Magic City Campus Newsletter Summer

July 2017

C2G - Commitment to Graduate Magic City Campus will continue to spotlight the Commitment to Graduate® (C2G®) initiative throughout 2017-2018 to address high school completion and school pride. It encourages students to strive for their high school diploma and set a goal for the next stage of life. Jostens, the company through which we purchase graduation gowns and our yearbook, have partnered with schools to bring together key messaging for communities, educators, and students, emphasizing the importance and value of a high school diploma. This research-based initiative also focuses on helping students prepare for the future by setting a career goal beyond high school, which might include trade schools, the military, apprenticeship, or college. Through C2G, MCC hopes to provide the framework to: • lower the dropout rate, • encourage a sense of pride for self and school, • open the door to our students’ futures, • create a support system, • develop a sense of belonging, • engage communities and business partners, • strategize to increase parent involvement in schools, and • embrace and develop traditions with celebrations of commitment. We look forward to partnering with our students, our staff, you the parents, and the Minot community to assist students with successful completion of high school.

Safety & Security at MCC a Priority All doors at MCC, with the exception of door one, will remain locked after the start of 1st period. Entrance into the school will be through door one via the attendance or main office. This will allow for better security for all at MCC.

First Day of School Thursday, August 24 8:05 a.m.

Summer Orientation in Counseling Office The mandatory 2017-2018 registration appointments for Magic City Campus students will be held in the Counseling Office at MCC during the month of August. Students are asked to park in the west parking lot and enter through door 3. All students enrolled at Magic City Campus should have received a postcard that provided the specific appointment time. In addition to their schedules, students will receive parking permits and important information regarding graduation, ACT, SAT, and release of information forms. It is mandatory that students have their ID pictures taken at this time. Fees may also be paid in the Finance Office. This is only available to students during their scheduled appointment times. During orientation, juniors will meet with their own counselors and have an opportunity to review their schedule and graduation requirements. Since a specific time has been scheduled, students and parents are required to be on time. It is important to note that juniors should arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointments to view a required video detailing critical information about Magic City Campus. If you cannot come during your scheduled time, contact the Counseling Office at 857-4512.

Student Activities There is a direct correlation between academic success at the high school level and involvement in school activities. In view of this positive relationship, we would encourage you to be both familiar with our school’s student activities, as well as promote your child’s involvement in them. The following is a listing of potential involvements:

Athletic Programs Baseball Basketball (B) Basketball (G) Cheerleading Cross Ctry (B) Cross Ctry (G) Dance Team Football Golf (B) Golf (G) Gymnastics Hockey (B)

Hockey (G) Soccer (B) Soccer (G) Softball (G) Swimming (B) Swimming (G) Tennis (B) Tennis (G) Track (B) Track (G) Volleyball Wrestling

Clubs and Organizations Art Club Character Counts Debate DECA Foreign Lang. FBLA FFA FCCLA GSA Honor Society

Key Club Renaissance Science Club Science Olympiad Skills USA Speech Student 2 Student Student Council TSA

Music

Band Jazz Ensemble Change of Pace Choir Marching Magicians Orchestra

Publications MCC Times (newspaper)

Searchlight (yearbook)

Theatre

Playmakers Thespians

Daily Schedule Students at MCC will experience a regular schedule on August 24, the opening day of the 2017-2018 school year. All juniors and seniors must be present for the 8:05 a.m. start time. Students will report to their first hour class at 8:05 a.m. Students who do not have a first hour class should report to the library.



• Period 1

8:05-8:55



• Period 2

9:00-9:50



• Period 3

9:55-10:45



• Period 4

10:50-11:40



• Period 5

11:45-1:10







1st Lunch Class

11:45-12:15 12:20-1:10



Class 11:45-12:35 2nd Lunch 12:40-1:10



• Period 6

1:15-2:05



• Period 7

2:10-3:00

It is extremely important that every student be in attendance on the first day. Important policy and schedule information will be shared. All classes will meet and attendance will be taken (see attendance policy on page 6). All facilities and services will be fully operational on the first day. The kitchen will be open and lunch will be served during the regular noon schedule.

MCC Test Exemption Policy • Maximum test exemptions per semester will be two. • Exemptions will be earned by having two or fewer absences and two or fewer tardies in semester classes or four or fewer in yearlong classes. • NO exemptions for any student with LOP or suspension during that semester. • College credit and Central Campus classes cannot be exempted. • Students must be passing current semester of the class to earn an exemption. • Exemptions are per semester. Year-long classes are allowed two absences and two tardies first semester or a total of four by the end of the year. • All juniors will be required to take one semester test of math and science. • All seniors will be required to take one semester test of language arts and government or economics. All unverified, verified, unexcused, and late absences (more than five minutes late) will be included in the absence tallies for this policy.

MCC Parent Newsletter

Page 3

Fee Information 2017-2018

Eligibility Policy

The following is a list of fees that may be paid in the Finance Office at orientation in August. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted.

All students participating in Minot High School extracurricular activities must be passing all classes in order to be eligible for participation. Ineligible students will be allowed to continue to practice with their group, but will not be allowed to compete or travel until the student regains their eligibility.

Class Fee (mandatory)........................................$3.00 Lunch Prices Per Meal........................................$2.50 Art Classes........................................................... $20.00 Tech Ed Classes........................ minimum of $18.00 Activity Participation....................................... $50.00 Activity Ticket..................................................... $40.00 Yearbook......................... $60.00 ($70 after Oct. 31)

Standardized Test Dates 2017-2018 ACT

Test Date

Deadline to Register

September 9, 2017 October 28, 2017 December 9, 2017 February 10, 2018 April 14, 2018 June 9, 2018 July 14, 2018

August 4, 2017 September 22, 2017 November 3, 2017 January 12, 2018 March 9, 2018 May 4, 2018 June 15, 2018

SAT

October 7, 2017 November 4, 2017 December 2, 2017 March 10, 2018 May 5, 2018 June 2, 2018

September 8, 2017 October 5, 2017 November 2, 2017 February 9, 2018 April 6, 2018 May 2, 2018

Stay Current with Student Activities To view the most recent updates in student activities, log on to http://www.westerndakotaassociation.org and select Minot High School. Calendars can be sorted by activity or viewed collectively.

Eligibility will be computed on a threeweek basis. Students who are failing at checks will be put on a one-week ineligibility status. After one week, students can regain their eligibility by providing proof of eligibility to their coach or advisor on Monday following the week of ineligibility. Grades are computed from the beginning of the semester. (See schedule on page 4.) According to NDHSAA rules, students must pass at least four solid classes each semester to participate. Students who do not meet this minimum state requirement will be ineligible for the first four weeks of the next semester. In addition to meeting academic requirements, participants in extracurricular activities are held to strict standards in terms of tobacco, alcohol, or other drug offenses. Minot Public Schools requires that any student with such an infraction serve at least two of the six-weeks ineligibility sanction during the first two weeks of their first activity during the school year. Coaches and advisors will provide information to prospective participants. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

MCC Newsletter

Page 4

Eligibility Dates 2017-18

Office Hours for Student Success

Believing that academics is our first priority, it is expected that students who participate in extracurricular activities be passing all classes. Therefore, eligibility is checked every three weeks. Students found to be passing all classes are allowed to participate and any student with a failing grade is deemed ineligible.

Students who are experiencing difficulty in classes or who would like additional teacher assistance can do so from 7:30-8:00 a.m. or 3:05-3:30 p.m., as arranged with a teacher. Teachers are available to assist students during these times. Students who need to arrange for make-up work are encouraged to meet with teachers during this time as well.

Forms to reclaim eligibility following the period of ineligibility are found in the Counseling Office. These must be submitted on the date indicated on the form. It is highly recommended that students and parents check grades regularly in PowerSchool™. This is especially critical the week prior to eligibility checks. The following dates are shared as eligibility check dates. Be aware that checks are typically done at 8:00 a.m.

September 21, 2017 October 12, 2017 November 2, 2017 November 22, 2017 December 14, 2017 January 16, 2018 February 8, 2018 March 1, 2018 March 22, 2018 April 12, 2018 May 3, 2018 May 24, 2018

Magic City Campus will once again implement the Guided Study Program (GSP). Designed as a proactive opportunity for credit deficient students to achieve academic success, it will assist students who have not earned the appropriate number of credits in required classes during grades 9, 10, or 11. The GSP will consist of small groups of students working with an assigned tutor for a class period each day, essentially closing campus for those students. The tutor will assist the students with homework and study skills, as well as monitor academic progress in the goal of meeting graduation requirements. These and other options will be discussed during orientation in August.

MCC National Honor Society National Honor Society is an organization based on leadership, service, scholarship, and character. The MCC National Honor Society is an active group of juniors and seniors whose goal is to plan and participate in service projects in both the school and the community. Qualifying students will be notified regarding membership in the MCC National Honor Society. Requirements for membership include the following: having a 3.5 cumulative GPA, paying $10 dues, turning in signed by-laws, attending six meetings, and participating in six hours of service during the school year. In order for seniors to receive their Honor Society tassel for graduation, they must complete these requirements by May 2, 2018. If you have any questions concerning NHS, you may contact Heather Lofgren or Jacob Thomas, co-advisors.

Cell Phone Policy With student and adult use of cell phones now the norm rather than the exception, the policy for their use at Magic City Campus has been modified slightly to be more in step with current trends. Incidents in other high schools demonstrate the importance of maintaining a clear and enforceable policy pertaining to cell phone use in schools. In addition to the obvious concern of class disturbance, technological advances such as built-in digital cameras, Internet access, and text messaging, present additional worries with regard to integrity of tests and personal privacy issues. As an example, several American high schools have lost the privilege of being test sites for college admission tests (ACT/SAT) because of cell phone violations during testing. Our goal at Magic City Campus is to have a policy that is practical, yet respects the privacy of other students and the integrity of the academic process. Students at Magic City will be allowed to use their cell phones in the commons and locker bay areas. All academic areas, as well as the hallways that lead to them, will be strict “No Cell Phone” areas. In those areas, phones are required to be set to “off” and stowed away in a backpack, purse, or other invisible location. Signs are posted to indicate the “No Cell Phone” zones and student compliance will be required. It is hoped that with these privileges, students will not be tempted to use their cell phone in any way (texting, voice mail, etc.) in the academic areas. Such violations will require swift and sure consequences. An exception to this rule is when teachers designate a time during class in which students can access their cell phones for educational purposes. It is evident cell phones have become a necessary part of many students' lives. The MCC cell phone policy is a middle-ofthe-road effort to achieve convenience for students, as well as maintain academic and individual integrity for all.

MCC Newsletter

Page 5

Communication

Parking at MCC

• Parking permits are available in the main office. • Students will be issued numbered parking permits, which must be displayed in the lower right corner of the front passenger window. Permits must be displayed at all times while parked on campus. • The initial parking permit is free. Additional or replacement permits are $5.00 each.

Since we value your communication with us, we are offering the following list of extensions/ personnel to help parents seeking information concerning a student or some other aspect of the school operation:

General Information about school philosophy and operations: Scott Faul, Principal Lynn Jensen, Secretary 857-4500

• Vehicles will be monitored daily for current parking permits. Vehicles not displaying a current permit in the appropriate window will be ticketed.

Grade 11 Students - attendance,

• Students must park in designated student parking.

Grade 12 Students - attendance,

• If a student drives a vehicle without a permit to school, they should go to the main office to obtain a substitute permit for the day.

The deadline to turn in SENIOR PICTURES for the yearbook is

grades, scheduling, attitude: Harlan Johnson, Associate Principal Roxanne Vander Vorste, Secretary 857-4501

grades, scheduling, attitude: Robert Martin, Associate Principal Audrey Marshall, Secretary 857-4561

Student Files, Sending of Records, Appointments with Counselors

Kim Hendrickson, Counseling Sec. 857-4512 Cliff Davis, Counselor 857-4542 Jennifer Lunde, Counselor 857-4552 Kristy Schindler, Counselor 857-4522

October 31, 2017. SENIORS may choose to use their school pictures, which will be taken at MCC on August 29, 2017. JUNIOR PICTURES will be taken on August 30, 2017.

Student Fees/Bills:

Corrine Schell, Finance Secretary 857-4572



Parent Reporting of student illness or emergency taking the student from classes. (Answering machine available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.): Audrey Marshall, Attendance Secretary 857-4561

Departments

AFJROTC Art Building Trades Business Ed. Career Center Custodian Fam. & Consum. Sci Foreign Lang. Hearing Impaired Int. Disabled Language Arts Marketing Mathematics Media Center Medical Careers Music Physical Ed. (girls) (boys) Science Social Studies Special Serv. Resource Sports Trainers Technical Center Technology Ed. Theatre

857-4564 857-4523 420-7594 857-4546 857-4585 857-4569 857-4541 857-4525 857-4577 857-4553 857-4529 857-4533 857-4547 857-4534 857-4526 420-1815 857-4545 857-4584 857-4570 857-4582 420-7601 857-4554 857-4527 857-4519 857-4548 420-1804 420-7597 857-4518

Twitter, Snapchat, & Website! Students and parents are encouraged to log onto our website at www.minot.k12. nd.us/Magic City Campus to access current information or follow us on Snapchat at mccmagi, or Twitter @ MCCmagi.

MCC Newsletter

Page 6

Student Handbook Attendance Policy



Class Absence Limits

During the first week of school, students will receive a handbook. The handbook contains information relative to school policies and services. We advise parents to read the handbook and review your student’s daily schedule.

1/4 credit class • 5 days Physical Education, Driver's Ed Class

One portion of the handbook contains the student attendance policy. Because we view daily attendance as the most critical factor in student success, we invite you to review the policy:

1/2 credit class • 10 days semester class meeting every day

MHS Attendance Policy Students at Minot High School are expected to be in all classes unless the absence is excused. Not only is daily attendance required by the North Dakota Century Code, it is essential for the successful completion of your courses. The most common cause of academic failure is absence.

1/2 credit class • 12 days year-long class meeting three times each week (Change of Pace, Jazz Ensemble) 1 credit class • 20 days full year

Since we sincerely want you to succeed at Minot High School, we will respond to every unverified absence from a class. Furthermore, if you begin to accumulate excessive excused absences, the administration will require a doctor's verification for subsequent absences. Much of the work done in classrooms cannot be replicated. Therefore, academic consequence for excused and unexcused absences may apply. Students are required to make up all assigned work. Students who exceed the maximum number of absences allowed may participate in the Credit Buy Back Program. All credit buy-back must be completed in order to receive credit. As a reminder, a senior must be enrolled in six classes and a junior in seven classes to remain a student at Minot High School.

• The only exceptions to the standard are school-sponsored activities, suspensions, and very unusual situations approved by the student’s principal. • It is required that parents call the attendance office at 857-4561 on the morning of the absence. If communication efforts fail, the absence will be classified as unexcused. • If a student knows he/she will be absent from school at some time in the future, all school work must be completed in advance. The student must turn in to the attendance office a pre-arranged absence slip with teachers’ signatures prior to being gone from school. Failure to do so warrants an unexcused absence. • A student is given two days for each day missed to make up the work for an excused absence. Although all missed work must be made up, no credit is given for an unexcused absence. • Students are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities on a day they have been absent from school without making prior arrangements. • The student is responsible for checking out with the attendance secretary if he/she becomes ill during the day or needs to leave the building for an appointment. Failure to do so warrants an unexcused absence.

MCC Newsletter

Page 7

FERPA

Minot Public Schools 2017-18 School Calendar August 24

First Day of School

September 4

Labor Day--No School

September 5

Late Start Due to Prof. Development

October 19, 20

NDEA Convention--No School

October 25

Early Release Due to Prof. Development

November 10

Veterans' Day--No School

November 23, 24

Thanksgiving Vacation--No School

November 29

Early Release Due to Prof. Development

December 21

Last Day Before Vacation

December 22

P/T Comp Day--No School

January 2

Classes Resume

January 15

No School--Professional Development

February 16

P/T Comp Day--No School

February 19

No School--Professional Development

March 8, 9

Spring Break--No School

March 21

Early Release Due to Prof. Development

March 30

Good Friday--No School

April 2

Vacation Day--No School

April 3

Late Start Due to Prof. Development

May 23

Last Day for Students



(if make-up days are not needed)

May 24, 25

Make-up Days (if necessary)

May 27

Graduation--2:00 p.m. If needed, “storm make-up days” will be May 24 & 25, 2018 MCC Parent-Teacher Conferences November 6 & 7 • 4:00-7:00 p.m. February 20 & 22 • 4:00-7:00 p.m.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (eligible students) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. They are: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 This district discloses directory information from student records. Directory information may include the following: name, address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, participation in officially recognized school activities, weight, height, past statistics and year in school of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, previous schools attended, and names of parent or guardians. The district may also publish an honor roll. Parent or legal guardians of a student or eligible students have the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of above categories as directory information with respect to the student. This refusal should be in writing and be communicated to the school principal by September 15 of each year. A complete text of the FERPA regulations is available at each school site as well as at the district administration building.

MCC Newsletter

Page 8

Acceptable Use Policy for School Computers The Minot Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for student use of school computers no longer requires student, parent, and administrator signature. Instead, the policy has been printed in the Student Handbook, and student compliance is assumed. A copy of the AUP follows to assist parents in understanding this important policy. The Board of Education is committed to the goal of having technology, computers, and network facilities used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, educational, and legal manner in accordance with the mission of the Minot Public School District. Acceptable uses of the network are activities which support teaching and learning. Network users are encouraged to use technology, computers, and the Internet for purposes which meet their individual educational needs and take advantage of the computer and network functions. Acceptable uses of technology, computers and the network include, but are not limited to: • Minot Public School and Minot Public Library online catalogs; • NWEA MAP testing; • Network file storage; • Word processing and other software; • Electronic mail; • Accessing databases such as Grolier's Online and ODIN (On-line Dakota Information Network); or • Accessing Internet resources such as web sites and United Streaming. Unacceptable uses of technology, computers, and the network include, but are not limited to: • Accessing Internet resources or visiting web sites deemed inappropriate by the staff and administrators of this district; • Violating the privacy rights of students and employees of this district; • Gaining unauthorized access to computer systems or files; • Copying print, software, music, or video for use in violation of copyright law; • Inappropriate content in e-mail or other documents or on-line postings; • Using profanity, obscenity, or other language which may be offensive to another user; • Using the network for financial gain or for intentionally spreading computer viruses; • Downloading, storing, or printing graphics, videos, files, or messages that are profane, obscene, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others; • Taking and/or publishing digital images that are inappropriate, embarrassing, or harassing to other students or MPS employees; or • Intentionally bypassing the state-wide and/or district-based Internet filters.

Calculators in Math Class The MCC Mathematics Department recommends that all math students possess a course appropriate calculator. Algebra II, Advanced Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus Prep, and AP Calculus use graphing calculators on a daily basis. The presentations are done on Texas Instruments model numbers TI-83 or TI-84. For Algebra I and Geometry a scientific calculator of any brand is appropriate. For Consumer Math, any four-function calculator is sufficient. Many parents watch the back-to-school ads to secure a calculator at a reasonable price prior to the start of school. The MCC Math Dept. has a limited number available for rent. This may help your MCC student be prepared for their math class.