Student Handbook

TIGER TRADES ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK


TIGER TRADES ACADEMY STUDENT HANDBOOK

2022-2023

TTA Cell phone TTA Office

719-469-5366 719-363-1504

Vision

Tiger Trades Academy provides students a unique educational opportunity through an innovative process that is designed to meet the needs of each individual student. By focusing on trade development skills as well as traditional academic and social/emotional skills, Tiger Trades Academy creates a school environment where EVERY student can succeed.

Goals

1. Ensure that each Student has the opportunity to reach their academic potential

2. Ensure that each student has the opportunity to explore career learning and opportunities

Welcome to the TIGER TRADES ACADEMY which is an educational opportunity that is founded in concepts that contribute to quality education. You are invited to become a part of an innovative educational process that is designed to meet the needs of every student that enrolls at TTA. The TIGER TRADES ACADEMY is a student-friendly environment that focuses on both academic and social skill development. Students are allowed to learn at their own rate while developing social skills and work skills they will use throughout life. Quality is the basis for our program; academic and social excellence is the standard by which we measure our students' success.

This handbook is designed to offer you a brief overview of our school and to answer some of the questions you may have about The Tiger Learning Center.

OVERVIEW

East Otero School District R-1 schools recognize that not all students learn best in a traditional educational setting. Some students need a different, alternative approach to teaching and learning. Therefore, the goal of the TTA will be to help students grow as well-rounded individuals. We believe that competency in academic, social, and life skills is necessary in order for one to live and work successfully. To be productive members of the community, students need to have a healthy self-esteem, learn to recognize their personal rights and to respect the rights of others. These skills will be developed in a setting which is non-threatening and sensitive to their individual needs, skills, and learning styles. TTA will make a strong commitment to provide graduation requirements including both academic and task management skill development. Any La Junta Public school student Grades 7th through 12th may enroll at TTA. Those accepted to the program must meet criteria set by the East Otero School District R-1 School Board and undergo an intake evaluation process in order to design their continual learning plan.

STANDARDS-BASED INTEGRATED CURRICULUM

TIGER TRADES ACADEMY curriculum is designed to fulfill all graduation requirements. Emphasis is placed on core academics, classes including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Economics. TTA will be using the nationally recognized computer-based courseware of Odysseyware. In addition, individual/small group instruction will be available to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

The W.O.R.K. (Workforce Opportunity Resource Kids)

The W.O.R.K. (Workforce Opportunity Resource Kids) program will focus on real life skills such as customer service, basic plumbing, basic electrical, grounds keeping, custodial/maintenance, bookkeeping, and basic office skills. Students will have access to learning some of these skills at the TTA site and will also have the opportunity to apply the skills within the community and around the other school campuses as needed. Students will be graded on this portion based on a workforce rubric which would include attendance, quality of work, attitude, and overall performance. Upon completion, students will receive appropriate elective credit and a workforce certificate with the signature of the Superintendent. This certificate could be used with employers to show that the student has the basic work skills to function in a working environment.

The dedicated TTA staff of highly trained professionals will be available to instruct and guide students through the completion of the educational programs at the TIGER TRADES ACADEMY

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

TTA students who meet state eligibility requirements will be allowed to participate in La Junta Junior/Senior High School co-curricular activities such as sports, student organizations, dances, class trips, etc.

The student must meet and remain eligibility requirements weekly to participate in activities

TTA IS A CLOSED CAMPUS

Once a student arrives at TTA and signs in they will be expected to remain at TTA until dismissed by staff (this policy includes Break time/Lunch time). If a student needs to leave early, parent permission will be required. This may include a designated adult to sign the student out of class. Students who leave early without permission will be considered absent, parents will be contacted and the TTA attendance policy will be strictly followed.

11th and 12th grade students may leave campus during their lunch period with permission from parents and TTA staff.

TTA SCHEDULE

Full Time Students

Monday through Thursday 7:55 to 4:00

Throughout the year there may be work crews and outings scheduled for some Fridays.


STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

The culture of TIGER TRADES ACADEMY is based on positive interaction and responsibility and academic success. The two principles of Dignity and Respect are the primary foundations. There is never a circumstance or condition that would warrant not using these two principles. The student is expected to follow the 6P's listed here:

1. Prompt - Be on time.

2. Prepared - Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, and Academically ready to go to work.

3. Polite - Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

4. PMA - Positive Mental Attitude (leave other attitudes at the door). Be Positive!

5. Participate - This is your education; take advantage of it and become involved.

6. Productivity - You must produce quality work to obtain a diploma and move on with your life.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS

Any drug and alcohol use by students will not be tolerated. Our intent is not to punish students; it is to get them headed in the right direction. TTA will abide by the East Otero R‑1 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policies JICH and JICH-R.


TIGER TRADES ACADEMY

STUDENT CONTRACT

HARD LINES:

1. No weapons of any kind -- guns, knives, blades, sticks, rocks, etc. will not be tolerated. Violation will result in immediate suspension of TTA status and probable expulsion.

2. Any use of tobacco, drugs, (this includes “vapes”) or alcohol during school hours will result in immediate suspension of TTA status.

3. Any use of expletive language (swearing, cussing, inappropriate language) will not be tolerated and may result in suspension.

4. Any derogatory remarks or insults to staff or students is in direct violation of school conduct rules and may result in suspension and/or legal action.

5. Behavioral outbursts (pushing, shoving, fighting) that threaten safety could lead to suspension and/or legal action or both.

6. TTA students are not allowed at the High School campus without permission. A violation of this could lead to trespass issues.

7. Students are not allowed to have friends attend school with them. No outside building visits or incoming or outgoing personal phone calls will be allowed. (Emergency situation exceptions will be determined by TTA Staff)

8. TTA students will be held accountable for all La Junta Junior/Senior High School and East Otero School District rules and policies concerning discipline, dress code, etc. Students and Parents/Guardians are required to sign the Student Discipline Code Handbook and become familiar with all rules and regulations stated in the student folder.

9. Cheating Will Not Be Tolerated and may result in suspension.

The use of Cell Phones and electronics may be prohibited during class. Cell phone policy will be determined and outlined by individual classroom instructors.

TIGER TRADES ACADEMY

ATTENDANCE POLICY

We believe in order for students to be successful at TIGER TRADES ACADEMY and earn credit, their attendance is crucial. One of the expectations of students at TTA is to maintain a high attendance rate. In a pledge signed by students and parents entering TTA the following attendance guidelines are agreed to:

· To alleviate discrepancies in determining excused and unexcused absences, TTA will not distinguish between the two. In other words, absences cannot be excused without a doctor or hospital note.

· Extenuating circumstances, personal situations, long-term illnesses, will be dealt with individually.

  • It is the parent’s responsibility to call in prior to absents if their student is going to be absent. If a message needs to be left at 469-5366. Please state your name, the student’s name, reason for absence, and a number where you may be reached.

· Students are expected to be in attendance 7:55 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Students may not leave the campus during the school day unless signed out by parent/guardian. Leaving without permission will result in an automatic absence.

TIGER TRADES ACADEMY

ATTENDANCE PHONE

719-363-1504

OR

719-469-5366

DRESS CODE

STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY

A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program.

District-wide standards on student attire are intended to encourage school pride and unity,

and thereby help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and

improve school order and safety.

The Board of Education recognizes that students have the right to express themselves

through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is

deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom environment or to the

maintenance of a safe and orderly school. Therefore, rules concerning student dress may be

established by the school administration to insure that student dress meets standards of

cleanliness, healthfulness and safety and does not disrupt the educational process.

Any student deemed in violation of the dress code shall be required to change into

appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school

immediately.

The Board of Education directs school administration to establish discipline guidelines to

follow when a student does not abide by dress code, especially for repeat offenders.

Unacceptable Items

The following items are deemed disruptive to the classroom environment or to the

maintenance of a safe and orderly school and are not acceptable during regularly scheduled

school hours:

1) Shorts, dresses, skirts or other similar clothing shorter than finger-tip length

2) Sunglasses and/or hats (hats may be worn inside the building by 9-12 grade students) worn

inside the building (except for special dress days.)

3) Inappropriately sheer, tight or low-cut clothing (e.g., midriffs, halter tops, backless

clothing, tube tops, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, muscle tops, etc.)

that bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the

stomach, buttocks, back and breasts.

4) For grades K through 12, sleeveless shirts for both boys and girls.


5) Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body

adornments that are or contain any advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or

pictures that: Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons or are of a sexual nature; by virtue of

color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute, denote membership in gangs which

advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior, are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or

legally libelous

Threaten the safety or welfare of any person

Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct

Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process


Building principals, in conjunction with the school accountability committee, may develop

and adopt school-specific dress codes that are consistent with this policy.

Exceptions

Appropriate athletic clothing may be worn in physical education classes. Clothing normally

worn when participating in school-sponsored extra-curricular or sports activities (such as

cheerleading uniforms and the like) may be worn to school when approved by the sponsor or

coach.

Gang related dress code issues

According to policy JICF-R, the type of dress, apparel, and activities displayed by students

must not cause school officials to reasonably believe that they are gang related and would

disrupt or interfere with the school environment. The administrators are empowered to

make this decision, and it is typically done on a case-by-case basis. Currently the biggest

problem is with red and blue colors. Other than a backpack, a student should not wear more

than one piece of clothing that is red or blue. This includes shoelaces, necklaces, pants,

shorts, shirts, hoodies, etc. If a student is asked by administration to correct this issue, they

will only be asked once. The second time it occurs, the student will be formally written up on

the district gang policy with parents being notified. After that, an immediate 5-day

suspension is the result.

Tiger Trades Academy Dress Code Policy includes a no hoods worn within the classroom

during school hours.

.

(An exception may be required for the WORK Program.)


CELL PHONE POLICY

  • Cell phones will be kept in your pocket or in you backpack

  • A Warning/Request will be issued by staff to put away your cell phone if staff notice you are using your cell phone or see that your cell phone is not in your pocket or backpack.

  • Upon a second request by staff, students will be directed to place their cell phone in the designated cell phone tub for the remainder of the class period.

  • If the cell phone is not put away and /or placed in the cell phone tub, the student will be sent to the office.

  • The cell phone will be turned over to administration and the administrator will contact the student’s parent/guardian about the cell phone issue.

  • The cell phone will remain in the office for the remainder of the day or picked up by parents as determined by administration.


EARBUD POLICY

Here at Tiger Trades Academy we want the best educational atmosphere we can provide for our student body as well as have an understanding of each individual student’s learning habits. We accept that each student may learn better with such devices as earbuds. With this understanding, a policy must be imposed in order to help keep our educational environment our top priority.

  • Earbuds or any external listening device will be permitted in the classroom, under each individual instructor’s classroom policy.

  • If they are allowed within the classroom, they will only be allowed when the instructor deems appropriate. NEVER during classroom instruction or collaboration time.

  • When you are utilizing your earbuds or external listening device, you must have one ear free of the device. This is at all times during the day. (One earbud only)

  • If you are asked to take the earbud out at any time during the class and refuse, the earbuds will be confiscated by administration for the day. If this continues, you will not be permitted to use them during school hours.

  • Small external listening devices such as speakers, boom boxes, stereo’s, etc., are not permitted during school hours. These will be confiscated by administration for the day as well.


















East Otero School District

Pathways to Graduation

To receive a high school diploma from East Otero School District, students must meet the minimum course requirements.

  • Career Plus Pathway- intended for students with goals and plans to obtain a 4- year or advanced degree. This pathway will satisfy Higher Education Admission Recommendations (HEAR) for college/universities in Colorado.

  • Career Options Pathway - intended for students with goals and plans to obtain a 2-year degree, transfer to a 4-year degree, professional certification, enter the workforce, or enlist in the military.

Career Plus Pathway

Career Options Pathway

4 Credits English Language Arts

(Honors or AP English courses recommended)

4 Credits Math

  • Algebra I

  • Geometry

  • Algebra II

  • Upper Level Math Choice

3 Credits Social Studies

(All students must take .5 Government)

3 Credits Science

1 Credit PE

(¼ credit for Sports, JROTC, Marching Band)

.5 Credit Personal Finance

1-2 Credits Foreign Language

6.5-7.5 Credits Electives

College and Career Readiness Demonstrations**

  • Assessment Option or Performance Option

4 Credits English Language Arts

3 Credits Math

3 Credits Social Studies

(All students must take .5 Government)

3 Credits Science

1 Credit PE

(¼ credit for Sports, JROTC, Marching Band)

.5 Credit Personal Finance

9.5 Credits Electives







College and Career Readiness Demonstrations**

  • Assessment Option or Performance Option

24 Total Credits

24 Total Credits

** Demonstrations of readiness in English and math are required. See Menu of Options documents for specification and benchmark scores.


East Otero School District

Graduation Guidelines

Menu of College and Career-Ready Demonstrations


Assessments

English Score

Math Score

SAT

470

500

ACT

18

19

ASVAB

31

31

Accuplacer

241 Reading or

236 Writing

255 on Arithmetic

230 on Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics

Advanced Placement (AP)

2

No math offering

Concurrent Enrollment Courses (must register for credit through OJC)

English

Math

Registered for OJC credit and received a "C" or above in one of the following courses:

Pre-AP English, AP English, Honors English IV, Public Speaking

Math for Liberal Arts, Intro to Statistics, College Algebra, Survey of Calculus, College

Trigonometry

Industry Certificate: Complete coursework and board certified test for a particular field

· Examples:

o Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

o Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

District Capstone: Complete the designated requirements for a capstone portfolio as listed in the capstone portfolio document





TIGER TRADES ACADEMY