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The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women Student & Family Handbook 1

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

Student and Family Handbook

2014-2015

“Transforming Baltimore...One Young Woman at a Time”

128 W. Franklin Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Baltimore City Public School System School #348

Phone: 4436422048 Email: [email protected] Website: www.blsyw.org Twitter:@BLSYWgirls Facebook: BLSYW Instagram:BLSYWgirls

http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blsyw.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEfAAz9r9UOdCqFaCxkhGVQ34C6OA


Neither this handbook nor any part of it should be construed as a contract itself. This handbook is not intended to be comprehensive and is advisory only to guide students and parents of The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW). The school reserves the right to make changes or exception to statements in this handbook. Final interpretation of all school rules and regulations is left to the principal of the school.




BLSYW STUDENTS ARE FULL OF BLSYW P.R.I.D.E. DEEP INSIDE! BLSYW Chant

Who are We? We are the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women!

Where are We Headed?

We are a College Bound Community of Leaders!

Why are We Here? We are here to Learn. We are here to Lead.

We are here to Transform Baltimore...One Young Woman at a Time!

BLSYW Pledge Professionalism Always be Punctual Come to School in Proper Uniform Be Present & Prepared to Learn Respect Value Yourself Take Ownership of the BLSYW Community Positively Impact Society at Large Integrity Always Exhibit Academic Honesty Take Responsibility for Your Actions Evaluate Your Choices, Learn from Your Mistakes Diligence Persevere Through Challenges Work Urgently Toward Your Goals Face each day with New Effort and a Fresh Start Enthusiasm Support the Growth of the BLSYW Community Positive Attitude = Positive Actions Celebrate Our Successes




Letter from Our Founder Dear BLSYW Community, I am excited to welcome a new class of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW) who will join our returning BLSYW Students for another year of learning, academic success, leadership, and sisterhood. One of my greatest joys is seeing your daughters’ faces and being able to say “thank you” to YOU our parents and guardians for sending them to the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. Every day, BLSYW provides rigorous curriculum and unique enrichment opportunities that empower our young women to achieve outstanding results. Our goal and expectations are very clear and specific college readiness! We have purposefully designed and woven college readiness into every aspect of our educational program so that we prepare our students for both college acceptance AND success in college once enrolled. I am also extremely grateful to our community partners for their constant support and continued encouragement in helping to build an amazing school for girls in Baltimore City. We count on ALL of you and your invaluable participation to help our girls, every step of the way! I founded the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women to encourage young girls to believe in themselves and to believe in their ability to make a difference for good in our world. With the help, support and guidance of great teachers, dedicated staff, parental guidance, and the encouragement and support of the community, I believe that girls are capable of anything they put their minds to! Serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees of this esteemed school since BLSYW’s inception has been a unique and wonderful experience. BLSYW has made tremendous leaps and bounds in the Baltimore school community. Collectively, we are proud of the work our teachers, administration and community partners have achieved as we invest in this city’s greatest treasures our students! It is empowering to all of us to watch our students grow and thrive as scholars, sisters, individuals and humanitarians. We still have much to accomplish; however, with your help we WILL succeed. In 2016, we will have our FIRST graduating class and our school will be complete from grades 6 through 12. We all look forward to that day with much anticipation and excitement! Hard work on everyone’s part is helping our students at BLSYW become our city’s future doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, thought leaders, and more. A great education will yield great success! That is my expectation for ALL of our BLSYW Young Women who are changing Baltimore and the world…one young woman at a time. With BLSYW Pride Deep Inside, Brenda Brown Rever

Founder and Board Chair




THE FOUNDATION for BLSYW

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women is a charter school. Charter schools are public schools

with the freedom to offer innovative programs and curricula within the Baltimore City Public School

System. The Foundation for BLSYW operates the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

and supports the school in meeting its mission.

The Foundation enhances the BLSYW educational experience by developing programs and

partnerships like Destination: College, S.T.E.M.: Girls Only!, and Legacy of Leadership to enrich our

students both in school and after school. Through special events like Cool Women Hot Jobs and the

(Em)Power Breakfast the Foundation engages the community in supporting our school with their gifts

of time, talent and treasure. In addition to this programmatic support the Foundation is responsible for

managing the financial and facility operations of the school.

The Foundation Board of Directors are the guardians of our mission to prepare young women for

success in college and in life. The Board establishes annual goals for the school and ensures that the

school has the resources it needs to achieve those goals. The Board monitors the success of the school

in fulfilling its mission. The Board assures that the school operates in compliance with its charter and

other applicable laws and accepts accountability for both the financial stability and financial future of the

school. The Board’s primary focus is longrange and strategic. The Board assesses the schools

progress in achieving educational goals and other outcomes delineated in the charter contract. The

Board and BLSYW administration work in partnership to fulfill these goals.




THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brenda Brown Rever, Founder and Chair

Kevin Anderson, University of Maryland

Robert Brennen, Miles & Stockbridge

Ezra Field, Roark Capital Group

Louise Goodman, Philanthropist

Phoebe Haddon, Rutgers – Camden

Carl Hayden, Enoch Pratt Library

Barbara Himmelrich, Community Activist

Carla Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University

Hon. Steny Hoyer, US House of Representatives

C. Godfrey Jacobs, Healthcare Consultant

Linda Jones, Gallagher, Evelius & Jones LLP

Mark Joseph, Shelter Foundation

William “Brit” Kirwan, University System of Maryland

Spencer Levy, CB Richard Ellis – Capital Markets

Margo Lion, White House Council on the Arts

Amanda Lipitz, Amanda Lipitz Productions

Maria Miller, Shelter Group

Kay Rand, Northrop Grumman

Whitney Ransome, Garrison Forrest School

Phil Rever, Education Consultant

Alison Richman, Social Worker

Gerald Richman, Gerald Richman, PA

Robert Schaefer, FranceMerrick Foundation – Retired

Gail Shawe, St. Paul’s School for Girls – Retired

Ann Tisch, Young Women’s Leadership Network




Letter from Our Principal

Dear Students and Families, Welcome to BLSYW, a learning community where college preparatory education, leadership and sisterhood are our priorities! BLSYW students wear their uniforms proudly to school every day, arrive on time and are ready to work hard, engage in courteous interactions and focus on their futures by putting their best efforts into classes, teams, service learning and clubs. When you chose BLSYW you chose to take full advantage of the tremendous academic, programmatic and social opportunities offered here. You also chose to share in a common commitment to make our BLSYW community a positive and respectful environment in which to learn, work and volunteer and to visit. This handbook serves as a guide through the BLSYW expectations, policies and procedures in support of that endeavor. Thank you for taking the time to read through it carefully. I look forward to an excellent school year with BLSYW pride, deep inside! Brenda L. Hamm Principal




BLSYW Middle and Upper School

2014-2015

Administration

Brenda Hamm Principal Heather Skopak Assistant Principal

Ateira Griffin Dean of Students Latease Lashley Director of Admissions & Parent Engagement

Paula Dofat Director of College Counseling Natica Losee Registrar

Guidance/ Special Services

Nicole Campbell School Social Worker Vicki Fabiyi Guidance Counselor Foundation for BLSYW

Brenda Brown Rever Founder and Board Chair Maureen Colburn Executive Director

Laura Green Dean of Advancement Loucia Hamilton Development Coordinator

Grade Level Leads Middle School Stephanie Shrake 6th Grade

Hillary Stanmyer 7th Grade Dana Collins 8th Grade

Upper School Shardae Shipman 9th Grade Kevin Cournoyer 10th Grade Kelley Butler 11th Grade

Department Chairs Emelie Card Spanish Caroline Cook Art Calesha Douglas History Erin Frye Science Joel Neft English Elisa No Mathematics

Jaime True Special Education




Table of Contents

BLSYW Chant BLSYW Pledge Letter from Our Founder THE FOUNDATION for BLSYW Letter from Our Principal BLSYW Middle and Upper School 20142015

Administration Guidance/ Special Services Foundation for BLSYW Grade Level Leads Department Chairs

Table of Contents School and Business Hours 20142015 BLSYW SCHOOL DAY at a GLANCE Daily Attendance, Lateness, & Dismissal Late Arrival and Early Departure from School Absence ADVISORY

Mission & Purpose Advisory Cycle

Middle School Upper School

Advisory Components AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE ACTIVITIES


Student Council Class Officers *Upper School Only* Behavioral Expectations Dress Code

General Dress Code Expectations for All Students Footwear Middle School (grades 6 8) Uniform Upper School (grades 9 12) Uniform CASS Identification Badges:




Hall Passes Food

Outside Food Advisory Food Special Occasion Celebration

Technology Cell Phones

Appropriate Cell Phone Use Schoolwide Consequences for Inappropriate Use of a Cell Phone Laptops, Tablets, EReaders

Plagiarism Harassment, Bullying, Intimidation UPPER SCHOOL SPECIFIC POLICIES

Bags/Book bags Technology Cellphones Laptops, Tablets, EReaders

Disciplinary Consequences Middle School Disciplinary Consequences

Leadership in Action (LIA) Points Culture Vulture (CV) Points

Middle School Consequences and Rewards System Detention Saturday Detention

Upper School Disciplinary Consequences Appeals UPPER SCHOOL SPECIFIC REWARDS

Freshman BLSYW Pride Thursdays: Upper School Professional Wednesdays

Grade Level Specific Traditions Grades

BLSYW Grading Policy Baltimore City Public Schools Grading & Reporting Policy

BLSYW Family & Community Engagement BLSYW Parent Volunteer Organization: Family & Community Engagement Activities Parent/Guardian Model Family & Community Engagement Commitment:

BLSYW Student and Family Receipt of Handbook Acknowledgement Form




BALTIMORE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN

School and Business Hours 20142015

School Hours

ARRIVAL TIME DISMISSAL TIME 8:10 a.m. Doors Open for Students 3:30 p.m. MS Students 8:30 a.m. 1st Period Advisory 3:30 p.m. US Students BUSINESS HOURS MAIN OFFICE OPENS MAIN OFFICE CLOSES

8:00 A.M. 4:30 P.M.

BLSYW SCHOOL DAY at a GLANCE

Schedule Middle School Upper School

Doors Open 8:10 a.m. 8:10 a.m.

Morning Preparation/ Lockers 8:108:25 a.m. 8:108:25 a.m.

Breakfast 8:308:45 a.m. 8:108:25 a.m.

Advisory 8:308:45 a.m. 8:308:55 a.m.

Instructional Day Begins (First Period)

8:50 a.m. 9:00 a.m.

Instructional Day Ends (Last Period)

3:20 p.m. 3:25 p.m.

Afternoon Advisory (Middle School Only)

3:203:30 p.m. 3:253:30 a.m.

Daily Attendance, Lateness, & Dismissal All BLSYW students are enrolled in our college preparatory academic program and are expected to attend school daily, arrive ontime and depart school at the conclusion of all academic day.




All students are expected to be present when the first school bell rings by 8:30 a.m. The 3:30 p.m. bell indicates the conclusion of the last class of the day and teachers are available to students for academic assistance until 3:35 p.m.

Late Arrival and Early Departure from School All students must report to the main office upon entering the building and swipe their ID card to track their attendance. Student arriving after 8:30 a.m. are considered late. Students arriving late are issued a pass that she will hand to the teacher upon entering the classroom (not sure if this is what you want to say?) that is required by the teacher to enter the classroom.

BLSYW Early Departure Policy At Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW), student safety is our top priority. Our school day runs from 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. unless otherwise indicated on the BCPSS or BLSYW calendar. As such, we are responsible for students upon their arrival to school until their departure from school. We recognize that there are times when a parent or guardian must remove his or her daughter (perhaps here it should say ‘student’) from classes (school?) before the end of the school day for a doctor's appointment or an equally necessary engagement. The school policy with regard to a student departing before the end of the school day from BLSYW is described below. A Middle School student (6th, 7th & 8th grader) may only be released from school prior to 3:30p.m. in one of the following two ways:

1. Into the custody of her parent or guardian who enters the building, speaks with BLSYW personnel at the front desk, and signs the appropriate student signout sheet.

2. Into the custody of an adult, 21 years of age or older, who is required to have picture identification and a written note signed by the student's parent or guardian saying the student should be dismissed into his or her care. The note must also include the phone number of the parent or guardian who signed it so that the school can call and speak with the parent to verify prior to releasing the student.

An Upper School student (9th, 10th & 11th grader) may be released from school prior to 3:30p.m. in one of the following two ways:

1. Into the custody of her parent or guardian who enters the building, speaks with someone at the front desk, and signs the student out.

2. With a written note signed by the student's parent or guardian saying the student should be dismissed. The note must include the phone number of the parent or guardian who signed it so that the school can call and speak with the parent prior to releasing the student. The note must include the specific time the student should be released, and the reason for the early departure. In such a case, the student is not to return to school for the remainder of the day.




Thank you for your support in working with us to ensure the safety of our 500 plus students. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Griffin, Dean of Students.

Absence Policy Maryland state law requires regular school attendance of children between five and sixteen years of age. However, an exception is made if the child is otherwise receiving regular, home instruction during the school year with age appropriate studies usually taught to children in public schools. The state defines a “lawful absence” as follows. Absence from school will be considered lawful under the following conditions if the school is notified in writing of the reason for the absence: Death in the immediate family Illness of the student (a parent or guardian will need to present a physician’s written certification of the illness of any student who is continually absent due to illness) Court summons (must be for the student) Observance of a religious holiday State emergency Hazardous weather conditions (as defined by Baltimore City Schools) Approved work or other activity sponsored by the school (approval must be given by the principal prior to the activity) Suspension Lack of authorized transportation (as defined by Baltimore City Schools) Other emergency or set of circumstances as determined by the Chief Education Officer or a designee An “unlawful absence” is any absence that is not denoted under “lawful absence.” Chronic absence is when a student misses 20 or more days of school for any reason, lawful or unlawful. A truant is a student who is absent without lawful cause for a portion of or an entire school day and a habitual truant is a student who is unlawfully absent from school for a number of days or portions of days exceeding 20% of the school days within any marking period, semester or year. A student’s parent or guardian is responsible for submitting documentation to BLSYW that explains a lawful absence or a lawful lateness. This required documentation needs to include the date(s) of and




reason for the lawful absence or lateness, and the authentic signature of a parent or guardian. Documentation from a physician or official agency is also acceptable. BLSYW will work with in partnership with families to ensure all lawfully absent students receive their missed work, however it is the parent and students responsibility to collect and submit all work upon returning to school. Parents may contact teachers via email for information about their students missing work. Students should meet with teachers to receive work covered during their absence.

ADVISORY

Mission & Purpose The mission of BLSYW advisory is to support every student in the successful completion of the core academic program and advocate for them throughout the year. As students work with their advisors over the school year and the subsequent years, they will become selfadvocates, critical thinkers, goaldriven learners, and leaders in and out of the BLSYW community. Advisory Cycle

Middle School 6th grade students will begin to fully engage in the BLSYW practices and culture with advisors who are specifically focused on the transition from elementary to middle school. 7th8th grade students will learn to fully engage in BLSYW practices and culture to grow and develop key middle school skills while continuing in the same advisory for two years.

Upper School 9thgrade students will learn to navigate and engage with the BLSYW Upper School through 9thgrade Summer Bridge, Peer Group Connection with 11thGrade Peer Leaders, and specific service learning activities. 10th12th grade students continue to develop and engage with the BLSYW Upper School advisory under the guidance and encouragement of their advisor. Advisory Components Students are expected to report to advisory on time every day. Attendance and punctuality are essential to a student and advisor’s success in the program. Advisory is a time when students create small communities to receive support, advice, and guidance from their peers and advisor. Students will also receive pertinent community information, materials, and opportunities including but not limited to:

1) Assistance with communicating their academic concerns to instructors 2) Student council voting, class officer selection and grade level activity information 3) Tutoring and peer mentoring assistance




4) School announcements, school information and Spasses

The advisory components are noted below:

Middle School Components Upper School Components

Healthy Students Initiative (Neft underlined this)

Students are given a healthy breakfast every morning

All students benefit from a healthy start to the day while learning good eating habits

Healthy Students Initiative (Neft underlined this)

Students are given a healthy breakfast every morning

All students benefit from a healthy start to the day while learning good eating habits

Academic Reflection (Neft underlined this)

Goal Setting Self Assessments Student Led Conference (we can find a

way to put ‘spring in maybe StudentLedConferences in the Spring?)

Academic Reflection (Neft underlined this)

Goal Setting Self Assessments Spring Exhibition of Learning

Checkins Daily Agenda Checks Student/Advisory Temperature Check

Checkins Student/ Advisory Temperature Checks Current Events/ BLSYW Community

Discussion

Academic Interventions and Support (Neftadded and support)

Academic Support & Tutoring/Mentoring Parent Communication Student Support Suggestions

Academic Interventions (and Support) Academic Support & Tutoring/Mentoring Parent Communication Student Support Suggestions

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE After school activities begin Monday of the fifth week of school. After school programs are held from 3:304:30p.m. At the conclusion of after school programs, students are dismissed and must swipe their ID card when exiting the building. Each student participating in afterschool programs are required to




have prearranged transportation. If the student must wait for parent pickup, and the parent is late (arriving after 4:45 p.m.), she will be escorted to the Enoch Pratt Library on Cathedral Street. However, if the student is picked up late three times in one semester, she will no longer be permitted to participate in after school activities for the remainder of that semester. It is essential to the safety and success of our students that the student’s parent/guardian pick her up at the appropriate time. The after school activities fair will take place on Thursday of the second week of school at 3:30 p.m. and during the Middle and Upper School Back to School Nights. In order to participate in after school activities, students must be in good academic social standing in the BLSYW community as measured by grades and reports from the Dean of Students.

ACTIVITIES


Choir Choir

Band Band

EAGER* LLOB Step Team

NIA on Purpose* Basketball

CheerLeading Leading Ladies

Basketball Volleyball

Public Speaking Soccer

FBLA Crew

Cross Country Public Speaking

Water Robotics Recycling

Emerging Young Leaders Track and Field

Girl Scouts Robotics

Student Ambassadors Yearbook

Charm Student Ambassadors

Junior National Honor Society (JNHS)** Mock Trial

BLAST at BLSYW GSA




Peer Group Connection (PGC)** National Honor Society (NHS)**

*Students are recommended by staff for this program **Students are selected based on application Students interested in proposing an after school club/activity must identify a faculty advisor and submit a typed proposal to the Dean of Students for review.

Student Council BLSYW values each and every student’s individual voice. Students wishing to contribute positively to to the BLSYW community are encouraged to join the student council. Students can campaign for a student council position and are appointed by their peers and BLSYW faculty recommendation. In order to be considered for a position in the student council, one must campaign, be selected by peers and be recommended by a faculty member.

Class Officers *Upper School Only* Upper School students have the opportunity to elect class officers to oversee the process of planning class specific activities under the advisement of the Grade Level lead.

Behavioral Expectations BLSYW expects every student to behave honestly,respectfully, and responsibly at all times; and as a member of the school community, to contribute positively to the social and academic culture of the school community. Baltimore City Schools concurs with these expectations as identified in the BCPS Code of Conduct (http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/domain/6492) which states that every student should contribute to a positive learning environment by embracing the following principles: 1. I respect others and myself. I am kind and courteous. 2. I demonstrate positive verbal and nonverbal communication and positive behavior. 3. I am responsible for my behavior and its consequences. 4. I come to school on time, focused and prepared to work. 5. I demonstrate behaviors that promote a clean, safe and civil learning environment. 6. I respect school property and the property of others.




7. I present myself in appropriate and orderly fashion at all times and in all settings, and I demonstrate personal honor and integrity at all times.

Anti-Violence and Cyber/Social Media Violence Policy

Fighting

Fighting is unacceptable for any reason at BLSYW and will not be tolerated. A fight is defined as a

physical altercation occurring between 2 or more students. The physical nature of a fight could include

but is not limited to hitting, punching, slapping, poking, grabbing, pulling, tripping, kicking, and pinching.

Any student who engages in such actions as defined above will be receive disciplinary action in line with

the Baltimore City Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and the BLSYW policies and procedures.

This may include but is not limited to:

Inschool suspension,

Short term out of school suspension,

Long term out of school suspension

Recommendation for Extended suspension

Possible expulsion

Judicial Proceedings

Along with these disciplinary actions students and parents will attend a student reinstatement meeting

where the terms of the BLSYW Behavioral Contract and Memorandum of Understanding will be

reviewed and signed. In addition, the students will be banned from all school related activities and

extracurricular activities for one quarter, after which their participation will be reviewed by the Dean of

Students for reconsideration.

Fighting - Recording a Fight

The act of recording/videoing a fight between other students is not permitted. If a student is caught

recording a fight with their cell phones, then the following disciplinary procedures will be adhered too:


http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fteaching.about.com%2Fod%2Fadmin%2Ff%2FEmbrace-Cell-Phones-Or-Ban-Them.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGwR2WXIMG3h-NaHziCdMDb2amj2w



The phone will be confiscated until the end of the current school year at which time it will be returned to

the student’s parents upon their request.

Harassment, Bullying, Intimidation Baltimore City Public Schools defines bullying, harassment or intimidation as any verbal, physical or written conduct or an intentional electronic communication that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a student’s physical or psychological wellbeing. It may be motivated by an actual or a perceived personal characteristic including race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attribute, socioeconomic status, familial status, physical disability or mental disability. Bullying, harassment and intimidation can appear in many forms including physical, cyber, relational and verbal which are exemplified below. “Physical,” can refer to such negative behaviors as hitting, kicking, pinching, punching, scratching, spitting at someone else or damaging or taking another’s belongings. “Cyber,” means via communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including but not limited to text messages, instant messages, cell phones, social networking websites (ie Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and email. “Relational,” can come in the form of spreading derogatory information about a peer or an adult, manipulating a peer or an adult with the intention of causing harm, purposefully excluding a peer from social interactions or social groups and creating, spreading, or condoning by silence, malicious rumors. “Verbal,” can include such behaviors as name calling, making racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, teasing and using sexually suggestive or profane language. Should cyber harassment, bullying or intimidation occur on school property, with the use of school technology or during a school sponsored trip, or while off campus but the behavior interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school sponsored activity or event, consequences from the school will be administered. As with all types of harassment, bullying and intimidation, cyber bullying is not necessarily without school repercussions and response even if it occurs off of school property or with personal technology.


http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fteaching.about.com%2Fod%2FParentalInvolvement%2Fa%2FTips-For-Parents.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3KR-4xgpfq1At8gfFB05YSrAzgg



Dress Code BLSYW has identified a school uniform that is both unique and empowering for our young leaders in progress. The BLSYW school colors of orange and purple, which are prevalent in the BLSYW uniform, are vibrant and stand out in the community—just as we expect our young leaders to do. For this reason, every student is accountable for wearing her uniform with poise, confidence, dignity, and pride. BLSYW students are expected to be in school uniform every day, throughout the school day, and prior to entering the school building.

General Dress Code Expectations for All Students: All shirts are to be tucked in and buttoned to the top two buttons Undergarments should not be visible through an outer layer Cardigans are not to be tied around the waist Skirts are not to be rolled at the waste and must touch the top of the student’s patella Slacks are to be loose fitting and may not be rolled up at the bottom Laces, straps and buckles on shoes must be tied and/or fastened Head coverings including, but not restricted to, scarves, hats, bandanas, hoods and “do rags” are prohibited with the only exception to the head covering rule being those items worn out of religious observance Jewelry should be modest and limited to small earrings (no larger than a quarter), a single necklace and/or ring (Multiple rings, necklaces, large earrings, and pins are prohibited) Hair accessories are to be simple, professional, and not a distraction; they must be in school colors (purple, orange, grey, black, white). Scarves are prohibited

Footwear All students must wear solid gray kneehigh socks or tights, and close toed, safe, and comfortable shoes of their choice. Middle school students may not wear shoes with heels.

Middle School (grades 6 - 8)

Uniform Purple Polo Shirt or White Oxford Shirt, with BLSYW logo Purple Sweater Vest, with BLSYW logo Gray Cardigan, with BLSYW logo BLSYW Black and White Plaid Kilt Gray Slacks Gray Knee High Socks




A middle school student may wear a white oxford shirt that does not have the school logo only when wearing the school vest, cardigan or BLSYW blazer over it.

Upper School (grades 9 - 12)

Uniform Purple or Orange Polo Shirt, with BLSYW logo Gray or Purple Cardigan, with BLSYW logo White Oxford Shirt, with BLSYW logo BLSYW Gray or Plaid Kilt Gray Slacks Gray Knee High Socks An upper school student may wear a white oxford shirt that does not have the school logo only when wearing the school cardigan over it. UpperSchool Students may also wear the BLSYW purple hoodie. Gym Uniform for 9th Grade Students ONLY Students taking gym must wear the following: Tops: Students must wear the gray shortsleeved BLSYW gym shirt All other shirts are in violation of the school dress code. Bottoms: Students may wear either the purple BLSYW gym shorts with the embroidered BLSYW logo or the purple BLSYW sweat pants with the embroidered BLSYW logo. All other pants or sweatpants are in violation of the school dress code. Any student who has been provided with a BLSYW blazer, beret, or tie (orange, grey or purple) are permitted to wear these items.

CASS Identification Badges: Students must wear their photo identification badges attached to a lanyard around the neck at all times. Students who are not wearing their identification badges are considered to be in violation of the school dress code. All students must swipe their IDs upon entering the school building and again when leaving the school building at dismissal time. Other access points that require student ID swiping are: Lunch Assemblies




School Games School Dances School Performances School Meetings Schoolrelated activities **Failure to wear or properly swipe IDs will result in disciplinary action**

Hall Passes Middle School All students’ hall passes are to be recorded in their studentagenda book. This is for any and all movement outside of the given classroom time including bathroom usage, late arrival to class, nurse visits, called to main office, referrals to the dean of students, referrals to support personnel, and water fountain usage. Any student movement in the hallway without her agenda hall pass is an infraction and consequences will be issued as outlined. Upper School All Upper School students should have the permission of the teacher and a designated hall pass for leaving any classroom at any time.This is for any and all movement outside of the given classroom time such as bathroom, late to class, nurse, called to main office, sent to Dean of Students, water fountain. Any student movement in the hallway without her hall pass is an infraction and consequences will be issued accordingly. Elevator Students are prohibited from using the elevator at all times. Students with physical limitations or those experiencing a temporary injury must provide medical documentation to the school nurse to receive an elevator pass. Elevator passes are for the sole use of the student in possession of the pass. **Students failing to cooperate with the elevator usage policy are considered to be in violation of the school conduct policy.

Food

Outside Food Open containers of either food and/or drink are not permitted once inside the building. Open containers include but are not limited to, styrofoam containers, unsealed beverages, and fastfood bags. Students who choose to bring their own lunch and/or snacks must pack these items in a book bag or lunch bag




and take them straight to their locker upon arrival to school. Students may access these items only during lunch. Students who who violate the food policy with items, including candy and chips, anywhere in the building besides the 3rd floor lunch hour are considered to be in violation of the school conduct policy. Accordingly, any student with with food items at any time, other than during her respective lunch period, is in violation of the school conduct policy.

Advisory Food Students may not purchase food for or bring food to advisory. Advisors may decide to purchase food for their advisory group at their discretion. Food provided by advisors during advisory may only be eaten in the advisory classroom. On such occasions, students may not circulate food outside of the advisory. At the conclusion of advisory, all food, waste, and and food wrappers must be discarded in a specially designated trash bin and are NOT to be placed in the classroom trash bin. Students may not walk around the building with food distributed by an advisor. Students caught bringing food out of the advisory are considered to be in violation of the schoolfood policy.

Special Occasion Celebration Students may not bring food to celebrate special occasions during the school day. Students wishing to celebrate personal events such as birthdays or good news, must receive approval from the Dean of Students. All specialoccasion celebrations must take place after dismissal. As stated, food for special occasions, must be properly secured in a student’s locker and must meet all of the requirements as listed above.

Technology

Cell Phones

Appropriate Cell Phone Use When a student must contact a parent or guardian upon entering the building to indicate her safe arrival at school keeping the phone turned off and out of sight at all times during the school day (8:10 a.m. 3:25 p.m. When a student, in the presence of a teacher or administrator, has been given permission or required to call a parent or guardian Upper School students are permitted to use cell phones during advisory and lunch time and only in those two designated areas. All other use is considered an infraction and subject to disciplinary action.




School-wide Consequences for Inappropriate Use of a Cell Phone A phone that is displayed without permission or heard during the school day will result in an automatic detention for owner of the phone. The Dean of Students maintains the right to confiscate a student’s phone. For safety reasons, if a student feels the need to contact a parent or guardian during the school day, she must see her a school administrator to do so. As the safety and security of our students is a top priority, it is essential that the BLSYW administration remains the first line of communication, allowing for an immediate response to a situation. The cellphone policy ensures appropriate, coordinated responses to any and all incidents that may occur our community. It is imperative that while students are entrusted to us that we be the first line of communication so that we can respond to a situation immediately and appropriately ensuring the health and well being of our community.

Laptops, Tablets, E-Readers Students are discouraged from bringing technological devices of this nature into the building as they are of a high value. Students wishing to use such devices for academic purposes must have the permission of a teacher or documentation of an accommodation requirement. Devices should NOT be visible at any time in the hallway as they are to be used for academic purposes only.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is the act of claiming the work, opinions or writings of someone else as your own. It is an act of dishonesty and in violation of school rules and expectations. In addition to disciplinary consequences, a student will lose partial to all credit for that work. All written work that includes ideas, information, or phrases borrowed from others must be appropriately cited.Unless otherwise directed, students are expected to complete their homework assignments on their own. If a student is having difficulty with an assignment at home and needs support from a parent or guardian, then the parent or guardian should make a note on the work indicating where support was needed. This will communicate to the student’s teacher that there is a need to address the topic further with the student at school.




UPPER SCHOOL SPECIFIC POLICIES

Bags/Book bags Any bag that is large enough to carry a school notebook must be mesh or seethrough. Students are permitted to carry mesh or fully transparent bags and book bags throughout the school day. Bags and book bags that are not fully transparent must be placed in the student’s locker before advisory and remain in the locker until dismissal. Book bags and Bags are part of the school dress code policy and will be enforced with the same consequences. Students choosing to defy this rule are in violation of the school dress code policy. Students who refuse to place any nontransparent bags and book bags in their lockers may, at a minimum, have their respective bags or book bags searched by an administrator.

Technology Students are permitted to access certain, approved technological devices at appropriate times during the school day. BLSYW absolves itself from all responsibility concerning lost or stolen technological devices. Students are responsible for securing these devices in their lockers should they make the choice to bring it into the building. Additionally, it is also not the responsibility of teachers, administrators, and/or BLSYW staff to keep technological devices secure during the school day. It is the responsibility of the students to read and comprehend the acceptable and unacceptable usage policies. Students may not use any technological devices to harass, bully, instigate, intimidate, or promote hate speech. Students who violate the school technology policies may have their privileges revoked for the semester or school year, in addition to earning other appropriate consequences. A word of caution: Students found in possession of media content that is unlawful, such as inappropriate pictures of themselves or other students, are eligible to receive the highest possible administrative consequence. This would include whether or not a student herself took the inappropriate picture and/or perpetuated the picture’s existence by forwarding it to others. Final decision on the appropriateness of technological device usage rests with the administrative team.

Cell Phones Students are permitted to use cellphones ONLY during advisory, in the advisory classroom and at lunch on the 3rd floor. All cell phone usage is restricted to the acceptable use policy below. Cell phones are not permitted at any other time or on any other floor. Advisors reserve the right to disallow cell phones




during advisory. Cell phone usage during advisory and at lunch time is considered a privilege not a necessity or right. Acceptable cell phone usage: Students may have access to their cell phones during advisory and lunch. Students may listen to music, read books/articles, text message, email, use social media, and browse schoolappropriate websites. Students are permitted to listen to music with headphones or earbuds. The volume must remain at a level that is not disruptive and not distracting. Unacceptable cell phone usage: Students may not engage in behavior that instigates or incites fighting (physical, verbal, or otherwise) via social media or text communications. Students may not make use of any video capabilities possessed by the technological device. Students may not film themselves, other students, teachers, school staff. Students may not take pictures of themselves, other students, teachers, staff, or any visitor to the school. Students may not video chat with anyone—this includes but is not limited to family members during the school day. Students may not record audio of themselves, other students, teachers, or school staff. Students may not send photos of any kind to people within the school building or to people—including but not limited to family members outside the school building during the day. Students in violation of the school cell phone usage policy, may at a minimum, have their cell phone confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. The gravity of the cell phone violation will ultimately be evaluated by the dean of students with consequences ranging from cell phone confiscation to suspension, and in the most serious cases, expulsion.

Laptops, Tablets, E-Readers Students are discouraged from bringing technological devices of this nature into the building as they are of a high value. Nonetheless, students are permitted to access these items during advisory in the advisory classroom and during lunch on the 3rd floor. Students wishing to use such devices for academic purposes must have the permission of a teacher. Devices should NOT be visible at any time in the hallway.

Disciplinary Consequences

Middle School Disciplinary Consequences Leadership in Action (LIA) and Culture Vulture (CV) Points In the middle school, BLSYW utilizes a point system as part of the discipline process to identify negative and encourage positive behaviors. LIA and CV points earned by a student are recorded, by the adult administering the point, in an electronic folder and in the student’s planner. At least twice weekly, advisors will share with students the accumulation of points as they exist in the electronic folder.




Leadership in Action (LIA) Points LIA points are earned in three ways: 1. by demonstrating service to self, sister, school, or society 2. by demonstrating the BLSYW P.R.I.D.E. quality of the month, such as respect or integrity 3. by going above and beyond expectations for an assignment, such as completing an additional ungraded work to share with the teacher or class or by turning in an assignment before its due date

Culture Vulture (CV) Points CV points are earned for inappropriate behaviors including when a student: Is late to class without a written excuse Disrupts learning in or out of the classroom Engages in horseplay in the hallways between classes Uses inappropriate language Is rude or disrespectful to an adult or classmate Has food of any kind, gum or a drink in class Does not completely meet dress code Is willfully disobedient Dozes off or is inattentive during class Is dishonest

Middle School Consequences and Rewards System Most behavioral issues that occur in the classroom fall into the category of Tier 1 issues, meaning that they are resolved by the teacher in the classroom. Middle School Tier 1 (Classroom) Consequences




Detention Detention is a time for a student to: Reflect on the behavioral choices she has made Consider the impact her behavior had on herself, her classmates, her teacher(s) and her parent(s) or guardian(s) Consider better choices she could have made Create strategies for how best to handle similar situations in the future and with which her advisor, classmates, teachers or parent(s) or guardian(s) can help her make better decisions When earning a detention a student will: Receive notification the day of the violation and returned signed notification within 24hrs Make appropriate transportation arrangements and serve detention within 24hrs of receiving notice Arrive during their lunch period or at 3:35 to the classroom where detention is being held. Arriving late to or missing detention is serious and will result in the issuing of a Saturday Detention.

Saturday Detention Saturday Detention is issued when a student has reached a tierfour consequences, skipped a lunch or Friday detention, or committed an offense that warrants a Saturday detention. When earning a Saturday detention, a student will: Receive notification the day of the violation and returned signed notification within 24hrs Make appropriate transportation arrangements and serve detention at the next occurring Saturday Detention Arrive by 9:00 a.m. to the classroom where detention is being held. Arriving late to or missing detention is serious and will result in the issuing of another Saturday Detention. Missing two assigned Saturday Detentions will result in an automatic parent conference and an InSchool Suspension.

Upper School Disciplinary Consequences In an effort to maintain a positive school culture and support leadership development among our students, the afterschool detention program helps to hold students accountable to themselves and the community. It is the student’s responsibility to report to the detention ontime and to comport herself accordingly. Should a student disagree with a rendered consequence, she has the right to enter in to the appeals process. This applies to Level 2 and Level 3 consequences only. Please see the “appeals” section of this handbook.




Failure to report: Students that fail to report to their scheduled detention are considered to be in violation of the detention policy, and as a result, are unable to participate in any extracurricular activities, social gatherings and reward trips until the detention has been served. Students that fail to report to their scheduled detention on at least three consecutive occasions are considered to be in violation of the detention policy. Such students lose all access to their Upperschool privileges, the ability to participate in extracurricular activities, social gatherings and reward trips. Lastly, students may earn an inschool suspension. Frequent and Consistent Violations: Students earning at least three Level 2 detentions for the same offense per semester are required to attend a parent conference in which an administrator and the student’s parent/guardian will be present. At this conference, those present may discuss possible interventions and render additional consequences. Excessive Violations: Students that earn five or more Level 2 detentions lose access to all Upper School privileges and become unable to participate in extracurricular activities, social gatherings and reward trips for the remainder of the semester.




Appeals

An appeal is a petition brought about by a student to change a decision rendered about a behavioral matter. The process outlined in this handbook is not for appeals for academic matters. Initiating and completing the appeal process does not guarantee that the original decision will be overturned. All appeals are evaluated by a team of Upper School team leads and the Dean of Students. Students may appeal detentions and/or suspensions.

Applications can be obtained from the Dean of Students.

Detention Should a student earn an administrative detention that she feels is unfounded, she may initiate the appeals process immediately and submit the completed documents to the appropriate person within three school days AFTER serving the detention. Appeals submitted after 4pm on the third school day following the served detention are considered late and denied automatically. Late or incomplete appeals may not be resubmitted for review for any reason, no exceptions. An appeal that is approved results in the removal of the detention from the student’s personal file.

Suspension Should a student earn an inschool or outofschool suspension that either she, or her parent/guardian, feels is unfounded, she may initiate the appeals process immediately and submit the completed documents to the appropriate person within 5 school days of serving the suspension. Appeals submitted after 4pm on the fifth school day following the suspension will be considered late and denied automatically. Late or incomplete appeals may not be resubmitted for review for any reason, no exceptions. An appeal that is approved results in the expunging of the suspension from the students’ personal file and school records.

Results of the appeals process will be communicated to students within twofour weeks of its receipt.

UPPER SCHOOL SPECIFIC REWARDS

Freshman BLSYW Pride Thursdays: One Thursday a month, freshman are permitted to dressout of uniform to show their BLSYW Pride. On BLSYW Pride Thursdays, students may wear a shirt that is representative of the theme or color outlined by the ninthgrade team lead. Occasionally, the dressout day attire will allow for blue jeans. As always, appropriate footwear, i.e. shoes with a closed toe and heel, are required. Students are not required to dressout on Freshman BLSYW Pride Thursday. Any student opting out of Freshman Thursdays must attend school in full BLSYW Uniform. Student who deviate from the previously selected dressout themes are considered to be in violation of the school dress code. Additionally, blue jeans must be in good condition, with no rips/tears. Students with outstanding administrative consequences may not participate in BLSYW Pride Thursdays.




Upper School Professional Wednesdays Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 are permitted to dressout in their most professional attire on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. Students may wear blouses, skirts, slacks as well as any clothing that is respectful and professional. All skirts must be knee length. Students are not required to dressout for Professional Wednesdays. Any student opting out of Professional Wednesday must attend school in full BLSYW Uniform Student who deviate from the previously selected dressout themes are considered to be in violation of the school dress code. Additionally, blue jeans must be in good repair, with no rips/tears. Students with outstanding administrative consequences may not participate in BLSYW Pride Wednesdays.

Grade Level Specific Traditions

Grade Traditions

6th Campl LIA NorthBay Tye Dye PRIDE Days Spirit of Service Week Student Lead Conference (SLC)

7th NorthBay BLSYW PRIDE Days SLC Spirit of Service Week End of Year Sisterhood Experience

8th College Tour Spirit of Service Week I Choose BLSYW!! Leading Ladies Brunch 8th Grade SemiFormal 8th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony LIA ARP/SLC 8th Grade End of Year Trip

9th Summer Bridge PGC Echo Hill Service Learning Excursions




College Trip BLSYW is so FRESH Thursdays Homecoming Powder Puff Football Game

10th BLSYW PRIDE Wednesdays Homecoming Powder Puff Footbal Game College Trip Sophomore Ball

11th Ring Ceremony Ring Dance Homecoming Powder Puff Football Game BLSYW PRIDE Wednesdays Junior Prom Destination College

Grades

BLSYW Grading Policy At BLSYW, we use a point system such that each type of graded assignment has an assigned point value. Occasionally, a certain assignment may be doubled to accurately reflect the size and the scope of the work. The assigned points values for each of the assignment types are listed below.

Tests & Quizzes – 40% Homework – 20%

Class work and Participation – 20% Projects/Essays – 20%

Each quarter, a student’s grade as a percentage is calculated by taking the total number of points she has earned and dividing that total by the number of points available to earn. Percentages are rounded mathematically. (ie 85.5 becomes an 86% and an 85.4 becomes an 85%) A passing grade for BLSYW is 70% or better. (Please note that this differs from the Baltimore City Schools passing grade of 60% or better.) Students falling below 70% in any quarter will have an Academic Warning Notice sent to her parent(s) and/or guardian(s), and the school may request a conference with the parent(s) or guardian(s) to address the student’s needs for success.

Baltimore City Public Schools Grading & Reporting Policy




Purpose The Board is committed to maintaining rigorous performance and achievement standards for all students and to providing a fair process for evaluating and reporting student progress that is understandable to students and their parents and relevant for instructional purposes. Definitions 1. Grade Grades represent a student’s performance based on course of study expectations. Grades reflect how a student performs in the classroom and on assignments and tasks. 2. Grade Point Average (GPA) The numerical representation of a grade measuring a student’s overall performance across courses taken for a specific period of time. 3. Marking period A segment of the school year during which instruction is delivered, student progress is monitored and grades are given. 4. Report card A document that records the student’s grades, attendance, and other information. Policy Standards 1. It is the belief of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (Board) and Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) that all kids can and must learn, that every member of the City Schools community is responsible for student outcomes, that our work at the district is to empower not mandate, and that families and communities are essential partners to students’ success. In Baltimore, schools are empowered to make decisions for their students because school leaders, teachers, and the school community know best what students need to succeed. At the same time, we are one school district, committed to high standards and the provision of a rigorous and engaging education for every student. Therefore, the Board’s Grading and Reporting policy is rooted in its belief in autonomy bounded by common standards that guide excellence. 2. The Grading and Reporting policy outlines City Schools’ philosophy towards grading. It is grounded in instructional best practices and is a guideline for fair and consistent grading. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will also issue an administrative regulation on Grading and Reporting which will provide greater specificity for schools. Schools are responsible for reviewing the district level policy and




administrative regulation and developing their own school based grading practices that fit within the district framework. Implementation Strategies Evaluating Student Achievement In order to provide students with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills, teachers will evaluate students using a variety of assignment types and assessment tools. Schools will determine the components that make up a grade, and may assign a weight or range to the various components. Teachers in secondary grades will develop a written syllabus for each course to be distributed on the first day of class. Recording and Reporting Grades Grades will be recorded for each subject. Teachers will grade students’ assignments which may include class work, homework, and assessments, as well as their participation in the classroom. Teachers may use letters, numbers, or other symbols on individual tasks and/or assessments to indicate what a student knows and can do. Timely upkeep of grades is important to inform the progress of students for teachers, parents and students. Teachers will record grades using the online grade book program used throughout City Schools and will update grades at a minimum of twice per month. The grades will be available online to students and parents. Interim progress reports will be sent out at the midpoint of each marking period. These reports will provide students and parents with information on the student’s achievement and progress on course of study expectations to that point. Parents and students will receive notification of grades via report cards which are issued upon the conclusion of the marking period. Effort must be made to provide translated versions and assistance to help nonEnglish proficient parents understand the report cards. School based Grading Practices Each school is required to develop its own grading practices. School based grading practices must be implemented within the City Schools’ framework set forth by the administrative regulation on Grading and Reporting issued by the CEO’s office. Schools will review the district wide policy and administrative regulation and develop further procedures or requirements to enable their students to




succeed. The district office encourages schools to have consistent grading practices within each academic department including how the various components of a grade will be weighted. In developing its own grading practice, schools must follow these guidelines: 1. Schools may have more rigorous requirements than the district; however, the district administrative regulation is to be upheld as the minimum standard. 2. Schools must post their grading practice on their website. 3. Schools have the opportunity to make changes to their practice once per academic year and must update the online version. 4. Schools must align with the district’s calculation of students’ GPAs. 5. Secondary schools must align with the district wide formula for calculating final grades. 6. The CEO/designee retains the authority to review and require any changes s/he deems necessary to any school based grading practice. Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners The Board and City Schools are committed to providing equal opportunity to all students, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners. The CEO, through the Grading and Reporting administrative regulation and guidance documents shall issue requirements for grading and reporting that may be necessary for students with disabilities and English Language Learners in compliance with federal and state statutes, rules and regulations.




BLSYW Family & Community Engagement

BLSYW takes an integrated learning approach towards family and community engagement for each student. The BLSYW Family and Community Engagement component creates integrated activity and communication avenues for all BLSYW families to actively engage and communicate with school administrators, teachers and community members in a productive manner.

A prominent avenue of communication for families is the BLSYW Parent Volunteer Organization. The BLSYW Parent Volunteer Organization will afford parents/guardians a means to express concerns, weighin on important topics pertaining to student success, engage in family events and host fundraising drives for student activities. BLSYW recognizes parents as full partners in the decisions that affect students and understand that parents/guardians play an integral role in promoting student learning at home. The ongoing goal of the BLSYW Parent Volunteer Organization is to build strong working relationships between parents, teachers and school in support of the students.

Additionally, community engagement is important for effective integrated student learning. BLSYW will continuously seek community resources to enhance the school, BLSYW families and student learning. BLSYW will seek partnerships with community based organizations that support opportunities for students and enhance their skills for transformative citizenship.

It is BLSYW’s continued commitment to create and foster positive relationships with the families served and to create unique opportunities to engage with community members at large.

BLSYW Parent Volunteer Organization: Family & Community Engagement Activities

All BLSYW families will be sent a Family & Community Engagement Interest Survey at the beginning of the fall semester to obtain data pertaining to specific activities of interest. This data will be analyzed and appropriately incorporated into the below projected Family & Community Engagement Activity Calendar events for the 20142015 school year. 1. BLSYW Mother & Daughter Tea: BLSYW families will enjoy an afternoon of herbal tea

and scones while experiencing professional etiquette training.

2. BLSYW Parents Go To College: Parents/Guardians considering returning to college for an advanced degree or to earn a GED will have the opportunity to hear from local college experts who will inform them of special discounts, programs, and college services.

3. BLSYW ChickfilA Scholarship Night: A portion of the sales from the designated

BLSYW/ChickfilA night(s) will be matched by ChickfilA, and the funds will collectively establish 3 BLSYW College Text Book Scholarships for students.




4. BLSYW Uniform Swap Day: Families can save money by swapping clean BLSYW

uniforms for a small fee.

Parent/Guardian Model

BLSYW’s approach to parent/guardian involvement is adapted from the framework of national family & school partnership expert, Dr. Joyce Epstein. Dr. Epstein’s model for defining different types of parent engagement has been nationally adapted and is outlined below:

Epstein’s Model for Parental Involvement Parenting: Assist families with parenting skills, family support, understanding families’ backgrounds, cultures, and goals for students. Communicating: Communicate with families about school programs and student progress. Create twoway communication channels between school and home. Volunteering: Improve recruitment, training, activities, and schedules to involve families as volunteers and as audiences at the school or in other locations. Enable educators to work with volunteers who support students and the school. DecisionMaking: Include families as participants in school decisions, governance, and advocacy activities through school councils or improvement teams, committees, and parent organizations. Collaborating with the Community: Coordinate resources and services for families, students and the school with community groups, including businesses, agencies, cultural and civic organizations, and colleges or universities. Enable all to contribute service to the community.




Family & Community Engagement Commitment:

The expectation is for each family to engage in 100% of the BLSYW family and community engagement activities and requests that families follow the below guidelines:

1. Become an active member of the BLSYW Parent Volunteer Organization and frequently check www.blsyw.org for organizational updates.

2. Be dedicated, committed, timely and responsible in making BLSYW family/community engagement commitments.

3. Be timely in communicating any personal information updates ( i.e. phone number, address, email address etc.)

4. Be an active communicator of positive news about BLSYW via social media (BLSYW Facebook, BLSYW Twitter, etc.)

5. Be solutions oriented and be willing to work collaboratively towards our studentcentered common goals.

_____________________________________________________________________________

For additional information regarding family and community engagement, please contact Ms.

Latease Lashley, Director of Admissions, Communications and Parent Engagement at:

[email protected]



mailto:[email protected]





BLSYW Student and Family Receipt of Handbook Acknowledgement Form

I have received a copy of BLSYW’s Student and Family Handbook on this _______day of

_______________(month), 20__. I agree that it is my responsibility to read and understand the

policies contained in it, and that I may, at any time during my employment at BLSYW, ask

questions about this Manual of my supervisor or another representative of BLSYW. I understand

that these policies govern my employment at BLSYW under contract with BCPS and I agree to

abide by these policies.

I further understand that BLSYW may at any time, with or without notice, unilaterally

amend, modify, reduce, or discontinue any and all of the rules or policies referred to in this

Manual.

___________________________________

Students Name

___________________________________ _______________

Students Signature Date

___________________________________

Parents Name

____________________________________ _______________

Parents Signature Date




BLSYW Student and Family Memorandum of Understanding

Parent’s Student’s Initials Initials

I understand my responsibility to contribute to a positive school culture at BLSYW.

I have received the BLSYW Student and Family Handbook.

I have received the BCPSS Code of Conduct .

I understand and commit to all BCPSS & BLSYW Policies and Procedures.

As a parent, I understand and commit to accessing support services for my child as needed.

As a student, I know who to contact for support with academic and social support at BLSYW.

I understand if my child actively participates in a physical altercation inside the BLSYW building or on its campus she will serve Out of School Suspension and may be recommended for long term suspension with expulsion.

I understand if my child participates as an instigator or serves as a bystander in a physical altercation she is subject to receive consequences that may include Out of School Suspension.

I understand if my child participates in any cyber/social media instigation of, or actual altercations, or verbal assault which negatively impact the BLSYW school culture she is subject to receive consequences that may include Out of School Suspension.

I understand and commit to participating in all required reentry conferences or anymeetings following the completion of any Out of School Suspension.

I understand and commit to adhering to the plan created to support my child uponreturn from Out of School Suspension

By my signature below I understand and agree to all of the terms of the BLSYW Memorandum of Understanding Parent/ Guardian: ______________________________________ Date:___________________ BLSYW Student: __________________________________________ Date:___________________



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