Kodiak Virtual Academy
Student & Parent Handbook
2020-2021
Cascade High School Phone: 509-548-5277
10190 Chumstick Hwy. Fax: 509-548-7458
Leavenworth, WA 98826
Icicle River Middle School Phone: 509-548-4042
10195 Titus Rd. Fax: 509-548-6646
Leavenworth, WA 98826
WELCOME TO THE KODIAK VIRTUAL ACADEMY (KVA)
At KVA, we are a community of online learners! We serve students in grades 6-12 in a variety of models: many students take an additional course online to expand their schedule, while some students take the majority of their course work online to fulfill their individual educational needs. Our goal is to help students be successful in our APEX and BYU online courses!
MISSION, VISION AND COMMON COMMITMENTS MISSION
Our mission is to ensure high levels of learning for each of our students and prepare them for life and success after high school.
VISION
The Vision of Cascade High School is to maintain a vigorous and vibrant lifelong learning community, nationally recognized for promoting and achieving the highest level of academic, athletic and vocational preparation for all students.
STAFF COMMON COMMITMENTS
Building and supporting positive relationships-staff to staff and staff to students Modeling the integrity and work ethic we expect in our students
Being relentlessly positive in establishing high expectations Keeping students meaningfully engaged
NOTICE OF HANDBOOK UPDATES
WHILE POLICIES ARE ACCURATE AT THIS TIME OF PUBLICATION, NORMAL POLICY MAKING PROCEDURES ALLOW FOR CHANGES TO BE MADE AT ANY TIME. WHILE EVERY POLICY CANNOT BE LISTED, THE MOST UP-TO-DATE HANDBOOK WILL BE POSTED ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS Washington State Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) Rules
Our KVA program aligns with Washington State Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) rules. These ALE rules govern how students must perform in online courses. Students are required to maintain weekly contact and progress to remain in good standing. If a student has 20 days of no contact and progress, intervention and/or a drop from the student’s online course is required.
KVA Student Expectations
Participating in KVA is a privilege. KVA is an ideal environment for a motivated learner who seeks the independence of completing coursework that runs “parallel” with Cascade School District’s curriculum.
Trial Period – 10 school days
The KVA program is not an appropriate match for all students. Therefore, a 10 school day trial period is established each semester to assess a student’s ability and desire to complete KVA coursework. Students who meet our participation standards (contact and progress) during the 10-day trial period will be invited to continue with KVA.
Students who continue in KVA after the 10-day trial period will be fully vested in their courses of study. During the trial period, students who do not meet the contact and progress standards may withdraw from KVA without penalty. However, a student who withdraws or is dropped from an KVA course after the 10-day trial period and does not enroll in the same course at Cascade High School will receive a semester grade of “F.” Please note:
Students who withdraw from KVA courses cannot be guaranteed there will be room for placement in courses in Cascade High School.
Regular Progress
One of the advantages of KVA is that it allows for a flexible learning environment. Students may work on their assignments when and where they would like. At the same time, though, ALE rules require students to make
regular academic progress in their online courses. Student progress will be evaluated against progress benchmarks that are clearly defined in the course for each month.
• At a minimum, students must turn in at least one assignment per week to maintain a status of “Satisfactory monthly progress,” but will need to complete all work the instructor is asking for each week in order to complete the course on time.
• Students who do not meet progress and course pacing benchmarks may, at the discretion of KVA administration, be removed from the course within the 21-day trial period or placed on a more restrictive student “intervention plan” (also called a “Success Plan”) for their learning after the trial period.
• Any student not making progress at any point in the course for more than 21 days may be removed from the course at the discretion of SVL administration.
Academics Progress Reporting
Students and parent/guardians will receive a progress report regularly, based on benchmarks specific to the course.
If a student is behind in their course, increasing the amount of time/effort put into coursework and communicating with their advisor is recommended. Parents/guardians: has your email address changed? If so, please contact your student’s home school to update your email address in Skyward.
Academic Honesty
We demand the highest standards of achievement and excellence from our students. Optimal learning and rigor are the result of students developing and communicating their own thinking and findings in a disciplined community. The KVA community supports development of well-rounded students who personify trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, and good character. Cheating as defined by Cascade Public Schools Policy, but is not limited to, knowingly submitting the work of others represented as his/her own (i.e., copying from others, using information or technology not authorized by the teacher, asking someone for improper help on an assignment/exam, and/or gaining or providing unauthorized access to exam materials). Cheating also includes the aiding and abetting of cheating by others. Plagiarism as defined by, but is not limited to, the unauthorized use of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own. It is the students’ responsibility to clearly document the source of information used in work submitted as their own. The district will use reliable methods to verify that a student is doing his or her own work. These include, but are not limited to proctored examinations, proctored projects, in-person presentations, and real-time presentations using video conference technology.
State Assessments
Cascade Public Schools students are required to take state assessments. KVA students will take these tests at their home school during their school’s designated testing window. More information on assessments can be found at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website: www.k12.wa.us.
Microsoft Office 365 – Student Advantage Program
The full suite of Microsoft Office products is available to KVA students through the Microsoft Student Advantage Program. There is no cost to download and run the full versions of Office provided in the Student Advantage program.
The link is found at https://www.cascadesd.org/domain/747.
Technical Support
Our online Help Desk is available to students at all times. If you need technical assistance, please email [email protected].
General Information
Lack of Computer Access/Programs
Access to technology in order to be successful is a student’s responsibility. However, we understand that access and technical issues arise. If this happens to you, please communicate with your advisor.
Dropping a KVA Course
Students have a 10 school day trial period from their first day of enrollment to drop their course without penalty.
After 10 days, students may receive a grade on their transcripts. To begin the drop process, students should contact their counselor at their home school and request to drop their KVA course.
ACADEMIC PROCEDURES Academic Expectations
The staff of KVA and Cascade High School believes that success is possible for all students. Teaching is a cooperative process between teachers and students. Students can expect their teachers to provide quality instruction, respond to questions, and provide extra help when necessary. Students should come to class prepared, pay attention to the learning activities, and do their best to complete all assignments.
Student Exit Outcomes
Out of caring for our students, we believe all graduates should leave school as lifelong learners, with high self- esteem, care and concern for others, and the ability to use skills that contribute to a quality life. The alignment and intentional use of our core curricula are the vehicles by which students can achieve the following skills:
Graduation Requirements
The overall credits required for graduation from Cascade HS are 29 credits. In addition to the total credit requirement, there are 16 credits required within specific subject areas. With 90-minute classes, one credit is earned in a class that meets every day for a semester. The specific subject requirements are listed below:
English 4.0
Mathematics 3.0 Science 3.0
Social Studies 3.0
Fine Arts 2.0 CTE/Occupational
1.0 Health & Fitness 2.0
Graduating with Honors
The title of Valedictorian will be awarded to the graduating senior who achieves the highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the eighth semester of high school. All credits on the official high school transcript are used for calculating grade point average. In the case of a tie, two or more Valedictorians may be named. This honor provides recognition in the community, a reward for the student's hard work over a long period of time, possible scholarship recognition and the opportunity to give a speech at the graduation ceremony.
The title of Salutatorian will be awarded to the graduating senior who achieves the second highest cumulative grade point average at the end of the eighth semester of high school. All credits on the official high school transcript are used for calculating grade point average. In the case of a tie, two or more Salutatorians may be named. This honor provides recognition in the community, a reward for the student's hard work over a long period of time, possible scholarship recognition and the opportunity to give a speech at the graduation ceremony.
Minimum course requirements to be considered for these awards are: two years of college prep mathematics to include Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus; two years of college prep science to include Cornerstone Science courses; and two years of Cornerstone English courses. Additionally, Valedictorians and Salutatorians must have taken a full class schedule at Cascade High School in each of their eight semesters of attendance at CHS (four credits per semester). Graduates who do not meet the above requirements but have maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA will be recognized for their accomplishment.
All graduates who earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA during the eight semesters of high school will receive Honor Cords to be worn during graduation ceremony. Students who have been on the Honor Roll, 3.0 GPA or above, during every semester of high school will also be recognized with a Torch Award.
Student Recognition
Cascade students are recognized by staff for quality academic performance in several ways. Each month the staff selects students to receive Student of the Month awards. Hard work and dedication to academics, enthusiasm for school activities, and a caring and supportive attitude are traits that staff use when recognizing students of the month. Certificates of Academic Merit will be presented at the end of each semester. The faculty members establish the criteria and present the awards to the outstanding students in each of their classes.
Grading Procedures
Each APEX teacher will provide students with a syllabus which includes grading criteria. Final grades are issued at the end of each semester and are posted on the student's transcript. Quarter grades are issued to all students to provide a midpoint grade check. However, they are not posted to transcripts. Student Progress can be accessed through the on-line Student Management system. Progress reports will be sent home either through email or with the students, bi-weekly. Only semester report cards will be mailed home.
Grade Point Averages
Each student's grade point average is calculated using the following scale and weighted according to the number of credits attempted:
A 4.00
A- 3.67 B+ 3.33
B 3.00
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00 F 0.00
Students with Individual Education Plans or Section 504 Plans
If allegations are made that a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan has been the target of harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school will convene the student’s IEP or Section 504 team to determine whether the incident had an impact on the student’s ability to receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). The meeting will occur regardless of whether the harassment, intimidation or bullying issues such as the student’s academic performance, behavioral issues, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. If a determination is made that the student is not receiving a FAPE as a result of the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident, the district will provide all necessary additional services and supports as deemed necessary, such as counseling, monitoring and/or reevaluation or revision of the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan, to ensure the student receives a FAPE.
Student Records
Transcripts of each student are kept and filed indefinitely. Student records contain grades, test scores, and attendance information. Students and parents or guardians of students less than 18 may request to see their own school records. Records cannot be released to anyone else outside of the school without written consent of the parent or of the student if he or she is 18-years-old or has graduated.
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
It shall be the policy of the Cascade School District to encourage student conduct that will promote good health, reasonable standards of behavior, effective citizenship and a positive atmosphere for learning. Students on high school grounds or in places under school jurisdiction are expected to abide by the rules which are established to achieve these objectives.
Admission to the schools of the Cascade School District carries the presumption that the student will conduct himself/herself as a responsible member of the school community. This includes the expectation that the student will obey the law, adhere to the policies of the school district, and comply with the rules and regulations
implementing these policies. In addition, the student is expected to safeguard the property of the school and to respect the rights and privileges of others in the school community.
In accordance with his or her level of maturity, each student is expected to accept responsibility for his or her own conduct. In order to accomplish the educational purpose of Cascade School District and establish an effective school environment, the Board has approved a set of rules covering students’ rights and responsibilities. When
violations of the laws of the United States and the state of Washington and/or its subdivisions are also involved, the school may refer such matters to parents, legal guardians, or appropriated civil authorities.
Student Records
Policies and procedures regulating the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information contained in the student files are set forth in another document. These provide, in part, that only attendance data, grades earned in courses taken, and other information contained on the permanent record card (transcript) will be maintained after the student leaves the school, and that student information is disseminated to non-school persons, agencies, or institutions only with student permission.
Student Directory Information
Personally- identifiable records or files about an individual student will not be released without written parental consent. However, the district may release photographs of students for public information purposes, and/or lists of students belonging to a group such as graduating seniors. Upon written request by a parent, such information will not be released.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Students will be required to provide a medically verified immunization record for entry to KVA. Students who have not received all immunizations may enter school once they have all immunizations they are due for and may remain in school until the next dose becomes due. Medically verified records include: a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) printed from the Immunization Information System; a physical copy of the CIS form with a healthcare provider signature; a physical copy of the CIS with accompanying medical immunization records from a healthcare provider verified and signed by school staff; or a CIS printed from MyIR.
The Washington State legislature passed a law removing the personal exemption for the MMR vaccine. This was in response to the increase in measles cases throughout the country and Washington State. It left in place the religious and medical exemption. Please consult your health care provider if you think your child needs a medical exemption for MMR or a personal exemption for other vaccines and bring the signed Certificate of Exemption form to the school office.
State law also allows parents/guardians to claim religious exemption without a healthcare provider signature if they demonstrate membership in a religious body that does not believe in medical treatment. Ask the school office for this form or go to https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/SchoolandChildCare
Washington State law requires that students enrolled in grades PreK-grade 12 be either:
• Fully immunized; or
• Have a signed exemption form on file.
You can get a copy of your child’s vaccination records (if your child has a health care provider in Washington State) at wa.myir.net or you can ask your doctor’s office for a copy.
Tdap
All students entering 7th through 12th grade must have one booster dose of Tdap.
Meningococcal & HPV Diseases
As of July 2005, schools are required to provide meningococcal and HPV vaccine information to parents of students in grades 6– 12. The following is for your information to discuss with your health care provider to decide if you want to provide these vaccines for your child. These particular vaccines are NOT required for school attendance.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood caused by bacteria.
Fortunately, this life-threatening infection is rare — only about 75 people are infected each year in Washington.
Adolescents and young adults are most likely to get meningococcal disease, especially those living in group settings
such as college dorms. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if this vaccine is right for your child. Some ways to prevent the spread of meningococcal disease are:
• Practice good hygiene (regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, etc.)
• Do not share items that might spread meningococcal disease and other bacteria and viruses, such as eating utensils, glasses, cups, water bottles, drinks, lip gloss or toothbrushes. Signs of the disease are high fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. As the disease progresses, seizures may occur.
The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for:
• All children at their routine preadolescent visit (11 to 12 years of age);
• Or at high school entry; and
• College freshmen living in dorms.
Website resources:
• Washington State Department of Health Immunization Program:
www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/diseasesandvaccines/meningocca vaccine
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/visstatements/mening.html NONDISCRIMINATION/TITLE IX
Cascade School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX and Civil Rights
Coordinator, Elia Ala’ilima-Daley at 509-548-5277, [email protected], Cascade High School, 10190 Chumstick Hwy. Leavenworth, WA 98826, or Special Education Director and Section 504 /ADA Coordinator, Brett Johnson at 509-548-4042, [email protected], Icicle River Middle School, 10195 Titus Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826 You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view it online here:
https://www.cascadesd.org/cms/lib/WA01919371/Centricity/domain/50/procedure/3000/3210P.pdf SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual Harassment
Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:
• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
• The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.
Examples of Sexual Harassment:
• Pressuring a person for sexual favors
• Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
• Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
• Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
• Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
• Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault
You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Officer, who is listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view it online here:
https://www.cascadesd.org/cms/lib/WA01919371/Centricity/domain/50/policy/3000/3205.pdf Complaint Options
If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.
Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.
Complaint to the School District Step 1. Write Out Your Complaint
In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.
Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint
Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time -period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.
Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this
determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time-period.
Appeal to the School District
If a complainant disagrees with the superintendent’s or designee’s written decision, the complainant may appeal the decision to the district board of directors by filing a written notice of appeal with the secretary of the board within ten (10) calendar days following the date upon which the complainant received the response.
The board shall schedule a hearing to commence by the twentieth (20th) calendar day following the filing of the written notice of appeal, unless otherwise agreed to by the complainant and the superintendent or for good cause.
Both parties shall be allowed to present such witnesses and testimony as the board deems relevant and material.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the complainant, the board will render a written decision with thirty (30) calendar days following the filing of the notice of appeal and provide the complainant with a copy of the decision. The decision of the board will be provided in a language the complainant can understand, which may require language assistance for complainants with limited English proficiency in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The decision will include notice of the complainant’s right to appeal to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and will identify where and to whom the appeal must be filed. The district will send a copy of the appeal decision to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
Complaint to OSPI
If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint
process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.
You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you received the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:
Email: [email protected] ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967
Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200
For more information, visit www.k12.wa.us/Equity/Complaints.aspx, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Other Discrimination Complaint Options
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ [email protected] ǀ www.ed.gov/ocr Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ www.hum.wa.gov
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education record within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.
• Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel);
a person serving on the School Board ; a person or company whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent of a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends
to forward records on request.]
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Cascade School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605
MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL STAFF/STUDENT BOUNDARIES
Policy and procedure 5253 (Maintaining Professional Staff/Student Boundaries) provides all staff, students, volunteers and community members with information about their role in protecting children from inappropriate conduct by adults. The policy and procedure applies to all district staff and volunteers. The interactions and relationships between district staff and students should be based upon mutual respect, trust and commitment to the professional boundaries between staff and students in and outside of the educational setting, and consistent with the educational mission of the district. For a complete read of the policy and procedure (5253), please see https://www.cascadesd.org/Page/288.
