reported to Child and Family services as this behavior is considered truancy. TRUANCY IS AGAINST THE LAW.

• Disciplinary Policies- Respect, Responsibility and Professionalism

We, the learning community of East Baton Rouge Arts & Technology School, are respectful, responsible, and professional. We define respectful as showing consideration or appreciation for oneself and others. We define responsible as showing that we are trustworthy and reliable. We define professional as demonstrating qualities and attitudes that make us successful. These terms guide EBRATS’ approach to behavior. All expectations, policies, and procedures derive from these guidelines.

Teachers and staff collaborate to positively support students so that they may experience success instead of disciplinary infractions. We utilize a system of office discipline referrals consisting of minor and major infractions, but teachers first attempt to work with students individually when behavior does not comply with our guidelines. The School Director is also available to work with students if they’re dismissed from class. ATM teachers will also work with students and families to support them to avoid these situations. In order to clarify expectation and consequences, potential infractions are clearly defined below.

OF NOTE:

• Students will not be allowed out of class until teachers dismiss class. Take care of all personal needs between classes. Teachers may make individual exceptions, but abuse of this discretion is not respectful, responsible, or professional and my result in a referral. Hall passes are required.

• No electronic devices are allowed on campus. Louisiana law mandates that cellular phones and beepers are not allowed inside a school. Electronics includes CD players and game devices. If you have 504 or IEP accommodations regarding electronics, your teachers will be notified. PDA’s and laptops are allowed, but only according to teacher policies on acceptable usage. In general, you bring personal items at your own risk, so utilize lockers and understand that the school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Teachers can confiscate your belongings.

• Food and drinks are allowed in class only during special class activities authorized by the teacher, and gum is prohibited. Water will be available between classes, but students may not eat during the school day except for lunch. Concessions will be sold at lunch and breaks. Any exceptions may be made at a teacher’s discretion, but students must comply with the guidelines of each class.

• By mandate of state law, children under 18 may not possess or purchase cigarettes, and no one may possess cigarettes in or near a school. As a sign of respect and as a demonstration of professionalism, students should not smoke in public, but as a matter of law, students may not smoke near school or at any school function. Students seen smoking within two blocks of school may be sent for disciplinary action.

• Phones are for official school use only. You must take care of personal business on your own time. A student who requests to go home for illness should stay in class while the secretarial staff makes arrangements. Upon obvious illness, a student can be allowed out of class. Students may not ever dial the phone themselves. Also, you may not receive routine phone messages through the office. Your parents must know that transportation and dining arrangements should be made outside of school, so they should contact the school for emergencies only.

Dress Code—Business Professional- No private parts

Because EBRATS uses an open campus, our students must take more care to appear professional and be more recognizable among all of the people downtown. EBRATS no longer utilizes a uniform, but students must dress professionally. Professional dress includes khakis, dress pants, skirts, dresses, button down shirts, collared shirts, blouses, polo-style shirts. Sneakers are allowed, and there is no set color required for shirts. Clothing should fit, should be in good repair, and should not be revealing. Please note that “fit” means pants are worn around the waist. Above all, the dress code includes attention to appropriate dress, which is being continually defined by faculty, parent panels, and the student body. Students not comfortable with professional dress must wear burgundy shirts tucked in and khaki pants.

--Shirt style may vary, but there may be no logos or writing

--Tennis shoes are allowed, but all shoes must have closed toes and heels.

--No tight or revealing clothing. NO underwear or midriffs should be showing at any time, even when sitting.

--No worn or torn clothing

--Pants and skirts must be worn around the waist.

--Skirts must be at most 6 inches above the knee.

--No head coverings of any sort (hats, headbands, scarves, etc.)

--Students with Internships may be required to follow other uniform guidelines set by their employer.

--Must wear ID lanyard when outside at all times

• Behavior off premises—you are representing EBRATS from 8-5 wherever you may go

Our relationship with the community is the cornerstone of our programs and success. If the Downtown community does not accept and support the school and its students, internships and service programs on which the charter is based cannot occur. Many of the policies and procedures in this guide (such as dress code, smoking, attendance) directly relate to a positive community perception. Whenever you leave the school, conduct yourself discreetly, professionally and respectfully. Current concerns include, but are not limited to the following:

• The Promenade (park across from the City Club) is off limits to unsupervised students.
• Treat the River Center Library respectfully. Be on your best behavior there.
• No loitering in front of places of business

• Visitors—must have prior approval and they must follow school policies and procedures

We welcome visitors to the school, but you must receive permission from the administration (NOT secretarial staff) 24 hours PRIOR to the visit. All visitors must wear a visible pass. Visitors will not be allowed during testing weeks, midterms, finals, or the last week of school.

• Consequences

The structure of consequences for violating guidelines is as follows: First- Warning, Second- Teacher Intervention, 3 rd- Parent Contact, 4 th- Referral. Once referred to the School Director, consequences vary from conferences, to lunch detention, to Friday detention, to referral to the Board of Directors. Teachers may choose to contact the SD immediately if a major infraction occurs. Students are managed individually but should recognize that there are consequences for violating guidelines and procedures.

• Lunch— violation of policies and procedures will lead to loss of free lunch

Because EBRATS uses downtown as its extended campus and because we ask our students to build their own sense of responsibility, we allow students a full hour for lunch out at local restaurants. Lunch out is a PRIVILEGE, not a right. For the first week of school, all students will eat with their ATM groups in the teacher’s classroom. This means that all students must bring their own lunch to school for that first week. Refrigerators and microwaves will be provided. EBRATS is working towards eventually providing a cafeteria, but until then certain procedures must be followed concerning lunch:

• EBRATS encourages students to eat a healthy, well-balanced lunch. Nutrition is linked to academic performance.
• Students who bring their lunch must use their locker or the student refrigerator to store their lunch. You are not allowed in the teacher workroom for any reason.
• Students may walk within a three-block radius of the school. This means that the levee is off limits. After the first month of school, this policy will be reviewed based on student behavior.
• Students are not allowed to leave for lunch in a car AT ALL. Your parents may check you out for lunch, but that checkout is subject to rules regarding unexcused checkouts. Of course, your parents may always meet you downtown for lunch.
• Students may cross Government Street only if their parents sign a permission form acknowledging their awareness of the risk involved.
• Students should be back at the school by the end of lunch so that they may be in their classes prepared and ready to begin by the beginning of 4 th hour.
• Teachers will be on duty downtown circulating to check that students are safe and that procedures are being followed. If a teacher sends you back to school for any reason, you must return immediately, you will receive a citation, and the disciplinary process will begin. Refusal to return to school will result in immediate suspension. A citation received during lunch can result in loss of lunch privilege for the following day.
• When we operate our cafeteria, students must eat at the school unless granted the open lunch privilege.

Included in lunch privileges is the responsibility to behave respectfully and professionally. Do not loiter in restaurants or in front of businesses. Customary tipping is at least 15% in any restaurant where a waiter serves you, and don’t litter. Be aware of the policy regarding smoking, and above all, EAT. That’s why you’re given a lunchtime in the first place. The impression that the downtown community has of EBRATS’ worth lies with each individual. Failure to follow lunch rules will result in loss of open lunch.

• Academic Programs— are a priority

• Academic Probation—maintain 70% overall

According to EBRATS’ charter, students must maintain a performance of 70% on all activities. Because of our portfolio grading system, even students who do not perform well on tests and writing can make at least 70% by participating in class, completing all assignments, and operating professionally. Students who do not achieve a 70% composite score on all activities will be placed on Academic Probation, and an individual plan will be created to move the student towards 70%. Plans may include loss of privileges and removal from Internships for tutoring and private study. Two consecutive quarters of achieving less that 70% can result in dismissal from the school. Time will be provided for independent study, but students must know that there will still be some homework and independent assignments, timed to accommodate your school schedule. Not completing assignments is your first step towards academic probation. Students with accommodations will be afforded due process.

• Advisory Team Meeting (ATM)—it’s a class

The sessions occurring just before and just after lunch are known as the Advisory Team Meeting or ATM. These sessions should be treated as a class and will be the forum through which you can explore issues concerning the school and your individual educational and career pathways. ATM leaders will conduct seminars, advise students, lead discussions, and provide information concerning the operation of the school.

• Cheating/Plagiarism—will result in failure and academic probation

EBRATS operates under an honor system by which students create their own environment including student government. There exist procedures for adopting new policies and challenging established systems except for those governed by law and pertaining to student safety. It should be understood that copying others’ work and talking during tests are forms of cheating, but understand that taking ANY words that are not your own and putting them in your work without citing them is plagiarism and a form of cheating or theft. Plagiarism includes copying and pasting from the Internet, printing papers from the Internet, copying directly from books, and even paraphrasing without proper citations. Orientation week and course work will help you in understanding plagiarism and research methodology, but any cheating will result in a “0” and the possibility of Academic Probation.

• Visual Journal—required at all times

Students MUST have a hardbound sketchbook of any size. Although the journal is your own to explore your growth as a student and an artist, it is first a portfolio intended for school use. Teachers may assign work in them, and you are cautioned against using them as a personal diary because they will be read and graded. You will receive training concerning the expectations and procedures for using your sketchbook. You must bring your sketchbook to every class each day.

• Preparation for Class—come to class ready to work

Students are expected to come to school prepared to participate. Preparation includes having all materials requested by each teacher and any assignments. Students without writing utensils, notebooks, or assignments will be subject to discipline. Required daily materials are the 3” EBRATS binder, a sketchbook, and the planner.

• Language —words have power

EBRATS students are expected to enrich and expand their vocabulary-- spoken, written, and other expressive modes. Yelling, cursing, and abusive language are all considered inappropriate and can lead to disciplinary action. Sometimes, there are unique contexts such as readings, performance, quotations, poetry, and literary and historical analysis, but recognize that these modes of study are a unique educational privilege and should be approached with awareness and sensitivity.

• Internet and Computer Ethics—misuse it, lose it

Technology is important to the operation of EBRATS. Violations of lab policy posted in the computer labs or the school’s acceptable use agreement you must sign will result in disciplinary action including suspension being banned from use of technology. Violations include but are not limited to unauthorized downloads, unauthorized access of the Internet, and tampering with PC settings.

• Internships and job shadowing—part of the academic program as well as a privilege

Internships are also a privilege and are usually awarded first to seniors and then to juniors and sophomores, and on rare occasions, freshmen. You will submit a survey and application to indicate your interests, and the Experiential Programs Director (EPD) will match students with the opportunities that best suit the individual. Not every student will have an internship all of the time, but by the end of your diploma track, all students will have had job shadowing opportunities. Eligibility for internships is dependent upon grades, performance, behavior, and teacher feedback. The EPD will contact you with more information on opportunities and eligibility.

• Transportation and Parking —not in the school lot

Students who are licensed drivers may drive to school, but EBRATS does not provide parking, so students cannot park in the faculty lot on St. Ferdinand behind the school. Parking is available in the Centroplex lots for $30/month and free at local church lots, under the interstate, and near the casinos. Please plan your morning drive so that you have enough time to walk from the lots. We encourage family-managed carpooling so that students may share costs of paid lots.

• Privileges— You are responsible for maintaining your place at this school

Students must earn privileges such as lunch out, free dress days, Internships, certain courses, and other opportunities provided throughout the year. Students earn these privileges by not receiving citations, keeping the dress code, complying with the procedures mentioned within this handbook, avoiding any sort of probation (academic, behavioral, or attendance), or by teacher suggestion.

• Secretarial Staff —they work for the school, not you

The secretaries and clerks work very hard to ensure that the school runs smoothly. Out of respect for them and their work, avoid loitering near their workspaces. You should not use their phones, nor should you ask them for any sort of permission.

• Fridays—8-12, require responsibility

There will be special activities on Fridays, though they are not tied to instructional minutes. If you sign up for classes or tutoring, please attend. All students must attend the designated project days. Students operate on an honor system on Fridays and must obey all procedure, particularly when supervising themselves.

• Information for Parents —participation is required

Charter schools are predicated upon parent involvement. All parents must join one of the parent committees and must uphold the policies and procedures. We also encourage communication with the school. Parent meetings will be held the second Tuesday of every month. Our website, ebrats@ebrats.org offers a discussion board and informative pages concerning announcements, school calendar, changes, policies and procedures, curriculum, committees, parent meetings, and individual course curricula including homework assignments. Students and parents should access these sites to keep up with all information concerning EBRATS and to offer reminders about assignments. You will be notified by mail of other communications opportunities.

The Board of Directors, not the BESE board, should be your first line of appeal if you disagree with the administration of the school. If you need to contact the Board, please email boardofdirectors@ebrats.org. Our Board meets on the 3 rd Thursday of each month. Please check the front office and websites for meeting information, minutes, and schedules. These meetings are open to the public.

You are asked to sign the attached contract with EBRATS acknowledging agreement to the policies and procedures as well as your responsibilities.

• Teacher Certification

Families have the right to inquire about the certification status of teachers. Although EBRATS maintains 75% certification according to the law, some teachers may not hold certification in a particular content area. This information is open to the public and posted on ourwebsite. Please feel free to inquire.

Check out the discussion board under "News."

Class sites are located under About Faculty. Please refresh Faculty pages each new visit to update changes.

101 St. Ferdinand
at
North Blvd
Baton Rouge LA
70802

Office: (225)-389-0868
Fax: (225)-389-0834

School Director
KcDuke@ebrats.org

Link to Ms. Duke's webpage