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EXTRA- CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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O’CONNELL COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2007 – 2008 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK (Currently in Revision - Check Back For Most Recent Edition)
This handbook, concerning the philosophy and operating procedures of O’Connell College Preparatory School has been prepared to be informative for you. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the information contained in this handbook.
Any future publications approved by the O’Connell Foundation Board are considered to be school policy; therefore, this document will not be all-inclusive. If written Board directives or policies on a subject do not exist, written guidelines, decisions, and actions of the administration will prevail.
In addition to the policies included in this publication, regulations from the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Association of Parochial and Private Schools (TAPPS) will be followed in the administration of the school.
O’CONNELL COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL IS IN COMPLIANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information: Mission Statement Page 3 Board Members Page 4 Staff Page 4 Tuition and Fees Page 5 Academics: Graduation Requirements Page 6 GPA and Class Rank Page 7 Grading System Page 8 Advanced Placement Program Page 8 Exam Exemption Policy Page 9 Schedule Changes Page 10 Homework Policy Page 10 Late Work Page 10 Courses Offered at OCPS Page 11 Bell Schedule Page 12 Student Attendance: Student Absences and Process Page 13 Tardy Policy and Procedure Page 14 Closed Campus Policy Page 15 Hall Passes Page 15 Student Discipline: Student Discipline Polices Page 16 Expectations Page 17 Detention Page 18 Saturday School Page 18 Suspensions Page 18 Expulsions Page 18 Student Dress Code: General Policy Page 18 Guidelines for Boys Page 19 Guidelines for Girls Page 20 Grievance Procedure/Policy Page 21 Student Services: Announcements Page 22 Cafeteria (Student Lunch) Page 22 Electronic Devices (Cell Phones) Page 22 Field Trips Page 23 Fire/Emergency Drills Page 23 Health Services Page 24 Library Page 24 Lockers Page 25 Student Parking Page 25 Support Organizations Page 25 Textbooks Page 25 Extra-Curricular Activities: Extra-Curricular Activities Page 26 Eligibility Requirements Page 27 National Honor Society Page 28 Student Council Page 28 Important Dates Page 28 O’Connell Handbook Agreement Form Page 29 Parent Information Page 30
O'CONNELL COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL is a 4-year coeducational parochial/private high school that offers college preparatory programs at its campus located in Galveston. The current teacher/student ratio is 1:15. Acceptance for admission to O’Connell is based primarily on the prospective student’s past school record, potential for achievement in an academic setting, and the recommendation of his/her current principal. Application procedures include completion of application, principal recommendation, teacher recommendations, entrance exam scores, review of transcripts, test scores from the previous school attended, previous attendance records, and previous discipline records.
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of O’Connell is to provide secondary students a strong college preparatory education based on the values and principles of the Catholic faith. The school strives to form community awareness and to develop the intellectual, spiritual, physical and social dimensions of the students in order to prepare them for responsible and productive Christian living and leadership in today’s society.
HISTORICAL SKETCH: O’Connell College Preparatory School is the only Catholic secondary school in Galveston County. O’Connell resulted from the consolidation of three previously existing Catholic Schools in 1968: Dominican High School (established in 1882, Dominican was an all girls school owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters); Kirwin High School (founded in 1927, Kirwin was an all boys school owned by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, operated by the Christian Brothers), and Ursuline Academy (organized in 1847, Ursuline was an all girls elementary and high school owned and operated by the Ursuline Sisters).
In the autumn of 1967, the religious orders operating the three schools agreed on consolidation as a means of continuing Catholic secondary education in Galveston, offering a broader curriculum than was possible in any of the three smaller high schools. The Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, Bishop John Morkovsky, S.T.D., approved the plan. He appointed a Board of Trustees composed of laymen and priests to plan and bring about the consolidation in cooperation with the Diocese, the three religious orders, and the Catholic parishes of Galveston County. The Board named the newly created school after the Right Rev. Monsignor Daniel P. O’Connell, P.A., pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galveston from 1933 until his death in 1966, and a long time friend of Catholic education.
The Catholic Diocese of Galveston - Houston decided to close O’Connell High School at the end of the 2003 - 2004 school year. The seven dedicated board members, with the support of O’Connell alumni and many other people and organizations from Galveston County refused to let O’Connell die. As of July 1, 2004, O’Connell College Preparatory School has continued the rich Catholic beliefs and practices under the direction of the seven dedicated directors and the support of the Galveston-Houston Catholic Archdiocese.
ACCREDITATION and MEMBERSHIPS: O’Connell College Preparatory School is accredited by the Texas Education Agency through the Catholic Schools Accreditation Agency and is a member of TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools), Texas Association of College Admissions Counselors, and Galveston Chamber of Commerce. All policies formulated by the school are within the policies of the Archdioceses of Galveston-Houston.
O’CONNELL FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS:
Mr. Alex Gonzalez President Mr. Wayne Mallia Vice President Mrs. Dotsy Balentine Member Mrs. Addie Pappous Member TBA Member TBA Member TBA Member
O’CONNELL COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL STAFF:
Dr. William Tapp Head Master Mr. Bill Doughty Principal Mr. Jim Cantrell Director of Student Services Ms. Lori Landriault Business Manager Ms. Michelle Profitt Director of Development Mr. Fred Garcia Office Manager Ms. Bridget Miller Receptionist/Attendance Clerk
TEACHERS:
Mrs. Christine Badger English/German/Dept. Chair Mrs. Kristen Bird English/Journalism/Yearbook Ms. Cindi Brady Spanish Mr. John Crocker AP English Mr. Patrick Danesi Social Studies/Athletics Sr. Mary Frances Heins Theology Mrs. Roxanne Hogan Mathematics/Dept. Chair Mrs. Candie Lepo Technology (BCIS, Web Productions, Art) Dr. Jayne Makino Science Mr. Joseph W. McVey Science Mrs. Kay Potts Mathematics Mr. Terry Scarbrough Social Studies Mrs. Claudia Stevens English Mrs. Pat Teltschik English/Theater/Speech Mr. Robert Turner AP Government Mrs. Joy Unbehagen Mathematics Mrs. Janice Vinson Librarian Mr. Larry Zeringue Health/P.E./Athletics O’Connell Tuition and Fees for 2007 – 2008 School Year TUITION AND REQUIRED FEES FEES FOR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Application Fee $ 25.00 (For New Students Only) Football $150.00 Tuition $6,150.00 Basketball $100.00 Registration $ 350.00 (Non-Refundable) Cheerleading $100.00 Academic Fee $ 500.00 Includes all: Volleyball $100.00 Science and Lab Fees Soccer $100.00 Testing Fees (excluding AP Tests) Tennis or Golf $100.00 Student Insurance/Textbook Book Use Fees Dance Team $100.00 Yearbook Track $ 50.00 --------------------------------------------------- Baseball or Softball $100.00 Total Cost $7,000
The $6,500 tuition and academic fee covers all classes and activities that are required for graduation. Registration fee must be paid prior to the start of school. Three methods of payment of tuition and remaining fees: 1. Pay total tuition and fees by August 10, 2007 2. Pay all fees and ˝ tuition by August 10, 2007 and ˝ tuition by January 7, 2008 3. **Pay registration fee and 1/10th of the tuition/fees (excluding registration fee) each month starting August 15 · $25.00 late fee for insufficient funds · **Payment contract must be in place when this option is chosen. All payment contracts must be approved by the business manager prior to student attendance. A minimum of 1 month’s tuition and fees must be paid before a student can attend classes. Students who leave during the academic year will be charged based on the number of six week sessions the student is enrolled in at the time of withdrawal. All fees are non-refundable. School Withdrawals: During First Six-Week Reporting Period 20% Tuition During Second Six-Week Reporting Period 35% Tuition During Third Six-Week Reporting Period 55% Tuition During Fourth Six-Week Reporting Period 70% Tuition During Fifth Six-Week Reporting Period 85% Tuition During Sixth Six-Week Reporting Period Full Tuition Scholarships and/or financial assistance apply to the second semester only. These awards are given to grant students the opportunity to stay and earn an education at O’Connell. The school allows students to pay a reduced amount throughout the year. However, if a student should decide to leave before the end of the school-year, the scholarship award becomes void and the full tuition and fees are due before grades and transcripts can be released.
If students enter after school has commenced the following policies will be in effect for all Late Entries: All fees remain at the full amount regardless of when the student enrolls in school. Tuition will decrease according to the following schedule: During First Six-Week Reporting Period Full Tuition During Second Six-Week Reporting Period 85% Tuition During Third Six-Week Reporting Period 70% Tuition During Fourth Six-Week Reporting Period 55% Tuition During Fifth Six-Week Reporting Period 35% Tuition During Sixth Six-Week Reporting Period 20% Tuition Notice to families with more than one child enrolled at OCPS concurrently:
THE O’CONNELL ACADEMIC PROGRAM
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: The O’Connell College Preparatory program prepares the students for the state’s two top graduation plans.
The Texas Recommended Gradation Plan includes:
English 4.0 credits To include English I, II, III, IV
Math 4.0 credits* To include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. *Students who receive credit for Algebra I before entering the ninth grade will be required to complete the next level of math following Pre-Calculus to ensure four years of math
Science 3.0 credits To include 3 of the following: Integrated Physics & Chemistry (IPC), Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Both Chemistry and Physics are required when the student does not take IPC. Anatomy and Biology 2 are science electives, but do not substitute for the required science classes. O’Connell Preparatory School strongly recommends that the student take a fourth year of science.
Other Languages 3.0 credits: (New for incoming 9th grade students) Students in grades 10-12 are still under the old plan of two credits required and three recommended for graduation. The required language credits must be in the same language. O’Connell College Preparatory School and many colleges recommend three years of the same language. Spanish I completed before entering the ninth grade does not count as one of the required years of a language in Preparatory school.
Social Studies 4.0 credits To include World Geography, World History, United States History, and Government/Economics
Technology Applications 1.0 credit
Theology 4.0 credits including Theology I, II, III and IV
Physical Education 1.5 credits (Athletics, drill team and cheerleading may substitute for the physical education credits.) One (1) PE credits may be earned each school year.
Health/Speech 0.5 credit each Fine Arts 1.0 credit (Theater, dance, music, art, photo art) Electives 1.0 credit (2.5 electives if athletics substitutes for P.E.) SAT Prep 1.0 credit (Replaces an elective during the senior year if the student’s SAT scores do not meet college entrance requirements TOTAL CREDITS: 26.5 credits
The Distinguished Achievement Graduation Plan requires a third year of the other language and a fourth year of science in place of the two elective and four advanced measures. The four advanced measures must be in a minimum of two different categories. The categories are listed on the next page. ADVANCED MEASURES: The Distinguished Achievement Program requires high performance beyond that expected in high school and includes external evaluation components. The Distinguished Achievement components include:
A score of four or better on an International Baccalaureate examination A composite score of 1800 or better on the SAT A score on the PSAT that qualifies a student as a Commended Scholar College Course: A grade of B or higher on a college course A grade of B or higher on a dual credit course
COMMUNITY SERVICE: All students are required to accumulate and report twenty-five (25) hours of community service each school year. The process and forms are located in The Office Manager’s office. Please note that the service hours must be approved by the principal in advance. The type of service and when the work was completed must be listed on the form. The hours must be confirmed by the religious or organization leader, not by the student’s parent.
ENTRANCE CRITERIA: O’Connell is a College Preparatory School. All students who enter O’Connell must meet the school’s entrance criteria. The evaluation criteria include:
SENIOR TRANSFER CRITERIA
Students who enter O’Connell after the first six-week reporting period of the fall semester must complete all O’Connell graduation requirements and any additional requirements set by the previous school.
GPA and CLASS RANK: Adding the numerical semester grade of each course attempted at the high school level and dividing the total number by the number of courses attempted determines a student's grade point average. Pre-AP, AP, and Dual-Credit classes carry 10 weighted grade-points for each semester in which the student completes the designated advanced class with a passing semester grade. Credit earned in summer school, before entering the 9th grade, or through credit-by-exam or correspondence is not used to calculate a student’s GPA.
VALEDICTORIAN and SALUTATORIAN: The highest-ranking student in the graduating class is designated Valedictorian and the second highest ranking student is designated Salutatorian. The rank is based on 8 semesters. In case of a tie, co-valedictorians or co-salutatorians are named. To be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian status, the student must have attended O’Connell for at least 2 years including the entire senior year. GRADING SYSTEM: The school year is divided into six 6-week grading periods, with 3 reporting periods each semester. O’Connell College Preparatory School reports all grades including: · Three-week progress reports · Six-week grade reporting · Semester examinations · Semester averages Grades are on a numerical basis, with the letter grade equivalent shown below: 90% - 100% = A (excellent) 80% - 89% = B (above average) 70% - 79% = C (average) below 70% = F (non-mastery)
Parents are encouraged to contact teachers with any questions they may have regarding the student’s progress in any class. October 8, 2007, is designated for parent/teacher conferences. However teachers are available for parent conference during any school day.
If a student fails the 1st semester of a course and the 2nd semester grade is high enough to average with the first semester to equal a grade of at least 70%, the full credit will be awarded for both semesters. However, if the student passes the 1st semester of a course but fails the 2nd semester, then the 2nd semester must be repeated in order to earn the full unit of credit.
SEMESTER GRADE: Each semester grade is comprised of the 3 six-week grades and the semester examination grade. These grades are to be averaged as follows: First six-week average = 25% of the semester average Second six-week average = 25% of the semester average Third six-week average = 25% of the semester average Semester exam = 25% of the semester average
STUDENT CLASSIFICATION: 0.0 - 6.0credits = Freshman 6.5 - 13.0 credits = Sophomore 13.5 - 18.5 credits = Junior 19.0 or more credits = Senior Student classification is determined at the beginning of the school year. The classification does not change at the end of the fall semester unless the student is graduating at the end of the spring semester.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT:
The academic
committee, based on previous grades, teacher recommendation, test scores,
and seriousness of purpose may place students in Pre-AP and AP classes.
Pre-AP classes may cover some of the same course content as regular classes,
but require higher level thinking skills in the classroom activities and
assignments. Advanced Placement courses require the student to take the
College Board’s AP exam at the culmination of the course, enabling the
student to be awarded college level credit if his score meets the minimum
requirements of the college to which he is admitted. Students who are not
willing to take the AP exam at the end of the AP course are not to sign up
for the AP class. AP credit will not be awarded if the student does not
complete the course, including taking the AP exam. Students who do not
maintain a passing average in an AP or Pre-
The criteria for placement into the Pre-AP and AP program include the following:
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES: Credit toward graduation requirements for correspondence courses shall be granted only under the following conditions: ? Texas Tech University is the institution which offers the courses for OCPS. ? Students may earn a maximum of eight credits through correspondence courses. ? The principal must approve all credit by exam courses. ? Students may enroll in only one correspondence course at a time. ? Grades earned in correspondence courses shall not be used for computing class rank. ? Correspondence courses will not reduce the number of courses that must be taken in a semester. ? Seniors enrolled in correspondence courses must complete the course 30 days before graduation.
CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAM: Students are allowed to recover lost credit through the school-approved “Credit Recovery Program” through the American Preparatory Institute (API). The API course is an on-line course. Students may work on the course at school and/or at home. The on-line portion of the program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All tests must be taken at school, during regular school hours, under the supervision of the assigned teacher. The cost is $200.00 per course, per semester during the summer and as an additional class during the regular school year. Students who are approved to take the API class at school during the regular school day (as one of the required seven classes) must pay a $50.00 fee for the on-line course in place of the $200.00 fee.
CREDIT-BY-EXAM COURSES: Students taking credit by exam for acceleration must sign up with the counselor prior to the published deadline. Credit-by-exam falls under the same procedures as correspondence courses.
DUAL CREDIT COURSES: Students taking dual-credit classes at Galveston College will receive high school and college credit for the classes if the student meets all requirements. A list of dual-credit classes and the process for signing up for the classes may be obtained from the counseling office.
EXAM EXEMPTION POLICY: Seniors who meet the following criteria in a class are eligible for an exemption from the spring semester final exam in that course: 95 or above average for the three six-weeks and not more than 3 absences in that class. 90 or above average for the three six-weeks and not more than 2 absences in that class. 85 or above average for the three six-weeks and not more than 1 absence in that class. 80 or above average for the three six-weeks and perfect attendance in that class. The exemption criterion applies to the second semester. For exemption purposes three (3) tardies are equal to one absence. The reason for an absence is not considered. All absences, regardless of the reasons, other than school business and one college day approved in advance by the principal, count against the allowable number of absences. Seniors who are suspended from school or assigned to more than one (1) Saturday school for the semester are not eligible for an exemption in any class.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: As an educational institution, O’Connell College Preparatory School views grades earned as a reflection of the students’ original work and the students’ level of mastery in a particular academic area. Students are expected to practice honesty and uphold integrity and submit only their own, original work on examinations, quizzes, tests and homework or other assignments such as research papers. Doing otherwise is an act of personal and academic dishonesty as well as an act of injustice to other students. Students who are found to give or receive assistance on an examination, quiz, test, research paper, or other assignment subject themselves to a grade of zero, a detention and possible suspension. If this occurs on a semester exam, the student will receive a zero on the exam and not receive credit for the course. The teacher will report all instances to the principal and parents/guardians.
HOMEWORK POLICY: Homework assignments are an integral part of the learning process. Homework reinforces skills, introduces new concepts, provides opportunities to go beyond the classroom and teaches personal skills such as time management and perseverance. In order to support the educational process at OCPS the following homework policy is in place for the student in each course. 4 missing/unacceptable/late assignments =1 detention and Parent notification by the teacher 5-6 missing/unacceptable/late assignments = Saturday Detention and meeting with parents.
7 missing/unacceptable/late assignments = Meeting with the student, parent/guardian and Principal regarding continued enrollment at O’Connell. Any teacher has the discretion to assign a detention prior to the fourth missing/unacceptable/late assignment if the teacher feels that the student is not putting enough effort into assignment. Also the teacher contacts the parent. Missing assignments from one semester will not apply to the next semester.
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity. Plagiarism is defined by the Honor Council document as "the act of passing off as one's own, ideas or writings of another." Students who are found guilty of plagiarism are subject to the school disciplinary procedure and may receive a grade of “zero” for the assignment.
HONOR ROLL: Honor Rolls are published at the end of each six-week reporting periods and each semester. The following criteria must be met: All A Honor Roll - Average grade of at least 90% in every class being taken A&B Honor Roll - Average of at least 80% in each class; no grade lower than 80% Students must also be in good standing with teachers on behavior, attendance, and punctuality. Students must have a satisfactory or above conduct rating in each class. The principal reserves the right to deny any student from being on the Honor Roll.
LATE WORK: Late work is defined as work assigned when a student is present at school and not turned in to the teacher at the assigned time. Both homework and class work are considered to be late if the assignments are not turned in at the required time. Please refer to make-up work for students who were absent from school and did not receive the instruction. Class assignments are to be completed as assigned and turned in as scheduled. Students who do not work on the class assignment will receive a zero for the day without an opportunity to make up the work.
Homework reinforces the lessons presented in class and is an integral part of each course. Teachers are to assign homework as needed to supplement the course. Students are to complete the homework assignments as expected. Students who do not complete homework assignments will receive a zero for that grade. Some teachers choose to allow students to turn in homework late even though it is not required that teachers accept late work. If a teacher agrees to take late work the recommended policy is as follows: 1 day late 80% of the grade given if the student turned the assignment in on time. 2 days late 50% of the grade given if the student turned the assignment in on time. After two days the teacher will assign a zero for the assignment.
SCHEDULING and COURSE CHANGES: In the spring and summer of each year, students are individually scheduled for courses for the following school year. Student-initiated drops/adds will be considered within the 1st full week of school. At this time the students must have counselor and parental approval. After the 1st full week of school, students may not drop/add courses without the approval of their parents, the teachers of the courses involved, the school counselor, and the principal. The principal has the final decision in the matter. If parents/guardians have questions concerning any schedule issues they are encouraged to inquire about the concerns in their counseling office.
COURSES OFFERED at O’CONNELL COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Religion: Theology I - IV
English: English I and English I Pre-AP English II and English II Pre-AP English III and English III AP English IV and English IV AP
Mathematics: Algebra I and Algebra I Pre-AP Algebra II and Algebra II Pre-AP Geometry and Geometry Pre-AP Pre-Calculus and Pre-Calculus Pre-AP Calculus AP
Science: Integrated Physics and Chemistry Biology I and Biology 1 Pre-AP Biology II AP Chemistry and Chemistry Pre-AP Physics and Physics AP Anatomy and Physiology Pre-AP
Social Studies: World Geography and World Geography Pre-AP World History and World History Pre-AP U.S. History and U.S. History Pre-AP Government/Economics and Gov/Eco. AP Teen Leadership
Health: Health I
Phy. Ed.: P.E. 1A, Team Sports, and Individual Sports Physical Education Alternatives Athletics P.E. credit equivalent Drill Team P.E. credit equivalent or Fine Arts credit equivalent Cheerleading P.E. credit equivalent
Technology: Computer Science (Business Computers Information System) Web Page Design
Speech Communication Applications
Other Lang. German I – IV Levels III & IV are Pre-AP and Dual-Credit French I – IV Levels III & IV are Pre-AP and AP Spanish 1 - IV Levels III & IV are Pre-AP and AP
Fine Arts: Art I – II Debate I - II Photo Art I - II Theater Arts I - II Theater Productions
Journalism: Newspaper 1-2 Yearbook 1-2
Elective: SAT Prep For seniors who need to improve their SAT scores to meet college entrance criteria.
REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE FOR 2007 - 2008 8:00 a.m. Bell for students to go to first period class 8:05 a.m. - 8:58 a.m. First Period 9:02 a.m. - 9:59 a.m. Second Period 10:03 a.m. - 10:56 a.m. Third Period 11:00 a.m. – 12:23 p.m. Fourth Period A-Lunch 10:56 a.m. to 11:26 a.m. B-Lunch 11:53 a.m. to 12:23 p.m. 12:27 p.m. - 1:21 p.m. Fifth Period 1:25 p.m. - 2:18 |