Role of Parents

Your parents are important partners in your education. We keep them informed of your progress with both the problems and the successes.  Parent Education classes are available through the district’s Family Resource Center (Phone # 419 – 2709)

Role of Outside Agency Workers, Probation Officers, Psychologists, etc.

We are partners with your outside agency helpers.  We keep in constant contact, and invite your workers to our Center on a regular basis.

Visitors/Unauthorized Persons

Only persons currently enrolled at Tinkham Center are allowed on campus or in the building.  Students may not bring friends or relatives to visit school. The presence of non-students in the building poses liability problems and is disruptive to the educational process.  Persons that are not approved to be in the building will be considered trespassing.

Tinkham students are required to report to the office of any other Wayne-Westland school they wish to visit.  Students found loitering on the campus or in the building of another school will be subject to disciplinary action and referral to the police.

The school administration has the right to seek the immediate removal of unauthorized persons from the school property.  An unauthorized person is one who does not have lawful business to pursue at school or who acts in a manner that disrupts or disturbs the normal educational function of the school.  This includes students who are under suspension or expulsion.

The administration has the authority to tell unauthorized persons that they cannot come onto school property at anytime, thus barring them from the school premises.  This includes all school activities.  Persons that have been barred by the administration are subject to immediate arrest if they fail to leave, or return after being told they are barred.

Buses

Bus transportation is provided to students lining in the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district and reside beyond walking distance from the Tinkham Center (one and one-half miles or more).  Students may only ride the bus to which they are assigned.  Students may only board and exit the bus at their designated boarding areas.  Exceptions will be made only with prior arrangement and administrative approval.  Bus service is a privilege granted to students as long as they ride in a safe and orderly manner on the buses.  The bus driver is in full charge of the bus at all times.  Infractions that threaten the safety and order of the bus program may cause a student to lose his/her bus privilege.

Student Use of Cars & Student Parking

1.       Driving and parking a vehicle at the Tinkham Center is a privilege.
2.       Student vehicles may only be used for transportation to school in the morning and to home after the school day.  Our closed campus policy prohibits students from entering the parking lot or leaving the premises without permission from the office.
3.       Driving and parking is at your own risk.  The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items or vehicles, nor any damage that may occur while parked at the Tinkham Center.
4.       You must follow and observe all school rules, state and local ordinances, and have a properly licensed vehicle.  Failure to comply may result in loss of your driving privileges, and/or suspension.  If in the opinion of school officials a student is driving in excess of 15 miles per hour or is driving in a careless, reckless, or unsafe manner, driving privileges may be revoked and school suspension may result.  NOTE: Student drivers and passengers should wear seat belts.  It’s the law!
   

Closings Due To Inclement Weather or Mechanical Failure

The Tinkham Center is part of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools and therefore all announcements regarding the district apply to Tinkham. Whenever possible the decision to close school will be made prior to 6:00 a.m.   School closings are announced on most Detroit area radio and television stations and, on Wayne and Westland’s cable stations. 

Personal Property

1.    You must exercise caution in the handling of your personal property

2.        Be sure your locker is locked at all times and that the combination issued to you is kept confidential.

3.        DO NOT leave personal property unattended.  The school is not responsible for your personal property.

4.        DO NOT bring large sums of money to school.

5.        DO NOT broadcast to other students your possession of any valuable personal items.  Such action could lead to theft.

Forum

Every student will be assigned to a forum.  Forum teachers will provide a structured program aimed at social skills, study skills, and overall guidance and support for students.  Your Forum teacher is your advocate and is available to help you solve any problems related to school.  Your Forum group will plan special activities and work together to support success.  Research shows having at least one adult in school that really knows and supports a student contributes significantly to their success.

Lockers

All students are assigned a locker at the beginning of each school year.  Students are not to give out their combination or share their locker with other students.  Although lockers are assigned to students, the lockers remain the property of the School District and are under the control of the building administrators.  School district administrators reserve the right to inspect and search a locker if they deem it necessary, with or without cause and with or without prior notice to students.  When drugs and/or weapons are suspected, the police will be contacted and a search conducted in keeping with accepted police procedures.  The director or designated faculty member will be present during the search.

Special Programs

William D. Ford Career/Technical Center

The Career/Tech program offers students an opportunity to prepare for a vocation, ranging from Accounting/Computing, Animation and Child Care to print technology and Welding just to mention a few.  Students are encouraged to visit the center before enrolling in classes. (See the course offering book for Career Tech’s extensive offerings

Work Study

The work study program’s goal is to expose students to a variety of careers.  Prepare them for employment and assist students in their pursuit of meaningful work-related experiences.  Students involved in the program spend a half-day at school and receive credit for the hours they spend on the job.

The Henry Ford Youth Mentorship Program (YMP)

This is a half day school-to-work program.  Students work in a specific area of the Museum or village with an adult mentor learning the skills required for success in the work world.  Interested students must apply at the end of first semester and meet the established criteria, complete an application, interview and screening process for placement.

Medication Policy

The school must be informed of all student health problems at the beginning of the school year.  Students will take their medication under supervision of office personnel.  All medication must be kept in the office.  The school cannot distribute any medication without a Medication Form. Students will not be allowed to leave school to get medication.  Asthmatic students may be allowed to carry their inhaler provided they have a doctor’s prescription and a complete Medication Form on file.

Grading

Grades of A, B, C are awarded as passing grades in the Alternative High School – No D’s will be issued.  Students may also receive grades of “I” or “Incomplete”, “F” or “Failing – withdrawn”, or “E”.  Students will often have an opportunity after each unit project or test to receive more instruction and take another assessment for a passing grade.

Class Schedule

The Alternative High School uses a modified block schedule.  Students have many learning styles and most of our students learn best by doing project work.  This type of schedule allows staff and students to plan meaningful lessons with more depth and flexibility. The morning portion of the daily schedule primarily consists of the core courses (math, science, English, social studies).  Two of the four classes meet for extended periods every day except Friday when students have all four classes for an equal amount of time to test, review and complete work.

Report Cards

The school year consists of two semesters.  A semester is divided into three (3) marking periods, each six or seven weeks long.  Report cards are sent home one week after the end of the marking period with the student.  The final report cards of the semester are mailed home.

Note: A hold will be placed on the report card of students with outstanding fines.

Return to traditional high school

Students wishing to return to their sending school must satisfy the following requirements:

1.        Must complete at least one full semester in the Alternative High School

2.        Must pass all classes

3.        Must demonstrate behavioral progress and success

4.        Must meet all program attendance requirements

5.        Must petition in writing and appear in front of Reentry Committee

 The Reentry Committee consists of teachers, counselors, support staff, the director and an administrator from the sending school.  The committee will review the student petition and records to make a decision deemed best for the petitioning student.

Students that have successfully petitioned the committee will be supported by Alternative High School staff from scheduling classes through completion of one successful semester.  Former Alternative High School students are always welcome to return for support and testimonials of success.

A student who petitions for return and is denied should not be discouraged.  Upon request the committee will put in writing its reason for denial and what the student can do to successfully petition after one more semester in Alternative High School.

Building/District Policies

Attendance Philosophy

The Wayne-Westland Community School District attendance policy is based on educational research, state law and common sense.

1.        Success in school is directly related to attendance

2.        The state requires that attendance be taken and recorded.

3.        It is the students’ responsibility to attend school

4.       The school has a responsibility to notify/alert the family of absences.

5.        The family has the responsibility to send the student to school and to notify the school of absences of their children.

Compulsory Attendance Current Law & Practice

The school code of 1976 requires a parent or guardian of a child from the age of six to his/her sixteenth birthday to send the child to school.  The Michigan Court of Appeals has interpreted this law to mean that a child is legally required to attend school until the age of 16 on the grounds that it would be unreasonable to require the parents/guardian to send their children to school without a requirement that the children must attend.

Student Attendance Policy

Student absenteeism leads to poor academic performance and increases the likelihood of failure and dropping out.  Teachers report difficulty in maintaining their instructional schedules when students miss class.  Counselors indicate that students fail classes because of excessive absences.  Students that fail several times realize that they cannot graduate with their class and then drop out. It is important that you attend each class daily and on time.

Students that have accumulated fifteen (15) absences in a class period (or 12 in Forum) during one semester, accompanied by a cumulative failing grade, may be dropped from that class and will receive a grade of “F” (Failing - Withdrawn).  Class period absence totals include excused, unexcused and suspensions.  Students that are 16 years old or older that are dropped from 4 or more classes may be dropped from school for the remainder of the semester.

Excused and Unexcused Absences

Students will be held accountable for all absences, hourly and daily.  Families of students are responsible for reporting absences.  This may be done by calling the Alternative High School Office (734-419-2436) and/or providing written documentation from courts, social agencies and for medical/dental appointments within 24 hours.

It is strongly suggested that family vacations should not be scheduled when school is in session.  In the event that a family activity occurs that will require the student to miss two (2) or more days of school, a pre-arranged absence form must be completed and returned to the office.  The student is responsible for all class work and assignments.  Pre-arranged absences are included in a student’s total absences for the semester.

Notification of Absences

Daily phone calls are made when students miss school.  It is important that the office has an accurate phone number on record.

Emergency Release/Sign Out Policy

Students wishing to leave the school premises before their usual dismissal time must check out through the office.  No student shall be released from school for emergency purposes to individuals other than the parent, legal guardian, emergency contact or police.  The legal guardian and emergency contact person(s) is identified on the registration and emergency cards that have been completed by a parent/guardian at registration.

Failure to follow the sign out procedure below will result in disciplinary action:

1. The student must report to the office prior to leaving the building.  If you feel that you are ill and should leave school, you must check out through the office.  A parent, guardian or emergency contact person must be reached by school personnel prior to you leaving the building.  If you leave the building without checking out, you will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action.

2. An authorized staff member must speak to a parent or

emergency contact person and receive permission for the student to

leave.

3.  The student must sign the sign-out sheet.

Tardy Policy

1.        Any student arriving late to school is required to sign in at the main office.

2.        All tardiness will be classified as excused or unexcused by the classroom teacher.  Staff members who detain students after class must issue a tardy pass that excuses the tardiness.

3.       A student must be in his/her seat by the end of the bell tone to be considered on time.

4.        Any student missing more than one half (½ ) of the class period will be considered absent.

5.        Any student receiving 3 accumulated tardies may be required to serve detention to make up time.

Final Exams Attendance

All Tinkham High School students are required to attend their final exam schedule in all classes.  Because of the importance of final exams, students are required to provide a doctor’s note if an exam is missed.  Non-emergency medical appointments are not acceptable reasons for missing an exam.  These appointments should not be scheduled during exam time.  Students will not be excused from final exams for vacation.  If an exam is missed and unexcused, the student will receive a grade of E for the final exam. Please do not plan any family outings or trips during this time.

Dress Regulations

The style and manner in which a student dresses while attending Tinkham High School shall be the responsibility of the student and the parent.  The administration maintains the right to impose restrictions of student dress for the following reasons:

1.        The style of dress or grooming is disruptive to the educational process.

2.        The style of dress or grooming is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the student or others with whom the student attends school.

3.        The apparel is of a type that may cause physical damage to the school plant.

4.        Hats and other head coverings such as headbands, hoods or bandanas are not to be carried or worn inside the building.

5.        Coats intended for outdoor wear, such as winter coats, are not acceptable in the classroom.  Students who feel that the building is cold should keep a sweater or sweatshirt in their locker to wear.

6.        Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building.

7.        The body must be covered from the shoulders to mid-thigh

8.        Dress, which is distracting to the educational process such as pajamas, slippers, underwear that is exposed, halter-tops, tank tops, bare midriffs, bare sides, and sheer articles of clothing are examples of clothing not permitted.

9.        The presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, notebook, or manner of grooming, which by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute denotes membership in a group which advocates drug use, violence, illegal activity or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

10.     Clothing or jewelry with logos or designs that promote inappropriate, discriminatory or illegal behavior, or indicate profanity or unacceptable language/double meanings, are not to be worn.

11.     Clothing and paraphernalia believed to be gang related or indicative of gang membership or association is prohibited.

12.     Wallet chains and other forms of chains over 6 inches in length are not permitted nor are spiked jewelry.

Appropriate attire is expected at all school sponsored events.  Failure to comply with dress regulations could result in disciplinary action.

Personal Electronic Devices

Students are discouraged from bringing any personal electronic devices to school.  They are disruptive in nature and they are prime targets for theft.

1.        All personal electronic devices are prohibited in the classroom.

2.        By district policy, cell phones and pagers are prohibited in school.  Students using these devices in school are subject to disciplinary action.

3.        Students may use acceptable devices, (determined by Tinkham staff) before or after school or at lunch time ONLY. Provided that the device is used in an acceptable manner.

Prohibited Items

All items brought to school are subject to approval of the administration.  Items that are prohibited include but are not limited to: gambling devices: dice, playing cards, etc.; lighters, matches, laser pointers, shocking devices.

Hall Passes

Hall passes are, in general, discouraged.  Our program provides for a generous break schedule.  Students make choices with this time and must live with the consequences of each decision.  Each period students have an assigned classroom or area and are required to be in the immediate area of that assignment.  Only students who have hall passes are permitted in the hallways while classes are in session.  Students with a hall pass must travel the most direct route to and from the location authorized on the pass without disrupting any other classes or activities. This policy includes students wishing to use the Guidance office, restrooms or the main office.  Students who abuse the hall pass privilege will be subject to disciplinary action.

Student Code of Conduct

All students are expected to abide by all school rules and to respect the constituted authority of the school during school hours and at all school activities.  With open communication and cooperation between the school and parents, behavioral problems will be kept to a minimum.

Students are expected to review the Wayne-Westland Community Schools’ Student Code of Conduct.  This publication explains the rights and responsibilities of all students in the school.  A copy of the Code of Conduct is given to each student when they register.

Respect for All People

Students have the responsibility of showing respect for the rights and human dignity of all people.  Our program takes a strong stand against any harassment and has developed a specific policy to deal with any harassing activities.  Behaviors such as name-calling, bullying, hazing, ethnic slurs, harassment, belittling, sexual harassment or engaging in deliberate attempts to embarrass or harm another person will not be tolerated.  Students exhibiting these types of misbehavior will be counseled and may be suspended. Words or actions, that threaten to do injury or bodily harm, or to intimidate another person through fear for his/her safety, are subject to disciplinary action regardless of physical contact.

School/Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to show respect for themselves, other students, their teachers and their environment.

Negative, hostile, or vulgar/profane remarks and behaviors are not permitted, nor is any kind of class disruption acceptable.  Students that repeatedly offend, even after teacher intervention, are referred to the office.  Any student sent that receives an Office Referral may not return to class(es) until the student, teacher, and the director meet and agree upon a plan for success.  If necessary a parent may be required to come in to assist in this process.  (This procedure is known as “suspension pending parent conference”

Authorized/Unauthorized Areas – Closed Campus

Tinkham Alternative High School operates under a closed campus policy.

1.        Students are not allowed to leave the areas designated for Alternative High School at any time during the school day except for those conditions outlined in the sign-out policy

2.        Students must enter and exit through the main lobby doors only.

3.        Students may not enter the Adult Education wing for any reason.

4.        Students are not allowed to leave at lunch time unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

5.        Students may not be on campus during periods when they are not scheduled for school (e.g. work study students whose classes are over for the day or students that have dropped from class) without permission from an administrator.

Search and Seizure

School authorities may search a student, student lockers and desks under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Students’ lockers and desks are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school district; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers and desks.  Students should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school because school property is subject to search at any time by school officials.  Periodic general inspection of lockers and desks may be conducted by school authorities for any reason and at any time without notice, without student consent and without a search warrant.  A student’s failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action.  A student’s person and/or personal effect (e.g. purse, book bag, athletic bag, backpack) may be searched whenever a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.  If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings shall be turned over to the proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition.

Public Display of Affection

In the interest of a student’s right to a safe, unobtrusive educational environment, the administration discourages public displays of affection between students.  Any such public display or other undue physical familiarity will be subject to disciplinary action.

Distribution  and/or Posting of Materials

All materials printed or otherwise, must meet with the approval of the director prior to their distribution or posting.  Posting of materials or advertisements for a private enterprise is not permitted.  No postings should be placed on painted surfaces.

Telephone Calls/Messages

Office phones are not for general student use.  Students are only to request use of school phones for emergency purposes.  Messages of a personal nature will not be accepted.