• Southern Kern Unified School District

    Alternative Education

     

     

    Abraham Lincoln Independent Study

     WASC Accredited

     

    Student Handbook

          2020-2021

     

     

     Principal – Nino Torres

     

     

    2800 Rosamond Blvd.

    Rosamond, CA  93560

    (661)-256-5090

    FAX (661)-256-6868

     

    What is Independent Study?

     

    Abraham Lincoln Independent Study is a WASC accredited program designed to provide an individualized educational opportunity for students.  Independent study is an optional educational program alternative.  No pupil may be required to participate in independent study.

     

    When is Independent Study Considered?

     

    Independent study may be appropriate for students who:

    • Desire to learn in an alternative setting
    • Have a work schedule that prevents them from attending regular classes
    • Are re-entering school after a lengthy absence or habitual truancy
    • Are transferring from another school and would be at a serious disadvantage if placed in a regular classroom setting
    • Are unable to attend other classes for philosophical or religious reasons

     

    How do students enroll in Independent Study?

    • All admissions must be voluntary
    • Students can be referred due to a medical or family emergency
    • Students can be referred by a school administrator
    • Students can be referred by an administrative review panel
    • Students can be referred by a school attendance review board
    • Students can be referred by the Governing Board of Trustees

     

    What is the independent study contract?

     

    The independent study contract is the document that incorporates the required elements and serves as the authorization to substitute performance and study for student presence in a classroom for attendance purposes.  The contract must be signed and dated by the student, the student’s parent or legal guardian, a certificated teacher, and the school administrator.  The contract shall include but is not limited to:

    • The duration of the independent study agreement
    • The manner, frequency, time, and place of reporting progress
    • The title and statement of the major objectives of the course of study to be undertaken
    • The number of credits to be earned upon completion

     

    What are some basic concepts of independent study?

     

    • Students are provided with an effective vehicle for overcoming the limitations of a regular school program
    • Students are provided with the opportunity to expand basic knowledge of themselves
    • Students can go beyond the standard limits of the regular course materials and assignments
    • Students work in an environment that fosters creativity and independent thinking skills
    • Students are encouraged to reach their own conclusions after having explored a topic of personal interest
    • Students acquire practice in assessing and evaluating printed materials
    • Students learn to become producers as well as consumers of learning
    • Students develop individualized learning styles and approaches to learning
    • Students discover how to learn in their preferred style
    • Students can pursue advanced subjects at individualized rates of progress
    • Students can work one-on-one with the teacher for direct teaching, tutoring, and resource assistance
    • Students can satisfy all requirements for high school graduation and college entrance
    • Students can catch up on deficient credits through the independent study program

     

    Independent Study is NOT:

     

    • An easy way to graduate—Students must meet all district requirements to earn a high school diploma
    • A quick way to graduate—Students generally earn fewer credits than they would have if enrolled in full-time attendance at a regular high school
    • A way to avoid responsibility—Students who fail to meet the terms of the contract will not receive credits.  Assignments must be completed without delay and without daily assistance from a classroom teacher
    • A form of dropping out—State law requires that students must be enrolled in school until they earn a diploma or reach the age of 18

     

    How does independent study work?

     

    Weekly assignments—Independent study is conducted in compliance with the directives established by the state of California.  In a comprehensive high school, students must attend at least four hours per day to be considered as full time status.  In a five-day week, this equals 20 hours of attendance.  In independent study, hours of attendance are hours of contracted work competed.  Each full time independent study student is required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of assignments each week.

     

    Scheduled appointments—Students must attend a weekly scheduled appointment.  Teachers will try their best to schedule appointments for the convenience of the student, parents, and teacher.  Parent and students should schedule other appointments (doctor, dentist, etc.) around the independent study appointment.  Weekly appointment will last one hour.  During this hour, the teacher and student will check the student’s work and answer any questions.  Students will have the opportunity to review assigned work and test.  Assignments for the next week will be given. 

     

    Grades and credits—Letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) are generally assigned for work completed.   Incomplete or inadequate work will be given an (F) fail or an (I) incomplete.  The only two reasons students fail in the independent study program are refusal to do the work or refusal to come to the appointments.  It is the genuine desire of all staff members of Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School that each student learns and makes passing grades.  

     

    When high school students completes the work assigned for a semester, credits and grades are added to their transcripts.  Student contracts will show the units attempted and units completed for each semester.  Credits are based solely on the quality and quantity of work completed, not on the time spent at the appointments. 

     

    Books/Laptops—All books/laptops are loaned to the student and must be returned in the same condition they were received.  Students should not write in the books or on any papers unless clearly instructed to do so by the teacher.

     

    Promotion/Diplomas—Students in the 8th grade who complete all assignments are given a promotion certificate.  Students in the 12th grade who complete all required credits are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and awarded a diploma.

     

    Missed Appointments - If a student is unable to keep a scheduled appointment with the teacher due to an unforeseen emergency, the student must call 661-256-5090.  Students with ten (10) “Incompletes” will be dropped from the program and asked to return to traditional school.  Two missed appointments are considered grounds for dropping a student from independent study unless approved by the teacher.  Parent conferences will be required for a student that misses two appointments. 

     

    On Campus Violations - If a student is on a campus other than Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School without proper authorization or purpose, it is assumed that the student wishes to attend regular daily classes and may be removed from the independent study program.

     

    Transportation - Transportation to/from Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School is the responsibility of the parents/guardians.  The Kern County Regional Transit System may be able to assist parents with transportation.  Call them at (661)-862-8648.

     

    Visitors to Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School—Parents are welcome to attend the appointment with the student.  We request that visitors observe the need for space and quiet.

     

    Return to Traditional Schools—Students planning to return to traditional schools should file the “Request to Transfer” form with the school secretary three weeks prior to the end of a semester.  Students must have administrative approval to transfer.  High school students may only transfer 60 credits per semester.

     

    Graduation Requirements

    In order to graduate students must earn a minimum of 230 credits.

    Subject                                             Credits required

    State Required Health                                                                             5

    English                                                                                                40

    Physical Science                                                                                   10

    Biological Science                                                                                 10

    Fine Arts/For. Lang.                                                                              10

    Government                                                                                          5

    Economics                                                                                             5

    World History                                                                                       10

    U.S. History                                                                                         10

    Success/Geography                                                                                5

    Mathematics                                                                                         30

    PE                                                                                                         20

    Vocational                                                                                              10

    General Electives                                                                                    60

    Total                                                                                                  230

     

    Basic Rules of Conduct

    It is the school’s obligation to provide a safe and effective environment for the learning process.  Therefore, we require a standard of behavior from all students.·  Each student has the right to learn· Each teacher has the right to teach· Students, staff, and parents/guardians have the responsibility to support each other The following is acceptable behavior and expected of all students in the Southern Kern Unified School District:· Respect the dignity, welfare and materials goods of all· Accept direction and cooperate with the principal, teachers, and all other staff members.· Complete all assignments to the best of your ability.· Use acceptable behavior and language· Attend school regularly and be on time.·Come to school prepared to learn· Comply with all classroom and campus rules· Help keep the grounds and facilities clean and free of debris· Be a good citizen- Treat others, as you want to be treated·To comply with all the requirements of the district in regards to the Covid-19 safety measures. 

    Classroom BehaviorSchool district personnel are obligated to keep the school free from disruptive behavior.  Teachers will inform parents and students of academic and behavioral expectations for their classrooms.  1. Teachers will handle classroom misbehavior as stated in their classroom rules.  2. Teachers will counsel students about behavior and contact parents.  Parents shall be held responsible for the willful misbehavior of their children as indicated by Section 1714.1 of the Civil Code and Education Code 48904.3.      Teachers will refer students to the office if inappropriate behavior continues after the steps 1 & 2 have been completed. Teachers will post their individual classroom rules, which will include:  1. Expected student academic and social behavior.   2.  No food or drink (except a water bottle) will be allowed in the classrooms. When a student surpasses the teacher’s discipline system and/or violates a school rule(s), he/she will move to the school wide discipline system.  He/she will receive a referral.  The student will then meet with the Principal or designee concerning the rules violation.  The parent/guardian will be notified to become an active member to help solve the student’s behavior issue.    School Discipline Procedures    Abraham Lincoln discipline procedures will follow the Southern Kern Unified School District’s Code of Conduct, Student Dress Code, and Property/Electronic Device Guidelines.  The Southern Kern Unified School District Code of Conduct, Student Dress Code, and Property/Electronic Device Guidelines are attached for your review. 

     

    SOUTHERN KERN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

    STUDENT DRESS CODE

     

    Dressing for Success is the expectation for Southern Kern Unified School District students.  Our student dress code emphasized good grooming and appropriate dress.  Southern Kern focuses on learning.  Studies indicate Dressing for Success leads to improved grades and/or achievement. Students’ self-expression do not exceed the limits of good taste. 

     

    Students are expected to follow the dress code.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.  In the event the student cannot remove a piece of inappropriate clothing, the parent will be contacted to bring other clothes to school for their child.  The dress code will be enforced while the student is on any campus in our district, during field trips, and while at before/after school activities, including athletic events.

     

    General Guidelines

    Student dress shall not disrupt the educational process.  This includes student dress that is hostile to or constitutes a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of themselves or others. Clothing shall be recently laundered and mended as to resemble its original appearance.  Appropriate personal hygiene is expected of all students.  If conflict arises regarding appropriateness of student dress, site administration shall be the final decision maker.

     

    Students will not wear clothes or other articles that:

    • Are obscene, sexually explicit, or satanic
    • Suggest sexually related gestures, obscene and/or offensive gestures, pictures or wording
    • Promote violence, the use/abuse of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
    • Represent gangs, racist groups, and/or groups on campus not officially sanctioned by the school district
    • Are associated with youth gangs or adverse groups.
    • Pose a threat to the physical and/or emotional well-being and safety of the student or others on campus or at school sponsored activities.

     

    Hats and Headgear

    Only Southern Kern Unified School District school-sponsored headgear is allowed in grades K-12. Hats/visors must not have any extra writing on the outside or inside.  Students will not wear headgear inside Southern Kern buildings and/or during school sponsored activities.  Hats/visors, etc. are to be worn brim forward at all times.  Bandanas, wave caps, head/hair wraps are not allowed.  Only school-sponsored or colored beanies are allowed.

     

    Shirts and Blouses

    Clothing that is excessively revealing, tight, or loose is unacceptable. No low cut tops, tank tops, leotards, bodysuits, spandex, spaghetti straps, see through blouses, bare midriffs, strapless/tube tops or backless garments. All shoulder straps must be at least a 2-inch strap in width. Clothing should not provoke violence, the use/abuse of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol; contain sexually inappropriate images, offensive gestures, pictures, or wording. Undergarments should not show below, above, or through clothing. Only Rosamond community (youth sports, AYSO, etc.) or school sponsored jersey are allowed. Shirts and blouses must be long enough to cover the torso while standing or in the sitting position.

     

     

    Pants, Shorts, and Skirts

    Pants and shorts must fit at the waist, and should not be able to fall if the belt is removed or when the student walks or runs. No oversized or baggy pants or shorts are allowed. Pants and shorts must cover undergarments when sitting, standing, or bending. All pants, shorts, and skirts shall have evenly sewn hem, and be free of holes and cuts. Slits are allowed. Leggings may not be worn under jeans or shorts.

    See through, ripped, sheer leggings are not allowed. Belts must remain inside the pant loops at all times and the length must not hang down in the front of the pants. Hemlines and slits on dresses, skirts, and shorts above mid-thigh are unacceptable. Length cannot be shorter than the tip of the fingers when arms are placed straight at the sides of the body. Chains, cords, ropes and other items that could be used as weapons (including chained wallets) are not allowed.

     

    Footwear

    Shoes will be worn at all times and shall not be removed. Unsafe footwear or disruptive footwear may not be worn to school. This includes flip-flops, backless sandals, steel-toed combat boots, slippers, shoes with wheels, slides, etc. Tennis shoes are required for P.E. Sandals must have a strap on the heel.

     

     

     

     

    Accessories

    Hair must be of a natural color. Spiked hair, Mohawks, sprayed painted hair and unnatural hair coloring are not permissible at school. Ear lobes may be adorned with jewelry, provided they are not excessively long. If spikes or gages are worn, they are to be made of flexible plastic, and may not exceed ½ inch in length in the back or front of the ear. Earrings should not hang more than 1 inch from the bottom of the earlobe. Piercings such as nose, chins, eyebrows, lips, cheeks, earplugs and tongues are not permitted. Any body piercing that presents a safety issue or major distraction will not be allowed. Jewelry that is suggestive or promotes the use of controlled or illegal substances is not allowed.

     

    Additional Guidelines

    Graffiti on a student’s clothes, body, notebook, or school assignments is not permitted.  If assignments are turned in with gang-style writing or with graffiti on them, they may be returned to the student with no grade until they are completed with an appropriate style of writing. 

     

    The Southern Kern Unified School District and its schools reserve the right to update and revise the dress code as needed throughout the year to adapt to changing styles/fads or dress-related issues.  Prior notice will be provided prior to any changes.

     

    SOUTHERN KERN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

    PROPERTY/ELECTRONIC DEVICES REGULATIONS

     

    Student Property

    Backpacks, folders, purses etc., which display or are obscene (pictures/words), sexually suggestive or promote the use of an illegal activity (drugs, tobacco, alcohol, gangs) are not allowed at school.

     

    School Liability

    The Southern Kern Unified School District does not carry liability insurance for damage or vandalism to and loss of personal possessions that are brought to the school grounds.  This applies to vehicles and their contents.  This also applies to attendance at athletic events, school functions, and business during the school day.  The district provides reasonable security measures for school-related functions.

     

    Electronic Devices

    Use of electronic devices is not permitted at school (E.C. 48901).  Cell phone use in the classroom is not permitted. No device may be played aloud at any time on campus.  The 1st offense will cause the device to be confiscated and returned to student at the end of the school day; 2nd offense will be confiscation and return of device to parent only; 3rd offense will be confiscation, return of item to parent only and a parent conference will be scheduled. 

     

    Student possession of cellular phones and other electronic devices on school campuses, at school-sponsored activities, and while under the supervision and control of school district employees is permitted under the circumstances described below:

     

    Written parent/guardian permission must be on file in school office, giving student permission to carry the electronic device.

    Students may use these devices prior to entering campus and after school ends.

    These devices must be kept out of sight and turned off during the instructional program.  Students may not use electronic devices on the bus.  Unauthorized use of such devices disrupts the instructional program, distracts from the learning environment, and distracts from orderly behavior on the bus.  Therefore, unauthorized use is grounds for confiscation of the device by school officials, including classroom teachers.  Repeated unauthorized use of such devices will lead to disciplinary action.

     

     

     

    ABRAHAM LINCOLN INDEPENDENT STUDY SCHOOL

    Student Handbook

    2020-2021

     

    ***Please return this signed page to the Alternative Education office.

     

     

    We the parents/guardians of _____________________________, enrolled at Abraham Lincoln Independent Study School, have received and reviewed the Student handbook, including the District Code of Conduct, Student Dress Code and the Property/Electronic Devices regulations.

     

    We understand that written parent/guardian permission must be on file in the school office giving the student permission to carry an electronic signaling device.  We also understand that the electronic signaling device must be kept out of sight and turned off during the instructional program.

     

    Parent/guardian name: ________________________________________________

                                          Please Print

     

    Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________

     

     

     

    ***Please return this signed page to the Alternative Education office.

     

                               

     

     

     

    Permission Slip for Electronic Devices 2020-2021

     

    Student possession of cellular phones and electronic devices on school campuses, at school-sponsored activities, and while under the supervision and control of school district employees is permitted under the circumstances described below.

     

    • Written parent/guardian permission must be on file in the school office giving the student permission to carry the cell phone/electronic device.
    • Students may use these devices off school district property prior to entering and/or leaving campus.
    • Devices must be kept out of sight and turned off during the instructional program. Students may not use the devices while riding a district vehicle. 
    • Students who violate these rules may have the device confiscated. Repeated unauthorized use of such devices may lead to disciplinary action.

     

     

    My student, ___________________________________, has my permission to carry the following electronic device.

     

    Brand of cell phone: _________________________________________

     

    Phone number: _____________________________________________

     

    We have read and reviewed the rules and regulations and understand the consequences the student may incur for violating these rules.

     

     

    _____________________________            _________________________

    Parent/Guardian Name   (Print)                    Parent/Guardian Signature

     

    _____________________________             __________________________

    Parent email                                                 Date                    

     

     

     

    ***Please return this signed page to the Alternative Education office. (Rare Earth Office)