Student Handbook
WELCOME TO THE CTC!
As administrators and Board of Education members at the Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center, we welcome you to your career opportunity! We are pleased to have you as a student and will do our best to help make your experience here as enjoyable and successful as you wish to make it. To help provide a safe and productive learning environment for students, parents and visitors, the Board of Education publishes this updated Student/Parent Handbook annually to explain students’ rights and responsibilities.
Parents are encouraged to review and discuss the information in the Handbook with their child. Teachers will also review this Handbook with students at the beginning of the school year.
Thank you for taking the time to become familiar with the important information in this Handbook. We hope your experience with us is a rewarding one and hope you will leave as employable, positive, and productive citizens. If you have questions, please contact any of the administrative staff.
Sincerely,
Ms. Michelle Patrick, Superintendent
Mr. Bradley McKee, Treasurer and CFO
Mr. Christopher W. James, Executive Director
Mr. Nathan Lasso, Director of CTE & Student Services
Mrs. Jennifer Shaffer, Director of CTE & Student Development
Mr. Jeff Thoman, Director of Information Technology
CTC Board of Education:
President - Mr. Jamie Callan, Springfield City School District
Vice President - Mr. Shawn Jackson, Southeastern Local School District
TBA, Northeastern Local School District
Mr. Dennis Henry, Greenon Local Schools
Mrs. Pam Mustovich, Northwestern Local School District
Dr. Susan Page, Clark-Shawnee Local School District
Mrs. Corinne Scott, Tecumseh Local School District
Mr. Stanley Wenclewicz, Clark County ESC
Mr. Chris Williams, Springfield City School District
Student Handbook
FOREWORD
This Student/Parent Handbook was developed to answer many of the commonly asked questions that you and your parents may have during the school year and to provide specific information about certain Board policies and procedures. Please take time to become familiar with the important information contained in this handbook and keep the handbook available for frequent reference by you and your parents. If you have any questions that are not addressed in this handbook, you are encouraged to talk to your teachers or one of the Directors.
This handbook replaces all prior handbooks and other written material on the same subjects. This handbook does not equate to an irrevocable contractual commitment to the student, but only reflects the current status of the Board’s policies and the CTC’s rules as of the adopted date listed at the bottom of the previous page. If any of the policies or administrative guidelines referenced herein are revised after the adopted date, the language in the most current policy or administrative guideline prevails. Copies of current Board policies and administrative guidelines are available from the building Directors and on our website at scctc.org.
OUR MISSION
At SCCTC, our mission is to Strive to create Contributing Citizens Through Careers
OUR VISION IS SUCCESS
Students
Understanding
Critical thinking
Community involvement
Education for life
Skills in technology
Strategies to succeed
OUR GOAL IS TO ACT
Achieve academic success
Collaborate with community
Teach technical skills
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM BELIEFS, GOALS, AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Guided by our mission statement, both our thinking and our actions will reflect the following fundamental beliefs:
- Family is the primary influence in the development of the individual.
- Success depends upon working as a team to build a strong foundation for optimal learning.
- Continued partnerships among SCCTC, businesses and colleges are important.
- Every student has the right to an education, but not the right to interfere with others.
- SCCTC must be a leader in Career and Technical Education for the Career Technical Education Planning District, the state, and the nation.
- The learning environment must be safe and secure.
- The curriculum must be relevant and applied.
- All individuals can learn, are unique, and have worth.
- Quality requires consistent review and improvement.
- Decisions should be made in the best interest of the students, the school and community.
- Learning is a lifelong process.
- High expectations are the foundation of high achievement.
We have identified four major goals that will be the focus of our work. Achieving these goals is essential if we are to fulfill our mission.
- Develop and implement a marketing plan to communicate quality education.
- Provide continuous professional development opportunities to promote awareness, knowledge and application for improvement.
- Communicate more effectively with all stakeholders.
- Constantly improve the environment to provide a safe, appropriate and technologically advanced quality education.
SCCTC strives to create relationships with and around the student that exemplify the guiding principles listed below. These principles will be instrumental in preparing the child for success in all aspects of life. These principles are consistent with those from the character-centered teaching initiatives that exist in the United States. They are:
Respect
Responsibility
Contemplation
Compassion
Initiative
Adaptability
Optimism
Trustworthiness
Courage
Loyalty
Perseverance
Honesty
SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The CTC public address system will be used to announce time sensitive information as it arises.
ASSOCIATE SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION/LATE START
Days when the associate school is not in session and SCCTC IS in session, CTC students are expected to attend CTC at the regularly scheduled time. Bus service is provided from the associate school to CTC whenever CTC is in session except during inclement weather. Students are expected to follow the SCCTC School Calendar. Students whose only means of transportation is by bus will need to make alternative arrangements on days when the associate schools only provide bus transportation from the high school to SCCTC. THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO WEATHER EMERGENCIES. CLOSINGS DUE TO BAD WEATHER ARE COVERED IN THE FOLLOWING SECTION.
CLOSING FOR BAD WEATHER
When SCCTC is closed on authority of the administration and/or the Board of Education due to weather conditions or other calamities, no student is required to report to the school building. When such a decision is made, the media and TV newsrooms are immediately notified, parents and students will receive an automated phone call, and Facebook, Twitter, and the SCCTC website will be updated. Please do not call personnel, the school offices, or the media. When an associate school is closed due to weather conditions or other calamities but the CTC is in session, students from the closed school are not required to report to the SCCTC building, however it will be counted as an Excused Absence and students will have to make up missed assignments. If SCCTC is operating on a virtual schedule for any reason, students will be required to login to all of their classes, regardless of their home school schedule. If they do not log in, it will be counted as an Unexcused Absence. Students from other schools that are not closed are required to report as usual to SCCTC. If the associate school is operating on a delayed schedule, students are required to report at the appropriate time as adjusted by the associate school delay. If the student reports to the SCCTC at the regular time (and discovers that their associate school is on a delay), they are to follow the SCCTC schedule.
COMMUNICATION WITH ASSOCIATE SCHOOL
It is extremely important that our students be kept informed about activities at their associate schools. We make every effort to communicate with those schools and keep the students up-to-date. In case of short notice, communication will be made via our school intercom (PA); but in the majority of cases, homeschool information will be transmitted via email. It is the student’s responsibility to access and read their email on a regular basis before school, at lunch, and other times as allowed by teachers.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION
In accordance with Section 3313.712 of the Ohio Revised Code, an emergency medical form is provided to the parent or guardian for every pupil enrolled in the school. This online form must be completed by the parent or guardian and submitted to the school for filing no later than the second week of school operation. A complete Emergency Medical Authorization Form must be on file in order for a student to participate in their career technical lab, or any activity off school grounds, including field trips, spectator trips, and extra- and co-curricular activities. Any student not fulfilling this responsibility may not be permitted to participate in program activities and may face academic and/or disciplinary repercussions. If any information changes at any point during the school year, please revise and submitted the updated EMA through the online portal.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION AT ASSOCIATE SCHOOL
Extracurricular activities at the associate school are a real part of the high school experience for SCCTC students. Cooperative planning between SCCTC and the associate schools is essential, and students will be able to take care of opportunities after school and, on occasion, during the school day. SCCTC is proud to support the extracurricular endeavors of our students. Many extra-curricular activities are individual interests (sports, music, theater, etc.). In those cases where a student has an obligation to the associate school activity, the student and parent needs to contact the SCCTC attendance office to make arrangements. Pep rallies: it is recommended that students at SCCTC limit participation in pep rallies at the associate schools to 2 per year. SCCTC needs to have prior notification from the associate school and from the parent/guardian to attend. Phone calls and notes the day of the activity may not be accepted. A director will consider special circumstances.
FEES
Fees are primarily for consumable supplies, resource books, uniforms, and required tools. College Credit Plus courses are generally free, however failing a college course or not following school policies may result in fees for tuition and books. Participation in convocation, and possibly associate school graduation ceremonies, will be denied until all student fees are paid in full. Below is a list of fees for all students.
SCCTC School Fee $75.00
Chromebook Usage Fee $50.00
Registration Fee $25.00
ID Badge Fee $5.00
Payment of fees, in the form of credit card, cash, or check will be made in one of the following ways:
- In person at the cashier's office
- Via the school website
There is no refund of fees after the beginning of the second semester.
Employers report that, in addition to skills, a basic set of good tools is required for employment; therefore, we feel that the tools purchased are an investment, not an expense. Tools, in this sense, refer to any materials, instruments, or other items required for the course. Students should purchase tools as per directions from teachers.
Special problems regarding the payment of fees should be brought to the attention of a director, who will report any special circumstance to the treasurer. An alternative course of action might be considered.
FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS
Based on Ohio Revised Code, the school district may require payment of a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual annual maintenance cost for the use of the technology owned or rented by the district. If this School Fee creates a financial hardship on the student or parent which may affect their ability of attending the SCCTC, please contact the treasurer’s office for Financial Aid information.
Upon proof of financial hardship, the administration may elect to:
• Create a payment plan for the student to pay out fees over time
• Allow reduced payment or waiver of the fee
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are generally accepted as enhancements to the learning process. SCCTC programs utilize these learning experiences to build on classroom and laboratory instruction. Student grades and behavior will affect the approval of a field trip. Participation will be determined by a director as the need arises. In the event of an overnight field trip, all luggage and personal items are subject to search.
HALL PASSES
Hall passes are issued for the purpose of making students accountable. Students need a hall pass assigned to them when outside their scheduled classroom during the school day. This must be obtained from their instructor using the district specified system. Students must obtain prior approval/permission from any/all instructors when absent from class.
HEALTH SERVICES/MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Students who become ill at school should get a pass from their teacher to report to the clinic to see the school nurse. If a student is too ill to remain in school, the parent or guardian will be notified about the illness. Arrangements can be made for the student to be picked up or drive home. A parent/guardian should only pick up their students after they have been notified by the nurse.
All student injuries must be reported to the clinic and must be reported on a completed accident report. If a student appears to be seriously ill or has been seriously injured and the parents are unavailable, the emergency squad will be called. Treatment and/or need for hospitalization will be decided upon in accordance with instructions on the Emergency Medical Authorization form. Students attending the CTC must have on file at their associate school all health immunization records required by Ohio statutes. Failure to comply could result in the student being removed from school. Students with specific health care needs should deliver written notice about such needs, along with physicians documentation, to the School Office.
Any student who is required to take prescribed medication during regular school hours is to comply with the following school regulations:
- The SCCTC designee will supervise the secure and proper storage and dispensing of medication for students. Students are not permitted to keep or store any medication.
- Written orders from the physician are to include name of student, name of medication, dosage, times to be taken, length of time to be taken, length of time the student will be taking medication at school, diagnosis or reason for medication to be taken, any possible reaction which should be reported, and signature of physician. A written permission form is to be provided by the parent or guardian requesting that the school comply with the physician’s orders. (“The Medication Form” can be located on our website www.scctc.org or from the Main Office).
- Medications are to be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.
- Students and parents are encouraged to consider the demands of their individual program when taking various medications. Students will log in the time, date and medication for each dosage.
- After one week, unused medication not picked up at the end of the school year will be destroyed.
- Non-prescription medication (example: aspirin, ointments, and cold tablets) require written permission from a doctor indicating times to be taken and reason for taking the medication.
- Non-prescription medication must be brought to the office in the original factory sealed container when the student arrives at school.
- A student may possess and use a metered dosage inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms or before exercise to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms. This may occur at school or any school activity, events, or programs sponsored by the school and where the student may participate. Written permission from the parent or guardian must be provided with the physician’s orders.
- No student may bring to school, possess or distribute any type of prescription or over-the-counter medication.
ID CARD
For safety and identification purposes, students will be issued an official SCCTC ID card. Wearing these ID cards is required each day. These cards are to be visible and appropriately worn on the student’s clothing as directed by staff. Students will be charged a $5.00 replacement fee for lost cards. ID cards are the property of the school.
INSURANCE-STUDENT (ACCIDENT, PERSONAL PROPERTY)
Student safety is a priority at SCCTC. While attempting to provide experiences that promote skill development, students may be exposed to any number of situations where injury could occur. Parents are strongly urged to ensure that students are covered for such occurrences as the SCCTC does not provide student accident insurance. SCCTC will offer a student insurance plan through an outside company at the beginning of the school year. Announcements will be made as to the availability of insurance, and students will be informed as to procedures for enrollment.
Personal Property, i.e. tools, toolbox, etc.: By law, the Board of Education is not permitted to insure personal property. We suggest that each parent/student purchase insurance as protection for personal property that might be damaged, lost or stolen.
LOST AND FOUND
SCCTC maintains a lost and found service. Students are warned that school is not a good place for expensive personal possessions. Lockers are provided for moderately safe storage of personal items brought to school. SCCTC is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Any unclaimed items will be discarded at the end of each semester.
LUNCH/FOOD SERVICES
Food service will be available before school and during lunch periods. Students are encouraged to pre-pay for lunches by putting money on their lunch account. Students are responsible for knowing classroom policies for classrooms and labs.
The school participates in the National School Lunch Program and makes lunches available to students each day. Ala carte items are available. Applications for the School’s Free and Reduced-Price meal plan can be located on our website www.scctc.org. If a student needs an application form, contact the Main Office.
- Students may bring their lunch to school to be eaten in the school cafeteria at the time indicated on their schedule.
- Students are NOT permitted to leave school grounds during the one-half hour lunch period.
- Pushing, running, or cutting in line is not permitted.
- Students may NOT have any food from outside restaurants delivered.
- Students are expected to display appropriate table manners at all times in the cafeteria.
- Students are to remain seated at their tables until the end of the lunch period and not wander from table to table.
- Students are expected to clean their area and discard all trash into proper receptacles before leaving the cafeteria.
- Food and beverages are to be kept and consumed in the cafeteria. Exceptions may be made for class activities/meetings and need approval of a director prior to the event.
- Students may not leave the lunchroom without permission other than to use the restroom.
- Students are not permitted to use the vending machines during the school day except during lunch.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
The Board of Education may provide for a moment of silence for prayer, reflection, or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. Those who do not wish to participate in the Moment of Silence will refrain from any act that would interfere with the participation of others.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The SCCTC Board of Education believes that the salute to our nation’s flag and Pledge of Allegiance helps to reinforce within students and staff the principles of liberty and democracy. In support of this belief, and pursuant to section 3313.602A of the Ohio Revised Code, an oral recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance may be a part of the program of SCCTC and at special functions. The Board recognizes that some students and/or faculty members’ beliefs may prohibit their participation in these patriotic exercises. Those who do not wish to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance will refrain from any act that would interfere with the participation of others.
PUBLIC INFORMATION
Information which is deemed newsworthy and would reflect positively on the SCCTC should be submitted to a director.
SIGNS & POSTERS
Students may not hang/display any sign or poster without approval from a director.
STUDENT RECORDS
While the student attends the SCCTC, the school will maintain a set of student records. The SCCTC will add to these records the appropriate evaluations of the student’s performance. However, official records are maintained at the associate school and requests for transcripts should be directed to the associate school. In accordance with Section 438 of Public Law 93-380, known as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents and students have the right to inspect and review official records directly related to their child and must, with certain exceptions, give written consent before any information is released by the school to outside agencies. The school district follows all guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding all student records. Detailed FERPA guidelines may be acquired at the end of this planner.
TEXTBOOKS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
School-issued textbooks, electronic devices, media materials and other items are considered the property of the SCCTC and are provided to students for use in academic and career technical subjects. While normal use is expected, excessive wear, damage or loss may result in assessment of charges for repairs or replacement to the parent/emancipated student and the withholding of the student’s report cards and/or credits. Students may be expected to purchase some books for their personal use through assessment of program fees.
VALUABLES
Students should not bring items of value to school. Items such as jewelry, expensive clothing, electronic equipment, and other valuable items are tempting targets for theft. SCCTC is not liable for any loss or damage to personal valuables.
