Mendocino Sunrise High School

Student Handbook

Established August 2007

Continuation education is an alternative to high school designed to accommodate students who must work to support themselves while furthering their education, and students whose needs require a flexible schedule. This booklet describes a program that may be appropriate for some youth.  The aim of this program is to improve attitudes, basic skills, and knowledge through individualized instruction.  For most students, the full time and varied program of the comprehensive high school provides the best learning opportunity.  For some, the continuation program provides a chance to make up credits, salvage partial credit when a semester has not been going well, work and study part time, prepare for the California High School Proficiency Examination, or just get a fresh start.


Instructional Staff:
    Gail Dickenson.…………………..………………..…..Principal
    Julie Brazill……………………………………….Head Teacher
    Doug Nunn.……………………...…………….… …….Teacher
    Elise Boyle....……………………..……………………..Teacher

THE SCHOOL SITE
Mendocino Sunrise High School serves the same area as Mendocino High School and is located on the same campus.

PHILOSOPHY
The staff at Mendocino Sunrise High School (MSHS) recognizes that each student comes to us with individual needs.  Every effort will be made to help each student meet his/her own needs and achieve a measure of success.  But each student must bear responsibility for achievement by being productive.  Progress is reflected through credit awarded for satisfactory performance.  Most of the subjects offered are “programmed”, self-directed materials, designed for students to proceed at a rate in relation to their capabilities.  Students compete only with themselves.  Consequently, the pressure of competition is removed. 

We believe that the school alone cannot provide the pupils with the necessary instruction, environment, and examples needed to achieve the desired level of development.  Thus, cooperation between pupils, parents, school, and community is needed to accomplish the goals that our students have chosen.

We hope that your enrollment at MSHS will prove to be a pleasant and rewarding experience and that you will be able to achieve your immediate and future goals.

THE MSHS PROGAM
Continuation education provides an alternative high school program for students.  Some of the many differences from the comprehensive high school are:

1. Smaller size class allows for more personal attention but limits the offerings. 
2. Individualized instruction allows each pupil to learn what is appropriate – in content, difficulty and method—but it does not provide for many group activities.
3. The half-day program allows pupils to schedule their mandatory class time, their work or work experience time, and their free time to suit their own needs.
4. Shared campus with Mendocino High School allows those who wish to choose up to three MHS or MCHS classes from the broad selection offered in addition to at least 15 hours per week in MSHS.
5. Using time productively allows pupils to work and earn credit as quickly as each can handle.

ALL OF THIS MEANS THAT CONTINUATION SCHOOL IS DIFFERENT AND…
•  Each pupil must assume responsibility for his/her own education.  The teachers are there to help, but the student must make choices and follow through.

•  Each student must be his/her own spark plug.  Students study by themselves, and teachers are there to help as needed.

• It is easy to let things slide, but wasted time earns no credit.  The atmosphere is relaxed, but productivity is emphasized.

The school emphasizes success and offers the student a new opportunity through and individually tailored approach to education.


THE FIVE C’S OF CONTINUATION EDUCATION
•  Caring for the individual

•  Choice of an individualized program

•  Chance for individual success

•  Commitment of the individual

•  Community support for individual success

STUDENTS HAVE:
•  Self-paced learning

• Continuous progress

• Open entry/open exit:  the classes start when the student enrolls and ends when the student completes the required work.

•  Flexible scheduling to meet work commitments

•  Productive learning time at appropriate tasks

•  Assignments at the learning level of the individual

•  An individual learning plan to meet the needs of students


ENROLLING IN MSHS
Each entering student (with parents present, if possible) will have an interview with the Principal of Mendocino Sunrise High School.  The purpose of this meeting is to determine the needs and desires of the pupil and parents and to decide how to fulfill these needs and achieve the desired goals.  We will also explain what type of behavior and attitude we will expect from the student.  Each parent or guardian will receive a copy of the student handbook.  A phone call or visit from any concerned parent regarding the handbook will be welcomed.

When entering MSHS, each student will receive a copy of the student handbook with a related worksheet, a math placement test, and will be required to write an essay.  The student will be aware of what MSHS has to offer work to achieve goals.

SOME BASIC RULES
In order to provide an environment conducive to learning and success, a few basic rules have been established for MSHS.  They are the following:

1. Obey the rules of Mendocino High School.  As guests of the MHS campus, we must conform to the wishes of our host.
2. Be productive. You are here to succeed!
3. Everyone has the right to learn, but nobody has the right to interfere with the right of others to learn!  Work towards your educational goals as quietly as possible.

MSHS Prohibits:
•  Possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco on campus.
•  Physical (fights) or verbal abuse of staff or students.
•  Insubordination (not doing what you are asked to do by school personnel).
•  Damage to student, staff, or school property.
•  Loitering on campus.  MSHS students are to be on campus only when scheduled for classes.


Consequences:
The failure of any student to comply with the above “basic rules” of MSHS will generally result in the following action:

1st offense—Warned by staff or principal
2nd offense—Letter home explaining problems and consequences
3rd offense—Parent meeting; schedule change; suspension or both


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
We cannot work with you or help if you are not in school.  You must attend consistently--a minimum of 15 hours per week, or the total number of hours that you agree to when you select a schedule.

We need a note or a phone call from your parents to verify an absence.  Parents – a quick phone call in the morning will certainly be appreciated!  (937-2956 or 937-5871) We are obliged to call home to check in regarding attendance. 

When a student must leave school early, it is necessary for him/her to get permission.  Parents – please phone or send a note in advance.  STUDENTS MUST NOT LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY WITHOUT PERMISSION!  Time missed, except for illness, must be made up to the 15 hour minimum per week.  Students enrolled in MHS classes in addition to their 15 hours at MSHS will adhere to the requirements of the instructors involved.  Excessive (five or more) unexcused absences will result in a schedule change or referral to the student attendance review board.  (SARB)

TARDIES
At Mendocino Sunrise High School there is a five-minute period between classes.  As with all classes on the MHS campus, MSHS students are expected to be in the classroom and ready to work when the class schedule requires.  There is no reason for a student to be tardy to class.

It is recognized that certain conditions may occasionally arise which might delay a student’s arrival time on campus.  When this happens, the student should have his/her parent verify the reason for the tardiness.

18-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS
Students who have reached the age of 18 are not required by law to attend school.  However, we welcome these students who want to fulfill their educational goals.  For these students, any infraction whatsoever of the basic rules or attendance requirements may be cause for dismissal.

TRANSPORTATION
The Mendocino Unified School District provides bus transportation for MSHS students via the regular MUSD bus schedule.

Students are not to be on campus at any time except when scheduled for classes!  Therefore, MSHS students attending a minimum (3 period) day beginning first period may ride the bus to school but will have to furnish their own transportation home. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Mendocino Unified School District has different graduation requirements for all of its high schools.  MSHS can meet the district graduation requirements through a varied and innovative approach to the regular courses of study.  The unit requirements for graduation vary according to school from which the student will graduate. All meet the high school graduation requirements for California and all Mendocino Unified High Schools have been awarded accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (WASC) Students and parents will learn more about specific differences at conferences throughout the year.


THE CLASS OF 2008 WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS THE CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM TO EARN A DIPLOMA.

CREDIT
A.  In courses completed in the comprehensive high school, a one period class yields five units of credit per semester.  Credits are granted in continuation classes in two ways:
1.  By completing packets of course work that range in credit value from 1 credit to 10.  For example when a student finishes a 5-unit packet in health, he/she receives the 5 credits.
2.  By completing 15 productive hours in selected subject area a student will earn 1 unit.  For example completing 15 hours in PE will result in one unit of earned credit.

B.  Twenty hours of approved work experience yields one unit of credit.  No more than 5 units of work experience may be earned in one semester. 

C. Students passing College of the Redwoods or other similar course work may be granted credit toward high school graduation.

D.  Depending on a student’s age and work status, an individual may select:
    1.  Fifteen hours of continuation classes.
2.  Fifteen hours of continuation classes plus MHS classes and/or ROP classes.
3. Five hours a week of classes with a minimum of ten hours of work with a work permit.

GRADING: Grades will be based on consistent attendance, productivity, participation, and overall quality of work. Students who strive to improve will be rewarded with better grades.

COMPUTER USAGE:  All MSHS students are required to sign a district Internet agreement contract.  Violation of the contract will result in the loss of computer privileges.  Computer use will be monitored.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE TO MHS FROM MSHS FOR INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS:
A student is eligible to return to MHS at the end of the semester directly following the semester of placement.  The student must also have met the terms of her/his academic and behavior contract and have a good attendance pattern. 

REMEMBER:
A productive hour means working toward achieving your goals. It also means that those around you have a reasonable atmosphere for their studies.

    “It’s okay to learn”
    “It’s okay to enjoy learning”
    “We are here to help you”   
    “We care about you”

IMPORTANT RULES TO REMEMBER;
1. Everyone has the right to learn, but nobody has the right to interfere with the right of others to learn!
2. “Solve your own problems so that they do not make problems for someone else.”
3. We need a call or a note from your parent or guardian when you are absent.  (937-2956/937-5871)
4. “You are not to be on campus at any time unless you are scheduled in classes at that time.”
5. Always check with an instructor before you leave the classroom.
6. Students are expected to be in class and ready for work during scheduled class time.
7. You must attend a minimum of 15 hours a week.
8. All students, whether walkers or drivers, please come on campus via Ford Street.  Drivers may park in student designated parking area.
9. Once student vehicles are parked and locked they are to be left alone until you are ready to leave campus when your class periods are over.
10. A student violating the driving and parking rules will lose his/her right to bring a car on campus.

SUMMARY
Please remember that the staff here at MSHS is here to help you achieve one of the following goals:
A. To return to MHS
B. To graduate from MSHS
C. To pass the CHSPE

There is a great deal of flexibility and freedom within a continuation program.  Students are encouraged to establish goals and to develop behavior patterns, which will enable them to reach their goals. Your commitment will determine your success.

The program at MSHS is designed so that the student can pursue his/her studies on an independent, self-directed basis.  Most young people are able to handle this responsibility adequately.  These students will find the program a comfortable environment in which to work toward their objectives.  Some students find it difficult to adjust to an organized program.  These students need to develop realistic insights into the consequences of their attitudes and behavior.

Regardless of what the school attempts to provide for some students, we cannot hope to succeed unless the student makes an effort to solve his/her own problems.  We feel that every student enrolled at Mendocino Sunrise High School can experience some measure of success if he/she is willing to accept the responsibility for his/her performance.

GOOD LUCK!
We are here to help you succeed!

 


 














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