Student Parent Handbook 2019-2020 as of 8.13.19

healthcare provider and supplying the needed medication and/or supplies to the
school. Please contact the school nurse for health and medication administration
forms, emergency action plans, additional information, and assistance.
Medical Leave of Absence (Student)
A medical leave of absence is granted by the School for the management of
physical or emotional illness that interferes with a student’s ability to participate in
the School’s program, has an undue negative impact on others, and/or is beyond
the practical limits of the care that the School can provide. A recommendation
for medical leave comes from members of the Administrative Team and may
include the Dean of Students, the student’s Advisor, Coordinator of Health
and Counseling, School Nurse, and the Division Head. Academic matters for a
student on medical leave are handled by the appropriate Division Head and the
School Nurse.
Medical leaves tend to fall into two categories: short-term (less than two weeks)
and long-term (more than two weeks, but no more than an academic year).
All students on medical leave are expected to arrange for the professionals
providing their care at home to consult with the Division Head and the
Coordinator of Health and Counseling and/or the School Nurse. After written
clearance from the health care provider, the decision to allow a student to
return will be made by the Administrative Team and will be based on the team's
confidence in the student’s ability to participate fully in the School’s program,
as well as the School’s ability to provide continuing support for the student.
Continued treatment may be a condition for return.
A student on a short-term medical leave that does not interfere with major
obligations is expected to make up the missed work in a timely manner. The
Division Head will coordinate arrangements for completing academic work while
the student is away.
When a student is on long-term medical leave, the Division Head will consult
with the academic departments and the student’s classroom teachers to
determine what work will be required of the student to meet the requirement of
the course(s). Students on a medical leave that requires missing more than 20%
of classroom time may not be able to receive credit for the course work of a
semester or year.
Medical leaves are confidential and are not recorded on a student’s permanent
academic record. When a medical leave is extended beyond one semester, a
decision about the student’s ability to hold his or her place in school will be made
after consultation. If a student is unable to return to school for reason of illness, it
is expected that the student will withdraw. In the case of withdrawal for medical
reasons, the student would be eligible to apply for readmission at a later date.
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For students returning to school after a medical leave, a school mental health
professional, school nurse, administration, or designee will meet with the
student’s parent or guardian, and if appropriate, meet with the student to discuss
transitional planning and the appropriate steps to ensure the student’s readiness
for return to school.
Odyssey Scholars Program
The Odyssey Scholars Program is a special academic program offered at Sandia
Prep designed to challenge and inspire our highest level students. The ideal
Odyssey Scholar is one who is highly motivated, responsible, independent,
innovative, and curious. The program functions much like a “Capstone” project
in that it targets a student who desires in-depth study in a particular academic
or artistic area and challenges them academically, intellectually, and creatively.
Students will apply for entry into the program at the end of their Sophomore year,
and, if accepted, will participate during their Junior and Senior year. The number
of students accepted to the program will be limited to 12 per class. Scholars will
design a two year course of study for themselves that will include various forms
of research, writing, observation, and hands-on activity, and will culminate in a
major public presentation at the end of the senior year. Odyssey Scholars will be
celebrated at the end of their senior year and will receive special recognition on
their transcripts, on their diplomas and at the Graduation Ceremony.
Off Limits Areas
During the school day, students are not allowed in the parking lot and track
area west of the West Gym, the East Field, the garden, the softball field, or the
restrooms outside of the Field House, unless they are engaged in a supervised
activity.
Outdoor Leadership Program
Sandia Prep offers an Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP).
Middle School: Every student in the Middle School has an opportunity to go on a
camping trip each year. Sometimes the trips are organized so that an entire class
may go. Other times, smaller groups may go.
Upper School: Students can develop their leadership and camping skills in the
Camping Associates program. One of the main responsibilities of the Camping
Associates is to assist with Middle School camping trips. Upper School
students may also participate on OLP trips. These programs offer experiential
opportunities for students in good academic standing. Students are required to
keep up with their regular schoolwork while they are participating in OLP trips.
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