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NORTHSIDE EDUCATIONAL CENTERPrincipal, Brian Harbour405 E. Dresden StreetKalkaska, MI 49646(231)258-5140Fax (231)258-4940Mission StatementNorthside strives to provide an opportunity for all students to improve educationally, physically, andsocially. Northside will use not only the traditional academic practice but also try to use a learningexperience that is both interesting and flexible. The Northside staff recognizes that each student is anindividual and will foster that individuality. Our aim is to make Northside an informal, non-threateningatmosphere that is geared toward a student’s success and to receive their high school diploma.We take this opportunity to welcome each of you to Northside Alternative High School. Northside sincerely hopes thatthe students will avail themselves the opportunity to improve educationally, physically, and socially. The non-traditionallyapproach stresses involvement from the student to make their educational experience meaningful.The Northside staff does realize that each student is an individual. It is the goal of the staff to instill student’sresponsibility and accountability for self and others. The staff also strives to prepare each student for life after school.Students bring their own feelings and backgrounds. These things play an important role in the success of the student.The staff not only respects the individuality of each student, but also will foster each student’s individuality.
NORTHSIDE EDUCATIONAL CENTERSTUDENT HANDBOOKThe program welcomes you to this new experience and hopes that this handbook will answer any questions youhave about Northside Educational Center.ADMISSION1.A referral must be made by a school principal, counselor, and/or by other agencies (i.e. court). Without a referralthe student and parent must meet with the Principal. Application forms must be filled out by the student andsigned by a parent (if student is under 18 years old.).2.Any student accepted from Special Education Programs must have a change in their IEP.3.If the referral or application is not approved, the referring agency will be notified and given an explanation.4.If the applicant desires to enroll in the program and an opening is not available, the applicant will be advised andput on a waiting list.ATTENDANCE and GRADESClass attendance is necessary to succeed at Northside. Attendance and completion of assignments directly correlateswith success. Attendance will be monitored class by class. You must be here to get your work. Missing between 10and 14 days will result in ¼ credit reduction in 1st, 2nd and 4th hours. Missing more than 10 days in 3rd hour will result inno credit. Missed time can be made up by attending homework lab between 2:50 and 3:00 or you may make otherarrangements if your teacher agrees.Missing days/hours are excused for illness, doctor and dentist appointments (please schedule appointments after 3:00p.m. whenever possible). Doctor’s notes only make the absence excused to make-up work. The only circumstancesthat would not count against 10 days would be hospitalization, long-term illness ( a home bound teacher would beassigned) and court (with paperwork from the court). Students late for class or leaving campus on breaks will have thistime deducted from the 10 days. Principal will handle any other mitigating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Ourrecommendation is that student not use missing days for trivial things (i.e.; breaks and skipping) and keep in case ofillness or unforeseen circumstances. Students with excessive absences may not be able to earn full credit.SCHOOL DRESS Good taste and appropriate attire will be expected. All clothing and accessories to be worn as intended. Clothing deemed mutilated or vulgar in style/design is prohibited (i.e. ripped/torn jeans/shirts allowing undergarments and/or inappropriate body parts to show). Chains, bare midriffs, tank tops, see-throughgarments, bare-backs, halter-tops, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts and skirts of inappropriate length areprohibited!! No shirts/jackets promoting alcohol, drugs and/or inappropriate language are allowed. Footwear must be worn. (State and Federal Health Codes) Students will be required to conform to health and safety standards in specific departments.VISITORSImpromptu visits by parents, grandparents, guardians, civic authorities, school board members, etc. are encouraged.Please sign in at the office before going into classrooms. Parents and guardians wishing to meet with teachersneed to call ahead to make arrangements. The principal must approve all visitors (friends, brothers, sisters, children,etc) at least one day in advance. This includes those visiting inside or outside of the building. No visitors will be allowedduring the final week of any marking period or during Finals.LEAVING THE BUILDINGStudents arriving or leaving the building at times other than the scheduled school day must sign in or out in the office.NORTHSIDE SCHEDULED HOURS7:50 - 8:35 Teacher prep/Student breakfast(Kitchen will be locked at 8:35 and will not be reopened until 10:05)8:35 - 10:05 1st Class ½ credit10:05 - 10:15 Break10:15 - 11:45 2nd Class ½ credit
11:45 - 12:15 Lunch12:15 - 1:15 3rd Class ¼ credit1:15 - 1:25 Break1:25 - 2:50 4th Class ½ credit2:50 - 3:00 Homework LabNorthside has an open campus during the lunch hour only! Students may leave the campus during the lunch hour toeat, attend personal business, etc. If abused, through unsafe, illegal, or disorderly conduct, the privilege may beforfeited.SEARCH and SEIZURETo maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff, schoolauthorities may search a student, student property and/or student desk under the circumstances outlined below. Anyillegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search will be seized. Student’s desks and lockers areschool property and remain at all times under the control of the school district. Students should not expect privacyregarding items placed on school property. Such property is subject to search by school officials at any time, for anyreason, without notice or consent and without a search warrant. This includes any and all vehicles on school premises.A student’s failure to permit searches and/or seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds fordisciplinary action. A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g purse, book bag, back pack, etc.) may be searchedwhenever a school official has reason to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. If aproperly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings shall be turned over to the proper legalauthorities for ultimate disposition.Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not a right. The school district retains theauthority to conduct routine patrols of the parking lot and inspections to the exterior of student automobiles on schoolproperty. The interior of a student’s vehicle may be inspected whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion tobelieve that illegal and/or unauthorized materials are contained inside. Such patrols may be conducted without notice,without student consent, and without a search warrant.EXPECTED BEHAVIOR1.Be on time, prepared, ready to learn.2.Maintain a cheerful and helpful attitude.3.Tell the truth!4.Use appropriate language, words, and conduct worthy of respect.5.Treat all persons and property with respect.6.Expect high levels of integrity and achievement from yourself and others.7.Plan for and promote success for yourself and others.8.Honor commitments to yourself and others.9.Promote a safe environment and behavior.Disruptive students may be asked to leave the premises and cannot return until having met with the teacher,principal and possibly the parents.Fighting is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action from suspension to expulsion (to all involved).Swearing or use of profane language will result in loss of breaks and/or suspension.Smoking in unauthorized areas will result in loss of breaks and/or suspension. No smoking within 1500 (onethousand five hundred) feet of the Northside building.Students under 18 years old who smoke are subject to ticketing and/or arrest.Students at school sponsored, off campus events (such as field trips) will be governed by school rules andregulations. Failure to obey the rules will result in loss of participation in these and/or other events.Students who participate in criminal conduct while under the jurisdiction of the school are subject to suspension orexpulsion whether or not criminal charges are filed. These actions include, but are not limited to: arson, assault,burglary, extortion, blackmail, coercion, larceny, malicious mischief, forgery, sale of alcohol or illegal drugs, useor possession of alcohol or illegal drugs (or look alike drugs), trespassing, unlawful intimidation, weapons,firearms and/or explosives at school.Students who appear “high” or “drunk” will be sent or taken home. Repeat offenders will be required to attendsubstance abuse counseling at their own expense as a provision for remaining in school.
Clothing that displays inappropriate language, drugs, sex, alcohol, and/or gang logos will be consideredinappropriate and will not be acceptable (also refer to section School Dress). Student will be sent home tochange or if appropriate will be asked to turn the clothing inside out.The above-mentioned items will be at an authorized school official’s discretion.MISCONDUCT – CRIMINAL ACTS(State of Michigan Laws)Assuming the responsibility granted to it by law, the Kalkaska Public Schools Board of Education establishes thefollowing categories of misconduct (while a student is under the jurisdiction of the school) as those that may result intemporary suspension, long-term suspension or expulsion. Dangerous Weapons/Firearms; Arson; Rape: The Gun-Free Act of 1994 (Federal Statute 2.0 USC3351 asamended by PL103-382) and the Michigan School Code (MCL380.1311 as amended by Public Act 328 if 1994)requires Michigan School Boards to revise their policies to expel students automatically from school whendangerous weapons/firearms, arson, or rape are involved. Therefore, students in possession of dangerousweapon/firearms, and/or commit arson or rape on/in school property (including a vehicle used to transportstudents) or at a district or school sponsored event, may be permanently expelled from school and referred to thecriminal justice or juvenile delinquent system and the appropriate county department of social services orcommunity mental health agency. The parent, legal guardian and/or student shall also be notified of thereferral(s).For the purpose of this policy, a “firearm” means: (1) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will expel a projectileby action of an explosive, or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or may readily be convertedto expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (2) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (3) any firearm muffleror silencer; or (4) any destructive device.For the purpose of this policy, a “dangerous weapon” means a firearm, dagger, dirk, stiletto, knife with a blade overthree (3) inches in length, pocketknife opened by a mechanical device, iron bar, or brass knuckles.Each student subject to expulsion shall have his or her situation reviewed by the Superintendent of Schools on a caseby-case basis. Assault – physical threats and/or violence to any persons.Burglary – stealing of school and/or personal property.Explosives, blackmail or coercion – obtaining money or property by violence or threat of violence.Larceny – theftMalicious mischief - property damage.Robbery – stealing from an individual by form of form of or threat of force.Sale of alcohol or illegal drugs- will result in expulsion.Use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs – will result in the following disciplinary actions:1st Offense – Five (5) – seven (7) day suspension with school-approved counseling, OR ten (10) -day suspension.2nd Offence - Ten (10) day suspension.3rd Offense – Expulsion. This will be cumulative over a four (4) year (or more) period of time.Trespass – being present in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when ordered to do so.Unlawful intimidation of school authorities – by threats of force.The commission of or participation in such activities in school buildings, on school property or at school-sponsoredevents is prohibited. The school regardless of whether criminal charges result will take disciplinary action.HARASSMENTHarassing behavior because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, height, weight, age or veteran statusis unlawful under both Michigan and federal law. Harassment includes, but not limited to, unwelcome advances,engaging in improper physical contact or touching, improper comments, name-calling, obscene behavior or anyother behavior that creates an intimidating and hostile educational environment. All students are expected toconduct themselves with respect for the dignity and rights of others.Sexual harassment is not permitted at Northside in any form. Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexualadvances; requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal, written and/or physical conduct of sexual naturewhen made by any member of the school staff to a student or when made by a student to another student or to a staffmember:
1.2.3.Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s education,or when:Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual, or when:Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance orcreating an intimidating, hostile educational environment.Any student who alleges sexual harassment by another student or staff member may complain directly to the principal orliaison officer. A committee will investigate the allegation and anyone found in violation will be subject to disciplinaryaction up to and/or including expulsion from school.DUE PROCESSWhenever possible, students will be warned and/or reprimanded and conferences will be held with the parents. Someoffenses are so severe in nature that they will result in immediate suspension or expulsion.Procedures for Due Process: In case of suspension and/or expulsion, the following procedure and process shall befollowed:Suspension – is the removal of a student from school setting for a time period not to exceed ten (10) days.1.An informal investigation shall be conducted by the Principal for the purpose of obtaining all information pertinentto a fair decision.2.Provision shall be made for the student to be heard and to present his/her view of the occurrence involved.3.If temporary suspension is the decision of the Principal, the student shall be duly informed of the reason.4.The Principal’s decision shall be communicated to the parent or guardian by telephone or in writing and mustinclude the reason for the length of the suspension.Expulsion – is the permanent removal of a student from the school.1.Any recommendation of expulsion will be made by the Superintendent to the Kalkaska Public Schools Board ofEducation. It will be in writing and will set forth the grounds for the recommendation.2.The Board of Education will set a date, time, and place for a hearing on the recommendation and will notify theparents and/or student of said hearing in writing at least five (5) days before the hearing.3.The student or parent may be represented by an attorney or other advisor of their choosing.4.Witnesses may be presented at the hearing and the student or his representative may question the witnessestestifying against the student.5.The hearing is not a court proceeding and court rules of evidence shall not be enforced at such hearing.6.There may be present at any hearing the director or superintendent, the Board of Education’s attorney and suchother resource personnel that the Board of Education deems necessary, to assure the proper adjudication of thecase in question.7.Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Education shall determine whether the student shall beexpelled. The decision of the Board of Education shall be communicated in writing to the parents or guardians ofthe students within two (2) school days from the date of the hearing.PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS1.Title IX: it is the policy of Northside Alternative High School not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educationprograms, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments.Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights,Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C.2.Family Rights and Privacy: The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act declares that the school is forbidden torelease information from a student’s record without the written permission of the student (if eighteen (18)), orconsent of a parent of minor student.POLICY OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL LAWIt is the policy of Northside Alternative High School to not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin,sex, or handicapped in educational programs, activities, or services and to comply with all requirements and regulationsof the U.S. Department of Education. All students shall have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from allactivities and services provided.It is the policy of the school to make all employment decisions in a nondiscriminatory manner. No decision as to hiringassignment, promotion, transfers, layoff, termination, will be based on national origin, sex or handicap. Equal pay shallbe given for the performance of jobs requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibilities.
Inquiries concerning any of these policies may be directed to the Principal who will provide a copy of the district’sgrievance procedure and investigate all complaints in accordance with this procedure. A copy of each of the Acts andthe regulations on which this notice is based may be found in the Superintendent’s office at 315 S. Coral St., Kalkaska.Inquiries concerning the nondiscriminatory policy may be directed to Director, Office for Civil Rights, Department ofEducation, Washington D.C. 20201TEXTBOOKSWhen a textbook is provided to the student at the beginning of a marking period for their class, it is the student’sresponsibility for keeping the textbook in good repair. Students will be charged for lost or damaged textbooks.INTERNET POLICYInternet access is available to students for the purpose of education and research. Students must sign a contract prior togoing on line to verify their intent. Abuse of Internet Services for personal and/or recreational uses is not permitted andthe student will be subject to disciplinary action along with the loss of computer privileges.OFF- CAMPUS EVENTSStudents at school-sponsored, off-campus events shall be governed by school district rules and regulations and aresubject to the authority of school district officials. Failure to obey the rules and regulations and/or failure to obey thelawful instructions of the school district officials may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of eligibility to attend schoolsponsored, off-campus events.CHEATING and/or PLAGIARISMA student is expected to do his/her own work unless instructed by the teacher that it is okay to work with others.Students who cheat (copy someone else’s work, borrow another’s term paper, etc.) will receive a zero (0) for that work.This offense may result in disciplinary action.GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSNorthside students who meet the graduation requirements of Kalkaska High School may participate in graduationceremonies with Kalkaska High School. Students from Forest Area Community Schools (or surrounding schools)
The Northside staff recognizes that each student is an individual and will foster that individuality. Our aim is to make Northside an informal, non-threatening atmosphere that is geared toward a student’s success and to receive their high school diploma. We take this opportunity to
