Student Handbook

Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy Student Handbook 2011-2012

Download Student Handbook 2011-2012

Mission

The Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, in partnership with the business community and local universities, is devoted to providing a challenging, rigorous learning environment in which academically capable students pursue advanced studies with an emphasis on science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

Alma Mater

All hail to Patrick Taylor

Your vision remains true

You give to us the challenge

To be all we can be

Unite us with your legacy for opportunity

We prepare today for tomorrow

Patrick Taylor Academy

All PFTSTA students

are held accountable for the information in this handbook.

For a complete description of Parish policies refer to 2011-2012 JPPSS Procedures and Policies for Parents and Students at www.jppss.k12.la.us.

Table of Contents

	Page
Absences, Make-ups, Tardies	5
Academic & Behavioral Probation	7
Academic Rigor	5
Access to Course Calendar and Grades	18
Alma Mater	2
Business Work Ethic	8
Daily Schedule	19
Emergency Information/Closings	20
Exam schedule	19
Extra-curricular Activities	13
Field Trips	20
Grade Philosophy and Practice	9
Guidance and Counseling	23
Honor Roll	9
Individual Graduation Plan	20
Library	24
Map of Physical Plant	33
Meal Prices	21
Parent Pickup/Drop-off	21
PM Assembly Schedule	19
PM Dismissal	22
Positive Behavior Intervention Support	10
Printer usage	27
Project-Based Learning	9
Public Display of Affection	11
Respect	10
Responsibility	11
School-Wide Learning Outcomes	4
Standardized Testing	22
Student Code of Conduct	10
Student Fees	22
Student/Parent Need to Know List	18
Student Parking	23
Talented Program	23
Technology Access & Use	27
Telephone Numbers	23
Uniforms	12

School-Wide Learning Outcomes*

Content

This category reflects the student’s mastery of course content standards as derived from the Louisiana grade level expectations and/or course standards.

Written Communication

This category applies to the student’s written task focus, detail elaboration set by task/prompt, written mechanics, spelling, and grammar skills in all assignments.

Work Ethic

This category applies to the student’s ability to be prepared to work each day, arrive on time to class, stay focused on the task, follow directions, and meet all deadlines set.

Collaboration

This category applies to the student’s ability to play an active role in getting tasks organized and completed, demonstrate a willingness to help others, and create a positive work environment.

Critical Thinking

This category applies to the student’s ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in a logical and coherent manner to produce a unique, professional level of student work.

Technological Proficiency

This category applies to the student’s ability to effectively use technology to complete projects set forth by the teacher.

Oral Communication

This category applies to the student’s ability to communicate effectively during presentations, including such aspects as eye contact, awareness of audience and posture.

*(content description and school-wide learning outcome category weights to be determined by PFTSTA academic departments)

Student Handbook 2011-2012

Welcome to PFTSTA

Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy is a unique public school offering a comprehensive college preparatory program emphasizing the sciences, mathematics, and technology. Taylor provides an environment of academic rigor within a school culture of respect and responsibility. These commitments and goals are expressed in school-wide learning outcomes (SWLO), a set of goals for learning valued by all members of the academic community. Academic rigor requires both student and parent commitment to intellectual curiosity through critical thinking. A culture of respect acknowledges the importance and value of each individual within our school community. Responsibility necessitates that each student participate fully in the school culture and curriculum designed to accomplish school-wide learning outcomes.

Academic Rigor

Students are offered an ambitious and rigorous curriculum based on Louisiana grade level expectations (GLEs) and further developed by the Jefferson Parish honors requirements. In addition, Taylor’s course of study offers students the opportunity to develop special interests and talents in science, math, and technology. The curriculum is designed to foster higher order thinking through core academic subjects taught at honors level. Eighth grade students are provided the opportunity to earn Carnegie units to allow for acceleration, enabling students to later enroll in advanced placement classes or college level classes.

Honors credit in any subject is forfeited when the student fails to meet the district honors requirements. Honors credit is issued at the end of course after all honors requirements are met.

Absences/Make-ups/Tardies

Students must consult our on-line course management system (Echo) for all assignments and grades. Group work requires members to remain in contact with group members during the course of a project. To avoid unnecessary delays in meeting project deadlines due to absence of a group member, students must make individual work available to all members during a project.

Upon returning from an excused absence of less than five days, students have three days to makeup all work. For an excused absence of five or more consecutive days, the student must make up work within ten (10) school days after returning to school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher to arrange for completion of work in that time frame. An assignment that is not made up within three days is marked “0.” Students must be aware that grades are updated weekly and may not reflect the status of assignments on a daily basis.

To receive Carnegie credit for a course, students must be present 94 percent of the required time.

1st nine weeks 1/2 unit course - 3 unexcused absences allowed

2nd nine weeks 1/2 unit courses - 2 unexcused absences allowed

3rd nine weeks 1/2 unit courses - 3 unexcused absences allowed

4th nine weeks 1/2 unit courses - 3 unexcused absences allowed

Full Unit courses

5 days 1st semester

6 days 2nd semester

Students must attend all classes on the day of a school-sponsored social or athletic event. For a school social or athletic event held on Saturday or Sunday, school attendance on Friday is mandatory. Absence or early check-out will prevent participation at the event.

Because instruction begins at 7:20 AM, students should arrive prior to that time. Students arriving after 7:25 AM are tardy to school. After this time, students must report to the school secretary to receive an admittance slip.

Students requesting to check-out must have an Emergency Card on file in the office with the signature of a parent or guardian. A student not having a current Emergency Card on file will not be allowed to check out. Only an adult listed on the Emergency Card will be able to pick up a student. Proper ID must be shown when checking out a student.

Academic Integrity/Intellectual Honesty

Students must produce work that truly reflects their own efforts and thinking. Students at Taylor are required to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and intellectual honesty. Cheating (copying homework, Googling answers, etc.) and plagiarism (rewording another’s ideas, submission of another’s work as one’s own) will not be tolerated. Penalties for academic misconduct include

No credit for the assignment in question.
Documentation in Infinite Campus.
Notification of parents by the teacher and the administration.
Hearing with the Honor Council (2nd Offense).
Sanction determined by the Honor Council.

Academic Probation for Block Schedule

Students’ averages at advanced studies schools will be reviewed at the end of a school year. A student’s final/end of course letter grade for each course attempted in reading, English, math, science, and social studies will be averaged using the following un-weighted quality point values: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0. If a student earns less than a 2.0 average (rounding up is not permitted) in all qualifying courses attempted during a school year, he/she will be dismissed from the school for advanced studies and not be allowed to apply for readmission to an advanced studies school in Jefferson Parish for at least one academic year. If readmitted, readmission will only occur at the beginning of the fall semester.

In addition to the grade point average requirement, a student’s performance in all courses attempted during the school year will be reviewed at the conclusion of a school year. If a student earns a final/end of course letter grade average of “F” for any two courses attempted during the course of a school year, the student will be dismissed and not be allowed to apply for readmission to an advanced studies school in Jefferson Parish for at least one academic year. If readmitted, readmission will only occur at the beginning of the fall semester.

Parents or legal guardians retain the right to appeal to the principal if an extenuating circumstance(s) exists.

Behavioral Probation

A student will be placed on behavioral probation immediately following his/her first suspension. Upon receiving a second suspension, he/she will no longer be eligible to be enrolled in the program and will be required to attend the school in his/her district. As in any Jefferson Parish Public School, depending upon the severity of the offense, a student may be expelled on the first offense. If expelled for the remainder of a school year, the student may not attend any Jefferson Parish Public School for the duration of the expulsion. If expelled, a student may not attend a school for advanced study in the academic year following the expulsion. The student may apply for re-admission into an advanced study school after sitting out one academic year once the expulsion has been served.

Business/Professional Work Ethic

PFTSTA, in collaboration with New Technology Network, operates in a model of teaching and learning aligned to 21^st century skills. In this model students participate in a business or real world environment where students guided by teacher-coaches take charge of their own learning, invent their own solutions, and develop self-management techniques. Further, this project-based instructional model coupled with performance assessment enables students to be in sync with the culture of “today’s high-tech, global, highly participatory world” (Lempke 244). In this paradigm students have a level of responsibility similar to what they might experience in a professional work environment. Working on projects in teams, students become accountable to their peers, taking individual responsibility to get work done. In this trusted, respectful environment, students decide how to allocate their time, set up team roles, and collaborate. These responsibilities extend outside the classroom to campus leadership and policy-making roles. Traditional school-management tools such as hall passes and class bells have no place in this model.

Bellanca, James and Ron Brandt, eds. 21^st Century Skills: Rethinking How Students Learn. Bloomington: Solution-Tree, 2010.

Grading Philosophy and Practice

Grades are posted on-line for viewing at anytime by students and parents. Parents and students must check grades frequently by going to http://echo.newtechnetwork.org to stay informed about current progress. Students may receive grades for assignments, projects and papers in each learning outcome that is assessed.

The PFTSTA on-line grade book tallies and averages the scores of each category separately and cumulatively. For example, in calculating the student’s score in writing, the grade book finds all writing scores from any assignment evaluated in that category and calculates an average grade based on the sum of those evaluations. The grade book then generates a report that shows the student’s performance in each of the learning outcomes being evaluated by that course, as well as an overall course grade based on a weighted average of all categories.

All Louisiana schools follow a uniform grading system for regular courses:

A 100 - 93

B 92 - 85

C 84 - 75

D 74 - 67

F 66 – 0

In courses scheduled for two marking periods, a student earning an “F” in the second marking period does not pass the course.

Honor Roll

Academic achievement earns recognition through honor roll.

Quality points from honors classes are not included in calculations for TOPS, or academic probation. However, for honor roll, students are awarded an extra quality point for honors classes. The three categories of recognition are

Principal’s list – 4.0 GPA,

A Honor Roll – 3.5 GPA and greater,

B Honor Roll – 3.0 GPA and greater.

Project-Based Learning

Taylor’s curriculum focuses on delivering content through project-based learning to prepare students for the 21^st century workplace. The framework of project-based learning begins by engaging students in the exploration of content derived from grade level expectations, focusing on relevant local and global issues. Students produce products that are assessed by rubrics aligned to school-wide learning outcomes. Rubrics consist of three levels of achievement: unsatisfactory (below performance standards), proficient (minimal criteria), advanced (demonstrates exceptional performance).

III. Respect

Student Code of Conduct

Students will

Be present and on time to school, classes, appointments, meetings, and special assignments.
Complete quality work and meet deadlines.
Maintain a positive work ethic in all classes.
Show respect to other students, staff, and school property.

Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)

Taylor Tiger Expectations for behavior are posted in all areas of the campus.

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Be Safe

TIGERS IDEALS of character are also posted throughout the school.

Thoughtful of others

Independent

Global Thinker

Engaged in learning

Responsible

Serious when using technology

These are the basis for Star Student nominations by teachers, from which a drawing is held to select one middle and one high school student each week for special recognition and rewards.

These are also the basis for teachers to give out TIGER TREAT coupons, which may be used for concession treat purchases.

There are other rewards such as class shirt days for best class attendance. There are advisory activities concerning character development. Student input is sought in determining PBIS rewards and activities.

Responsibility

Communication

Communication via e-mail is an essential part of the work ethic expected of every student. Teachers consider announcements sent by e-mail concerning classroom issues to be official notification. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with group members and teachers through e-mail. School announcements are delivered by “Paw Prints” to students, parents, and staff via e-mail on a daily basis. Parents can contact Mrs. Harney in the main office, bharney@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us, to subscribe to Paw Prints.

Public Displays of Affection

When couples are together in public they have a responsibility to others as well as to themselves to conduct themselves appropriately. The school recognizes that genuine feeling of affection may exist between students; however, students should refrain from inappropriate intimate behaviors on campus or at school-related events. Repeated or especially inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action.

The expression of feelings of affection toward others is a personal concern between two individuals and not of others surrounding them. Therefore, let good taste and respect for others be a guideline for public displays of your feelings.

A school culture of respect requires all students to refrain from intimidating others in every way. An intimidating or offensive school environment includes all forms of verbal or nonverbal communication that puts others down or suggests something offensive.

Examples of public display of affection (PDA):

Holding hands/interlocking arms, kissing, sitting on another person’s lap, inappropriate touching or massaging, inappropriate hugging, sexual advances toward anyone. If a student is unsure about whether an action is inappropriate, the action is among those considered to be PDA.

Uniforms

School-issued IDs must be visibly worn on solid blue or white lanyards or on a clip attached to the collar. Student IDs may not be defaced or altered in any manner. Lanyards may be purchased from Ms. Hill for $3.00.

Taylor’s uniform policy is guided by this motto:

School colors head-to-toes

Shirts tucked in

Spirit shows!

Students should purchase blue or white Taylor shirts available at area uniform shops Schiro’s Shoes & Uniforms (4948 West Esplanade Avenue), J & L School Uniforms (1742 Stumpf Blvd, Gretna), and Johnson’s Uniform, Inc (619 Westwood Drive, Marrero). Students may wear plain white, royal blue, or grey t-shirts or P.E. shirts only under their uniform shirts. Undershirt must not be visible at the sleeve or hem-line. A school polo shirt must be worn at all times unless otherwise noted.
Students should purchase grey uniform pants for boys and girls. They cannot be jean style, with stitching across the knees, cargo, or carpenter’s pants. Pants must be neatly hemmed, not rolled up or with slits cut on the sides. All pants must be the correct waist size and worn at the waist with a plain, solid, black belt. BIG, BAGGY PANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Girls may wear neatly fitted uniform skirts at the waist that are no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. Skirts can not be rolled or shortened in any way. Shorts are not allowed to show below the skirt hemline.
Shoes must be mostly black or white. For safety purposes tennis shoes are recommended. Socks must be black or white. Students may not wear backless shoes. Shoes must be tied and/or fastened securely and must not exceed ankle height. If boots are worn, pants must not be tucked into boots. Boots are only to be worn under pants, not skirts. No combat boots are allowed.
Students must tuck shirts in neatly inside pants/skirt with the belt or waistband visible.
All uniforms must be properly sized and in good repair.
ALL winter attire (sweatshirts, windbreakers, and jackets) must be SOLID grey, white, or royal blue. The attire may have a PFTSTA logo. No words or logos may be visible on the jacket or sweatshirt other than PFTSTA logo. No jean jackets are allowed.
Students may wear long sleeve shirts under their uniform shirt provided they are solid royal blue, white or grey. No logos or words may be visible on the sleeve or elsewhere.
Solid royal blue, grey, or white full length tights must be worn. The tights must reach the ankle. No fishnet, sheer, or lacey material allowed. Sweat pants may not be worn according to Jefferson Parish policy.
Students must follow these rules on dress-down days: no capris, no shorts, no t-shirts with violent, offensive, or illegal images, no midriff shirts or immodest necklines, no sleeveless shirts or tank tops, no backless or open-toed shoes, no jeans with holes, no sunglasses.
No hats, hoods, or winter apparel (scarves, gloves) can be worn indoors at any time. No hair wraps allowed except those worn for religious purposes.

It is also the obligation of the school to enforce the attributes of personal hygiene, neatness, and safety. Therefore, all students must maintain a physical appearance in keeping with stated policy. Disciplinary action will result if students violate stated dress code, which includes but is not limited to warnings, detentions, parental conference and suspension.

Refer to 2011-2012 JPPSS Procedures and Policies for Parents and Students at www.jppss.k12.la.us.

Extra-curricular Activities

Academic Games

The PFTSTA Academic Games club began in 2005. Students compete in Equations, On-sets, Linguishtiks, Presidents, and Propaganda in the Jefferson Parish League. The Jefferson Parish League is a member of the Academic Games League of America (AGLOA) which holds national tournaments every April. Students must compete at all five Jefferson League tournaments in order to be eligible to compete at nationals and must rank in the top of their division.

PFTSTA’s Academic Games club meets after school twice a week for practice and instruction. Students must maintain an overall C average and attend more than 50% of the practices in order to compete at the tournaments. All students in grades 6th through 12th are invited to join. See Ms. Kelley in room 403 for more information and visit http://academicgames.org

for details about the individual games. Club dues are collected at the beginning of the year and members of the Academic Games club are required to participate in fund-raisers to help pay fees for games and tournaments.

Bookmarked

This high school club is sponsored by the school’s librarian. High school students are invited to join the weekly discussion on Mondays in the library during lunch. Students meet to talk about their favorite books, authors and trends in literature. Highlights of the year include helping to plan for Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week as well as meeting authors face to face and virtually. Bookmarked has been selected as one of 16 book groups nationally to participate in the YALSA sponsored YA Galley Program through 2012. For this program, students read books and make nominations for the Teen’s Top Ten booklist. Read more about this program here: http://bit.ly/k7QFeQ. All readers are welcome.

Cheerleaders

The purpose of the PFTSTA Cheerleader Squad is to uphold school spirit, develop a sense of good sportsmanship and encourage enthusiasm of spectators at athletic events. They also serve to positively represent Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology at school and throughout the community.

District/State Rally

Established in 1909, State Rally is an educational institution in Louisiana. High school teachers recommend one student per course to participate in competitive testing. District Rally is held in March at UNO. Students who place first or second in their division are invited to participate in State Rally in April. The annual State Rally competition includes seventy-eight events (Literary-43; Music-7; Speech-4; and Special Open events in Foreign Language Speaking/Writing-24). PFTSTA participated in Rally for the first time in 2009 as a Division IV school. In that year, Taylor swept its division at District Rally.

Environmental Science Club

The Environmental Science Club promotes environmental community service through recycling events and volunteer opportunities in the New Orleans region.

Extra-curricular/Sports Activities

In order to participate in any sports activity or as cheerleaders, students must meet academic requirements of JPPSS and LHSAA guidelines for eligibility. Tryouts are open to all present and entering students of Patrick Taylor High School who are academically eligible, and have good attendance and discipline records.

Junior Beta Club

The PFTSTA Junior Beta Chapter began in 2006-2007. It is an education organization for students in grades 6 through 9, whose membership indicates that “the student has been approved by the administration of the school as a student of good character and mentality, creditable achievement, and commendable attitude.” The Beta motto, “Let us lead by serving others” serves as the guiding mission of the club.

Members must maintain a 3.2 GPA. New members are invited to join after the first nine-week marking period. A one-time dues fee is required by the national office. Transfer members from other Jr. Beta clubs are accepted if they are in good standing. Taylor is a member of District 12, and as such, participates in district day competitions in quiz bowl, spelling, writing, math, speech, talent, and several other events. Winners go on to compete at the state convention in early May, at the Cajundome, in Lafayette, Louisiana.

There is a service work requirement that is measured by time and effort spent in club activities. The club participates in activities at nursing homes, raises money for charitable contributions to designated philanthropies, and looks for partnerships with students in need in other schools.

Key Club

Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through serving others. Members of the Kiwanis International family, Key Club members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. All high school students are invited to join.

MATHCOUNTS

MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment club and competition program that promotes mathematics achievement at the middle school level, grades 6-8. One of its main goals is to inspire excellence, confidence and curiosity in middle school mathematics. With the leadership of the National Society of Professional Engineers at local and state levels, MATHCOUNTS provides today’s students with the foundation necessary for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. By participating in MATHCOUNTS, Taylor students work together to solve problems and learn that academic competition can be quite fun as well as challenging!

Mu Alpha Theta

The PFTSTA Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta was granted its charter in Spring 2009. The goal of Mu Alpha Theta is to encourage all Taylor students to improve their mathematical abilities, appreciate the power of mathematics, and enjoy the beauty of mathematics. High school students who have completed two or more courses in a college preparatory mathematics sequence and are currently enrolled in a higher level mathematics course at Taylor Academy are eligible for full membership in the Patrick F. Taylor Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta provided (1) they are recommended by their mathematics teachers and (2) their mathematical work was done with distinction. On the 4-point grading scale, this means at least a 3.25 grade point average on qualifying mathematics with no grade lower than C on the official high school transcript. Students who are new to Taylor must meet these requirements plus complete at least one qualifying mathematics course with distinction at Taylor. To maintain good standing and graduate with MAO honor cords, members must participate in MAO activities and competitions and complete at least one honors level mathematics course each year with a grade of C or higher.

NOTE: All Taylor students are welcome to attend Mu Alpha Theta general meetings and participate in the mathematics activities and competitions, whether they are members or not.

National Honor Society

The charter for the PFTSTA Chapter of the National Honor Society was granted in 2007. The purpose of the school’s chapter of this national organization is to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students in grades 10 through 12 are invited to join NHS at the end of the fall semester. They must have a 3.5 grade point average on a 4-point grading scale. The students are asked to complete an information form detailing their leadership and service activities in and out of school. The faculty is asked to report on the character of each student. An induction ceremony for new members is held yearly in the early spring along with induction of new officers. Once students become members, they must keep their academic standing as well as engage in 50 hours of community service. Service is a major component of NHS activities. Officers will plan monthly activities for members to volunteer in the community or within the school. NHS also provides weekly tutoring at school for all grades and all subjects.

Quiz Bowl

The PFTSTA Quiz Bowl team competes in district wide academic trivia competitions once per semester. Interested 9th-12th grade students are eligible to try-out in the fall of each school year. Practices are held weekly during lunch time. Three members of the team also participate in a televised WWII Quiz Bowl competition sponsored by the National World War II Museum.

Science Fair Club

High school students with excellent Independent Research Projects are selected from Honors Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to enter the Greater New Orleans Regional Science Fair. Categories and documents are located at http://www.intel.com.

Students meet during January at lunch and after school to prepare a competitive display for the Fair held at UNO in February or March.

Student Council

Students are encouraged to participate in either middle or high school student council. Student council is responsible for planning all student-related activities including dances, pep rallies, and spirit weeks. At the middle school level, students are elected in each advisory to serve as an advisory representative. At the high school level, each grade level elects a class president and vice president. The entire high school also elects an executive board that consists of a student body president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Any student interested in running for an elected office can not be on academic or behavioral probation, in danger of failing any courses, or have any other disciplinary issues. Any high school student who wishes to be a part of student council but not hold an elected office can participate as a general member. Meetings are held once a week during lunch and attendance is mandatory.

Youth & Government (Model UN and Youth Legislature)

Members of Youth & Government prepare throughout the year to attend two conferences in Baton Rouge: Model United Nations and Youth Legislature. At the MUN conference, student delegates represent different countries in the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council of a mock United Nations. The conference occurs in December, and students must complete extensive research about their assigned country during the fall semester. The Youth Legislature conference occurs in March. Student delegates act as senators and representatives for the state legislature of Louisiana. Prior to attending the conference, students write bills to propose and debate in the mock legislature. This club is open to all high school students, but preference for new membership will be given to 9th and 10th graders.

STUDENT/PARENT NEED TO KNOW LIST

Access to Class Agendas, Grades, and Calendar

Echo, the New Technology Network learning platform can be accessed at http://echo.newtechnetwork.org. Echo provides links to instructional documents, project briefcases, and objectives of each day’s lessons, including homework assignments, test days, and grades. The Patrick Taylor school calendar is located at http://bit.ly/kJvkUU.

Daily Schedule

During the 2011-2012 school year, Taylor students will follow a 4 x 4 block schedule:

1^st 7:20 - 8:55

Advisory 8:58 - 9:18

2^nd 9:21 - 10:51

3^rd 10:54 - 12:24

Lunch 12:24 - 1:07

4^th 1:10 - 2:40

PM Assembly Schedule

1^st 7:20 - 8:40

2^nd 8:43 – 10:03

3^rd 10:06 - 11:26

Lunch 11:26 - 12:15

4^th 12:18 - 1:38

Assembly 1:40 - 2:40

Exam Schedule Day 1

Advisory 7:20 - 7:35

1^st 7:35 - 9:20

2^nd 9:20 - 11:05

Exam Schedule Day 2

Advisory 7:20 - 7:35

3^rd 7:35 - 9:20

4^th 9:20 - 11:05

Dandridge Policy for Submission of Applications

All such transfers for students in grades pre-k – seven shall be made at least 30 days prior to the commencement of a school year or, where permitted by a particular magnet (ASA) program with sufficient grade level capacity to accept a transferring magnet (ASA) student, at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the second semester of a school year. Students in grades 8 through 12 seeking enrollment in a magnet (ASA) school shall submit the appropriate transfer form at least 30 days prior to the commencement of a school year.

Students entering into JPPSS for the first time may seek enrollment in a magnet (ASA) school upon entering JPPSS from another school district or from a private or home school situated within the parish of Jefferson where such in-term enrollment is permitted by a magnet program and neither grade level nor school overcrowding will result.

Emergency Information/Closings

The School Board has designated Radio Station WWL-870 AM as the “official” broadcaster of information on school closings during inclement weather. However, all news media outlets are notified about such closings as soon as possible. Decisions to close are generally made before 6 AM. Parents are advised to listen to their radios or watch television reports during these periods.

Field Trips

Field trips are primarily educational opportunities linked to content standards and assessments. Attendance on academic field trips is mandatory and follow-up assignments must be completed. All school rules and policies are in effect for those students while off campus.

Individual Graduation Plan Requirements

Review this information to determine the current requirements for obtaining a high school diploma from the Louisiana Department of Education. The complete document can be found at: Individual Graduation Plan, or

http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/uploads/15160.docx.

Act 257 of the 2009 Louisiana Legislature

By the end of the eighth grade, each student shall develop, with the input of his/her family, an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP). The purposes of the IGP document and related activities are as follows:

Explore educational and career possibilities
Make appropriate secondary/postsecondary decisions as part of an overall career plan
Plan based on the student’s talents and interests
Consider graduation requirements relevant to the student’s chosen area of concentration and postsecondary entrance requirements.

Meal Prices

Breakfast	Students	$1.00	Lunch	Middle/High	$1.75
	Adults	$1.75		Adults	$3.25
				Extra Milk	$0.50

Cafeteria personnel will issue applications for free and reduced lunch. Students may not charge lunch. Parents are encouraged to create a student lunch account at www.mealspayplus.com. Register a student using his or her student person ID number. If parents prefer to make payments or check balances via telephone, parents can use this special JPPSS toll-free number: 1-877-713-5436.

Parent Advisory Council

All parents are invited to join the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC hosts parent meetings and workshops, as well as coordinates fundraising for the school. PAC also keeps parents informed on a daily basis through an e-mail digest of school events and announcements.

Parent Pickup/Drop off

Students may not be dropped off before 6:50 AM and must be picked up by 3:15 PM. There is no supervision for students before or after these times. Students are to remain near the cafeteria and may not enter the halls or other unsupervised areas. Parents driving carpool must drop off and pick up students in the bus lot on Albert Street. Due to student safety concerns, the staff parking lot on Jefferson Highway cannot be used as a carpool location, nor should parents drop off students on Jefferson Hwy, in the space reserved for buses. Parents are asked to pick up students at 2:50 PM after all buses have departed.

Parent/Teacher Communication and Conferences

The district schedules semi-annual parent/teacher conferences each school year. The dates can be found on both the district and the Patrick Taylor school calendar. All parents are encouraged to attend. However, parents may also schedule a conference with the teacher at any time throughout the year if needed. The parent is asked to email the teacher to schedule a date and time to meet. The teacher's PFTSTA email can be found on the school website.

PM Dismissal

Bus students will be released first. Walkers, drivers, and carpool students will be released after all buses have cleared the parking lot.

Standardized Testing

8th grade students attending a Louisiana public school must pass the LEAP 8 at Basic or above to pass into 9th grade. 6th and 7th graders will take the iLEAP. High school students are required to pass the End of Course test for English II and III, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and American History.

Student Fees

All student fees must be received by the advisory teacher before a laptop will be issued.

All Students	Report Card	1.00
	Agenda	5.00
	Printer	5.00
	Math	5.00
	Science	10.00
	Technology	50.00

6^th, 7^th, 8^th	Class Dues	20.00
Middle School	Total	$96.00

9^th, 10^th, 11^th	PSAT	18.00

9^th grade	Class Dues	40.00
9^th Grade	Total	$134.00

10^th grade	Class Dues	60.00
10^th grade	Total	$154.00

11^th Grade	Class Dues	100.00
11^th Grade	Total	$194.00

12^th Grade	Class Dues	100.00
12^th Grade	Total	$164.00

Student Parking

Students must park in designated student parking lot on Albert St. Numbered parking passes are obtained from the office for $5.00. Student drivers and carpools are required to wait until buses have departed at the end of the day before leaving the parking area.

Talented Students

Teachers in the Talented in the Arts program offer arts enrichment during the school day for students who are talented in art, theater, and vocal or instrumental music. Students who are interested should contact the appropriate talent teacher.

Telephone Numbers

Office FAX Web address: http://ptsta.jppss.k12.la.us EBoard:http://scitech.jppss.site.eboard.com/		838-2249 838-7029
JPPSS Information		349-7600
School Bus Information		349-7730
Special Education
	East Bank	736-1800
	West Bank	349-7813
	Gifted/Talented	349-7834
Student Services
	East Bank West Bank	736-7345
		341-1932
Community and Adult Education		362-4729
Child Nutrition		349-7694
Public Information		349-7960

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

The school counselor is available to assist every student in grades 6 through 12 with their concerns about career planning, college placement, educational planning, testing, and any of their social and academic needs. The school counselor is available to plan for dual enrollment, academic endorsement, AP courses and tests, and any other academic goals of the student. Students may visit the counselor’s office before school, between classes, during lunch, or after school. All students and parents are always welcome to speak directly to the counselor by telephone or through email.

Your school counselor is trained in both educating and counseling, serving as a facilitator between parents, teachers, and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. The parent knows their child best, but the school counselor can help the parent better understand the child as a student.

As part of the duties of being the school counselor at Patrick Taylor, the school counselor produces a weekly newsletter, “Tiger Talk” which is designed to assist the seniors of each school year. Through “Tiger Talk”, seniors and their parents are able to stay informed of scholarships, financial assistance, TOPS, ACT and SAT testing schedules, information from universities, college search resources, and other important news alerts concerning deadlines for seniors.

VIII. LIBRARY INFORMATION

Ms. Elizabeth Kahn, Librarian

ekahn@pftsta.jppss.k12.la.us

website: www.pftstalibrary.com

blog: talesfromaloudlibrarian.com

Hours: 7:00AM-2:40PM, Monday-Friday

The Library is open to all students from 7:00AM-7:20AM and during the lunch period.

The Library OPAC or card catalog can be accessed on-line 24/7. You can find the OPAC here: http://bit.ly/jLAsa5. Click on the "Catalog" tab to search the library collection. To reach the OPAC, follow the link above or in the Apps folder on your school laptop or click the “library” link on the PFTSTA homepage. You can also find a link on the library website: www.pftstalibrary.com.

When students check out a book from the Patrick Taylor Academy Library, they agree to the following policies:

The loan period for a book from the general collection is 2 weeks.
Students may renew books as needed.
There will be a 10¢ a day fine for each day that a book is late, not counting weekends and holidays.
The loan period for a reference book or magazine is overnight only.
There will be a 50¢ a day fine for each day that this type of material is late.
Students will be responsible to pay for any lost or damaged library materials.

Quick Tips for Research:

On the homepage of the Library OPAC you will find links at the bottom of the page. Look under the sections “Essential Library Resources,” “Free Resources” and “Helpful Links” for the databases available for your use. You can also find helpful research information on the library website found here: www.pftstalibrary.com.

Databases available for research:

Gale Databases (See Ms. Kahn for user ID)

http://bit.ly/lUy6BC

Gale Virtual Reference Library (See Ms. Kahn for user ID)

http://bit.ly/lBpIy5

ABC CLIO eBook Collection (See Ms. Kahn for user name and password):

http://ebooks.abc-clio.com

Britannica Encyclopedia Online Edition:

http://search.eb.com/ (See Ms. Kahn for user name and password)

Britannica Image Quest: (See Ms. Kahn for user name and password)

http://quest.eb.com/home/index.htm (See Ms. Kahn for user ID and password)

Jefferson Parish Public Library databases

http://lalibcon.state.lib.la.us/

(parish: Jefferson, Password: your library card number)

Try the following Search Engine before you go to Google:

Sweet Search, a search engine for students: http://www.sweetsearch.com/

Research Papers

Need help with a research paper?

Taylor has purchased a subscription to Easybib.com. See Ms. Kahn for the password code.

With Easybib students can take notes on-line, make an outline and create citations.

Taylor subscribes to Turnitin.com to combat plagiarism. Teachers may ask students to submit written work to Turnitin to check for originality.

At Taylor students will use the MLA format for research papers.

Students should follow these guidelines when preparing a research paper for a class:

Typeface—Use Times New Roman in 12 pt. size.
Margins—Use 1 inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right), except for the page numbers, and do not “justify” the type on the right (i.e. don’t have all the lines end evenly on the right).
Paper—Use 8 1/2 by 11 inches white paper.
Spacing—All pages should be double spaced.
Page numbers—Number all your pages consecutively throughout your paper in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top and even with the right margin. Type your last name before the page number, just as a precaution in case any of your pages get separated or misplaced. Do not use the abbreviation p. with the page number, any other symbol, or punctuation. Set this up under View on the toolbar menu and select “Header and Footer.”
Heading and title—Do NOT use a title page. Instead, one inch from the top of the first page and even with the left margin, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course name, and date on separate lines, double-space between the lines. Double-space again and center the title, and double-space between the title and the first line of your paper. Do not underline your title or use quotation marks or put it all in capital letters.
Writing a report or full-length research paper involves synthesizing information you obtain from other sources. To avoid plagiarism, it is very important that, within your paper, you cite the exact sources of the ideas and facts you mention (This can be done briefly, in parentheses at the end of the sentence that contains the idea or fact, using the author’s name--or one or two-word title if there is no author name--with page number). At the end of your paper you need to include a Works Cited page that gives the complete bibliography information about each of the sources you used.

The Works Cited page should:

List the sources alphabetically according to the letter that occurs first in the entry (ignoring a, an, and the).
Align the first line of each entry even with the left margin.
Indent a half an inch for the second and each subsequent line of an entry.
Double-space all lines including within and between entries.

For further information regarding formatting of a research paper ask Ms. Kahn in the library or go to Easybib.com.

IX. TECHNOLOGY ACCESS & USE

Students at Taylor are provided with a unique, technology-rich learning environment. The school loans a laptop to each student for use at school and at home during the school year. Also, students may use digital cameras, printers, scanners, and video recorders to enhance projects. Along with the privilege of access to this equipment comes the responsibility of appropriate care and use.

User Accounts and Safety

Students are responsible for their individual accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a student provide their password to another person.
Students will not post online personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes addresses, telephone numbers, the school address, work addresses, etc.
Students will promptly disclose to a parent or teacher any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Printing

There are various print stations located throughout the campus. Students may print no more than 10 pages per print job.
There is a charge of $ 0.04 per printed page. Students whose balance falls below $0.40 will be notified by email.
The computer lab printer should only be used by students when their class is assigned to work in the lab. The computer lab is locked when not in use, thereby preventing access to that printer.
Students should see the accounts clerk to add money to a printer account.

Laptop Care

The laptop must be carried in a separate, padded laptop bag. Book/laptop bag combinations are not acceptable as the screens often crack due to pressure from the weight of the books. Maximum laptop dimensions are 14 ½ in. by 10 ½ in. by 1 ½ in.
Student laptops must be shut down completely before moving from one classroom to another.
During the shut down process, the laptops are scheduled to synchronize with the server, which serves as a partial back-up and installs important software updates. The synchronization should be allowed to run completely before moving from one classroom to another or leaving school for the day.
Students must maintain a back-up of all documents.
Students must report any laptop related problems to the "Help Desk" in a timely manner in order to avoid academic penalties. Before requesting help or reporting problems to their teacher or the Help Desk, students must first "Shut Down" completely and allow full synchronization. Then they should turn their computer back on to see if the problem persists.

Appropriate Use of the Laptop

The laptops are property of Jefferson Parish Public Schools and must not be treated as "personal" computers.
Students are expected to use the laptop and school network resources for school-related activities only while on campus.
By law, the school system and the school technology staff continuously monitor network activity for inappropriate use. Refer to the JPPSS Internet Usage Policy and the PFTSTA Laptop Usage Policy for more information.
It is the parents' responsibility to monitor use of the laptop at home or on networks other than the schools network. Neither PFTSTA nor JPPSS is responsible for information accessed by students while using outside networks.
If it is discovered that a student has violated the technology policy while using the laptop, whether the violation occurs at school or at home, then disciplinary action will be taken.
Placing decals and writing on laptops are not allowed.

PFTSTA Student Computer/Technology Usage Rules

These school-wide rules must be followed in order to keep the school network functioning efficiently. Any violation might disrupt the teaching/learning process at PFTSTA and will be treated as a serious offense.

Students may not install anything on student laptops or other school computers. Your parents may request permission to install programs (antivirus, printer software, etc.) on student laptops by filling out an Install Request Form.
Students may not play games of any kind (on student laptops or school computers) at any time. [This does not apply to game-like / interactive academic websites that have been recommended to students by their teachers.]
Students may not access, read, or post to any social networking websites (such as MySpace, Facebook, etc.) at any time on a school-issued laptop or school computer. Social networking between students and faculty/staff is prohibited except for course-related contact. Photos taken at school or in school uniform must not be posted on social networks.
While students are on campus, no streaming music or video files of any kind is allowed on student laptops or other school computers unless students are told to play something by the teacher as part of an assignment. Students can listen to music or watch videos on student laptops at home only if the original media source is used. No music or video files of any kind can be placed on or downloaded to student laptops or other school computers.
Students may not change their homepage, screensaver, and desktop. Students may not set the password prompt on the screensaver.
Students may copy personal pictures from a digital camera, scanner, disk, or the Internet to student laptops or other school computers as long as they are appropriate for school. Appropriateness is determined by the school staff.
During class, students may visit only those websites that the teacher has given permission to view. Outside of class, students may use student laptops to visit sites that are in compliance with the school district Internet Usage Policy.
Students must get permission to send and receive email during class. Students may use only the school-issued email account during class. Outside of class, students may use other email accounts.

Computer / Technology Ethics

Students will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language in electronic communications at any time.
Students will not harass another person. (Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person.) If a person requests or tells a student to stop sending her/him messages, the student must stop.
Students will respect and protect the intellectual property of others. Students will not infringe on copyrights (music, games, movies, graphics, etc.). Students will not plagiarize by copying information directly from the Internet.
Students will respect and protect the privacy of self and others. Photos and videos should not reveal any personal or school-related information. Explicit permission must be obtained from any person who will be photographed or videotaped prior to their picture being taken or a video of them being recorded.

Appropriate Use of Portable Media Devices

Handheld or portable media devices are classified as small electronic equipment capable of playing, storing, transmitting, or recording sounds, images, or data, such as digital cameras, video cameras, iPods, PSPs, headphones, hand-held games, etc. Usage of portable electronic media devices will be limited to academic purposes only while on the Taylor campus.
Handheld or portable media devices are to be used on campus only when required for approved projects and while under the direct supervision of the teacher who assigned that project. Student usage of handheld media devices on campus but outside the classroom also requires the presence of the supervising teacher.
Students may take photos or record videos on campus only under the direct supervision of a teacher within the context of an assigned project or task. Photos and videos should not reveal any personal or school-related information, including easily identifiable logos or campus scenery. No photograph or video should be taken of anyone unless that person has given his or her permission first.
Cell phones may not be used at any time while on the school campus.

NOTE: Students are advised to leave all personal electronic devices at home or secured in their cars. Taylor Academy or its representatives will not assume responsibility for devices that are lost, stolen, or confiscated on campus.

Consequences for Technology Rule Violations

Unauthorized or Misuse of Portable Media Devices or Cell Phones

1^st Offense

Item is taken away. Student may retrieve the item from the office after school.

2^nd Offense

Item is taken away and parent contacted to pick up the item; 1-hour after school detention.

3^rd Offense

Student receives in-school-suspension, parent conference, and possible loss of technology privileges.

Misuse or Neglect of Laptop or Computer

1^st Offense

Loss of technology privileges at school for 1 day and loss of laptop for 1 day.

2^nd Offense

Loss of technology privileges at school for 1 day, loss of laptop for 1 day, and parent contacted.

3^rd Offense

Loss of technology privileges at school for 3 days, loss of laptop for 3 days, parent contacted, and 1-hour after school detention.

4^th Offense

Loss of technology privileges at school for 3 days, loss of laptop for 3 days, 1-hour after school detention, and parent conference required.

5th Offense

Student receives in-school-suspension, parent conference, and possible loss of technology privileges.

Severe Offense

Indefinite loss of technology privileges at school and indefinite loss of laptop, in-school suspension, parent conference, and other consequences depending on the severity of the offense.