WELCOME TO YOUR INITIAL POINT
Philosophy:
Initial Point has been established to address the educational needs of students who have had difficulty in a traditional educational setting, who have been at-risk of dropping out or who have dropped out of high school and need to re-establish a successful educational program in an alternative setting. Initial Point’s educational environment provides a small, caring, individualized and nontraditional approach to assist students in meeting their educational goals. Students who are accepted into the program will have the opportunity to continue their education and apply their educational abilities to the fullest. To assist with their commitment, Initial Point has established a teaching staff with small caseloads that set high expectations for all students and hold them accountable to meet their educational goals.
Purpose:
Initial Point High School is a 10th – 12th grade program that is operated by the Kuna School District to provide an alternate form of education for students who meet the at-risk criteria set by the Idaho State Department of Education.
Initial Point is an alternate means by which a student can obtain their high school diploma and obtain the skills to prepare them for life after high school. The diploma granted through this program by the Kuna School Board is a 48 credit diploma for those students in all grades. Students will have to also meet all the graduation requirements set by the Idaho State Department of Education, which includes passing the ISAT test.
Eligibility:
In order to apply, a student must first meet the at-risk criteria listed below that has been established by the Idaho State Department of Education.
An at-risk youth is any youth who meets any three (3) of the following criteria A. through F., or any one (1) of criteria in G. through M.
a. Has repeated at least one (1) grade.
b. Has absenteeism that is greater than ten percent (10%) during the preceding emester.
c. Has an overall grade point average that is less than 1.5 (4.0 scale) prior to enrolling in an alternative secondary program.
d. Has failed one (1) or more academic subjects.
e. Is two (2) or more semester credits per year behind the rate required to graduate.
f. Is a limited English proficient student who has not been in a program more than three (3) years.
g. Has substance abuse behavior.
h. Is pregnant or a parent.
i. Is an emancipated youth.
j. Is a previous dropout.
k. Has serious personal, emotional, or medical problems.
l. Is a court or agency referral.
m. Upon recommendation of the school district as determined by locally developed criteria for disruptive student behavior.
Schedule and Course:
Classes will begin daily at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:35 p.m. with a lunch break from 11:00 – 11:30. Two ten-minute breaks are built into the day. Students are expected to use the restroom and fill up water bottles or get drinks during this time.
Students will be enrolled in three or four classes throughout the day with four, 9-week sessions throughout the school year, allowing students to earn 12 to 16 credits. Students are scheduled into classes that they need, and not all classes are offered each session. Depending on class offerings each session, students might only be enrolled in 3 classes. Elective options at Initial Point High School are limited.
Students may have the option to dual enroll in up to two classes at Kuna High School. Due to the class schedule at Initial Point, students may only enroll in classes offered block 1/5 and/or 4/8 and Kuna High School. A student must provide their own transportation to and from Kuna High School in order to dual enroll and they must also have teacher approval from the Kuna High teacher.
Academics:
Academic success is imperative for a student to feel as if they belong. At Initial Point we have put two policies in place for student success. First, Initial Point has a “Limited Homework” policy. This policy states that most work will be done in class, but we recognize there may be times when a student will need to complete something outside the classroom. Second, Initial Point has a Recovery Time built into the end of each school day. Recovery Time is to be utilized when a student has been absent or needs extra help.
At Initial Point, to build on personal and social responsibility, our expectation is that all work is turned in on the due date. There are no make-up periods or days built into our schedule.
Attendance
With classes meeting daily for only 9 weeks, regular attendance is essential for the student to be successful within the program, as well as, for the success of the program itself. Initial Point’s “Limited Homework” policy makes it extremely important for a student to be in class at all times.
A parent/guardian will need to contact the school on the day of the absence or a note must be brought in by the student upon returning to school. If a student or his/her parent/guardian does not contact the school with a telephone call or a written note, the student will be considered unexcused. Any work that takes place during an unexcused absence cannot be made up. For those students who do have excused absences, they are given 1 day for each day absent to make up their work.
Attendance Guidelines:
- After each absence, parents/guardian will be notified regarding the attendance concern.
- Upon the 4th absence in any class, confirmation will be made with the parent/guardian that the student has no more remaining absences.
- After the 5th absence, parent/guardian will be notified of a meeting to be held in which the parent/guardian and student must attend to review attendance with the student’s teachers and administration. A student may lose credit in that class for the session or may be required to attend Recovery Time.
- During the last week of the session, we strongly encourage students not to be absent from school. No work will be accepted beyond the last day of each session
Tardy Guidelines: A tardy is 1 – 10 minutes late to class
- If a student acquires 6 tardies in any class during a session, they will automatically ose credit in that class – even if they are earning a passing grade.
- If a student does lose credit in periods 2 and/or 3, it is the parent’s responsibility to pick them up from school during this time. There are no study halls available at Initial Point.
- Tardy Consequences:
- 1 - 3 tardies = 10 minutes of lunch lost
- 4 - 5 tardies = meeting with administration and full lunch detention.
- 6th tardy = loss of credit in class
Behavior Guidelines
Initial Point High School is a school of choice within the Kuna School District. Just as there are appropriate behavior expectations at all schools, Initial Point will also follow a consistent behavior policy. All inappropriate behaviors will be used by the staff to assist students in developing more appropriate behavior responses. Each staff member and teacher has the same behavior expectations for each student:
- Arrive to each class on time daily, with appropriate supplies and be ready to learn;
- Respect privacy, school and personal property and rights of others;
- Communicate in an appropriate way to each other and to any adults while on the grounds of Initial Point or while attending a school-sponsored activity;
- Be properly attired; and
- Conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
Due Process
At the occurrence of a behavior issue that cannot be addressed at the classroom level by the teacher, the Behavior Review Committee will meet with the student to assist them in becoming successful. The committee will be made up of the program administrator, the classroom teacher, the student and the parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.
Students need to be aware that behavior issues may result in the following outcomes determined by the committee:
- A positive behavioral plan established by the committee to be followed by the student.The student being dropped from the current session and credit(s) being lost.
- The student being dropped from the program completely and credit(s) being lost.
- The student being referred to the Director of Student Services for possible expulsion from the Kuna School District.
Inappropriate Language:
- Swearing, disruptive language, racial slurs, and disorderly conduct will result in the following consequences:
- 1st language issue = full lunch detention
- 2nd language issue = 2 full lunch detentions
- 3rd language issue= 2 days Out of School Suspension and automatic referral to the Behavior Review Committee.
Behavior:
The following list is not exhaustive, but addresses the behaviors that are considered severe and will result in an immediate Out of School Suspension and a meeting with the Behavior Review Committee that may result in dismissal from Initial Point High School for either a specified period of time, or for the remainder of the school year:
- Displays/Threats of anger or aggression toward any staff or the other students.
- Violence/Fighting.
- Action that jeopardizes the safety and/or health of any staff or students.
- Physical damage to the Initial Point’s facilities.
- Use or sale of illegal substances including tobacco, on or around any district facilities.
- Under the influence of and/or in possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco.
- Cheating/plagiarism.
- Sexual and other forms of harassment of staff or students.
- Use and/or Possession of Dangerous Items such as weapons, firearms, objects and substances
Other General Policies:
ID Cards
Students will be issued an ID card upon registration for free. An activity card is available for purchase for those students needing entry into school-sponsored student activities.
Backpacks
Since most work will be completed in class at Initial Point, students can carry backpacks or small bags to school for small items. There are no lockers in the school so any backpacks/bags/purses will have to be placed in a cubby that is found in each classroom.
Busing
Busing will be provided to and from school daily for those students who are not within walking distance. Students will ride their regular bus route and will be dropped off and picked up at Initial Point. Behavior expectations are the same on the bus as they are on school grounds – the bus is an extension of the school day. If parents/students need to know which bus they ride they can contact Transportation at: 922-1030.
It is important to remember, that when a student leaves campus at the end of the day, they cannot come back onto campus to catch the bus.
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices
Phones are readily available in the office if students need to contact anyone or if anyone needs to leave a message for the student.
Cell phones and any electronic devices must be turned off and placed within a bin in each classroom at the start of the class period. Students will then collect their phone and/or electronic device from the teacher at the end of the period. Refusal to place cell phone or other electronic devices in the bin will be considered insubordination and the student will be suspended.
Phones can be utilized outside the building during lunch and breaks.
Initial Point is not responsible for any lost cell phones or electronic devices.
Closed CampusInitial Point High School is a closed campus. Students may leave campus if being checked out by a parent/guardian or if they have an open period at the end of the school day. The only students who will be leaving campus during the school day without a parent/guardian will be those who are dual-enrolled in a class at KHS or who may be leaving for a job.
It is important to remember, that when a student leaves campus at the end of the day, they cannot come back onto campus to catch the bus.
Computer Usage
See District Policy on Computer and Network Service
Dress Code/Grooming
The staff and administration of Initial Point High School has the discretion to determine what is and what is not appropriate.
Students are expected to be properly attired while at school and attending school-sponsored activities. Proper attire means items that are conducive to learning and do not interrupt the educational process nor prevent any student from achieving his/her educational goals. Appropriate attire will take into account clothing, footwear and jewelry. Students are expected to wear their jeans/pants at an appropriate height so no underwear may be shown when at school. This includes when a student is sitting, standing or participating in activities.
- Students are expected to wear shirts that cover their stomach and back. Tank tops and spaghetti straps cannot be worn and brief garments that do not have an appropriate neckline are not allowed.
- If a violation occurs, the student will be asked to change/cover up. Failure to comply will be considered insubordination and a student will be suspended.
Again, it is the staff and administration of Initial Point High School has the discretion to determine what is and what is not appropriate.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use Policy
Please see Kuna School District Policy at the end of this document.
Harassment Policy
Please see Kuna School District Policy on Student Harassment at the end of this document.
Lockers
Lockers are not provided for students at Initial Point High School. Students are encouraged to only bring items they need during the school day. Cubbies are available in each classroom where students will need to store any items they bring during the school day.
Lunches
Hot lunch and breakfast will be available for students and staff at a reasonable cost through the Kuna School District Nutrition Services.
Medications
Students who need to take prescribed or other medications during the school day must bring it to the office in its original container. A consent form must be completed by the parent/guardian for medication to be given. Please see District Policy on Administering Medications.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences will take place October 5th and 6th as well as March 1st and 2nd. More information will be provided to students and parents as the dates draw nearer.
School Store
A school store will be available during the 10 minute breaks and after school for students to purchase small snack items.
Student Activities
Student activities are limited at Initial Point High School. Our students may however, take part in some of the extra-curricular activities that take place at KHS. Students who take part must adhere to the eligibility requirements set by the Idaho Activities Association.
School Dances
All dances must be approved by the school administration.
Student Driving
Students may drive to school and park in the main parking lot of Initial Point. Students must drive responsibly at all times. Irresponsible driving will result in loss of driving privileges onto campus. e ask that students part in actual parking spots that are marked in the parking lot.
Student Injuries
Even with the greatest precautions and the closest supervision, accidents can and do happen at school. Parents need to be aware of this and be prepared for possible medical expenses that may arise should their child be injured at school.
The Kuna School District does not provide a medical insurance to automatically pay for medical expenses when students are injured at school. This is the responsibility of the parents/guardians. The district does make student medical insurance available to families for their individual purchase.
*The administration of Initial Point reserves the right to make any handbook changes as deemed necessary*.