uplift peak - Uplift Grand

2013 – 2014
Code of Conduct and
Scholar/Family Handbook
UPLIFT PEAK
PREPARATORY
Making Every Second Count
 4600 Bryan Street  Dallas, TX 75204  214-276-0879
www.peakpreparatory.org
1
Dear Uplift Peak Families,
Welcome to another amazing year at Uplift Peak Preparatory. This is going to be an extremely exciting
year filled with opportunities and new beginnings. We have a brand new primary school, a newly
remodeled middle school and high school, and most importantly we will be educating nearly 1,200
scholars as we all work together to support them on their road to college graduation! We refer to your
talented children as scholars for two reasons: a. they are intelligent learners at school, home, and their
community and b. one day they will earn a scholarship to the college of their choice.
Our primary team, led by Chris Garcia, will continue to utilize a rigorous curriculum in the core subjects
of math, reading, science, writing, and social studies to provide a concrete educational foundation as we
prepare our scholars for state and national assessments to ensure that they are competing not just with
other scholars in Dallas, but across the nation. Furthermore, we are officially an IB Primary Years
Programme candidate school. We will employ the IB program to expand our scholars’ worlds and
communities by making real world connections to everything they learn in the classroom. This provides
teachers a new way to look at our curriculum and engage scholars like never before.
Our middle school, led by Emily Nolen, will focus intensely on three strategic priorities: building a crosscurricular literacy program, implementing the International Baccalaureate program with fidelity and
meeting the needs of every scholar through targeted intervention and enrichment. By doing these three
things with excellence, we will continue the legacy started in the primary grades while preparing our
scholars for the challenges of high school and college.
Our high school, led by Remy Washington, has many goals to achieve. With elevated expectations, our
teacher teams will diligently work together to improve EOC pass rates and increase the number of our
scholars meeting and exceeding the college readiness benchmarks set by both the ACT and SAT. We
need all stakeholders, parents, scholars, teachers, and school leadership to rise together to accomplish
our goals. Driven by our core values, we will optimize scholar success by offering supports,
interventions, and enrichment opportunities.
Everyone at Peak looks forward to working with our families and community and thank you for your
continued support and dedication to our collective mission. We are honored and humbled to be
entrusted with your scholar’s education. Our partnership is an essential component to making every
scholar’s dreams and goals a reality from the first day of Kindergarten to the day they graduate from
college.
Sincerely,
Your Peak Leadership Team
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Priscilla Pharms
Managing Director
ppharms@uplifteducation.org
Chris Garcia
Primary School Director
cgarcia@uplifteducation.org
Remy Washington
High School Director
rwashington@uplifteducation.org
2
Emily Nolan
Middle School Director
enolan@uplifteducation.org
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................5
Purpose of this Handbook: ....................................................................................................................... 5
Admission to an Uplift School ................................................................................................................... 5
UPLIFT EDUCATION: Vision & Mission .............................................................................................7
Our Mission ............................................................................................................................................... 7
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Mission ........................................................................................... 7
History of Uplift Education:....................................................................................................................... 7
The IB Learner Profile................................................................................................................................ 8
PEAK Preparatory: Re‐Commitment to Excellence Compact ................................................................... 9
PEAK PREPARATORY: OUR CULTURE ............................................................................................. 12
School Vision & Mission .......................................................................................................................... 12
FACULTY & STAFF DEPARTMENTS ................................................................................................. 14
STAFF DEPARTMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 14
PEAK SECONDARY: FACULTY DEPARTMENTS ......................................................................................... 15
PEAK PRIMARY: FACULTY/STAFF DEPARTMENTS ................................................................................... 16
ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR: 2013 - 2014...................................................................................... 17
DAILY SCHEDULE .......................................................................................................................... 18
Bell Schedule: 2013 - 2014 ...................................................................................................................... 18
Parent Visitation Policy ........................................................................................................................... 19
ATTENDANCE POLICY ................................................................................................................... 21
ACADEMIC PROGRAM .................................................................................................................. 26
Grading Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Peak Graduation Plans & Curriculum...................................................................................................... 27
Community Service Requirement ........................................................................................................... 28
Assessments ............................................................................................................................................ 31
Homework............................................................................................................................................... 32
Academic Support ................................................................................................................................... 34
UNIFORM POLICY: PEAK SECONDARY ........................................................................................... 35
General Expectations .............................................................................................................................. 35
Accessories .............................................................................................................................................. 36
3
Specific Dress Days.................................................................................................................................. 37
Peak Prep Secondary: Professional Dress ............................................................................................... 39
Peak Prep Secondary: Business Casual Dress ......................................................................................... 40
UNIFORM POLICY: PEAK PRIMARY ................................................................................................ 41
UPLIFT: SCHOLAR CODE of CONDUCT ............................................................................................ 43
General Principles & Guidelines.............................................................................................................. 43
Expected Standards of Scholar Conduct: ................................................................................................ 44
Discipline Management - Consequences: ............................................................................................... 46
Suspension or Expulsion: ........................................................................................................................ 46
PEAK PREP: DISCIPLINE POLICIES & PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 51
Peak Preparatory: Expectations & Procedures ....................................................................................... 51
Peak Preparatory: Specific Discipline Policies ......................................................................................... 52
Peak Preparatory: Disciplinary Interventions ......................................................................................... 57
ATHLETIC PROGRAM .................................................................................................................... 60
SCHOLAR SUPPORT SERVICES ....................................................................................................... 63
Parent Support ........................................................................................................................................ 63
Academic & College Counseling.............................................................................................................. 64
Counseling Services................................................................................................................................. 65
Special Education Services ...................................................................................................................... 66
MEDICAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 67
NUTRITION .................................................................................................................................. 69
DISTRICT INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 70
APPENDIX A: CALCULATING GPA & RANKING ................................................................................ 75
APPENDIX B: GRYPHON ACADEMIC PROBATION (GAP): ................................................................ 77
APPENDIX C: HOMEWORK INTERVENTION LEVELS (HIL): ................................................................ 79
APPENDIX D : PARENT TOOLS for SUCCESS ................................................................................... 81
APPENDIX E: PEAK PREPARATORY HONOR CODE .......................................................................... 82
APPENDIX F: PATH ACADEMY ...................................................................................................... 84
Uplift Education: Student Acceptable Use Policy ........................................................................... 86
4
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of this Handbook:
This handbook contains information that both scholars and parents need for reference during the school
year. It covers a number of topics designed to give scholars and parents a general overview of Uplift
policy and procedure.
Please be aware that not all topics related to your school or Uplift can or will be included in this
handbook, however, it is designed to cover those areas which we believe are most important to your
child’s success in this Uplift school. Please be aware that this handbook is updated yearly, while policy
adoption or revision and changes in the law may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy or law
that affect handbook provisions will be made available to scholars and parents through newsletters, the
school website, and other communications. In case of conflict between board policy and any provision
of this handbook, the provision that was most recently adopted by the Uplift Board will be followed.
Please review this entire handbook and keep it as reference during the school year. If you have any
questions about the information in the handbook, please contact your Campus Director.
Admission to an Uplift School
OPEN ENROLLMENT CHARTER SCHOOLS
Uplift Education operates a network of open-enrollment public charter schools of which this school is a
part. Charter schools are public schools of choice and part of the public education system in Texas.
However, charter schools are not subject to all of the laws that apply to traditional public schools. One
of those exceptions is in the admission process. Charter schools are allowed to limit the number of
scholars admitted based on the maximum enrollment allowed by the charter. If included in the charter,
scholars with serious discipline issues may be excluded from admission. For more information about
charter schools generally, view the Texas Education Agency website – charter schools and frequently
asked questions. www.tea.state.tx.us.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Uplift Education does not discriminate in admissions based on gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion,
disability, academic, artistic or athletic ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, or the district the
child would otherwise attend.
SCHOOL ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT
Admission and enrollment of scholars is open to any person who resides within the geographic
boundaries states in the school’s charter, and who is eligible for admission based on the lawful criteria
identified in the charter. The total number of scholars enrolled in the school must not exceed the
maximum number of scholars approved in the charter.
5
Uplift Education schools have an established application period during which applications are accepted.
Any person who lives within the geographic boundaries of the charter is eligible to apply. Parents must
complete an online application form and submit it to the school prior to the application deadline in
order to participate in the lottery (or to be admitted to the school if there is no lottery). The application
deadlines will be posted on the school and Uplift website. The number of available spaces in each grade
will be determined prior to the lottery date. Certain applicants are exempt from the lottery to the extent
spaces are available and provided an application is submitted prior to the application deadline. Those
exemptions include siblings of currently enrolled scholars, children of school staff and children of the
Uplift Education founders. Siblings must complete an application in order to have this exemption
apply.
Note: Kindergarten scholars must be 5 years of age on September 1st in order to enroll and first grade
scholars must be 6 on September 1st.
LOTTERY PROCESS
If more applications are received prior to the application deadline than spaces are available, the school
will conduct a lottery or random drawing for the available spaces. Scholars admitted through the lottery
will be notified and will continue the enrollment process. Scholars not admitted through the lottery will
be placed on a waiting list. If a space becomes available after the lottery is conducted, the space will be
offered to the scholars on the waiting list in the order listed. Applications received after the lottery
deadline are added to the waiting list in the order received.
CURRENTLY ENROLLED SCHOLARS
Once scholars are admitted to the school, they are not required to participate in the lottery or admission
process, but they will be asked to indicate their intent to return to the school by completing the reenrollment process which usually occurs in the early spring.
A scholar who withdraws for any reason during the school year is only eligible for re-admission through
the lottery. See also the Scholar Code of Conduct for additional requirements if a scholar withdraws
prior to a pending disciplinary action.
ATTENDANCE ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Uplift schools begin the school year earlier than traditional school districts. Scholars are expected to be
present on the first day of school and if they are not, they may lose their space in the school and the
opening offered to the next scholar on the school’s waiting list. See Policy in Appendix ___ “Attendance
on First Day of School.”
Additional Information on Admission Process may be obtained from the School Admissions
Coordinator or the Uplift Admissions Coordinator. Information will also be posted on the School and
Uplift website.
6
UPLIFT EDUCATION: Vision & Mission
Our Mission
Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each scholar to reach
their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in scholars a life-long love
of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Mission
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people
who help to create a better and more powerful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end, the organization works with schools, governments, and international organizations to
develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage scholars across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong
learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
History of Uplift Education:
Uplift Education (“Uplift”) was formed in 1996 as “The North Hills School” and was one of the first
nonprofits to receive a charter from the State of Texas to operate an open-enrollment charter school.
Uplift opened its first charter school in 1997 in Irving, Texas. Since that first charter school was opened,
Uplift has expanded to thirteen locations, 26 schools, in the Dallas – Fort Worth region. Approximately
10,000 scholars will be enrolled in Uplift schools for the 2013-2014 school year. Uplift’s commitment to
providing a high quality college preparatory education is evident in its success to date. In 2013, Uplift
graduated 280 seniors, 100% of whom were accepted into college. Uplift expects to continue to expand
its network and to welcome more scholars and families into Uplift schools.
Uplift Education is a Texas non-profit corporation and is also a tax-exempt organization under Section
501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Uplift is governed by a Board of Directors which generally
meets monthly in an open meeting. Uplift currently holds five charters from the State of Texas under
which it schools are operated. Each group of schools is also overseen by a local advisory board which
supports the mission of the local schools and Uplift. These local boards meet regularly and their
meetings are also open to the public. If you have any questions about Uplift Education generally or the
governance structure, please contact the central management office at 469-621-8500.
7
The IB Learner Profile
The aim of the IB Programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common
humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful work.
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and
research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will
be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so
doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range
of disciplines.
Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and
approach complex problems and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more
than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in
collaboration with others.
Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for
the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and
consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open
to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to
seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They
have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and
to the environment.
Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and
have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and
articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve
personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to
assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal
development.
8
PEAK Preparatory: Re‐Commitment to Excellence Compact
The Commitment to Excellence Compact is an accountability statement that puts
into words those commitments which reflect our organizational symbol – the
triangle. Each triangle side depicts one member of a team necessary to ensure each
scholar’s academic success: School, Parent/Guardian, and Scholar.
School Commitment to Excellence
Parents
Teachers
Scholars
As part of the school faculty, I fully commit to the following:
Attendance:
•
•
I will attend work on time each day and participate in all staff meetings and professional
development opportunities to ensure best teaching practices become standard.
I will GO THE EXTRA MILE by being available before and after school and on appropriate
Saturdays to work with scholars and parents to ensure excellence.
Academics:
•
•
•
I will exhibit the rigor required to ensure actions are based on educational best practice. I will
DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to meet individual scholar needs.
I will utilize data to support and measure curricular and academic achievement.
I will actively communicate with scholars, parents, and fellow teachers/staff regarding scholars’
progress, difficulties, and successes.
Culture/Discipline:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I will protect the safety and well-being of all Peak Community members by enforcing all rules,
codes, policies, procedures, and core values of Peak Preparatory.
I will make ourselves available to scholars and families and address any concerns in a timely
manner.
I will contact scholars’ parents, advisors, and/or counselors if our scholars have problems that
may jeopardize a scholars’ college preparation.
I will ensure that I am a LEADER IN MY SCHOOL COMMUNITY by supporting school’s policies,
including discipline and dress code, as detailed in Peak Preparatory Scholar/Family Handbook.
I will work to maintain the beauty and integrity of our Campus by always LEAVING A PLACE
BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT.
I will protect the safety, interests and rights of all individuals in the classroom.
I will contribute to the school by offering my suggestions in constructive ways.
As a returning member of the Peak community, I will offer my support and guidance through
modeling, chairing of events and helping out where I can to support those new members of the
Peak community.
Failure to adhere to these commitments may cause us to lose privileges and may result in our
removal from Peak Preparatory.
Faculty/Staff Signature
Printed Name
9
Date
Scholar’s Commitment to Excellence
As a PEAK scholar, I fully commit to the following:
Attendance:
•
•
I will be in class everyday by 8:00 AM in order to guarantee a full instructional day.
I will attend all tutoring, homework hall, detention, and/or any other support services or
probationary programs that are required by school officials.
Academics:
•
•
•
•
•
•
I will complete all my homework every night and attend each session of any required or
assigned enrichment program.
I will always strive to build KNOWLEDGE by attending after school tutoring and necessary
Saturday Schools.
I will show that I am a RISK-TAKER by taking the most challenging courses whenever possible; by
admitting and growing from my mistakes; and seeking out teachers, staff, and classmates who
support my academic success.
I will be REFLECTIVE by utilizing data to support and measure my academic progress and path to
college.
I will show that I am a COMMUNICATOR by building relationships with teachers, mentors,
advisors and friends who will help support my educational development and personal growth.
I will be PRINCIPLED in my academics by ensuring that my work is my own.
Culture/Discipline:
•
•
•
•
•
I will ensure that I am PRINCIPLED by supporting school’s policies, including discipline and dress
code, as detailed in Uplift Peak Preparatory Scholar/Family Handbook.
I will work to maintain the beauty and integrity of our Campus by always LEAVING A PLACE
BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT.
I will be PRINCIPLED by always acting honestly with myself and others through accepting
responsibility for my actions and making choices that will lead me towards success in the future.
I will work to show that I am CARING by protecting the safety, interests and rights of all
individuals in the classroom.
I will contact the school immediately if there is a concern that jeopardizes the safety/college
preparation of myself or another scholar.
Policies/Procedures:


I have access to a copy of the Peak Preparatory Scholar/Family Handbook.
I have reviewed the Peak Preparatory Scholar/Family Handbook and agree to follow all policies
and procedures, including the Peak Preparatory Code of Conduct.
Failure to adhere to these commitments can lead to loss of privileges, suspension, and/or
expulsion from Peak Prep
Scholar Signature
Printed Name
10
Date
Parent/Guardian Commitment to Excellence
As a PEAK parent, I fully commit to the following:
Attendance:
•
•
•
We will make sure our child arrives at PEAK Preparatory every day by 8:00 AM and is there until
4:00 PM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) and until 2:00 PM on Wednesday every instructional day on the
school calendar unless my child is sick or there is an emergency.
I will pick up my child from school on time or accept the consequences or penalties.
I will make arrangements so my child can be at school for tutoring, detention, and/or other after
school programs. I will notify the school if my child is unable to attend school.
Academics:
•
•
I will check my child’s planner and homework each night, allow my child to contact their teacher
about homework questions, and try to read with him/her each night.
I will support the academic expectations and curricular program of the school, including allowing
my child to attend Peak Prep School Field trips and out-of-town field experiences.
Culture/Discipline:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I will read all papers that the school sends home and sign and return them, if necessary, by the
next day.
I will ensure that my child follows the school rules, codes, and policies and procedures so as to
protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.
I will support the school as it administers consequences in response to scholar behavioral
choices in accordance with school policy.
I will attend those parent meetings requested by the school to ensure the academic and
personal success of my scholar.
I will sign up for mandatory parent volunteer hours.
I will contact school administrators immediately if there is a problem that may jeopardize
scholar college preparation and academic success.
I will be a role model for my child as I follow the rules, codes, policies, and procedures
established by the school.
I will make myself available to teachers and staff at Peak Prep and will address questions and
concerns in a timely and respectful manner.
Policies/Procedures:


I have access to a copy of the Peak Preparatory Scholar/Family Handbook.
I have reviewed the Peak Preparatory Scholar/Family Handbook and agree to follow all policies
and procedures, including the Peak Preparatory Code of Conduct.
Failure to adhere to these commitments can jeopardize my child’s ability to achieve academic,
personal, and social success and may result in the loss of privileges, suspension and/or expulsion.
Note: This Commitment to Excellence is reviewed regularly and parent input is sought in the review process. Notice of
opportunities for parents to participate in the review will be provided by the School Director or the Title I Coordinator
Parent/Guardian Signature
Printed Name
11
Date
PEAK PREPARATORY: OUR CULTURE
School Vision & Mission
The faculty and staff at Peak Prep are dedicated to creating a culture on campus that helps achieve our
vision of preparing responsible, global citizens for success in college and beyond. We will achieve this
mission by:
 Providing a college preparatory curriculum of the highest standards that encourages children to
raise the level of expectations that they place upon themselves.
 Creating a diverse community that embraces the ideals of responsible citizenship in an
environment of respect towards our world and its peoples.
 Developing traditions and symbols that continually illustrate and reinforce our goals amongst all
members of our community.
 Offering quality, rigorous education to every scholar.
 Teaching scholar how to make constructive and independent choices that will positively impact
their lives.
 Providing opportunities for scholars to demonstrate leadership and service within their
community.
OUR VALUES

“RISE TOGETHER”: Our school community is defined as the scholar, family, and school working
together to protect and develop our scholars. We have a shared responsibility in preparing
scholars for the future.

“INSPIRE INNOVATION”: We encourage life-long learning in all our families, faculty, staff, and
scholars.

“SCHOLARS FIRST”: As a school community, we work tirelessly to promote our scholar’s social,
emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being.

“ELEVATE EXPECTATIONS”: We maintain high expectations for our character and performance
each day, knowing that a focus on “excellence” will best prepare our scholars for the future.
OUR CREST
Our school crest stands as a visual representation of our values and philosophy. Our
crest is one of the first things visitors see when entering our school. The key elements
of our crest are the triangle, the globe, and the hour glass. The triangle represents the
partnership that exists between the scholar, the school, and the family. We realize
that we are best able to reach challenging goals when we work together as a team.
The globe represents our focus on being internationally minded learners, actively
reflecting on our choices and thinking of ways to support those around us and protect
the world in which we live. The hour glass symbolizes our determination to MAKE EVERY SECOND
COUNT. Every moment on campus – whether in the classroom or in the gymnasium – the art room or
the hallway – is focused on helping prepared scholars for the academic, emotional, and social realities of
college.
OUR MOTO: “COGITO ERGO SUM”
12
Peak Prep’s motto translates as “I think, therefore, I am”. Our mission is to help scholars use their minds
to achieve skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, to find happiness
in a competitive world, and most importantly to make positive contributions to make a better world for
tomorrow. We belief this is achieve through using our reason and intellect.
PEAKISMS: COMMONLY USED PEAK EXPRESSIONS
An important part of establishing a family atmosphere and culture of teamwork is rallying particular
key expressions that reinforce important principles of Peak.

Mi Elecion, Mi Destino- My Choice, My Destiny: We understand that we are ultimately
responsible for the future we create by our everyday choices.

Only Excellence Will Do: We maintain high expectations our character and academic
performance each day, knowing that a focus on “excellence” will prepare us for the future.

Make Every Second Count: We are dedicated to using each moment in school to help prepare
ourselves for the academic, emotional, and social realities of college.

Leave a Place Better than You Found It: We show our care and concern for our environment
foremost by respecting that which is right in front of us – our Peak Campus. We don’t leave a
place without ensuring that it looks a better than we found it.
OUR PEAK PLEDGE
We realize the importance of starting each day with a frame of mind focused on moving towards our
academic goals; therefore as a PEAK family we begin each morning with the following pledge:
I pledge to do my best this day.
To honor myself and others
In everything I do.
To accept responsibility for my own learning and
to encourage others, as I embrace my own opportunities to grow
To exercise leadership
and prepare myself for college at every opportunity!
For me, mediocrity is not an option;
Only excellence will do.
Who I am has value.
What I think has value – Cogito Ergo Sum
Who I will become is invaluable to the world.
13
FACULTY & STAFF DEPARTMENTS
STAFF DEPARTMENTS
DEPARTMENT
POSITION
NAME
ADMINISTRATION
Managing Director
Primary Director
Middle School Director
High School Director
Dean of Scholars: HS
Dean of Scholars: MS
Dean of Instruction: HS
MYP Dean: MS
Dean of College Prep
PYP Dean
Priscilla Pharms
Chris Garcia
Emily Nolan
Remy Washington
Dario Ganic
Ryan faller
Samina Noorani
Kari Mills
Adisa Ganic
Whitney Wheeler
Operations Director
Carlos de la Garza
Deputy Operations
Manager
Rodrigo Anzaldua
OPERATIONS
DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL
SERVICES
COUNSELING
& ADVISORY
POSITION
Special Services
Coordinator
NAME
Sue Sibley
Uplift Psychologist
Elyssa Stover
Speech Language
Pathologist
Betsy Hardy
Primary School
Counselor
Middle School
Counselor
High School
Counselor
Amanda Nino
Kiah Lewis
Carol
Hammond
OFFICE STAFF
Secondary
Office Manager
Admin Assistant: MS
Registrar
Admin Assistant: HS
Juan Garcia
Cristina Simental
Jessica Rocha
Norma Delgado
ENGLISH as a
SECOND
LANGUAGE
(ESL)
ESL Coordinator
ESL Teacher - MS
ESL Teacher - HS
Amanda Clair
Katiee Daviee
Lydia Apolinar
OFFICE STAFF
Primary
Office Manager
Pauline Martinez
ATTENDANCE
Attendance
Vicky Anzaldua
Receptionist
Nora Apolinar
PEIMS
Karen Lavigne
Accounting
Veronica Reyes
Academic Counselor
College Counselor
Alumni Counselor
Adisa Ganic
Megan Fliss
Emma Rutland
ATHLETICS
Athletic Director
Brian McGowan
Child Nutrition Specialist
Lonyea Smith
Maria Salinas
Jose Cabrera
Maria Tamez
Claudia Mancia
Minerva Zuniga
SUPPORT
STAFF
Media Specialist
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
School
Receptionist
David Jackson
Abla Sogah
Elmer Benitez
Yvette Martinez
Brenda Cruz
ACADEMIC &
COLLEGE
COUNSELING
CAFETERIA STAFF
Café Worker
Café Worker
Café Worker
Café Worker
Café Worker
14
PEAK SECONDARY: FACULTY DEPARTMENTS
GRADE
th
6
7
th
SUBJECT
ELAR
NAME
Zoe Matthew
Math
Science
Social Studies
Spanish
Technology
Art
Physical Education
Alexa Hersch
David Mcleod
Shannon Sellers
Patricia Mayorga
Cory Kutin
Jabril Rasheed
Korey Mack
ELAR
Math
Science
Social Studies
Chelsea Cox
Olga Baroudos
Christine Messieh
Yvonne Schroeder
Spanish
Patricia Mayorga
Gabriel Bargas
Cory Kutin
Cortrinia Tolliver
Jabril Rasheed
Gwen Lahti
Casey Ray
Korey Mack
Technology
Art
Theatre
Physical Education
8
9
th
th
GRADE
th
10
SUBJECT
ELAR
Math
Science
Social Studies
Spanish
Technology
Art
th
11
th
12
ELAR/Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies
Spanish
Technology
Jay Schaertl
Art
Lynn McClain
ELAR
Math
Science
Dionne Johnson
Robert Morales
Latavia Champion
Garrett Dyer
Colin Curtin
Brandon Springer
Matthew Cafiero
Oscar Avila
Jay Schaertl
Lynn McClain
Sabin Ciocan
Julio Campos
Michel Tucker
Social Studies
Eric Pearson
Social Studies
Spanish
Technology
Theatre
Physical Education
Gabriel Bargas
Cortrinia Tolliver
Gwen Lahti
Casey Ray
Spanish
Technology
Art
ELAR
Meagan Frazier
Math
Science
Social Studies
Hannah Geis
Latavia Champion
Lori Crouch
Spanish
Art
Communication
Daniel Candioto
Lynn McClain
Ariel Page
High School
Middle School
Road to
College
(RTC)
15
Roger Bruce
Kimberley Matthewson
Rodney Frazier
Colin Curtin
Stacy Jones
Oscar Avila
Daniel Blier
Lynn McClain
Amy Nowak
Highland Turby
Garrett Dyer
Brandon Springer
Matthew Cafiero
Daniel Candioto
ELAR
Math
Science
Special
Services
NAME
Middle School
High School
Jamie Renteria
Angela Mora
Bobby Watson
Jennifer Munguia
Tokewisha Brown
Kiah Lewis
Rodney Frazier
Megan Fliss
Emma Rutland
Adisa Ganic
PEAK PRIMARY: FACULTY/STAFF DEPARTMENTS
16
ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR: 2013 - 2014
F
5
12
19
26
S
6
13
20
27
AUGUST
S M T W T
1
4 5 6 7 8
11 12 13 14 15
18 19 20 21 22
25 26 27 28 29
F
2
9
16
23
30
S
3
10
17
24
31
S
1
8
15
22
29
SEPTEMBER
M T W T F
2 3 4 5 6
9 10 11 12 13
16 17 18 19 20
23 24 25 26 27
30
S
7
14
21
28
OCTOBER
S M T W T F
1 2 3 4
6 7 8 9 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 31
S
5
12
19
26
NOVEMBER
S M T W T F
1
3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
S
2
9
16
23
30
S
1
8
15
22
29
DECEMBER
M T W T F
2 3 4 5 6
9 10 11 12 13
16 17 18 19 20
23 24 25 26 27
30 31
S
7
14
21
28
JANUARY
S M T W T F
1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10
12 13 14 15 16 17
19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27 28 29 30 31
S
4
11
18
25
FEBRUARY
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28
S
5
12
19
26
MAY
T W T
1
6 7 8
13 14 15
20 21 22
27 28 29
S M
1
7 8
14 15
21 22
28 29
S M
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
JULY
T W T
2 3 4
9 10 11
16 17 18
23 24 25
30 31
APRIL
T W T
1 2 3
8
9 10
15 16 17
22 23 24
29 30
F
4
11
18
25
S M
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
F
2
9
16
23
30
S
3
10
17
24
31
MARCH
S M T W T
2
9
16
23
30
S
1
8
15
22
29
3
10
17
24
31
M
2
9
16
23
30
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
S
1
8
15
22
29
JUNE
T W T
3 4 5
10 11 12
17 18 19
24 25 26
F
6
13
20
27
S
7
14
21
28
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
F
KEY
First and Last Day of School
End of Quarter
Student Holiday (No School)
Half Day
Bad Weather Day
Parent Teacher Conferences
(Half Day for Students)
17
DAILY SCHEDULE
Bell Schedule: 2013 - 2014
Peak Preparatory is committed to Making Every Second Count to maximize scholar learning. We request
that scholars and their parents make every effort possible to minimize the number of days they miss
school. Making up missed assignment, while required, cannot replace classroom time.
6th – 8th Grade: Middle School
Master Schedule
Period
Start Time
End Time
st
1
8:00
8:57
6th – 8th Grade: Middle School
Wednesday Schedule
Period
Start Time
End Time
st
1
8:00
8:57
2nd
9:00
9:57
2nd
9:00
9:57
3rd
10:00
10:57
3rd
10:00
10:57
4th
11:00
11:57
4th
11:00
12:02
5th
12:00
12:57
5th
12:05
1:07
6th
1:00
1:57
6th
1:10
2:00
7th
2:00
2:57
3:00
4:00
8th
Dismissal
Tutoring / HwH
4:10
Dismissal
Tutoring / HwH
5:00
9th – 12th Grade: High School
Master Schedule
Period
Start Time
End Time
st
1
8:00
9:05
2:10
3:00
9th – 12th Grade: High School
Wednesday Schedule
Period
Start Time
End Time
st
1
8:00
8:50
2nd
9:09
10:04
2nd
8:54
9:34
3rd
10:08
11:03
3rd
9:38
10:18
4th
11:07
12:02
4th
10:22
11:02
5th
12:06
1:01
5th
11:06
11:46
6th
1:05
2:00
6th
11:50
12:30
7th
2:04
2:59
7th
12:34
1:14
8th
3:03
4:00
8th
1:18
2:00
Dismissal
Tutoring / HwH
4:10
Dismissal
Tutoring / HwH
5:00
18
2:10
3:00
MANDATORY SATURDAY ENRICHMENT

Saturday Enrichment/Tutoring is additional instructional time offered to scholars in order to
help master particular objectives. The time may also be used to make-up work from the
semester
SCHOLAR WALKERS



Scholars walking home from school will leave through the walker’s gate only after being
identified as a walker by an adult.
Scholars must walk immediately home after leaving school property.
For your child’s safety and for the safety of all children, scholars will not be allowed to wait after
school outside the gates for a ride on Bryan Street after 4:15PM (M,T,R,F) and 2:15PM (W).
VISITOR POLICY





Everyone coming to Peak Preparatory must first check in with the receptionist at [Building 1].
Visitors, parents, guests, and repair people will be given a visitor’s pass to wear and will be
asked to sign-in in the visitor’s log book.
School visitations/tours are not permitted during school hours without prior approval from the
Campus or Senior Director.
Parents may not visit scholars in classrooms without an escort and may not visit teachers
unannounced before or during school.
If you wish to speak with your child's teacher, please make an appointment with the office
manager. We would like to be considerate of our teachers; therefore; please allow 24 hour
notice.
VISITOR SCREENING




School uses Raptor Technologies V-Soft visitor registry program to screen and identify those
individuals who are listed as Registered Sexual Offenders who might try to enter the School.
Upon entering the school, a visitor will present a valid state or government issued photo
identification card (usually a person’s driver license)to the front desk attendant and it will be
scanned into the Raptor system.
Once completed, a visitor’s badge will be issued with the person’s name and photo, the day’s
date, the time, and the destination within the building for the visit.
When the visitor leaves the building, an entry will be made that the person has left the building.
If you have any questions about the screening system, please contact the School Director.
Parent Visitation Policy
Uplift Education supports high academic outcomes for its scholars by maximizing and protecting
classroom instruction time. We appreciate, in very specific and rare situations, it may be appropriate for
parents/ guardians to observe instruction in their child’s classroom. The following outlines Uplift’s
process for parent classroom observations:
CLASSROOM VISITS
 Parent submits written request to Uplift Campus Director to observe their child’s classroom
including the specific reason (e.g., academic, social/emotional, etc) for observation and desired
outcome
19




Uplift Campus Director works with parent to schedule a conference with the child’s
teacher/teachers after-school to discuss parent concerns and agree on plan of action
If after parent-teacher conference, it is determined that the best way to support the scholar is
to have the parent observe their classroom, then at the Campus Director’s sole discretion they
may make that decision. If access is not determined to be optimal and Parents would like to
appeal, they may do so to the Uplift Managing Director for that campus.
If a parent classroom observation visit is approved, it should be scheduled for the start of the
class period and last no more than 30 minutes. Prior to entering the classroom, parents must
check in at the school’s front desk and pass a standard background check and sign a
confidentiality agreement which includes agreeing not to share any observations they make of
other scholars in the classroom. Parents are not allowed to engage with their scholar, the
teacher, or any other scholar during the 30-minute observation period. They will be offered a
chair in the back of the room to observe the lesson. The parent will also be accompanied by the
Campus Director or one of the Deans during this visit. Again Uplift puts the above procedures in
place to protect the confidentiality of our other scholars as well as maintain the educational
integrity of our classrooms.
As part of a scholar’s academic intervention plan, parents may observe a classroom up to 3
times in any given school year.
20
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Absences & Tardies






In Texas, a child between the ages of 6 and 18 is required to attend school unless exempt by
law. The Texas Education Code 25.085-096 states that a scholar may not be given credit for a
class unless the scholar is in attendance at least 90% of the time that the class is offered, which
converts to 9 days per class per semester including excused and unexcused absences.
Scholars should make every effort to be present daily. If an absence is unavoidable, a
parent/guardian must call the main office before 8:30 a.m. on the date of the absence with
the reason for the scholar's absence.
Teachers are not responsible for communicating this information to the office. All absences will
be verified by the school attendance office starting at 8:30, and if the school has not been
notified by 10 a.m., the scholar absence will be recorded as “unexcused”
When a parent /guardian knows in advance about a future absence, the parent must receive
permission from the school director for the absence to be “excused”.
When the scholar returns to school, he/she must provide the office with a note signed by a
parent/guardian explaining the reason for the absence. Since absences may determine grading
and course credit, all documentation regarding absences will be retained in the scholar’s
cumulative file for a period of two years. See “Documenting Excused Absences” for more
details.
All documentation regarding absences is retained in the student’s cumulative file for a
period of two years for state audit purposes.
EXCUSED ABSENCES



Scholars with Excused Absences are eligible to make up missing work and tests and receive
credit for completed work.
Excused Absences are considered when determining whether determining whether scholars,
who have exceeded the maximum required absences, are able to receive credit for a course.
The only absences that are considered excused are stated below:
o Medical Appointment: Scholar must provide documentation of appointment a healthcare
professional.
o Death or Serious Illness of a Family Member: Death or illness of an immediate family
member/guardian, not to exceed three days unless approved by the Senior Director.
o Court Summons: Absence will be excused upon receipt of proper documentation from the court.
o Naturalization Ceremony: Appearance at a governmental office to (1) complete paperwork
required for scholar’s application for US Citizenship or (2) take part in a US naturalization
ceremony.
o Military Deployment of Parent: Absence for the reason of visiting with a parent/guardian
related to military leave or deployment. Absence is not to exceed three days/year unless
approved by the Senior Director.
o Observance of Religious Holidays: Scholars may be excused for the purpose of observing
religious days.
o Extra-Curricular Activity: If scholar participates in school approved and supervised activity.
Activities include but are not limited to field trips, college tours, and scholars participating in
athletic contest
21


Note on Medical Appointments: If regular doctor, dentist, or other non-urgent appointments
need to be made, it is expected that every attempt be made to schedule appointments after
school, or on early dismissals or school holiday dates. In the rare case, when a scholar has a
medical appointment during school, he/she should not be absent for the entire school day.
Note on Personal Illness: If a student has excessive absences due to personal illness, the
campus director, at the campus director’s discretion, may require a physician or clinic’s
statement of illness after a single day’s absence to excuse the absence.

Extenuating Circumstances: The school reserves discretion to excuse other absences upon
request by the parent, which must be made in advance. The school Senior Director will make
decision on whether to excuse the absence; this decision is final.
DOCUMENTING EXCUSED ABSENCES




For an excused absence, parents/guardians must notify Peak Preparatory by 8:30AM of each day
the scholar is absent. When the scholar returns to school, he/she must bring a note signed by a
parent/guardian to the main office. The note must be written clearly in ink and contain the
following information:
o Full Name of Scholar
o Date(s) or time of absence
o Specific Reason for absence
o Telephone Number where parent/guardians may be reached (home/work)
o Signature of parent/guardian
If the parent/guardian does not provide a note within three schools of the scholar’s return, the
absence will be marked “unexcused” resulting in possible loss of academic credit.
When a scholar’s absence for personal illness exceeds 3 consecutive days, the scholar will be
required to present a statement from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or other
condition causing the scholar’s extended absence from school.
Failure to provide a required statement may result in the scholar and/or parent being charged
with violating the compulsory attendance laws as well as the possible loss of academic credit.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES





An unexcused absence is any absence not meeting the requirements set forth in the excused
absence and extenuating circumstance descriptions above.
Scholars will not be given an opportunity to makeup work or receive credit for work completed.
Excessive unexcused absences will be considered as TRUANCY.
The following are some examples of absences that would be considered unexcused:
o Family Vacation
o Non-school related activities not otherwise indicated as an excused absence (e.g.
attending a concert, sporting event, or celebration)
o Skipping Class
o Going to Work
o Caring for a family member
Any scholar who is absent from school without permission of a parent or guardian and/or
without the knowledge and permission of Peak Preparatory is considered TRUANT and may be
subject to disciplinary actions in school and/or by local authorities.
22
SUSPENSIONS


Scholars absent from school as a result of any out-of-school suspension (OSS) will be counted as
absent.
Scholars may receive credit for work missed during the period of suspension if the scholar
makes up the missed work within the same number of days the scholar was absent.
CONSEQUENCES for ABSENCES
Number of Absences
1st Absence
Consequences
Scholar’s parent/guardian will be contacted by staff member by phone by
10:00AM to obtain reason for scholar’s absence.
5th Absence
Scholar will meet with member of Attendance committee. A letter will be sent
home with the scholar for their parent, explaining the consequences of
excessive absences. Letter must be signed and returned within 2 days.
7th Absence
Parent must attend a face-to-face meeting with the attendance committee.
Committee will review attendance plan, enforce compulsory attendance law,
and make recommendation to improve attendance.
9th Absence
An attendance contract will be initiated with stipulations for “make-up time” to
redeem credit. If the school offers an educational program outside of regular
school hours as a means for scholars to make up work or regain credit, under
§11.158(a)(15) and (h), a district may charge a fee for such an education
program under restricted circumstances.
9 + Absences
The Attendance Review Committee will convene and scholar will be considered
for (retention) non-promotion to the next grade due to excessive absences.
Under §25.0951(a), school may file a report(s) to Municipal Court for TRUANCY
 As per Texas Education Code Section 25.092, scholars attending class less than 90% but more
than 75% of the days a class is offered may be given credit if scholar completes a plan
approved by the school director. It is the responsibility of the scholar to provide
documentation of any approved intervention.
TARDINESS
PEAK Preparatory expects punctuality and dependability and maintains a strict policy regarding
tardiness.
 School begins each day at 8:00 AM. If a scholar arrives even 1 second after the 1st Period Bell,
they are considered tardy to school.
 Furthermore, if a scholar arrives to class even 1 second after any subsequent bell during the day,
they are considered tardy to class.
 If a scholar arrives after 8:00 AM, the scholar must go immediately to the front office to check-in
with an attendance monitor. Scholars are not permitted to return to class unless they have a
pass that is only given by the attendance monitor.
23



Nonetheless, tardiness will be excused for scheduled doctor, dentist, or orthodontist
appointments, illnesses, and emergencies upon returning to school with a note from the doctor
or a parent to the Attendance Office.
Tardiness will not be excused for reasons of tiredness, traffic, or errands. Scholars will receive
a detention for unexcused tardiness. Parents must accompany scholars to the main office to
sign them in if the scholar arrives after 8:00 AM.
For an explanation of consequences about scholar tardy issues, please consult the Peak
Scholar Code of Conduct.
SIGNING in LATE / SIGNING out EARLY
We strongly discourage parents/guardians from signing-in scholars late or signing-out the scholars early
for appointments or other engagements that can be scheduled during school breaks, half days, or after
school.
 Family members must sign scholars in/out in the front office if approved. Children will not be
released to people who are not on the emergency card and/or scholar registration form.
 Before scholars leave early, the scholar is responsible for collecting coursework/homework from
every teacher. Faculty and Staff are not responsible for tracking down a scholar to provide
missing work.
 Scholars are not permitted to leave campus once they are inside the campus gate unless they
are transitioning to portable classrooms. Scholars who leave campus after entering the gate
will be considered “skipping” and will be held accountable under the scholar code of conduct.
 A scholar must have prior parent approval, either written or by a school documented phone call,
before the scholar may leave campus during school hours. Scholars must sign out in the main
office or with the attendance officer when leaving campus.
 A scholar who would like to leave campus because he/she is not feeling well must get
permission from the front office before calling home.
DESIGNATION of PARENT/GUARDIAN for PICKUP





As part of the enrollment process, the scholar’s parent / guardian must designate the persons
who are authorized to pick up the scholar from school. Only those persons will be allowed to
pick up the scholar.
If it is necessary for someone other than the designated person to pick up the child, the parent
must notify the school and specifically identify the person who will be picking up their child.
School personnel will require proper identification of the person before releasing the child.
The school will not be involved in decisions relating to custody or family disputes with respect to
picking up a child from school. The school will assume both parents have equal right to access to
their child, including the right to pick up the child from school.
If one parent wishes to exclude another parent from access to the child at school, that parent
must provide the school with a certified court order which specifically limits the access of the
parent to his or her child at the school. A divorce decree setting out custody or visitation is not
sufficient to prohibit access of a parent unless the decree specifically so provides.
Parents involved in divorce or custody proceedings should make every effort to manage these
issues without disruption to the scholar or school environment. Parents who fail to comply with
this request may be removed from the school campus by the police.
24
Withdrawal
PROCEDURE




Parents of scholars withdrawing from Peak Preparatory may be required to meet with an
administrator before proceeding with the withdrawal process.
A Withdrawal Form and a Transfer Request Form may be obtained from the main office.
Transcripts will be provided within ten business days of:
o Registrar’s receipt of the Transcript Request Form
o Payment of any unpaid fees
o Returning school property
Note that transcript may be held until payment of past due fees and the return of all school
property.
The Attendance Office may withdraw a scholar for non-attendance if the scholar is absent
unexcused or whose whereabouts are unknown for twenty consecutive days.
25
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The Peak Preparatory faculty and administration are committed to preparing our scholars for the global
world in which we live. Our college preparatory curriculum emphasizes a rigorous core academic
program, which include Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Physical Education, and
Foreign Language. The curriculum program is modeled on the standards set by the International
Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Grading Policy



Grades will be given on a letter scale, see chart below. Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is
based on the value of the letter grade where an A is a 4.0, B 3.0, C 2.0.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate Courses (IB) courses receive
an additional 1.0 weight
Honors Courses, Dual Credit Courses, and Prep AP courses receive an additional 0.5 weight on
GPA for grades A – C.
On 4.0 Scale
Explanation of Grades
A+
A
A-
On 100
Scale
100 – 97
96 - 93
92 - 90
4.0
4.0
3.7
Scholars receiving an A show mastery of the knowledge and skills
that have been taught. They Show an ability to go beyond the
basic requirements of assignments and produce creative,
thorough work.
B+
B
B-
89 - 87
86 - 83
82 - 80
3.3
3.0
2.7
Scholars receiving a B may still have some areas to improve. They
demonstrate a solid mastery of knowledge and skills that have
been taught.
C+
C
C-
79 – 77
76 – 73
72 - 70
2.3
2.0
1.7
Scholars receiving a C are meeting minimum requirements and
may need to develop significant skill sets.
F
69 and
Below
0.0
Scholars receiving an F produce work of unacceptable quality.
They have major skills deficits that require additional instructional
resources and scholar effort.
CALCULATING GPA & CLASS RANK

Please Consult Appendix A at the end of the handbook for a full description about how to
calculate a scholar’s GPA & Class Rank.
26
Peak Graduation Plans & Curriculum
Content Area
Recommended
Graduation
Plan
Distinguished
Graduation
Plan
English & Language Arts
(ELA)
4 Credits
4 Credits
 English I
 English II
 English III
 AP English Literature
 AP English Language
 English IV
Mathematics
4 Credits
4 Credits
 Algebra I
 Geometry
 Algebra II
 Pre-Calculus
 AP Calculus
 Independent Study in Math
Science
4 Credits
4 Credits
 Biology
 AP Biology
 Chemistry
 Physics
 Environmental Science
3 ½ Credits
3 ½ Credits
 World Geography
 US History / AP US
 World History
 AP Government
Economics
½ Credits
½ Credit
 Economics
Languages other than
English
2 Credits
3 Credits




Social Studies
Peak Prep Course Offerings
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
 AP Spanish Language
 AP Spanish Literature
 Spanish Culture
Spanish IV
Physical Education
1 Credits
1 Credit
 PE 1: Foundations of Personal Fitness
Communications
½ Credit
½ Credit
 Personal Communications
Fine Art
1 Credit
1 Credit
 Theater Arts: 1-4
 Fine Arts: 1-3
Additional Electives
5 ½ Credits
4 ½ Credits
Total State Requirement
26 Credits
26 Credits
1 Credit
1 Credit
Career & Technical
Education
(Uplift Requirement)
College Skills
(Peak Requirement)
Total Peak Requirement
1 Credit
1 Credit
28 Credits
28 Credits
27
 AP Studio Art
 Consult Registrar’s Office




Business Information Management
Web Technologies / Dual Credit
Audio Video Production / Dual Credit
Advanced Audio Video Production / Dual Credit
 College Skills
 Road to College
Community Service Requirement
What is Peak’s community service requirement?
Scholars must serve a minimum of 100 hours of community service as a requirement for graduation
from Peak Preparatory. The following is a recommended schedule to satisfy this requirement:




20 hours during 9th grade (freshman year)
30 hours during 10th grade (sophomore year)
30 hours during 11th grade (junior year)
20 hours during 12th grade (senior year)
Scholars may accumulate more than 100 hours and/or complete this requirement ahead of
time. Scholars may accumulate more than the minimum requirement each year. Scholars are advised
to complete the community service requirement prior to entering their senior year. Only the hours
accumulated between June 1st of the year the scholar enters 9th grade and the day the scholar graduates
from Peak will be counted towards this requirement.
What qualifies as community service?









Community service hours must be completed at a non-profit organization
A scholar may volunteer for a single organization or a variety of organizations
Scholars are encouraged to complete their hours in areas related to their personal interests
Scholars are also encouraged to take advantage of the community service opportunities
organized/presented to them by the school
Paid experiences do not qualify
Working without pay at a job or for a family business does not qualify
Court ordered community service does not count towards this requirement
Scholars cannot earn hours for donating items or money; only their time
The community service requirement will be prorated for scholars transferring into Peak (10
hours per semester of attendance for grades 9th and 12th, and 15 hours per semester of
attendance for grades 10th and 11th)*
What documentation must be submitted to count for community service hours?


Scholars must complete a Community Service Form for each organization he/she volunteers at.
A supervisor's signature is required on each form. The parent or relatives of a scholar may not
sign as the supervisor.
 Verification forms are located in the main office and the Academic Advising Office, as well as on
our website (www.peakpreparatory.org). Forms must be submitted within one month of the
end date of service and are to be turned into the Academic Advising Office.
 Hours earned over summer should be turned in at the beginning of the following school year in
August. The deadline for submitting community service hours is the last day of each school
year.
 Note: The community service requirement will also be prorated for the next graduating class
only, having the following community service requirement as a result: of 2014 – 80 hours. No
other exceptions will be made.
28
ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
Each scholar has on file in the Registrar’s Office an academic achievement record with grades,
graduation credits, grade point average, and standardized test scores recorded from the beginning of
the freshman year. A copy of the record is called a transcript and is required for admission by most
secondary and post-secondary institutions. A minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required for all
transcripts requests.
 A transcript may not be released without the written request from the parent/guardian or
scholar if the scholar is over 18 years of age. Request forms are available from the registrar’s
office.
 An official transcript is one mailed to another institution of higher education upon written
request of the parent.
 An unofficial transcript is delivered to the scholar or parent/guardian upon written request from
the parent/guardian or scholar if the scholar is over 18 years of age.
 Note that transcript may be held until payment of past due fees and the return of all school
property.
GRYPHON ACADEMIC PROBATION (GAP)
Scholars are expected to take responsibility by seeking support and remediation in classes where they
are struggling academically. In cases where a scholar is consistently failing classes, she/he will be placed
on Gryphon Academic Probation, or GAP.
 Please Consult Appendix B at the end of the handbook for a full description of the GAP program
ELIGIBILITY for COMMENCEMENT
To be eligible to participate in Commencement, the May graduation exercise, seniors must have met the
following requirements:
 Completed all state graduation requirements, as per Chapter 74, Subchapter F
 Enrolled at Peak Preparatory both semesters of their senior year
 Accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university
 Completed a minimum of 100 Service Learning Hours during High School.
 The following exceptions apply:
o 5th Year scholars who have completed all graduation requirements by the end of the 1st
Semester need not be enrolled for the 2nd Semester
o Scholars who experience unforeseen circumstance of an emergency nature may appeal to
the Campus and Senior Director for permission to participate in graduation exercises.
PROMOTIONS & RETENTIONS
Retention: Grades K-5 & 6-8
 Any scholar who fails one class in a core subject area (Math, Science, Social Studies, English,
Language Arts, and/or Foreign Language) may not be promoted to the next grade until the
course is completed in an Uplift Education Summer School.
29


Peak Preparatory does not accept summer school credit, unless taken through Uplift Summer
School Program.
Scholars who fail three or more core classes may not advance to the next grade level.
Retention: Grades 9-12
 Any Secondary School scholar who fails a for-credit course must take the course again.
Secondary School scholars must take the failed course before graduation and receive a passing
grade.
 Peak does not accept summer school credit for high school courses failed at Peak, unless taken
through the Uplift Summer School Program. Failure to attend summer school may affect a
scholar’s ability to return to Peak Preparatory.
 Failure in a core course may impact a scholar’s ability to graduate within the typical 4-year plan.
Repeating a Course
 If a scholar repeats a course due to a previous failure, the grades recorded in the original course
as well as in the repeated course are used in calculating the scholar’s GPA by averaging both
grades for each course.
 Courses with a passing grade may not be repeated for credit.
Promotions: Grades K-5 & 6-8
 Some research indicates that allowing a student to skip a grade may in rare cases be
academically beneficial to the child. However, because children’s social, behavioral, and
emotional growth may happen at various speeds, academic aptitude is not the only criteria for
determining if a child should skip a grade.
 Normally, the high level of in-class academic and differentiated instruction is more than
adequate to greatly challenge students. If you think your child may benefit from skipping a
grade level, contact the school director to schedule a meeting. Students new to Uplift Education
schools will not be considered for grade skipping before the middle of September which allows
the school to collect testing data and information from the classroom teacher on the student’s
performance.
 Final decisions regarding grade skipping and your child’s best interest will be made by a Grade
Placement Committee, which consists of a campus administrator, a teacher, and another
member of the instructional team, whether from the school or the central management office.
Decisions made on grade skipping requests by the Grade Placement Committee are final.
DUAL CREDIT



Dual Credit is an opportunity for high school scholars, grades 10 – 12, to earn college credit.
Scholars must complete certain requirements in order to be eligible for these opportunities.
Please consult the Road to College Office for more information about particular Dual Credit
Courses.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Peak Prep accepts credits from other schools accredited by the state of Texas. Credits will be evaluated
in terms of (1) whether the credits meet Texas State requirements for graduation and (2) whether the
credits meet Peak Preparatory requirements.
30


Accredited Schools: All transfer grades earned in accredited schools will be converted to the
Peak Prep grading scale and courses transfer courses will be designated so that they are
consistent with those established by Peak Preparatory.
Non Accredited Schools: Scholars from non-accredited schools or from home schooling
programs must take a credit-by-exam (CBE) test approved by Peak Prep in order to receive
credit for work completed. The scholar and/or the scholar’s family will pay any applicable fees
for these exams. Scholars must achieve a CBE score acceptable by Peak Prep standards in order
to receive credit.
Assessments
MAJOR ASSESSMENT POLICY



Multiple Assessments: No scholar shall be required to complete more than TWO MAJOR
assessments (2 tests, 1 test and 1 project, 2 projects) on the same day. It is the scholar’s
responsibility to schedule another due date (at least 48 hours in advance) with the teacher who
assigns the third major assessment.
Request for a final Exam Date Change: All requests for change of date of semester exams are
made directly to the teacher. Each teacher will report all exam changes to the department chair
and/or Administrator. Exams, except by special exception of the Campus Director, must be
administered during the assigned final examination schedule.
Test Retakes: Only scholars who earn a score below 70 on a test are eligible for a retake. If a
retake test is offered, the scholar may not earn a grade higher than a 70%. The score earned on
the retake test MUST be the recorded grade, not the average or higher of the two grades. Tests
may be retaken only once. Unless the teacher offers a retake for an entire class, it is the
scholar’s responsibility to see his/her teacher within one week of receiving the failing test
grade to retake the test.
STATE TESTING & REMEDIATION

STARR Test: Peak Preparatory is committed to scholar success on the State of Texas Assessment
of Academic readiness (STAAR) and takes seriously its obligation to provide scholars the support
and assistance they need to succeed.
o All scholars at STAAR-testing grade levels (3 – 11) will be regularly benchmark tested to
ensure that they are making appropriate progress through the required STAAR
curriculum. Scholars who are not making satisfactory progress will receive remedial
help.
COLLEGE TESTING



PSAT: Scholars will take the PSAT in October and must sign up with the College Counselor. The
PSAT tests have a fee, but fee waiver forms are also available for qualifying scholars for this test.
Scholars take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
SAT and ACT: Applications for taking the SAT and ACT are available in the counselor’s office. Fee
waiver forms for these tests are also available in the counselor’s office. Scholars in Grades 11
and 12 usually take these tests.
Additional Support: Scholars will receive assistance preparing for these exams through regular
College Skill Courses and Tutoring Opportunities.
31
Homework
Peak Preparatory maintains rigorous standards for homework completion. We believe that in
maintaining high expectations scholars will not only develop the academic skills necessary for college
success but also the character necessary to function at a high level in a competitive college
environment.
HOMEWORK PROCEDURE
Homework Planner:
 Each scholar is given a homework planner for the year. A scholar must pay $5.00 to replace a
planner that is lost or in disrepair. If the school does not have a replacement planner, scholar is
asked to purchase a similar planner.
 Scholars should anticipate be assigned homework for each night.
Completing Homework: Homework Assignments must meet the following expectations:
 NEAT: The assignment must legible. The materials are not disheveled.
 COMPLETE: The assignment must be completed thoroughly.
 ACCURATE: The scholar follows the directions of the assignment.
 ON-TIME: Assignments are handed in on the designated due date at the beginning of class.
Assignments that are left in a scholar’s locker are NOT considered on-time.
 If a scholar has a question about a homework assignment, they are asked to contact their
teacher by phone. If the faculty member does not answer, the scholar must leave a voice
message. All faculty members make available contact information. Not understanding an
assignment is not an excuse for failing to complete the assignment.
MISSING ASSIGNMENTS & LATE WORK
Homework Hall


Scholars who fail to meet homework expectations because the assignment is not NEAT,
COMPLETE, ACCURATE, or ON-TIME will be assigned Homework Hall after school for after
school that day.
Homework Hall is an opportunity to complete the missed assignment and begin working on any
other incomplete or missing assignments.
Handing-in Missed Work
 Homework and classwork are core parts of the learning process and therefore scholars should
be given an opportunity to complete missing assignments to make sure they have had
appropriate practice and knowledge mastery of a given topic. For grading purposes, the
following will apply:
o Work that is turned in 1 day late will lose 30 %points;
o Work that is turned in 2 days late will lose 50 %points;
o Work that is turned in 3 or more days late will receive a 0.
 Assignments may not be made up for credit after the 2nd Day late.
Homework Intervention Levels (HIL)

Scholars who repeatedly fail to meet homework expectations will be placed on the “HIL”
(Homework Intervention Levels). The HIL is a program designed to identify and provide support
32
to scholars and families in areas where scholars to regularly fail to achieve neatness,
completion, accuracy, and/or timeliness with regard to homework.
 Please Consult Appendix C at the end of the handbook for a full description of the HIL program
MISSING HW during EXCUSED ABSENCES


Scholars who have missed work due to an excused absence have as many class days to make up
the work as they were absent.
o For example, if a scholar is absent Tuesday and returns to school Wednesday, they have
1 day to make up the assignment, which means the assignment would be due Thursday.
If the assignment was not collected on Thursday, the scholar would be subject to
consequences for late assignment.
Parents, if your scholar is absent for several days due to illness, please contact the teacher to
determine a reasonable plan to help your child catch up on missed work.
MISSING HW during UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
 All work is due on the date that the teacher specifies. Because homework is a reinforcement of
the learning that occurs in the classroom, scholars must complete all homework assignments.
In an effort to ensure scholar learning, scholars will be required to submit any missed
assignment.
 Suspension: Scholar on Out-of-School Suspension, OSS, have as many days to make up the work
as they were suspended.
 See the section “Handing-In Missing Work” above for the policy on how late assignments
impact credit for “Unexcused Absences”.
EXTENSION POLICY



Because we are committed to helping all of our scholars become responsible citizens,
communication is an integral part of our school. We recognize that under certain circumstances
(i.e. sudden illness, family emergencies, natural disasters, etc.) there may be a few times when
not all your homework can be completed. In such rare cases, you must call to ask for an
extension on an assignment on the night before work is due.
Extensions are not automatic; each teacher may use his/her discretion to grant or not to grant
an extension.
Extensions are not designed to excuse poor self-management (leaving books at school, poor
planning, or misuse of time management, etc.). Under these conditions, the scholar should
contact the teacher to try to find a solution to the situation.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

The school reserves the right to determine any modifications of the above stated policy based
on extenuating circumstances.
33

In order for the school to agree to modify the policy, the scholar must either notify the teacher
prior to the due date or scheduled make up time, OR provide documentation proving an
extenuating circumstance. The school must be satisfied with the validity of such documentation.
EXTRA CREDIT





Extra Credit is defined as a “higher level extension” of what has been completed in class.
Extra credit will only be made available to whole class and NOT to individuals.
Scholars who are failing the class are not eligible for extra credit in that class.
No extra credit assignments can be given or accepted during the last two week of any semester.
No more than 2 extra credit assignments may be offered in an academic quarter.
PARENT SUPPORT

Parents are strongly encouraged to check their scholar’s homework planner each evening and
hold the scholar accountable for completing their daily homework and studying.
* Please Consult Appendix D at the end of the handbook for a full list of suggestions for how parents can
help support the academic and behavioral expectations at Peak.
Academic Support
LEARNING DIFFERENCES




If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact a school administrator to
learn about Uplift’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services.
This system links students to a variety of support options, including referral for a special
education evaluation.
Students having difficulty in the regular classroom should be considered for tutorial,
compensatory and other support services that are available to all students.
At any time a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a
reasonable amount of time, school must decide if the evaluation is needed.
o If evaluation is needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the
evaluation.
o If the school determines that the evaluation is not needed, the school will provide the
parent with a written notice that explains the basis for the school’s decision to not
evaluate the child. This written notice will include a statement that informs the parent
of their rights if they disagree with the school.
o Additionally, the notice will inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of
Procedural Safeguards - Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities.
If the school determines an evaluation is needed, the school must complete the evaluation and
the report within sixty calendar days of the date the school receives written consent. A copy of
the report will be given to the parent.
34
UNIFORM POLICY: PEAK SECONDARY
General Expectations
All scholars must come to school in the Peak Preparatory uniform every day. If a scholar arrives to
school out-of-uniform, parents/guardians will be called and asked to bring in a uniform before the
scholar is allowed to return to class. If a parent is unwilling or unable to do so, the scholar will be on a
community separation schedule until he or she is in proper uniform. We have a required school uniform
for several important reasons:
1) Uniforms unite us as a community: When you look scholars wearing a Peak Preparatory uniform, it is
a powerful visual statement of our community. Scholars make a commitment that when they put on the
Peak Preparatory Uniform: they are agreeing to live up to the school’s high expectations.
2) Uniforms reduce distractions and clothing competition: Scholars often spend more time discussing
and evaluating what others are wearing than they spend focusing on learning. Wearing uniforms
minimizes this distraction.
4) Uniforms look professional. Scholars look neat when they arrive to school with shirts tucked into
pants. The scholar come mentally prepared for school and “dressed for work”.
GENERAL






Inappropriate, offensive, or disruptive clothing or other items are not allowed.
When temperature drops below 50F, scholars are allowed to wear scarves, gloves, and winter
hats provided that they remove these items when entering a school building.
Clothing may not be see-through, torn, cut, patched, frayed, or drawn-on.
Clothing may not be excessively tight or baggy.
Clothing may not be excessively wrinkled or disheveled.
Scholars may not clip items to their pants. Any items that dangle from the waist (such as chain
wallets) are not allowed.
SHIRTS





Dress Shirts and Polo Shirts may be short or long sleeve.
Shirts must always remain tucked into pants/skirt.
Shirts may not be excessively tight. A scholar must be able to place their arms above their head
and their shirt does not come un-tucked.
Scholars must have a Peak Crest placed on their shirts.
Scholar undershirts must be white. There must not be any designs or lettering that shows
through the dress shirt or polo shirt.
PANTS/SKIRTS





Pants must be Dress Slacks. Cargo Pants, Cords, or any pant that is not a “dress slack” is not
permitted.
Pant bottoms may not be “cuffed” / the pant bottom must come over the top of the shoe.
Skirt Length must be worn at the natural waist and must touch the knee cap.
Pants and Skirts must be worn at waist level and may not ride or sag below the waist.
Belts must always be worn with a scholar’s pants.
35

Belts must be black leather, woven or flat, with a small, silver buckle. No designer or logo buckle

Girls may wear tights with their skirts. Tights must cover the scholar’s foot. Tights must be solid
Navy, Black, or White.
SHOES



Girls: Black closed-toe and closed heel dress shoes. Heel must be 2 inches or less. Shoes must
have a hard sole and be black leather.
Boys: Shoes must be black leather and hard soled. Pants legs must be worn over the shoe.
Note: TOMS or top-siders/boaters are allowed on business casual days only and must be
black. Slippers (house shoes) are NOT permitted.
OUTERWEAR



Scholars are only allowed to wear the following outerwear in the classroom:
o Peak Approved Sweaters (see chart for appropriate colors)
o Lettermen Jackets/11th & 12th Grade Navy Blazers
Scholars must remove all other coats/jackets (including ZIP-UP hoodies) before entering the
classroom.
Scholars are NEVER permitted to wear pull-over hoodies.
Accessories
JEWELRY & MAKEUP










General Jewelry: Jewelry may not be distracting, make noise, or have inappropriate
connotations.
Necklaces: Scholars are permitted to wear necklaces. Necklaces must be tucked into a shirt at
all times.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are NOT permitted
Headphones: Scholars may not wear headphones over their ears or as an accessory.
Headphones may only be used with permission from a classroom instructor. Headphones may
never be worn in the hallways. Headphones may be confiscated if scholars fail to meet
expectation.
Earrings: For Girls, oversized earrings, larger than a quarter, dangly earrings, and ear-spacers are
not permitted. Boys may not wear earrings of any type
Bracelets: School reserves the right to confiscate bracelets that become distracting or have
inappropriate connotations.
Body Piercings: No visible body piercings, including tongue rings, are permitted.
Makeup:
o Middle School (6th-8th Grade): No Make-up or lipstick is permitted
o High School (9th-12th Grades): No heavy makeup is permitted. Girls may wear only pale
colored or clear lipstick.
o Scholars in violation of these policies will be asked to remove makeup before returning
to class.
Tattoos: Visible tattoos are not permitted.
Nails: In general, nails must be neatly trimmed
36
o
o
Girls: not longer than ¼ inch. No designs are permitted on a scholar’s nails; colors must
be solid. All nails must be the same color.
Teachers may confiscate nail polish that is taken out during class and scholars are
subject to the same standard as the electronic device policy described in the Scholar
Code of Conduct.
HEAD COVERINGS & HAIR



Head Covering: Hats or other head coverings, including scarves, headphones, hairnets, bands
worn around the forehead, sweatbands, hoods, do‐rags, hair picks, and bandanas, may not be
worn, except for religious reasons. Scholars may not clip hats to their pants.
Winter Head Coverings: When the temperature drops below 50  F, scholars may wear a
“winter hat” outside but must remove the hat when entering a school building.
Hair: Hair must be kept in a style that is professional.
o Boys: Hair length must not be below the collar. Scholars are not permitted to wear
“Mohawks” or have any designs/patterns shaved into their hair.
o Girls:
 High School: Hair can be colored or highlighted only a natural, human hair color.
“Auburn” is an acceptable highlight color, “orange” and “red” are not. Scholars are
not permitted to shave any designs/patterns into their hair.
 Middle School: Hair may NOT be highlighted. Scholars are not permitted to shave
any designs/patterns into their hair.
FACIAL HAIR



Middle School (6th – 8th Grade): Facial Hair is not permitted
High School (9th – 12th Grade): Scholars may have a mustache, beard, or goatee as long as it is
neatly trimmed.
Shaving Facial Hair: Scholars may not return to class while in violation of the facial hair policy.
The front office will call the scholar’s parents. The parent may either take the scholar home to
shave, or the scholar may shave at school, using an electric razor provided by the school.
SCHOLAR ID’s


6th – 8th grade: Scholars must wear Identification Badges on a lanyard that is worn around the
neck. Scholars may wear any cloth lanyard, provided that it does not convey any offensive
material or distract from the learning environment.
9th – 12th grade: Scholars must have their ID while on campus but do not need to wear the ID.
SCHOLAR BLAZERS: (11th & 12th Grade)

Navy Blazers are mandatory for Peak 12th Grade scholars and are optional for Peak 11th Grade
scholars.
Specific Dress Days
PROFESSIONAL DRESS DAYS


6th – 12th Grade: Monday - Wednesday
Please consult uniform chart on the next page for specific style/colors
37
BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS DAYS


6th – 12th Grade: Thursday & Friday
Please consult uniform chart on the next page for specific style/colors
SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS
School spirit days are scheduled for the last Friday of each month. Scholar must follow all general
uniform guidelines with the exception of the following items:
 Shirts: Scholars may wear a college t-shirt or Peak t-shirt.
o The shirt does NOT need to be tucked in.
o Shirt bottom may not be lower the back, pant pockets, or if there is no back pant pockets,
where the back pant pocket would be located.
 Pants: Scholars may wear any color jeans.
o Jeans may not be see‐through, torn, cut, faded, patched, frayed, draw-on, or overly wrinkled
o Jeans must sit at the waste and be accompanied by a belt if belt loops are visible.
o “Jeggings”, leggings or tights with the look of a jean, are not permitted.
o Jeans/pants may not be excessively tight. Scholars should be able to “pinch an inch” of their
jeans/pants.
 Shoes: Scholars may wear tennis shoes. Shoes must have the laces tied and cuffs drawn over the
top of the shoe, meaning that the pant bottom may not be “cuffed” or “pegged”.
 Outerwear & Accessories: Expectations are the same as any other uniform dress day.
SATURDAY EVENTS & FREE DRESS
With the Exception of Saturday Detention, scholars are not required to be in Peak uniform while on
campus Saturdays. However, scholars must adhere to the following dress code guidelines:
 No tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, net or sheer tops, spaghetti straps, or strapless tops
 Sweatpants/Warm-up Pants are allowed but must not sag beneath the waste.
 T-shirts are acceptable as long as their subject matter is appropriate. No bare midriffs (half
shirts) or cut-off shirts are allowed
 All pants and shorts must be appropriately sized, fitted and worn at the waist. No “hip huggers”
are allowed. Pants and shorts may not be excessively baggy or tight. Scholars should be able to
“pinch an inch” of their jean or pant.
 All pants and shorts must be free of slits, tears or holes. All shorts and skirts must touch the
knee cap.
 Bandanas, do-rags, wave caps, or baseball caps are not permitted on campus.
 No Athletic Shorts are permitted. Scholars may wear non-athletic shorts.
 Outerwear & Accessories: Expectations are the same as any other uniform dress day.
 Saturday Detention: Scholars in Saturday Detention must follow the “Business Casual” or
“Professional” Dress Code.
 School Reserves the right to ask the scholar to change clothing if that clothing is distracting to
the learning environment.
38
Peak Prep Secondary: Professional Dress
Professional Dress Days

Professional Dress is worn Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays of every week for Peak Secondary,
th
th
grades 6 – 12 .
PROFESSIONAL DRESS
GRADE
th
th
6 -11
Grades
SHIRTS
Boys:
SLACKS
Girls:
SKIRTS /
SLACKS
White
Buttondown,
collared,
Oxford dress
shirt with
embroidered
Uplift Peak
Crest at left
chest
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg /
flatfront
Red/Blue
Plaid
Skirt
(see note
on skirts)
OR
Navy
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg / flatfront
TIES
Boys
Red/Blue
Plaid
 Straight Tie
(classic or
slim)
 Bow Tie
SOCKS
Boys
Black/Navy
BELT
&
SHOES
TOP COATS
Black
Navy Sweater
w/ Peak Crest
 Button-Up
Sweater
 Sweater Vest
 Pull Over VNeck Sweater
(see note on
embroidery)
Girls
Navy
Knee Socks with
Skirts
(see note on socks)
Girls
Red/Blue
Plaid
 Straight Tie
(classic or
slim)
 Bow Tie
 Cross Tie
Navy Full-Zip
Fleece
Navy Blazers
(optional)
Peak Letterman
Jackets
th
12
Grade
White
Buttondown,
collared,
Oxford dress
shirt with
embroidered
Uplift Peak
Crest at left
chest
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy or
Grey
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg /
flatfront
Red/Blue
Plaid or
Solid
Grey
Skirt
(see note
on skirts)
OR
Navy or
Grey
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg / flatfront
Red/Blue
Plaid
 Straight Tie
(classic or
slim)
 Bow Tie
 Cross Tie
Grey/Maroon
Striped
 Straight Tie
(classic or
slim)
 Bow Tie
 Cross Tie
Boys
Black/Navy
Girls
Navy
Knee Socks with
Skirts
(see note on socks)
Black
Navy Sweater
w/ Peak Crest
 Button-Up
Sweater
 Sweater Vest
 Pull Over VNeck Sweater
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy Full-Zip
Fleece
Navy Blazers
(Mandatory)
Peak Letterman
Jackets
39
Peak Prep Secondary: Business Casual Dress
BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS DAYS

th
th
Business Casual Dress is worn Thursdays and Fridays of every week for Peak Secondary, grades 6 – 12
BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS
GRADE
th
th
6 -11
Grades
th
12
Grade
SHIRTS
Boys:
SLACKS
Girls:
SKIRTS /
SLACKS
TIES
Red
Polo with
embroidered
Uplift Peak
Crest at left
chest
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg /
flatfront
Red/Blue
Plaid
Skirt
(see note
on skirts)
OR
Navy
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg / flatfront
None
Red or
White
Polo with
embroidered
Uplift Peak
Crest at left
chest
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy or
Grey
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg /
flatfront
Red/Blue
Plaid
Skirt
(see note
on skirts)
OR
Navy
Dress
Slacks /
Straight
leg / flatfront
None
SOCKS
BELT
&
SHOES
TOP COATS
Boys
Black/Navy
Girls
Navy
Knee Socks with
Skirts
(see note on socks)
Black
Boys
Black/Navy
Girls
Navy
Knee Socks with
Skirts
(see note on socks)
Black
Navy Sweater
w/ Peak Crest
 Button-Up
Sweater
 Sweater Vest
 Pull Over VNeck Sweater
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy Full-Zip
Fleece
Navy Blazers
(optional)
Peak Letterman
Jackets
Navy Sweater
w/ Peak Crest
 Button-Up
Sweater
 Sweater Vest
 Pull Over VNeck Sweater
(see note on
embroidery)
Navy Full-Zip
Fleece
Navy Blazers
(mandatory)
Peak Letterman
Jackets
NOTES



Embroidery: All dress shirts, polo shirts, and outerwear (including senior blazers) must be embroidered at left
chest with the Uplift Peak Crest. This is mandatory for the 2013-2014 school year.
Skirts: Skirts must be worn at natural waist and must touch the knee caps.
Socks: Girls may only wear ankle socks if they choose to wear pants.
40
UNIFORM POLICY: PEAK PRIMARY
General Expectations: Peak Primary
Shoes




All black leather dress shoes
Kinder can wear all black, brown, or white tennis shoes Tuesday-Friday
Tennis shoes of any color/style Friday Jeans day beginning in October
Scholars may change shoes for recess/gym
Socks





White, black, or navy blue
No ankle socks with shorts or skirts
Girls must wear knee high socks with skirts
Girls are encouraged to wear tights with skirts in the winter
No leggings
Belt



Black or brown belt with buckle
Belts may not be cloth or tied
The only exception to the belt rule is if girls are wearing a uniform skirt that doesn’t have belt
loops or already has a belt attached.
Shirts









All Shirts must have school logo
White button down dress shirts Monday
White, red, navy blue, light blue or collar shirts Tuesday-Friday
Undershirts must be all white or match the color of the collared shirt scholars are wearing, but
must not have any visible logos.
Shirts must be tucked in at all times, unless the scholar earns Jeans/Spirit Friday
Shirts can never be tied or rolled under
Scholars may untuck shirts for recess/PE, but shirts must be tucked in before scholars enter the
building or leave PE.
Only the top two buttons can be undone
Scholars may wear Peak/college T-shirt untucked starting the first Friday of SLA with slacks
Pants



Navy blue slacks on Monday
Khaki or navy blue slacks Tuesday-Friday
Jeans with no holes or decals on Friday if earned, no skinny jeans
Shorts



Shorts may be worn August, September, April, May.
Shorts may be no longer than right below the knee, and no shorter than right above the knee.
Shorts must be navy blue or khaki. No jean or cargo shorts.
41
Skirts



Girls may wear navy blue or khaki skirts/skorts or jumpers
Skirts must be no shorter than to the top of the knee cap.
Girls must wear shorts under skirts K-5.
Jackets



White, black, red or navy blue button up/zip up/pullover, sweaters, cardigans, or sweatshirts
with NO HOOD and NO LOGOS/DECALS
Other non-uniform jackets must remain in lockers or class cubbies and may only be taken out
for recess. Scholars may not carry them or wrap them around their waist or shoulders.
If a scholar is seen with a non-uniform jacket at any time after they have had an opportunity to
put it in their locker, it is an immediate uniform violation. Exceptions may be made in winter to
let scholars keep jackets on until they warm up after coming inside.
Jewelry





Girls may wear small stud earrings or small hoops/dangling earrings that hang down no more
than ½ inch.
Girls may not wear more than one earring in each ear.
Scholars may wear small rings and one small, short necklace.
All scholars may wear a watch and one small bracelet or silly band.
If scholars are seen at any time in school with non-uniform appropriate jewelry they will receive
a uniform violation.
Hair





Hair should be well groomed and short enough (including bangs) so that hair is not in scholars’
faces.
No school inappropriate haircuts, such as Mohawks. A note/phone call home is necessary and
the issue must be resolved quickly.
Boy’s hair may not be spiked or styled in a Mohawk. Boys will receive a uniform violation for
spiked hair and must immediately wash it out in the restroom.
Girls may wear uniform single colored and patterned accessories (black, brown, navy blue, red,
light blue, white, striped, polka-doted) Monday-Thursday and other colored/patterned/sparkled
hair accessories (purple, green, yellow etc.) if scholars have earned Peak Shirt Friday.
Girls and boys may not dye/highlight/”glitterfy” their hair.
Nails



Boys and girls nails must be trimmed.
Girls may wear clear nail polish only, no glitter or French tips.
Fake nails are not allowed.
Uniform Violations


For any uniform violation scholars will receive a mark and the violation must be corrected
immediately.
Three uniform marks will result in losing Jeans Friday. Through October (before the scholars are
able to wear jeans) scholars will lose Peak Shirt Friday. If the violation cannot be corrected in
school, the scholar must call his/her parents to bring the appropriate clothing.
42
UPLIFT: SCHOLAR CODE of CONDUCT
General Principles & Guidelines
These rules of conduct and discipline are established to maintain order in the school and to encourage
responsible behavior on the part of all scholars. The staff of the school has the responsibility to enforce
the standards and policies of this Scholar Code of Conduct. Full cooperation of the scholars and
parents/guardians is expected.
Scholars are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. Any behavior that is
detrimental to the learning environment of the scholar or other scholars and/or staff member s will not
be tolerated. A scholar whose behavior shows disrespect toward others, including interference with
another’s access to public education and to a safe environment, will be subject to disciplinary action.
Campus Director

The Campus Director has the authority to implement the Scholar Code of Conduct up to and
including the suspension of a scholar from campus. If the school has a Dean of Scholars who
handles scholar discipline, then the Dean of Scholars may recommend discipline consequences,
including suspension or expulsion, to the Campus Director.
Managing Director or Lead Director (if no Managing Director)

Only the Managing Director or Lead Director (if no Managing Director) (referred to herein
collectively as the “School Director”) has the authority to expel a scholar. Expulsions shall be
handled according to the procedures described below.
Campus, Classroom, and Assembly Rules

In addition to rules in this Scholar Code of Conduct, Campus Directors and School Directors may
impose additional campus rules, and teachers and extracurricular sponsors may impose and
communicate such additional campus rules or classroom rules, where such rules are not
inconsistent with this Code. A scholar’s conduct in assemblies and other out-of-classroom
activity must comply with rules applicable to those of the classroom.
Extracurricular Standards

Sponsors and coaches may develop and communicate written extracurricular expected
standards of behavior for induction in and continued participation in that activity. Such
standards may be higher than those of the Scholar Code of Conduct. These standards must be
communicated to the scholars involved in that activity and must be approved by the School
Director. Scholars who violate communicated extracurricular standards of behavior may be
subject to disciplinary action under the Scholar Code of Conduct, and in addition, denied the
opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.
Scholars with Disabilities

The discipline of scholars who have been identified with a disability as outlined in the
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA ‘04) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and
are currently receiving services under those statutes, will be conducted in accordance with
current federal and state laws.
43

School staff will determine if the scholar is eligible for such services and, upon making such
determination, shall utilize and apply the appropriate disciplinary process under the current
Code of Conduct.
Expected Standards of Scholar Conduct:
General Expectations
Each scholar is expected to behave in a responsible manner by:
1. Demonstrating courtesy and respect for others;
2. Attending all classes, regularly and on time;
3. Preparing for each class by taking the appropriate materials and assignments to class;
4. Being well-groomed and dressing appropriately as defined by the School’s code for dress and
grooming standards;
5. Obeying all campus, classroom and extracurricular rules;
6. Respecting the rights and privileges of other scholars, school staff, and other adults on campus
or at school-related activities on or off campus;
7. Respecting the property of others, including school property and facilities;
8. Cooperating or assisting the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline;
9. Adhering to the Academic Honesty Policy; and
10. Adhering to the Scholar Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct Violations
Prohibited behaviors: Scholars who engage in any of the following behaviors are subject to disciplinary
consequences, up to and including suspension or expulsion, if the behavior is persistent or serious
enough, in the reasonable opinion of the School Director, to warrant such action. In addition, the first
four listed behaviors are considered serious enough to warrant expulsion for a first offense, subject to
the discretion of the School Director. However, nothing in this section should suggest that expulsion for
any of the behaviors listed below could not result for a first time offense.
1. Possessing a firearm, ammunition or explosives;
2. Possessing, using, or being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage;
3. Possessing, using, being under the influence, distributing, attempting to distribute, buying or
attempting to buy illegal drugs, regardless of amount;
4. Possessing knives, bladed instruments, air guns, chemical dispensing devices, fireworks, replica
firearms or bombs, electronic stunning devices, and other similarly dangerous items;
5. Leaving school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission of an appropriate school
official;
6. Insubordination, i.e., failing to comply with lawful directives given by school personnel;
7. Engaging in inappropriate physical or sexual conduct;
8. Engaging in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, whether the conduct is by word,
gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual favors;
9. Possessing or using matches or a lighter except as part of an instructional program;
10. Starting or building a fire on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event except as part of an
instructional program;
11. Possessing, using, or smoking tobacco products;
12. Possessing or selling items attempted to be passed off as drugs or contraband;
13. Possessing drug paraphernalia;
14. Possessing or distributing pornographic material;
44
15. Possessing, selling, using, or distributing medications are available without a prescription in a
manner that is not consistent with the medicine’s intended use as indicated on the
manufacturer’s label or with school rules concerning the handling of such medications;
16. Committing an assault which results in injury;
17. Making a threat to harm someone or to cause damage to the building or property of the school,
including a false alarm or report, including but not limited to, bomb threats;
18. Using, in a manner inconsistent with the manufacturer’s instructions, or being under the
influence of, glue or aerosol paint;
19. Discharging a fire extinguisher, except in an emergency;
20. Violating dress or grooming standards;
21. Violating campus, classroom, extracurricular or other communicated standards of behavior;
22. Being in facilities designated for the opposite sex such as restrooms or locker rooms, or in
facilities designated as faculty, janitorial only, or custodial only;
23. Cheating or copying the work of another;
24. Throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or property damage;
25. Using profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures;
26. Engaging in fighting, whether provoked or not, when such fighting results or may result in injury
to a scholar, staff, or bystander;
27. Bullying, which may include repeated teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, stealing, intentional
exclusion, and rumors that create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse, including the
use of social media or internet as a means of bullying;
28. Stealing, theft or robbery;
29. Damaging or vandalizing property belonging to others;
30. Name calling, ethnic or racial slurs, or derogatory statements that school officials reasonably
anticipate will disrupt the school program or incite violence;
31. Inappropriate or illegal use of the school’s electronic communication systems, including the
Internet;
32. Falsification of records, passes, or other school-related documents;
33. Behaving in any way that substantially disrupts the school environment or educational process;
34. Being involved in gang activity, including participating as a pledge or member, or soliciting
another person to become a pledge or member of a gang;
35. Violation of a “final warning” contract or similar behavioral contract or agreement issued in
connection with a prior disciplinary action; or
36. Evidence confirming that a scholar has committed a felony level offense (under the Texas Penal
Code) or other serious off-campus conduct which likely to have one or more of the following
effects:
a. Disrupts the learning environment;
b. Provides a negative example to other scholars; or
c. Creates a dangerous and unsafe environment for scholars or school personnel.

Note: The above list of prohibited behaviors is offered by way of example only. Disciplinary
action, up to and including suspension or expulsion, may result for other types of schoolrelated misconduct that violates the spirit or intent of this Code of Conduct.
45
Discipline Management - Consequences:


Discipline will be designed to improve conduct and to encourage scholars to adhere to their
responsibilities as members of the school community. Disciplinary action will draw on the
professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management
techniques. Discipline will be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the scholar’s age and
grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the scholar’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct
on the school environment, and any statutory requirements. Because of these factors,
discipline for a particular offense may bring into consideration varying techniques and
responses.
Teachers initially handle all discipline issues within their classrooms and administer
consequences ranging from a simple warning to removal from the classroom. For those Code
infractions that can be handled by the teacher, the following discipline management techniques
may be used alone or in combination.
a. Verbal or oral correction;
b. Cooling off or timeout;
c. Phone calls to parents/guardians;
d. Seating changes in the classroom or lunchroom;
e. Counseling by teachers, counselors, or administrators;
f. Parent-teacher conferences;
g. Parent-administrator conferences;
h. Temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process;
i. Grade reductions for academic violations such as cheating, copying, allowing others to
copy work, or plagiarism;
j. Rewards or demerits;
k. Behavioral contracts or agreements;
l. Sending the scholar to the office or other assigned areas, or in-school suspension;
m. Detention, either during the school day or outside the school day;
n. Assigned school duties, other than class tasks, such as cleaning desks; or
o. Withdrawal of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities and eligibility
for seeking and holding honorary offices.
Suspension or Expulsion:
Scholars who violate this Code of Conduct, as noted above, are subject to disciplinary consequences, up
to and including suspension or expulsion, if the behavior is persistent or serious enough, in the
reasonable opinion of the School Director, to warrant such action.
 Note: Firearm Violations: Federal law mandates that a scholar be expelled from the regular
classroom for a period of at least one calendar year for bringing a firearm (as defined by 20
U.S.C. Section 7151) to school, subject, however, to the discretion of the School Director to
modify the length of the expulsion or assess another comparable penalty that results in the
scholar’s exclusion from the regular school program on a case-by-case basis.
46
Suspension Due Process


The Campus Director (or Dean of Scholars if authorized by the School Director) has the
authority to suspend a scholar for a period of up to three school days for any of the following
reasons:
1. The severity or persistence of the Code of Conduct violation alleged;
2. The need to further investigate an incident or allegation; or
3. That a recommendation to expel the scholar has been considered.
Prior to suspending a scholar, the Campus Director (or Dean) must notify and consult with the
School Director, and in addition, the Campus Director (or Dean) must hold an informal
conference with the scholar to:
1. Notify the scholar of the accusations against him/her;
2. Allow the scholar to relate his/her version of the incident;
3. Determine whether the scholar’s conduct warrants suspension.
Expectations While on Suspension


While suspended, scholars are not allowed to be on the campus, including at afterschool
activities. The suspended days will be counted as unexcused absences.
Scholars may receive credit for work missed during the period of suspension if the scholar
makes up work missed during the period of suspension within the same number of days the
scholar was absent. Scholars may make up major assessments missed during the suspension,
but may not receive a grade higher than 70%.
Notification to Parents (or legal guardian, if applicable)

If the Campus Director determines the scholar’s conduct warrants suspension, the Campus
Director (or Dean) will notify the scholar’s parents that the scholar has been suspended before
the scholar is sent home. At this time, the Campus Director (or Dean) will also notify the
scholar’s parents of the period of suspension, the grounds for suspension, and the time and
place for conference with the Campus Director.
Emergency Actions



The Campus Director (or Dean of Scholars if authorized by School Director) may order the
immediate suspension of a scholar for up to three days if the Campus Director (or Dean)
believes that the scholar’s presence threatens the health, safety, or welfare of himself/herself or
other scholars or faculty.
If a scholar is suspended in an “emergency” situation without the opportunity for notice of the
allegations against him/her, the Campus Director (or Dean) must notify the scholar of the
allegations and provide the scholar with an opportunity to present his/her version of the
incident within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed three (3) days from the date of the
suspension.
While suspended, scholars are not allowed to be on campus, including at afterschool activities.
The suspended days will be counted as unexcused absences. Scholars may receive credit for
work missed during the period of suspension if the scholar makes up work missed during the
period of suspension within the same number of days the scholar was absent.
Expulsion – Due Process:

If the Campus Director believes a scholar has committed an expellable offense, the Campus
Director may make the recommendation to the School Director.
47



Prior to taking any expulsion action, the Campus Director or other appropriate administrator will
schedule a hearing before the School Director and provide written notice to the scholar and his
parents of:
1. The reasons for the recommended expulsion; and
2. The date, time, and location of a hearing before the School Director, within three days
after the date of the notice, unless the parents and School Director agree in writing to
an alternate time.
The notice shall further state that the scholar is entitled to:
1. be present at the hearing;
2. have an opportunity to present evidence;
3. have an opportunity to examine/question the school’s evidence and adult witnesses;
4. be accompanied by his/her parents or another adult who can provide guidance to the
scholar and who is not an employee of the district; and
5. be represented by an attorney.
The notice shall also state that if the parent declines to attend the hearing, such failure will
constitute a waiver of further rights to a hearing or appeal of the matter.
Hearing before School Director



After providing notice to the scholar and parent of the hearing, the School Director shall hold
the hearing regardless of whether the scholar, the scholar’s parents, or another adult
representing the scholar, attends. The School Director may audio record the hearing.
At the hearing, the school administration shall be allowed to present its evidence of the alleged
violation and the scholar and/or his parents or attorney may present evidence and cross
examine the administration witnesses in defense of the allegations.
Within 24 hours of the hearing, the School Director will notify the scholar and the scholar’s
parents in writing of his/her decision. The decision shall specify:
1. The length of the expulsion, if any;
2. The procedures for re-admittance at the end of the expulsion period; and
3. The right to appeal the School Director’s decision to the governing school board (or its
designee).
Board Review of Expulsion

After the due process hearing, the expelled scholar or parent/guardian may request that the
board review the expulsion decision. The scholar or parent must submit a written request to
the School Director within three days after receipt of the written decision.
Appeal to the Local Advisory Board



The scholar or his/her parent/guardian may elect to appeal the School Director’s decision to the
local advisory board for the school.
If such request is made, the local advisory board may designate a committee of the board
members to hear the appeal, however, the final authority on any appeal rests with the charter
holder board (the Uplift Education Board).
The School Director will provide the scholar or parent with written notice of the date, time, and
place of the meeting at which the local advisory board (or its designated committee) will review
the decision.
48



If the scholar or parent/guardian elects to appeal to the local advisory board, the time limit for
appeal to the charter holder board will be extended and will not run until the local advisory
board (or designated committee) issues its decision.
The local advisory board (or its designated committee) will review the record of the expulsion
hearing in a closed meeting unless the parent requests in writing that the matter be heard in an
open meeting. The local advisory board (or its designated committee) may hear statements
made by the parties at the review and will base its decision on evidence reflected in the record
and any statements made by the parties at the review.
Consequences will not be deferred pending the outcome of the hearing. The board (or its
designated committee) may deliberate in private, but will communicate its decision orally after
deliberation, and if not prior to the close of the meeting, within 24 hours after the meeting is
adjourned.
Appeal to the Charter Holder Board.






The scholar or his/her parents may appeal the decision of the School Director or the local
advisory board to the Uplift Education board by notifying the School Director in writing within
seven days of the date of receipt of the School Director’s decision (or within seven days of the
receipt of the local advisory board’s decision).
The School Director will provide the scholar or parent with written notice of the date, time, and
place of the meeting at which the Uplift board (or its designated committee) will review the
decision.
The Uplift Board may designate a committee to hear the appeal. The board (or its designated
committee) will review the audio or transcribed record from the hearing before the School
Director and the local advisory board, if applicable, and will hear statements made by the
parties at the review and will base its decision on evidence reflected in the record and any
statements made by the parties at the review.
Consequences will not be deferred pending the outcome of the hearing. The board (or its
designated committee) may deliberate in private, but will communicate its decision orally after
deliberation, or if not prior to the close of the open meeting, then in writing within 24 hours
after the open meeting is adjourned. The decision of the Uplift board (or its designated
committee) is final.
During the appeal process, the scholar will be allowed to complete homework and submit for
credit, however, the scholar will not be allowed to be on campus, including at afterschool
activities.
If the expulsion is upheld, the scholar will not be allowed on the campus unless approved in
writing by the School Director and only for a sibling related activity.
Readmission after Withdrawal or Expulsion:

If a scholar has been expelled or has withdrawn prior to a final expulsion or disciplinary hearing,
the scholar is not eligible for readmission to the school, or to any other school operated under
the charter of the school the scholar was attending at the time of the expulsion or withdrawal,
unless the following terms are met:
1. The scholar must have a clean discipline record at the current school he/she is attending
for at least one full semester; and
2. The scholar must meet with the Readmission Committee to present a request for
readmission.
49







The Readmission Committee (“Committee”) will be comprised of two teachers and an
administrator (appointed by the School Director), all of whom were not directly involved in the
original expulsion or withdrawal.
The Committee may request current teacher recommendations for the scholar, relevant
commentary from any counselor with whom the scholar may have consulted, as well as any
other documentation pertinent to the application.
The scholar or his/her parent will be allowed to make a statement to support the scholar’s
request and may submit additional documentation to the Committee for consideration.
A parent or other adult representative may also be present for the presentation to the
Committee.
Upon conclusion of the presentation and after review of all relevant documentation, the
Committee will make a recommendation on whether the scholar should be allowed to apply for
readmission. Such recommendation will be made within two business days of the date of the
presentation and will be communicated in writing to the scholar and his/her parent.
The decision of the Committee may only be appealed to the School Director, whose decision will
be final.
If the scholar is determined to be eligible for readmission, the scholar must reapply and follow
the same process for admission as if he or she were a new applicant. However, if admitted, any
subsequent violation of the Scholar Code of Conduct may result in expulsion without the
possibility of readmission.
50
PEAK PREP: DISCIPLINE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Peak Preparatory: Expectations & Procedures
Every Peak Scholar is expected to conduct himself/herself in a manner that is appropriate for college
and the professional world. In order to maintain a safe, productive learning environment, scholars will
be held to the following procedures every day at Peak:
 Note: Failure to abide by these norms, will result in ANY STAFF MEMBER taking action if
necessary
Arriving to School


Scholars must be in class or in line for class by 8:00AM. Arriving late to class because of getting
breakfast in the café, is NOT an excuse for being late.
Scholars who arrive late to 1st period, must first check in with the morning attendance monitor
before returning to class. Scholars may not reenter the classroom without a tardy pass or
detention slip.
Leaving School


By 4:10PM (M, T, R, and F) and 2:10PM (W), scholars must be out of hallways and either offcampus or under the supervision of a staff member in an after school activity.
Scholars lingering in the hallways will be escorted out of the buildings by school staff.
HALLWAY & BATHROOM PASSES




Scholars traveling between classrooms and other spaces at any time other than transition must
carry a pass at all times.
Scholar passes are written in the back of their scholar planners.
During transition periods, scholars who wish to go the restroom, office, or other campus
location other than their next period class, must check-in with their classroom teacher first and
have the teacher write a pass.
Scholars may not leave their classroom during the first or last 5 minutes of any class. Scholars
who are late to their first period class, must have a Tardy Pass/Detention slip from the morning
attendance monitor in order to enter the classroom.
GYM LOCKER ROOM NORMS





Lockers NOT assigned to scholars
Personal Belongs should NOT be left unattended in the locker room or gym. Personal Belongs
should be placed in a locker. Scholars are strongly encouraged to bring their own locks. The
school will not spend valuable time investigating the location of missing items that were left
unattended in locker room.
Scholars are expected to keep their lockers clean and organized. Food and drinks are not
allowed in lockers. Clothing kept in lockers should be taken home routinely to be washed.
School administrators and security personnel have the right to examine lockers at any time.
Discard trash in containers provided in the classrooms. Make sure to leave the locker room
BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT.
51
Peak Preparatory: Specific Discipline Policies
TARDIES
1st Period Tardies: The school day begins at 8:00 AM. If a scholar arrives to class even 1 second after the
bell that scholar is considered Tardy to class. Tardiness will not be excused for reasons of tiredness,
traffic, or errands. The procedure for 1st Period tardies is as follows:
 Scholar will be directed to a designated area by teacher/hallway monitor
 An attendance monitor will (1) document the tardy (2) assign a detention and (3) have the
scholar contact the parent. A scholar will be given an “unexcused tardy pass” which can only
come from the attendance monitor.
 If the scholar receives excessive tardies in one 9 week quarter, they will not be permitted to
return to class until the parent can meet with an administrator.
 If, after meeting with an administrator, a scholar continues to arrive tardy to school, the
parent/guardian can be fined by the school. Unpaid fines can prevent a scholar from
participating in particular privileges at Peak.
 All accumulated tardies reset at the beginning of a new quarter.
2nd – 8th Period Tardies: The procedure for subsequent tardies during the school day is as follows:
 Scholars are expected to be in the classroom or lined up for class by the time the bell rings. If a
scholar arrives to the class line or enters class after the bell, they are considered tardy.
 Teachers will document the tardy and assign a detention.
 If a scholar accumulates 3 tardies in any combinations of classes during the week, the scholar
will be referred to administration.
 All accumulated tardies reset at the beginning of a new week.
UNIFORM VIOLATIONS




Scholars are only permitted to the classroom if they are meeting the expectations for the Peak
Uniform Policy described in the Scholar/Family Handbook.
If the uniform violation is correctible, the teacher will request that the scholar correct the issue
before entering class.
o If a correcting a uniform violation causing a scholar to be tardy, the scholar will NOT
be excused.
If the uniform violation is not correctible, the scholar will be sent to the main office.
Office staff will document the violation, assign a detention, and contact the scholar’s
parent/guardian to request that the issue be corrected ASAP.
ACADEMIC PLANNER



Scholars’ academic planners are an essential part of their activity in the class.
Every scholar is provided a planner at the start of the year.
Replacement planners are $5.00/planner.
GUM / FOOD / DRINK POLICY


Scholars are never permitted to chew gum on campus. Scholars found in violation of this policy
will face disciplinary consequences.
Only water and healthy snacks are permitted inside the classroom.
o Sports Drinks/Energy Drinks/Sodas/Vitamins water are NOT permitted
52
o


Individual Teachers may have classroom policies where scholars are not required to
have food/drink in the room; scholars are accountable to these policies.
Scholars may bring breakfast from the cafeteria into the classroom; breakfast materials must be
consumed or disposed of before the end of morning announcements.
Scholars may bring food from off-campus for breakfast, but the food must be consumed or
disposed of before the end of morning announcements.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Using or having Electronic Devices are prohibited on school campus unless authorized by School Director
 Electronic Devices include, but are not limited to the following:
o IPods, MP3 Devices, or other music
o Handheld gaming devices: PSP/DS
players
o Cameras or Video Recorders
o Cell Phones
o Laser Pointers
 The following actions will be taken if you are found to have an electronic device in your
possession:
o 1st Offense: Device will be confiscated for 5 school days. Scholar will pay a fine of $30.00
to have device returned.
o 2nd Offense: Device will be confiscated for 1 month. Scholar will pay a fine of $60.00 to
have device returned.
o 3rd Offense: Devised will be confiscated for 1 academic year. Scholar will be a fine of
$100.00 to have device returned.
 Any teacher/staff member may confiscate a device from a scholar. Refusal to hand over a
device to a teacher/staff member can result in further disciplinary consequences.
 Assuming that the fine has been paid, electronic devices may be returned to scholars sooner if
their parent comes to the main office and the school releases the device directly to the parent.
 Because electronic devices are not permitted on campus, the school does not take
responsibility for lost/stolen electronic devices and will not exhaust valuable resources
investigating lost/stolen electronic devices.
 If a teacher gives permission to use an electronic device in class, that permission does NOT
extend to the transition after the class or the next class period.
 Confiscated electronic devices that are not claimed by the beginning of the next school year
will be disposed of by the school.
CELL PHONES
As with the electronic devices, cell phones are not necessary to the learning process and often present a
distraction to scholar’s learning goals. Each classroom and learning studio Peak is equipped with a
landline phone and teachers/staff give scholars ample opportunity to contact parents. However, we
understand that families may still want their child to have a cell phone for safety reasons. Therefore cell
phones are NOT forbidden on campus. However, scholars uphold the following expectations with regard
to cell phone use:
 Cell phones must be turned off and kept in the scholar’s bag on campus, during school hours.
 Scholars are permitted to use their cell phone only when they are outside a school building
before or after school hours.
53




Any teacher/staff member may confiscate a phone if they see and/or hear the phone either
during school hours or inside any school building.
Consequences for having a cell phone confiscated are the same as those described above for
electronic devices.
Parents, we ask that you be careful when selecting phones for your scholar. We discourage
internet options on phones, as they are not necessary for calling a parent and are often a
temptation for distraction.
Note: Because cell phones are discouraged, though allowed on campus, the school is not
responsible for lost/stolen cell phones and will not exhaust valuable resources investigating
lost/stolen cell phones.
 Peak Preparatory is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of its scholars, faculty,
and staff. A scholar will be in violation of the Code of Conduct for unlawfully obtaining and
distributing the personal information of another individual, particularly through the use of
electronic devices. This violation may lead to the scholar’s expulsion from Peak Preparatory.
VIOLATING the PEAK HONOR CODE


If a scholar is suspected of cheating, plagiarism, forgery, or any other form of academic
dishonesty, the following procedure will be followed:
o The scholar’s exam, test, or quiz, or assignment will be confiscated by the teacher.
o No credit or a zero will be given on the test, paper, or project.
o The scholar will be required to complete the assignment or re‐take the test, but for no
additional credit.
o Additional work may be assigned by the teacher.
o Scholar will be required to meet with the teacher and school administration for review
of the scholar’s work with consequences up to and including dismissal/expulsion from
school in accordance with the Uplift Scholar Code of Conduct.
In situations that seem unclear, it is each scholar’s responsibility to check with the teacher or
director regarding the honor code. Ignorance of the honor code will not be an excuse for a
violation.
 Please Consult Appendix E at the end of the handbook for more details about the Honor Code
INAPPROPRIATE PHYSICAL/SEXUAL CONTACT - (PDA)


The inappropriate public display of affection (PDA) is embarrassing to the staff, visitors and
scholars of Peak Prep Public Schools. Scholars are expected to exercise self-control and respect
for the reputation of others.
Specifically, kissing, handholding, and other inappropriate displays of affection are not in
accordance with the Peak Prep Code of Conduct. Scholars failing to respect this policy will face
disciplinary consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.
BULLYING / HARRASSMENT

Bullying: Texas Education Code 37.0832
54
o

Has the effect of physically harming a scholar, damaging a scholar’s property, or placing
a scholar in reasonable fear of harm, or
o Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates
an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.
o Other Criteria to consider for Bullying
o Exploits an imbalance of power between the scholar perpetrator and the scholar victim
through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and
o Interferes with a scholar’s education or substantially disrupts operation of a school
Harassment:
o Threatening to cause harm or bodily injury to another scholar
o Engaging in sexually intimidating conduct
o Subjecting another scholar to physical confinement or restraint
o Causing physical damage to the property of another scholar, or
o Maliciously taking any action that substantially harms another scholar’s physical or
emotional health or safety.
HORSEPLAY / ROUGHHOUSING


Throwing objects at scholars, slapping scholars, wrestling, and general horseplay are NOT
permitted.
Scholars engaging in the above behaviors will be redirected immediately by Faculty/Staff and
Assigned an immediate consequence.
IMPORTANT NOTES on VIOLENCE



Peak Preparatory believes that when presented with a potential altercation with another scholar
a scholar should: 1) walk away or 2) seek adult assistance.
Ignoring attempts at violence and/or seeking an adult’s help are encouraged and rewarded;
“fighting back” is not an option and may carry the same penalties as those for any other
individual involved in the violence.
Peak Preparatory takes seriously the actions of those who stand by to watch a fight or
encourage a fight with words or gestures. Such actions are labeled inciting violence. The
acceptable actions in the vicinity of a fight are 1) telling the participants to stop and/or (2)
getting an adult to intervene.
IMPORTANT NOTES on EXTERNAL ISSUES


Bullying, disrespect, violence, or inappropriate behavior is unacceptable at all times. An issue
between scholars that originated outside of school will be treated as an internal situation if the
issue manifests itself in a negative fashion.
For example, if a scholar is disrespectful to another scholar through the use of a social
networking site and the issue arises at school, Peak Preparatory reserves the right to treat this
issue with concern, assign consequences for the issue at school, and address all occurrences of
disrespect or inappropriate behavior according to the Scholar Code of Conduct.
55
INTERNET BULLYING



Any negative or dispiriting expressions about members of the Peak Preparatory community, or
that negatively impacts the community, found on the internet (including any and all social
networking sites) will result in standard penalties for bullying and disrespect.
We emphasize excellent behavior on searchable databases not only because public forums
increase the impact of negative behavior, but also because it is now common for potential
employers, internships, and college representatives to use the Internet to research applicants.
Scholars and families must be aware that any and all information posted on a social networking
site is made public for potential observation and search.
SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL


Conducting private business or selling unauthorized items is prohibited. Items will be
confiscated from the scholar(s), and disciplinary action will be taken.
School clubs and organizations may sell items before, after, and during school hours only after
they have received permission from the school administrator.
DISTRIBUTING LITERATURE


Scholars must receive approval from the school administrator or designated campus-based
leader prior to distributing any flyers, literature, etc. for non-school sponsored activities.
For school sponsored activities, such as pep rallies, dances, scholar government campaigns, etc.,
scholars who wish to post advertising materials for these events must have each copy signed or
initialed by a school administrator.
SEARCHES & INTERROGATIONS
 School authorities may seize any contraband, substance, material, or object, the possession of
which is illegal, violates a school rule, or poses a hazard to the safety and good order of the
school. Scholars are not to bring these items to school or to any school-sponsored function.
1. Authority to Conduct a Search: The law allows school authorities to search scholars,
their lockers, their motor vehicles and their personal property when they have
reasonable suspicion that a particular scholar is in possession of something prohibited
by school rules or by law.
2. General Inspection: School authorities reserve the right to make general inspections of
lockers for purposes including but not limited to safety, cleanliness, retrieval of school
material and maintenance. Such general inspections shall not include searching
personal items stored in lockers, clothing, bags or purses unless reasonable and specific
suspicion exists.
3. Locker/Desk/Storage Area Inspections: All lockers and other storage areas provided
for scholar use on school premises remain the property of the school and are subject to
inspection, access for maintenance, and search. Scholars may place an approved lock
for security reasons on their assigned locker only.
4. Personal Searches: A scholar’s person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack,
etc.) may be searched when school authorities have reasonable suspicion to believe
that the scholar is in possession of illegal or unauthorized items.
5. Motor Vehicle Searches: Motor vehicles driven by scholars and parked on or near
school property during regular school hours or during school activities are subject to
being searched.
56

Any scholar who refuses to submit to a reasonable search by school authorities will be subject to
disciplinary action. School authorities may detain the scholar pending the notification and
arrival of the scholar’s parent/guardian and/or law officials as appropriate.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
Any school employee may, within the scope of the employee’s duties, use and apply physical restraint to
a scholar that the employee reasonably believes is necessary in order to:
 Protect a person, including the person using physical restraint, from injury
 Obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object
 Protect property from serious damage
 Remove from a specific location a scholar refusing a lawful command of a school employee,
including from a classroom or other school property, in order to restore order or impose
disciplinary measures
 The Scholar Code of Conduct (SCC) is not intended to address the entire spectrum of scholar
misbehavior; instead it outlines a range of appropriate responses for certain inappropriate
behaviors. School officials retain the discretion to address scholar misconduct that is not
specifically included in this discipline policy. This code applies to actions of scholars during
school hours, before and after school, while on school property, while traveling on school
vehicles funded by Peak Preparatory, while participating on any team or group representing the
school or attending such an activity, at all school-sponsored events, and while using the school
network or any computer or IT Devices. This code also applies to actions of scholars before or
after school hours and off school property if those actions disrupt the learning environment in
the school.
Peak Preparatory: Disciplinary Interventions
HOMEWORK HALLS
Homework Halls are assigned when a scholar’s homework hall assignment fails to meet expectations:
Neat, Complete, Accurate, and On-Time.
 Homework Halls are 1hr long and served the day they are assigned.
 Runs at the following times: (1) after school from 4:10PM – 5:00PM on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Fridays and (2) after school from 2:10PM – 3:00PM on Wednesdays.
 Homework Halls are an opportunity to bring an assignment up to expectation and to begin
working on homework.
 Homework halls are not rescheduled.
 Scholars must serve detention in Peak Preparatory Dress Code.
 The Code of Conduct applies during detention. If a scholar misbehaves, he/she will be given 1
opportunity for redirection after which point the scholar’s time in detention will not count. The
scholar will be excused from detention and receive a director detention.
 If a scholar is tardy to detention, the scholar will be required to remain in detention but the time
will not count.
 Scholars must serve detention in silence unless otherwise specified.
57

Scholars must raise their hand to leave their seat or to communicate with staff members.
DAILY DETENTIONS







Daily Detentions run at the following times: (1) lunch or (2) after school from 4:10PM – 5:00PM
on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and (3) after school from 2:10PM – 3:00PM on
Wednesdays.
Scholars must serve detention in Peak Preparatory Dress Code.
The Code of Conduct applies during detention. If a scholar misbehaves, he/she will be given 1
opportunity for redirection after which point the scholar’s time in detention will not count. The
scholar will be excused from detention and receive a director detention.
If a scholar is tardy to detention, the scholar will be required to remain in detention but the time
will not count.
Scholars must serve detention in silence unless otherwise specified.
Scholars must raise their hand to leave their seat or to communicate with staff members.
Detentions may not be “rescheduled”.
DIRECTOR DETENTIONS
Director Detentions are assigned for the following reasons: (1) more serious behavioral concerns, (2)
scholars who fail to attend homework hall, detention, or mandatory tutoring, (3) scholars who fail to
meet expectations while in homework hall/detention, as set forth above.
 Director Detentions are approximately 2 ½ hours long and runs at the following times: (1) after
school on Wednesdays from 2:10PM – 5:00PM and (2) Fridays 4:10PM – 7:00PM.
 The same expectations set forth above for daily detentions apply to director detentions.
 Families will be notified by phone if their scholar has a Director Detention.
APPEALS
 Scholars may not argue at any point during instruction about receiving a detention or other
disciplinary intervention.
 If a scholar has a concern about a consequence, she/he must discuss the matter with the
teacher after instruction.
 In general, if a parent/guardian has a concern about their scholar’s detention/homework hall
the parent/guardian needs to contact the Dean of Scholars or their scholar’s teacher before
the scholar is to serve the detention. Requests to reschedule will not be considered if they are
initiated after the date of the detention/homework hall.
GROWTH PLANS / REFERRALS

Scholars may be separated from the general community at Peak Preparatory while remaining on
campus for the following reasons:
o Committing a Safety Violation
o Not serving required detention/homework hall hours
o Repeated Code of Conduct Violations that have not been resolved with teacher
58
PATH ACADEMY
PATH Academy is a behavior remediation program designed to train scholars with chronic behavioral
concerns to exhibit the skills necessary to find success in the classroom.
 Please Consult Appendix F at the end of the handbook for more details about PATH ACADEMY
59
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Philosophy
We believe that physical activity is an integral component of a scholar’s intellectual and emotional
development. The athletic program of Peak Preparatory is designed to complement and foster our
academic goals. We offer every scholar the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs provided
they are able to maintain a level of academic performance consistent with our school mission.
Scholar Athletic Code
The opportunity to participate in the athletic program at Peak Preparatory is a privilege available to all
scholars. Because of the public nature of athletic programs sponsored by the district, scholars choosing
to participate are expected to conduct themselves as leaders at all times during their season of
participation and between consecutive seasons in a manner that will reflect the high standards and
ideals of Peak Preparatory and its community.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY





Scholars must meet the standards for interscholastic eligibility as outlined by the state of Texas.
Copies of these rules and regulations may be obtained from the school Athletic Coordinator
upon request.
The expectations for being a participant in a school's athletic program, including specific
eligibility requirements, training rules and team rules shall be communicated to team members
at the beginning of the season of participation. All program expectations and team rules shall
be in writing.
Any athlete in a District-sponsored athletic activity who willfully performs any act that
substantially interferes with or is detrimental to the orderly operation of the District's athletic
programs shall be subject to discipline.
As participants in athletic programs, scholars are faced with choices. If a scholar’s choices
interfere, impede, hinder their personal or group/team performance or render the individual as
unfit to serve as a representative(s) of the district’s schools, they forfeit the privilege to
participate.
Misconduct by scholar athletes at any time (on or off campus, school related and/or non-school
activities during the season of participation and between consecutive seasons of participation)
constitutes cause for discipline including denial of participation in and/or removal from the
athletic program.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS related to ACADEMICS

To be eligible to participate in competitions or performances for extracurricular activities a
scholar must have no grade below a 70 in any class at a nine-week marking period.
o Beginning with the first nine-week report period, grades for eligibility will be taken each
nine weeks. A scholar failing at a nine-week period will lose eligibility to compete.
o Eligibility may be regained at any three-week progress period if the progress report in
the failed class(es) indicates a passing grade. Three-week progress reports will not be
used to withdraw a scholar’s eligibility, only to restore it. A scholar may not regain
eligibility before a three-week progress report period.
60
o




The calendar will note on which day the books close for a given marking period. From
that date, each scholar has a seven calendar day grade period to compete or perform
before any restriction to participation occurs. Any grace days taken at the beginning of
the period of ineligibility will be added to the end of the period. The ineligibility period is
in effect for fifteen consecutive school days.
o Exception: The first grade check for eligibility will be at the end of the 9-week period at
the beginning of each year (Required by UIL).
Grades in AP/IB/Honors courses will be included.
Quality points will not be factored in to the grade to determine eligibility.
Scholars enrolled in AP/IB courses may have one grade per scholar per semester exempted from
the “no grade below 70” rule. The grade may not be below 60 and must be in an AP/IB course.
Grades in regular courses are not exempted.
The scholar must attend mandatory tutorials in the failed course until the grade is raised to
passing. Only one grade per scholar per semester may be exempted. Failure to attend all
tutorials will result in loss of the exemption.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS RELATED to BEHAVIOR



Homework Hall/Detention: Scholars who fail to do their homework or who receive an office
referral may not be allowed to participate in events and practices.
Academic Probation/ Discipline Probation /Homework Levels: Scholars placed on a discipline
probation program may not be allowed to participate in events and practices while on the
program.
Sportsmanship: Sportsmanship is not only expected, it is mandated. Good sportsmanship
eliminates problems and makes for a rewarding experience for those who witness and
participate in athletic events. Scholar must remember to abide by the following:
o Maintain self-control at all times.
o Show respect for opponents and officials.
o If you bring younger children to athletic events, they should sit or stand with you;
they should not be running around the gymnasium, hallway or athletic field.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS





A scholar who is ineligible to compete or perform in extracurricular activities may continue to
practice or rehearse with the team or troupe during the period of ineligibility.
All ineligible scholars are required to attend tutorials in failed classes and must be excused from
rehearsal/practice without penalty.
A scholar who fails a course in the 4th Quarter yet passes the course for the year will be
ineligible for competition or performance until the six-week marking period of the next
academic year. A scholar who fails a course for the year but makes up and passes the course in
the summer will be eligible to compete and perform the next school year.
In the time period from 12:01 a.m. Monday through 3:40 p.m. on Friday no team or other
activity may practice, rehearse, or meet for more than 8 hrs. This time limitation is exclusive of
games or performances or other competition events.
The Campus Director is responsible for ensuring that grades of scholars in extracurricular
activities are monitored carefully and that scholars, coaches, and advisors are held accountable.
In disputed cases the decision of the Campus Director will be final.
61
ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS & PARTICIPATION in AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES


Scholars that arrive after 10 a.m., even with parental permission, will not be allowed to
participate in activities that include contests, dramatic rehearsals and performances, and club
activities.
Scholars who arrive after 10:50 a.m. because of a doctor’s appointment are not subject to this
policy. Any scholar who is at a doctor’s appointment will need to bring a note from the doctor.
LETTER JACKETS & LETTERS

Scholars in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to be awarded a letter in Fine Arts, Academics, and
Athletics. These are awarded in the fall following completion of the academic school year. Basic
criteria include grades, citizenship, commitment to the program and leadership. For the specific
requirements of these awards, see the sponsor of the activity in which you wish to receive a
letter.
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION FEE

There is a fee for participation in athletics. Contact the athletic department for information
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TEAM
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to anyone on our parent support team
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Brian McGowan
62
SCHOLAR SUPPORT SERVICES
Parent Support
Peak Preparatory believes in the importance of partnerships that support education. We know that a
parent is a child’s first and most important teacher, and a significant amount of scholar learning occurs
before they begin school. We rely on guidance parent provide their children and the insight they provide
us as educators.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parents, as well as relatives and friends, are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of
volunteer opportunities available through the Volunteers in Partnership (VIP), an organized
group of teams and individuals who provide invaluable hours of volunteer contributions. The
Volunteer in Partnership provide the services on campus:
o Facilitate communication between the school and parents as well as between
parents
o Provide essential support to the school and its staff
o Promote age appropriate social activities for scholars
o Foster a sense of inclusion and community within our school family
•
VIP Fundraising: The VIP may be engaged in fundraising, but all fundraising events must be
approved by the School Director, and if using the name of Uplift Education in the fundraising,
also by the Chief Development Officer of Uplift. The purpose of requiring this approval is to
ensure any activities are consistent with the educational mission and programs and are not in
conflict with any other plans of the school. All funds raised by the VIP must be deposited into a
bank account under Uplift’s control, but the account will be identified as the school’s
enrichment or VIP account. Specific financial procedures for managing VIP funds are available
from the Uplift CMO accounting office.
•
Volunteer Service Agreement: Parents / guardians are asked to provide volunteer hours of
service per family to the school per year or provide an equivalent in donations or cash. Please
complete the Volunteer Agreement form and send it in to the school office.
•
Volunteer Background Checks: All volunteers who will be working in the school or around
scholars must consent to a background check which will be conducted by the school. If you did
not complete the Volunteer Background Consent form at the time of enrollment, please
complete and return it to the front office.
PARENT SUPPORT TEAM
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to any member of our parent support team:
Office Manager
Juan Garcia
63
Academic & College Counseling
Peak is committed to doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to prepare our scholars for college, Peak is equally
committed to providing support through the college application process. Applying to colleges can often
seem like an overwhelming task for scholars and families particularly when it comes to attempting to
finance a college education. Fortunately, Peak has a highly qualified Road to College team to help guide
scholars and families through each stage of the process.
ACADEMIC COUNSELING
The academic counselor will work in conjunction with the school registrar to identify and provide
support for scholars struggling academically. The academic counselor will also ensure that scholar’s
enter their 11th grade year with a competitive resume for the purposes of college applications. Examples
of services provided include:
 Community Service: Tracking scholars’ community services hours
 Internships: Assisting scholars with internship searches and applications and resume building
 Guidance on Transcripts, Graduation Plans, and Course Selections.
 GAP: Individualized counseling for At-Risk students on academic probation.
ROAD to COLLEGE (RTC) COUNSELING
Our Road to College Counseling program is committed to ensuring that our scholars are supported
throughout the College Application process. Examples of services provided include:
 PSAT, ACT, and SAT: college entrance exam preparation
 Scholarships: Assistance with scholarship searches and financial aide
 College Applications: Guidance through college application process
 College Skills/Road to College Class: Included in the 11th and 12th grade curriculum to help
prepare scholars for the challenges of college.
ALUMNI COUNSELOR
The Peak Alumni Counselor is dedicated to supporting our recent graduates as they embark on the
challenging transition to college life. Examples of services provided include.
 Lead financial aid process with scholars and parents
 Provide continuous support to alumni throughout college career
 Connects scholars with helpful college resources
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT


HERO Mentor Program: Program pairs community leaders with our high school juniors and
seniors to support them through their summer internship, college application, and scholarship
application processes.
College Tours: Starting in 6th grade, and continuing through 12th grade, our scholars • visit
more than 25 colleges close to home and around the country to understand what type of
college will be the best fit for them.
ACADEMIC & COLLEGE COUNSELING TEAM
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the following Team Members:
Dean of College Prep
Adisa Ganic
Alumni Counselor
Emma Rutland
College Counselor
Megan Fliss
64
Registrar
Jessica Rocha
Counseling Services
Peak Preparatory understands that scholars may experience personal, social, or family issues that can
affect their academic performance. We have made a strong commitment to meet any needs that
scholars and their families may encounter. If a challenge cannot be solved within our counseling team,
external partnerships and referrals with other social service agencies and organizations will be made to
help find solutions.
SERVICES PROVIDED

•
•
•
•
Individual Counseling, formal and informal
Small group counseling and lessons
Peer Mediation, training and conflict resolution
Family Counseling upon request and need
Peer Mentoring Program
CONNECTING to SERVICES
•
•
•
Faculty/Staff Referral: Scholars may be referred at any point during the year if the teacher
identifies that the scholar is under any distress or if there are any non-academic issues impairing
the scholar’s success.
Parent/Guardian Referral: A parent or guardian may contact the school counselor and arrange
to a time to meet with the counselor to discuss appropriate counseling services that can be
supported within the school.
Self-Referral: A scholar may approach a counselor at any time to arrange a time to meet.
COUNSELING TEAM
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to anyone on the Counseling Team:
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Amanda Nino
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kiah Lewis
65
HIGH SCHOOL
Carol Hammond
Special Education Services
For scholars who have Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Accommodations, the Peak Prep’s Special
Education Services (SES) staff will provide the necessary support to meet every scholar’s needs. Such
services may include the following:
SERVICES PROVIDED
 Testing accommodations such as extended time, small group testing, and questions read aloud
 Speech therapy
 Occupational therapy
 Physical therapy and/or accommodations
• Any other related special education services mandated by an IEP or 504 Accommodations
CONNECTING to SERVICES
 If a child is experiencing learning difficulties, the parent may contact a school administrator to
learn about the district’s overall general education referral or screening system for support
services. This system links scholars to a variety of support options, including referral for a special
education evaluation.
 Scholars having difficulty in the general classroom should be considered for tutorial,
compensatory and other support services that are available to all scholars.
 At any time a parent is entitled to request an evaluation for special education services. Within a
reasonable amount of time, school must decide if the evaluation is needed. If evaluation is
needed, the parent will be notified and asked to provide consent for the evaluation. PEAK
Preparatory must complete the evaluation and the report within sixty calendar days of the date
the district receives written consent. PEAK Preparatory must give a copy of the report to the
parent.
 If PEAK Preparatory determines that the evaluation is not needed, PEAK Preparatory will provide
the parent with a written notice that explains why the child will not be evaluated. This written
notice will include a statement that informs the parent of their rights if they disagree with the
district. Additionally, the notice will inform the parent how to obtain a copy of the Notice of
Procedural Safeguards - Rights of Parents of Scholars with Disabilities.
SPECIAL SERVICES TEAM
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to anyone on the Special Services Team:
Special Services Coordinator
Sue Sibley
66
MEDICAL INFORMATION
All school medical procedures are written in accordance with new, revised nurse’s health office policy.
Policy is meant to ensure the well-being of the scholar body while maintaining a safe, learning
environment. Any questions regarding the above policy should be directed to the school nurse.
Medication Policy
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION



Dispensing Medication: All prescriptions MUST be in the ORIGINAL, current, pharmacy-labeled
bottle with drug name, date, dosage, time of dosing, physician’s name and phone number
printed on the bottle. Accompanying the medication must be a written note signed by the
parent stating the purpose and duration the medication along with emergency day time phone
numbers. Prescription medication will only be given if the parent’s and physician’s current
phone numbers are on file in the nurse’s office. Parents should deliver medications to the clinic
or nurse’s office for their children.
Storage: Scholars should NEVER have any medications in the backpacks, purses, or on
themselves. Medication will be secured, stored and administered only in the nurse’s office. It is
the responsibility of all middle and upper school scholars to remember to come to the nurse’s
office to take their dosage at the prescribed time.
Additional Notes: Medication packaged as a physician’s sample must be accompanied by a
written, signed prescription by the doctor, including all information listed above. The school
nurse reserves the right to withhold a scholar’s medication if any of the above stated conditions
are not met or questions arise about the drug’s appropriate use.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION



Dispensing Medication: The nursing staff at Peak Prep may administer over the counter
medication for five (5) consecutive days with a written request by the parent or legal guardian.
Written requests must include a verifying phone number and signature of the scholar’s parent
or legal guardian. Non-prescription medication must be labeled with the scholars’ name and be
in the original manufacturer’s container due to questions that may arise regarding dosage or
side effect.
Storage: OTC medications will be kept in the nurse’s office for the entire school year ONLY if a
medication administration form signed by the physician is provided. If your child needs to take
medication at school, that medication must be provided by the parent/guardian.
Additional Note: NO aspirin/OTC pain medication will be given to scholars. The nurse keeps no
medications of any kind in stock. Any scholar found taking medication or giving medication to
another scholar will be subject to school disciplinary action.
ASTHMA MEDICATIONS

Pharmacy prescriptions should be attached directly under the inhaler. Please send the school
nurse a copy of the scholar’s “Asthma Action Plan” as devised by your child’s physician.
67




If your child has any activity restrictions due to weather or exercise, send the nurse a physician’s
note specifying the condition along with the physician signature and date.
Scholars in 6th-12th grade are allowed to carry their own inhalers at school as long as a note with
the physician’s and parent’s signatures is filed in the nurse’s office.
All in halers for scholars in K – 5th grade must be stored and administered in the nurse’s office.
It is advised that all school asthma medication be taken in the nurse’s office and that spare
inhalers be kept in the nurse’s office. Equipment for nebulization is available in the nurse’s
office; parents must provide the tubing and mask/mouthpiece.
SEVERE ALLERGICE REACTION



Medication must be kept with the physician’s written consent in the nurse’s office for a scholar
with known hype-allergic reaction. Ensure that the nurse is aware of any scholar’s
hypersensitivities to food/environment/insects.
An “Allergy Action Plan” is advised to be completed for any scholar with a known history of
anaphylactic reaction and is available from the school.
Scholars in grades 6-12 may carry and self-administer their own “rescue” inhalers and epi-pens
if the appropriate paperwork is on file with the school nurse’s office
SCHOLARS with FEVER


A fever is an oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher or, greater than 99.4 degrees under
the arm. Scholars should not be medicated to reduce a fever and sent to school.
Scholars must be fever free for 24 hours after the temperature has returned to norm (98.6)
without the use of analgesics before attempting to return to school.
IMMUNIZATIONS



Scholars must be fully immunized against certain diseases before they may attend school. The
immunizations currently required are specified on the Department of State Health Services
website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/
Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or
public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.
In addition to routine immunizations, new state requirements for all Kindergarten and 7th grade:
o If your child is going to Kindergarten:
 MMR Vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) – required two doses
 Hepatitis A Vaccine – Required two doses
o If your child is going to 7th Grade:
 Meningococcal Vaccine / Varicella Vaccine (required two doses)
 Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and accellular pertussis)
INJURIES/ACCIDENT INSURANCE
 The School is not responsible for medical costs associated with a student’s injury.
 At the beginning of the school year, the school does make available an optional, low-cost
student accident insurance program to assist parents in meeting medical expenses.
 A parent who desires coverage for his or her student will be responsible for paying insurance
premiums and submitting claims.
68
NUTRITION
At Peak, we seek to provide the emotional, intellectual, and physical BALANCE necessary to achieve
personal well-being for school community. In an effort to support our scholars’ physical well-being, Peak
maintains high nutritional standards in the meals provided on campus.
SCHOOL PROVIDED BREAKFAST/LUNCH





Breakfast and lunch will be served daily beginning on the first day of school.
Breakfast and Lunch are paid on a monthly basis. Please decide if your child would like to
purchase the lunch or breakfast from the school for an entire month and send the money to the
office for processing.
In an effort to promote the overall health of our scholars, Peak Preparatory will not allow sugary
or salty snacks to be served on campus.
If a scholar has an outstanding balance on their account, they will not be served a “HOT
BREAKFAST/LUNCH” until the balance is paid. Scholars, however, will are still entitled to a “DRY
MEAL” if there balance is unpaid.
Scholars not choosing to partake in the school provided meals should eat breakfast at home and
supply their own healthy sack lunches.
FAMILY PROVIDED LUNCH




In addition to purchasing breakfast/lunch, scholars may also bring a lunch from home. We ask
that scholar eat breakfast a home if they do not intend to purchase breakfast on campus.
In an effort to create an inclusive environment, parents are asked to bring lunch only for their
own child.
We encourage scholars bring lunch from home not to bring salty, sugary, or other snacks not
considered high in nutritional value.
Scholars who fail to bring a lunch from home may still purchase a meal from the school. A
negative balance will appear on the scholar’s account, which must be paid in order to have a
“Hot Meal”. Still, however, are still entitled to a “Dry Meal” if their account it unpaid.
FREE/REDUCED BREAKFAST/LUNCH



The state of Texas offers free/reduced breakfast and lunch to qualifying families.
All families (with or without need) must fill out the designated form, which is distributed in July.
If your family qualifies for state assistance, a written notification will be sent home.
Scholars who do not qualify may still purchase school provided breakfast and lunch
CELEBRATIONS/CLASS PARTY SNACKS




Celebrations Classroom celebrations involving food must be approved by the Director/Senior
Director and be scheduled after the end of the last lunch period .
Federal regulations do not permit foods of minimal nutritional value to be served before meal
periods. Foods otherwise restricted by the policy are not permitted in classroom parties.
TPSNP (Texas Public School Nutrition Policy) does not allow access to FMNV (Foods of Minimal
Nutritional Value) at any time or anywhere on school premises until after the end of the last
scheduled class.
The State guidelines allow schools to schedule two school-wide parties per year and parents will
receive these dates in August.
69
DISTRICT INFORMATION
ACCESS to SCHOLAR RECORDS: FERPA
The school will comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which affords parents
and scholars over 18 years of age certain rights of privacy with respect to the scholar’s education
records. These rights are as follows:
 The right to inspect and review the scholar’s education records within 45 days of the day the
school receives a request for access.
 The right to request the amendment of the scholar’s education records that the parent or
eligible scholar believes to be inaccurate.
 The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the
scholar’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without
consent.
 The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures
by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Contact: Family Policy Compliance
Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
 Parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have a right to access their child’s education
records, unless a court order specifically restricts that right.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION


FERPA permits the school to designate certain personal information about scholars as directory
information. This directory information may be released to anyone who follows the procedures
for requesting it.
A parent may prevent the release of such directory information by designating that choice in
writing and delivering to the School Director or registrar.
PARENT RIGHT TO ACCESS

Parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have a right to access to their child’s
educational records unless a court order specifically restricts that right. Parents are entitled to
access their student’s medical records.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING AND INVESTIGATIONS
 The school cooperates with office child abuse investigators as required by law.
 The school provides training to its teachers and staff in preventing and addressing
incidents of abuse of students, including knowledge of likely warning signs indicating a
student may be a victim of abuse. If a teacher or other staff member observes or
suspects a student has been abused, the staff member is obligated by law to make a
report to the Department of Family and Protective Services.
 The school may not interfere with an investigation of child abuse or neglect conducted
by the DFPS. The school will permit the investigator to conduct the required interview
with the student at any reasonable time at the school. The school may not require the
investigator to be present at a student interview conducted at school.
 Investigations at school may be conducted by authorized law enforcement or state
agencies without prior notification or consent of the student’s parents if necessary.
70
INAPPROPRIATE USE of TECHNOLOGY




Scholars are prohibited from sending or posting electronic messages that are abusive, obscene,
sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
This prohibition applies to conduct off school property if it results in a substantial disruption
to the educational environment, as determined in by the campus director.
Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or
otherwise illegal images or other content will be disciplined according to the Scholar Code of
Conduct and may, in certain circumstances, be reported to law enforcement.
Please Consult Appendix G at the end of the handbook for a full description of the ACCEPTABLE
USE POLICY for technology.
EQUAL ACCESS/FREE SPEECH


The school believes that it is important for scholars to learn the meaning and practice of
freedom of speech while in school.
However, the school retains its right to make decisions concerning equal access while
maintaining an orderly and disciplined school environment.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MINUTE OF SILENCE


Each school day, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the
Pledge of allegiance to the Texas flag. Parents may submit a written request to the Campus
Director at the school office to excuse their student from reciting a pledge.
One minute of silence will follow recitation of the pledges. During the one-minute period, each
student may choose to reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity that is not
likely to interfere with or distract others.
SEXUAL HARRASSMENT




Scholars shall not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature directed toward another scholar or school employee. This prohibition applies whether
the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct, including requests for sexual
favors.
All scholars are expected to treat other scholars, school employees, volunteers, and community
members with courtesy and respect, to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop
these behaviors when asked or told to stop.
A substantiated complaint against a scholar will result in appropriate disciplinary action,
according to the nature of the offense.
Reporting: Any student or staff member who observes or has knowledge of any
allegations of, sexual harassment should report such information immediately to the
Campus Director.
PROTECTION of PUPIL RIGHTS AMMENDMENT (PPRA)

Students who are 18 or are emancipated minors and parents are afforded certain rights under
the PPRA with respect to surveys, collection and use of information. Students will not be
71

required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation – funded
in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education – that concerns:
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
3. Sexual behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
5. critical appraisal of individual with whom the student has a close family relationship;
6. Relationships privileged under law, such as relationships with lawyers, physicians,
and ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, except when the information is required by law and will be used to
determine the student’s eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive
financial assistance under such a program.
Parents will be able to inspect the survey or other instrument and any instructional materials
used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation.
“OPTING OUT” OF SURVEYS AND ACTIVITIES

Parents have a right to receive notice of and deny permission for their student’s participation in:
1. Any survey concerning the private information listed above, regardless of funding;
2. School activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information
gathered from their student for the purpose of marketing or selling that
information;
3. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination, or screening required as a
condition of attendance, administered and scheduled by the school in advance and
not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the students
(exceptions are hearing, vision, or scoliosis screen, or any physical exam or
screening permitted or required under state law).
RELEASE OF INFORMATION and PHOTOGRAPHS

Objections to release of information or photographs may be submitted on forms available at the
time of registration to PEAK Preparatory. Changes during the school year may be made by
contacting the registrar.
WAIVER of SCHOLAR FEES

Any requests for waiver of scholar fees must be made to the director of the school. The director
will take into consideration the individual scholar’s situation and make a determination based
on need and circumstances.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS or DELAYS
Cancellations and delays will be communicated to parents via phone call and email using the
automated IRIS Alert System. In addition, the following websites and television and radio stations will
announce the school’s cancellation or delay information:
o www.peakpreparatory.org
o www.uplifteducation.org
o WFAA (Channel 8)
o KDFW (Channel 4) WBAP
o KXAS (Channel 5) KRLD
o KTVT (Channel 11)
820 am
1080 am
72
DISASTER and FIRE PREPAREDNESS

The school has a disaster and fire protection plan which is posted in each classroom. Drills are
conducted regularly throughout the school year.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

No administrative officer or employee of Peak Preparatory School, acting in his/her official
capacity, may discriminate on the basis of a person's sex, race, religion, color, or national origin
regarding personnel practices, including the assigning, hiring, promoting, compensating, and
discharging of employees, and/or the use of facilities, awarding contracts, and participation in
programs.
 No scholar shall, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, or national origin, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any
education program or activity sponsored by this school district except as specifically provided in
the Title IX implementing regulations.
 No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or
activity sponsored by this school district except as specifically provided in the Section 504
implementing regulations.
 Inquiries regarding any of these policies should be directed to the School Director.
 All career and technical education (CTE) opportunities and programs will be offered without
regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability
DRUG & ALCOHOL FREE SCHOOL



Peak Preparatory is a drug-free environment. All scholars are prohibited from the possession,
use, sale, distribution, transmittal; or attempt to possess, use, sell, distribute, transmit; or being
under the influence of a controlled substance or dangerous drug (as defined by law) or alcohol
or any alcoholic beverage, or any abusable or volatile chemical substance, or any intoxicant or
behavior-altering drug on school premises or off school premises at a school-related activity,
function, or event.
In accordance with the Scholar Code of Conduct, scholars will be disciplined for any alcohol and
drug related offenses. Individuals can be referred to appropriate law enforcement officials for
criminal prosecution.
A teacher, administrator, or staff member who suspects a scholar or other individual of using,
passing or selling drugs, glue, aerosol paint, volatile chemicals or alcoholic beverages on school
property must report the observance to a school administrator or governmental authority. The
adult making this report may not be sued or held liable for having made the report.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS: PARENT RIGHT to KNOW

All parents have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher,
including:
o Whether the teacher is certified in the grade level or subject he or she is teaching
o The baccalaureate and or graduate degree he or she holds and the field of discipline of
his or her degree or certification
o The result(s) of any content exam taken to establish that the teacher is “highly qualified”
under NCLB.
73

If you wish to know any of this information regarding your child’s teacher, please make a written
request to your child’s campus director.
CAREER & TECHNOLOGY NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT



Uplift Education offers career and technology programs in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics, and business and computer technology. Admission to these programs is based on
interest and aptitude, age appropriateness, academic achievement, state and local policy, class
space available, and any course pre-requisites.
It is the policy of Uplift Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex or handicap in its vocational (career and technology) programs, services or activities as
required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 18973, as amended. It is the
policy of Uplift Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, as amended; Title IX of the of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination
Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Uplift Education will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier
to admission and participation in all education and vocational programs. For information about
your rights or grievance procedures, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Mr. Dennis
Vasquez, at (214) 276-0352 or dvasquez@uplifteducation.org and/or the Section 504
Coordinator, Mrs. Marilyn Wright at mwright@uplifteducation.org.
Student or Parent Complaints and Concerns


Uplift encourages parents and students to seek prompt resolution of any complaints or
concerns. Usually, student and parent concerns can be resolved by an informal phone call or
conference with the teacher or the Campus Director who is the subject of the complaint.
If that process is not successful, parents are encouraged to contact the Managing Director for
the school. If satisfactory resolution is not achieved, parent complaints or concerns may be
brought to the Chief Executive Officer or to the Uplift Board of Directors.
74
APPENDIX A: CALCULATING GPA & RANKING
GPA POLICY
The grading system is as follows:
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CF
On 100 Scale
100-97
96-93
92-90
89-87
86-83
82-80
79-77
76-73
72-70
69 and Below
On 4.0 Scale
4.0
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
0.0
CALCULATION of GPA



Weighted GPA: To weight the GPA, the semester grade in each course is added to the course weight.
All weighted courses are totaled and divided by the total number of courses to get the weighted GPA.
o Example: A scholar earns a grade of 4.0 in an AP English class for the fall semester. Since this
course is an AP level course, the scholar earns an additional point. Therefore the scholar’s
weighted GPA is a 5.0 (4.0 + 1.0 = 5.0) for the semester class.
o Weightings are based on the following scale:
 Advance Placement/IB - 1
 Dual Credit/Pre-AP/Honors - 0.5
 All other courses – 0
Un-Weighted GPA: Un-weighted GPA is the sum of the un-weighted grades on a 4.0 scale divided by
the total number of courses
Communication on Transcript: The scholar’s transcript will show both (1) weighted GPA on a 5.0 scale
and (2) un-weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.
RANKING POLICY


Rank is calculated at the end of the first semester of 9th grade. The system will automatically begin to
rank scholars as soon as they have acquired credit in 9th grade
Rank will be calculated using all semester grades and will be based on weighted GPA. The following
courses are not included in GPA:
o Currently Pass/Fail courses do not receive GPA points. Without a numeric grade no GPA points
can be awarded. These types of courses are generally PE courses so they rarely earn class
ranking points either
o HS credits earned in middle school do not count towards class ranking or GPA. These classes
will show Pass/Fail on the transcript
o Local credits earned do not count towards class ranking or GPA
o If a scholar repeats a course where credit has already been earned, then the first course will
have to be listed as a local credit. For example: If a scholar took Algebra 1 in the 8th grade but
needed to repeat it in the 9th grade, then the 8th grade Algebra 1 would count as a local credit
75





Note: This policy goes into effect immediately for all scholars across Uplift schools with the exception of
the North Hills Prep graduating class of 2012 which will calculate rank based on quality points.
Valedictorian & Salutatorian: Graduating seniors with the highest and second highest cumulative
weighted grade point average as determined at the end of the third nine weeks grading period senior
year or the eighth semester and carried out three decimal places will be eligible to serve as the
valedictorian and salutatorian respectively.
o In the event of a tie for valedictorian, the scholars will share the honor and there no
salutatorian will be designated.
o All courses and corresponding numeric grades earned to determine GPA must not be modified
in content and must be identified by the state as a regular, honors, and / or AP courses in
order to qualify for valedictorian and salutatorian.
o Valedictorian and salutatorian eligibility requires attendance at Uplift high school for 6
consecutive semesters proceeding graduation.
o A scholar who is in violation of school code of conduct, honor code, or have criminal charges
may be deemed ineligible to represent school as the valedictorian or salutatorian.
Internal communication of rank: Ranks will be communicated to scholars and their families who are in
the top 25% at the end of sophomore year, the end of junior year, and the end of every semester
senior year. For those scholars below the top 25%, scholars and their families will be told what quartile
they are in at the end of sophomore year, the end of junior year, and the end of every semester senior
year.
External communication of rank: Each campus at Uplift Education will communicate rank by doing the
following:
o Eliminate the rank field on the transcript (this will also eliminate class size, quartile, and class
rank date fields)
o Communication of rank will only be shown on counselor reports in the form of a standardized
letter/report. In addition to sending the standardized letter/report, reports can also be in the
form of a secondary school report, mid-year report, and final year report
o For scholars in the top 25%, counselors will note scholar as Valedictorian, Salutatorian, “Top
10%” or “Top 25%”
o For scholars who are not in top 25%, counselors will note “not ranked by Uplift” if asked to
provide rank by college
o Grade distribution and weighting methodology will be shown on the school profile that is sent
out with each transcript
Credit Policy Update: Health is no longer an Uplift requirement
76
APPENDIX B: GRYPHON ACADEMIC PROBATION (GAP):
INTRODUCTION
One of the most valuable skills we can pass on to our scholar’s is how to persevere through adversity by
resourcefully finding solutions to academic and social challenges. One of the ways we promote this skill is
through an academic probation program in high school that trains our scholars on how to successfully recover
from mistakes and work through challenges.
GRADE LEVEL CHAIR INTERVENTIONS


The Grade-Level Chair: Each grade level has one faculty member designated as the grade-level chair.
The Grade-Level Chair identifies and begins interventions with scholars failing multiple classes.
Prior to beginning Academic Probation, Grade-Level Chairs complete 2 interventions with scholars:
Pre-Probation Interventions: below 70% is failing
st
1 Intervention:
Failing 2 Core Classes or 3 Total Classes.
nd
2 Intervention:
Continues to fail 2 Core Classes or 3 Total
Classes.
rd
3 Intervention:
Continues to fail 2 classes.










10 Days of Mandatory Study Hall/Homework Hall
Tutoring in failing classes.
Parent Letter / Phone Call Home
10 Days of Mandatory Study Hall/Homework Hall.
Tutoring in failing classes.
Parent /Scholar/Grade-Level Chair Conference.
Academic Success Plan.
Scholar Referred to Academic Probation: (GAP)
Mandatory Study Hall/Homework Hall: The scholar will be required to attend after school homework
hall for 1 hour. The only time the scholar is not required to be in homework hall is when they are
attending tutoring in the classes they are failing.
Academic Success Plan: Grade-Level Chairs will meet with the scholar and their parent to create a plan
to help the scholar pass their failing classes and avoid being placed on Academic Probation.
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERVENTIONS


If a scholar continues to fail multiple classes during a semester despite interventions from their GradeLevel Chair, the scholar will be referred to the Gryphon Academic Probation (GAP) program.
Scholars will be placed on Gryphon Academic Probation for 4 weeks, after which point they will be reevaluated.
GAP: Probation Requirements
GAP
(4 weeks)
Loss of After-School Privileges.
Daily Professional Dress






Parent Conference: Grade Level Chair
Daily Accountability Card/GAP Binder
4 Weeks of Mandatory Study Hall/Homework Hall
Tutoring in Failing Classes
1 x week Night Homework Hall
Weekly Meetings with Academic Advisor
77
GAP: Evaluation Meeting
OUTCOME #1:
Scholar is passing all classes with a 75% or
higher.
 Scholar has successfully completed the GAP Program.
OUTCOME #2:
Scholar is passing all class. One or more
classes are between a 70% – 74%
 Scholar is placed on “Tracking” for two weeks.
 Requirements while on “Tracking” are as follows:
o Daily Morning Check-in
o Weekly Meeting with Academic Advisor
o Weekly Mandatory Tutoring
 After two weeks, the scholar has successfully completed the GAP
Program.
OUTCOME #3:
Scholar is failing one or more classes
 Scholar is placed on Administrative Review.
 Scholar will be extended on GAP with a “Final Warning Contract”.
 Stipulations of the “Final Warning Contract” are at the discretion of the
school director and/or appointed designee.





Morning Check-in: Scholars check-in each morning with a staff member to show that the scholar’s
homework agenda and weekly accountability sheet have been filled out completely.
Daily Accountability Card: Scholars are required to carrying a sheet each week that contains teacher
signatures, documenting that the scholar completed their daily “Level Objectives”.
Night Homework Hall: Three nights a week the school Hosts “Night Homework Hall” for parents and
scholars for 1 ½ hours each night. During this time, scholars receiving direct homework support from a
faculty member, while the parent attends a workshop focused on teaching skills to help empower
scholars for success in school and at home.
GAP Binder: The Gryphon Academic Probation Binder, or GAP Binder, is a 3-ring class binder that is
modified to specifically assist scholars with completing the program requirements.
Final Warning: A contract stating that the scholar must meet certain requirements or be asked to
leave Peak Preparatory.
ACADEMIC PROBATION TEAM
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to anyone on the Academic Probation Team:
High School Dean of Scholars
Dario Ganic
78
APPENDIX C: HOMEWORK INTERVENTION LEVELS (HIL):
INTRODUCTION
Our experience shows that scholars who maintain consistent homework/study habits perform higher on
testing and continue on to excel in a rigorous college setting. To ensure that all of our scholars build strong
work habits, Peak Prep uses a “Homework Interventions Levels” program (The HIL program) in middle school
to habilitate scholars who struggle with homework completion.
HOMEWORK ADVOCATE INTERVENTIONS


The Homework Advocate: Each grade level has one faculty member designated as the grade level
Homework Advocate. The Homework Advocate attempts to quickly identify and resolve homework
related issues before the scholar is placed on THE HIL.
Homework Advocate Schedule of Interventions: During a semester, the homework advocate will
identify those scholars who receive 2 or more homework halls in a given week. The interventions are
as follows:
Homework Advocate Interventions
st
1 week
2 or more days of homework hall/semester
nd
2 week
2 or more days of homework hall/semester
rd
3 week
2 or more days of homework hall/semester





Scholar Conference w/ Homework Advocate.
Parent Phone Call.
Parent/Scholar Conference with Homework Advocate
Academic Success Plan Created
GLC refers scholar to “Level 1” of HIL

Scholar Conference: Homework Advocate will meet with the scholar to discuss their repeated
homework halls and strategies to remediate the problem.
 Parent Phone Call: Homework Advocate will call to update the parent on their scholar’s repeated
homework halls. Parent will also be reminded of the HIL program and expectations.
 Parent Conference: Homework Advocate will meet with scholar and parent to (1) identify the issue
preventing successful homework completion and (2) strategize and intervention to eliminate that
issue.
 In cases where a parent cannot be contacted for a conference, a letter will be sent home with the
scholar. If the parent does not respond to the letter and schedule a conference, the school will
consider the “parent conference intervention” to be waived by the parent.
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERVENTIONS



During the semester, if a scholar has a third week with 2 or more homework halls, the Homework
Advocate will recommend that the scholar be placed “ON LEVEL”, which means that the scholar will
begin Level 1 of the school’s Homework Intervention Levels for 4 weeks.
If a scholar continues to receive homework halls while on-level, the scholar will be placed on the next
level.
If a scholar is able to meet homework expectation for the 4 weeks of the program, the scholar will be
removed from homework levels and move to a tracking period where the scholar only has to continue
maintaining their BOSS Binder and Morning Check-in for 2 weeks
79
Administrative Interventions
Level 1
(4 weeks)
Loss of After-School Privileges
Daily Professional Dress
Level 2
(4 weeks)
Loss of After-School Privileges
Daily Professional Dress
Level 3
(4 weeks)
Loss of After-School Privileges
Daily Professional Dress
Violating Level 3


























Dean of Scholars / Parent Meeting
Daily Morning Check-in
Daily Accountability Card / BOSS BINDER
Daily Lunch Detention
Weekly Tutoring in Failing Classes
Weekly Night Homework Hall w/ parent
Dean of Scholars / Parent Meeting
Daily Morning Check-in
Daily Accountability Card / BOSS BINDER
Daily Lunch Detention
Weekly Tutoring in Failing Classes
2 x Week Night Homework Hall w/ parent
Director / Parent Meeting
Daily Morning Check-in
Daily Accountability Card / BOSS BINDER
Daily Lunch Detention
Weekly Tutoring in Failing Classes
3 x Week Night Homework Hall w/ parent
Final Warning
Case reviewed by Leadership Team
 Scholar may be asked to leave Peak
Morning Check-in: Scholars check-in each morning with a staff member to show that the scholar’s
homework agenda and weekly accountability sheet have been filled out completely.
Daily Accountability Card: Scholars are required to carrying a sheet each week that contains teacher
signatures, documenting that the scholar completed their daily “Level Objectives”.
Lunch Detention: A disciplinary intervention where scholars eat lunch silently at a desk in the cafeteria,
separated from their classmates. Scholars have the same time to eat lunch and access to lunch
materials as their classmates.
Night Homework Hall: Three nights a week the school Hosts “Night Homework Hall” for parents and
scholars for 1 ½ hours each night. During this time, scholars receiving direct homework support from a
faculty member, while the parent attends a workshop focused on teaching skills to help empower
scholars for success in school and at home.
Boss Binder: The Binder of Scholar Success, or BOSS Binder, is a 3-ring class binder that is modified to
specifically assist scholars with the program requirements.
Final Warning: A contract stating that the scholar must meet certain requirements or be asked to
leave Peak Preparatory.
HOMEWORK LEVELS TEAM
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the following staff member(s):
Middle School Dean of Scholars
Ryan Faller
80
APPENDIX D : PARENT TOOLS for SUCCESS
Below are tools for helping strengthen the partnership between the parent and school. First, there is an
explanation of the tools the school uses to help communicate with parents. Second, we have provided some
basic tools to help promote high academic and discipline standards at home.
Parent Communication
A healthy school environment requires consistent communication between all members of the school
community. Communication requires regularly scheduled progress conferences and reports. If you feel this is
not occurring, please contact your scholar’s teacher first and then the appropriate school leader. Appropriate
communication is always respectful of the time, opinion, and feelings of others. To help you determine who
the appropriate staff member to contact, please consult the school directory located on the school webpage as
well as the front of this handbook.
Faculty and staff will main a system of communication with scholars and their parent as follows:
Method of
Communication
Scholar Planner
Frequency
Daily
Responsible
Scholar
Weekly
Office
Staff/Teacher
As Needed
Teacher/
Administration
School Webpage
www.peakpreparatory.org
Bi-weekly or
Monthly
Office Staff/
Technologist
Parent / Teacher
Conferences
Minimum 1
x per
semester
Teacher
Tuesday Notes
Phone Call
Purpose
All scholars will use their planner to record homework
and long range assignments, projects, and tests. The
planner will also be used for other general planning
purposes.
Send home school-wide events and documents (i.e.
parent-forms, calendar of events, lunch menu,
fundraisers, progress reports, etc.)
Parents will always be given a phone call:
• For disciplinary referrals
• If the scholar is informed the day of that they
need to stay after school.
Provides an on-line version of some Tuesday folder
information. Provide teachers/departments with an online method for class newsletters.
 Teacher’s Bio
 Contact info
 Syllabus
 Calendar of Events
 Other interesting items of importance


81
All parents will meet with their child’s teachers at
least 1 x a semester to stay informed on the
scholar’s academic and disciplinary progress.
Additionally, teachers can schedule conferences
with parents as needed to discuss scholar
pertinent scholar issues.
APPENDIX E: PEAK PREPARATORY HONOR CODE
HONOR CODE
“To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the
Peak Preparatory family, I pledge, on my Honor, not to lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those that do in either my
academic or personal life”
Overview
LYING
Peak scholars violated the Honor Code by lying when they intentionally deceive another person by giving a
false statement either (1) by directly communicating an untruth, (2) by stating a partial truth, or (3) being
deliberately vague in order to mislead someone.
STEALING
Stealing is defined as taking, obtaining, or withholding another’s money, personal property, or service of value
with the intent of either (1) permanently depriving that person of the use and/or benefit of the property or (2)
taking the property for their own use or the use any person other than the owner.
CHEATING / ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Scholars are expected to submit assignments and assessments that are the result of their
independent efforts. Forms of academic dishonesty, or cheating, include, but are not limited to the
following:











Using a “cheat sheet” or other unauthorized notes during a test or quiz.
Looking at someone else’s paper for an answer on a test or quiz and changing an answer.
Having someone else do all or part of your homework or assignment for you
Altering graded work after it has been returned and submitting for re-grading.
Failing to accurately grade work during self-grading.
Telling others or asking others the content of an exam or quiz.
Giving a scholar or using an old test without teacher permission.
Looking at an exam prior to taking it without teacher permission.
Copying someone else’s homework or other assignment.
Splitting an assignment into parts and doing a section, sharing it with others and copying the rest from
someone without teacher permission.
Collaborating on any assignment unless the teacher has specifically designated it as a collaborative
assignment.
Using old assignments written by you or someone else instead of creating new work.
Using an online translator or other translation in place of your own.
Having unauthorized materials on your desk during an exam without teacher permission, regardless of
whether those materials are used. Unauthorized materials must be closed and placed out-of-sight.
Citing a source that does not exist, attributing to a source ideas and information that are not included
in the source, or citing a source in a bibliography when the source was neither consulted nor cited in
the body of the paper.
Inventing data or statistical results to support conclusions.

Intentionally continuing work on an exam or assignment after the allocated time has elapsed.





82
Plagiarism: A form of academic dishonesty where a scholar presents the work of another as one’s own.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
 Copying word for word and turning in as your own work information from books, magazines, essays,
the Internet, etc.
 Rewording or rewriting text and information from documents not originally written by you and turning
it in as your own work without proper citation.
 Paraphrasing with minimal word changes (citing the source or not).
 Borrowing ideas and patterns of thought without proper citation.
 Printing an essay from the Internet and turning it in as your own work.
Complicit with Academic Dishonesty: A form of dishonesty where one scholar allows another scholar to copy
or submit their work. Collaboration on independent homework/assignments or tests will not be allowed
unless permission has been secured from the teacher. Scholars are permitted to receive assistance or guidance
from others, but the entirety of the work itself and the content must always be the scholar’s own. Examples of
being Complicit with Cheating include but are not limited to the following:
 Giving a classmate a homework assignment to copy before class
 Writing an essay for a classmate
 Positioning a test or exam so that a classmate can look at the answers
 Proving a classmate with answers or questions from a previously taken exam
Falsification of School Records/Documents: A form of dishonesty where a person forges a document, changes
information on a document, or alters a document in order to manipulate information. Examples of Falsification
of School Records/Documents include but are not limited to the following:
 Forging a parent signature on a permission slip, planner, disciplinary referral, or any other school
related document.
 Manipulating information written by a teacher to alter the content being communicate.
Violating the Peak Honor Code
General Guidelines for Consideration



Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?
Does this action gain or allow gain of a privilege or advantage to which I or someone else would not
otherwise be entitled?
Would I be unsatisfied by the outcome if I were on the receiving end of this action?
Peak Honor Code Compact
“To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the
Peak Preparatory family, I pledge, on my Honor, not to lie, cheat, or steal in either my academic or personal life
or to tolerate those who do so.”
Scholar Signature
Printed Name
83
Date
APPENDIX F: PATH ACADEMY
INTRODUCTION
Peak Preparatory makes every effort to ensure that our scholars are prepared for the academic and behavioral
realities that they will later face in college. For scholars who consistently struggle with minor to moderate
misbehavior in the classroom, Peak Preparatory has created PATH ACADEMY, a disciplinary probation program
where scholars identify their behavioral areas of growth and work with a mentor to practice interventions
strategies.
SCHEDULE of INTERVENTIONS





Scholars who receive between 1 – 3 disciplinary referrals in a semester may be placed in PATH
ACADEMY.
Scholars will begin in the Full Program for 4 weeks, after which they will be evaluated to see if they are
extended in the Full Program or if they move on to the Half Program.
Scholars are “extended” when their behavior is unchanged. If a scholar’s behavior does not improve
after being “extended”, they may be asked to leave Peak.
Scholars in the Half Program will follow reduced interventions for 2 weeks, after which point they will
be evaluated a second time to see if they are extended on the Half Program or if they progress to a 2
week Tracking Program.
At the end of the 2 week Tracking Program, scholars will be evaluated again to determine if they
successfully complete PATH ACADEMY.
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERVENTIONS







FULL PROGRAM
(4 weeks)
Loss of After-School Privileges
Daily Professional Dress
Dean of Scholars / Parent Meeting
Daily Morning Check-in
Daily Behavior Card / BOSS BINDER
Daily Lunch Detention
2 x Week Night Homework Hall / 1 x w/ parent
Weekly Mentor Observation
Final Warning Contract
EVALUATION MEETING #1
 Daily Morning Check-in
 Daily Behavior Card / BOSS BINDER
 1 x Week Night Homework Hall / scholar only
HALF PROGRAM
(2 weeks)
Loss of After-School Privileges
EVALUATION MEETING #2
 Daily Morning Check-in
 Daily Behavior Card / BOSS BINDER
TRACKING PROGRAM
(2 weeks)
EVALUATION MEETING #3



Morning Check-in: Scholars check-in each morning with a staff member to show that the scholar has
completed their daily PATH requirements.
Daily Behavior Card: Scholars are required to carrying a behavior log that teachers sign each day.
Lunch Detention: A disciplinary intervention where scholars eat lunch silently at a desk in the cafeteria,
separated from their classmates. Scholars have the same time to eat lunch and access to lunch
materials as their classmates.
84




Night Homework Hall: Three nights a week the school Hosts “Night Homework Hall” for parents and
scholars for 1 ½ hours each night. During this time, scholars attend a meeting with a staff mentor,
while the parent attends a workshop focused on teaching skills to help empower scholars for success
in school and at home.
BOSS Binder: The Binder of Scholar Success, or BOSS Binder, is a 3-ring class binder that is modified to
specifically assist scholars with the program requirements.
Mentor Observation: A faculty mentor will observe scholars in their classes to quickly evaluate their
progress in the program.
Final Warning: A contract stating that the scholar must meet certain requirements or be asked to
leave Peak Preparatory.
PATH ACADEMY TEAM
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the following staff member(s):
High School Dean of Scholars
Dario Ganic
Middle School Dean of Scholars
Ryan Faller
85
Uplift Education: Student Acceptable Use Policy
INTRODUCTION
Uplift Education’s information technology resources, including email, internet access, computing facilities
and local area networks are provided for educational purposes. Our goal is to promote educational
excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication within our own community
and the world. As a member of the Uplift community, I agree to follow school rules and commit to the
school's values. Adherence to the following policy is necessary for continued access to Uplift's
technology resources.
UPLIFT EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY OWNERSHIP
Uplift Education owns all systems, software, and e-mail addresses. Content created with Uplift’s
technology tools and saved on Uplift’s network is the property of Uplift Education. Computer resources at
Uplift Education are a limited resource and are reserved for educational and school-related business. If I
leave the school community, I may take copies of anything I have created. However, this content can
continue to be used by Uplift Education for educational purposes.
Students must:
1. Respect and protect the privacy of others.
o Use only assigned accounts and take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from
being able to use my account.
o Not view, use, or copy another student’s passwords, data, or any other information to
which they are not authorized.
o Not distribute private information about others or themselves.
o Notify advisory teacher within 24 hours in the event my password has been compromised.
2. Respect and protect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources.
o Observe all network security practices, as posted.
o Use applications, email accounts and network space appropriately for school related
activities.
o Report security risks or violations to a teacher or campus director.
o Not intentionally introduce a virus or other harmful code anywhere on the network and
make an effort to keep my home computer virus free.
o Not destroy or damage data, equipment, or other resources that do not belong to them.
o Not use any form of portable Operating System or bootable external devices. I may only
use the Operating system currently installed by Uplift Education on any Technology device
owned by Uplift Education.
3. Respect and protect the intellectual property of others.
o Not post private or false information about another person.
o Not post information that could cause danger or disruption or engage in personal attacks,
including prejudicial or discriminatory attack.
o Not re-post a message sent to me privately without the permission of the person who sent
the message.
o Not infringe copyrights (no making illegal copies or downloads of music, games, or
movies).
86
Not plagiarize (no copying or taking ideas) words or phrases that I find in books, on the
internet or other online resources, CD-ROMs, flash drives, portable OS, or from another’s
work.
o Not have an expectation of privacy when using online resources since materials are owned
by the site and can be redistributed without an author’s permission. I should check each
site’s privacy and security policies carefully before posting or adding content I may not
wish to be viewed by others presently or in the future.
4. Respect and practice the principles of community.
o Communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful.
o Report threatening or discomforting materials to a teacher.
o Not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that violates the school's code
of conduct (such as messages that are pornographic, vulgar, threatening, rude,
discriminatory, disrespectful or meant to harass).
o Not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that is illegal (such as
obscenity, stolen materials, or illegal copies of copyrighted works).
o Not use the school’s resources to further other acts that are criminal or violate the school's
code of conduct.
o Not send spam, chain letters, or other mass unsolicited mailings.
o Not buy, sell, advertise, or otherwise conduct business, unless approved as a school
project.
o
Use of Uplift Content or School Information on Non-Uplift Websites
1. Content about Uplift Education anywhere on the World Wide Web should observe all
aspects of the school's Acceptable Use Policy.
2. Official School files or documents are not to be posted on non-Uplift sites.
3. Individuals who post content on World Wide Web sites away from Uplift should not
present content as if it represents any official views of Uplift Education.
4. The official Uplift Education website represents the School. No representation of Uplift
Education should be made on any other website or Web 2.0 resource.
CONSEQUENCES for VIOLATION.
I understand that I continuously represent Uplift Education whenever and wherever I use school
computing resources, even if I am using these resources away from or outside of the School’s network. I
may be held responsible for any online behavior content that connects me to the school or implicates the
school in that behavior. Violations of the Uplift Education policy, including social media policy and AUP,
may result in disciplinary action ranging from the loss of a student's privileges to use the school's
information technology resources up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from school.
SUPERVISION and MONITORING
School and network administrators and their authorized employees monitor the use of information
technology resources to help ensure that uses are secure and in conformity with this policy.
Administrators reserve the right to examine, use, and disclose any data found on the school's information
networks in order to further the health, safety, discipline, or security of any student or other person, or to
protect property. They may also use this information in disciplinary actions, and will furnish evidence of
crime to law enforcement. In addition, any electronic devices brought onto campus by the student are
subject to search without notice or warning.
87
I ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND MY OBLIGATIONS:
Student Name
Date
Parent/Guardian Name
Date
PARENTS PLEASE DISCUSS THESE RULES WITH YOUR STUDENT TO ENSURE HE OR SHE
UNDERSTANDS THEM.
THESE RULES ALSO PROVIDE A GOOD FRAMEWORK FOR YOUR STUDENT'S USE OF COMPUTERS AT
HOME, AT LIBRARIES, OR ANYWHERE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE
www.cybercrime.gov and http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act
88