2009-10 Parent Handbook - Helix Parent-Teacher-Student ...

General Information (continued)General Information (continued)PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCESParents are encouraged to call or email teachers to discuss student work.Back to School Nights for both terms provide parents an overview of classcontent and student performance expectations. Saturday Parent Conferencesare held for both terms and give parents, teachers and students theopportunity to meet and review student progress. Dates for both events canbe found on the school calendar on page 6.PHONE MESSAGES TO STUDENTSClass will not be interrupted to deliver a phone message to a student except inthe case of an emergency. If there is an emergency, the parent or guardianmay call the student’s Grade Level Principal’s office, state the nature of theemergency, and if approved, we will deliver the message as soon as possible.Please do not call your student’s cell phone during class.QUARTER SYSTEMImplemented in 1996, the quarter system has reduced class sizes with mostclasses meeting 90 minutes each day. Classes are scheduled in a semesterallowing students more focused instruction. It also provides greaterflexibility to assist students that require additional support to pass classes.RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEEThis committee guides changes at the school with teacher, parent, communityand student representation. Open meetings are generally held on the secondTuesday of the month. Check the Daily Bulletin for location and times.Parents are encouraged to attend. For questions or additional information,contact the Chair, Julie Damschen at ext. 334 or jdamsch@helixcharter.net.SAFETYHelix works continually with students, staff and local organizations to ensurethe safety of everyone on campus. The following are just a few ways that wework towards that goal:• All students and staff are required to wear I.D. badges when on campus.All visitors are required to sign in and out in the front office and where avisitors’ badge.• All students and staff who park on campus are required to have vehicleplacards.• Staff receives annual training on child abuse issues and the reporting ofsuspected abuse.• Staff receives ongoing ethics training.• Staff receives ongoing training to understand and meet the needs of theHelix grown diverse population. Peer mediation, conflict resolution andmediation training occurs yearly.• Staff coordinates drills and responses with local law enforcement andemergency response organizations through our School Resource Officer.• Staff regularly coordinates with the District and Contractors insuringstudent safety during construction.• Regular reviews internet security procedures.If you have any questions regarding campus and student safety, please directyour call to your Grade Level Principal.Help us keep Helix safe. Call if you hear about possible fights, threats,drugs, weapons or dangerous activities on or off campus. (619)644-1940,ext. 290. This line is reviewed by the School Resource Officer. If requested,your call will remain anonymous and confidential.SCRIPYou can support the Helix Foundation as well as save money for legitimateschool expenses such as the cost of athletics or extra curricular activities.Scrip, which is used like gift cards, can be purchased at the school office onscheduled days. Check the Parent Section on the Daily Bulletin for dates,times and contact information.11 12