Benny Benson Secondary School

SEARCH PROGRAM

Student Handbook

Benny Benson Secondary School

4515 Campbell Airstrip Road

Anchorage, Alaska 99507

Phone 907-742-2050 Fax 907-742-2060

Attendance 907-566-2200

Program Overview

The goal of the SEARCH Program is to give students from the Anchorage School District in grades 7, 8, and 9 an opportunity for a fresh start and a new environment to find success in their education endeavors. Success will be achieved when students learn good study skills and build self-confidence.

The SEARCH Program has a dual purpose. Academic and socialization skills are incorporated into the curriculum. The academic focus is based on the district grade level expectations. Social and emotional learning skills are embraced and woven into all aspects of the program. The social emotional learning aspect of the curriculum is the process through which students learn to recognize and manage emotions, make good decisions, behave ethically and responsibly, develop positive relationships and avoid negative behavior. The SEARCH staff works to build positive relationships with the students, to encourage a sense of being connected to school, and to empower every student with the social skills needed to enjoy academic and personal success.

This program is designed for students who have been unsuccessful at their home school due to: poor attendance, poor academics, social issues, or limited behavioral situations. Students are admitted at the beginning of each quarter and are required to stay until the end of the semester.

Students who have failed 7th or 8th grade can earn a promotion to 8th or 9th grade. These promotions are based on teacher recommendations after students have earned a C average on their report card.

Students are given many opportunities to discuss problems with the help of the staff. This is accomplished through conferences, mediations and informal conversations. Most students feel safe in the Search Program due to the small size, and the ability of the staff to listen to student concerns and intervene when necessary.

The SEARCH school day is from 8:20 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Classes students take are Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Reading, Physical Education, Math Skills and Advisory.

Class Descriptions

ENGLISH offers an introduction to literature and composition, development of vocabulary and other activities related to literature.

SOCIAL STUDIES covers civics, world geography, world history, map skills, citizenship and world governments using high interest, low reading ability materials.

MATH offers an individualized, skills-building approach to math concepts from basic computation through pre-algebra.

SCIENCE is a general survey of science with emphasis on earth and life sciences. This class uses high interest, low reading ability materials.

READING is an on Anchorage School District standards appropriate for each grade level.

MATH SKILLS utilizes projects and activities to further improve mathematical abilities.

HEALTH is designed to help students explore the human environment and develop a healthy self-concept. Topics include: interpersonal relationships, tolerance issues, decision-making skills, understanding emotions, drug use and abuse and death and the grief process.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION offers the chance for students to develop superior physical fitness.

ADVISORY is a class where socialization skills are emphasized. Support is made available for any student concerns that arise.

SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDY SKILLS assists students in being successful in their general education classes and encourages positive self-esteem.

Transportation

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation to Benny Benson. The People Mover has several bus stops adjacent to the school.

It may be possible in the morning for students to ride the school bus to their nearest high school. Students then catch the shuttle to King Career Center and a second shuttle to Benny Benson. This option is not available in the afternoon.

SUCCESS CODE

§ Be Present

§ Be Respectful

§ Be Prepared

§ Be Responsible

§ Be Attentive

Academics

To succeed academically, students are expect to:

§ Attend school every day

§ Arrive in class on time

§ Be prepared for class with all the needed materials

§ Come to class with a positive work attitude

§ Follow the directions of the staff

§ Complete assignments on time and with quality

§ Turn in assignments when they are due

In order to be prepared, students should have the following materials:

§ One 3-ring binder

§ Lined loose-leaf paper

§ Pens and pencils (2 each)

§ Composition or spiral notebook

§ Calculator

§ Tennis shoes with non-skid/non-marking soles (to be worn every school day)

Students may get a weekly progress report from the office each Thursday.

An official progress report will be mailed home at the middle of the quarter and the end of the quarter.

Attendance -- Please see Appendix A

Behavior -- Please see Appendix A

Students are expected to follow all the behavior/discipline policies and procedures as defined in the Anchorage School District Middle School Student Handbook and the SEARCH Program Handbook. These behavior policies apply to students while in the school building, in or on all areas of the school campus, going to and from school, at the bus stops, at the King Career Center and at all other ASD facilities.

Consequences

Consequences for inappropriate behavior may include detentions during lunch or after school, parent conferences, or suspensions. The classroom teacher will determine the consequences until such time a referral is made to the office. At that time the Program Director or Principal will determine the consequences based on a progressive approach from previous inappropriate actions. Final decisions about consequences are at the discretion of the Principal and/or the Program Director.

Suspensions

Students are suspended for smoking, verbal abuse of others, swearing, harassment of others, or any other behavior that is determined inappropriate by school staff. Students found to be under the influence and/or in possession of drugs or alcohol, look-alike substances, or drug-use paraphernalia will be immediately suspended for ten days on the first violation. Suspended days count as absences.

Expulsions

1. Upon a second drug violation, students found to be under the influence and/or in possession of drugs or alcohol, look-alike substances, or drug-use paraphernalia will be recommended for expulsion from all ASD schools.

2. Students trafficking in drugs or alcohol will be recommended for expulsion on the first violation.

3. Alcohol and drug suspensions carry over from school to school and are part of the student’s permanent school record.

4. Possession of any type of firearm on any school property will result in an emergency suspension and recommendation for expulsion.

Definitions

Parent Conferences are meetings with the student, parents and teachers. The topics of the meeting will include behavioral, academic and attendance issues. Students will develop a plan to be successful in the Search Program.

Suspensions are exclusions from school ranging from one to 45 school days. Suspended students are not eligible for transfer to other ASD schools and must remain out of school during the withdrawal period.

Expulsions can be permanent. During the period of expulsion, students cannot enroll in any ASD school.

Students have the right to appeal discipline sanctions. Request for appeal must be in writing and received by the principal within five days of the offense.

Expulsions are a permanent exclusion from schools in the Anchorage School District. Students cannot enroll in any other ASD school for the duration of their expulsion.

Students have the right to appeal discipline sanctions. Requests for appeal must be in writing and received by the SEARCH Program Director within five days of the offense.

The SEARCH Program at Benny Benson Secondary School

Student and Parent/Guardian Commitment Form

Student Name________________________________________________

Students and parents/guardians of students who attend the SEARCH Program at Benny Benson Secondary School agree to abide by policies that are in addition to those defined in the Anchorage School District’s “Student Rights and Responsibilities Document.” Read the following requirements carefully. The student’s and their parents’ level of commitment to these practices determines the student’s rate of success in the SEARCH Program.

Students in the SEARCH Program may be withdrawn from school for a minimum of the remainder of the quarter or the maximum of forty-five (45) school days if they fail to meet the requirements described in the SEARCH Handbook. During a period of withdrawal students may not transfer to any other ASD school.

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to dress and act appropriately and respectfully as outlined in the Student and Parent Handbooks while in the school building, in or on all areas of the school campus, going to or from school, at the bus stops, at the King Career Center, and at all other ASD facilities.

• Students who exhibit unsuccessful behaviors will experience one or more of the following:
• Go home for the day after a conference in the office.
• Receive a memo and the accompanying consequence.
• Receive a suspension from one to nine days.
• Be withdrawn from the SEARCH Program.

Unsuccessful behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Any involvement with drugs or alcohol, possession of any weapon, fighting, stealing, profanity, abusive or foul language, cheating, class disruption, willful disobedience, improper dress, gang apparel or activity, smoking and/or tobacco products, vandalism, harassment, and not working/not following directions.

___________________________________________________

Student Signature & Date

___________________________________________________

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature & Date

The SEARCH Program at Benny Benson Secondary School

Permission to Search Form

Benny Benson Secondary School has clearly defined policies and practices regarding the use and/or possession of drugs/alcohol on school property or while engaged in school related functions. Students and parents/guardians review these policies during the intake interview and sign a commitment form to that effect as a part of the registration process.

Benny Benson Secondary School also has specific policies and practices regarding the possession of weapons at school. The ASD Statement of Rights and Responsibilities defines weapons as follows: “Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, pellet and BB guns, air guns, spring guns, zip guns, stun guns, shockers, bombs or other explosives, poison, dangerous or deadly gas, slingshots, bludgeons, throwing stars, knives, clubs, brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind, numchuks and throwing weapons.”

The administrative personnel at Benny Benson Secondary School follow specific procedural guidelines for conducting a search of any student’s possessions, garments, desks, and/or lockers. The first step in the search process is to inform you that searches do occur whenever there is reasonable cause for suspicion that any student is in possession of any illegal contraband. Additionally, the school may search a student at any time there is suspicion of possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons.

With the safety and welfare of all students who attend school at Benson Secondary in mind, we require that this “Permission to Search Form” be signed prior to the student’s registration at Benny Benson Secondary School. A copy of the “ASD Statement of Rights and Responsibilities” is available for your review.

Please read and sign the statement below.

“We acknowledge the rules and policies of Benny Benson Secondary School regarding possession of drugs/alcohol, weapons, and/or other illegal contraband and grant permission for a search to be conducted in the event that this student is suspected of being in violation of those policies.”

_____________________________________________

Student Signature and Date

_____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature and Date

Benny Benson Secondary School

Staff and Building Information

Administration

Sam Spinella – Principal

The SEARCH Program

Ms Beth Creech– SEARCH Program Director

Ms Gayle Cunningham– Special Education Resource, Room 162

Mrs. Talia Wiacek – Science, Room 161/Reading, Room 161

Mr. Tim Johnstone– Math, Room 160/Math Skills, Room 160

Ms. Kelly Sullivan – English, Room 157/P.E., Gym

Mrs. Tiffiny Copeland – Social Studies, Room 156

Mr. Ryan Murray – Physical Education

Office and Student Support

Mrs. Diane Bixby- Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Kelly Harrington– Attendance Secretary

Mrs. Brandy Butcher– High School Secretary

Mr. Mike Burns - Safety/Security, Room 108

Mrs. Marian Okitkun - Nurse, Room 131

Mr. Richard Schmidt - Psychologist, Room 162

TBA - Cafeteria Manager, Room 143

Mr. Sam Allison - Building Plant Operator (BPO)

School doors open at 7:30 a.m. at which time students may enter the building.

BPO is on duty at 8:00 a.m.

Safety/Security is on duty at 7:00 a.m.

Administration is on duty at 7:00 a.m.

Teachers are available for parent conferences from 7:30-8:15 a.m. and from

2:45-3:00 p.m. Please call for an appointment.

Students must leave the building and be off campus by 3:00 p.m.

BELL SCHEDULE

1^st Per 8:20 – 9:05

2^nd Per 9:10 – 9:55

3^rd Per 10:00 – 10:45

Lunch 10:45 – 11:25

4^th Per 11:30 – 12:15

5^TH Per 12:20 – 1:05

6^th Per 1:10 – 1:55

Advisory 2:00 – 2:45

Appendix A

Attendance

Absences (See also II-2) When a student is absent or guardian must call the school at 742-2063 by 10 a.m. the day of your absence. If calling is not possible, the student is to bring a note from the parent to the office when s/he returns to school. Types of absences include:

§ Excused Absences are approved by parents and the school. Babysitting, or staying home for reasons other than being ill are not considered excused.

§ Medical Absences must be called into the office. To be excused from activity in P.E. bring in a parent note for 3 days or less, a doctors note for 4 or more days.

§ Unexcused Absences are not approved by a parent and school and are considered truancies. Truancy will result in parent notification, detentions, ISS, and parent conference. On the third truancy a parent conference is required and habitual truants are reported to the police as required by law.

§ Prearranged Absences are known about ahead of time such as a trip, vacation or illness. Get a Prearranged Absence form from the office and complete 2-3 days before to notify the office and your teachers and assure you are able to make up missed school work.

Arriving Late to School is considered a Tardy or Truancy unless excused as above. Upon arrival have a parent come to the office or bring a note to the office to check in.

Blue Passes/Closed Campus Benny Benson is a closed campus means that students are not allowed to leave the building or the campus grounds from the moment of arrival at school until dismissal at 2:45 p.m. If students have to leave the building during the school day they must bring a note to the office that morning. A blue pass will be issued for the departure time. A parent must sign their student out with the office when leaving and the student must check back in when returning to school.

Parent Absences also require a note! The school and emergency medical personnel must have a written note explaining who the temporary guardian(s) are for any minor. For student safety, the office needs a copy and the student should keep a copy with them.

Picking up a Student from School Please note that if a sibling, friend, or relative is to pick a student up from school, he/she must be listed on school records or the student will not be allowed to leave. If the person is not on school records, a note from the parent or call to the office is required. People picking up a student may be asked to show picture I.D. and sign the student out. Absolutely no limousine or similar hired vehicle pick ups.

Behavior Rules

You are responsible for knowing and following all the rules and expectations outlined in Section II, Anchorage School District Middle School Guidelines in this handbook. In addition, this section contains Benny Benson Secondary School specific rules for our campus and further clarifies District rules. It may be best for you to first read the Behavior Rules in Section II, then read this section. Not knowing the rules cannot be used as an excuse. Students who are inappropriate or do not follow the rules will receive sanctions according to District policy. See the very last page of this handbook for a listing of disciplinary sanctions.

Understand that school rules apply any time that what you do may in any way affect the school. Certainly this is at school and on the bus; however, jurisdiction may also apply away from school (see Section II Behavior Rules bold text). Similarly if students do anything that is unlawful they may also be subject to school discipline. This is to help keep students safe.

All You Really Need to Remember Is:

§ Respect all others and yourself

§ Treat others as you would like to be treated

§ Be appropriate and responsible for your actions

§ We are here to learn-be in class on time with the materials you need.

Building Hours Students are not to be in school until 7:30 a.m. Students must exit the building by 3:00 p.m. unless supervised by a staff member.

Backpacks, Book Bags, Jackets and Hats For safety reasons, these items are to be placed into your locker as soon as you enter the building and remain there until you leave the building. Students may not carry backpacks, bags, purses, fanny packs, etc. during the day without written permission from the administration.

Balloons, Flowers & other Deliveries No balloons are allowed in the building at any time.

Betting or Gambling Students are not allowed to bet students for money or on a dare in any situation in school. Gambling of any type, cards, dice, quarters, etc. is not allowed on school grounds.

Busses For students who ride the KCC bus, riding the bus is a privilege (II-3). Students who receive Bus Conduct Reports from the bus driver will be subject to any combination of the following depending on the severity of the infraction: Warning, denial of riding privileges and out-of-school suspension. Parents will be contacted regarding Bus Conduct Reports.

CD Players/Cell phones/MP3/I-Pods/Electronic Devices Please leave these items turned off and in your locker. They are not to be carried during school hours. Staff will confiscate these items and turn them into the office for parent pick up.

Computers Computer use is a privilege. Students must follow all Anchorage School District and Benny Benson policies or lose computer privileges. Regardless of the computer used, it must be used ethically and legally and only for school approved and school appropriate projects. This is particularly true of using the Internet. Students must have on file and follow the Internet User Agreement prior to using any computer. Students are responsible for what is in their files and their passwords. Students may only be in areas they appropriately have access to – NOT other student files, folders, or servers. Failure to do this is a serious offense. Similarly, any intentional damage to or theft of computers or data on computers will result in severe consequences.

Dangerous Actions/Materials/Objects Smelly chemicals, stink bombs, matches/lighters, scorpions, snap-n-pops, paper clips shot from rubber bands and other potentially dangerous items are not allowed at school. Chains including those used as necklaces or wallet holders are not to be brought to school Any thing that sprays or squirts is not to be at school. Aerosol bottles, spray perfume or colognes are not to be at school. Many people have serious allergies and sprays can cause serious damage to eyes. Laser pens or pointers are not be brought to school and can cause permanent eye damage. If used or on a bus or vehicle it can distract or blind drivers Shining a laser directly or indirectly into the eyes or another person will result in suspension. Such items will be confiscated by the staff and consequences result even for a first offense.

Disruptive/Nuisance/Unnecessary Items Items that interfere with the educational process are not permitted. Please leave any item that is not required for school at home. School lockers are not adequate to store these items and the school is not responsible for loss, theft, or breakage of these items. These items will be confiscated if seen by the staff. Examples of inappropriate items include: permanent pens or markers, radios, I-Pods, MP3 players, cameras, skateboards, skates, toys (Frisbees, stuffed animals, electronic games) game equipment (basketballs, footballs), balloons or “Slam Books”. Violations will be dealt with severely.

Dress School is preparation for whatever job a student eventually has. School is where every student goes to “work” each school day. Every work place has specific dress requirements. These dress requirements are similar to minimums required for most work places. Even though it is not fair, what you wear often determines what people think about you.

Dress at school must be appropriate; it cannot be disruptive to learning, unsafe, or gang related. Dress that has writing or images related to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex, or gangs is in appropriate. Chains may not be worn and all jewelry must easily break away for the safety of the wearer. Footwear suitable for outdoors must be worn at all times. Hats, (bandanas), gloves, sunglasses, coats, jackets, backpacks, bags, fanny packs, purses, or similar items are to be placed in lockers upon entering the school and remain in the locker during the day. Bandanas are not to be worn at any time.

Clothing that is too revealing is inappropriate for school or work. Examples of inappropriate clothing includes those which: allow undergarments to be seen (too small or tight, see-through or sagging), expose midriffs, have low-cut tops or sides, are strapless or have top straps less than one inch wide, shorts or skirts that are too short (shorter than extended fingertips). Pajamas are not appropriate attire to wear to school.

Clothing that is unsafe or may hide unsafe items is inappropriate. This includes clothing that is too large, baggy, or bulky. Examples include oversize jeans; oversize shirts; jackets, quilted vest, oversize windbreakers, etc; or backpacks, bags or purses. Pants that are too big to stay up above the hipbones without a belt are too baggy for school. Students may wear a fitted sweatshirt or fitted sweater to help stay warm during colder weather.

If a student is dressed inappropriately, the student will need to change clothes. This will be accomplished by having parents bring appropriate clothes to school or exchanging for clothes provided by the school.

Drugs & Alcohol ALL prescription or over-the-counter medication, including inhalers and aspirin or Tylenol, must be checked in with the Nurse. If not, the student is considered to be in possession of drugs.

Failure to Report Students are required to report any information they have regarding the presence or use of weapons, drugs or alcohol, or any serious threats. Such reports can be made to any staff member. The identity of the student making the report will be kept strictly confidential. Reporting immediately keeps you and others safe, prevents others from guessing who reported, and assures you do not become an Accessory (see also Section II Accessory). Failure to immediately report or withhold information about such issues could result in suspension. For such situations, you may come to the office and say: “I need to speak to an administrator or counselor immediately!” The person at the counter will quickly and quietly help you to see the appropriate administrator.

Fights/Assault If a student hits someone, regardless of who hits first, they will receive OSS for fighting. At minimum expect: 5 days for first fight, 9 days for second fight, Expulsion for any additional. If you threaten someone or have a verbal argument you can also expect suspension. Students who are present at fights, and in any way encourage, aid or attempt to conceal a fight, will be subject to suspension also (see also Section II – Accessory). If a student believes there is a conflict or disagreement they cannot resolve by them self, they are to seek assistance from a teacher, counselor, security, or administrator before things get to the point of a fight (see also Help, Section II-4 and III-18). Virtually all situations can be resolved this way or through mediation. If you do get in a fight, you will be required to have a mediation – it is much better to resolve things ahead of time. If you do end up in a situation that is becoming a fight, you need to walk away and say things like, “I am not going to fight”, “we will get suspended if we fight!” Feel free to use as an excuse that you will get in trouble with your parents or with the school to help you stay out of a fight.

Footwear Students must wear appropriate footwear at all times. Students are not allowed to have bare feet or to wear slippers in school. For outdoor temperatures below 55 degrees the minimum appropriate footwear is a full coverage shoe such as a tennis shoe. For safety reasons, students must wear shoes, which would allow them to walk at least two miles in outdoor conditions.

Harassment of any nature or type will not be tolerated. Any derogatory and/or offensive physical action, verbal or written communication is harassment.

Horseplay/Hitting/Play Fighting/Wrestling of any type is not allowed. Unfortunately, these types of activities especially between friends, is the leading cause of fights and injuries.

Look-A-Likes Items, including toys, which look like or are made to look like weapons or illegal substances, are not allowed at school. District policy is strictly applied.

Passes You need an appropriate teacher signed pass whenever you are out of class for any reason.

Physical Education requires that students wear non-mark gym shoes that are fully tied. These are safety issues.

Safety Procedures – See page III-19 of this handbook. Both student and parents need to know this critical information.

Selling Items at school is prohibited.

Spitting violates school and district health policies.

Throwing Objects Throwing any object at any time for any reason is dangerous and may cause injury. Throwing objects may result in suspension.

Weapons & Firearms Read Weapons & Firearms policy in Section III and make SURE you understand it.

Help

There are many people available to help you with problems.

Administrative Assistant is in the main office.

SEARCH Secretary is at the front counter of the main office and can help with all attendance issues and guide you to other help.

SEARCH Director is here to help you.

Mediation Many student issues can be resolved through mediation of the issue. In this process, the individuals get together with the Director or other staff member and work through conflicts and find solutions. If there is a situation you need assistance in solving, come to the office or talk to a teacher.

Nurse The nurse is here to help you with first aid, minor illnesses, screening and information. If you become ill, or require first aid, GET A PASS FROM YOUR TEACHER to come to the office to see the nurse. The school CANNOT give out aspirin, cold tablets or any other medication. All personal medications, prescription and over the counter medications MUST be checked in and stored in the nurse’s office. If the nurse is not in, see a secretary and you will be directed to medical services. The nurse is available before school, during lunch, and after school and is closed during 4^th period.

Safety/Security is here to help you with any security issues you may have. This is a good person to talk to if you are not sure what to do.

Other Information

School Pictures School pictures are usually taken early in the Fall by an outside agency. Students who wish to order pictures may do so. All students will have their picture taken. All students will receive a picture ID card.

Telephones Office phones are for emergency contact calls only. You must obtain prior permission from a staff member to use the phone.