Southwest Career and Technical Academy

2020 / 2021

Student Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME TO SWCTA

ADMINISTRATION

MISSION STATEMENT

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE AND PROCESS

CCSD 2016-2017 CALENDAR

BELL SCHEDULE

ACTIVITIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ASSEMBLIES

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY (CCSD REG. 5135)

ATTENDANCE ENFORCEMENT FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS (Regulation 5113)

BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE (Regulation 5137)

THE FOLLOWING CRIMES ARE SUBJECT TO EXPULSION:

CLOSED CAMPUS

CODE OF HONOR

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER

COUNSELING

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

INTRAMURALS

CLUBS

DANCES

DELIVERIES

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

EARLY RELEASE

DEVICES ELECTRONIC

FIELD TRIPS

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

GRADING

HEALTH OFFICE

ID CARDS

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

LOCKERS

LOSS OF CREDIT

LOST AND FOUND

MAGNET PROGRAM CONTRACT

ENROLLMENT STANDARDS

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

ATTENDANCE STANDARDS

BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

MAGNET PROGRAM PROBATION

PROBATIONARY PROCESS

PASSPORTS

PHONE MESSAGES

PROGRAM MEDALLION REQUIREMENTS

SOCIAL MEDIA

SCHEDULE CHANGES

SEMESTER EXAMS

SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES

STUDENT CONCERNS

STUDENT GOVERNMENT – ELECTIONS

STUDENT PARKING/BICYCLE RACK

STUDENT STORE

TARDIES

TEXTBOOKS

VALUABLES

VISITORS

WELCOME TO SWCTA

The administration and teaching staff of Southwest Career and Technical Academy welcome you to what we sincerely hope will be an exciting and rewarding school year. This handbook has been produced to help you become familiar with the rules, regulations, and programs at SWCTA.  Please read it carefully and use it to your benefit. Have a great year!

ADMINISTRATION

Principal                        Donna Levy        702-799-5766 x 4100

Assistant Principal        Donna Besser        702-799-5766 x 4018

Assistant Principal        Kendra Kelly         702-799-5766 x 4500

Assistant Principal        Trish Taylor        702-799-5766 x 4200

MISSION STATEMENT

To inspire students to create and achieve

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

In compliance with Title VI Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975, neither the Clark County School District nor Southwest Career and Technical Academy will knowingly discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, handicap, or age in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, or participation in, its programs and activities.  Inquiries may be directed to the Clark County School District Compliance Office at (702)799-1094.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE AND PROCESS

The Clark County School District is committed to nondiscrimination in its programs, activities, services and facility accessibility.  Parents, students, staff, or other members of the public, who seek information or have questions about the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities in the district, should contact the building principal with their inquiry. The building principal will respond to the inquiry within a reasonable period of time, and if necessary, refer the person to one or more of the following individuals, who will respond to the inquiry within a reasonable period of time:

• Facility Accessibility:  Administrative Manager, Facilities Division, 702-799-8710
• Employee or Public Access/Services Issues:  Diversity/Affirmative Action                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Compliance Title IX Coordinator  702-799-5087
• Student Programs/Services Access:    Compliance Officer, Office of Compliance and Monitoring,  Student Support Services Division  702-799-1020  
• Student Athletics/Activities Access:  Instructional Support/Student Activities,  Executive Director  702-799-8493

If parents or members of the public have additional concerns regarding their inquiry, they may initiate a formal review by completing a Public Concern Form to initiate the public concern process as outlined in CCSD Regulation 1213.1.

Any changes, adaptation, or addition to the Student Handbook and Southwest CTA are at the discretion of the principal and can occur without prior warning or consent as determined necessary by the administration.

CCSD 2018-2019 CALENDAR

August 24        Online Classes Begin

September 7        Labor Day Observed (no school)

October 9        End of First Nine Weeks

October 30        Nevada Day Observed (no school)

November 6        Election Day (no school for students)

November 11        Veterans’ Day Observed (no school)

November 25-27        Thanksgiving Break (no school)

December 18        End of First Semester

December 18 (end of day)        Winter Break Begins

Winter Break        (Dec. 21-Jan. 4)

January 7        Classes resume

January 6        No School for Students

January 13        No School for Students

January 7        Second Semester Begins

January 18        Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)

February 18        Presidents’ Day (no school)

March 15        End of Third Nine Weeks

April 12 (end of day)        Spring Break Begins

April 15-19        Spring Break

April 23        Classes resume

May 23        End of School Year

BELL SCHEDULE

A/B Day

7:00 am—8:24 am        Periods 1 & 2

8:29 am—9:57 am           Periods 3 & 4

9:57 am—10:27 am           A Lunch (Buildings C, D, and E)

10:02 am—11:26 am          Periods 5 & 6(B Lunch)

10:32 am—11:56 am         Periods 5 & 6(A Lunch)

11:26 am—11:56 am          B Lunch (PE, Buildings B, F,  and H)

12:01 am—1:25 am        Periods 7 & 8

ACTIVITIES

CCSD Regulation 5135.1 B.1-2 states that students must maintain good overall grades and attendance to participate in school sponsored activities.  Any student who does not attend school the day of an activity, may not participate in that activity. Students who are placed on required parent conference (RPC) or suspension in the current academic year are also ineligible to attend school sponsored activities. Students found in possession of alcohol, drugs, or who commit serious or chronic misbehavior are denied participation in school activities including sports, field trips, band trips, shows, commencement ceremonies, senior trip, school dances, clubs, etc. Any students who have been expelled, are on RPC, suspension, or in an alternative placement may not attend or participate in school activities.  In addition, any students who are arrested for a felony or gross misdemeanor during school hours, school activity, or on the way to or from school or a school activity may be denied the privilege of participation in all extracurricular activities for a period determined by the principal.  This eligibility suspension will not exceed one (1) school year. (CCSD Regulation 5135.1)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Distribution of advertisements, posters and party announcements is prohibited on campus. If a student has any announcement appropriate for school, the announcement can be submitted to the Student Activities office for approval.  All announcements must be approved by the administrator over student activities.  Any posters that are displayed without approval will be removed.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are scheduled throughout the school year.  Attendance at assemblies is mandatory for all students. A special bell schedule is in effect on most assembly days, andl most assemblies are held during the last period of the day.  Appropriate student behavior is expected at all events. Once the assembly has begun students will not be released for pickup. Please plan accordingly.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY (CCSD REG. 5135)

Any students who represent the school by participating in interscholastic athletics in grades 9-12 must have earned a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all classes during the immediate preceding semester.  A student earning less than a 2.0 GPA is ineligible to participate in any interscholastic athletic event for the ensuing nine-week period.  Second semester GPA deficiency may be made up in summer school, with summer school grades being averaged in with grades from the immediate preceding semester. Students in grades 9-12 who are working on regular diplomas are required to enroll in full class loads (grades 9-11, 8 classes; grade 12, 6 classes). A student may also be declared ineligible for any or all activities at any time based on unsatisfactory citizenship, as determined by the principal. It should be noted that participants in interscholastic athletics must also meet NIAA requirements, to include passing grades in all classes.

Any student absent from class on the day of a match, meet, or game is not permitted to participate on that day or evening unless an excuse has been granted, in advance, by the Assistant Principal over Athletics. Any student who is declared truant is ineligible {to participate} for a period of one (1) week after the infraction is discovered.

ATTENDANCE ENFORCEMENT FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS (Regulation 5113)

It is the expectation of the school that parents and guardians work cooperatively with the school to address any poor attendance and/or truancy of their student. Students are required to bring excuse notes from parents and present notes to the Attendance Office within three (3) school days of any absence.  

Approved absences are defined as follows:  

• The student is physically or mentally unable to attend school, or the absence is related to the student’s disability.
• The approval of the teacher or principal has been given for an unavoidable absence due to an emergency.
• The student is absent due to a required court appearance or religious holiday.  
• The absence has been pre-arranged (limit of 10) upon the written request of a parent or legal guardian. The pre-arranged absence request must be received two (2) full school days in advance of the first day of the pre-arranged absence. Any absence over ten is considered unapproved. All arranged absences for which the make up work was not completed and submitted as specified by the teacher is considered unapproved.

Any absence in excess of three, approved or unapproved requires a doctor’s note. Students who exceed seven unverified (unapproved) absences per semester in any course will not earn credit for that course for that semester and receive a failing grade. Students who exceed seven absences during the semester in any course must continue to attend that class and must remain enrolled in the school’s regular instructional program. Students who do not attend or do not remain enrolled in school are truant and will be reported to law enforcement as per state law.

If a parent, legal guardian, or student has reason to believe that there is an error in the attendance record, or extenuating circumstances exist, a due process hearing may be requested. If extenuating circumstances exist, necessary documentation will be required at the hearing.

After any absence, a student shall be required to initiate contact with his/her teachers within three days to obtain make-up work.  Once contact has been made with teachers, the assignment and the time interval allowed for completion will be determined by the teacher.

Truancy – Student attendance is vital to the educational experience of students. When a student is absent from school without valid excuse or does not secure prior permission for the absence, the absence is deemed unapproved or unexcused.  When a student has three or more unapproved or unexcused absences, the student may be declared a habitual truant.  Students declared to be habitual truants are cited as per the provisions and requirements prescribed by the Nevada Revised Statute and Clark County School District Regulations.

Check in is required for students arriving late from an excusable absence on the same day. Students leaving campus for any reason must be checked out through the front office.

NRS 392.040 dictates that a student enrolled in grades six through twelve in a secondary school who is not physically present in the classroom at the start of the instructional period but reports to the classroom after that time is to be marked tardy. If the student misses more than thirty (30) minutes of the instructional period, the student has missed an essential part of the learning experience. Therefore, for purposes of attendance enforcement, a secondary student who is more than thirty (30) minutes late to any class period shall be counted absent from that class, and the teacher shall mark attendance accordingly.

Driver’s License Permit Requirements -NRS 392.148  Effective January 1, 2015, students that do not meet CCSD attendance requirements (90%) are eligible to apply for a driver’s license/permit. For block scheduling the 90% threshold is equal to any absence in excess of 7 unapproved absences.

Effective January 1, 2015, Students identified as habitual truants who already possess a driver’s license/permit can have it revoked for: first offense = 30 days, second offense = 60 days.

The DMV form must be filled out and turned in to the Dean’s office (H136). Forms will completed and returned within five school days. Sorry there is no immediate processing, so plan accordingly.

BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE (Regulation 5137)

All students are expected to behave in a manner that is a credit to themselves and Southwest Career and Technical Academy. Students that engage in inappropriate behavior, are dealt with fairly and consistently using the defined progressive discipline process.  

Students are subject to a Required Parent Conference (RPC), suspension, arrest, referral to a behavior School, and/or expulsion for the following:

• Student harassment and verbal abuse (including any racially derogatory statements from one person to another).
• Assault or physical abuse on any person.
• Theft, extortion, vandalism, or destruction of school property.
• Use and/or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol.
• Possession of weapons on school campus, including parking lot.
• Use of obscene, vulgar, profane or disrespectful language to any stakeholder including students, faculty, staff, and school visitors.
• Disruptive classroom or school behavior.
• Forgery of any official document including: corridor passes, admission slips, absence notes and/or providing any false information on school forms.
• Failure to identify oneself upon request and/or failure to report to the Deans’ office when directed to do so by school personnel.
• Smoking or vaping on campus/use of smokeless tobacco/Possession of tobacco products.
• Excessive tardiness.
• Gambling.
• Arson

THE FOLLOWING CRIMES MAY BE SUBJECT TO EXPULSION:

• ARSON

• The willful burning of property.

• BATTERY ON A SCHOOL EMPLOYEE

• Physical abuse and/or threats of physical abuse directed at a school employee.

• DRUGS/ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

• Use, possession and/or distribution of a controlled and/or illicit substance or any substance represented to be such.

• IMMORAL CONDUCT

• Contact as it pertains to sexual behavior between individuals.

• WEAPONS

• Possession, use, transmittal, or concealment of ANY operable or inoperable weapon.  Weapons are defined as firearms, knives, explosives, inflammable materials or other items that may cause bodily injury or death.  BB and pellet guns, pocket knives, and fireworks are weapons.  The Gun Free Schools Act and NRS 392.466 specify expulsion requirements based on type of weapon, and/or circumstances surrounding the infraction.

• HABITUAL DISCIPLINARY STATUS

• A student is deemed a habitual disciplinary problem if the school in which the student is enrolled has written evidence which documents that in one school year the student has:
• Threatened or extorted, or attempted to threaten or extort, another student, teacher, or other personnel employed by the school; or
• Been suspended for initiating at least two fights on school property, or
• Has a record of five (5) suspensions from school for any reason.

STUDENTS FOUND IN VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE WILL BE REFERRED FOR PROSECUTION TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

CLOSED CAMPUS

SWCTA is a closed campus. Students may not leave campus for lunch. All students should be in the quad, library, or the cafeteria during their scheduled lunch. Students are released ONLY with parent/guardian permission. Students leaving campus without permission are placed on RPC.

CODE OF HONOR

The Nevada Code of Honor for students relates to cheating as prescribed pursuant to section 17.5 of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and was adopted by the State Board pursuant to NRS 392. Cheating or academic dishonesty is defined by statute as the improper taking of information from and/or giving of information to another student, individual, or other source.

Students who violate the Nevada Code of Honor may be placed on RPC and required to complete an alternate assignment determined by the teacher.  Disciplinary action for the violation of the Nevada Code of Honor is  determined by the Dean’s office in accordance with the progressive discipline plan.

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER

The College and Career Center is located in the E 135. Information on colleges, universities, and visits from post-secondary institutions is available in the center. Students access employment information from the Job Bank and discern future employment compatibility from the Nevada Career Information System. Students may visit the CCC before school, after school, and during lunch. Parents may contact the CCC by calling 702-799-5766 x4304.

COUNSELING

Southwest Career and Technical Academy has a staff of four (4) certified counselors who are here to help students understand themselves and their responsibilities; make informed educational, vocational, and personal decisions; and realize the importance of achieving their potential.

Students are assigned to a specific counselor and are seen primarily by appointment.  Students may request an appointment by emailing their counselor directly.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
There are many extracurricular activities at SWCTA.

DANCES

All SWCTA students in good standing, are welcome to attend dances. Students on Required Parent Conference (RPC), suspension, or have been referred for alternative placement are not eligible to attend.  School rules, including dress code, are enforced at all dances – whether they are held on or off campus.  Only SWCTA students are allowed to attend informal dances.  For formal dances students may bring a guest.  The guest must have a guest pass issued from the Student Activities Office.  This pass must be completed by the guest’s home school administration.  No one over the age of 20 will be admitted.   No one will be admitted during the last hour of the dance.    

Guidelines for these school-sponsored events are as follows:

1. No bare midriffs.
2. Dress/skirt/short/skort/romper length may not be more than six inches above the knee.
3. Tops may not be excessively low cut or revealing.
4. No jeans.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in denial of access to the dance. NO REFUNDS will be issued to students who violate these policies.

EXTRA CURRICULAR EVENT PICK-UP POLICY will be enforced.

DELIVERIES

Deliveries of food and/or beverages are strictly forbidden by the regulations of the Southern Nevada Health District. No deliveries of  balloons, flowers, cards, or packages of any sort will be accepted.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

Students’ dress, personal appearance, and conduct are required to be of such character as not to disrupt or detract from the educational environment of the school. Any style which tends to diminish instructional effectiveness or discipline control by teachers is not acceptable. The Southwest Career and Technical Academy dress code is in accordance with CCSD Regulation 5131. The school administration shall have the right to designate which types of dress, fashion, fads, or appearance disrupt or detract from the educational program and may be potential safety hazards. Individual Program Leaders can add additional requirements of dress for their program. The specific requirements and prohibitions are as follows:

• Requires the wearing of SWCTA School Identification so that it is visible at all times while on campus
• Requires the wearing of shoes with hard soles; no slippers or flip-flops
• Prohibits wearing crop tops (no skin showing between bottom of shirt/blouse and top of pants or skirt), strapless, low-cut or sheer clothing, clothing with slits, pajamas, muscle shirts, or tops and outfits that provide minimum coverage
• Requires that all skirts and shorts are at no more than four inches above the knee. If the skirt/dress has a sheer outer layer, the underskirt must meet this requirement.
• Prohibits leggings, yoga/exercise bottoms, tights, or any Lycra-based skin-tight bottoms unless worn with an outer garment that meets the no more than four inches above the knee requirement.
• Prohibits clothing with holes or slits above the knee.
• Prohibits spaghetti straps.All sleeveless shirts must have straps at least three inches wide and cover the shoulder and skin below the armpit..
• Prohibits hair color and styles that are disruptive to the educational environment.
• Prohibits the wearing of sunglasses indoors.
• Prohibits the possession of hats/headgear on campus except for designated school-approved uniforms or at authorized athletic activities.
• Prohibits slogans or advertising on clothing, which, by their controversial or obscene, nature, disrupts the educational setting. This includes any clothing which advertises tobacco, alcoholic beverages, weapons, racial bigotry, hate speech, drugs, or sexual activities.
• Prohibits the wearing of full-length duster trench coats, gloves, bandanas, wallet chains, or any gang-related clothing.
• Prohibits the wearing of mittens/gloves, hats, and coat hoods in classrooms; these items must be removed upon entering the buildings.
• Prohibits students from wearing their pants in such a way as to constitute “sagging.This includes pants worn below hip level, not at the garment’s natural placement.

The first violation is recorded as both a Dress Code and Disregard of School Rules. Any continued/subsequent violations result in the appropriate progressive discipline actions, which may include, RPC, Suspension, Behavior School Placement or removal from CCSD schools as a Habitual Discipline Problem.

The principal shall retain the authority to grant exceptions for special occasions and/or conditions.

Students that do not wear their school identification badge will be required to purchase a temporary badge for $1.00 and will follow the following progressive discipline plan .  Students can purchase a replacement badge for $3.00 in the Dean's office.

EARLY RELEASE

We strongly encourage all student medical, dental, and other appointments be made to occur after 1:25 p.m. On the rare occasion that it is necessary for a student to leave school early, the following restrictions apply

:

• Parents/guardians must come into the front office and present photo ID.
• Only persons listed in Infinite Campus are allowed to pick up students, NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Students who drive themselves must present a signed note from a parent/guardian and a copy of the parent’s ID.
• No student can be signed out after 1 p.m.
• No students can be signed out during assemblies, exams, or standardized testing.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The Clark County School District Policy 5136, Personal Communication Devices, has been modified to allow the use of personal technology and communication devices during instructional time with the approval of the building principal. This Bring-Your-Own Device (BYOD) policy includes cell phones, laptops, tablet computers or other similar electronic devices. In accordance with current policy, all schools will continue to permit the use of personal technology and communication devices during nutrition/lunch  periods, school sponsored activities, and while on District buses. School principals are given the flexibility to determine the use of personal technology and communication devices during instructional time at each school site. BYOD policies provide for flexibility of implementation in a school. levels, or other configurations.

• Students should have a signed AUP & CCSD personal technology and communication device student agreement and are expected to exhibit digital citizenship.  
• Students are responsible for the safety of their devices and any loss, theft, or damage.  
• It is a privilege for students to use their personally owned device at school, and this privilege can be taken away if students act irresponsibly or violate school policy.  
• Student mobile learning devices may be collected and examined given reasonable suspicion of a violation of the student agreement, CCSD Policy 5136, as well as any other District policy or regulation.  
• Students remain subject to all other school behavior rules. Specific behavior rules pertaining to personal devices are listed in CCSD Policy 5136.
• Students must access the school filtered wireless network and may not connect to personal 3G/4G networks during instructional time.
• Devices must be turned off and remain off unless the device is being used for a specific educational activity in compliance with CCSD Policy 5136.
• Unless a teacher specifically ties the use of text messaging to educational objectives, texting is prohibited throughout the school day.
• Students may only utilize their text feature during nutrition/lunch breaks and passing periods.

CCSD offers many educational resources via the Internet, which can be accessed anytime and anywhere, extending learning beyond the classroom and the instructional day. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined as provided for in the CCSD Behavior Guidelines for Secondary Students.

EXTRA CURRICULAR EVENT PICK-UP POLICY:        

Parents/guardians are required to be picked up immediately at the conclusion of any extra-curricular event. Students who are not picked up more than 15 minutes after the end of the event will be subject to a Request for Parent Conference the following school day and will not be allowed to attend the next school extra-curricular event.  

FIELD TRIPS

CCSD Regulation 6142 recognizes field trips as an important extension of the educational process. Specific criteria have been established for student eligibility.  Students who have excessive absences, demonstrate poor citizenship in the classroom, are in possession of alcohol or other drugs, or commit serious or chronic misbehavior will be denied participation in field trips. Additionally, in order to participate in a field trip, students must be passing ALL classes. Grade checks are conducted twice before the event. All students are required to turn in their own grade check forms by 3:00 p.m. two weeks before and one week before any trip. Any student that neglects to turn in his/her form or who submits it late, is ineligible and is prohibited from attending the trip, and NO refunds will be issued.

The administration reserves the right of final determination of student eligibility for field trip participation based on academic performance, attendance, and conduct.  Any student who has been expelled, is currently on RPC, suspended or at an alternative placement may not attend or participate in school related field trips.  Please refer to the Student Activities Handbook for more guidelines.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Food or beverages may be consumed in the cafeteria and designated outdoor eating areas only.  No food or beverages are to be consumed in classrooms or in the hallways. Students are expected to leave their lunch area as they found it by disposing of all trash. No glass containers are permitted on campus. Organizations, groups, or individuals may not sell food or beverages on campus without the permission of the Activities Administrator. Individual students are never allowed to sell food brought in from outside sources.

GRADING

The purpose of grades is to provide effective feedback to students, parents, and the school administration about a student’s progress towards mastery of the established standards for a particular course or subject.  As such, other factors such as attendance, effort and behavior are not considered when calculating a student’s grade.  However, excessive absences (eight unexcused absences during a semester) will result in a loss of credit in accordance with CCSD Regulation 5113.  Extra credit is not permitted.

Students are graded on a 0-100 point scale, with the following grade equivalents:



HEALTH OFFICE

The health office located in the main office. A full-time health aide is on duty each day, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students who feel ill during the school day should obtain a pass from their teachers and report to the health office. A certified school nurse is on duty regularly in the health office. Should you need to see the school nurse, check with the health aide for the nurse’s  schedule.

If medication (prescription or nonprescription) is needed during school hours, the student must obtain a medication legal release form from the health office.  This form is completed by the parent and returned to the nurse along with the medication.  The health office does not stock or dispense any form of medication; this includes Ibuprofen or other pain relievers.

ID CARDS

For the safety and security of the SWCTA campus, all students, faculty, and staff, are required to wear their CCSD or school-issued ID cards at all times while on campus. All students are issued a picture ID by the school. If the ID is lost, students must pay for a replacement card.  Replacement cards are available in the school library before and after school. Students who fail to display their ID card will be subject to the SWCTA dress code violation progressive discipline plan.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Students interested in participating in the internship program must earn an 11/14 on the rubric below. Please note, a zero in any one category will result in an automatic disqualification. The SWCTA Administration has to right to disqualify students based on extenuating circumstances not included in the rubric (major/habitual discipline issues, outstanding fines, etc.) Students are subject to a secondary qualification check after second-semester grades are posted for junior year.

LOCKERS

Any student requesting a locker should submit a request to the Dean’s office. Once assigned the unauthorized sharing or switching of lockers is prohibited.  Lockers are to be kept clean and free of graffiti, stickers, etc.  Broken lockers are to be reported to the Dean’s office. Valuables are not to be placed in lockers as the school assumes no responsibility for the loss or theft of items from lockers.  Food should not be stored in lockers. School lockers remain the property of the school, and the school authorities have a right to examine the contents of those lockers for reasons of health, safety and security without notice.  Students are encouraged to limit access to lockers to before school, at lunchtime, and after school only.

LOSS OF CREDIT

Students who exceed seven (7) unapproved absences during the semester in any course will receive a failing semester grade for the course(s).  Once a student exceeds seven (7) unapproved absences, the parent/guardian will receive a Loss of Credit Letter from the dean’s office via certified mail.  This letter lists the course(s) in which credit will be lost.  Students who fail due to attendance are automatically be given an “F” for the semester from the Registrar.  The student must continue to attend the class and must remain enrolled in school.  Students that fail three (3) or more courses may be retained and/or referred to an alternative credit retrieval program.  In addition, students who exceed the limitation of absences are also subject to penalties imposed by the CCSD Attendance Regulation, 5113, and CCSD Promotion/Retention Regulation, 5123.  Students who do not attend or do not remain enrolled in school are considered truant and will be reported to law enforcement.

If a parent/guardian has reason to believe that there is an error in the attendance record, or extenuating circumstances exist, an appeal hearing may be requested with the Dean of Students at 799-5766, ext. 4500.

LOST AND FOUND

The lost and found is located in the Dean’s office  located in H136. Anything confiscated and/or found on campus is kept in the Dean’s office until the end of the school year.  Unclaimed confiscated items and lost/found items are donated to a local charity at the end of first semester and again at the end of the school year.

MAGNET PROGRAM CONTRACT

ENROLLMENT STANDARDS

Once enrolled, SWCTA is considered the student’s home school. Withdrawal from the SWCTA school is not permitted during the school year. Should a student wish to withdraw, it must be at the end of the school year.

If a student athlete returns to his/her zoned school or makes any other changes in enrollment, he/she is ineligible for the remainder of that school year and for 180 school days in any sport as per NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association).

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of a 2.0 (C average). Students who earn a D or F in coursework are placed on probation as defined by the school.

SWCTA works with families to ensure the academic success of each student, the student is required to meet the expectations of the program. A student coming in academically deficient in coursework related to the program to which they applied will be asked to participate in the following which may include, but not be limited to:  additional activities, tutoring, and/or additional coursework so that they may be successful in the program.

ATTENDANCE STANDARDS

Students must maintain good attendance while attending a magnet program. Students that have (5) or more unexcused absences within a semester are placed on probation. Students accumulating excessive tardies (six or more) are placed on probation. Any absence in excess of three will require a doctor’s note to be considered excused.

BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Students that receive a suspension are placed on probation. Students that are referred for expulsion and/or are formally expelled are dismissed from the magnet program. Students must earn a minimum of S-satisfactory behavior in all of their classes. Students earning an N-needs improvement or U-unsatisfactory are placed on probation.

MAGNET PROGRAM PROBATION

Students that violate any of the guidelines pertaining to academics, attendance, behavior, or any combination of the three items are placed on probation.

PROBATIONARY PROCESS

STEP 1        Students are placed on probation if they are in violation of the contract.

STEP 2        A probation conference is scheduled with the parent/guardian to discuss the conditions of the probation.

STEP 3        Conditions of the probation. A student is required to partake in the following activities in order to meet the requirements of the probation which may include but not be limited to: summer school, online credit retrieval, after-school tutoring, community service, campus beautification, or other school-based requirement.

Students that do not meet the obligations of their probation may be dismissed from the program at the end of the school year or prior to the following school year.

PHONE MESSAGES

No telephone messages will be taken to or for students.  If an emergency situation occurs, parents must come to the school attendance office and show a photo I.D.  Office phones are limited to use by school personnel.

PROGRAM MEDALLION REQUIREMENTS

In order to earn a program area medallion at the end of the student’s senior year, he or she must meet the following requirements:

• Meet the state requirements for graduation
• Pass junior and senior year program area classes with a B or better (including supporting classes)
• Maintain a 2.75 unweighted GPA or higher in all classes
• Pass the Nevada State End of Program Assessments and Workplace Readiness Exams
• Successfully complete the Senior Capstone Project or Internship
• Serve a minimum of one year active membership in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) or national club
• Have NO disciplinary record, such as Required Parent Conference (RPC), suspension, or expulsion, regardless of the grade level in which the level discipline occurred.

SOCIAL MEDIA

The unauthorized use of social media websites during the school day is prohibited. These sites include, but are not limited to Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or any other social media site. Students caught using a social media site during the school day are subject to an RPC, suspension, or further discipline depending on the content of the posting.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

As long as students are appropriately placed according to their ability level and graduation requirement needs, there will be NO schedule changes.

SCHOOL BANK

The Southwest Career and Technical Academy bank is located in the main office.  The bank is open for student business 30 minutes before and after school, and during both lunches.  The bank accepts payment of all school/club fees, debts, and student funds.  All lost or broken items such as iPads and textbooks must be paid for at the school bank.  

All student debts must be paid prior to course registration and/or graduation (if a senior).  Students failing to take care of their obligations will experience delays in registration.  Seniors will not be issued caps and gowns if they have unpaid debts.

SEMESTER EXAMS

According to CCSD regulation 5121, “Semester exams shall be comprehensive of the material covered during the semester and may be worth up to, but not exceed, 20% of the student’s final semester grade. Final semester grades reflect assignments and assessments completed throughout the semester with equal weight given to each quarter in the grading period.” Per CCSD Instruction Unit, semester exams may not be administered to students before the scheduled testing dates.

SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES

Portable speakers of any kind are not permitted on campus. Headphones that cover the ears are not permitted on campus. Students may ONE singular earbud during passing periods, lunch, before or after school, and at a teacher’s discretion when related to instruction.

STUDENT CONCERNS

If a student or parent/guardian has a classroom concern, (i.e. grades, behavior, amount or intensity of work,  the following appeal procedure should be used:

• Step 1  The student consults with the teacher involved and his/her  counselor.  
• Step 2 The parent or guardian requests a teacher/parent conference.  The Counselors’ secretary schedules all teacher/parent conferences.
• Step 3  The parent or guardian may request a conference with  the appropriate administrative supervisor.  
• Step 4  The parent or guardian may request a conference with the school principal.
• Step 5  The parent or guardian may contact the Area Service Center.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT – ELECTIONS

Elections to the various student body and class offices are conducted by the Student Council according to their constitution, by-laws, and Student Activities Handbook.  An adult supervisor as well as the Assistant Principal over Student Activities is present at all elections.  A computer printout assures that each student is given the opportunity to vote only once.  

STUDENT PARKING/BICYCLE RACK

Student parking is limited to the lot west of the school. All cars must have a parking permit for the current school year displayed in the car window. Parking permits are available in the Dean’s Office. Vehicles without proper parking permits or parked in unauthorized zones will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Students are not to loiter in the parking lot or in their cars before school, after school, during class time, between classes, or during lunch. Students’ cars may be searched if there is suspicion of alcohol, drugs, stolen items, or weapons as part of an arrest for violating the law.

All bicycles must be parked in the bike rack provided by the school. Students park their bicycles at their own risk. The school is not responsible for stolen or vandalized property. Locks will be cut on bicycles not parked in the bike rack.

STUDENT STORE

The Student Store, located in the cafeteria, is open Monday through Friday during  before school as well as both lunches.

TARDIES

Tardies are a serious offense that disrupts and interferes with classroom instruction. The following progressive discipline steps will be enforced should your student continue to be tardy to class.

Students who have been on RPC  are ineligible for a program medallion and may not be eligible to attend field trips during the remainder of the school year.

Parents or guardians may contact the Dean’s Office at 799-5766 (X4500) if they have any questions regarding the Tardy Policy.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are provided to students by the CCSD free of charge. However, all library and textbooks remain the property of the school.  Students are charged for lost or damaged books.  Any lost or stolen book must be paid for before another book is issued.  Fines can be paid for at the school bank before or after school only.

VALUABLES

Student valuables or large sums of money are not to be brought to school.  The school assumes no responsibility for the loss or theft of such valuables.

VISITORS

SWCTA welcomes visitors, however, to maintain the integrity of the educational environment, certain rules and restrictions apply. One day’s notice is required to visit any classroom. Visitors must wear a visitors’ badge (issued at the SWCTA front desk), at ALL times on campus. Alumni are only permitted on campus after dismissal.