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ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to participate fully in their education. This means the student is prepared
everyday with the materials outlined in this booklet. Students are required to participate in classes, asking and answering
questions, dressed appropriately for gym, attend tutoring sessions when needed, and take a positive role in the school community.
Students must submit work on time and revise work to improve the quality of assignments in order to be considered completed.
Students must meet with the teacher to develop their academic goals and to receive feedback during portfolio conferences.
Mediocrity is not acceptable.
ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES Every effort must be made to identify students who are having difficulty as soon as possible. Teachers are responsible
for notifying parents (via phone or in person) if their student is excessively absent, late, unprepared, or otherwise having
difficulty. After these interventions, students can then be referred to the guidance counselor for further assistance.
It is important to be able to reach a parent or guardian during school hours so that we can discuss this matter with
you, if need be.
ACHIEVEMENT AND REPORTING INNOVATION
SYSTEM (ARIS) ARIS is the Achievement and Reporting Innovation System which allows school administrators
and teachers with their students’ academic information. Now, through the ARIS Parent Link, parents will have access
to the same information that our teachers are viewing in the ARIS Profile. This academic information will allow you
to become a more active partner in your child’s education. Among the data that parents can
view online are course grades, periodic assessment results, state test scores, enrollment history, and attendance information.
Parents now have another avenue to see the school’s Progress Reports, Quality Reviews and State Report Cards.Soon, your child will be bringing home two letters from the school which will clearly outline how parents can log in
to the ARIS Parent Link. We encourage our parents to be regular users of the ARIS Parent Link. If you
have any questions regarding the ARIS Parent Link, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Brandon Alfred at (347) 563-5423.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS
All students are evaluated regularly through the use of classroom exams (including mid-term
and final exams), quizzes, homework, projects, portfolios, and student goals. It is important that the student attends
regularly so the teacher has sufficient information to assess the student’s abilities in a subject area. Regular
evaluation allows the teacher to see the student’s strengths and areas needing improvement.
ATTENDANCE/LATENESS POLICY All students are expected to attend school on time every day.
Students must be in the school building by 8:30 a.m. unless they have a mandated zero period class which requires arrival
by 8:03 a.m. Here are some suggestions that you can use to help your young adult get to school on time.· Prepare school supplies and books the night before.· Lay out the clothing, accessories, etc. the night before.· Homework
must be done the night before not in the morning before school.· Allow sufficient
time to have breakfast before school.· Leave enough time to travel
between home and school. Keep in mind that there are unforeseen weather and travel delays.· Schedule enough time to get an adequate amount of sleep. If you go to bed at 12:00 a.m., it will be
very difficult for you to get up in the morning and be on time for school.· Please
make arrangements for child care of younger siblings or children, so that this does not interfere with your Queens Academy
child’s education.· Please make doctor appointments after school so your child will
not have to leave school early.· If the student is working, ask the employer to adjust the works
schedule so it does not interfere with school commitments. Remember, it is important to work, but it is more important
to obtain a high school diploma.
Attendance and Lateness Problems Continual
problems with attendance and lateness require the intervention of parents and school professionals. Attendance and lateness
issues jeopardize progress toward graduation and may be a signal for other concerns. Ongoing attendance/lateness
problems must be addressed as a team (parents/guardian, student and school) to resolve obstacles so the student can progress
and improve academically.
BEHAVIOR POLICY QAHS students
are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior. Students are held responsible, through disciplinary action
(see Chancellor’s Regulations for details), for inappropriate behavior. Appropriate, respectful behaviors are:1. Respect for self - complete assignments, dress appropriately...2. Respect for
peers - no name-calling, no violence against others, no obscene or profane language or gestures…3.
Respect for authority - speak appropriately to teachers and administrators, obey directions of school staff...4. Respect for property - no stealing, no defacing property, discard refuse appropriately…
BELL SCHEDULE All students are expected
to be in class at their scheduled time. Students mandated for period 0 must be in class by 8:03 a.m. Monday through
Thursday. Students scheduled for period 1 must be in class by 8:40 a.m.8:03 a.m.
8:03-8:38 period
0 LSS
8:40-9:25 period 1
9:28-10:13 period 2
10:16-11:01 period 3
11:04-11:49 period 4
11:52-12:37
period 5
12:40- 1:25 period 6
1:28-2:13 period 7
2:16-3:00 period 8
3:05-4:35 period 9
CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC POLICY Students may not bring any electronic
devices to school. It is suggested that arrangements be made to leave electronics at home. The Chancellor’s
Regulation A – 412 specifically states the following with regard to communication devices:Beepers
and other communication devices are prohibited on the school property … This is infraction B05 in
the Disciplinary Code.If the school confiscates a communication device,
the principal/designee should immediately contact the student’s parent and arrange for the parent to appear in person
to pick up the device.The beeper/communication device should be maintained and secured
by the school until the parent appears.If the parent repeatedly fails to appear to pick up the beeper/communication
device, the school should dispose of the item.Please note that electronic devices brought
into the building will be confiscated and will not be returned to your child, as per Chancellor’s Regulation.
It will be necessary for you to come to school and pick up the device.You may read this document in
its entirety by going to the Department of Education website at www.nycenet.edu. Go to Directory of Offices and Divisions
then Chancellor’s Regulations and scroll down to Regulation A – 412, Security in the Schools.
COLLEGE/CAREER INFORMATION The guidance counselor will help students:· explore postsecondary options including college and career choices· facilitate the college application process· engage parents
in educational and career planning for their children· help parents
to navigate the school’s role in the educational process· provide
skills necessary for student success in school, community and the world of work· connect
career goals to educational goals· Organizes school trips to
various local colleges· Assists with the financial aid process
COMPUTER CONDUCT POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES
AND EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT USERS Students utilizing
District-provided Internet access must first have the permission of and must be supervised by New York City Public School
System’s professional staff. Students utilizing school-provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior
online just as they are in a classroom or other areas of the school. The same general rules for behavior and communications
apply. The purpose of District-provided Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education.
To remain eligible as users, students’ use must be consistent with the educational objectives of the New York City Public
School System. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility. Users should not expect that
files stored on school-based computers will be private. Administrators and faculty can and may review files and messages
to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are acting responsibly. New York City School Library System Handbook
– Section 3 8/15/06
UNACCEPTABLE USES The following
uses of school-provided Internet access are NOT permitted:• Maliciously disrupting or harming
the school’s workstations, network, and services through such activities as hacking, or downloading, uploading, creating,
or spreading computer viruses;• Plagiarism; • Violating copyright or otherwise
using the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission;•
Accessing, uploading, downloading, scanning, or distributing pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, harassing, discriminatory,
or defamatory material;• Transmitting obscene, abusive, sexually explicit, or threatening language;• Violating any local, state, or federal statute; or school district policies;• Vandalizing,
damaging, or disabling the property of another individual or organization;• Accessing another
individual’s materials, information, or files without permission; sharing passwords or•
Using the account or the identity of another user;
• Using limited network bandwidth for downloads
not related to academics;• Posting web pages for commercial purpose or political advocacy (Material posted
on the school server must be reviewed and approved by a faculty member.);• Copying or downloading
software without the authorization of the network administrator;• Using computers for personal
communications: gaming, personal e-mail, chat, personal blogs.
STUDENT AGREEMENT Student User All students are required to sign a user agreement before using the Internet.
COLLEGE
NOW PROGRAM College Now is a collaborative initiative of the City University of New York and the
New York City Department of Education. In most cases, a public high school partners with a CUNY college to design program
of academic and preparatory courses. Our partner is LaGuardia Community College. The primary goals of College
Now are to improve the academic achievement of high school students and to ensure that graduating students are ready to do
college-level work.
COURSE OFFERINGS SOCIAL
STUDIES
Global History and Geography 1
Global History and Geography 2
Global History
and Geography 3
Global History and Geography 4
United States History and Government 1
United States History
and Government 2
United States History Prep
Global History and Geography Prep
Economics
Participation
in Government
The American Legal System
ENGLISH Man’s
Inhumanity to Man
Literature of Coming of Age
Elements of a Short Story
English Regents Prep
Literature
of Identity
Literature of Alienation
The American Experience
Literary Justice
Literature of Change
College Now
English as a Second Language
Journalism
SCIENCE
Living Environment 1
Living Environment 2
Earth Science 1
Earth Science
2
Earth Science Prep
Chemistry 1
Chemistry 2
Forensics 1
Forensics 2
Introduction to Physics
Environmental Science 1
Environmental Science 2
MATHEMATICS
Integrated Algebra 1A
Integrated Algebra 1B
Integrated Algebra 1C
Integrated Algebra 1D
Geometry 1
Computer Basics
Math Regents Prep
College Now Math
Statistics
OTHER CLASSES
Drawing
3-D Design
Health
Wellness and Recreation
Lifelong Fitness and
Physical Best
Individual and Team Sports
Spanish Culture 1
Spanish Culture 2
French Culture 1
French
Culture 2
PLATO is an on-line curriculum
Rosetta Stone Language Program
Courses may vary based on campus.
CUTTING Cutting classes (reporting to school and
failing to attend one or more programmed classes) is prohibited. Students who cut lasses are in violation of the Chancellor’s
Regulations. When you are in class make sure the teacher marks you present. Cutting is a
hurdle toward graduation and can result in failing a class since the student is not in attendance to complete the assignments.
DISCIPLINE CODE POLICY Citywide Standards
of Discipline and Intervention Measures The New York City Department
of Education is committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, secure and orderly environments in which teaching and learning
take place each day. Safe, supportive school environments depend on students, staff and parents demonstrating mutual respect.
Included in this document is the Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities that promotes responsible student behavior and
an atmosphere of dignity and respect by establishing guidelines to help students as they strive to become productive citizens
in a diverse society.Standards of Behavior: Accountability and Support All members
of the school community — students, staff and parents — must know and understand the standards of behavior which
all students are expected to live up to and the consequences if these standards are not met. The Citywide Standards of Discipline
and Intervention Measures (the Discipline Code) provides a comprehensive description of unacceptable behavior, including incidents
involving drugs or weapons. It includes the range of permissible disciplinary and intervention measures which may be used
when students engage in such behaviors as well as a range of guidance interventions schools may use to address student behavior.
The Code applies to all students, including those with disabilities. Students with disabilities are entitled to additional
due process protections described in Chancellor’s Regulation A-443.In providing a range
of permissible disciplinary measures, the Discipline Code ensures both consistency and equitable treatment for all students
and enables a principal and the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of School and Youth Development or other designee of
the Chancellor or the Community Superintendent to exercise discretion and educational judgment. Principals, teachers, school
staff, students and parents need to know the disciplinary measures that can be taken when a student misbehaves or substantially
disrupts a classroom. Guidance interventions are included because inappropriate behavior or violations of the Discipline Code
may be symptomatic of more serious problems that students are experiencing. It is, therefore, important that school personnel
be sensitive to issues that may be impacting upon the behavior of students and respond in a manner that is most supportive
of their needs. The standards set forth in the Discipline Code apply to behavior in school during school hours, before
and after school, while on school property, while traveling on vehicles funded by the Department of Education, at all school-sponsored
events and on other-than-school property when such behavior can be demonstrated to negatively affect the educational process
or to endanger the health, safety, morals, or welfare of the school community. When misbehavior involves communication, gesture
or expressive behavior, the infraction applies to oral, written or electronic communications. School officials are responsible
for sharing the information contained in this document with students, staff and parents. A full copy of this document
will be given to the student. It can also be found on the DOE website at http://docs.nycenet.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-101/Disc%20Code%202006.pdf
DRESS CODE We expect our students to dress in a manner that demonstrates
that they are in school to learn. Therefore, the following dress practices are to be avoided.· Shorts or dresses that are shorter than four inches above the knee. · Tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, wife beaters. · Shirts
that contain inappropriate language or messages.· Hats, caps, bandanas or
head kerchiefs (MALE AND FEMALE).· Extravagant jewelry, “dog
chains”, etc.· Any form of dress, hair or make-up that is so distracting that
it may cause a disruption in the school’s educational process.
ENGLISH AS
A SECOND LANGUAGE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are provided to help language learners
improve their skills. All students in the ESL Program must take the New York State English as a Second Language
Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) which is given once a year in the spring. The state designed this test to measure English
Language Learners progress in the ESL classes. This exam was solely designed to see if a student is eligible for ESL
services. Therefore, there is no pass or fail grade and this exam is not required for graduation. Students who
score at the proficiency level on the test will have tested out of ESL. However, the student may still be eligible
for ESL support structures.
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITES (based on budgetary constraints)
Before School Learning Strategies for Success (LSS) meets Monday through Thursday from 8:03 a.m. to 8:38 a.m. It is a privilege to
be selected for the program, and attendance is mandatory. We firmly believe students can benefit by improving in a number
of areas that the program addresses.Through individual or small group instruction in the subject(s)
in which your child needs the most help, s/he will be able to focus on homework, subject content, test-taking techniques,
listening skills, note-taking, summarization, reading and writing skills, and math strategies – all of which are necessary
elements in the successful completion of high school, higher education, and the world of work.
After
School Students who are scheduled for Science Labs are required to attend a period 9 class
(Flushing Campus). Science Labs are mandated as part of the Living Environment and Earth Science curricula and must
be satisfactorily completed with a total of 600 minutes each semester.In addition to science labs, we
offer after school classes (based upon budgetary constraints). Students can participate in math, science, English or
social studies activities to enhance their interest and skills. College Now classes are available based upon students’
interests.PSAL Students can participate in the boys’
basketball, girls’ basketball and co-ed softball provided they are not on academic probation. Student
Government Students are encouraged to participate in student government. It is a
forum for students to discuss ideas, concerns and make suggestions to enhance school life. Each campus has its own student
government which meets to discuss campus specific issues. In addition, both campuses meet to discuss school-wide issues.
We believe students have a voice, but it is up to the individual student to become involved and make a difference in the school
community.Trips Trips are scheduled as part of the class
curriculum and students are required to attend. Teachers assign work based upon what students have learned during these extracurricular
activities. Students have gone to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, The Body Works, Federal Reserve, etc.
GRADING POLICY Each department has developed a grading which must be adhered
to. Grading reflects student achievement. Utilizing a variety of methods, teachers are expected to evaluate student
progress in order to determine a fair assessment of a student’s work. Students shall be held accountable for all
assignments. A student’s behavior may not be used solely as a reason for reducing or increasing a grade. Teachers
use the evaluation process as a diagnostic tool for identifying skills mastered, skills required to re-teach, and to assign
grades. In developing assessments, teachers develop a variety of testing techniques, including discussions, multiple
choice and short answer, oral presentations, projects, quizzes, exhibitions, and the like. Teachers keep a portfolio
of student’s work showing baseline data, student’s goals, next steps for improvement, periodic assessments, and
differentiated instructional strategies used. A medical excuse does not excuse a student from the work, it only ensures
that s/he will be given the opportunity to make it up. Every student will receive written notification of the teachers’
grading policies.
GUIDANCE School guidance counselors collaborate with all members of the school community to develop and deliver a data driven
program that supports every student’s academic, career and personal/social development. Academic
Development· supports student success through study and test taking skills· contributes to improving student attendance· ensures students receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS)· assures
students and families have knowledge of and access to diploma and graduation requirements· focuses on increased graduation rates· uses data
to increase opportunity and promote achievement· supports teachers in their
work with students Personal/Social Development:· focuses
on reducing disciplinary referrals and suspension rates· helps students
acquire resiliency skills· promotes successful student transition from grade level to grade
level· teaches students mediation and conflict resolution
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS All students must meet state requirements and pass all
classes and NYS exams to graduate from a NYC high school. Students who attain a 65% or better on Regents exams have
satisfactorily met the state standards and have demonstrated competency in that subject area. See diploma requirements
for more details.
HALLWAYS/GOING TO CLASS/PASSES Students are not permitted
to run or loiter in the halls and must arrive at class on time. Students may not be in the halls during class time without
a pass. PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE ROOM AT ANY TIME. Any student in the hall without
a pass will be sent immediately to the main office.
HEALTH RECORDS In case of an emergency, it is imperative that the school be able to reach a parent or guardian. Emergency
forms are kept on each student in the attendance office, and the phone numbers on these cards must be kept up-to-date.
HOMEWORK All teachers, as part of the course curriculum, must regularly assign homework to students whether it is writing, reading,
studying, or extended project work. The assignments must be reviewed in a timely manner to provide feedback to students
about their performance. In addition, assigned homework is related to what is happening in the class and not busy work
for the student. The following homework links offer helpful guidance to students, parents, and families.
Some of the links will take you to different Web sites, others will take you to the old version of the DOE Web site. Public Library Homework Help Website http://www.homeworknyc.org/Ask Dr. Math http://mathforum.org/dr.math/Regents Review and Resources http://www.homeinstructionschools.com/regents.htmRegent Exam Prep Center http://www.regentsprep.org/Regent Review Live! Online http://www.regentsreviewlive.net/NY Times Learning Network http://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/index.html
INFORMATION TO THE MILITARY Federal law requires
the New York City Department of Education to provide names, addresses, and telephone numbers of 11th and 12th grade high school
students to military recruiters and institutions of higher education that request this information, except where you or your
parent notifies us that you do not consent to the release of this information.While we are committed
to protecting the privacy of our students, we must comply with the law. Unless you notify the Department of Education
in writing that you do not consent to the release of your information, we must disclose
your name, address, and telephone number to military recruiters and institutions of higher education that request this information
about our students.Please be aware that you can change your options at any time. If you do not submit
the information now, you may still opt out at any time during your school career and decide not to release
your information. Please advise the principal in writing if you change your decision at a later date.Parents
also have the right to request that your information not be disclosed and a separate notice has been sent to them. We urge
you to discuss this matter with your parents.
LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS Learning Strategies for Success (LSS) is a program to provide students with academic support. It meets Monday through
Thursday from 8:03 a.m. to 8:38 a.m. Any student may take advantage of this program if s/he feels that additional assistance
is needed. However, all students academic records are reviewed by guidance counselors to target
students who have failed core academic subjects and have a propensity for failing Regents exams. Teachers, through their
work with and observations of students, will recommend students who exhibit difficulty in classes. If numerous
recommendations are made for the same student, the guidance counselor will consult with the staff during a case conference
to discuss specific subjects or skills to address. When a student is mandated for LSS, attendance is mandatory as it
has been determined by the staff that LSS could benefit the student’s academic progress. Students
may be recommended for one or two subjects each marking period. If there is noted improvement, guidance will discharge
the student. In cases where progress has not been made, students must continue with LSS and a parent conference must
be held.In consultation with the student, the teacher will provide individual or small group instruction
in:· Core academic subject content· Reading and writing skills· Homework assistance· Test-taking strategies· Listening
skills· Math strategies· Note-taking· Organizational skills· Time management
skills· Study skills · Regents
help· Other areas Teachers in their work
with students, very often incorporate learning strategies that can help students succeed. Each teacher has a packet
of LSS materials that can address some of the strategies listed above. These materials, when reviewed with students,
show students how to use techniques such as mnemonics to remember information or a technique.
LEAVING
EARLY In the event a student has an emergency and must leave school, s/he must speak with
the guidance counselor or assistant principal. A parent will be notified and the student will be given an early dismissal
pass. Under no circumstances may the student leave without speaking with either the guidance counselor or assistant
principal as the school is responsible for a student while in our care, and it is imperative that we know where our students
are at all times.
LUNCH FORMS Our school is
a Title I funded school. That means that these funds are based on the number of completed lunch forms that are returned
to the school. If the school does not collect the number of forms needed to make its quota, then it will lose its Title
I funds. For Queens Academy that would be equivalent to losing five teachers. When this form comes home, please
fill it out immediately and return it to school, even if your child does not participate in the program. It is most
important that the school meets its numbers and that can only be accomplished by having a form from each student. We need
your help as any funding loss will directly affect your child.
LUNCH POLICY The Department of Education mandates that all students participate in a closed lunch (wherever possible) in order to
ensure the safety of all students. A closed lunch means that students are not permitted to leave the building
during the assigned lunch period (Jamaica is a closed campus). School lunch is available in the school cafeteria or
students may bring their lunch with them and eat it in the cafeteria or in one of the assigned classrooms. Please be advised that failure to comply with the Chancellor’s Regulations indicates that students are not meeting
the Standards of Behavior with which they are expected to comply. Students who leave the building
during lunch are committing the following infractions:· Failing
to be in one’s assigned place while on school premises.· Leaving
school premises without permission of supervising personnel· Being insubordinate:
defying or disobeying the lawful authority of school personnel or school safety agents. It is important
that you understand the Chancellor’s Regulations regarding this policy and make sure that your child complies with this
guideline. Students who fail to comply face a range of disciplinary measures.
LUNCH
PROGRAM Each campus has facilities for students to have lunch in school. We suggest that students participate in this program
which is provided by the Office of School Food and Nutrition.
MEDICATION Staff members
are not permitted to give students any type of medication. This includes any non-prescription medication, vitamins or
mineral supplements of any kind.
METROCARD DISTRIBUTION Only
students whose address of record meets with the guidelines for reduced/full fare passes are entitled to a metrocard.
Those who qualify must complete a metrocard application and have the following items on file: a current lunch form, a current
blue emergency cards and a clear book record before a metrocard will be issued. It is the student’s responsibility
to keep the metrocard in a safe place. if lost or stolen, the student must report it immediately to the main office.
PARENT CONFERENCES The Department of Education sets
aside 1 evening and 1 afternoon in the fall and 1 evening and 1 afternoon in the spring term for parent conferences.
Parents should attend these meetings as it is an excellent way to be involved in your child’s education.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT Parents
are encouraged to become involved in the educational community of Queens Academy. Ongoing communication between parents and
staff is essential, so that we can work together to help the student. This can be accomplished through phone calls,
meetings with teachers – including Parent Conferences, to discuss progress, volunteering in the school, and attending
activities. Essentials for your child’s success:1. Talk to your child about school. 2. Know your child’s program—the classes he is taking and the teacher’s names 3. Check to see your child brings his/her books to and from school everyday. 4. Ask your child about homework assignments. 5. Ask to see exams. These can give you insight about your child’s attendance. 6. Check your child’s report card and attendance. 7. Watch for mail from school. 8. Call the Attendance Office if you have concerns. 9. Attend Open
School night or Open School afternoon. to speak with teachers. 10. Avoid keeping your child home for the following reasons:· To wait for a delivery or workmen· To take care of
younger siblings
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