Hillel High Boy's School
2015-2016
Student and Parent Handbook
Hillel
High School
www.HillelHigh.com
Table of Contents
Part 1: Student and Parent Handbook
1. Attendance
1a. Excused and Unexcused Absences
1b. Prolonged Absences
1c. Truancy
1d. Non Hillel High Extra-Curricular
2. Tefillah
3. Uniform
4. Grading Policy
4a. Test, Assessments and Report Cards
4b. Homework Policy
5. Enrichment
6. Cell Phone Policy
7. Staying on Campus
8. Breaks and Lunch
8a. Lunch/Food
9. Bullying
10. Clean-Up Policy
11.Supplies
12. Illegal Substances
Part 2: Hillel High Rewards and Discipline Policy
14. Introduction
14a. Rewards
14b. Discipline
Part 3: eAchieve
15. The HH Environment
16. Structured Classroom Learning
17. Eachieve Flex Time
18. What HH expects from our Students.......
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19. HH's Involvement with eAchieve Work and Student Progress
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20. HH's eAchieve Grading Policy
21. Computer Policy
22. Maximum amount of credit per semester............
23. Accredited JS Course
24. Academic Dishonesty Policy
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Part 1
Student and Parent Handbook
1. Attendance
Attendance is essential to the individual student's academic success and contributes to the
school's overall academic environment. Students are required to be in school at 7:50 am so
that Davening will begin punctually. For the purpose of clarification; extra-curricular activities,
outings, and field trips are also considered part of the school day. As such, attendance is
mandatory.
1a. Excused and Unexcused Absences
A student should only be absent if they are physically unfit to attend school or has an urgent
personal/family matter. It is the parent's (whether in town or out of town) responsibility to notify
the school of the reason for their child's absence. It is the obligation of the parents to notify
Rabbi Landes, either by phone or text, if their son will be absent in order for their son
not to be considered truant.
1b. Prolonged Absences
Permission must be obtained before any prolonged absence, e.g. a family Simcha.
1c. Truancy
Truancy is the act of being absent without permission or a valid excuse. Any absences that
have not been approved by the school or if a student deliberately cuts class will be considered
truant. Truancies may lead to disciplinary action, parent student meetings with the
administration and ultimately suspension from the school.
1d. Non Hillel High Extra-Curricular
We understand that many of our students are members of C-Teen,
NCSY and other youth groups. Unfortunately, some of these programs may conflict with the
school calendar. Therefore, students will be allowed 4 (four) school days per year to attend
these events. Permission must be asked and granted at least 1 week before the event in order
for it be counted against one of these days.
2. Tefillah
Tefillah is an essential part of the day and as such students are expected to attend and
participate daily. Students may bring their own Siddur to Tefillah.
3. Uniform
General appearance of students' should be well groomed and clean. Pants should be worn
appropriately at the waist, not sagging or baggy, shorts or pajama pants are not allowed. No
inappropriate designs on clothing. Shoes must be worn at all times. Students are required to
wear kippot and encouraged to wear tzitzit at all times, including during extra-curricular
activities and gym. Hats may not be worn inside the school building.
Any student continually not conforming to these standards may be warned and undergo
disciplinary measures.
4. Grading Policy
All Judaic classes will be graded using the scale below:
Grade
%
A+
97-10
0
A
93-96
A-
90-
92
B+
87-89
B
83-86
B-
80-82
C+
77-79
C
73-76
C-
70-72
D+
67-69
D
65-66
D-
63-64
F
62
4a. Tests, Assessments and Report Cards
There will be periodic tests or quizzes in Judaic studies.
There will be school wide assessments twice a year in order to assess students' progress and
growth. Students and parents may request to see these assessments.
Report cards will be mailed home twice a year.
4b. Homework Policy
All homework assignments, projects and essays must be handed in to the teacher on the day
they are due. Non completion of homework may result in disciplinary action or the student
having to do the homework during breaks, lunch or both.
5. Enrichment
Enrichment is a very important part of the day where students have the opportunity for
individualized tailored learning. Hillel High prides itself in the ability to offer enrichment
several times a week. These classes will take place during eAchieve as set on the weekly
schedule. It is absolutely vital that students do not waste time during their turn, a student who
does not take this opportunity seriously will undergo disciplinary action, lose the opportunity
for enrichment or both.
6. Cell Phone Policy
No cell phones or personal electronic devices are allowed at any time throughout the school
day. Upon arrival to school, all students will place their phone and other electronic devices in
their marked slots. They may retrieve their cell phones etc. at the end of the day. If a student is
found with a cell phone, etc. during the day, it will be confiscated and held over two nights.
Continuous disregard for this rule may lead to a parent meeting with the administration.
7. Staying on Campus
Students must remain on campus during school hours unless granted permission from the
Head Teacher to leave.
8. Breaks and Lunch
Morning and afternoon breaks must be taken outside unless inclement weather prevents it.
Students may not leave the school grounds during breaks or lunch without permission from
the Head Teacher.
8a. Lunch/Food
All food that is brought into school must be certified kosher. Food from any non-kosher food
establishments are never permitted at any time. Students will have access to a refrigerator.
9. Bullying
Bullying of any sort will not be tolerated either in school or outside of school in the form of
cyber-bullying (e.g., texting, Facebook, etc.). Bullying will lead to disciplinary actions and
possible suspension.
10. Clean-Up Policy
Cleanliness is next to G-dliness. As such, it will be the students' duty at the end of each day,
before dismissal, to ensure their personal work areas, classrooms and the general school
area is clear of any excess books, notebooks, papers, personal or school supplies, garbage
such as food containers, wrappers etc. or any other unnecessary objects.
12. Supplies
Students are expected to bring all necessary school supplies each day.
Students who do not bring their computer or charger to school may receive disciplinary action.
For general school supplies please refer to the supply list provided by the school.
13. Illegal Substances
Hillel High strongly encourages our students to be law abiding citizens. As such, smoking,
drinking or any other form of substance abuse may result in disciplinary actions and/or be
reported to law enforcement agencies.
Part 2
Hillel High Rewards and Discipline Policy Agreement
14. Introduction:
Rewards & disciplinary actions are totally independent of each other - nothing can negate a
good action (this is also our belief in Judaism).We also need to realize that as young adults,
we have Bechira (free choice) which has consequences. Likewise, disciplinary procedures
are never punishments or power struggles but rather a form of consequences for choices. It is
like driving a car - if you do not put gas in the car, it will not go. This is not a punishment, it is
a consequence.
14a. Rewards
Hillel High uses a two-pronged approach as a reward system:
1. The Class Approach
A chart is prominently displayed in the classroom and is filled out by teachers (they initialize
boxes). It is a communal reward policy with 3 possible marks - 0 boxes, 1 box and 2 boxes.
Less than 75% of the class studying well/behaving - 0 boxes.
75% studying well/behaving = 1 box.
100% studying well/behaving = 2 boxes.
Prompt attendance at the beginning of class also counts - 100% prompt attendance = 1 box.
When the chart is finished the class goes on a trip/is rewarded. This may take anywhere
between 3 weeks to 3 months it is up to YOU.
2. The Individual Approach
Periodically, there will be certain contests in school with a 1st and 2nd prize. These contests
will usually have to do with academic effort, behavior or an extra-curricular activity.
Prizes may include gift vouchers, special trips or special privileges.
14b. Discipline
When a student is disruptive or behaving inappropriately, the teacher will start by pointing it
out. At some stage, if the behavior does not improve, the student will be given an official
warning. If there is still no change, then they will be given a second warning. If there is still no
change, there are consequences on a sliding scale.
Please note: In certain instances, no warning will be given and there will be an
immediate consequence.
The student immediately gets a ½ page essay or writing assignment (the how's and what's
will be determined at the end of class - not now). That is the end of it. ANY misbehavior,
discussion, argument etc. simply leads to the essay going up by ¼ increments,
e.g.:
Johnny, you have already had 2 warnings, you now have a ½ page essay.
But Mr...
¾ page essay
That's not fair...
1 page essay
And so on.
Now comes the important part - as the student stops disturbing and even begins to learn
again, the essay goes down!
So, if our fictional Johnny puts down his head and mopes, it will go down in ¼ page
increments because at least he is not disturbing the class. However, if he actually starts
learning, it will go down much faster.
The goal is that by the end of lesson, there should very little of the original essay left. The
student will still, in the best of circumstances, have to do a ¼ page essay, but that is really
quite fair (5 - 10 minutes work). At the end of lesson (or teaching block), the teacher then
determines what any essays should be on.
It is very important that these essays are handed in completed and in a timely manner, failure
to do so can lead to loss of recesses, doubling of the original essay or a talk with the Head
Teacher.
Finally, even if everything goes wrong (& it may), tomorrow is another day - after the
essay is handed in, the slate is wiped clean.
The usual progression of consequences is as follows:
1. Small infractions - copying a work of Shakespeare
2. Larger issues – writing an essay, a meeting with the Head Teacher, or both.
3. Very large issues - Meeting with parents
4. Major issues - Writing a contract of conduct
5. Dangerous behavior, repetitive discipline issues or breaking a contract of conduct -
Suspension
I agree to follow the above procedures:
Student Signature:
Part 3
eAchieve at HH
Date:
15. The HH Environment
HH strives to provide each student with the appropriate support and structure needed to
maximize their quality of learning and growth as students in eAchieve. To this end, this year
we have added frontal classroom teaching, quizzes and individual tutoring and enrichment
given by our HH staff. This will create the appropriate structure to maximize learning and
provide individual support for each student.
The following is an outline of the eAchieve program at HH, detailing the support and structure
provided, in addition to the policies and procedures in place.
eAchieve will occur in two formats:
1. Structured Classroom Learning.
2. Flex Time.
16. Structured Classroom Learning:
• PART A: Students will meet in weekly or bi-weekly classes that will focus on a core
subject (eg Math, Science etc.). Classes will be split according to subjects and grades.
•
The classes will begin with formal instruction by an eAchieve facilitator. Key ideas and
examples of that week's work will be taught and discussed. Study periods may include
a warm-up quiz.
Prior to class time, students will be required to watch eSessions, read the textbook,
etc. and take notes on the lesson. The facilitator will let the students know what specific
material they are responsible for in each given class. Students may request to be
exempt from eSessions in certain circumstances (for example, if a student is doing
well by all measures and doesn't need the extra reinforcement of material).
PART B: During the remaining class time, students will work independently on their
work for that specific subject. The work environment shall be quiet, focused and
respectful to all facilitators and students.
The eAchieve facilitator will be available to provide clarification and assistance for
individual students when necessary. Although it goes without saying, the facilitator is
there to ensure the understanding of concepts, not the completion of your work., Having
a facilitator help complete graded eAchieve assessments will be considered cheating.
17. eAchieve Flex Time
Flex Time is the format for eAcheieve for the majority of the day. During Flex Time students
will work on any of their eAchieve classes. HH facilitators will be available for help.
eSession viewing will be available on desktop computers in the school.
18. What HH Expects from our Students:
Come to Class Prepared: Students are required to have watched the e-sessions,
powerpoints, youtube videos, read the textbook, etc. and taken notes on the lesson
before coming to class. The facilitator will let the students know what specific
materials they will be responsible for in the following class. Viewing e-sessions is
mandatory. Students may request to be exempt from eSessions in certain
circumstances (for example, if a student is doing well by all measures and doesn't
need the extra reinforcement of material).
Study periods will often begin with a warm-up quiz, followed by frontal teaching. This
will:
a. Give our students vital practice that will help them on their exams;
b. Allow frontal teaching to address the concerns students have about the material;
c. Let students use their eAchieve class time to its fullest;
d. Give students a college prep environment, pushing them to take independent
responsibility for class material.
Review assignments may be required after classes.
Flex Time (and classroom time) must be used wisely; it is not for the use of social
medial, personal emails, non-educational YouTube videos, etc.
The facilitator is there to ensure the understanding of concepts, not the completion of
your work. Although it goes without saying, having a facilitator help complete graded
eAchieve assessments will be considered cheating.
19. Hillel High's Involvement with Eachieve Work and Student Progress
Hillel High and the eAchieve staff will be working closely together to ensure each student's
progress, understanding and competency in their studies. Hillel High will maintain a high
degree of involvement and expectation for all eAchieve work to be high quality and to be
submitted in a timely manner by all students. There will be frequent communication between
facilitators, teachers at eAchieve and the parents of students regarding a student's
performance and quality of work.
Hillel High will keep its own set of grades for quizzes, reviews and assessments done during
HH classes.
If the HH grade drops below 70%, or is significantly below the eAchieve grade, disciplinary
measures will be taken.
1. Within HH, students will be subject to disciplinary policies, as set by the school.
2. eAchieve will be notified of the poor student performance and student's work may be
checked for academic dishonesty.
20. Hillel High eAchieve Grading
Hillel High will generate its own student progress reports for students and parents.
The report will be based on the quizzes and review assignments that are Hillel High created
and administered.
Grades will be available per student request, and will be sent to parents in regular progress
reports.
21. Computer Policy
During school hours students will only be able to use a Chromebook computer to access their
eAchieve accounts and learning materials in order to work on their weekly assessments and
assignments. These Chromebook computers are the property of Hillel High School and will be
managed, filtered and monitored by school staff.
Desktops will be available for e-Sessions and other work that require a non-Chromebook
computer.
22. Maximum amount of credits per semester
HH strongly encourages our students not to take more than 6 accredited courses per
semester. We have found that students find the workload of more than 6 course too difficult to
handle. Any student who wishes to take more than 6 accredited course per semester MUST
1st discuss it with Rabbi Bassman.
23. Accredited JS course
We are happy to announce that both Jewish History and Ivrit are accredited courses and count
towards the 22 credit requirement for a High School diploma. In addition, Ivrit is considered a
foreign language, which is necessary for admission into some of the higher tier colleges and
universities.
One advantage of this is that students may now take less eAchieve courses and still graduate.
Please note: HH has done this in order to both create greater rigour in our JS subjects and to
ease the academic burden of our students. It is NOT a means for students to graduate earlier,
through an accumulation of extra credits. Anyone wishing to do so MUST first discuss it with
the HH administration. Failure to do so may result in the JS credits not being awarded.
24. Academic Dishonesty Policy
The internet and the world around us provides a plethora of information. It may be tempting to
take "the easy way out" and copy work that is not yours. Any findings or signs of possible
Academic Dishonesty will be taken very seriously. Assignments that are copied from the
internet or shared between students will be flagged and reported to eAchieve.
Chromebooks will be monitored for use of Yahoo! Answers, etc. Answers that are copied
verbatim from the internet will be flagged for academic dishonesty and plagiarism.
If students work on labs or other large assignments in groups, each individual must submit a
different set of data and research.
What is "plagiarism"?
"Using another person's ideas, information or expressions without
acknowledging that person's work constitutes intellectual theft. Passing off
another person's ideas, information, or expressions as your own to get a better
grade...constitutes fraud."
Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th ed.; New York: MLA, 2003),
66.
Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:
•
Copying another student's homework or assignment and turning it in as your
own.
• Copying texts from the Internet or other sources, paraphrasing and/or using it in
your work without appropriate citations or bibliographical notations.
• Buying or acquiring a paper and turning it in as your own.
When using sources, it is always safest to cite them. Use whatever citation style is
appropriate for the class. Here are some common ones:
APA:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
•MLA: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/
•
Chicago/Turabian:
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html
•
Students can use tools (like http://www.citationmachine.net/) if overwhelmed by the
details of citations.
Note: All students should also be aware of eAchieve's Academic Dishonesty Policies. Repeated
offenses may lead to expulsion from eAchieve and Hillel High.
