CLARA BARTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS

901 Classon Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11225-1006

Tel: 718-636-4900         Fax: 718-857-3688

https://www.clarabartonhs.org/ 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

“Educating Today for a Healthy Tomorrow”

Table of Contents

Principal’s Message..................................................................................................................... 2

Vision and Mission  ...................................................................................................................... 3

Clara Barton Values ..................................................................................................................... 4

Calendar …………………………………………………………………………………………..………5

School Overview and Graduation Requirements ..................................................................... 6-7

Majors ………………………………………………………………………………………………..….8-9

Sports and Extracurricular Activities …………………………………………………………..…….. 10

Bell Schedule …………………………………………………………………………………………... 11

Departments …………………………………………………………………………………..…… 12-14

Responsibilities of Students ……………………………………………………………………… 15-17

Rules and Regulations ……………………………………………………………………………. 18-19

Student Behavior Contract …………………………………………………………………………… 20

Cell Phones/ Electronic Policy.................................................................................................... 21

General Response Protocols ………………………………………………………………………... 22

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Family Members,

Welcome to Clara Barton High School for Health Professions! We are so excited to partner with you in ensuring your child’s success. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to equip every student with the skills they need to thrive in the twenty-first century. Alongside core subjects and Regents preparation, we focus on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to help your child become a strong contender in our global economy. Our goal is for all students to not only meet but surpass New York State learning standards and required assessments.

Your involvement in your child’s educational journey is crucial. We encourage you to stay engaged and monitor their progress throughout their four years with us. Please don’t wait until the end of a marking period to check in on how they’re doing—early communication between home and school is key. Our teachers are committed to reaching out at the first sign of any academic or behavioral challenges, and we encourage your child to speak up about any issues they may be facing.

Our team—comprising administrators, supervisors, teachers, educational assistants, family workers, guidance counselors, secretaries, school aides, and community-based organizations—is here to support both students and their families. We warmly invite you to attend our Parent Association meetings, where you can connect with other families and stay informed about what’s happening at school. Please check our monthly calendar on the website for meeting dates and times.

I look forward to meeting and talking with you at these upcoming meetings.

Warm regards,

Dr. Richard A. Forman  

Principal

2024-2025 CALENDAR

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Clara Barton High School offers students the unique opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and state certification in one of six entry-level health careers. Our programs are designed to ensure that students' graduate college-ready and with a CTE endorsement in one of the following majors: Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Dental Lab Technician, and Vision Technology.

In their senior year, eligible students can also complete the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. For those seeking a more challenging academic experience, we offer the Gateway Honors Program for Pre-College Education. Additionally, CBHS is proud to offer a Haitian-Creole Bilingual program and the ACES Program, tailored for students with special needs as outlined in their IEP.

At Clara Barton High School, we are committed to providing a supportive and rigorous educational environment that prepares our students for a successful future.

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

GRADES AND GRADING POLICY

To prepare for the upcoming year, make sure you know what is expected of you, use your time wisely, create study schedules, use your school planner, and always ask your teachers questions if you are confused.  Report to all your classes on time, everyday.  Each subject department has different weights for grades. Refer to the class contract you receive each term, where the percentages will be reviewed by your teacher.

OVERVIEW OF GRADE BREAKDOWN

• 45% Summative Assessments – projects, exams, tests, presentations, essays, etc.
• 35% Formative Assessments – quizzes, homework, writing prompts, etc.  
• 20% Participation & Habits of Work –preparation, engagement, interactions, etc.

WHAT ARE MAJORS AND WHEN DO I APPLY FOR A MAJOR? 

Majors are courses assigned to students during their Junior year in high school, in specific health careers.  The majors selection process takes place during the second term of the sophomore year.  Informational sessions will be presented from the Health careers department.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about each individual major and speak to students who are currently in the major.  To be considered for ANY major, all students must have taken and earned a minimum of 75% in Health Occupations 1, Health Occupations 2, and Business Career and Finance.  Applications will be emailed directly to students late February of the Sophomore year, with a strict due date.

MAJORS

PRACTICAL NURSING

Our Practical Nursing Program is New York State certified to prepare students for the Practical Nursing exam. Students qualify to enter the workforce or go on to two or four-year college programs such as the Registered Nurse Program: Practical Nursing Handbook.  

NURSING ASSISTANT

Students provide direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Students become eligible to take the New York State Certified Nurse Assistant Exam. Graduates are provided the basic skills necessary for entry-level employment in supervised care facilities.

VISION TECH                                                                                                             

 Students of Vision Technology graduate with the skills needed to interpret and fill prescriptions for both eyeglasses and contact lenses. Students maintain a double period schedule where they spend one theory on theory and the second in practice working in a state of the art vision technology lab.

DENTAL ASSISTANT                                                                                                

The Dental Assistant Program prepares students for employment in dental offices and clinics, as well as, two-year dental hygiene programs at community colleges. Students become eligible to take the National Certified Dental Assistant exam in Radiology, Health and Safety. 

MEDICAL ASSISTANT                                                                                                

The Medical Assistant Program provides students with the skills used for employment in medical offices. Students are trained in administrative and computer skills used in medical offices, inclusive of medical billing, coding, and medical transcription.

DENTAL LAB TECH                                                                                           

Students learn the skills necessary to work in a dental lab preparing dentures, inlays, partials, bridges, and castings. Program graduates qualify for entry-level employment in a dental lab or sales and supplies.

WHEN DO I APPLY FOR A MAJOR?  

Majors are courses assigned to students during their Junior year in high school, in specific health careers.  The majors selection process takes place during the second term of the sophomore year.  Informational sessions will be presented from the Health Careers department.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about each individual major and speak to students who are currently in the major.  To be considered for ANY major, all students must have taken and earned a minimum of 75% in Health Occupations 1, Health Occupations 2, and Career & Financial Management courses..  Applications will be emailed directly to students late February for PNs and late March for other majors of the Sophomore year, with a strict due date.

Other opportunities

GATEWAY HONORS                                                                                              

Gateway is a four-year program inclusive of advanced placement courses and opportunities for students to become involved in college programs and medical fields. Applicants should have career interests in medicine, science, and engineering. Also, an overall average of at least 85%, with above average reading and mathematics scores on standardized examinations.

Students are enrolled in small classes with a team approach. This program includes a nine-period day, including double periods of science and math, with an emphasis on writing and skills development in the humanities. Summer internships and other learning opportunities are also included.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

We currently offer the following Advanced Placement (AP) classes that offer college-level curriculum and exams to all our students.  After completion of the AP course, the student will get college credit for the course providing the student receives a certain grade on the AP exam. The student will also receive high school credit on their transcript.

COLLEGE NOW

College NOW is CUNY’s largest collaborative program with the New York City secondary public school system. The program offers dual enrollment and college-readiness programs in NYC high schools. The goal of College Now is to help students meet high school graduation requirements and prepare for success in college, both academically and socially. In addition, program administrators have designed activities to enhance student performance on Regents and CUNY placement exams so that students will be able to enroll in college without the need for remediation. Source:http://collegenow.cuny.edu/about-college-now

PEER GROUP CONNECTION

"Peer Group Connection (PGC) for High Schools is an evidence-based program that supports and eases students’ successful transition from middle to high school. The program taps into the power of high school juniors and seniors to create a nurturing environment for incoming freshmen. Once per week, pairs of junior and senior peer leaders meet with groups of 10-14 freshmen in outreach sessions designed to strengthen relationships among students across grades." - Supportive Schools

SPORTS/PSAL

All students are encouraged to try out for our athletic teams: See Mr. Meyerson or the Athletic Director  in room 363 for more information

Athletic Team Eligibility: To be eligible for teams

1. Students must pass Five subjects and physical education in the previous marking period,
2. Have accumulated a minimum of ten credits over the previous two semesters,
3. Submit proof of a medical examination,
4. Submit a parental permission slip,
5. And have good attendance and good citizenship.
6. Use this form to sign up and to try out for teams. 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A student who is absent from school will not be eligible for school activities during or after school on that particular day. The only exception to this rule will be when such absence is with PRIOR CONSENT of the school principal/designee for reasons of special appointments beyond the control of the student.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

After-School Partnership with the FDNY for EMS Certification, Anime Art Club, Bottom Line College Prep, Brooklyn Museum Teen Program, CARE (Health Career Club), Cheerleading,Christian Seekers, Cricket Club, College Prep and Tutoring Program, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Liberty Partnerships, Pace Upward Bound, Sadie Nash Leadership, Student Monthly Newsletter, Women in Government Book Club, Yearbook, YW LEAD College Prep, Korean Culture Club, Chess Club, Dance, Step club, Wig-making club, Crochet-Club, Kick's(Sneaker) Club, A/V club, Soccer club(Clubs are subject to change) New clubs are always being added, check with the COSA(Ms. Cobb) for more information.

Well, we are here to help!

STAFF DIRECTORY 

Getting in touch with your teachers or other staff members is easy. Just click the link: https://www.clarabartonhs.org/apps/staff/

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is recorded each class period. A student is considered absent if he or she misses the class. Students are expected to report to class punctually each day and to maintain at least 90% attendance for the term.

LATENESS

Once the late bell rings and the class period begins, students who are late without an acceptable reason will receive a range of disciplinary consequences and/or counseling support to address the underlying cause of this action. Consequences will include parent notification, meeting with Assistant Principal, and where appropriate, additional disciplinary action in alignment with the Discipline Code.  

CUTTING CLASSES

Cutting is understood to mean an unauthorized or unexcused absence from an assigned class. Students are responsible for providing evidence of a valid reason for missing class. Students who cut class will receive a range of disciplinary consequences and/or counseling support to address the underlying cause of this action. Consequences will include after school detention, parent notification, and where appropriate, additional disciplinary action in alignment with the Discipline Code.

ID’S

Students are expected to carry their identification card and program always, and must swipe the ID card through a scanner to be admitted to school each day. In addition, you must show it to teachers, school safety, and school cafeteria staff when asked. Lost or damaged IDs can be replaced in Room 221.

PROGRAMMING

Your Guidance Counselor will program you for classes that are needed for advancement and Graduation.  Corrections are only made if:

1. Student has been assigned to a wrong level of the class
2. You are scheduled to two classes at the same time
3. A class is missing
4. The class had already been passed
5. Student need support services

Program changes/corrections are only permitted the first 10 days of each term.

SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Your assigned School Counselor and College Counselor will help you succeed in school.  You have the right  to talk to your guidance counselor about any personal or school issues/concerns you may have in addition to obtaining information on programming for future terms.  If you wish to see your guidance counselor, you may go to the Guidance Suite during your lunch period or via email at any time. If it is an emergency situation, see an assistant principal or dean immediately.

ILLNESS IN SCHOOL

If you become ill in school, report to the Nurse’s Office in Room 129, with a pass from a classroom teacher. It is important to have Blue Emergency Contact Cards to be filled thoroughly with full names and phone numbers of Emergency contacts. In the event the student needs to go home, the student will ONLY be released to an adult listed on the Blue Emergency card.

LUNCH & BREAKFAST

Students may bring food from home or you may obtain breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria.  However, you may not bring glass bottles/containers to school. Students can not leave the building to obtain lunch or order food delivery.  Food is not to be eaten outside of the cafeteria.  In order to obtain free lunch, make sure that the appropriate forms are completed and submitted.

PASSES

Students must obtain a hall pass from the teacher before leaving the classroom or any school office. Students should be in no place other than those designated by teachers or school officials without permission. Students who are not in class during regular class hours must have a hall pass and produce it upon request of a staff member.

• Bathroom Pass: Can not be given the first or last 10 minutes of the class period. Any student in the hall without a pass will be sent back to class.

TRANSPORTATION

See Ms. Mushailova in room 329

ELEVATORS

You must have an elevator pass or be accompanied by a staff member to use the elevator.

LOST & FOUND

Are located in room 215 or 221.

If they do not have it, make a report with the Dean’s Office, room 221. 

COLLEGE OFFICE

Located in room 220

SATURDAY AND PM ACADEMY
Saturday and PM Academy take place in the Fall and Spring. Credit bearing courses and tutoring are offered. See your Guidance Counselor in room 205 for more information.

LOITERING

Students may not "hang out" on school property (in or outside the building) after 3:40 p.m. unless participating in an assigned, scheduled and supervised school activity (sport, extracurricular, extra help, etc.). Students are to leave campus when their instructional day or assigned/supervised activity is over.

ACADEMIC HONESTY 

Academic honesty is an essential part of the educational process. Cheating is a form of academic misconduct, which results in the misrepresentation of student ability and achievement. It includes, but is not limited to: - copying homework, quizzes, tests, projects, assignments, etc. - giving or obtaining assistance on quizzes and tests (or attempting to do so) - using unauthorized help materials - possession of test questions and/or answers in advance of or during a test - substituting for a test-taker - collusion on tests, projects, etc. - plagiarism* *According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to “plagiarize” means:

1. to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own

2. to use (another’s production) without crediting the source

3. to commit literary theft

4. to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

Students who cheat will receive a grade of ZERO for the academic activity affected. Parent contact will be made and further disciplinary action could result, depending on specific circumstances.

RULES AND REGULATIONS 

Best Practices At Clara Barton:

1. Photo ID and Program Cards:  Always carry your school photo ID and program card. You can get a photo ID in the Cafeteria or Deans’ office (Room 221) and program cards in Room 205. Please have your ID visible at all times and program card ready for any Clara Barton staff member when asked.
2. Closed Campus: Our campus is closed during the school day, including lunch. You can only leave if signed out by a parent or guardian.
3. Attendance and Punctuality: Lateness, cutting, and truancy are not allowed and will affect your academic success. Disciplinary actions will follow.
4. Bringing Visitors: Unauthorized visitors are not allowed in the school. Intruders will be arrested, and students responsible for bringing them in will face disciplinary action. Parents and guardians can sign in with school safety at the front desk to meet with staff.
5. Electronic Devices: Cell phones, Apple Watches, iPads, Bluetooth headphones, PSPs, tablets, e-cigarettes, and all other electronic devices are not allowed.

1. School-provided laptops or iPads are available in classrooms. If you use an unauthorized device, it will be confiscated, and your name added to the confiscation list. Other disciplinary actions will follow. See the Cell Phone Policy for more details.

6. Locker Room Access: You must show your program card to enter the Locker Room, and only during your scheduled gym periods. Store only your gym attire in gym lockers.
7. Hallway Passes:To move around the building, you need an official pass (cone) from your teacher or office. You must sign the log sheet when leaving a class and cannot be issued a pass during the first and last 10 minutes of any period.
8. Illness: If you get sick, you cannot go home alone. A parent or guardian must pick you up from school. Make sure you have an emergency BLUE CARD on file in both the medical and General offices.
9. Smoking and Vaping: Smoking or vaping is not allowed in the building or on school grounds. Offenders may receive an NYPD Warning Card, and parents will be notified. Disciplinary action will follow in line with the Chancellor’s Discipline Code.
10. Supervised Areas: Stay in supervised areas of the building only, such as the auditorium, cafeteria, library, or classrooms. Do not remain in unsupervised areas.
11. Leaving School Grounds: You must leave the school grounds when your school day is over.
12. Elevator Use: Only students with an elevator pass (issued in Room 129 by the nurse with a doctor’s note) can use the elevator.
13. Fundraising and Soliciting: You are not allowed to sell food or products unless it’s part of a school-authorized fundraiser. Soliciting is not permitted.
14. Open Containers: Open containers, like those from Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts,  are not allowed in school. Ex- open water bottles containers and cups can come in but must be empty.
15. Cafeteria Access: You can only enter the cafeteria during your assigned lunch period.
16. Snacks and Water: You cannot buy snacks or water during class time.
17. Mandatory Drills: All students must participate in at least 12 mandatory drills each school year.
18. Detention:Detention is served after school only. If you skip detention, there will be further consequences.

As a Best practice, the following Are Not Allowed on School Grounds

1. Gang Paraphernalia: No beads, bandanas, flags, or other gang-related items.
2. Smoking and Vaping: Smoking or vaping is not allowed.
3. Unauthorized Entry: Do not open doors for anyone trying to enter the building.
4. Posting Materials: Posting or distributing materials on school grounds is not allowed.
5. Glass Bottles: No glass bottles are allowed in school.
6. Sports Equipment: Sports equipment like basketballs and soccer balls are collected at entry and returned to students at the end of their school day.
7. Skateboards, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, and skates are not allowed.
8. Games and Gambling:No dice, cards, or gambling of any kind.
9. Spitting: Spitting on school grounds is prohibited.
10. Balloons: Helium balloons must be kept in the Deans’ Office until the end of the day. You cannot carry balloons around the school.

Clara Barton High School adheres to all NYC DOE Chancellor’s Regulations and Discipline Codes: 

The following behaviors will result in disciplinary action, which may include mediation, restorative approaches, detention, suspension, and/or arrest:

1. Fighting and disrupting the orderly operation of school activities.
2. Engaging in physical assault and/or sexual assault against students or staff.
3. Consensual sex acts.
4. Recklessly endangering students and/or staff.
5. Possessing or using a weapon or a laser light.
6. Engaging in theft of personal or school property.
7. Ringing a false alarm or engaging in acts of arson.
8. Vandalism to school property or property of students or staff, e.g. graffiti.
9. Gambling
10. Possessing, selling, or distributing alcohol or drugs.
11. Engaging in sexual harassment or making inappropriate/offensive comments (slurs against racial/ethnic groups, religious groups, the disabled, those of another gender or sexual orientation).
12. Defying the lawful authority of school personnel.
13. Using force against or attempting to inflict injury upon school personnel.
14. Involvement in off-school premises behavior which presents a danger to the health, safety, morals or welfare of the school community or a nexus to the school community.
15. Selling of non-school fundraising candy or other items is prohibited.
16. Engaging in harassing, intimidating and/or bullying behavior, including using electronic communication to engage in such behavior (cyber-bullying) based on individual’s actual or perceived race, weight, religion, religious practices, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability; such behavior includes, physical violence, stalking; verbal, written, or physical conduct.

Adherence to these policies by each student will permit our school to function in an orderly manner and will promote academic achievement.

STUDENT BEHAVIORAL CONTRACT

__________________________________          ______________      __________________             ______

Name of Student                                                             OSIS                              Date of Birth                      Grade

I know that I have a right to:

• be in a safe and supportive learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment and bigotry;
• know what is appropriate behavior and what behaviors may result in disciplinary actions;
• be counseled by members of the professional staff in matters related to my behavior as it affects my education and welfare within the school;
• due process of law in instances of disciplinary action for alleged violations of school regulations for which I may be suspended or removed from class.

I agree to:

• come to school on time;

• appear for each of my classes at the start time, ready to begin work;
• be prepared with appropriate materials and assignments for all classes;
• show respect to all members of the learning community;  
• resolve conflicts peacefully, and avoid fighting inside or outside of the school or at program sites;
• behave respectfully, without arguing, and cooperate when a staff member gives direction or makes a request.  I understand that I will be given an opportunity to voice my concerns at an appropriate time if I do not agree with the request;
• take responsibility for my personal belongings and respect other people’s property;
• dress appropriately and do not wear any suggestive clothing including skinny tank-tops, midriffs, short-shorts, or mini-skirts;
• refrain from  wearing clothes which have any signs of gang affiliation (e.g. scarves, bandanas) and refrain from using gang signs, calls, chants, movements, handshakes;
• refrain from bringing weapons, illegal drugs, controlled substances and alcohol to school;
• refrain from bringing personal possessions that are disruptive (e.g., cell phone, beeper, pager) in school;
• share information with school officials that might affect the health, safety or welfare of the school community;
• keep my parents/guardians informed about school-related matters and make sure I give them any information sent home;
• follow all rules in the Discipline Code;
• behave responsibly as described in the Bill of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

I have received a copy of the Discipline Code and Bill of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and understand this contract.  I agree to follow the rules of behavior.

Student Name:  _______________________        Signature: ________________________        Date:  _______                        (Please Print)

{Parent Section}

I have received a copy of the Discipline Code and Bill of Student Rights and Responsibilities and understand the behavior that is required of my child.

I agree to help my child follow this agreement by:

• encouraging my child to be a respectful and peaceful member of the school community
• discussing the contents of the Discipline Code and the Bill of Student Rights and Responsibilities with my child
• participating in any discussions and decisions concerning my child’s education
• attending scheduled appointments with school staff
• providing the school with current telephone numbers and emergency contact information
• alerting the school if there are any significant changes in my child’s health, or well-being that affect his/her ability to perform in school.

CELL/ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY

1. ALL NEW STUDENTS WILL BE ISSUED ONE YONDR POUCH. 

1. The Yondr Pouch is the property of Clara Barton High School.The purpose of the pouch is to store and lock your cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices during the school day.
2. You will remain in possession of your assigned Yondr Pouch throughout the school day.  You will not be able to  remove the phone until they are unlocked at the end of the school day or disciplinary actions will follow.
3. If you tamper, destroy or damage the Yondr Pouch,  your  phone will be collected daily at entry for the entirety of the school year, a parental meeting will be held, and other possible disciplinary action may follow.
4. If you damage the Yondr Pouch of another student, disciplinary action will follow and you will lose access to YOUR pouch.
5. You are required to have your Yondr Pouch each day.  If you forget your pouch, your phone will be collected by the school staff and returned at the end of the day.
6. If a student is found to be in flagrant disregard of the above-stated rules, their phones will be collected each day until further notice.

2. ALL OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO BE COLLECTED BY SCHOOL STAFF AND RETURNED AT THE END OF THE STUDENT'S SCHOOL DAY.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CELL PHONE POLICY

1st offense- Presenting with a broken or missing pouch, cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices will be collected by the administrator/dean, secured for the day and returned to the student at their end of the instructional or extracurricular day after a Dean conference to review the cell phone policy and the student will be scheduled for a two day after-school detention.

2nd offense- Presenting with a broken or missing pouch, cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices will be collected and returned at the end of the day by the Dean's office, following a parent/guardian conference, via conference call or on a virtual platform. The student will be scheduled for a three day after-school detention.

3rd offense- Presenting with a broken or missing pouch, cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices will be confiscated daily and returned at the end of student’s school day for the entirety of the school year.

                *The above applies to ALL STUDENTS.*

If you do not want  to participate in the Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policy we ask that all devices be kept at home as there are no exceptions to the Cell Phone/ Electronic policy.

Laptops/ desktop workstations are in various locations throughout the building and are available for students who need one for academic purposes.