Student Handbook

Gotham Collaborative High School

1980 Lafayette Avenue

Bronx, NY 10473

phone: ( 718 ) 597 - 1587

fax: ( 718 ) 597 - 1371

www. gchs. nyc

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GCHS INFORMATION        3

Mission & Vision        3

Bell Schedule        3

ACADEMICS        4

Grading Policy        4

Report Cards        5

JumpRope        6

Assessments        6

Graduation Requirements        7

College & Career Readiness Requirements        8

Courses at GCHS        9

College & Career Readiness (CCR)        9

Extended Day & Summer School        9

STUDENT LIFE        10

Extracurricular Activities        10

National Honor Society        11

Special Events        11

Field Trips        11

Student Support & Guidance        12

GCHS POLICIES & PROCEDURES        13

Code of Conduct        13

Phone Policy                                                                                            13 

Behaviors & Consequences        13

Positive Behavior Incentive System (PBIS)        14

Dress Code Policy        16

Locker Usage        16

Attendance & Lateness        16

More Things to Know . . . .        16

Contact Information        18

GCHS INFORMATION

Mission & Vision

Mission:

The Mission of Gotham Collaborative is to create an equitable learning community that ensures each student has access to the resources and support needed to reach their highest potential.

Vision:

The Vision of Gotham Collaborative is to engage students in productive struggle, where they will develop perseverance and critical thinking skills. Students will master these skills through multiple approaches and create meaningful post-secondary plans, guided by real-world experiences connected to their learning.

Bell Schedule

ACADEMICS

Grading Policy

Assignment Grades and Report Card Grades

All Graded Assignments given to students are to be graded on a 4-point scale and be entered into the grade book on the same scale.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times per semester, and measure students’ performance to date. It is important to keep up with classwork and projects at all times. Grades will be reported numerically based on the chart below:

GCHS Final Grade Conversion Table

JumpRope

JumpRope is a standards-based online system that provides a single place where teachers, students, and parents can find important information about a student, including:

• Biographical Information: Contact information, Services, Anecdotal logs
• Schedules: Student’s current class schedule, Regents schedule
• Grades: Progress Reports, Report Cards, Transcript
• Attendance: Daily, yearly, and course totals

JumpRope can be accessed anytime, from any computer, at the following site: https://jumpro.pe

Assessments

In order to assess present levels of performance, collect current student data, and inform instructional planning the following interim assessments and examinations may be administered:

• Performance Series: This online assessment tool will be used in Math and English as a diagnostic tool and will be administered three times a year.

• Interim Assessments: Interim assessments will be given throughout the school year in all subject areas. Students will take these assessments in their classes during the school day.

• January Regents: January Regents exams will be used as a mid-point assessment in order to determine what students know and areas that need to be targeted prior to the June Regents.

• Regents Exams: These exams assess student mastery of content and skills taught throughout a course. Students must pass the required Regents Exams in order to be eligible to graduate.

• PSATs & SATs: The PSAT exam is given to all 10th grade students, and the SAT is given to all 11th grade students. Both exams will be administered in the Spring during the regular school day.

Graduation Requirements

In order to earn a high school diploma, all students must meet the following criteria:

Credit Requirements:

Exam Requirements (65%+):

It is your responsibility to be aware of your credit accumulation. To stay on track you must earn at least 11 credits each year (a minimum of 44 credits to graduate), and these credits must be in the proper classes (as listed above). Students not on track at the end of year jeopardize being promoted and may have to repeat the grade. Your CCR teacher and School Counselor will be the people who will help you to understand your particular situation.

College & Career Readiness Requirements

The mission of GCHS is to prepare each of our students for college and life beyond high school. In today’s world it is becoming increasingly important to obtain college degrees in order to enjoy comfortable lifestyles as adults.

Students must earn the credits, and pass the Regents, listed above in order to receive a Regents or Advanced Regents diploma.

Completing additional courses, earning higher scores on these exams, and taking additional exams can support students in successfully transitioning to college or the workplace.

Courses and scores that support College and Career Readiness, and are requirements of many colleges include the following:

To be in the best possible position, we expect students to:

• Stay on track with respect to credits
• Pass required Regents
• Perform well on SAT exams
• Obtain recommendations from teachers
• Keep your overall grade average as high as possible
• Participate in school and/or community activities

Courses at GCHS

In addition to the core courses that are required for high school graduation, students at GCHS may also qualify to take part in additional opportunities for enrichment, which include the following:

• Internships: 11th and 12th grade students may be registered for an Internships elective course in the Fall semester. On-track students may apply for internship opportunities during the Spring semester.

• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Students who demonstrate advanced academic ability and receive teacher recommendation will be eligible to take AP courses. These courses will end in an AP exam.
• College Now & Monroe Dual Enrollment: Select on-track 11th and 12th grade students may participate in these programs. Students in these programs take college courses and earn college credits while also taking their required high school coursework.
• FutureReadyNYC program provides access to courses for those interested in the healthcare field, while also preparing students for work in any field. Students explore a range of careers, acquire 21st century employability skills including financial literacy, and earn paid work-based learning opportunities and early college credits and credentials.

• College Pathway Program provides students the opportunity to take college courses all four years to graduate with an Associate's Degree in addition to a high school diploma. 

College & Career Readiness (CCR)

The College and Career Readiness (CCR) program at GCHS provides the opportunity for teachers and other staff members to interact with students in a smaller, more personalized environment. All students in grades 9-12 will be scheduled for a CCR class that meets twice a week. In each grade, topics will be covered that are appropriate to the age group. All students will participate in units related to college and career readiness in order to create meaningful post-secondary plans.

Extended Day & Summer School

Students will have opportunities to take additional courses and/or make up courses they have failed with the YABC and/or Summer School. It is important that students who fail a course make up the course in order to get back on track. Students can also make up credit by repeating the entire course during the school year or summer school.

STUDENT LIFE

Extracurricular Activities

At GCHS, we offer many ways for students to get involved outside of the academic day. All students are encouraged to contribute to the culture of the school and take part in lunch-time and after school activities. Programs are selected based on the expressed interests of students. Examples of programs that have been offered in the past include the following:

If you have any ideas about activities or programs that you would like to see made available, speak to your CCR teacher about finding a GCHS staff member to become the advisor for the activity as a first step in the process.

National Honor Society

Students may become eligible for membership in the Gotham Collaborative Chapter of the National Honor Society in their Junior and Senior years. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 85%; complete an application demonstrating excellence in scholarship, character, leadership and service; and be selected by the NHS Faculty Council.

Special Events

At GCHS we like to showcase our students’ work and talents. We organize a number of events that all students, and in many cases their families, are encouraged to attend. Such events include:

• Back to School Night
• GCHS Family Nights
• Attendance Celebrations

• Senior Prom
• Senior Breakfast
• Art Showcase

We also plan events that have become school traditions and our students look forward to throughout the year. Some of these include:

• Field Days
• Thanksgiving Feast
• Staff vs. Student Tournaments
• Karaoke Nights
• Three-on-Three Tournaments

Field Trips

GCHS believes in providing students with real world experiences. Field Trips provide students with an opportunity to experience areas that are studied in the classroom out in the real world. These trips are organized by the teachers and staff who make up your grade team.

In order to attend a scheduled field trip, all students must have completed and returned the Parental Consent Form. Permission via telephone is not acceptable. Students who attend are expected to take the field trip experience seriously and adhere to all GCHS school rules. Remember: As students you represent not only yourselves but your school as well.

Student Support & Guidance

The life of a teenager is difficult. You are faced with many personal and academic challenges. At GCHS we take pride in making sure that all students have a place to go and people to talk to if they are in need of some support and/or guidance.

Our goal is always to find positive ways to address issues that may arise and provide our students with a safe and supportive environment to learn. Remember to always ask for help if you need it.

GCHS POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Code of Conduct

There are approximately 400 students in attendance here at GCHS. You are part of a school community. As such it is vital that you follow school rules and procedures. You are not expected to agree with all of the school rules but you are expected to follow them.

Doing so will enable you to stay focused on why you’re here: to learn and prepare for your life after graduation from high school.

Phones

Please refer to GCHS Student Phone Policy 

Behaviors & Consequences

The NYC code of conduct will be followed with respect to discipline procedures. Consequences for not adhering to the rules will be documented accordingly and may result in various disciplinary responses including: removal from class, parent phone call or conference, detention, suspension, and/or referral to Administration, School Counselor or Social Worker.

Students will receive more information regarding the Do’s and Don’ts of school behavior at the beginning of the school year. Below is a list of some of the highlights:

• Electronics: One electronic device per student must be turned in to GCHS staff prior to entering scanning. Electronics will be given back at the end of each student’s scheduled day. If you bring more than one electronic device to school it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day (the first time). Repeat offenders will be required to have a parent/guardian come to school to retrieve the item(s).
• Language: All GCHS students are expected to be respectful towards all members of the school community. Use of foul and/or disrespectful language is inappropriate in a school setting. Violators may be subject to a disciplinary response.
• Graffiti: GCHS serves as your home away from home. It is expected that all members of the school community work to keep this a clean, safe space for all students. Vandalizing school property will be taken seriously and will result in a disciplinary response.
• Fighting: There is never an excuse for fighting. Violators will be subject to automatic suspension. The length of suspension will vary depending on circumstances.
• Threats: Threats will be taken very seriously. Whether you are angry or just kidding around, be careful not to threaten to harm anyone in any way. Consequences may include suspension and/or police investigations.
• Trespassing: Students from GCHS are not allowed to visit other schools in the building for ANY reason. This is considered trespassing and consequences may include suspension.
• Cutting: All GCHS students are expected to attend class as scheduled. If you are not where you are supposed to be (as stated on your class schedule), then you are in an unauthorized place or location, which is then considered trespassing (see above) and will result in disciplinary action.
• Inappropriate Behavior: All GCHS students are expected to remain on task in class and follow teacher direction. Every student is entitled to receive an education. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
• Sexual Harassment: Inappropriate language and/or touching is considered a federal offense and can result in police intervention. It is important to know where boundaries are so that you don’t cross them. If you have any questions or feel that you have been victimized you should speak with the Social Worker.
• Theft: Burglary is considered a federal offense. If you are caught in violation, consequences may result in suspension and police activity.

Everyone wants to be part of a school community that is safe. Do your part! If you are having a bad day, speak to someone. Never take matters into your own hands when you are upset.

Positive Behavior Incentive System (PBIS)

The PBIS program addresses the social, emotional, behavioral needs of students. It allows teachers and staff to reward students who are making the right choices throughout the school day.

Students will earn Gotham Gold for displaying positive behaviors. Gotham Gold may be traded in for various rewards, such as field trips and items in the GCHS School Store.

Dress Code Policy

In order to promote educational excellence with minimum distractions, ALL students are expected to adhere to the following dress code:

• Clothing, headgear (e.g., caps or hats), or other items that are unsafe or disruptive to the educational process are prohibited under the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning for Grades 6–12.

Disruptive or Unsafe Clothing Includes (but is not limited to):

• Tube tops / halter tops / net tops / tank tops / spaghetti straps
• Clothing that exposes the midsection
• See-through garments
• Undergarments and private areas must be fully covered and cannot be exposed

The Following Behaviors Are Also Prohibited:

• Wearing clothing that displays profane, obscene, vulgar, or lewd language, gestures, or images
• Wearing clothing that displays slurs based on:

• Actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, weight, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability

• Wearing or displaying gang-related apparel or accessories
• Wearing inappropriate or unsafe footwear

• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times

Students who violate these provisions will face disciplinary action, in accordance with the Discipline Code. Students found in violation of the dress code will be:

• Given the opportunity to modify their appearance to avoid further disruption or safety risks
• Subject to an in-school disciplinary response
• Required to have a parent pick-up from school

Locker Usage

Lockers are distributed on a first come first serve basis at the beginning of the year and may be shared with a locker mate. Lockers may only be used at designated times throughout the day (before school, after school, lunch periods). It is important to remember that locker use is a privilege. Violation of the locker usage contract or violation of any GCHS school rules and policies may result in loss of locker privileges.

Attendance & Lateness

Regular and punctual student attendance is important. All students are expected to arrive at school on time and report directly to class. Every time you stay home, it makes it more difficult for teachers to teach, and it is more difficult for you because you fall behind and it reflects negatively on your report card.

Absences and latenesses will be documented and phone calls will be made. If absences or latenesses are excessive, additional outreach will be made that may result in a home visit and/or family conference.

More Things to Know . . . .

• Bathrooms:        

Students are not permitted to use the restrooms during the first and last 10 minutes of class or during the change of periods.

• Hallways:

Students must sign into SmartPass with their account before leaving class. They must return to their classroom within the time allowed as stated in the SmartPass.

• Phone calls:

Phone calls may be made in the main office, only at the designated times: before school, during lunch periods, and after school.

• Library:

The campus library is located on the second floor. Students must possess the appropriate pass in order to use this facility.

• Gyms:

Gyms are only available for use during students’ gym period (as stated on class schedule). Students who are found in the gym at other times will be considered to be trespassing and will face the appropriate disciplinary action.

• Nurse:

The campus Nurse’s office is located on the second floor. Students must get a Nurse’s pass from the main office in order to see the Nurse.

• Scanning:

All students must enter through scanning at the designated entrance. Prohibited items found during scanning will be confiscated.

• Evacuation & Intruder Drills:

The campus will take part in various mandated drills throughout the year. All students must follow teachers’ and staff directions during these drills. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

• Technology:

Laptops and other technology are used in classrooms throughout the day. In order to utilize technology at GCHS, you must present the teacher with your student ID card.

• Student ID Cards:

GCHS ID cards will be issued ONCE upon first admittance to the school and must be carried at all times. Notify a Dean in case of loss or theft and a new card will be issued.

• Metrocards:

Students will receive Metrocards at the beginning of each semester. Notify a Dean in case of loss or theft and a new card will be issued at the end of the week.

• Working Papers:

Working paper applications and guidelines are available in the main office. Completed applications must be submitted to Ms. Wong, in the main office, who will process them and issue cards two times a week.

• Absences:

Notify the school of an absence by calling and/or bringing in a note the following day. Bringing in a doctor's note will allow us to mark the absence as “excused”.

• Emergency Contact Form (Blue Card):

Please ensure we have your most up-to-date contact information. In case of a change or addition to an address and/or phone number, notify us IMMEDIATELY.

Contact Information

Principal:

Mr. David Liu, DLiu@gchs.nyc

Assistant Principals:

        Ms. Annie Heller, AHeller@gchs.nyc

        Dr. Anduela Prela, APrela@gchs.nyc

School Counselors:

        9th and 10th – Dr. Kristy Lebron, KLebron@gchs.nyc

        11th and 12th – Ms. Candice Mohr, CMohr@gchs.nyc

Social Worker:

        Ms. Lia Jaffery, LJaffery@gchs.nyc

Dean:

        Juan Benitez, JBenitez@gchs.nyc

Parent Coordinator:

        Ms. Lisette Pacheco, LPacheco@gchs.nyc