1. Rules of Conduct
2. Discipline Procedures
3. Conduct Points System
4. Sexual Harassment Policy
5. Student Expectations for Behavior
6. Community Service
7. Parent-School Cooperation
8. Dress Code
9. School Supplies and Equipment
10. Items Prohibited in School or on School Property

Rules of Conduct

At Allison Academy, the rules of conduct are based on honesty, self-respect, respect for others, and respect for property. Students are responsible for their own conduct and are given support and guidance in developing decision-making skills for responsible behavior.

Conduct grades are given along with academic grades each reporting period. Students whose conduct grade is less than a "B" will not be allowed to attend field trips, including Grad Nite. Those students whose conduct grade falls to a "C" or below will be put on probation until the next Progress Reporting period. If the student's conduct grade remains at "C" or below, the student may not be allowed to continue to attend Allison Academy.

All harassment complaints, including sexual harassment, will be addressed by the Administration immediately and thoroughly. Swift, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to prevent harassment of any individual.

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Discipline Procedures

Discipline is the process of changing a student's inappropriate behavior into acceptable behavior. Each teacher will establish appropriate procedures for discipline in the classroom based on these guidelines. The following is a partial list of guidelines:

1. Students are expected to respect the authority of teachers. All teachers have authority over all students.

2. Malicious destruction of school property will result in the replacement, repair or payment for damages by either the student or his parents. The placement of stickers on school property is not permitted.

3. Students shall keep the school clean at all times. There is to be no gum chewing in any of the school buildings or on the school grounds.

Additional guidelines to be followed by all students include:

1. No student is permitted to leave the school grounds during the school day without express permission from the Administration.

2. No notebooks, albums, magazines, backpacks, etc. will be permitted that carry pictures or slogans referring to alcohol or the gang or drug culture, or that have profanity or obscenities on them. No profanity, abusive, or slang language is to be used.

3. Students must wear shoes at all times.

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Conduct Points System

Conduct points are assigned by the Director for serious infractions that intrude upon the educational process of fellow students or the orderly pattern of campus life. Certain offenses will result in immediate expulsion with no assigning of conduct points:

• Possession of a weapon or explosives
• Threat of physical harm by use of weapon
• Striking a faculty or staff member
• Gang affiliation
• Use, possession, or promotion of drugs or alcohol. (Being under the influence is considered "use")
• Profanity and/or obscenity directed at a faculty or staff member

NOTE: We have a zero tolerance on the above behaviors - no second chances!

Expulsion is the most severe penalty that Allison Academy assigns. It is recorded as part of the permanent school record. Once dismissed (expelled), a student must leave campus immediately, unless the Director has granted an extension. Expelled students forfeit their right to a school yearbook. All school property must be returned, locker must be emptied, and student LD. card surrendered. A dismissed student may not return to campus without a specific appointment with a member of the school's faculty or Administration.

Other infractions will receive points as follows:

*Persistent disruptive behavior will results in indoor suspension, and parents will be charged additional fees.

**Gum chewing: Gum chewing is detrimental to the cleaning efforts of the faculty and cleaning staff. Gum tends to clog plumbing, mar carpets, damage clothing, and generally produces an unattractive appearance. For these reasons, gum chewing is not permitted.

An accumulation of 25 points will result in suspension from classes for one or more days; suspension may be on or off campus at the discretion of the Director.

An accumulation of 20 or more Conduct Points will result in the Director contacting parents and the student serving a suspension from classes for a minimum of two (2) days off campus. Student will be responsible for all work and examinations during time of suspension.

Suspended students may not participate in school activities (on-campus or off-campus) during suspension.

Accumulation of 50 points will result in expulsion from school. Parents are advised via US Mail or telephone regarding detentions and accumulated conduct points.

Should a student enter Allison Academy who cannot accept the conduct code, and who accumulates points at a rapid rate with no modification of behavior, Administration reserves the right to expel prior to 50 points total. Any action by a student and/or his parents, which seriously interferes with Allison Academy's ability to accomplish its educational goals, may be grounds for immediate dismissal.

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Sexual Harassment Policy

Allison Academy will not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as any physical, verbal, and/or graphic sexual advance, request for sexual favors, and other sexually oriented conduct, which is offensive or objectionable to the recipient. Proven allegations of sexual harassment will be promptly investigated, giving due regard to the need for confidentiality. Allegations of sexual harassment can have serious consequences for the party deemed guilty, including but not limited to the following:
If the party deemed guilty is a student, the range of punishment could include verbal and written reprimand, in-school or out-of-school suspension, change of placement, and/or expulsion.

I. Definition:

Harassment is when a person continually teases, annoys, threatens, or insults another person in either a verbal, physical, or written manner.

Sexual harassment is when a person bothers another person using sexual words, pictures, gestures or conduct that the other person would find offensive. Sexual harassment can occur when a person is forced by location or situation to see or overhear sexual comments, gestures, or conduct that the person finds offensive.

II. Examples of Sexual Harassment:

A person is being harassed if one or more of the following are occurring, and this behavior is unwanted and unwelcome:

• Sexual comments, jokes, or gestures.
• Suggestive comments.
• Being "sexually rated" by an individual, for example, on a scale from 1 to 10.
• Being pressured to go out with someone.
• Being the recipient of whistles, jeers, or catcalls.
• Being touched, grabbed, or pinched in a sexual way.
• Being intentionally brushed up against in a sexual way.
• Others spreading sexual rumors about that person.
• Having clothing pulled at in a sexual way.
• Being shown, given, or left sexual pictures, photographs, illustrations, messages, or notes.
• Being forced (because of their location) to view centerfolds, photographs, posters, or drawings of a sexual nature.
• Having one's path, blocked in sexual manner
• Others placing messages/graffiti written about that person on a computer screen, bathroom walls, in locker rooms, etc.
• Being forced to kiss someone.
• Being forced to do something sexual other than kissing.
• Being called a gay or a lesbian.
• Having clothing pulled off or down.
• Being spied on while dressing or showering.
• Requesting sexual favors.

Information to Those Being Sexually Harassed:

1. Clearly tell the harasser to stop.

2. If the harassment continues, make a written record of the incident including: date, time, witness/witnesses and parties involved in the incident. Report the incident immediately to an adult who has authority over the harasser.

Explanations of "Confidentiality" and "Retaliation":

Confidentiality must be maintained as much as possible during any sexual harassment investigation. Confidentiality is maintained when the identity of the people involved or the circumstances surrounding the incident are kept private. For example, you do not maintain confidentiality if you tell your friends that John Doe or Jane Doe sexually harassed you.

Retaliation is defined in the dictionary as meaning "to pay back (an injury) in kind". When a person is alleged to have engaged in any sexual harassment, the common reaction of that person is to be angry, and want to pay them back (retaliate). Retaliation must not occur.

TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF BEING ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

DO:

• Keep your hands to yourself.
• Think before you speak

DON'T:

• Touch anyone in an inappropriate way.
• Keep asking a person to go out with you after that person has said "No".
• Be in a room alone with a person with the door closed.
• Make remarks that have sexual overtones or implications.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY HARASSED:

DON'T:

• Think that if you just ignore the problem, it will go away.

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Student Expectations for Behavior

1. PROMPTNESS: Students are expected to be on time for school each day and to be on time for each class. If a student is late, a written note (from the student's parent) or a phone call to the Administration must excuse the tardiness. Two unexcused tardies will result in an afternoon detention of 60 minutes.

2. LUNCH: Only seniors will be permitted to walk off campus for lunch. Seniors who are tardy returning to class after lunch for any reason will lose the lunch privilege for one week. Other students may bring a homemade lunch or purchase fast food from the cafeteria.

3. CLASSROOM:
a. Follow rules established by each individual teacher.
b. Observe rules for proper communication.
c. Avoid disruptive behavior.
d. Maintain personal books and materials in neat organized manner.
e. Adhere to rules forbidding chewing gum, drinking, and eating in the classroom.

4. HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned nightly in most subjects. The purpose of homework is to reinforce and review material and concepts learned in class. Research and literature will also be assigned for students to complete as homework or library work. Students who have difficulties with homework assignments may schedule after school tutoring sessions.

5. SUPERVISED STUDY: A supervised study period will be provided immediately after school on Monday through Thursday from 3:10 P.M. to 4:10 P.M. Students can participate on a daily basis or sign up on a monthly basis to benefit from this service. See contract for fees for this service.

6. ATTENDANCE: School attendance of 900 hours (180 days) is required to meet the State of Florida guidelines. Students must be in attendance, or provide a medical excuse, or a parental excuse that is approved by the Administration.

Parents are requested to call the school office by 9:30 A.M. when their child is sick, tardy, or absent for any reason. Students are allowed 10 absences per semester, or a total of 20 absences per year, and a total of 10 excused tardies per year. Any student who is absent more than 20 times per year, or who is tardy more than 10 times per year must make up the time. For every two tardies, the student will be assigned a one-hour detention. For every absence over 20, the student must attend one day of summer school at the end of the school year, or night school from 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. to make up the equivalent hours. There will be a per diem charge for the makeup time.

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Community Service

Florida Law:

In the spring of 1993, the School Board reviewed and passed the Pupil Progression Plan, 6Gx13-5B-1.04. This School Board rule states that all high school students are required to serve community service hours in order to receive a diploma upon graduation from high school. This rule was incorporated into the Core Curriculum, thus establishing Community Service as a standalone graduation requirement.

All students are required to attend community service projects. The same rules for attendance for academics apply for Friday community service activities. Attendance is mandatory for all students until the state requirements for community are fulfilled.

Guidelines for Community Service:

1.      Student volunteer service hours may be earned both in the school and in the community.

2.      Services for which a student receives financial or other substantial compensation will not be counted.

3.      Participation in and travel to theatrical/musical performances, festivals or community events will count as service learning hours if “a” and “b” below are both met:

a.      The performance meets an identified community service need.

b.      The student does not receive any form of compensation for the performance, including academic credit, letters, or financial compensation.

4.      Rehearsal and practice time will count for volunteer service projects created specifically to meet community service needs.

5.      Service learning hours documented for community service learning as part of non-credit granting workshops, programs or conferences will count as service.

6.      Fundraising activities for non-profit charities will count for volunteer service hours provided the activity complies Miami-Dade County Board Policies and as long as the student is not volunteering for an organization that directly benefits the student.

7.      Activities organized by profit making or non-profit athletic or summer music camp for no financial compensation will count as service training hours.

8.      Services performed for day care centers or retirement homes count for service learning.

9.      Services performed on staff at non-profit athletic or summer music camp for no financial compensation will count as service learning hours.

10.  Time out of class may not be used for hours, however a maximum of 5 volunteer hours per week can be earned by participation in an organized, supervised and approved tutoring program provided the tutoring takes place when school is in session.  Tutoring cannot take place during the tutor’s academic classes.

11.  Volunteer work done to promote a particular religious or political point of view will not count.

12.  In general, service rendered directly to a for profit institution or organization as a precondition of employment, will not count.

13.  Service for a student’s family or family business will not count.

14.  Service performed as a result of disciplinary action taken by the school or courts will not count.

15.  Participation in campus or competitive activities, such as athletics, plays, debate meets, etc., will not count.

16.  Services performed, as an academic requirement, other than performed as part of the approved volunteer service learning courses, will not count.

17.  Baby-sitting or similar services, performed for an individual family will not count.  Baby-sitting for school related activities will count.

18.  Volunteer hours may not be certified by a family member or a fellow student.

Schedule of Program:

This schedule will be followed throughout the year beginning in September.

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Parent-School Cooperation

Allison Academy strongly believes in promoting regular communication between parents, teachers, and Administration. Parent-teacher conferences are held periodically at the request of either the parents or the school, as issues of concern arise. Telephone communication is maintained on a routine basis to check on absences, illnesses, and simply to keep in touch with parents. It is in the best interest of our students to maintain continuous, open communication with their parents. We welcome parent visits, conferences, and phone calls!

Dress Code

Allison Academy maintains that students' dress and appearance should contribute to a positive image of the school and the students. Students will purchase and wear the school uniform daily.

Students are permitted to wear the following:

• Khaki dress style slacks, worn at waist, purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.
• Khaki shorts, two inches above the knee (for girls), purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.
• Khaki shorts (for boys) purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.
• Belts: black or brown leather
• Sweatshirts purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc. with Allison Academy name and logo.
• Burgundy, white, or forest green polo style, collared shirts, purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc.
• Shoes: sneakers, loafers, or walking shoes (sandals or clogs are unacceptable)
• Socks are required
• Girls: Khaki skirts (2 inches above the knee) Any pants other than ankle-length pants will be unacceptable for girls. (Capri pants or short shorts are not acceptable).

*Any items of clothing not purchased from Continental Uniform, Inc. are unacceptable, and will result in the student being held in the office until proper attired can be brought from home. If proper attire is not brought to school, the student will be sent home for the day, with the student receiving an "F" in each class missed.

**Uniforms are not to be altered in any fashion without permission from Administration.

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School Supplies and Equipment

Required: Pencils, pens, paper, highlighters, markers, organizers, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, calculators, and folders.

Items Prohibited in School or on School Property

Prohibited: weapons of any kind, pocket knives, water pistols, and any objects that could be used to distract or cause harm to another person.

Students are not permitted to have the following items in school:

• Hats of any kind cannot be worn or carried in the building
• Sunglasses - unless prescription
• Book bags may not be used or carried to classrooms during the school day.
• Beepers, or cellular telephones
• Tape players, CD players, headsets, radios, or other musical devices
• Game Boys, or electronic games of any kind
• Laser pens or pointers
• Electronic games

All students are encouraged to leave any valuable items/jewelry and cash in excess of $20.00 at home. Should such items be brought to campus, we assume NO responsibility unless the valuables have been left in the Administrative office with the Administrator's knowledge and approval.

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