Table of Contents

The Chautauqua Experience
Procedure For Admission
Criteria For Admission
Attendance Requirements
Graduation Requirements
General Information
Types Of School Programs
Program Options
Working Students
General Class Behavior
Government Group
Meetings
Transportation
Phone Usage
Materials
Drugs And Alcohol
Breaks During Class
Break Rules
Dress Standards
Use Of Other School Campuses
Policies Related To Big Bear High School
Bear Valley Unified School District Behavioral Guidelines
Offenses That Will Result In Suspension And/Or Expulsion
Contingency Contract

THE CHAUTAUQUA EXPERIENCE

To earn a Chautauqua diploma, a student must do the following:

1) Meet the same course completion requirements as Big Bear High School
2) Pass BVUSD proficiency tests in reading, writing, and mathematics
3) Complete counseling sessions regarding vocational or educational plans after high school graduation

Other features of a Chautauqua education include the following:

1) An emphasis on basic skills in an individualized curriculum. Chautauqua students read daily in content areas using books at appropriate levels of difficulty. Students complete objective work to demonstrate comprehension and the ability to read for information. Students complete subjective assignments, incorporating critical thinking skills, which are discussed individually with teachers.

Chautauqua students write on a daily basis. This work is reviewed individually with teachers. Attention is given to spelling, sentence structure, grammar, and content. Students complete math assignments every day. Each student works on an individualized program which allows for maximum progress as well as continual review. Students progress to increasingly difficult assignments after they have demonstrated mastery of current material.

2) An emphasis on personal development and growth for each student. Teachers are personal counselors and helpers for students and their students' families. For many students, development of a feeling of self-esteem and/or resolution of personal, out-of-school problems is a more immediate priority than academic progress. It is the job of Chautauqua teachers to help students to achieve personal growth as well as academic achievement. Group counseling is available throughout the year.

3) An emphasis on providing flexible school programs that allow for student employment.
Typically, over 25% of the students in school have work permits and are employed during non-school hours. Through frequent contact with employers, a continual effort is made to help students be successful in their jobs. All work experience students complete academic work related to their employment.

4) An emphasis on mastery of subject matter at each student's ability level before course credit is issued.
Teachers determine fair, challenging standards for students in each course. Students do not receive credit in a course until they have displayed appropriate effort and made maximum progress.

5) An emphasis on the development of responsibility as it relates to attendance, academic work, and behavior.
Chautauqua students are required to make up any school time and/or assignments missed due to absences. Students are expected to communicate with their teachers in advance if they are to be absent for any reason.

Students are expected to conduct themselves maturely and responsibly. Inappropriate behavior is dealt with immediately through conferences, counseling, and/or referral to the student government group.

PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION

1. Student and parent meet with Principal's designee from student's current BVUSD school to discuss application for admission to Chautauqua. (Students new to the district meet with Chautauqua's Principal.)

2. If Principal's designee, student, and parent agree that request for alternative school placement is appropriate, admission committee referral form is completed and sent to Chautauqua High School.

3. Student and parent meet with Chautauqua Principal.

4. Student and parent meet with District Admission Committee. Student is prioritized by Admission Committee and placed on waiting list.

5. When at the top of the waiting list, student meets with Chautauqua Government Group.

6. Student enters school.
Students who are on the Chautauqua High School waiting list must continue attending their classes at the referral school until enrolled at Chautauqua High School.


CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

Voluntary enrollment at Chautauqua High School is an option for all BVUSD students. A committee of two counselors and one administrator prioritizes students for admission to Chautauqua. Factors taken into consideration by the admission committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Need for an alternative program
2. Chances for success in an alternative program
3. Chances for success in the conventional program
4. Reasons for requesting an alternative program
5. Chances of timely graduation from high school


ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. When students are going to be absent, they are responsible for notifying their teacher prior to their arrival time on or before the day of their absence. Students who are behind on hours and/or assignments will be in class a minimum of 6 hours each day until caught up.

2. Students absent from school without calling will be referred to Government Group. Students may call collect to talk with their teacher if necessary.

3. Students must arrive within ten minutes of their arrival time except by special arrangement with their teacher or they are considered tardy. Tardies may result in referral to Government Group and probable loss of arrival time.

4. Students' arrival times will be arranged with their teachers.

5. Students are responsible for signing in and out each day when they arrive and depart.

6. All student absences must be verified by a parent note or call to the student's teacher.

7. Student attendance obligations are twenty hours each week.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Below is a summary, by departments, of the graduation requirements.

Subject	Credits
English	40
Math	30
Science	20
Social Studies	40
Fine Art or Foreign Language	10
PE	20
On Your Own	5
Elective	55
Total to Graduate	220

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Students should not use the file cabinets, answer keys, or XEROX machine without teacher permission.

2. Students must not write in, or copy, books or workbooks.

3. Academic work will be based upon each student's needs and goals. Consideration will be given to abilities, interests, and areas of academic strength and weakness.

4. Grading methods will be decided by each student's teacher. The general guideline for issuing credits is 1 credit for every 15 hours of productive work.

5. Students in attendance for a full semester must earn a minimum of 20 credits/semester and have perfect attendance to earn the privilege of determining their school experience for the following semester.

6. Students taking junior college classes may earn 3.3 semester credits for each junior college credit if this is prearranged with their Chautauqua High School teacher.

7. Emergencies caused by acts of God, or events of national or local significance, will result in the minor student being released from Chautauqua High School as per instructions given by the parent/guardian on the “Emergency Release Information” form.

8. No students or student-owned items are allowed in the staff kitchen area.

9. Students waiting for transportation home will continue working in their classrooms until their ride arrives.

10. Visitors and former students should call for an appointment before coming on campus.

11. A thirty dollar book deposit is requested from all students before admission to school. This deposit is refunded upon parent verification that no school books are at the student's home.


TYPES OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS

1. Regular Day Students working on a “daily contract” system must check with their teachers upon arrival in class each day. They receive assignments due that day before they leave, based on the number of hours to be put in. Students must complete assignments to their teachers' satisfaction and write a contract for the next school day before leaving. Students are required to put in a minimum of 20 hours in class each week.

2. Regular Day Students working on a “semester contract” will work out an agreement with their teachers at the beginning of a semester which specifies the quantity and quality of academic work required to earn credits and grades in each of their classes. Students will put in a minimum of 20 hours in class each week. Students who are not making adequate academic progress will lose the privilege of working under this system.

3. Regular Day Students working on a “flexible contract” system must check with their teachers upon arrival in class each day. They receive assignments to work on that day, with work not completed during the school day assigned as homework. They do not “sign in” to start the following school day until homework has been completed. The amount of work required each day may vary as the teacher determines appropriate expectations for individual students. Students are required to put in a minimum of 20 hours in class each week.

4. Independent Study Students * working on a “daily contract” system must check with their teachers upon arrival in class each day. They receive assignments due that day before they leave, based on the number of hours to be put in. Students must complete assignments to their teachers' satisfaction and write a contract for the next day before leaving. Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of academic work each week. Homework may be completed prior to the day it is due. Independent study students have all the rights and privileges of students at their grade level attending other BVUSD schools.

5. Independent Study Students * working on a “semester contract” system will work out an agreement with their teachers at the beginning of a semester which specifies the quantity and quality of academic work which will be required to earn credits and grades in each of their classes. Work may be completed at home or at school. Students will be assigned a minimum of 20 hours of academic work due each week. If work is not completed, students must come to class each day until assignments are finished and/or lose the privilege of working under this system. Independent study students have all the rights and privileges of students at their grade level attending other BVUSD schools.

* Independent Study enrollment is limited to 10% of the school's total enrollment.


PROGRAM OPTIONS
(For Earning Credits)

1. Work at Chautauqua High School using classroom materials.
2. Independent Study program designed by student and agreed upon by assigned teacher.
3. Work experience.
4. Classes at Big Bear High School.
5. Classes at San Bernardino Valley College Big Bear extension (night classes).
6. ROP program.
7. Apprenticeship Program


WORKING STUDENTS

WORK EXPERIENCE
Employed students will arrange their school time with their teacher and the principal. The maximum number of work experience credits given to any student in one semester is 10; the maximum number of total work experience credits is 40.

All work experience forms must be on file with the work experience coordinator prior to the student receiving work experience or attendance credit.

Students on work experience programs may attend class less than 20 hours per week by arrangement with their teacher and the principal.


GENERAL CLASS BEHAVIOR

1. Problems or complaints should be brought up at group meetings, brought to Government Group members, or discussed with a teacher or the principal.

2. Inappropriate behavior, inappropriate language, or wasted class time will result in the student being asked to leave the school for that day. The student is still responsible for his/her full class time that week. The student must make up any class time and work missed.

a) A student asked to leave class will have a conference with the teacher before returning to class.

b) If a student asked to leave class causes any disturbance, this will result in immediate referral to Government Group and parent-teacher-principal conference prior to return to school.

3. After arriving at school, students may not leave and return the same day without permission from the principal.


GOVERNMENT GROUP
(Student Advisory Group to Principal)

1. The Government Group consists of 5 students and the principal or his designee, each with 1 vote. An alternate, who attends meetings when a regular member is absent, is also selected each semester.

2. Student members are elected each semester. They decide among themselves who will serve as chairperson, secretary and treasurer and Board representative.

3. Government Group members must have been a student of Chautauqua High School for 90 school days, the equivalent of one semester.

4. Government Group Member Responsibilities:

• The Chairperson is responsible for running the meetings.

• The Secretary is responsible for: 1) taking, distributing, and posting minutes 2) writing, distributing and filing contingency contracts 3) making an agenda for meetings 4) other duties as needed.

• The Board Representative (not necessarily a government group member) is responsible for attending school board meetings and reporting on school events.

5. All decisions are made by majority vote.

6. Regular meetings will be held every Tuesday, starting at 9:00 A.M. Special meetings may be scheduled.

7. Responsibilities of Government Group members:
a. Be on time to all meetings.
b. Make recommendations to principal regarding new students.
c. Make recommendations to the principal on disciplinary matters for currently enrolled students.
d. Follow school policies.
e. Surface and discuss school problems -- make suggestions for improvements in school.
f. Make recommendations to the principal which affect the school or individuals in the school.
g. Formally and informally provide for the continued smooth functioning and good reputation of Chautauqua High School.

8. Government Group members who miss 6 meetings (for any reason) or 3 meetings (without calling in) will be dropped from the government group and receive no credit.


MEETINGS

School student body meetings (“Group Meetings”) are held Fridays at 10:40 and as needed.


TRANSPORTATION

Chautauqua High School students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school. The school has a special fund for dial-a-ride or trolley payment for transportation needs. Students should see the principal regarding usage of this fund.


PHONE USAGE

With teacher permission, students may use the telephone in their classroom to arrange transportation home or to call parents. Incoming or outgoing personal calls are not permitted. Collect calls from presently enrolled students will be accepted at any time. There must be a good reason for making such a call, however.


MATERIALS

1. Students are expected to supply their own paper and pencils.

2. Books, units of study, and other school materials should not be removed from the class without teacher permission.


DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

1. Any student bringing illegal drugs or any alcoholic beverage on or around campus will be suspended until the School Board can act on the principal's recommendation for expulsion. Parents/police will be notified immediately.

2. Any student arriving at the Chautauqua campus under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be suspended until the School Board can act on the principal's recommendation for expulsion. Parents/police will be notified immediately.

3. Except as related to academic work or in student-teacher discussions, discussion of drugs or alcohol is discouraged.

4. Any counseling or discussion about drugs or alcohol will be confidential between teacher and student.


BREAKS DURING CLASS

Breaks are held from 9:15 - 9:30 a.m., 11:00 - 11:10 a.m., 12:30 - 12:45 p.m., and 1:30 - 1:40 p.m. Any violation of break rules will result in referral to Government Group and possible loss of breaks for ALL students.


BREAK RULES

1. Tobacco products are not allowed on our campus and at school functions.

2. Students should not leave the designated break area except with direct permission from a teacher. The break area is only by the picnic tables between the storage trailers. Students must go directly to the break area from their classrooms.

3. No visitors or friends of Chautauqua High School students are allowed on campus unless prior approval has been obtained from the Principal.

4. No bike riding or skateboarding during breaks.

5. Student behavior should be calm and quiet at all times.

6. The break area must be kept litter-free.

7. Students coming in late from breaks will be referred to Government Group. They may lose break privileges for themselves or for all students.

8. On rainy or snowy days, the front porch is available for use during breaks.


DRESS STANDARDS
FOR BEAR VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLOTHING

1. Strapless tops or dresses, bare midriff shirts or blouses, plunging neckline blouses or shirts, tube tops, swimsuit tops or halter tops are inappropriate at school, unless they are worn with a second cover top. Shorts that do not cover all underclothing are unacceptable.

2. All clothing must cover all undergarments.

3. All clothing should be in good repair and any slits or tears above the knee are unacceptable.

4. Printing on clothing should not depict or promote drug, alcohol, tobacco or any controlled substance use or involvement. Clothing with violent, suggestive or obscene statements is not allowed. Clothing should not have language that expresses racial, ethnic and/or religious prejudice and/or is vulgar or obscene.

5. Footwear must be worn at all times. Slippers or footwear without soles will be considered inappropriate.

6. Sunglasses may not be worn inside any buildings or classrooms.

7. Any clothing or jewelry which presents a safety hazard to the wearer or to other students or school personnel will not be allowed.

8. Any attire that is promoting gang involvement or indicative of gang membership is strictly prohibited. Those items that are strictly prohibited are hair nets, bandanas or handkerchiefs, beepers or any other gang paraphernalia. Because gang clothing styles are constantly changing, the school will reserve the right to address new clothing styles as the need arises. The school will restrict attire worn by students on trips “off the hill”.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Currently in some areas, with some students, Kings and Raiders hats and jackets and BK shoes are common gang attire. We have not restricted the wearing of these items on campuses but would discourage them being worn.

USE OF OTHER SCHOOL CAMPUSES
IN BEAR VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students from Chautauqua High School are not allowed on any other school campus in our school district unless they have written permission from their teacher or the principal. If permission is given, the principal or teacher will call the school and let them know that a Chautauqua student will be on campus. The school will be informed as to what time the student will be on their campus and the reason.

Students must obey all school rules and regulations while they are on another school campus.

Chautauqua students should check in through the principal's office when they are on another campus unless other arrangements have been made by the Chautauqua High School Principal or their teacher.

Chautauqua High School students officially reported by a principal or vice-principal of any other school in our Valley for being on their campus without permission will be referred to Government Group.

Chautauqua High School students may not attend assemblies or participate in the graduation activities of other schools in the district.


POLICIES RELATED TO BIG BEAR HIGH SCHOOL

1. Students at Chautauqua are not eligible to participate in Big Bear High School extracurricular activities such as athletics, school plays, clubs, student government, assemblies, etc.

2. Chautauqua students may attend Big Bear High School dances only with the permission of the Chautauqua principal and Big Bear High School Principal or Vice-Principal. Chautauqua students may only attend a Big Bear High School dance if they are the guest of a Big Bear High School student.

3. A Chautauqua student who wishes to transfer to Big Bear High School must have a successful semester at Chautauqua immediately prior to transferring and must have a reasonable chance of timely high school graduation. A “successful” semester at Chautauqua means that a) behavior, effort and attitude were good b) the student earned a minimum of 25 credits c) attendance was regular d) the student has the recommendation of the Chautauqua principal.

4. A Chautauqua student who intends to transfer to Big Bear High School must let the Chautauqua principal know of this intention at least a month prior to the start of a new semester. A transfer can only occur at the beginning of a new semester.


BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES
BEAR VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The following offenses are those for which a student will be recommended for suspension and/or expulsion. Appropriate law enforcement agencies will be contacted. For the school to be involved, these offenses must relate to school activities or attendance. The acts may take place at any time including but not limited to: school grounds, going or coming from school; during lunch; before school; during breaks; during or while going to or coming from school-sponsored activities (Ed Code 48900).

OFFENSES THAT WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION

1. Caused, attempted to cause or threatening to cause physical injury to another person. Generally, first offense = 1-3 day suspension; second offense = 3-5 day suspension. Circumstances and severity will determine school's response.

2. Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object, unless written permission is obtained in advance from the principal or his designee.

3. Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance as defined in Health & Safety Code 11053 et. seq., alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance or material and represented same as controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.

4. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance as defined in Health & Safety Code 11053 et. seq., alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind.

5. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property. Students and parents will be held financially responsible for any damage, in addition to any other action taken by the school.

7. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.

8. Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products (except as an ingredient to a prescribed drug that requires ingestion during school hours) including, but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel.

9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

10. Unlawfully possessed, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia as defined in section 11014.5 of the Health & Safety Code.

11. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, other school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

12. Knowingly received stolen school or private property.

13. Incidents of sexual harassment by students or adults on our campus or at any activity will be investigated by the high school administration and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. This action could incur suspension or expulsion. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. (For a detailed definition see Board Policy AR5145.7)

CONTINGENCY CONTRACT

Contingency Contracts
(issued for violation of Chautauqua High School Rules):

1. Issued by Government Group only.

2. Must be read and signed by student, Government Group member, student's teacher, and principal.

3. A copy of the contract will be kept by the student, teacher, principal, and Government Group.

4. Must clearly state conditions of contract, including beginning and ending dates.


If the Contingency Contract is violated, further action will be taken:

1. Student may be transferred to another program.

2. Student may be suspended.

3. Labor hours may be assigned.