ConneXions Community Leadership Academy

Student and Parent Handbook

2010-2011
ConneXions Community Leadership Academy
2801 North Dukeland Street
Baltimore, MD 21206
443-984-1418/1419
Fax 410-669-4418

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Table of Contents
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF SCHOOL WIDE POLICIES................................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
School Day................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
School Closing............................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Safety............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
STUDENT SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES................................................................................................................................... 4
Lockers and Locks.................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Cell Phones................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Telephones................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Music and Electronic Devices.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Money............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Hallway Passes.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Closed Campus........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Student/Staff Areas................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Textbooks and other school materials............................................................................................................................................ 6
Student Materials and Supplies.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Computer Use............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Transportation.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Emergency Drills....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Attendance Policy and Procedure..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Tardiness to class..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
CURRICULUM, GRADING, ASSESSMENT................................................................................................................................................... 8
ConneXions Academic Expectations................................................................................................................................................. 8
Culturally Responsive Education....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Coalition of Essential Schools.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Progress Reports and Report Cards.................................................................................................................................................. 9
Grading Policy............................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Tutoring........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Field Trips:................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Portfolios and Exhibitions.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
CONNEXIONS DISCIPLINE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................13
I. ConneXions Code of Conduct (adopted August 2009)....................................................................................................... 14
II: Discipline System.............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
IV: Socio-emotional and Behavioral Supports for Students................................................................................................ 18
Additional Notes on Discipline:........................................................................................................................................................ 20
UNIFORM POLICY................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
MIDDLE SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY 2010................................................................................................................................. 22
HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY 2010........................................................................................................................................ 23
PARENT INFORMATION........................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Parent Rights and Responsibilities................................................................................................................................................. 25
Parent Action Team.............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
ConneXions 101...................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Global Connect Calling System......................................................................................................................................................... 26
School Visitors......................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Making Appointments.......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
SCHOOL INFORMATION........................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Who do I contact for:............................................................................................................................................................................ 27

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3
General Overview of School Wide Policies

Introduction
ConneXions Community Leadership Academy (#325) is a public Charter School. We are a teacher-
led school of choice, operating under a contract with the city of Baltimore through Maryland’s
charter law. We are operated by the Baltimore Teacher Network (BTN), which is a non-profit
organization designed to support and mentor teachers in Baltimore City.

ConneXions opened in September 2002 with 50 students in the 6th grade. Today we have grown to a
school with more than 300 students. Last year we graduated our first senior class, with a
graduation rate over 95%.

ConneXions’ mission is to cultivate academic and artistic excellence, cultural identity, and
community awareness in our students.

School Day
The student school day will start at 8:05 am and end at 3:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday. On Wednesdays, the school day will start at 8:00am and end at 12:30 pm. The doors of
the school will be open at 7:55 am. Students will be allowed to go to their homeroom and lockers at
that time.

Breakfast is served at 7:45am in the cafeteria every day. All students are welcome for a free
breakfast.

Students who are not involved in school activities or under the direct supervision of a classroom
teacher should leave the building at the end of the day. There is no supervision provided for students
waiting for rides or for those who arrive before 7:55am.

School Closing
In the event of severe weather, electrical failure, etc, school may be closed or delayed in opening.
The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. School closings, delayed starting time or
early dismissal will be announced over the Baltimore City radio and television stations as well as
through our Global Connect calling system. ConneXions will close when BCPSS schools close.

Safety
ConneXions is and will continue to be a safe educational community. Weapons, drugs, vandalism,
gang involvement, and fighting will not be tolerated. They will result in suspension or expulsion.
ConneXions’ Discipline Policy is included in this handbook.

Student Specific Policies and Procedures

Lockers and Locks
Each student will be provided with a locker to be used be used for storage of educational and
appropriate personal items. Each student, is required to use their own locker. Students should place
a combination lock on their locker for security and provide the school with the combination.

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Students are responsible for the safety of any items placed in lockers. Students shall not share
lockers. The school will consider any unauthorized removal of items from lockers as theft and will
follow BCPSS procedures for dealing with such situations.

The interiors of lockers may be decorated with materials which are appropriate for school. All
decorations must be completely removable. Any damage to the lockers will be assessed to the
student. Any costs associated with correcting the damage will need to be paid by the end of the
semester in which the damage occurred. The exterior of lockers are not to be decorated,
labeled, or marked in any way.

Cell Phones
Students are NOT allowed to use cell phones in the building. This includes text messaging,
making calls and receiving calls. Parents should NOT call students on their cell phones during
the school day. In emergency situations call the office. The school’s phone numbers are 443-
984-1418 or 1419.

Telephones
Students may make school-related or emergency calls from the Main Office with the permission of
school staff. Telephones in classrooms are not to be used by students.

Music and Electronic Devices

Video games, pagers, and other electronic devices are not to be used in school. They should be
stored in lockers upon arrival or kept out of sight for the entire school day. If they are seen, these
items will be taken by school staff and kept until a parent comes to school to get them.

Electronic music devices may be used in some settings in school; the procedures for this will be
described by school staff at the beginning of the year. Electronic music devices may NEVER be used
in the hallways of the school or during emergency evacuations as this presents a safety hazard.
Violating the school and teacher directives on the use of portable music devices will result in
confiscation on the first offense, and confiscation and being held for a parent on the second offense.
Further violations will result in further consequences.

Repeated incidents will result in the item being held until the end of the year. The school
assumes no responsibility for personal articles brought to school.

Money
Any money brought to school is the responsibility of the student. Money should only be brought to
school for lunch, field trips, or fundraisers. Excessive amounts of money will be kept and held until
a parent comes to school to get them.

Hallway Passes
All students are required to have a pass when in the hallway during instructional time. Violations of
this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Closed Campus
ConneXions is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave unless authorized by both parents
and school administration. Students who leave the school grounds without permission will be
assigned to in-school suspension with a parent phone call. Continued violations will result in
increasing consequences.

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Student/Staff Areas
When an area is clearly marked as a staff space, students are to refrain from entering unless given
permission. Students should be under the supervision of a ConneXions adult at all times. Students
are not permitted in the building before or after school unless they are under the direct supervision
of an adult.

Textbooks and other school materials

Textbooks are loaned to students by the school and are the property of ConneXions. They are to be
kept clean, intact and free from excessive marks. Students will be held financially responsible for
lost or damaged textbooks materials and supplies.

The textbook contract is signed by student and parent at the beginning of the year and applies to all
materials loaned by ConneXions. Signing the textbook contract acknowledges understanding and
acceptance of textbook policies, including the responsibility to replace lost textbooks. Individual
receipts will be signed by students for each item loaned and will be kept by the teacher.

Student Materials and Supplies

Students should bring all required materials to class every day. These materials include: USB/
Flash Drives, pens, pencils, bound notebooks, loose leaf paper, textbooks, binders, and
HOMEWORK. Students will not be permitted to leave class to get items left behind in lockers.

Computer Use
Students should realize the importance of using technology to assist them with school work. They
should also realize that it is a privilege and can be taken away if they do not use the equipment
properly. Students are prohibited at all times from using computers without staff permission. This
includes completing schoolwork, using e-mail, printing, and using storage devices.

Students and parents must sign the internet-permission form and abide by ConneXions Acceptable
Use Policy in order to use ConneXions computers.

It is important that each student have access to the Internet throughout the school year. Students
should identify Internet workstations and printer locations that they can use to conduct research
and complete assignments, whether at school, library, or home. Lack of Internet access at school
will not excuse incomplete work.

Transportation
Students must appear on the BCPSS eligibility list for bus tickets AND have a completed parent request
form on file to receive bus tickets after September. Students who appear on the eligibility list will
bring home a form for parents to complete and return. The purpose of this is to make sure we are
only distributing bus tickets with parent consent and request, as they constitute a sizable portion of
our budget.

Once distributed to students, bus tickets are the responsibility of the student. These bus tickets are
paid for out of ConneXions budget and cost approximately $50 per pack. We will NOT be able to
replace lost or stolen packs of bus tickets. Students must make sure that tickets are locked securely
in their individual lockers each day.

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Students should know that their behavior is subject to school discipline both on their way to school
and on the way home from school and school related events.

Transportation will be provided to students for school-related activities. Students will follow all
school rules and respect the vehicles and their drivers. Abuses may result in loss of transportation
privileges.

Emergency Drills
Students and staff at ConneXions will follow BCPSS procedures and state law in the practice of
emergency drills, including fire drills. Students will participate in all emergency drills. Emergency
drills will be practiced in silence. Falsely reporting an emergency or setting off fire alarms when
there is no emergency will result in suspension or expulsion.

Attendance Policy and Procedure

Students are expected to attend school every day. If an absence is absolutely necessary, a
parent or guardian should call on the day of the absence and must provide a letter upon
return. All absences will be investigated with a call from the school secretary on the day it occurs.
Students with unexcused absences will receive a letter in the mail documenting the incident.
students who arrive after 8:05 are considered late and must report to the office to obtain a pass
before going to class. If a student arrives late to school they must provide a note, signed by a parent,
indicating the reason. All letters explaining absences and tardiness must be brought to the office
upon entering the building.

Tardiness to class
Students must be seated in class by the late signal. Failure to arrive in class on time will result in a
warning or disciplinary action. Repeated tardiness and absences could result in in-school
suspension and could affect quarter grades.

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Curriculum, Grading, Assessment

ConneXions Academic Expectations

ConneXions’ mission is to cultivate academic and artistic excellence, cultural identity, and
community awareness in our students. Our vision is an exemplary school that accomplishes this
mission through the tenets of Culturally Responsive Education, the Ten Coalition of Essential School
Common Principles, and the primacy of arts education.

Culturally Responsive Education

Geneva Gay, author of the text Culturally Responsive Teaching, defines culturally responsive
teaching as using the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and performance styles of diverse
students to make learning more appropriate and effective for them; it teaches to and through the
strengths of these students. In an attempt to increase academic performance, artistic excellence,
and enhance the lives of the learning community Connexions Community Leadership Academy for
the Arts has adopted the theories and practices associated with Culturally Responsive Teaching.
Recognizing the cultural and ethnic make-up of our students equips our diverse faculty with the
tools needed to develop a student-centered approach to teaching and learning.

Coalition of Essential Schools

ConneXions is a CES school. This means that we filter all of our practices through the Ten CES
Common Principles. These principles guide our thinking about curriculum, discipline, and school
atmosphere. All students, parents, and staff need to be familiar with the common principles.

The Ten CES Common Principles are:

T
1. Learning to use one's mind well

2. Less is More, depth over coverage

3. Goals apply to all students

4. Personalization

5. Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach

6. Demonstration of mastery

7. A tone of decency and trust

8. Commitment to the entire school

9. Resources dedicated to teaching and learning

10. Democracy and equity

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Progress Reports and Report Cards
These are eight built-in opportunities for communication between the school and home, as we send
home 4 progress reports and 4 report cards each year. When these opportunities are missed, the
academic impact experienced by the student is profound. ConneXions spends considerable time and
effort developing grade reporting systems and strategies. Please take every opportunity to become
familiar with these legal documents. This includes attendance at report card conferences,
exhibitions, and ConneXions 101 workshops.

Grading Policy
ConneXions will follow the following scale for grades.

A (90-100)=Excellent
B (80-89)=Good
C (70-79=Average
D (60-69)=Poor
F (below 60)=Failing

ConneXions is determined to provide students with the best education possible. We expect that
through a combination of wonderful teaching, a positive culture, and consistent effort from
students, all of our students are capable of achieving at excellent levels. Report card grades below
80 should prompt reflection on the part of school, student, and family; grades below 70 are a cause
for a parent-teacher-student conference to determine what supports and requirements are
necessary to increase a student’s success in school.

Tutoring
ConneXions’ teachers are regularly available to tutor students throughout the year. These tutoring
sessions may take place during the school day, after school, or in some cases before school. Teacher
coach class schedules will be posted.

There will be additional tutoring opportunities available this school year; we will let you know as
these programs begin.

Field Trips:
Field trips are an important part of the curriculum at ConneXions and should be treated as
such by students and parents. Class-related field trips are mandatory for students. Parents will
be informed of the nature of the trip, time, transportation arrangements and other necessary
information before the trip and will sign and return a permission slip. If a permission slip is not
returned, or if a student is not allowed to go on the trip, a student is still required to attend school
and will complete an alternative assignment. Students will be required to wear uniforms on trips
unless okayed by the office and otherwise specified on permission slips. Any student who
displays behavior that violates school rules and procedures will be required to remain at
school during field trips.

Parents may be invited to attend as chaperones of field trips and will receive parent volunteer
hours in return for doing so. These hours will count toward the suggested 20 hours per year.

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Portfolios and Exhibitions
The following list of “Frequently Asked Questions” is intended to help explain the
portfolio/exhibition process at ConneXions. This is the core of our academic program and
therefore it is essential that the entire community become familiar with it.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PORTFOLIO AND EXHIBITION

What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of student work. At ConneXions, students will include important
pieces of work from each class in order to demonstrate their mastery of the understandings
required for each class. Portfolio requirements will be extensively discussed with students
in advance and will be available in written form two weeks before the exhibition.
Requirements may include number of pieces, length of pieces, particular understandings
that need to be shown, depth of understanding, etc.

What is an exhibition?
An exhibition is an approximately one-hour presentation of the portfolio and other artifacts
to a panel consisting of at least one family member, a community member, a peer, and
ConneXions staff members. The exhibition is designed to allow the student to present their
work in the way they want it interpreted, as well as to allow the panel to ensure that the
work is genuine and the understandings are deep.
While the exhibition should be an occasion for celebration, it is serious and
promotion may depend on it. Students should be ready for difficult questions from the
panel, about their work and about other aspects of the course material and their lives as
students at ConneXions. In some cases the exhibition is as much a “defense” as it is a
celebration. This dual nature may be confusing at first and ConneXions staff reserves the
right to make promotion decisions, while taking into account the recommendations of the
panel as a whole.

When do exhibitions take place?

Exhibitions will be scheduled in place of mid-term and finals. The exhibition at midterm
will be presented in class . Their peers will serve as the panel. This will provide students
with an opportunity to practice and use feed back to refine their presentation skills. At the
end-of-the year exhibition, students will present their work before their teacher, parents
and a community member. ConneXions students WILL NOT BE IN SCHOOL during end of
the year exhibitions. Students should only report on the day that they present that week
except for their exhibition time and that of any students they are serving on the panel for.

If promotion depends on the exhibition, do grades matter?

Grades are an indication of progress towards the understandings necessary for the
successful presentation and defense of a portfolio. It is possible for a student
to have poor grades in a class and present a successful portfolio; it is also possible for a
student to have good grades in a class and not pass an exhibition. The point of the portfolio
is to collect good evidence of understanding for each class; the point of the exhibition is for

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the student to demonstrate that their understanding is genuine and deep to a panel of
people from home, school, and community.

What if my child doesn’t pass/is not promoted?

Promotion for ConneXions’ middle school students is decided on a case-by-case basis. A
student who isclearly not ready for the next grade will not be promoted. A student who is
showing growth but not yet meeting expectations may be retained until they meet
expectations, promoted with an academic contract, or offered additional support during
the next school year.

HIGH SCHOOL PORTFOLIO AND EXHIBITION

How do students earn credits?
Credits are awarded with the successful completion of a class. Students must earn a 60% or
better on their final grade in order to get a credit for the class.
For semester-long classes, final grades are an average of the two quarter grades (weighted
40% each) and the exhibition grade (20%). Cumulative exams will be given at the midterm
and final periods of each semester and will count as a substantial part of each quarter’s
grade.

What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of student work. At ConneXions, students include 1-2 substantial
pieces of work for each class in their end-of-course portfolio. This may be a project, paper,
etc. Projects will be well-integrated into the curriculum and will be completed with teacher
support in class as well as out of school.

What is an exhibition?
Portfolio projects and class understandings are presented by students to two panels, one
for humanities and one for math/science. Exhibition panels include 3-4 staff members, at
least one adult from home, and where possible, community members. Students may bring
one peer to their exhibition. The exhibition is designed to allow the student to present their
work in the way they want it interpreted, as well as to allow the panel to ensure that the
work is genuine and the understandings are deep. A typical exhibition will include the
presentation of:
 The student’s work in the portfolio
 Demonstration of mastery of specific skills (for example, students will read a text and
identify literary devices used in the text)
 Questions about course content

Exhibition grades are awarded by the teacher panelists, not by the teacher of the
class. Exhibition grades are according to a rubric and are final.

When do exhibitions take place?

End-of-course exhibitions will take place at the end of each semester—in the last week of
January and the first week of June. ConneXions students WILL NOT BE IN SCHOOL those

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weeks except for their exhibition time and that of any students they are serving on the
panel for.

What happens if a credit is not granted for a class?

Students have several options and will make their choice in conversation with their parent
and advisor. These options include attending summer school through BCPSS, taking a
computer-based Novelstar course, and re-taking the course in a future semester. Summer
school and Novelstar courses cost $150 each.

How is this different from ConneXions middle school?

In middle school, we feel responsible for supporting students in every way possible. Middle
school years are generally times of growth for students and we tend not to retain students
in their grade unless we believe that the student would benefit educationally from another
year in that grade.
In high school, we continue to offer students extensive academic support. We expect
and recommend that students will take advantage of this help (including tutoring classes,
coach class, and individual tutoring sessions). If students are not progressing as we think
they should and they do not get help, we let parents know so that they can support their
child. We do NOT feel the obligation to grant students credit in the same way we might
decide that a student is best served by being promoted to the next grade. If a student has
not demonstrated sufficient learning through their class work and exhibition, they WILL
NOT EARN A CREDIT.

What about promotion?

Students are required to have 21 credits in order to graduate. The state of Maryland
requires 4 credits, including English I, for a student to be considered a 10 th grader. We will
NOT be putting students without the appropriate number and type of credits in their
“right” grade until they earn the credits. This means students without the proper credits
will not participate in class activities such as trips, prom, etc.

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CONNEXIONS DISCIPLINE POLICY
Introduction

ConneXions’ discipline policy implies a powerful role for and collaboration between each adult
in the building. As a “teacher-led” school, we want each teacher to be a strong and empowered
guardian of both school and classroom culture. This is in contrast to a more typical arrangement
in which power and responsibility flow downward from a “principal.”

However, in order for this more distributed power, leadership and responsibility to be successful,
several factors come into play:
 Teachers, staff, parents and students must all understand that ALL adults in the building
are responsible for creating a climate conducive to learning. There is no such thing as
“you’re not MY teacher, you can’t…” or “I’ll do it if the principal makes me….”
Teachers are empowered to enforce all school and classroom rules, and to recommend
disciplinary action.
 Adults in the building must create opportunities for learning and support so that all adults
become excellent custodians of culture.
 Adults in the building must hold themselves and each other accountable for creating
school and classroom culture.
 The school community must create an effective structure for the promotion of culture
(both in terms of “discipline” and in terms of the creation of a positive, engaging
environment).

This document is an attempt at articulating an effective structure.

The components are:
 The ConneXions Code of Conduct
 A discipline system composed of an interlocking system of interventions
 FOR STAFF: A coordinating system of documentation for both classroom and school
 A description of the supports that are available to students to address issues they may be
having that are impacting academic and social achievement

Finally, to have integrity, this system must rest on an overall academic, artistic, and social
culture that promotes excellence and engagement for staff and students alike. This culture
is created and maintained on school and classroom levels through the composite of our
programs, including the instructional program in each classroom, the arts, after-school
opportunities, advisory, various tutoring programs, etc.

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I. ConneXions Code of Conduct (adopted August 2009)

 I respect myself and others.

o I am positive.
o I respect personal space.
o I am open-minded.

 I am accountable.
o I am accountable for my actions
o I am accountable for my learning
o I am accountable for my attitude.

 I am ready.
o I am punctual.
o I am have all necessary supplies

 I work hard.

 I take care of my environment.

o I take care of school property
o I take care of my own belongings
o I take care of common spaces

 I am responsible for the well-being of this community.

 I will not quit--because I expect success!

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II: Discipline System
The ConneXions Discipline System is based on City Schools’ Code of Conduct and its system
of leveled interventions.

Staff Roles
ConneXions Support Center
Nikkia Pompey-Lawrence and Chris Transou are our ConneXions Support Specialists. The
SSC is the home of In-School Suspension, however, the Support Specialists are also a source
for teachers of expertise on behavioral issues, support in the classroom and halls, and the
clearinghouse at ConneXions for discipline documentation.

Co-Directors
Cynthia Wilson-Shirley and Dana Polson are the Co-Directors of the school. They will
support teachers and the CSC with discipline issues on a daily basis through consultation
for all levels of issues, support with parent conferences, dialogue with students, hall and
classroom support, suspensions, and proposing students, where necessary, for more
serious consequences and support.

Dean of High School Students

Kia Harper is the Dean of High School Students. She acts as a liaison between teaches, the
CSC, and the co-directors in matters involving high school students. She works on school
and parent communication for all levels of the school, and she helps to provide mentoring
to teachers in terms of classroom interventions.

Classroom teachers
Classroom teachers play an essential role in establishing a positive learning environment in
their classrooms. In addition, they have complete discretion over level I issues in their
classrooms (see below) as well as a collaborative role in the handling of other levels.

Purposes of the Discipline System

The purposes of discipline and documentation at ConneXions are fourfold:
 Address behavior problems in the short term that are causing disruptions to the
learning process
 Address underlying longer-term issues that are contributing to behavior problems by
referral to appropriate interventions
 Send a message to the school community that reinforces community expectations and
norms
 Document and support: a tiered plan of interventions that can justify increased levels of
support from outside the school if our interventions are not working for a student

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Leveled System

“Levels” imply the seriousness of the incident and the corresponding “level” of intervention. All
incidents and interventions can include the teacher involved or reporting, however, the level of
support from school-wide personnel varies according to the situation.

Level Description
Level I Level I situations are those that are handled at the classroom level, by
teachers.
Level II Level II situations are referred to the CSC for school-level support within the
building.
Level III Level III situations involve school-level support and usually include out-of-
school suspension.
Level IV Level IV situations usually require out-of-school support (School police, Office
of Student Support at North Avenue, etc). and usually require a proposal for
long-term suspension

These are guidelines. Seriousness and chronic nature of offenses may affect these designations.

LEVEL I

Level I incidents include:

 Disrespectful behavior
 Classroom disruption
 Class cutting (but must also be reported to the CSC)
 Academic dishonesty
 Profanity
 Bullying (less serious forms)
 Physical aggression (less serious forms, not an actual fight)
 Uniform violation
 Portable electronic use at unauthorized times
 Minor property damage (graffiti on desks, for example)
 Lateness to class. We suggest the maintenance of a late binder. Students late to class
should sign in the binder and then quietly integrate themselves into the class’s activity.
We suggest that after three lates, a detention is issued.

Level I incidents are handled first by the classroom teacher. A suggested system of steps of
intervention includes:

 Warning (often integrated into the classroom activity)

 Isolation (ask the student to step outside, change the student’s seat, etc.)
 Private consultation with student (speaking to student one-on-one)
 Detention with parent notification
o Each teacher will be responsible for handling their own detention. Teachers
must clearly communicate the assignment of detention to students, should
notify the parent or guardian, and should have a structure for detention. If the
student does not show for detention, the teacher must call the parent to notify
them and offer a “courtesy” make-up (which can be longer if desired). If the

16
 student misses the second detention after the phone call, the student may be
referred to the CSC.

 Parent conference

o In addition to routine parent phone calls/emails/texts and letters home, a

parent conference should be scheduled by a teacher if the concerns are serious.
Strong relationships between teachers and parents are necessary to promote
excellence in your classroom.

 Written referrals to ISS can and should be issued if a teacher has gone through this cycle
of classroom-based interventions and has not seen an improvement in student
behavior.

Level II

Level II is a more serious incident, or a chronic instance of a Level I incident that has not responded
to the teacher’s interventions. Referral of originally level-I incidents to the ISS room MUST be
accompanied by a referral documenting the cycle of teacher interventions, including a parent
conversation.
Incidents which start at Level II must be referred by the classroom teacher to the ISS Room
immediately—these are not incidents that may be left up to the teacher’s discretion. Teachers
should continue to be involved in these situations, however. These include:

 Drugs/Alcohol (under influence)

 Attack on another student
 Serious bullying
 Fighting
 Gambling
 Serious harassment
 Sexual harassment
 Threat against school personnel
 Theft

ConneXions’ supports to deal with Level II and chronic Level I issues include parent conferences, In-
School Suspension, detention, student contracts, community service and restitution.

Chronic Discipline Problems

Students who frequently violate the ConneXions Code of Conduct, have severe behavioral
issues, or develop a pattern of discipline problems will be considered to need special attention.
After other efforts, have not worked, we will:
 Hold a parent/student/teacher/administrator conference to discuss solutions
 develop a behavior contract
 conduct weekly reviews of progress on contract goals
 either remove the student from the contract after a period of success or
 work with student and parent to find a more appropriate educational placement for the
student.

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Level III
Level III incidents will also be reported to the CSC Room immediately and are incidents eligible for
out of school suspension. Most Level II incidents may also be considered Level III incidents, if they
are on a more serious end of the continuum or did not respond to Level II interventions.

 Attack on student with bodily injury

 Use or sale of drugs or alcohol
 Extortion
 Sexual activity/misconduct
 Theft
 Trespassing

Level III incidents will be handled by CSC staff and Co-Directors using BCPSS guidelines for short-
term suspension, which include mandatory conferences with parents and students.

Level IV
Level IV incidents will be reported to the CSC room immediately, and in turn reported to
the office for report to School Police. Level IV incidents are eligible for proposal for long-
term suspension and/or proposal for expulsion.

 Bomb threat
 Distribution or sales of drugs or inhalants
 False activation of fire alarm
 Fire setting
 Attack on school personnel
 Serious bodily injury
 Sexual assault
 Any possession of weapons, firearms, or explosives

IV: Socio-emotional and Behavioral Supports for Students

The discipline processes described in this document are designed to provide guidance and
support for students through short-term interventions. These would include re-orientation
to the learning process through conference with student and/or parent, time out to cool
down from situations, brief problem-solving assistance, brief conflict mediation, etc.

Longer-term and more in-depth interventions are available through ConneXions as well.
These include the following.

Guidance
Ms Pamela Watkins and Ms Shadawn Wesley are our Guidance staff for this year. In
addition to multiple essential academic advising and procedural responsibilities, they do
student counseling. Students are encouraged to reach out to Ms Pam and Ms Lucky on their
own, however, teachers are also welcome to speak with them about students who may
need assistance. The guidance office will be in the old special ed office—as you walk into
the main office, it’s the door on the right.

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Special Education
The special education team focuses on academic matters for IEP students, however, since
some social, emotional, and behavioral problems have roots in learning problems, they are
excellent resources for those concerns as well and can offer advice, support, and
suggestions for direction.

Social worker
Our social worker consults mostly with Special Education students, however, she is an
excellent resource for teachers with questions about students’ social and emotional health
and wellbeing.

Community Mediation (team referral)

For students having interpersonal problems with each other or other community members,
the Community Conferencing Center has been extremely helpful in the past. We usually try
our own conferencing, but for intractable problems, talk with your team or the co-directors
about a referral to this group.

New Visions: TBA

Mental Health Services on campus

This year we will have a .5 Mental Health Professional at ConneXions. This person will be
located in the old guidance office (upstairs between the drum and dance studios). Referral
processes and more details are forthcoming.

Advisory
Advisory, depending on the advisor (more about this in PD), can offer social and emotional
support to students. Some advisors include extensive team-building, discussion
opportunities, problem-solving techniques, etc.

SST
The Student Support Team is a formal process for getting additional help and support to
students. The process involves extensive documentation and follow-up and should be used
whenever a more formal process is necessary, for example, when teacher and team-based
solutions have not yet worked. The SST is not used for special education students; those
students should have concerns brought to the IEP Team if necessary.

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Additional Notes on Discipline:

Gang Policy
ConneXions will contact BCPSS School Police immediately to address any suspected gang
activity or affiliation. This will occur without warning. This includes handshakes, hand
signs, writing on personal or school materials or repeated verbal references. This is one of
the few areas where ConneXions has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy.

Please note that community awareness and education regarding gang issues is seen as a
priority at ConneXions and will occur regularly.

Classroom Procedures
Students are expected to follow the procedures set by each teacher for entering and exiting
the classroom, for bathroom use, etc. The procedure should be communicated to students,
modeled, and posted. It is helpful if teams establish common procedures at the beginning of
the year.

Food, Candy and Beverages

No gum, seeds, soda, candy, or snacks are allowed in school unless provided by school staff;
such items found in classrooms should be confiscated. Food items should not be brought in
from outside the building unless they are for lunch. Lunch food must be eaten in the
cafeteria only. Students may not miss any of the class after lunch to finish eating; plenty of
time is provided for lunch. Students may not eat outside. Students are encouraged to bring
water bottles to school.

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UNIFORM POLICY
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES TO BOTH MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
UNIFORM POLICY. SEPARATE SECTIONS ON SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOLLOW.

CONNEXIONS NO LONGER SELLS UNIFORM SHIRTS.

Super Kids: Security Square Mall Phone# 410-597-8181

6901 Security Blvd. Toll Free# 866-900-9672
Baltimore, MD   21244 Security Square Mall is off the Baltimore
Beltway (695) at Exit 17.
Hours:  
Monday - Saturday    10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sunday    12:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

All uniforms should be purchased at Super Kids. The Super Kids staff understands the
parameters set forth in the ConneXions uniform policy. They will be able to help you
choose the proper attire and accessories. Please contact Super Kids. Allow adequate time to
ensure uniforms will be in before the start of school.

RATIONALE
ConneXions Community Leadership Academy is a uniform school. The primary objective
for adopting a uniform policy is to promote a safe and disciplined learning environment in
which students are focused on high academic and artistic achievement. The uniform will
allow for the easy identification of all ConneXions’ students, as ConneXions is the sharing
the school building with several other schools. The implementation of the uniform policy
will encourage self-respect and self-esteem, promote school spirit and pride, enhance
school discipline, and set the daily tone of belonging to a school community. Above all else,
uniforms will help students to narrow the focus on success in the classroom and the
earning of distinctions through intellectual and artistic accomplishment and expression.

Students must enter and exit the building in uniform and remain in
uniform for the entire school day. Students will be checked at the front
door each day for uniforms. Students who violate the uniform policy will
receive a progressive series of consequences ranging from detention,
phone call, parent conference, to exclusion from special events and
activities.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY 2010
Middle school students will wear Grey Connexions short or long sleeve shirts, Khaki pants,
long shorts, or skirts, and comfortable shoes that can get dirty in the event that we are
outside doing field activities. All Connexions students will be in uniform every day.
Students are to wear their uniform to school each day. They are not to keep uniforms in
lockers. Students will be checked at the front door each day for uniforms.

UNIFORM DON’TS
 No jeans, sweat pants, cargo pants or pants with pockets at/on the legs OR images, rips,
or holes in pants
 Pants may not be excessively baggy or tight and may not be worn below the waist
 Jeans are not to be worn under or on top of their uniforms
 No shirts with images that can be seen through uniform shirts
 Under shirts may not have sleeves longer than uniform shirt
 Students are not allowed to wear open toed shoes of any kind or steel-toe boots
 No accessory allowed that reasonably could be perceived as, or used as a weapon
(chains, spikes, etc)
 No hats, bandanas, sunglasses, hairpins, scarves, rollers, and. Or beaded necklaces shall
be worn inside school buildings
 No gang-related clothing, accessories, symbols or intimidating manner of dress as
identified by local law enforcement agencies

Students who violate the uniform policy will be excluded from school activities (proms,
graduations, field trips, etc). Special circumstances, medical or otherwise, shall be
communicated in writing and approved by the school administration in advance of the
school day.

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HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY 2010

Special uniform requirements for sports teams and other activities that require clothing
that exceed the standards of the uniform policy may be worn. For example, shirt and tie on
game days and business attire for exhibitions is acceptable. Any deviation from the normal
uniform policy will be communicated to students and parents IN WRITING ahead of the
event.

The following describes the uniform policy that applies to ConneXions students in grades 9-
12 for the 2010-2011 school year.

Student Appearance:
 Should not disrupt the learning environment
 Should not be a threat to health or safety
 Should be tasteful and unable to be viewed as provocative or obscene
 Should reflect practices of good hygiene and cleanliness

School Uniform
 All students MUST comply with the uniform policy
 Students must be neatly groomed and dressed appropriately for all school activities
 All hairstyles must be neat and complete

Shirt:
 Gold long or short sleeve oxford (ConneXions logo must be embroidered on the
front top left)
 No images other than the school logo shall be on uniform
 Shirts must be the appropriate size and will be worn tucked in
 White undershirts can be worn under uniform shirt
 No shirts with images that can be seen through uniform shirts
 Under shirts may not have sleeves longer than uniform shirt
 Shirts must be buttoned, top button may be left unfastened

Pants:
 Khaki long pants or shorts
 No cargo pants or shorts with pockets at/on the legs
 Pants may not be excessively baggy or excessively tight
 Pants may not be worn below the waist
 No images, rips, or holes in pants
 Undergarments must not be visible when standing or sitting
 No jeans
 No sweat pants
 No pants under uniform pants

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Skirt:
 Khaki skirts that are knee length may be worn
 No jean skirts or low-rise attire
 Skirts may not be excessively tight fitting
 No visible pants under skirts
Belt:
 Plain brown or black belt with a plain buckle
 No oversized buckles

Shoes:
 Black or brown shoes with socks
 No athletic shoes (including Coach, Converse, etc.)
 No open-toe or open-heeled shoes
 Boots, black or brown, can be worn but must be neat and clean
 No steel-toe boots
 Footwear for physical education and team sports will be brought to school and
placed in student’s own locker until the time of use

Accessories
 No large pendants or medallions
 No large earrings
 No accessory allowed that reasonably could be perceived as, or used as a weapon
(chains, spikes, etc)
 No gang-related clothing, accessories, symbols or intimidating manner of dress as
identified by local law enforcement agencies
 No beaded necklaces
 No hats and no sunglasses shall be worn inside school buildings
 No bandanas
 No hairpins, scarves, rollers, etc
 School buttons (algebra project, student government) may be worn
 Black or brown knitted sweaters can be worn with uniform
 No coats, hoodies or jackets can be worn over uniform

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Parent Information

Parent Rights and Responsibilities

The teachers at ConneXions recognize that parents are the first teachers of our students. We
request and need parents to continue helping students as they make the transition from childhood
to adulthood – for this is the challenge we all face in middle school. Students need your help
learning to organize school supplies, homework time and delivery of homework to teachers,
keeping uniforms ready for the next day, and learning how to be kind and respectful within the
school setting, even as they become more independent.

Please keep the school calendar in a handy location and try to attend school events.
Parents are expected to attend report card nights. When this is impossible because of work, your
student’s report cards and progress reports are always available for you to see at school. Please
make time to review the report card and then talk with teachers about your student’s progress.

In order to provide high level of academic rigor, ConneXions requires students to arrive to school
on time each day (8:05) and remain in school until the end of each day (3:30). Many of our students
are dropped off and picked up by parents.. Please adjust your schedule in such a manner that
insures the highest level of success for your child. Consistently dropping off children late, or
consistent early dismissals, is a disruption to your child’s educational day. Please minimize this.
Consistent issues will be addressed with the child as well as the parent. If a resolution cannot be
reached, we reserve the right to suggest a transfer.

Parent Action Team

The ConneXions Parent Action Team meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month.
Parents are an essential part of the ConneXions community, and therefore, are strongly encouraged
to attend. Issues of fundraising, school safety, and academic success are the current focus of the
Parent Action Team (P.A.T.). Parents will receive credit for the required parent volunteer hours for
attending meetings.

Parent Action Team meetings are not for a few parents. They are for all parents. You are needed,
and this is your opportunity to have a say in planning for our school. Fundraising, school safety,
community activities and celebrations are all planned during the Parent Action Team meetings. As
official members of the National PTA, you have opportunities to advocate for your children.

Parents are asked to donate 20 hours of volunteer service to the school. These hours are to be
entered by the parent into the Volunteer Log Book. Your special skills or talents can make our
school more interesting! Feel free to come
up with great ideas for enriching our program. Ongoing volunteer hour opportunities include:
- Parent Action Team participation
- Fundraising work
- Morning assistance at school with uniforms & arrivals
- Field trip chaperone
- Teaching a mini course (Spanish? Knitting? Choir? Journalism?)
- Organizing outside groups to donate supplies, time, or expertise

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ConneXions 101
ConneXions will offer at least one training session per quarter to answer any questions parents may
have about grading, assessment, curriculum, exhibitions, portfolios, etc. ConneXions staff will be on
hand to offer information in workshop format in order to foster an environment of understanding
and access.

We look forward to working with your family and hope that secondary school will be a time of
discovery and excitement for our students.

Global Connect Calling System

BCPSS is providing all schools with access to an automatic calling system primarily for keeping
parents informed of school news. We will use this system to announce closings or other emergency
news; to announce performances and events; to make you aware that your child will be bringing
home important information, etc. Please make sure to keep us updated with your current cell,
home, and/or work numbers so that we can keep communication open with you!

School Visitors
Adult visitors are welcome at school anytime. Anyone seeking information or wishing to visit
school personnel or students must report to the front office. The school secretary will either
request that students or staff come to the office or provide a pass for visitors to travel throughout
the school. While parents are always welcome in the school to observe classes, individual
conferences with teachers may require an appointment.

Making Appointments
ConneXions strives to maintain an open door policy. Visitors should make appointments to talk to
teachers and co-directors by calling them directly or by calling the school at 443-984-1418/1419.

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School Information
School Name: ConneXions Community Leadership Academy

Web Site: www.connexionsacademy.org

Middle and High School Address: 2801 N. Dukeland St. Baltimore, MD 21216
443-984-1418/1419
fax 410-669-4418

OPERATOR: Baltimore Teacher Network

406 Northway
Baltimore, MD 21218
Helen Atkinson, Executive Director
www.baltimoreteachernetwork.org

Who do I contact for:

Call the office and ask to speak to or leave a message for:

Help with paperwork, extra report cards, enrollment, etc:

Secretary, Ms Jorita Gary

Help with transcripts, college access, and academic advising:

School Counselor, Ms Pamela Watkins. Guidance: Ms Shadawn Wesley

Questions about individual classes:

The teacher of the class you are concerned about.

Questions/concerns about most other issues:

Your child’s advisor.

Questions about the Arts Program:

Mr. Ernest Shaw, Fine Arts Coordinator

Questions you can’t resolve through the people listed above:

Ms Polson or Mrs. Cynthia Wilson-Shirley, Co-Directors

If none of us can help you:

Ms Helen Atkinson, Executive Director of the Baltimore Teacher Network, our operator.

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