UPPERSCHOOLHANDBOOKHoustonAcademy

2020-21

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TABLEOFCONTENTS2020-2021 Yearly School Calendar of Important Dates 7

Important Houston Academy Links 7HA Student/Parent Handbook 8Mission Statement 8Philosophy 8Honor Code & Honor System 8

Types of Honor Offenses 9Organization of the Honor Council 9

Membership/Eligibility 10Honor Code Violation Proceedings 10Student Rights 10Honor Council Hearing and Consequences 10

Student Code of Conduct 11Respect/Harassment/Bullying/Hazing 11Discipline System 12Minor Infractions 12Major Infractions 13Disciplinary Probation and Dismissal/Expulsion 15Discipline Committee 15Organization of the Discipline Committee 15Student eligibility 15Process for Selection of Student and Faculty Representatives 15Committee Member Duties and Responsibilities 15Regular Discipline Committee Procedures 16Extraordinary Discipline Committee Procedures 16Student Rights 16

Academic Programs and Policies 17Graduation Requirements 17Community Service 17Courses 18Course Credits 18Online Credits 18

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Summer Credits 18Independent Study Credits 18Daily Schedule 19Advisory 19Study Hall 19Calculating Semester Grades 20Cumulative Grade Point Averages vs. All Courses GPA 20Regular Tests and Testing Schedule 20Homework and At Home Assignments 21Make Up Work 21Exams and Capstone Experiences 21Exam Exemptions (grades 9-11) 22Senior Second Semester Exam Exemptions 22Standardized Testing 22Academic Support (Tutorials) 22Learning Services 23Failed Courses 23Academic Probation 23Transcripts 24Report Cards 24Student Parent/Teacher Conferences 24Counselor and College Counseling Conferences 24Honor Rolls 24End of the Year Awards 25Graduation Cords and Honors 25

Valedictorian and Salutatorian: 25Honor Graduates: 25National Honor Society Graduates: 25Community Service Cord: 25Athletic Cord: 25Student Government Association Cords: 26Discipline Committee Cords: 26Honor Council Cords: 26

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Fine Arts Cords: 26Fine Arts Cord (Visual Arts) 26Fine Arts Cord (Band) 26Fine Arts Cord (Mayorettes) 26Fine Arts Cord (Chorus) 26Fine Arts Cord (Drama) 27Fine Arts Cord (Dance) 27Fine Arts (Print Design) 27

Course Selection Policy 27Drop/Add Period: 27Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Classes: 27

Students Requesting to move to Honors Courses 28Foreign Language Placement for New Admissions 28Foreign Language Advancements 28Summer Reading and Assignments Policy 29Short-Term Policy 29

Attendance Policy 29Appointments 30Tardiness: 31Absences: 31Pre-arranged Absences: 32School Related Absences: 33

Inclement Weather and Force Majeure 33Senior Off-Campus Privileges 33

Checking In/Out 33General Policy 34

Visitors to Campus 34Student IDs 34Lockers 34Cars / Parking 34Lunch 35Raider Retail 36Medication 36

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Water Bottles 36Library Policy 36Copy Machines and Printing 37Challenging Curriculum Content 37Textbooks and School Supplies 37Chewing Gum 37

Technology Policy 38Electronic Devices / Cell Phones / Wearable Devices 38Acceptable Use Policy 39

Uniform Policy 40Outerwear 40Females’ 9-12 40Females’ General Guidelines 41Males’ 9-12 42Males’ General Guidelines 42Physical Education 43Raider Days 43Spirit Days 43School Related Events Off Campus 43Special Events During Regular School Hours 43Special Events Outside Regular School Hours 44

Student Organizations and Clubs 44School Organizations 44

Raider Ambassadors 44National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society 44Student Government Association 45

Other School Clubs 45The Blue Zone 45Global Issues Network 45

Community Service Clubs 45Language Clubs 45Archery Club 45Chess Club 45

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EPIC 46Model United Nations 46Robotics 46Debate Club 46Scholars’ Bowl 46Math Team 46

Specific Athletic Policies and Procedures 46Anticipated Athletic Teams for the 2020-2021 School Year 46AHSAA Student Requirements 47Directions for Sportsmanship Requirement 47Academic Rule and Eligibility 47

Transfer Rule and Eligibility 47Tryouts 48School Attendance on Game Day and Practice Day 48Game Scheduling 48Tutorials and Regular Classes 48Summer Workouts 49Athletic Fees 49Banquets 49

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2020-2021YEARLYSCHOOLCALENDAROFIMPORTANTDATESTeacherIn-serviceDays August12-17FreshmenandNewUSStudentOrientation August17FirstDayofSchool August18BoosterNight(5:30PM) August18OpenHouse(6:00PM) August25LaborDay(noschool) September7NJHSInductionCeremony September22NHSInductionCeremony(8:00AM) September23TeacherCollaborationDay/EarlyDismissal@12:00(Grades9-12) September23EndofQuarter1 October9FallBreak October10-13TeacherCollaborationDay/EarlyDismissal@12:00(Grades9-12) October28VeteransDay(noschool) November11ThanksgivingHolidays November21-29EndofQuarter2 December11ReviewDayEarlyDismissal December15Semester1Exams December16,17,18HolidayBreak December19-January3SchoolResumes January4MartinLutherKing,Jr.Day(noschool) January18Faculty/StaffProfessionalDevelopmentDay(noschoolforstudents) February11WinterBreak February12-15EndQuarter3 March12Short-Term March8-12SpringBreak March15-19GoodFriday April2Jr./Sr.Prom(5:00PM) April9SeniorRecognition(11:00AM) April28TeacherCollaborationDay/EarlyDismissal@12:00(Grades9-12) April28APExams May3-14LastDayforSeniors May7SeniorAwardCeremony(2:00PM) May7SeniorExams May10-12EndofQuarter2 May14USGraduation(6:00PM) May21USAwardCeremony May24Semester2Exams May25-27

IMPORTANTHOUSTONACADEMYLINKS● HoustonAcademywebsite:http://www.houstonacademy.com● WeLunchIt(Subs&More):http://www.welunchit.com/● PowerSchool:https://houstonacademy.powerschool.com/public/home.html● Uniforms:http://www.landsend.com● Naviance:linkinthroughtheHAhomepage● ACT:http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html● CollegeBoard(AP,SAT,etc.):https://www.collegeboard.org/● ACT/SATTestPrep:loginoccursthroughstudentNavianceaccount

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HASTUDENT/PARENTHANDBOOKHouston Academy is a student centered institution that educates students within the Wiregrass Area. This handbook is intended to define the rights and responsibilities of school members, enabling all members to learn and function in harmony within the community.

MISSIONSTATEMENTHouston Academy is an independent college preparatory institution. Our mission is toprepareall our students for responsibleparticipation inaglobal societybyprovidinganexcellentlearningenvironmentandopportunitiestoachievetheirhighestacademic,social,andcreativepotential.

PHILOSOPHYHoustonAcademyisacollegepreparatoryschool.Assuch,thecurriculumisimplementedwiththegoalofdevelopingourstudentsintooutstandingscholarsandcitizens.Theteacherswho implementtheeducationalprogrammaintainhighacademicstandardsto insurethedevelopmentofskillsandthemasteryofideasrequisiteformatriculationathigherlevelsoflearning.Drivenbytheidealsofthemissionstatement,HoustonAcademyseekstoprepareits students toparticipate in the increasinglyglobalworld. HAstrives tohelp individualstudentstodeveloptheirpersonal,intellectual,physical,artistic,andsocialselvestotheirutmost capability.We endeavor to develop students who enjoy thinking, analyzing, andexpressing.Weintendforourstudentstomakeasignificantdifferenceintheircommunity.AdmissiontoHoustonAcademyiswithoutregardtorace,color,sex,religion,nationalorigin,age,sexualorientation,handicapordisability.

HONORCODE&HONORSYSTEMHonestyisafundamentalprincipleuponwhichoursocietyisbased.Itisrequiredtocreatetheatmosphereinwhichfriendship,scholarship,andtrustcangrow.Inthestrictestsense,honorisauniquelypersonalmatter.TheHonorSystemcannotandwillnotforcethestudenttobecomehonorable.Itdoes,however,aidthestudentinrealizingthebenefitsofintegritytotheindividualandtotheacademiccommunity.The Honor System embodies the concept of personal honor in a framework of law andpractice.Theresultisasystemofconductingexaminations,writingpapers,andperformingotheracademicendeavorswithregardtoindividualhonorandwithoutfacultyproctoring.The system promotes trust between students and their teachers and peers. Theresponsibilityformaintainingthevalidityofacademicworkisplacedonallstudents.ItisuponthesegoalsandprinciplesthattheHoustonAcademyHonorCodeisbased.

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AllHoustonAcademyUpperSchoolstudentsareexpectedtoupholdspecificstandardsofconduct:

● Studentswillexhibithonestyinallendeavors.● Studentswill encourage active participation in the spirit and ethics of theHonor

Code.● Honor Pledges: At the beginning of each test or quiz and at the bottom of each

assignment or student piece of work, students will sign the following statementpledgingthattheyhavenotreceived,givenorusedunauthorizedassistanceofanykind:“Mysignatureaffirmsmyhonor.”

Students should always assume thatALL assignments are “pledged” unless the teacherspecificallystatesotherwise.AnyinfractionoftheHonorCodewillbereferredtotheHonorCouncil,whichwillserveasthemediatorfortheHonorCode.

TYPESOFHONOROFFENSESNo document or set of procedures can cover every possible contingency, and not set ofguidelinesforconductensuresthatthestandardsoftheschoolcommunitywillbeupheld.Inthefinalanalysis,goodwill,compassion,andcommonsenseshouldguideindealingswithall students. Any honor violation witnessed by a facultymember or student should bereportedtotheDeanofStudentswhowillreportittotheHonorCouncil.

● Plagiarism● Cheatingofanykind● Unauthorizedsharingorreceivingofanotherstudent’sworkwithoutauthorization

orteacherapproval.● Sabotage● Falsification● Lying● Stealing● Unauthorizeduseofanotherperson’sproperty

TheHonorCouncilwillnotregardclaimsofignorance,unintentionalerror,oracademicorpersonalpressuresasanadequatedefenseforviolationsoftheHonorCode.

ORGANIZATIONOFTHEHONORCOUNCILTheHonorCouncilwilloperate independentlyofallotherstudentorganizationsandwillconsistofthefollowing:

● 5SeniorRepresentatives(thefourJuniorsfromthepreviousyearandonememberelectedatlarge)

● 4JuniorRepresentatives● 4SophomoreRepresentatives● DeanofStudents

TheChiefJustice,asenior,willbeelectedbymajorityvoteoftheelectedHonorCouncil.NewstudentsmustwaitoneyearbeforebeingeligiblefortheCouncil.

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Aquorumof9studentrepresentativesmustbemetinordertoholdanymeetingortrial.MEMBERSHIP/ELIGIBILITYTo be eligible for election to the Honor Council, a studentmust have attended HoustonAcademyforthetwoprevioussemestersandhaveanexemplarydisciplinaryandhonorcoderecord.Annual electionswill takeplaceduring the lastmonthof school.Membersof theDisciplineCommitteecannotbemembersoftheHonorCouncil.If amemberof theHonorCouncil commitsaMajor Infraction, theywill automaticallybedismissedfromtheCouncilandtheDeanofStudentswillnameareplacementbasedontheresultsoftheoriginalvotingprocess.

HONORCODEVIOLATIONPROCEEDINGSPrior to any hearing, a preliminary investigation of any violationwill be held. After theinvestigation,theDeanofStudentswillcontactparents,andatrialdatewillbescheduled.The students and faculty advisorswillwork closelywith theDeanof Students to ensureconfidentialityandtoprotecttherightsofthestudent(s).

STUDENTRIGHTSAllstudentshavebeengivennoticeofthisHonorCodebyvirtueofitspublication.Regardlessofwhetherastudenthasactuallyreadthehandoutorhandbook,astudentischargedwiththeknowledgeofit.Ignoranceofrulesisneveradefense.StudentswhoappearbeforetheHonorCouncilwillbegrantedcertainrights:

● Theywillbeprovidedwrittenstatementsdescribingthechargesagainstthemandtheirrightsandresponsibilities.

● TheDeanofStudentswillworkwiththeHonorCouncilandtheaccusedstudenttoensureconfidentialityandtoprotecttherightsofthestudent(s).

HONORCOUNCILHEARINGANDCONSEQUENCESTheCouncilwilldetermineguiltthroughamajorityvote.Inthecaseofatie,theChiefJusticewill cast a vote to break the tie. The Honor Council will come to consensus on theconsequencesandthoseconsequenceswillbepresentedtotheHeadofUpperSchoolexceptin the caseofExpulsion inwhich theHeadmastergives final approval. Inaddition to theconsequencesassigned,iftheguiltypartyisamemberoftheNationalortheJuniorNationalHonor Society, the violation will be reported to the Faculty Council for consideration.Consequencesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

● AcademicConsequence:Zeroforpartorallofanassignment/assessmentand/orlossofcreditforthecourse.

● Detention● SaturdaySchool● HonorProbation● Alternatives: an approved apology, redoing work, revocation of senior privileges,

communityservice,etc.● Lossofprivilege(exam,freeperiod,etc.);

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● In-School-Suspension(ISS)*● Out-of-School-Suspension(OSS)*● Dismissal● Expulsion

*Students that are suspended may not participate or be a spectator at any school related activities(practice/game/etc.).

STUDENTCODEOFCONDUCTTheconceptof respect isat theheartofHoustonAcademy’sexpectationsconcerning thebehaviorofitsstudents.Asacollegepreparatoryinstitution,HAoffersandhonorsasettinginwhichallstudentscanlearninasafeandcaringenvironment.AtHoustonAcademy,weembrace the diversity of our community, learn from our differences, and build on ourstudents’ and faculties’ individual strengths. In short, respect foreachother’s’ rightsandrespectforourinstitutionaffirmstheethiccentraltoourschool’scultureandethos.

RESPECT/HARASSMENT/BULLYING/HAZINGAsaschoolcommunity,weaspiretomaintainanenvironmentwhereallmembersmaywork,study,andenjoyfreedomfromharassmentorbullyingofanykind. Harassmentmay include,but isnot limited toverbalabuse (oralorwritten);obsceneorsuggestiveremarks;displayofsexuallyexplicitcontentoroffensivematerials;orcommentswhicharedemeaningwithrespecttorace,religion,ethnicorigin,physicalcharacteristicsorabilities,appearance,sexualorientation,orgender. Bullyingisdefinedasunwanted,aggressivebehavior(threatening,intimidating,ordemeaning)thatinvolvesarealorperceivedpowerimbalance.Bullyingmayincludeanywritten,verbal,orimpliedcommunication(includingcommunicationontheinternet,orsocialnetworkingsites,viaemail,throughtextmessage,oronpersonalblogs),whetherornotitoriginatesontheHoustonAcademycampus. Hazingisanyactiontakenoranysituationcreatedintentionallythatcausesembarrassment,harassmentorridiculeandrisksemotionaland/orphysicalharmtomembersofagrouporteam,regardlessoftheperson’swillingnesstoparticipate.Hazingofteninvolvessomesortofpowerdifferencebetweenthoseinagroupandthosewhowanttojoinagroup,orbetweensenior and junior members of a group and is often justified in the name of“tradition.”However,anactmaybedefinedashazing,whetherornotthevictimisnewtotheteamororganization.Anyandallactsofhazingwillbetreatedasamajorinfraction,ataminimum.Furthermore,hazingmayresultinastudentbeingseparatedfromtheschoolandisaviolationofAlabamaLawunderAlabamaCodeTitle16,Education§16-1-23. HA students are expected to be UPSTANDERS, not BYSTANDERS. Bystanders may beassignedaninfractionfornottakingactionstointerveneduringanyconflictordestructive

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situation. Any retribution taken against students that report incidentswill be treated asMajorInfractions.

DISCIPLINESYSTEMTheHAStudentCodeofConductisbasedonatiersystemwithallinfractionsclassifiedasMinororMajorInfractions.StudentsmustbeawarethattheyarerepresentativesofHoustonAcademy on and off campus and as such are answerable to the school and held to highstandardsatalltimes.

MINORINFRACTIONSTheprimary responsibility for classroomand schoolmanagement lieswith the teachers,administrators,andadultsoncampusorsupervisingactivitiesheldoffcampus.TeacherswillmanageandassigndisciplineconsequencesforMinorInfractionsofclass/schoolrulesandreporttheinfractiontotheDeanofStudents.TheDeanofStudentswillassignconsequencesforgeneralviolationsofschoolrules(uniform,cellphone,tardies,etc.). MinorInfractionsincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• Accumulationoftardies;• Minorclassroommisbehavior/disruptions;• Minordisruptionsofanyschoolactivity;• Notcomplyingwithgeneralschoolrules;• Inappropriatelanguageorgestures;• Minormisuseoftechnology;• Notbeingpreparedforclass(HW,appropriatematerials/books,etc.);• Notdisposingofwasteappropriately;• Drivingorparkingviolation;• Dresscodeviolation;• Chewingguminnon-designatedareas;• Food/drinkinanon-designatedarea;• Beingpresentinanunsupervisedareaorareaofflimitstostudents;• ViolationofcellphoneorAcceptableUseofTechnologypolicy;• Failingtoreturnanycommunicationinatimelymanner;• Failingtoattendassignedtutorial;• Missinganassigneddetention;• Otherminoractionsthatarenotconsistentwiththemissionoftheschool.

ConsequencesforMinorInfractionsincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• Detention(s); • SaturdaySchool;• Restitution; • Revokingprivileges; • ApplicationofaContract(discipline,academic,uniform,attendance,etc.);• Counseling; • Reflectionpapersorassignments.

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TheteacherortheDeanofStudentswillassignoneormoreconsequencefromthelistabovedepending upon the severity of the infraction. Please note that consequences will varydependingupontheinfractionand/orextenuating/aggravatingcircumstances. TheDeanofStudents,andthestudentmustbenotifiedofallMinorInfractions.Detentionswill be served before, during, after school, or on a Saturday. In order so as to arrangetransportationortonotifycoaches,astudentandtheirguardianwillbegivenaminimumofoneday’snoticebeforethetimeofanydetentiontobeservedoutsideofregularschoolhours. IfthesameMinorInfractionisrepeatedmorethanthreetimesinasemesterorfiveormoreMinor Infractions are accumulated in any given semester, it will be treated as a MajorInfraction.

MAJORINFRACTIONSForrepeatedbehaviorsormoreseriousruleviolations,theDeanofStudentsandHeadoftheUpperSchoolwillmeetwithallpartiesinvolvedandcompleteapreliminaryinvestigationinto the incident. If theAdministrativeTeamdeems thataMajor Infractionoccurred, thestudent and the guardian will be informed and the case will be managed by theAdministrativeTeamorsenttotheDisciplineCommitteeorHonorCouncil(dependinguponthegravityofthesituation).Astudentmaybesuspendedfromregularschoolingprocessesduringtheinvestigationandastheygothroughthedisciplineprocess. MajorInfractionsincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• Repetitionofminorinfractions(3ofthesameMinorInfractionor5totalMinorsinasemester);

• Possession or consumption of alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products includingelectroniccigarettes;

• Possessionorconsumptionofillegalorharmfuldrugsordrugparaphernalia;• Possessionofweapons(firearms,knives,fireworks,etc.);• Dishonesty/Lying/Insubordination;• Fighting;• Stealing/willfuldestruction/vandalism/theft;• Disrespect;• Harassment/bullying/hazing/racism/intimidationofanykind;• Sexualharassment;• Misuseoftechnologyandoraccessinginappropriateonlinecontentatschool;• Taking still images, video/audio recordingof a communitymemberwithout their

knowledgeorconsent;• Useofschoollogowithoutpermissionorthecreationoffakeschoolorcommunity

membersocialmediaaccountswithoutpermission;• Leavingcampuswithoutpermissionorskippingclass;

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• Failingtoreportor interveneinasituationthatcausesharmtoanHAcommunitymember;

• ViolationofanyContract(admission,attendance,uniform,discipline,probation,etc.)assignedbytheschool;

• ViolationsoftheHonorCode;• Anyactionthatsignificantlydisturbsthelearningenvironment;• Anyactionthatcausesharmtoanindividualorthecommunity’s/school’sintegrity;• AnyadditionalactionthatisdeemedaMajorInfractionbytheAdministration.

ShouldtheHeadofSchool,Headmaster,DisciplineCommittee,orHonorCouncilconcludethataMajorInfractionwascommitted,oneormoreconsequencesfromthelistbelowwillbe implemented taking into consideration extenuating and aggravating situations.ConsequencesforMajorInfractionsmayincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• Revokingofprivileges;• Restitution;• ExternalCounseling;• SaturdaySchool;• Lossofprivilege(exam,freeperiod,etc.);• CommunityService;• In-SchoolIsolation(ISI);• In-SchoolSuspension(ISS);*• Out-of-SchoolSuspension(OSS);*• Suspensionandorremovalfromextracurricularactivities/teams;• ApplicationofaContract(discipline,academic,uniform,attendance,etc.);• DisciplinaryProbation;• RecommendationforDismissalorExpulsion(mustbeapprovedbytheHeadmaster).

*Students that are suspendedmay not participate in any school related or extracurricular activities(practice/game/etc.). Pleasenote:

• Oneormoreconsequencesfromthelistmaybeassigneddependingupontheseverityofthesituation.

• Consequences will vary depending upon the infraction and/orextenuating/aggravatingcircumstances.

• If a member of the National Junior Honor Society or the National Honor SocietycommitsanyMajor Infraction(StudentCodeofConductorHonorCode), itwillbereported to the NJHS/NHS Faculty Council. Upon review, the student may beseparatedfromtheHonorSociety;

• Major Infractions will be reported to Coaches and they may apply additionalconsequencesinaccordancewiththeHAAthleticCodeofConduct.

• Students thataresuspended,dismissed,orexpelled fromschoolduring theupperschoolcareer(9-12)areresponsibleforreportingtheincidenttouniversitieswhenapplying.HoustonAcademywillreportsignificantdisciplinaryincidentsaswell.

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DISCIPLINARYPROBATIONANDDISMISSAL/EXPULSIONAllstudentsthatcommitaMajorInfractionwillbeplacedonDisciplinaryProbationforaspecified period of time unless the act is so serious that the Discipline CommitteerecommendsDISSMISSALorEXPULSION.BeingonprobationmeansthatfurtherviolationsoftheStudentCodeofConduct(DisciplineorHonor)mayresultinthatstudent’sdismissalorexpulsionfromschooloranexpansionoftheexistingcontract.

DISCIPLINECOMMITTEETheDisciplineCommittee is the representative voice of theUpper School community ondisciplinarymatters.TheHeadoftheUpperSchoolmustapproveallrecommendationsoftheDisciplinaryCommitteewiththeexceptionofDismissalorExpulsionwhichismanagedbytheHeadmaster.

ORGANIZATIONOFTHEDISCIPLINECOMMITTEETheCommitteewillbeformedbyfourstudentsrepresentatives(threestudentstohearcasesandanalternate),fourfacultymembers(threeteacherstohearcasesandanalternate),andtheDeanofStudentswhoactsastheChair.Ofthefourstudentsselected,onewillbeaSenior,twowillbeJuniors(onememberandonealternate),andonewillbeaSophomore.

STUDENTELIGIBILITYTobe eligible for selection to theDisciplinary Committee, a studentmust have attendedHouston Academy for the two previous semesters and have excellent character and anexemplary discipline and attendance record. In order to create more leadershipopportunitiesforUSstudents,studentscannotserveontheHonorCouncilandtheDisciplineCommitteesimultaneously. IfamemberoftheDisciplineCommitteecommitsaMajorInfractionduringtheirterm,theywillautomaticallybedismissedfromtheDisciplineCommitteeandtheDeanofStudentswillnameareplacement.

PROCESSFORSELECTIONOFSTUDENTANDFACULTYREPRESENTATIVESStudents thatmeet thedefined eligibility criteriawill benominatedby facultymembers.EachAdvisorwillnominateamaximumoftwostudentsfromwithintheiradvisorytoserveonthecommittee.Duringthelastmonthoftheregularschoolyear,currentFreshmenandJuniorstudentswillvoteandselectonerepresentative.Sophomorestudentswillselecttworepresentatives(thehighestvotegetterwillbetherepresentativeandtheotherwillbethealternate).AstudentcannotserveonboththeDisciplineCommitteeandtheHonorCouncil. FacultyrepresentativesontheDisciplineCommitteewillbeselectedbytheUpperSchoolPrincipalandDeanofStudents.

COMMITTEEMEMBERDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIESItisthedutyofallmembersoftheDisciplineCommitteetobepositiveleaderswithinthecommunityandtomodelexemplarybehavioratalltimes.Ifacommitteememberdoesnot

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fulfilltheirresponsibilitiesoriftheyarebroughtbeforetheDisciplineCommitteeorHonorCouncilandarefoundtohavecommittedaMajorInfraction,he/shewillberemovedfromtheCommittee. TheDeanofStudentswillcallandpresideoverthemeeting.OnememberoftheDisciplineCommitteewillserveassecretaryateachmeetingandrecorddecisions. It is the responsibility of each member of the Discipline Committee to maintainconfidentiality.IftheDeanofStudentsbelievesthatamemberofthecommitteehasbrokenconfidentiality, theymaybe removed from theCommittee and theDeanof Studentswillnameareplacement.

REGULARDISCIPLINECOMMITTEEPROCEDURESPriortoanyDisciplineCommitteemeeting,theDeanofStudentsortheHeadofSchoolwillperform a preliminary investigation into any discipline incident to determine if aMajorInfractionwas committed. The Dean of Studentswill schedule theDiscipline CommitteeMeetingandinformthestudentandhis/herguardianthatthestudentwillbebroughtbeforethe Discipline Committee to review a possible Major Infraction of the Student Code ofConduct. The Dean of Studentswill present his/her findings and the accused student isprovidedtheopportunity toofferanexplanationof theiractions. Havingheardallof thetestimonies,theDisciplineCommitteewillmakeadeterminationandassignconsequencesinaccordancewiththeStudent/ParentHandbook.TheDeanofStudentswillcommunicatethe conclusions to the Head of the Upper School for approval and subsequently to thestudent and guardian. In the case of a recommendation for Expulsion, the resultwill becommunicated to the Head of the School for consideration. If the Discipline CommitteedeterminesthataMajorInfractionwasnotcommitted,theymayeitherdismissthecaseorsuggesttheapplicationofaMinorInfraction(s).ThedecisionsoftheDisciplineCommitteeandschooladministratorsarefinal.

EXTRAORDINARYDISCIPLINECOMMITTEEPROCEDURESIftheDeanofStudentsdeterminesthatadisciplinecaserequiresacloseddoorsessiondueto the nature of the incident, only faculty members will hear the case and assignconsequences.

STUDENTRIGHTSAllstudentsareexpectedtounderstandandtocomplywiththeStudentCodeofConductatalltimes.Additionally,ifastudents’actionsoutsideofschoolcreatesasignificantdisruptionofthelearningenvironment,compromisestheintegrityoftheschool,anotherindividual,orcauses harmof any kind (physical or emotional), theywill be held accountable for theirbehaviorsandmaybecalledbeforetheDisciplineCommittee. StudentswhoappearbeforetheDisciplineCommitteewillbegrantedcertainrights:

• Theywill be informed of the infraction they are accused of committing and theirrightsandresponsibilities.

• Theywillbeprovidedtheopportunitytoexplaintheiractions.

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• The Dean of Studentswill work with the Committee and the accused student toensureconfidentialityandtoprotecttherightsofthestudent(s).

ACADEMICPROGRAMSANDPOLICIESGRADUATIONREQUIREMENTSDuringthe2017-18schoolyear,HoustonAcademymodifieditsGraduationRequirementsto include a 1.0 credit Fine Arts requirement. Thismodification applies to all incomingfreshmen(presentandfuture)inAugust2018andbeyond.

DEPARTMENT/DISCIPLINE #OFUNITS SPECIFICCOURSEREQUIREMENTS*English 4 SocialSciences 3 WorldHistoryII,USHistory,Gov./Econ.Science 4 Biology,ChemistryMathematics 4 AlgebraI,Geometry,AlgebraIIWorld&ClassicalLanguages 3 3unitsofthesamelanguageFineArts 1 Art, Band, Chorus, Drama, Print Design,

DigitalMedia,MakerTech,DebatePhysicalEducation 1 AthleticsandFitness,Chorus,Drama,Band,

PrintDesignElectives 4 TOTAL 24 *HAreservestherighttomodifyorchangegraduationrequirements.

Pleasenotethefollowing:

• Credit toward graduation is given to 8th graders for successful completion anyLanguageIclass(1A&1B);however,thegradeisnotfactoredintoastudent’sGPA.

• Creditisalsogivento8thgradersforsuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraIandthegradeisfactoredintothestudent’sUSGPA.

COMMUNITYSERVICEAll students in grades 9-12 must complete aminimum of 40 hours of service. HoustonAcademypartnerswithcommunityorganizationstoprovidestudentswithopportunitiestoparticipateinservice-basedlearningexperiences.Additionally,HAstudentsmaycompletecommunityservicethroughsomeschoolclubsandorganizations.Studentswillonlyreceivehours for independent service if the activity is completed through an HA approvedorganization(listofPre-ApprovedorganizationavailableontheHAUSWebpage)orreceivespecialpermission from theUSHead.Studentsmust request andcompleteaCommunityServiceFormandpassinthecompleted/signedformwithinonemonthofcompletionoftheactivityinordertoreceivedocumentedhours.Studentswillonlyearnhoursforthedirectservice(nohourswillbeawardedfortraveltime,etc.)thattheycompleteandinsomecases,hourswillbecappedandamaximumdaily/weekly/monthlyallotment.Additionally,please

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notethatstudentsmaynotearnservicehoursforanyactivitythatoccurswiththeregularschoolororganizationschedule.IfastudenttransferstoHAafterthebeginningoftheirfreshmenyear,thetotalnumberofhoursthattheyarerequiredtocompleteforgraduationwillbeprorated.

COURSESAllstudentsingrades9-11mustbeenrolledinsevenclasseseachsemesterandtakemath,scienceandEnglisheveryyear.Of thesevencourses,onemaybeaStudyHall;however,studentsthataspiretotoptieruniversitiesareencouragedtostrengthentheirtranscriptbytakingagreateramountofacademiccoursesinlieuofastudyhall.Seniorstudentsmustbeenrolledinaminimumofsixclasseseachsemesterandmayselecttotakeone“free”blockwithinthescheduleprovidedthattheydonothaveanyacademicordisciplinaryissuesduringtheschoolyear.

COURSECREDITSCoursecreditsandlettergradesareassignedonasemesterbasis.OnlycoursescompletedatHoustonAcademyarepostedontheHoustonAcademytranscriptwiththeexceptionofacreditrecoverycourseoracoursetakenonlinetoreplaceacoursethatisnormallypartoftheHAProgramofStudy(priorapprovalrequired).

ONLINECREDITSStudentsmayrequestpermissionfromtheUpperSchoolHeadtoenrollinanonlinecourseiftheywishtoexpandtheirlearningexperienceoradvanceinasubjectarea.CoursesthatarecompletedonlinewillnotbeplacedontheHAtranscriptorcounttowardthestudent’sGPA.Studentscannotcompletecoursesonlinethatareprovidedthroughschoolunlessitisforadvancementpurposes.

SUMMERCREDITSStudentsmayapplytocompleteanacademiccourseduringthesummerinordertoadvancelevelsinspecificsubjectareas(usuallymath).Onlypre-approvedcourses,offereddirectlybyHA,willbenotedonthestudent’sHATranscript.

INDEPENDENTSTUDYCREDITSStudentsmayrequestpermissionfromtheUpperSchoolHeadtoenrollinanIndependentStudyCourseiftheywishtobroadentheirlearningexperience.ThisprivilegetypicallyonlygrantedtoSeniorstudentsforamaximumofonesemesterofstudy.Interestedstudentsmustcompleteanapplicationprocessthat includesa justificationfortheindependentstudyaswellasclearlydefinedlearningobjectives.GradesandcreditontheHAtranscriptwillbeawardedusingspecificgradingcriteriaestablishedbytheAdministrationinaccordancewiththenatureoftheindependentstudy.

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DAILYSCHEDULETheUpperSchoolimplementsasix-dayrotatingcycleofsevenperiods.Thefirstsixclassesmeetatadifferenttimeeachdaywhiletheseventhperiodmeetsatthesametimeeveryday.

Period Time I II III IV V VI 1st 8:00 – 8:50 A B C D E F 2nd 8:54 – 9:44 B C D E F A

US Advisory 9:47– 10:05 Meeting (Mon.)

Super A-F (Tues.)

Advisory (Wed.)

Super A-F (Tues.)

Advisory (Fri.)

US Break 10:05 – 10:20

3rd 10:24 – 11:14 C D E F A B 4th 11:18 – 12:08 D E F A B C 5th 12:12 – 1:02 E F A B C D

US Lunch 1:02 – 1:27

6th 1:31 – 2:21 F A B C D E 7th 2:25 – 3:15 G G G G G G

Tutorial 3:18 – 3:45

ADVISORYAtHoustonAcademy,allstudentsareassignedanAdvisorandanadvisorygroup.Advisoryprovidesteachersandstudentstheopportunitytobuildrelationshipsthatfosteragreatersenseofcommunityandbelonging.Thepurposeoftheadvisoryprogramincludes:● ensurethateachstudentisknownbyatleastoneadult;● reviewstudentacademicandsocialprogress;● teachleadershipskills;and● promote communication and collaboration between students, the school, parents,

andschoolorganizations,teamsandclubs.Note-Unliketheregularschedulethatrunsona6-daycycle,AdvisoryrunsonaMonday-Fridayschedule.

STUDYHALLAll students that have study halls are assigned a teacher and a defined meeting place.Students MUST be engaged in academic work during study hall. Students must takematerialstotheassignedclasstoworkonduringtheperiodofstudy.Studentsthatdonotbringmaterialwillbesenttotheirlockerstofinditandmarkedtardyintheclassorreceiveaminorinfractionfornotbeingpreparedforclass.In extraordinary circumstances when students need to work on assignments involvingstudentsthatarenot intheirspecificStudyHall, thestudentmustmakearrangementsinadvancewiththesubjectareateacherthatassignedthegroupworkandcommunicatethistothestudyhallsupervisor.Studentsmayonlymeetinsupervisedareas.

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Whilestudentsdoreceiveagradeforstudyhallthatisbasedupontheirlevelofengagementintheirstudies,thegradedoesnotcountfortheirGPAnorisplacedonthetranscript.GRADINGSYSTEMHoustonAcademyreportsSemesterGradesusingaLetterGradesystemwiththefollowingequivalencies:

LetterGrade

NumericalEquivalent

GradePointAverage

A+ 100-98 4.3A 97-93 4.0A- 92-90 3.7B+ 89-87 3.3B 86-83 3.0B- 82-80 2.7C+ 79-77 2.3C 76-73 2.0C- 72-70 1.7D 69-65 1.0F Below65 0.0

CALCULATINGSEMESTERGRADESHoustonAcademyreports lettergrades thatarebasedonanumericalaverage.Semestergradesarecalculatedinthefollowingmanner:● CumulativeGPAcourses:Quarter1(40%)+Quarter2(40%)+SemesterExam(20%) ● AllCoursesGPACourses:Quarter1(50%)+Quarter2(50%)

CUMULATIVEGRADEPOINTAVERAGESVS.ALLCOURSESGPA● CumulativeGradePointAverages(GPA)arecalculatingusingthefinalgradesinall

corecourses(Math,Science,English,SocialStudies,andForeignLanguages)aswellas grades from any elective courses that have a capstone experience (exam orportfolio). Pleasenote that theCumulativeGPAs also includesAlgebra Iwhich isnormally taken in grade eight but is considered and evaluated using US GradingPolicies.

● All Courses Grade Point Averages (GPA) include all courses taken during astudent’sUpperSchoolcareerwiththeexceptionofanyStudyHall.

REGULARTESTSANDTESTINGSCHEDULEAllHAinstructionalstaffarerequiredtoscheduletestsinadvancetoensurethatstudentsareadequatelypreparedandnotrequiredtocompletemorethantwotestsonanygivenday.Studentsshouldbegivenaminimumoftwodays’noticebeforeanytest.ATestisdefinedasanysummativeevaluationthatrequiresmorethanhalfofanacademicperiod.Ifastudentmissesatestforanyreason,theyareexpectedtomakeupthetestonthedaythattheyreturn

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toschool(duringclassorafterschool).Failuretomakeupatestonthedateandtimedecideduponbytheteacherwillresultina0.

HOMEWORKANDATHOMEASSIGNMENTSHomeworkisasignificantandmeaningfulpartofthecurriculumatHA.Itservestoinstillinstudentstheformationanddevelopmentofgoodstudyhabitsandtoreinforcethelearnedskills and concepts taught in class.Homeworkwill be assigned regularly in all academicclasses.Ifastudentmissesaclassforanyreason,theyareexpectedtosendinhomeworkelectronicallywheneverpossibleormayhandintheassignmentupontheirreturntoschool.Ifastudentfailstohandinthehomeworkinatimelymanner,theywillhavepointsdeductedinaccordancewiththeclassroomteacher’spolicy.Teachersalsowillregularlyassignathomeassignments(projects,essays,etc.).Thisworkisdesignedtoprovidestudentsalternativewaystoexpresstheirlearning.Ifastudentisabsentfrom class on the day that an assignment is due, they are expected to submit theworkelectronically. If a student fails to hand in the work in a timely manner, points will bedeductedinaccordancewiththeclassroomteacher’spolicy.

MAKEUPWORKWorkmissed due to an absence, including school related activities,MUST be made up;however,itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoprovidedocumentationjustifyingtheabsenceandhe/shemustalsocontacttheteacheroraclassmatetodeterminewhatworkisrequired.Theteacherwillsetatimelineforthecompletionofanymissedwork.Completionofworkmissedduetounexpectedabsencesshouldtakeapproximatelythesametimeasthetimemissedfromclass(i.e.,onedaymissed,onedaytomakeupwork).Ifastudentisknowinglygoingtomissaclassforanyreason,theyarerequiredtocompleteaPre-ArrangedAbsenceForm. Failure to complete thePre-ArrangedAbsenceFormmayresultintheabsencebeingconsidered“SkippingSchool”andagradeof0maybeassignedforallschoolworkthatismissed.Allmakeupworkmustbecompletedbytheendofeachquarterofstudyunlessextenuatingcircumstancesarise.Inthiscase,thestudentmayreceiveagradeofIncomplete(INC)andtheUSHead,incollaborationwiththestudent’steachers,willestablishafinitetimelineforthestudenttocompleteanywork.

EXAMSANDCAPSTONEEXPERIENCESAllstudentsingrades9-12arerequiredtotakeeitheratwo-hourSemesterExam(someAPexamsmayrequiremore time)oraculminating (Capstone)experience ineachacademicsubjectthatcountstowardthestudent’sCumulativeGPAunlesstheyfulfilltherequirementsandqualify foranExamExemption.Twoexamperiodsare scheduledat theendof eachSemesterofstudyandstudents takeamaximumof twosemesterexamsperday. Examscount for20%ofastudent’s semestergrade.The twodaysprior to theexamperiodarereservedforreview.

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EXAMEXEMPTIONS(GRADES9-11)Studentsingrades9-11willbeallowedtoexemptoneSemesterExameachsemesteriftheycomplywiththefollowingrequirements:● Academics:Astudentmusthavea90%inbothQuarterspriortotheSemesterExam.● Attendance:StudentsmustbeincompliancewiththeAttendancePolicy.● Discipline: Students may not have any Major Infractions of the Student Code of

ConductortheHonorCode.● APExamsSemester2:AllAPstudentsmayexempttheSemester2Examprovided

thattheycompletetheAPExamtothebestoftheirability.**Ifastudentdoesnotattendstudysessionsleadinguptotheexamorclearlymakesnoefforttocompletetheexamtothebestoftheirability,theywillberequiredtocompleteasecondsemesterexamortheywilllosetheAPdesignationonthetranscript.

PleasenotethatthefollowingconditionsapplytoExamExemptions:● Noexemptionswillbeallowedinasemestercourse.● Studentswillnotbeallowedtoexemptthesamecoursebothsemesters.● APstudentscannotexempttheSemester1Exam.● StudentscannotexemptaCapstoneexperienceinaclassthatdoesnothaveanexam.

SENIORSECONDSEMESTEREXAMEXEMPTIONSSeniorsmusttakeallfirstsemesterexams;however,theymaybeexemptedfromALLfullyearSemester2Examsiftheyearnan80%(B-)inbothQ3&Q4inadditiontomeetingallotherrequirementsforgeneralexemptions(Discipline,HonorCode,AttendancePolicy,etc.).IfaSeniorviolatesanyschoolpolicy(Attendance,Uniform,Discipline,Honor,etc.)therulesandregulationsforExamExemptionsarechangedinaccordancewiththeestablishedpolicy.

STANDARDIZEDTESTINGStandardized testing measures provide valuable data to HA teachers to use to measureacademicprogressaswellasindividualandprogramstrengthsandweaknesses.Thedatesforallstandardizedtestingispostedontheschoolcalendarandwebsite.Additionally,datafromstandardizedtestingisfrequentlyusedasameasuretodeterminestudentplacementinHonorandAPcourses.FreshmenandSophomoresaregivenandbilledthecostfortheACT9/10andPSAT9/10.Juniors are given and billed the cost for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test(PSAT/NMSQT),theACTandtheSAT.AllJuniorsandSeniorsareencouragedtosign-upforadditionaltestingdatesthroughtheACTandCollegeBoardwebsites.

ACADEMICSUPPORT(TUTORIALS)UpperSchoolteachersareavailabletoprovideacademicassistancetotheirstudentsafterschoolonTuesday,Wednesday,andThursdayfrom3:20-4:00PM.Teachersmayscheduletutorialsinthemorningduetoschedulingconflicts.Studentsthatarenotmeetingacademicexpectationswillberequiredtoattendtutorialsessions.Failuretomeetthisobligationwill

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result in theassignmentofaminor infractionanddetention.Tutorialsmust takepriorityover any extracurricular activities and failure to attend may result in the studentssuspensionfromateamorclub/organization.

LEARNINGSERVICESLearning Services are available to students that have completed a comprehensive set oftestingandhaveadiagnosedlearningissuedefinedbyanHAapprovedpractitioner.Testing,whichmustbecompletedexternallyandmustbeupdatedeverythreeyearstomaintainavaliddiagnosis.Only students that have approved Academic Support Plans (ASPs) can receiveaccommodations in HA classes. Families that wish to receive modifications on anystandardizedtestingexperience(CollegeboardorACT)mustapplyformodificationstothetestingorganization*.*The School Counselor will assist and guide families that wish to request modifications on external tests oraccommodationsinternally.

FAILEDCOURSESNocreditwillbeawarded if a studentearnsagradebelow65% inany classatHoustonAcademy.Studentsmayrecoveramaximumofonecreditortwohalfcreditsduringeachacademicyear.Allcreditrecoveryworkmustbecompletedbeforethestartofthenextschoolyearorthestudentwilleitherberequiredtorepeatthecourse(s)thattheyfailedortheywillnot be permitted to enroll. Students may make-up failed courses that are graduationrequirementsinoneofthefollowingmanners:

● CreditRecovery:ThestudentcompletesaCreditRecoveryCoursethroughHoustonAcademy.Ifthestudentpassesthecreditrecoverycourse,theCreditRecoverycreditandgradewillbeplacedontheHAtranscript;however,thegradewillnotbefactoredintothestudent’sGPA.

● RepeattheCourse:Iftheschedulepermitsit,astudentmayselecttorepeatafailedcourseatHAandboththenewandoldgradewillbepostedonthetranscriptandusedtocalculatethestudent’sGPA.

TheHeadoftheUpperSchoolmustapproveanydeviationsfromtheseguidelines.Itisalsoimportant tonote that all studentsmust earn aminimumof six credits andmaintain anaverageof70%orhigherinordertobeeligibleforAHSAAathleticteams.

ACADEMICPROBATIONAstudentcanbeplacedonAcademicProbationifastudentearns:● GradePointAverage(GPA)belowa2.0;● AnFinanyclass;or● MorethantwoDs.

IfastudentisplacedonAcademicProbation,thestudentwillsignanAcademicContractandmustdemonstrateadequateprogressintheclassorclassesinwhichtheyarenotmeetingthe standard(s). Student privileges and participation in activities and athletics may be

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limitediftheyareplacedonprobation.AfailuretomeetanyoftheconditionsestablishedintheAcademicContractwillresultinthestudent’scasebeingreviewedbytheAdministrativeCouncilforpossibledismissalfromschool.

TRANSCRIPTSTranscripts will be printed within two days of receiving a request from the student orguardian provided that the student is in good standing at the institution. Studentsmustrequest a transcript and provide aminimum of 48 hours advance notice of any collegeapplicationdeadlines.Forcollegecounselingpurposes,studenttranscriptsareuploadedtoNaviance (college counseling software) and universities subsequently download studenttranscriptsfromNaviance.

REPORTCARDSParents and students may access and review student grades at any time online viaPowerSchool.Reportcardsaresenthomeelectronicallyattheendofeachquarterofstudywiththeexceptionofthefourthquarterwhenaphysicalcopyissenthome.Itistheparentandstudent’sresponsibilitytocontinuouslyreviewgradesandtoreportanyconcernstotheteacher.

STUDENTPARENT/TEACHERCONFERENCESThe School encourages students, parents and staff to schedule teacher conferenceswhenevertheyhavequestionsorconcernsaboutastudent’sacademicprogress.Studentsareencouragedtotakeownership for their learningandtomeetwithteachersbeforeorafterclasstoreviewtheirgradesandtoreceiveassistancewhenrequired.Parentappointmentsmaybearrangedbysendingacommunication(writtennoteoremail)totheappropriatefacultymember.Parentsarenotpermittedtomakeunannouncedvisitstoteachersandmaynotenterinstructionalareasatanytimewithoutpassingthroughthefrontofficeand receivingapass. TheSchool also requests thatparents respect facultiespersonaltimeandavoidcontactingteachersoutsideofregularschoolhours.Thepreferredcontactmethodisviaemailandfacultyemailsareprovidedontheschoolwebsite.

COUNSELORANDCOLLEGECOUNSELINGCONFERENCESThe US Counselor is available tomeet with any students or parents that have social oracademic questions or concerns. Regular counseling conferences (including collegecounseling) will be scheduled for students throughout the year. Attendance at theseconferencesisrequiredunlessthestudenthasaschoolconflict.Inthecaseofaconflict,thestudentisexpectedtocommunicatewiththecounselorbeforetheappointedtimeinordertoreschedule.

HONORROLLSAttheendofeachsemester,anHonorRollwillbeannouncedandpublished.ThefollowingtypesofHonorsarerecognized:● Headmaster’sList:astudentmusthaveaGPAof4.0orhigher;

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● Head’sList:astudentmusthavebetweena3.75and3.99GPA;● Raider’sList:astudentmusthavebetweena3.52and3.74GPA.

PleasenoteHonorRolllistsareestablishedusingCumulativeGPAformula.

ENDOFTHEYEARAWARDSUSstudentsareeligibletoreceiveawardsattheendoftheyearbasedontheircumulativeGPAsasofMay1st.AwardsaregivenforthehighestandsecondhighestGPAincoursesandaRaiderAwardisgiventothestudentthatexemplifiesthemissionstatement.

GRADUATIONCORDSANDHONORSGraduating students are eligible for special recognition at the Graduation Ceremony inaccordancewiththefollowingcriteria:VALEDICTORIANANDSALUTATORIAN:Tobe eligible for Valedictorian and Salutatorian, a studentmust have attendedHoustonAcademyforhis/hersophomore,junior,andsenioryears.OnlycoursestakenatHAcounttowarddeterminingthevaledictorianandsalutatorian.Theselectionofthestudentswhowillreceivetheseawardswillbemadeattheendofthefirstsemesterofthesenioryear.During the last semester, the selected Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be monitoredcloselyforanychangesingrades,studyhabits,behavior,responsibilities,etc.Ifanynegativechanges are noted during Semester 2, the positions of Valedictorian or Salutatorian canchange.HONORGRADUATES:AstudentmustattendHoustonAcademytwoyearsinordereligibletograduatewithhonors,andonly courses taken atHoustonAcademy count towardsdetermininghonor graduatestatus.TherearethreelevelsofhonorgraduatesatHoustonAcademy:● SummaCumLaude:astudentmusthaveearnedacumulativeGPAof4.0orhigher● MagnaCumLaude:astudentmusthaveearnedacumulativeGPAbetween3.75and3.99● CumLaude:astudentmusthaveearnedacumulativeGPAbetween3.52and3.74

NATIONALHONORSOCIETYGRADUATES:GraduatingmembersoftheNationalHonorSocietythatareingoodstandingareentitledtowearspecialNHShoods.COMMUNITYSERVICECORD:Studentswhoearn100ormorehoursofcommunityserviceduringtheirUScareerwillbeentitledtowearaCommunityServiceHonorCord.ATHLETICCORD:StudentathletesareeligibleforanAthleticCordiftheymeetanyofthefollowingcriteria:● participatedonthreevarsitysportsperyearduringaminimumoftwooftheiryears

inupperschool;

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● participatedonatotalof8varsityteamsduringtheiryearsofeligibility(7-12);● arenamedtotheSuper12FirstTeamorAllStateinoneormoreindividualsport

duringtheirUScareer;or● individuallywinaStateTitleorareamemberofateamthatwinsaStateTitleduring

theirUScareer.STUDENTGOVERNMENTASSOCIATIONCORDS:StudentswhoweremembersoftheStudentGovernmentAssociationallfouryearsduringtheirhighschoolcareerorthreeyearsandheldanexecutivepositionareentitledtowearaStudentGovernmentCordprovidedthattheyareingoodstandingatthetimeofgraduation. DISCIPLINECOMMITTEECORDS:StudentswhoweremembersoftheDisciplineCommitteefortwoyearsduringtheirhighschoolcareerareentitled towearaDisciplineCommitteeCordprovidedthat theyare ingoodstandingatthetimeofgraduation.HONORCOUNCILCORDS:StudentswhoweremembersoftheHonorCouncil fortwoyearsduringtheirhighschoolcareerareentitledtowearanHonorCouncilCordprovidedthattheyareingoodstandingatthetimeofgraduation. FINEARTSCORDS:The Fine Arts Department have created specific criteria that students must meet inaccordance to their discipline (Drama, Chorus, Band, Majorettes, Art, Dance, and PrintDesign)inordertowearaFineArtsCord.FINEARTSCORD(VISUALARTS)BeingoodstandingwiththeVisualArtsProgram,meetingeitherofthefollowingcriteria:

• CompletedVisualArtsclassesatleastthreeyearsduringUpperSchool,submittingartworktoatleastoneregionalcompetitioneachyear

• WonanawardataregionalornationalcompetitionatleastonceduringUpperSchoolFINEARTSCORD(BAND)BeingoodstandingwiththeBandProgram,meetingeitherofthefollowingcriteria:

• PerformedwiththeBandallyearseligibleduringUpperSchool(MusicianorMajorette)• NamedtoAllStateatleastoneyearduringUpperSchool

FINEARTSCORD(MAYORETTES)BeingoodstandingwiththeMayorettesTeamProgram,meetingthefollowingcriterion:

• PerformedwiththeMayorettesallyearseligibleduringUpperSchoolFINEARTSCORD(CHORUS)BeingoodstandingwiththeChorusProgram,meetingeitherofthefollowingcriteria:

• PerformedwiththeChorusallyearseligibleduringUpperSchool• NamedtoAllStateatleastoneyearduringUpperSchool

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FINEARTSCORD(DRAMA)BeingoodstandingwiththeDramaProgram,meetingeitherofthefollowingcriteria:

• PerformedinadramaproductionallyearseligibleduringUpperSchool• PerformedaleadroleinadramaproductionatleastoneyearduringUpperSchool

FINEARTSCORD(DANCE)BeingoodstandingwiththeDanceTeamProgram,meetingthefollowingcriterion:

• PerformedwiththeVarsityRaiderettesallyearseligibleduringUpperSchoolFINEARTS(PRINTDESIGN)BeingoodstandingwiththeJournalismProgram,meetingeitherofthefollowingcriteria:

• ServedontheYearbookstaffallyearseligibleduringUpperSchool• ServedasaYearbookEditoratleastoneyearduringUpperSchool

COURSESELECTIONPOLICYHAiscommittedtoofferingachallengingprogramofstudythatprovidesstudentswithadiverseselectionofcoursesthatpreparesstudentstoentertopuniversitiesthroughoutthecountry.Students typicallymake theircourse selections inMarch.Studentsareplaced ingroupsinaccordancewiththescheduleparametersandaneedtobalanceandprovideanequitable learning environment for all students. For this reason, as a rule, parents andstudentswillnotbeabletorequestspecificteachers.DROP/ADDPERIOD:Studentshaveoneweekuponentry toclass todrop/addcourses.Thecounselorand thecourseteachermustapproveanychangeinastudent’sschedule.TheHeadofUpperSchoolwillgivethefinalapprovalifanychangesarerequiredoutsidetheDrop/Addperiod.StudentsmayberemovedfromanHonorsorAdvancedPlacementclassdueto failuretocompletesummerassignments,excessiveabsences,lowgrades,disruptivebehavior,oranyotherreasondeemedappropriatebytheCounselor,Teacher,and/orHeadofUpperSchool.HONORSANDADVANCEDPLACEMENT(AP)CLASSES:Giventhedesire forstudents topursueacademicexcellenceandrigor,HAhasdevelopedguidelinesforenrollmentinHonorsandAdvancedPlacement(AP)courses.Theintentofthispolicy is to ensure that students can succeed in a rigorous course of study. Studentsconsidering enrolling in an Honors or AP course should do so understanding that thecurriculum requires more time and commitment than a non-AP/Honors course.Performances,athletics,clubs,hobbies,work,andreligiousorfamilyobligationsshouldbeweighedcarefullyinthedecisiontoenrollinanyHonors/APcourse.

● AstudentwhoselectsHonorsorAPclassesmusthaveaminimumaverageof85%orhigher(QuarterandTestGradeswillbeexamined)intheprerequisitecourse,receivea recommendation from the prerequisite teacher, and demonstrate excellence onstandardizedtesting(abovethe50thNPR).

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● Honorsclassesreceiveaqualitypointof0.5whileAPclassesreceivea1.0qualitypointwhencalculatingGPA.

● AstudentelectingtoenrollinanHonors/APcourseisexpectedtomaintainahighlevel of achievement, to complete the course. Students that do not maintain aminimumofaC+averagemayberecommendedand/orrequiredtowithdrawfromthecourseormovetotheregularacademicequivalentofthecourse.

● AstudentmayonlywithdrawfromanHonors/APcourseduringthefirsttwoweeksoftheyear(orthefirsttwoweeksofthesemesterinthecaseofaone-semesterAPcourse).Otherthanthosetimes,thewithdrawalmustbesupportedbyandbeattherecommendationoftheDepartmentChairandHeadofUpperSchool.

● APstudentsareREQUIREDtotaketheAPtestintheSpring.Afeeischargedforthetest. Ifa studentdoesnot take theAP test, theAP labelwillberemoved fromthestudent’stranscript(weightingalsoremoved).

● Should a senior withdraw from an AP course at any time during the collegeapplication process, all colleges to which the student has made application arenotified.

STUDENTSREQUESTINGTOMOVETOHONORSCOURSESStudentsthatwishtorequestamovefromaregulartoanHonorscoursearerequiredto:● Maketherequestbeforethecompletionoftheschoolyear.● Completeadesignatedsummerprogramofstudytoprepareforanexaminationthat

willbeperformedonthetimelineestablishedbytheschool.● Pass the advancement examinations(s)with aminimum grade established by the

Department Head to show competency and readiness for advanced learningopportunities.

FOREIGNLANGUAGEPLACEMENTFORNEWADMISSIONSAllstudentsthatarenewtotheUpperSchoolwillberequiredtoenterSpanishIorLatinI(whenavailable)unlesstheycompletedlanguagecoursesattheirpreviousschoolorhavealternativelanguageexperiences.Inordertodetermineproperplacement,studentsmayberequiredtocompleteaninitialforeignlanguageplacementexam.Afterexaminingtheresultsof the placement exam, the school will make a placement recommendation. Placementrecommendationsmayincludeasummerprogramofstudy,retesting,and/orbeingplacedinanequal,lowerorhigherlevel.

FOREIGNLANGUAGEADVANCEMENTSHoustonAcademyrecognizesthatstudentsarenaturallygiftedinlanguages.Studentsthatwishtoadvancelevelsarerequiredto:● Maketherequestbeforethecompletionoftheschoolyear.● Completeadesignatedsummerprogramofstudytoprepareforanexaminationthat

willbeperformedonthetimelineestablishedbytheschool.● Pass the advancement examinations(s)with aminimum grade established by the

Department Head to show competency and readiness for advanced learningopportunities.

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● Commit to completing the same number of foreign language credits includingAdvancedPlacementlevels.

SUMMERREADINGANDASSIGNMENTSPOLICYAllstudentsareassignedsummerreadingandassignmentsinEnglish,HistoryandacademicAPandHonorelectivecourses.Studentswillbeevaluatedonthesummerworkduringthefirstweekofclassesandanyworkthatisnothandedinpromptlywillbeassigneda0grade.StudentsthatareenrolledinAPorHonorscourse(s)thatdidnotcompletetheworkwillbeassigneda0andmayberequiredtodropthecourse.Note:NewadmissionstudentstoHAmaybeallottedextratimetocompletesummerassignmentsinthecaseoflateenrollmentsorexemptedfromtheworkinthecaseofenrollmentsthatoccuraftertheregularstartdate.

SHORT-TERMPOLICYDuringtheweekpriortoSpringBreak,allUpperSchoolstudentswillparticipateinaShort-Termexperience.Duringthistime,allnormalclassactivitiesceaseandstudentsregisterfora variety of educational experiences that are provided by our staff andmembers of thecommunity. Studentsmay select to attend educational field trips or to complete uniquecoursesofstudyoncampus.Short-Term is considered a vital part of the school curriculum and participation ismandatory.MostShort-Termexperiencesrequireadditionalpayments,especiallythosethatincludetraveloutsideofDothan.DuringShort-Term,allSeniorstudentsarerequiredtoperformaninternship(jobshadows)withprofessionalsinthecommunity.In rare cases, Sophomore and Junior students may propose “alternative” Short-Termprojects.ProposalsforalternativeprojectsmustbecompletedbyMarch1sttobeconsideredbytheAdministrativeCouncil.Onlyproposalsthatprovidestudentswithqualitylearningexperiences will be considered and students that have their proposals accepted will berequiredtodocumentandpresenttheirlearningtoAdministrativeCouncilupontheirreturntotheschool.

ATTENDANCEPOLICYResearchshowsastronglinkbetweenschoolattendanceandacademicachievement.Eachdayastudentisabsentorlateisamissedopportunitytolearnanditdeprivesthestudenttheoftheopportunitytointeractwithbothteachersandfellowstudents.Forthisreason,wheneverpossible,tripsanddentalormedicalappointmentsshouldbescheduledsothatstudentsdonotmissclass.

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Absencesand tardies to classdue to school-relatedactivities (suchas field trips, athleticevents,disciplinaryaction)andapprovedcollegevisitswillnotbecountedasabsencesaslongasthestudentattendstheeventandmakesupanyassignedwork. Allstudentsreturningtoschoolfollowinganabsence,regardlessofthereason,mustreporttotheofficeandprovideawrittennotesignedbyaparent/guardianstatingthereasonforthe absence (Dr. visit, orthodontist, illness, etc.) unless the absencewas a Pre-ArrangedAbsence(includescollegevisitsandplannedmedicalappointments,familyevents,etc.).Theofficewillprovidethestudentwithan“EntrySlip”toconfirmthatthechildwasabsentforajustifiedreason.Ifthestudentdoesnotprovideadequatejustification,thiswillbenotedonthe“EntrySlip”andteachersmaygivestudentsa0onanymissedtests/quizzes. Ifastudentisabsentonthedaythatanassignment(essay,project,etc.)isdue,theymustsubmit allwork electronically. If thework cannotbe submitted electronicallydue to thenature of the assignment, the student must contact the teacher and make alternativearrangements.Thestudentwillbeassignedacademicpenaltiesiftheseconditionsarenotmet.Ifastudentisabsentonthedayofanassessment(quizortest),theymustmakeuptheassessmentonthedaythattheyreturntoschooloratthetimeestablishedbytheteacher. AllstudentsarestronglyencouragedtovisituniversitiesandcollegesaspartoftheCollegeCounseling program. Students that schedule College Visits and provide documentation(onlineregistrationoremailconfirmation)ofthevisitwhencompletingthePre-ArrangedAbsenceFormwillreceiveaSchoolRelatedAbsence(SRA).StudentsthatdonotcompletethePre-ArrangedAbsenceFormorfailtoprovideadequatedocumentation,willbemarkedabsentandmayreceive0sonmissedwork. AllquestionsregardingattendancerequirementsshouldbedirectedtotheHeadofUpperSchool.TheAttendancePolicyisfurtherelaboratedwithintheAbsencePolicybelow. Pleasenotethatattendanceforstudent-athletesisgovernedbyaseparatesetofrulesandregulationsdescribedbelowintheAthleticsPoliciesandProceduressection. APPOINTMENTSStudents arriving after 8:10 AMmust sign in at the office upon their arrival at school.Studentswhomustdepartcampusbefore3:15PMforanappointment(medical,courtdate,etc.)mustpresentanotefromaparentorguardianconfirmingtheappointmentpriorto7:55AM.Thestudentwillbegivenapassinordertobedismissedfromclassattheappropriatetime. ParentsarestronglyencouragedtoscheduleappointmentsafterschoolorduringperiodswhenHoustonAcademyisnot insession.Pleaserememberthatstudents thatmissmorethan5classesinanygivenclassinasemestermaylosetheirExamExemptionprivilegeandacontinuedaccumulationofabsencescouldleadtoalossofcoursecredit.

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TARDINESS:Students will be on time for all classes, meetings, and assemblies. The classroom andadvisoryteacherwillrecordtardieswithinPowerTeacher.Allsuchtardieswillbecountedasunexcusedunlessthestudenthasanotefromateacheroranadministrator.Studentswhoaretardytoclassmayberequiredtomakeupanymissedwork/timeormaybeassigneda0ifthetardywasnotjustified. Forattendancepurposes, if a student ismore than10minutes late fora class,he/she isconsidered absent from that class andwill be assessed aMajor Infraction for “skippingschool”unlesstheyprovideajustifiedexcuse. Studentsarrivingtoschoolafter8:10AMwillbecountedasabsent;therefore, theymustreporttotheofficetosigninwithanexcuse. Consequencesforexcessivetardiesinclude:

• Studentswhoaccumulate3tardiesinasingleclassor5totaltardiesinaSemesterwillbeassignedaMinorInfraction,servedetentionandsignanAttendanceContract.

• FailuretocomplywiththeAttendanceContractwillresultinfurtherdisciplinaryactionandtheassignmentofaMajorInfractionwhichmayincludedetentions,suspensions,ortheremovalofprivileges(examexemption,seniorfreeperiod,etc.).

ABSENCES:HAcommunitymembersunderstand that excessive absencesundermine the educationalexperienceofachildandhaveanegativeeffectonacademicperformance.Allabsencesareconsideredunexcusedunlesstheyareschoolrelatedorjustified.Studentsarerequiredtoprovidedocumentationjustifyingtheirabsences.Studentsthatfailtodosomaybeassigneda0onanytestsorassignmentsthattheydidnothandinorcomplete. Validreasonsformissingaclassinclude:

• Anyschoolrelatedabsence;• Collegevisits(DOCUMENTED);• Personalillnessorscheduledhealthcareappointments(DOCUMENTED);• Courtappearances;• Familymedicalemergencyordeathintheimmediatefamily;• Pre-ArrangedAbsencesthatareapprovedinadvancebytheHeadofUpperSchool.

Ifa student’sabsencecannotbeavoidedduringaregularschoolday, thestudentwillbegiventheopportunitytomakeupessentialassignmentsprovidedthatabsenceisjustified(Pre-Arranged,SchoolRelated,emergencysituation,excusedbyDr.). Consequencesforexcessiveabsencesforstudentsingrades9-11include:

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• If a student is absentmore than five (5) classes, regardless of the reason for theabsence,thefamilywillbenotifiedandareautomaticallyplacedonanAttendanceProbation.

• If a student is absent more than 7 classes in any semester of study withoutjustification,he/shewillberequiredtoattendSaturdaySchool.

• Ifastudentisabsentmorethan9classesandhe/she/theguardianhasnotprovidedadequatejustification(s),he/shemaylosetheirexamexemptionprivilegeand/orberequiredtoattendSaturdaySchool.

• Ifastudentisabsentmorethan12classes,he/shewilllosetheirexamexemptionandtheschoolmaychoosetonotofferanenrollmentcontractthenextschoolyear.

ConsequencesforexcessiveabsencesforSeniorstudentsinclude:

• If a senior is absentmore than five (5) classes in any semester, regardless of thereason for the absence, they will be notified and are automatically placed on anAttendanceProbation.

• Ifastudentisabsentmorethan7classesinanysubjectineithersemesterofstudywithoutjustification,he/shewillberequiredtoattendSaturdaySchool.

• Ifa student isabsentmore than9classes in the first semesterof study, their freeperiodwillberemovedandtheseniorwillbeassignedtoaStudyHall.Ifastudentisabsent more than 9 times in any class in the second semester, the minimumqualificationstandardof80%inQuarter3and90%inQuarter4toexemptexamswillbeincreasedto90%andhe/shewillberequiredtoattendSaturdaySchool.

• Ifastudentisabsentmorethan12classesinanyclassineithersemester,he/shewilllosetheirexamexemptionalltogether.

PRE-ARRANGEDABSENCES:Theschool’svacationsarebothgenerousinnumberandlength;therefore,HoustonAcademyexpectsparentsandstudentstoobservethedatesspecifiedontheschoolcalendar.Studentsthatplantomissschoolduetoanypre-arrangedabsencemustcompletethePre-ArrangedAbsenceForm(availableinthemainoffice)andhavetheformsignedbyalloftheirteachersandsubmittedtotheHeadofUpperSchoolforapprovalnolessthantwoschooldayspriortotheabsence.Thestudentmustrequestallassignmentsfromhis/herteachersandmakearrangementstotakeanymissedtestsorquizzesinadvanceoruponreturntotheschool(atthediscretionoftheteacher). Ifthestudentfailstocompleteorfollowtheproceduresoutlinedabove,itmayresultintheacademicconsequences(0onassessmentsandassignments)anddisciplinaryconsequences(MajorInfractionforskippingschool). If a student is not meeting the academic, disciplinary, or attendance expectations, pre-arrangedabsencesmaynotbegranted.

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SCHOOLRELATEDABSENCES:StudentsthatmissschoolwhenrepresentingHoustonAcademyinlocal,state,ornationalcompetitions or events will be assigned a School Related Absence (SRA). Additionally,students that participate in College Visits may receive SRA provided that the studentprovides documentation (email correspondence or itinerary) and completes the Pre-ArrangedAbsenceformaminimumoftwodaysinadvanceofthevisit.

INCLEMENTWEATHERANDFORCEMAJEURETheschoolreservestherighttocancelschoolordismissstudentsearlyinthecaseofanyforcemajeure.Insituationsofinclementweatherorforcemajeure,theschoolwillsendanemergency, alert solution notification from the school (email, text, and message) to allparentswithasmuchadvancenotificationaspossible.Ifaschoolclosureisexpectedtolastmorethanonedayorifatotalofthreedaysaremissedwithinthesamesemesterofstudy,HAwillimplementits“RemoteLearningPolicy”.As part of the remote learning policy, all studentsMUST continuously check their email,PowerSchoolandGoogleClassroompagestoseewhatworkisassigned.Allworkassignedduring remote learningexperienceswill count toward the student’s gradesandGPAandregulargradingpolicieswillapplytoallwork.

SENIOROFF-CAMPUSPRIVILEGESSeniorsmayleavecampusatlunchandduringtheirfreeperiods.Parentalpermissionforthis privilegemust be on file in the office. At certain times during the year, individualappointments,groupmeetings,etc.maybescheduledduringwhatisnormallyconsidereda“freeperiod”.Failuretoattendtheappointment/eventmayresultinlossofthefreeperiod.Seniorswhoarenotmeetingtheacademicstandardsmayhavethisprivilegerevokeduntiltheirprogresscanbereviewedandtheirgrade(s)improve.Studentsthatdonotcomplywiththeestablished rulesand regulation in theStudent/ParentHandbookmayalsohave thisprivilegerevoked.StudentsthathavetheirprivilegerevokedwillbeassignedtoaStudyHalland/orrequiredtoeatinDunningHall.CHECKINGIN/OUTStudents may not leave campus for any reason during school hours without parentalpermissionthatisverifiedbyaschooladministrator.Studentsmustcheckinatthemainofficeiftheyarrivelateorarereturningfromanabsencemid-dayandprovideanoteindicatingthattheyhadtheirparent’spermission.Studentsthatdonot abideby this policywill be considered tohave “skipped school” and theywill beassessedaMajorInfraction.

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GENERALPOLICYVISITORSTOCAMPUSForthesafetyofourstudents,ALLparents,guests,andvisitorsmustcheckinatthemainofficeandreceiveanamebadgeinordertobepresentoncampus.AVisitorPassmustbewornforthedurationofthevisitandvisitorsarenotpermittedtobeininstructionalareasunlesstheyareaccompaniedbyanHAcommunitymember.Studentsfromotherschoolsarenotallowedtobeoncampusduringschoolhoursatanytimeforsocialpurposes. STUDENTIDSStudentsarerequiredtohaveastudentIDthatispurchasedanddeliveredatthebeginningoftheschoolyearfor$5.TheIDwillallowstudentstoattendallhomeregularseasonathleticevents at no charge. Student IDsmay also be used to earn students a discount atmanybusinesses,museums,parks,etc.LOCKERSLockersandlocksmustberentedatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.TheDeanofStudentsdistributeslockersandlocks.Lockersshouldbelockedduringthedayandafterschool.Theschoolwillnotberesponsibleforitemstakenfromunlockedlockers.Studentsmustreturntheirlockandlockeringoodorderattheendoftheyear.Failuretodosowillresultina$10replacementfee.For security reasons, the locker areawill be opened at 7:00 AM and locked at 5:00 PM.Studentsmaynotcallschoolpersonneltocometotheschooltoopenthelockerareaafterschool hours. The school reserves the right at any time to search lockers on the schoolpremises.Studentsshouldnotcarryalloftheirbooksintheirbackpacksasthatisthepurposeofthelockerandbooksareheavyandcanbeextremelycumbersome.Backpacksshouldbeused,primarily for bringing items to and from school and for picking up and storing booksbetween classes and at break and lunch. Students areNOTallowed touse their car as alocker.CARS/PARKINGBringing a car on campus and parking on campus is a privilege. Any reckless driving orviolationofparkingruleswillresultinthelossofthisprivilege.Theschoolreservestherighttosearchcarslocatedonschoolpremisesandstudentswillbeheldaccountableforanyitemsthatarefoundwithintheirvehiclethatviolateschoolrules.Parents,guestsandvisitorsareaskedtousethevisitorparkingareasinthefrontdrivewayandintheLowerSchoolparkinglot.PleasedonotparkinaspaceontheUpperSchoolside.

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Studentswhoarelicensedtodrivemayrentreservedparkingspacesfor$5fromtheDeanofStudents.Studentswhodonot rentaparkingspacemaynotbringavehicle toschool.Studentsmaynotbringanyothertypeofvehicleotherthanatraditionalcar,SUVortruckandmaynottowtrailersoranyotherobjects.StudentsmustparkintheirassignedspotanddisplaytheHAParkingPermit.HAParkingPermitsareavailablethroughtheDeanofStudents.Ifastudent’sassignedspotistakenforanyreason,thestudentmustparkinvisitorparking.Onsomedaysduringtheschoolyear,students will not be permitted to park on campus or will be requested to park at analternativesite(Westgate).Onthesedays,shuttlebuseswillbeprovidedtoassiststudentstoarrivetoschoolontime.Studentsmaynotbeintheparkinglotduringschoolhoursexceptupontheirarrivaland/ordeparturefromschool.StudentsmaynotgototheircarsduringtheschooldaywithouttheexplicitpermissionofaFacultymember.Allbooks,lunches,andotheritemsneededforthedayshouldbeputinthestudent’slockersuponhis/herarrivaloncampus.AlthoughqualifyingSeniorshavetheprivilegeto leavecampusduringtheir lunchand/ortheirfreeperiod,theymayNOTloiterintheircarswhenleavingorcomingbacktoschool.NoSeniorstudentmayleavecampusformorningbreakunlessitisalignedtoaSeniorFreePeriod. All students, including seniors,must attend advisory and all assemblies and peprallies.LUNCHNofoodcanbedeliveredtotheschoolduringtheregularschooldayfromanysource(homeordelivery).Threelunchoptionsareavailableforourgrade9-11students:

• StudentscanbringlunchfromhomeintheAMandleaveitintheirlocker.• Studentscanpre-orderlunchfromtheschoolapprovedcateringserviceWeLunchIt.*• StudentscanpurchasefoodusingcashortheirschoolaccountthroughRaiderRetail.

StudentswilleatinDunningHall(DH),atthepicnictableareasoutsideofDH,intheUpperSchoolcourtyard,andoccasionallyinthegymifDHisclosed.Alltrashmustbeplacedinabinandanyspillsormessesmustbecleanedupbythestudent.No foodordrink ispermitted inclassrooms,hallways, the library, lockerroom, themainoffice,orthegymnasiumswithoutexplicitpermission.Waterinapprovedwaterbottlesaretheonlyexception.Studentsingrades9-11maynotleavecampusforlunchunlesstheyareinthecompanyofaparentorguardian.TheparentorguardianmustsignthestudentoutintheofficeinFlowersHall(telephonepermissionisnotacceptable).ThestudentsmustsigninatFlowersHalluponreturningtocampus.

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*TheschoolcateringserviceprovidesaconvenientlunchforstudentsthatmustbeorderedonlinethroughtheWeLunchItwebsite(familiesorderafullweekoflunchbytheThursdaypriortothestartofthenextweek).RAIDERRETAILRaiderRetail(RR)islocatedinDunningHallandisstaffedbyHAPTOvolunteers.ItisopenMonday throughFriday atBreak andLunch.HoustonAcademymerchandise such as teeshirts,sweatshirts,shorts,hats,etc.canbepurchasedatRaiderRetail.HAt-shirtscanbewornwithjeansonspiritdaysinplaceofuniforms.HAT-shirtsandshortsarearequirementforUpperSchoolPE.Inadditiontospiritwearmerchandise,snacksanddrinksaresoldduringupperschoolbreakandduringalllunches.Therearehealthyoptionsavailablesuchasyogurt,cheese,fruit,andwater inaddition toroutinesnacks.Forconvenience,parentsmayopenaccounts for thestudents, but cash is accepted as well. Checks should be made out to HA PTO, and theresponsibleparent’snameandcellphonenumbershouldbeprovided.Arecordiskeptofwhatisboughtandcanbereviewedifdesired.Sincetimeisverylimitedduringbreakandlunch,thestudent’snameanditemspurchasedarewrittendown,andafterpeakperiods,itisdeductedfromtheaccountcard.Forthisreason,itisimpossibleforvolunteerstofollowanyspecial instructionsorknowifastudentreachesanegativebalance.Avolunteerwillcontactyoubytextwhenyourchild’sbalanceisdepleted.Allproceedsfromspiritwearandsnacksalesaredonatedbacktotheschool.RRisagreatvolunteeropportunity forparentsandagoodway tomeetandbecome familiarwithHAcommunitymembers. MEDICATIONNomedicationwill be administered to a studentwithout a parent’swritten permission.Written permission for prescription medication must include date, name of medication,dosage, and times to be administered. These medications must be given to the schoolcounselor.Atnotimeshouldastudenthaveanymedication,prescriptionornonprescription,inhispossession.WATERBOTTLESProperhydration is essential to efficient brain function and effective learning; therefore,students are strongly encouraged to drink water during the school day. In order to beenvironmentallyresponsible,studentsareaskedtouserefillablebottlesthatcanberefilledatwaterfillingstationsthroughouttheschool.Refillable“Camelback”bottlesareavailableforpurchaseatRaiderRetail.Wateristheonlydrink/foodthatispermittedinclassrooms.LIBRARYPOLICYThelibraryisaresourcecenterfortheschoolinstructionalprogram,andthestudentsareencouraged to use it. In order to ensure that students have equal access to the libraryfacilities,thefollowingguidelinesmustbefollowed:

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• Responsiblecareoflibrarymaterialsisstressedtoallstudents.• Students may check out as many as 2 books for 2 weeks. This number may be

increasedforspecialassignments.Atorbeforetheendofthe2weeks,thebooksmustbereturnedtothelibraryorrenewedforanother2weeks.

• Studentswhohaveoverduebooksattheendoftheyearwillnotreceivetheirreportcardsuntilthelibraryobligationiscleared.

• Thelibrarydoesnotchargefinesforoverduebooks,butitwillchargestudentsfordamagedorlostbooksand/ormediamaterials.

• Booksarecheckedoutonanindividualbasis.Thecommunitymemberwhochecksoutabookisresponsibleforreturningittothelibrary.

• The computers in the library fall under the same guidelines as all other schoolcomputers.

• Studentsmustfollowtheestablishedrulesandregulationsofthelibrary.Thelibraryistypicallyopenfrom7:30-4:00PMonMon.toThurs.andclosesat3:45PMonFri.Studentsmayvisitthelibrarybefore/afterclassorwithapassfromtheirteacherduringregularschoolhours.COPYMACHINESANDPRINTINGStudentsareexpectedtoprintandmakecopiesofanyassignedworkathome.Nothavinginkathomeisnotanacceptableexcusefornothandinginworkontime.StudentsmayprintandmakecopiesintheLibraryMediaCenterwhennecessary;however,theymustasktheareasupervisorinchargeofthefacilitytorunthecopies.CHALLENGINGCURRICULUMCONTENTParentshave theright tochallengecurricular contentdue toreligiousorculturalbeliefs.ParentsandstudentsthathaveconcernsmustcommunicatewiththeUpperSchoolPrincipalandcompleteaprocessthatincludesajustificationforthechallengeandaplantocompletealternativework.TEXTBOOKSANDSCHOOLSUPPLIESTuitiondoesnotincludethecostofschoolsupplies,textbooks,and/orworkbooks.Studentsmaypurchase theirbooks fromanyonline service thatoffers textbooksor fromanotherstudent.Theschoolsupplieslistandalistoftextbooksrequiredforeachcourseofferedareavailable on the website at www.houstonacademy.com. Students are expected to haveprocured theproper textbooksby the firstdayof school. Failure todosowillaffect theacademicperformanceofthestudentandmayresultintheassignmentofminorinfractionsfornotbeingpreparedforclass.CHEWINGGUMRecent educational research suggests that chewing gummay enhance learning and test-takingproficiency.Giventhatteachershaveprimaryresponsibilityforcomportmentintheirown classroom, teachers may prohibit gum chewing in their rooms. It should also be

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acknowledged that gum may pose a safety issue in science laboratories and may beprohibited.Additionally,studentsmaybeprohibitedfromchewinggumiftheydisposeofitimproperlyorchewitatinappropriatetimes(e.g.,duringceremonies).Webelieve,however,thatifgumchewingisallowed,studentswillbemorelikelytodisposeofitproperly.

TECHNOLOGYPOLICYAllUpper School students are providedwith a school-issued laptop computer to use foreducationalpurposes.Theschoolusesfilteringto limitstudentaccesstononeducational-relatedcontentduringtheschoolday.Anystudentthatusestheircomputerinappropriatelywillreceiveaninfraction(MajororMinor)anddisciplinaryconsequences.Studentsmayonlyuseaudioearphonesinclassroomswhentheteacherprovidesexplicitpermissiontodosoandaudioearphonesmustbeconnectedtothestudent’slaptop. The following general rules apply to the use of any electronic device by HA communitymembers:

• Undernocircumstancecanastudentuseanelectronicdevicetopostortakeapicture,video, or recording of any nature of any community member without his or herconsent;

• Undernocircumstancecanastudentuseanelectronicdevicetopostorshareanyinformation that canbedeemedasdisrespectful ordemeaning toany communitymember;

• HA is amandatory reporter; therefore, the use of any electronic device to create,distribute,orpromotecontentthatmaybeconstruedasillegalwillbereportedtotheproperauthoritiesinadditiontoanyconsequencesthataretakenbytheschool.

Whiletheserulesandregulationshavebeendesignedtoaddresstheuseoftechnologyoncampus, incidents of inappropriateuseof technologyoff campus that causes anykindofdisruptiontotheeducationalcommunityorisdisrespectfultoamemberofthecommunitywill not be tolerated andwill result in the assignment of an infraction and disciplinaryconsequenceinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct. All students are expected to bring their laptop fully charged to all classes on a dailybasis. Failure to do so will result in an infraction for not following school rules. AlltechnologyfallsundertheAcceptableUsePolicy(AUP),whichhasbeensignedandagreedto by each student and each parent. HAwill not be responsible for any loss or theft ofpersonalelectronicdevices. ELECTRONICDEVICES/CELLPHONES/WEARABLEDEVICESHoustonAcademybelievesthatthelearningenvironmentshouldnotbeinterruptedatanytimeandthatdistractionswithintheclassroomandschoolsettingmustbeavoided.Forthisreason, all personal electronic devices including cell phones, smart watches, wearabletechnology,etc.MUSTbeturnedoffandstoredoutofsight.Cellphonesmaybestoredin

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students’schoolbagsBUTmaynotbeontheirpersonatanytimebetween7:55AMand3:15PM.Accesstopersonalelectronicdevicesmayalsoberestrictedatschool-relatedactivitiesthattakeplaceoffcampusorbefore/afterregularschoolhours(fieldtrips,tutorials,etc.). Ifanychildorparenthasanemergencyandneedstocommunicate,theymustdosothroughthemainoffice. Consequences for using or having a personal electronic device on your personwhile oncampusduringschoolhoursorrestrictedtimesinclude:

• FirstOffenseinaSemester:MinorInfraction=Detentionandseizureofthedevice.Thedevicewillbereturnedtothestudentattheendoftheschoolday.

• SecondOffenseinaSemester:MinorInfraction=SaturdaySchoolandseizureofthedevice.Thedevicewillbereturnedtothestudentattheendoftheschoolday.

• ThirdOffenseinaSemester:MajorInfraction=SeizureofdeviceandreferraltotheDisciplineCommittee.TheDisciplineCommitteewillassignconsequencesandreturnthedevicetothestudentfollowingtheDisciplineCommitteemeeting.

• SubsequentoffenseswillbemanagedinaccordancewiththerulingoftheDisciplineCommittee.

*The recommended consequence for a Major Infraction of this type includes but is notlimited to: In School Suspension, loss of privilege (Exam Exemption Privilege, SeniorPrivilege,NJHS/NHS,etc.)andaBehaviorContract/Probation. AnyrefusaltosurrenderthedevicewillresultinanadditionalreferralforaMajorInfractionforinsubordination. ACCEPTABLEUSEPOLICYHoustonAcademyseekstoplacethelatesttechnologicaladvancesintothehandsofskilled,activelearners.ProvidingInternetaccesstoHAstudentspromoteseducationalexcellencebyfacilitatingresourcesharing,innovation,andresearch.Responsibilitiescomewiththeuseof the Internet. It is, therefore, important that all parents are familiar with the school’spolicies regarding use of the computers,which also includes all policies and procedureslisted,andsignedbyparentsandstudentsintheAcceptableUsePolicy(AUP).Someofthesepoliciesandproceduresincludebutarenotlimitedto:

● School computers are for educational use only. Students may not play games using thecomputers at any time. Music or videos may be played only when part of a teacher’sassignment(i.e.musicaddedtoPowerPointpresentation)orregularclassroomprocedures.

● Studentsmaynotsendmessagesofanykindusingschoolcomputers.ThisincludestheuseofICQ,AIM,MicrosoftMessenger,WhatsApp,allotherchatsoftware,andconsolemessages.

● Foodanddrinkarenotallowedinthelab.● Students may not install programs on a computer without specific permission from the

DirectorofTechnologyor teacher.Nogames, utilities, or plug-ins should be downloadedwithoutpermission.

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● Studentsmaynotuseschoolprinterstoprintinvitations,flyers,campaigninformation,gamecheatsheets,oranyothermaterialdeemednon-educationalorinappropriate.

● Studentsarenottoopen,read,oralteranotherstudent’sworkeitheronthecomputeroronthenetwork.Anyattempttocopyanotherstudent’sworkwillbetreatedascheatingand/orplagiarismasaddressedintheStudentHandbook.

● If a student causesdamage to thesoftwareconfigurationor thehardwareofa computer,he/shewillbeliableforthecostofrepairand/orreplacementoftheequipment.

● Studentsmaynotenteranyareaprotectedbyapasswordunlessauthorizedtodoso.

UNIFORMPOLICYLands’EndistheofficialuniformproviderforHoustonAcademy.SomeuniformpiecesmayalsobepurchasedlocallyatSandraJeanUniforms.Allshirts,bottoms,andouterwearmusthavetheHAlogo*.Oncestudentsentercampusinthemorning,theyareexpectedtobeinproperuniformregardlessofthetimethattheyarrive.FacultywillcontinuouslyreviewandreportviolationsoftheUniformPolicytotheDeanofStudents.HAfacultywillconfiscateanyitemsthatarewornthatarenotpartoftheapprovedUniformPolicyandwillreturnthoseitemsattheendoftheacademicday.Studentsthatarenotinuniformmayberemovedfromclassuntiltheproperuniformisprocured.*Any uniform pieces that include the HA plaid do not have to contain a logo as the plaid is unique to the school. Note-SeniorstudentshavetheprivilegeofselectingauniquecolorthattheymaysubstitutefortheregularHApoloshirtduringtheirSenioryear.

OUTERWEARThefollowingitemsareconsideredpartoftheregularHAuniformandareavailablethroughLands’EndorSandraJean:

• HASquallParkaorLinedRainJacket(navyorroyalblue)• HAPufferJacket(royalblue)• HAFleeceJacketorVest(navyorroyalblue)• HACardigan(females)• HABlazer(malesandfemales)• HAKnitSweater(malesandfemales)

TheHALettermanJacketpurchasedthroughHerfJonesisalsoapprovedouterwear. HAapparelthatdoesnotmeettheouterwearcriteriaabove(sweatshirts,hoodies,warmups,etc.)thataresoldbyRaiderRetail,HAraiderwear.comorobtainedthroughanHAteam,club,ororganizationmayONLYbewornonRaiderDays(Fridays).Genericand/orHAblanketsareneverallowedduringschooldays/hours.

FEMALES’9-12ThefollowingitemsareapartofHoustonAcademy’sUniformDressCodeforfemales:

• Fittedwhite,royalblue,orlightblueHApoloshirt(longorshortsleeve)*athleticorknitmaterialORtheHAbutton-downwhitedressshirt.

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• HAkhakishortorpantofathleticorknitmaterial.• HAkhakiorplaidskirt/skort**mustmeetaminimumlengthrequirementandhaveaminimumseparationoffiveinchesbetweentheskirthemandtheshirttail.

FEMALES’GENERALGUIDELINES• Uniformsmustbeneatandclean.Clothingwithstains,holes,tears,frayingcannotbe

wornatschool.• Clothingshouldfitwell,bemodestlycut,andshouldnotbetootightortoobaggy.• Socksofsolidcolor(white,blue,grey,black)arerequired.Ifthebrandisvisible,it

mustbeasinglelogoandmaynotincludestripes,bands,etc.• Athletic(tennis)shoeswhicharepredominatelywhite,black,blueorgreywithno

morethanoneaccentcolor.Closedtoebrownorblackshoes(wallabee,deck/boat,saddle oxfords, etc.) are acceptable. No open toe shoes/sandals/flip flops, boots*,heelsofanykind,etc.areallowed.(*BootsarepermittedonRaiderDayswhenwornwithjeansorHAkhakipant).

• Tightsandleggings(seamlesswithoutvisiblebrandnames)thatreachtheankleandaretighttotheanklemustbesolidincolor(blue,grey,blackorwhite).

• Skorts,skirts,andshortsmusthaveaminimumseparationof5inchesbetweenthehemoftheskirtandtheshirttailandbemodestinlength(suggested3inchminimumabovethekneecap).*

• Anyvisibleitemswornundertheregularuniformmustbesolidwhite,grey,orroyalblueandmaynotcontainanyvisiblelogos.

• Themidsectionmustbefullycoveredbytheshirt,evenwhenthearmsareraised.• Hats,caps,sunglasses,orotherheadgeararenotpermittedoncampusatanytime

fromarrivaluntildismissal.• Femalesmaywearheadbandsthatarewhite,grey,black,orroyalblue.• Noathletic/clubjackets,sweatshirts,etc.maybewornexceptonRaiderDays.• No accessory or article of clothing worn at school at any time may

advertise/promote/reflectdrugs,alcohol,orcontainanyslogansorwordsthatmaybedeemedinappropriateoroffensivebytheschooladministration.

• Noaccessoryorarticleofclothingmaybewornthatmaydistractfromthelearningenvironment(thisincludesanypoliticalmessage,slogan,ordirectpromotions).

• Distractingmake-up,hair,orjewelryisnotallowed.Hairmustbeanaturalcolor.• Visibletattoosarenotallowed.• Piercingsmustbeconfinedtotheearandmaynotbedistracting.• All articles of clothing, especially outerwear, should be labeledwith the student’s

name. Theadministrationretainstherighttodetermineifanyarticleofclothingisinappropriateandthereforecannotbeworntoschool. *Beginningin2021-22,HAwillimplementaSIGNIFICANTCHANGEtotheUniformPolicyforfemales.In2021-22,onlyplaidskirts/skortswillbepermittedandtheymustfallorbehemmedtothe“topofthekneecap”.Forthisreason,westronglysuggestthatyouONLYpurchaseskirtsthatmeetthe21-22standardfromthisdayforwardandLands’EndwillonlysellplaidUSskirts/skortsthatmeetthisstandard.

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MALES’9-12ThefollowingitemsareapartofHoustonAcademy’sUniformDressCodeformalesandareavailablethroughLands’End:

• White,royalblueorlightblueHApoloshirt(longorshortsleeve)ofathleticorknitmaterialORanHAbutton-downdressshirt.

• HAshortorpantofathleticorknitmaterial.

MALES’GENERALGUIDELINES• Uniformsshouldfitproperlyandmustbeneatandclean.Clothingwithstains,holes,

tears,frayingshouldnotbewornatschool.• Shirtsmustbetuckedinatalltimessothatthebeltisvisibleandshirtsshouldnot

comeuntuckedwhenthestudent’sarmsareraised.• Belts(solidbrown/black)mustbewornatalltimesifbeltloopsareontheuniform.• Socksofsolidcolor(white,blue,grey,black)arerequired.Ifthebrandisvisible,it

mustbeasinglelogoandmaynotincludestripes,bands,etc.• Athletic(tennis)shoeswhicharepredominatelywhite,black,blueorgreywithno

morethanoneaccentcolor.Closedshoes(wallabee,deck/boat,saddleoxfords,etc.)areacceptable.Noopentoeshoes/sandals/flipflops,boots(bootsarepermittedonRaider Dayswhenwornwith jeans orHA khaki pant), heels of any kind, etc. areallowed.

• Noathletic/clubjackets,sweatshirts,etc.maybewornexceptonRaiderDays.• No article of clothing worn at school at any timemay advertise/promote/reflect

drugs,alcohol,orcontainanyslogansorwordsthatmaybedeemedinappropriateoroffensivebytheschooladministration.

• Noaccessoryorarticleofclothingmaybewornthatmaydistractfromthelearningenvironment(thisincludesanypoliticalmessage,slogan,ordirectpromotions).

• Anyvisibleitemswornundertheuniformmustbesolidwhite,grey,orroyalblueandmaynotcontainanyvisiblelogos.

• Hats,caps,sunglasses,orotherheadgeararenotpermittedoncampusatanytimefromarrivaluntildismissal.

• Hair may be no longer than the top of the collar and no “mohawks” or otherdistractinghaircutsorhaircolorsareallowed.Hairmayalsonotcoverthefaceoreyesatanytime.

• Novisiblebodypiercingortattoosareallowed.• Malestudentscannotremovetheirshirtsoncampusatanytime.• All articles of clothing, especially outerwear, should be labeledwith the student’s

name. Theadministrationretainstherighttodetermineifanyarticleofclothingisinappropriate. Violationsoftheuniformpolicywillresultinadisciplinaryinfractionandrepeatedviolationswillresultinmoreseveredisciplinaryconsequences.Disciplineconsequencesincludebutarenotlimitedto:

• FirstOffenseinaSemester:Seizureofitem,MinorInfractionandDetention

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• SecondOffenseinaSemester:Seizureofitem,MinorInfractionandSaturdaySchool• ThirdOffenseinaSemester:Seizureofitem,MajorInfraction=InternalSuspension

& lossofprivilege(ExamPrivilege,SeniorPrivilege,NJHS/NHS,etc.)andBehaviorContract.

• AdditionalOffenseswillbemanagedinaccordancetotheconditionsoutlinedwiththeBehaviorContract.

PHYSICALEDUCATIONStudents are required to wear the approved HA PE uniform (HAraiderwear.com) or anapprovedHAathleticshortandshirtthatispurchasedaspartofthespiritpackageforanHAteam/club/organization.Theremustbeaseparationofaminimumof5inchesbetweentheshirtlineandthebottomoftheshortatalltimes. StudentsthatdonotdressintheappropriatePEuniformwillnotbepermittedtoparticipateinPEclassandwillloseparticipationpoints.PEuniformviolationswillbereportedasminorinfractionsandanaccumulationofinfractionswillresultinacontractandpotentialschoolsuspension.

RAIDERDAYSFridaysaredesignatedas“RaiderDays”.OnRaiderDays,thedresscodeisrelaxed;however,studentsarestillheldtohighstandardsandadefinedsetofrulesandregulations.Onthesedays, students may wear any approved HA T-shirt, sweatshirt, or athletic jersey/jacketissuedthroughclubs,teams,orPTO/RaiderRetailsales.Studentsmaywearbluejeans(long)with no holes or fraying; otherwise, theymustwear regular uniform bottoms. Althoughathleticshoescontinuetobetherecommendedshoe(especiallyifthestudentisenrolledinPEorAthleticsandFitness);boots(nohighheelboots)maybewornwithjeansorHApants.StudentsmustwearregularschooluniformsiftheyelectnottoparticipateinRaiderDay.

SPIRITDAYSStudentsareencouragedtoparticipateinSpiritDaysbydressinginthedesignatedthemethatisapprovedbytheUpperSchoolHead.Althoughuniformsarenotrequiredthesedays,studentattiremuststillbeappropriate,consideredtobein“goodtaste”,andnotdistractfromthelearningenvironmentorcreateconflictofanykind.Noshortshorts/skirts,tanktops,headwear,facepaint,orotherdistractingobjectsarepermittedunlessspecificallyspecifiedbytheadministrativeteam.Inallcases,itisrecommendedthatstudentsseekclarificationofthespecificrulesforthemedaysvs.interpretingtherulesandregulationsincorrectly.Studentsthatdonotcomplywiththeabovestandardsonthemedayswillnotbepermittedtoenterclassuntiltheycorrecttheissue.Studentsthatdonotparticipatefullyinthedesignatedspiritthememustwearregularuniform.

SCHOOLRELATEDEVENTSOFFCAMPUSStudentsmustwearregularuniformstoanyschoolrelatedeventthattakesplaceoffcampusunlessotherwisestipulatedandapprovedbytheHeadofSchool.

SPECIALEVENTSDURINGREGULARSCHOOLHOURS

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ForeventssuchasNHS/NJHSInductionCeremoniesandAssemblies/Celebrations,studentsmustwearregularuniformsunlessotherwisestipulatedbytheUpperSchoolHead.IfnonHAuniformsareapprovedtobeworn,studentsmustfollowestablishedguidelines.Forthesetypesofevents,“businessattire”(somethingthatyouwouldweartoajoborscholarshipinterview)willberequired.

SPECIALEVENTSOUTSIDEREGULARSCHOOLHOURSForeventssuchasProm,Homecoming,ortheSadieHawkinsdance,age-appropriate/schoolappropriateformalwearisrequired.HAexpectsstudentstodressinaconservativemannerthatisconsistentwithourcorevalues. STUDENTORGANIZATIONSANDCLUBSHouston Academy sponsors a variety of clubs and school organizations. Students areencouraged to participate in school activities as an important component of an integraleducation.StudentsarerequiredtosignupforoneServiceClubandarealsoencouragedtosignupforatleastoneSchoolOrganizationorClub.All clubs and organizationsmust develop internal rules and regulations and a systemofgovernance.Studentsmaybelongtomultipleclubs/organizations;however,theymayonlyholdaleadershiproleinoneclub/organization.Someclubsandorganizationswillhaveduesandallclubswillrequireparticipationofthestudents in activities outside the regular schedule. Students that do not fulfill theirresponsibilitiesanddesignatedrolesmayberemovedfromtheclub/organization.

SCHOOLORGANIZATIONSHA offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of school organizations tofurthertheschool’smissionandtobuildschoolspiritandleadershipskills.Organizationsincludebutarenotlimitedto:RAIDERAMBASSADORSHoustonAcademyStudentAmbassadorsareaprestigiousteamofHA’stopstudentleaderswho participate in special events in an official capacity. These students act as liaisonsbetween the school and prospective students, their families, guests, alumni, businesspartnersandfriendsof theschool.TheAmbassadorprogramprovidesstudent leaderstoassistinadmissionefforts,collegeconnectionefforts,campuswideevents,andpromotetheimageofHoustonAcademytoDothanandthesurroundingcommunity.NATIONALHONORSOCIETYANDNATIONALJUNIORHONORSOCIETYThe National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes students that who havedisplayed outstanding, character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. StudentsmustmeettheminimumGPArequirementandcomplywiththeconditionsoutlinedintheHoustonAcademyNHS/NJHSCharterinordertoqualifyandmaintaintheirmembership.

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StudentsmustmaintainanexemplarydisciplineandacademicrecordandparticipateinallNHS/NJHSactivitiesinordertomaintainmembership.AnyviolationsorinfractionsoftheStudent Code of Conduct or Honor Codewill result in the student being referred to theFacultyCouncilforreviewinaccordancewiththeNHS/NJHSCharter.STUDENTGOVERNMENTASSOCIATIONTheStudentGovernmentAssociation(SGA)isthestudents’representativebody.Itpromotesschoolspirit,sponsorsthehomecomingactivities,andorganizesactivitiesthroughouttheyear. In the spring, the student body elects a president, vice-president, secretary, andtreasurertoserveasofficersfortheupcomingyear.StudentsmustapplytobememberstoserveonSGA.TheSGAhasacharterthatgovernsmembershipresponsibilitiesandduties.

OTHERSCHOOLCLUBSManyschoolclubshavemembershipfeesandspecificrequirementformembership.Studentsoftentimeswillrepresenttheschoolincompetitionsorseminarsthroughouttheschoolyear.Clubsmayincludebutarenotlimitedto:THEBLUEZONETheBlueZonePepClubworksasasupportgrouptopromoteschoolspirit.TheBlueZonesponsorstailgatesatvariousathleticeventsandhelpsraiseawarenessofHoustonAcademystudentactivities.GLOBALISSUESNETWORKTheGlobal IssuesNetwork supports the school’smission to foster global citizenshipandencouragesstudentstoraiseawarenessandtoworktowarddevelopinglocalsolutionstosomeofthepressingissuesthatfacetheworldtoday.

COMMUNITYSERVICECLUBSHoustonAcademypartnerswith local and global organizations to provide studentswithopportunitiestoparticipateinservicebasedlearningexperiences.Atthebeginningofeachacademicyear,allstudentswillsignupforaServiceClub.AllstudentsmustcompleteatleastoneactivitywithintheirServiceClubonanannualbasis.LANGUAGECLUBSStudentsmay signup toparticipate in language clubs to enrich their understanding in alanguage.ARCHERYCLUBStudentsmaysignuptoparticipateinarcheryandrepresentHAatcompetitionsthroughoutthelocalareaandstate.CHESSCLUB

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Students involved inthechessclubreceive instruction in the fundamental strategiesandtacticsofchess.Inaddition,theyengageinweeklymatcheswithfellowclubmembers.EPICEPIC was formed by the combining of two faith-based organizations, the Fellowship ofChristianAthletes (FCA)andFirstPriority.ThegrouppromotesChristianvalues throughparticipationininternalandexternalactivities. MODELUNITEDNATIONSModelUnitedNations,alsoknownasModelUNorMUN,isaneducationalsimulationand/oracademiccompetitioninwhichstudentslearnaboutdiplomacy,internationalrelations,andthe United Nations. MUN involves and teaches research, public speaking, debating, andwritingskills,inadditiontocriticalthinking,teamwork,andleadershipabilities.ROBOTICSTheRoboticsclubtakesstudentsofallinterestsandtheyworktogetherinbuildingarobotforcompetition.Thisinvolvestakingareal-lifeproblemdesignedbyengineerswithinthecommunityandchallengesthestudentstosolvetheproblemusingavarietyofmethods.DEBATECLUBStudentsthatareinterestedindebatemayjointheDebateClub.SCHOLARS’BOWLSr.Scholars’Bowlisopentostudentsingrades9-12.Studentsstudyandpracticetogethertoprepareforparticipationinacademiccompetitionsthroughoutthestate.MATHTEAMThe Math Team members are typically selected by the US Math teachers and studentsrepresenttheschoolatMathCompetitionsthroughoutthestate.

SPECIFICATHLETICPOLICIESANDPROCEDURESANTICIPATEDATHLETICTEAMSFORTHE2020-2021SCHOOLYEARHoustonAcademyrecognizesandpromotestheimportanceofinterscholasticactivities.AsamemberoftheAlabamaHighSchoolAthleticAssociation(AHSAA)theschooloffersabroadspectrumoforganizedprogramsinthefollowingsports:Fall Winter SpringCheerleading(V,JV) Archery(club) BoysBaseball(V,JV,JH)BoysCrossCountry(V,JV,MS) BoysBowling(V) BoysGolf(V)GirlsCrossCountry(V,JV,MS) GirlsBowling(V) GirlsGolf(V)Football(V,JV) Cheerleading(V,JV) BoysTennis(JV,V)

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GirlsVolleyball(V,JV,JH) BoysBasketball(V,JV,MS) GirlsTennis(JV,V)BoysSwimming(V) GirlsBasketball(V,JV,JH) BoysSoccer(V,JV,MS)GirlsSwimming(V) Wrestling(V) GirlsSoccer(V,JV) IndoorTrack(V) BoysTrack&Field(V) GirlsTrack&Field(V) GirlsSoftball(V,JV) ESports

AHSAASTUDENTREQUIREMENTSAllstudentsmusthavethefollowinginformationproperlysignedandonfileintheAthleticofficebeforetheymaypractice.

1. BirthCertificate2. ConcussionConsentForm3. StudentReleaseForm4. Physical5. SportsmanshipCertificate

AllformsmaybefoundontheAHSAAwebsiteorHoustonAcademy’swebsite.

DIRECTIONSFORSPORTSMANSHIPREQUIREMENTAll athletes are required to register on the www.nfhslearn.com and to complete thesportsmanship elective course for students. The course is free.Make Sure you print thecompletion certificate at the end and give a copy to your coach orAthleticDirector. Foradditionalrulesregardingeligibilityandparticipation,pleasecontacttheAthleticDirectororvisittheAHSAAwebsiteatwww.ahsaa.com.StudentsthatdonotcomplywithSportsmanshiprulesandregulationsarerequiredtopayanyfinesthatareassessedbytheAHSAA.Studentsmayreducetheirfinesbycompletinganonlinesportsmanshipclass.

ACADEMICRULEANDELIGIBILITYStudentsingradesninethroughtwelvemusthavepassedallcorecoursesduringthelasttwo semesters of study and have aminimum composite numerical average of 70 in sixcourses(4corecoursesand2electives)*.*doesnotincludeStudyHallTRANSFERRULEANDELIGIBILITYThe AHSAA clearly establishes rules and regulations that determine eligibility for anystudentsthattransferstoHAafterthecompletionof6thgrade.TheserulesaresubjecttochangeandshouldbereviewedontheAHSAAwebsiteifanyfamilyisconsideringamove.Students are not considered eligible until their cases have been reviewed by theadministrativeteamandAHSAAinsomecasesandtheyhavebeenofficiallyregisteredattheschool.Studentsthatarenoteligibleforanyreasonarepermittedtopracticewithteams;

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however, they cannot play or be rostered in any varsity sport during their period ofineligibility.

TRYOUTSStudentsareencouragedtocontactcoachesortheAthleticDirectorfortryoutinformationand dates. Once tryout dates are established, they will be posted on Tandem Calendar.Studentsmustattendalltryoutsorprovideawrittenjustificationfortheirabsenceinordertobeselectedforateam.

SCHOOLATTENDANCEONGAMEDAYANDPRACTICEDAYStudentathletesmustbeinschooltheentiredayinordertobeabletoparticipateinanyathleticgameormatch.Studentathletesthatareabsentforanyreasononagamedaymustrequestpermission fromtheHeadof theUpperSchool inordertobe“eligible”toplayingame.Permissionmayonlybegrantedifthestudentmissedlessthanoneperiodofschoolorhadaprearrangedappointmentandreceivedpriorapprovaltobeabsent.Studentathletesmustbeinschoolaminimumofthreeclassperiodstobeabletopracticeafterschool.Anystudentathletethatissenthomeduringthedaybecauseofillnessmaynotreturntoschooltopracticeorplayinagame/match.Studentathletesthatviolatethispolicywill be suspended for the next game on a first offense andmultiple games for a secondoffense.AthirdviolationwillresultinthestudentlosingtheprivilegetoparticipateonanyHAteam.

GAMESCHEDULINGNogamesorpracticeswillbescheduledtheweekbeforeortheweekofexamsorAPtests.PleasenotethatexceptionsmaybemadeforPlayoffGames;however,theHeadofSchoolmustapprovethosegames. Additionally,nogamesmaybescheduledduringShortTerm.Coachesmayschedulegamesduringschoolholidays;however,Coachesmustcommunicatewith the players and parents before tryouts andmake this expectation clear to studentathletes.Coaches ideallywillschedulenomorethantwogamesaweekend ideally:onlyoneawaygamethatrequiresmorethananhourandahalfoftotaltraveltimeandonegamebetweenMondayandThursday.Onlyregionalorsectionalgameswillberescheduledinthecaseofany cancellation.Coacheswill alsomake significantefforts tominimize studentabsencesfromclassbyschedulinggames(takingintoaccounttraveltime)outsideofregularschoolhours.Coachesmustpresentaproposed schedule to theAthleticDirector forapproval aminimumoftwomonthspriortothestartoftheseason.Additionally,CoachesmustpresentoutofseasontrainingschedulestotheAthleticDirectorbyJan.1st.

TUTORIALSANDREGULARCLASSESAll studentathletesmusthave theopportunity toattend tutorial sessionsbeforeorafterschoolwithout consequence from the coach. Coaches, teachers, and studentsmustwork

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collaborativelytomaximizestudentacademicandathletictalent;therefore,coachesmustencouragestudentathletestoattendtutorialsandstudysessionswheneveravailableandteachersareaskedtoworkwithathletestoassistthemtomanagetheirschedulesandtomakeup anyworkmisseddue to team sporting events. Student athletesmust attend allregularlyscheduledclassesandmayonlybepulled fromclass forawaygames,never forhomegamesorpracticepurposes.Studentscannotpostponeascheduledtestorprojectduedateduetoamissedclassorlatenightbecauseofagame.

SUMMERWORKOUTSAllstudentathletesmustbepre-enrolledatHoustonAcademybeforetheymaystartanysummerworkouts. TransferstudentsmusthaveofficiallywithdrawnfromtheirpreviousschoolandbeofficiallyenrolledatHoustonAcademyinordertoparticipateinanyorganizedactivities.TransfersmustmeetalltheAHSAAeligibilitycriteriabeforetheymayparticipateinanysummerteamcompetition.

ATHLETICFEESHoustonAcademyrecognizesandpromotestheimportanceofinterscholasticactivitiesandthereforebudgetsandcoversallofthemajorcostsforallstudentathletestoparticipateinAHSAAsanctionedsports. HoustonAcademysigns-outgamedayuniforms toall studentathletes in addition to practice uniforms for some sports. If students fail to return theuniformsoranyequipmentthattheyareassigned,theywillbechargedreplacementcostfees.Feesmayalsobecollectedtocoverthecostsof:meals,travelcostsforgamesorcamps,lodgingforcamps,banquets,etc.Insomecases,coachesmayprovidestudentathletestheoption topurchaseadditionalgear (shoes,warmups,bags,practice jerseys,etc.)*HAwilltakestepstominimizethesecostsbyusingcommonwarm-upsuitsandallowingstudentstowearapprovedwarm-upjacketsaspartofthegeneralouterwearUniformPolicy.Parentsareresponsibleforpurchasingallpersonalizedequipment,gear(shoes,warm-ups,etc.)andjerseys,preferablythroughonlineteampurchasingsites.*Purchaseofsupplementarygearisnotrequired.

BANQUETSAttheendofeachseason,individualsportscelebratetheendoftheseasonwithbanquetswhereawardsaregiveninaccordancetothecriteriadevelopedbythecoaches.Studentsandfamiliesmustpayfeestocoverbasicbanquetcosts.SUMMERCAMPS(AWAY)Studentsareresponsibleforpayingallcostsforcampsthatarerunoffcampusaswellasanyfeesforcoaches,chaperones,etc.Studentsmayrequestpermissiontoperformfundraiserstolowerteamcosts;however,allfundraisersmustbeapprovedbytheAdvancementOfficeandtheHeadoftheUpperSchool.