To provide an effective, quality education that enables students of all backgrounds to increase their educational level or complete their secondary education.

The purpose of this handbook is to ensure that all rules and procedures are clearly understood and enforced consistently. The employees of Cassata High School believe in each student’s ability to succeed and as a result, set high standards and expectations based on the individual’s ability level.

The family, especially the parent/guardian, plays an integral role in the educational process. Parents are encouraged to take an active role by participating in parent/student/teacher conferences, providing positive support, and calling the school when a concern arises. Parents are welcome and encouraged to call and speak to teachers, to set up appointments to sit in on classes and participate in open houses throughout the year.

Each Parent/Guardian must secure transportation to and from school for their student. In the event a student is sent home due to illness, behavioral issues or any other reason, the parent/guardian is responsible for arranging to pick up the student in a timely manner.

Cassata High School does not discriminate in admissions or employment practices on the basis of gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disabling condition. Further, Cassata High School's faculty and staff embrace individuality and appropriate self-expression.

Cassata High School has been inspected for asbestos as required under AHERA law. Based on the inspection and subsequent re-inspections, the facility has no known asbestos containing materials. A copy of Cassata High School's asbestos management plan is on file in the bookkeeper's office located in the main office.

Cassata High School serves individuals who, for various reasons, find their needs unmet in more traditional educational institutions. Cassata’s programs enable students of all academic backgrounds to raise their educational skills and to complete their secondary education. This is accomplished via personalized academic and counseling programs, which promote individual achievement, as well as emotional and social growth.

Educating and preparing the student for the future are the primary program goals at Cassata. During the educational process, total personal development is achieved through:

1. A quality academic program, which is designed to meet the needs of the individual student, while promoting optimal individual achievement.

2. An effective work habit and study skills program.

Cassata is part of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Catholic Conference. Instructors are qualified in the subject area taught and hold Texas Teacher Certifications. A diploma from Cassata allows a student to attend any college or university provided admissions requirements are met.

Cassata offers four educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Students may begin in one course of study and advance to another as skill level increases.

1. High School Program - Admission requires a minimum ninth grade reading level. Students completing this program earn a high school diploma. Requirements for graduation are:

English 4 credits

Math 3 credits

Science 2 credits

Social Studies 3 credits

Physical Education 1 ½ credits

Health ½ credit

Electives 5 ½ credits

Academic Elective 1 credit

Speech ½ credit

Technology Applications 1 credit

Along with 10 Hours of Community Service

Students must be at least 16 years of age. Transcript, withdrawal form, and health records must be provided to the school prior to enrollment. The student, along with a parent or guardian, must attend an orientation in which rules and policies are detailed. When both the parent/guardian and student agree to follow Cassata policies, the student will bring in appropriate paperwork, pay applicable fees, and take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test. All students enrolling at Cassata are on a 30-day probationary period and may be withdrawn if the needs of the student are not being met or a student’s needs are greater than Cassata can provide.

Each student is tested before enrollment using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) to determine the student’s placement within Cassata's educational program. Students are scheduled in classes based on the results of this test and on an evaluation of the official transcript. Students must also take an exit test before graduation. Students are scheduled in classes in accordance with state guidelines for graduation.

A student is not guaranteed enrollment until registration AND the first month's tuition, which is prorated, is PAID IN FULL. No student may begin classes until payment and paperwork needed is complete. Tuition must be paid by the 1^st of each month. A late fee of $20.00 is assessed for payments made after the 5^th of the month. A contractual agreement that contains detailed information regarding financial policies must be signed by the student and parent. Due to cost, statements are not mailed home. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn by the school must pay a $25.00 re-enrollment fee if re-enrolled during the same school year.

Tuition and fees must be paid in full and all textbooks returned before records, transcripts, or other information is released by Cassata High School. The bookkeeper will work with students and parents who experience difficulty with tuition payments. It is the responsibility of the parent to contact the bookkeeper immediately when the financial situation of the family changes so that arrangements can be made. Students suspended from school for more than three days or suspended twice in one semester may be re-admitted on a probationary contract and may be assessed full tuition rate.

Any student falling behind the equivalent of two months in payments will be withdrawn from school until payment is made. Tuition, based on a sliding scale, makes Cassata affordable for all families.

Tuition assistance is a privilege, not a right. Because of the generosity of the Fort Worth Community, Cassata is able to offer a sliding scale tuition to students demonstrating financial need.

CHS does not receive funding from the state as do public schools and charter schools. Tuition payments account for only approximately one-fourth of our expenses.

To receive tuition assistance all of the following documents must be presented to CHS Administration:

Paycheck stubs for Parents/Guardians and Student.

Tax returns and/or W-2 when available.

Documentation of ALL of the following that apply:

Child Support, Retirement Benefits, Disability, Social Security, All other Financial Documentation.

Cassata High School could not exist without the support of our community. Almost three fourths of our operating budget comes from the gifts of foundations, corporations, organizations, and individuals. Donors subsidize all students, regardless of the amount of tuition being paid. Every Cassata student benefits from this support. During the school year, students are required to write letters to supporters of Cassata detailing their experience and updating their successes.

Each teacher will review the course outline and expectations with the students. Based on need, the teacher may set up a Goal Sheet to delineate expectations for the day, or a Personal Action Agreement as a statement of commitment detailing the student’s academic and personal goals for the semester. These will be reviewed with the student to ensure each student’s progress in meeting his or her individual goals. All students are expected to perform a minimum of one hour of homework nightly.

8:00 - 8:25 a.m., (11:35 - 12:20 by appointment only), 3:35 - 4:00 p.m.

Students should arrive on campus no earlier than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled start time and must immediately go inside the building and report to class or designated areas. Students are to leave promptly when school business is completed. Students are never allowed to go outside once inside the building without written authorization from the office.

Student parking is designated as the area directly behind the school. Students are not to congregate in the parking lot before or after school. Driving to school is a privilege that may be revoked if reckless or careless driving is observed.

Cassata offers self-paced courses that allow students the opportunity to learn at their own individual rate. The goal is for each student to continue making steady progress toward reaching individual goals. Students are expected to complete homework in order to earn six credits per year. Students enrolled in the high school program are expected to earn one academic credit every six weeks. This means that completion of at least six academic courses each semester is required to earn credits at an acceptable rate. This can only be accomplished in utilizing class time as well as doing homework.

Students not meeting expectations based on their individualized academic programs will meet with a counselor and/or an administrator to discuss possible solutions. This meeting may include a parent or guardian and may result in a tuition increase.

Group and individual academic counseling is available. A bi-monthly to monthly group counseling session is usually required. Upon completion of 20 hours of group counseling and 10 hours of community service, a student is awarded one half credit in Advanced Health.

The group counseling program is designed to improve decision-making and problem-solving skills, to provide important information about physical and mental health, and to allow students an opportunity to discuss issues of concern with a peer group that can provide insight and support. All students are required to attend group counseling as scheduled.

Based on counselor recommendation, a student may be required to seek help and support beyond CHS’s normal scope. This may be required for anger control, alcohol/drug dependence, family issues, grief counseling, etc. and may be required before or after school or through an outside agency. Refusal to follow counselor recommendations will result in withdrawal from CHS until the student complies with the request.

Students are expected to seek employment and/or perform community service for which high school credit may be awarded.

A student may be eligible to earn both college and high school credit for courses taken at Tarrant County Community College while attending Cassata. To be eligible, the student must be 18 years of age and receive permission from the College and the Principal. In some circumstances, a student under age 18 may be allowed dual enrollment providing the student has earned a minimum of 17 credits and received a letter of permission from Cassata’s Principal.

1. Newsletters -A newsletter is published quarterly to keep students and parents updated and informed of CHS items of interests. Students are requested to take these home to parents.

2. Calendar -The annual school calendar will be available in the main office and is included in the back of this handbook.

3. Progress Reports -Progress reports are mailed to parents every six weeks. Included is information regarding academic achievement, behavior, attendance and punctuality.

The office schedules parent/student/teacher conferences, which are required, once each semester. The student must be present for all conferences. Students not attending conference with their parents are counted absent for the day. Parents are encouraged to schedule a conference at any time for concerns regarding progress or behavior. An appointment must be made for a conference scheduled before or after school. Other conferences will be set on an as-needed basis. Parents are encouraged to call to check on their student’s performance and progress.

Textbooks are furnished, but students must supply pencils, pens, and paper. Students should plan ahead to be certain they bring all appropriate materials.

The Student Council plans events, welcomes new students, organizes fund-raising activities, and conducts other business to benefit the school. All students are encouraged to participate. The Student Council is responsible for CHS’s prom, which is held in April or May.

Students, parents, guardians or any person advocating for a student enrolled at Cassata High School must exhibit appropriate respect for the faculty and staff. Physical or verbal abuse, slanderous comments, or any other vicious behavior or threats will be cause for the student to immediately be withdrawn from the school. The student may be withdrawn for the behavior of a parent, guardian, grandparent or other person advocating for the student. It is CHS’s hope that all persons act responsibly to prevent inappropriate behavior.

School closing due to severe weather will follow the Fort Worth ISD’s decision on closing, late starting time, etc. If FWISD is closed for inclement weather, Cassata will be closed.

Fire and tornado drills are scheduled periodically to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of such emergencies.

1. Health Records- Students under 19 years of age must submit health records prior to admission.

Infectious Disease- Parents are asked to immediately notify the school if a student contacts an infectious disease or condition.

3. Accident or Illness -In the event of accident or illness, parents will be notified. It is essential that parents have several current emergency telephone numbers on file. If in the opinion of the principal, a student is in need of immediate medical attention and the parents cannot be contacted, the student will be taken to the hospital, but not at the expense of the school. The school does not carry accident insurance covering students. Parental insurance policies cover injuries that occur at school.

School policy states that all student records must carry the legal name as shown on the birth certificate or the student’s file must contain a copy of a court order showing a name change. Student records will be released only with a parent/guardian approval in writing.

Monetary and equipment donations help provide the resources necessary to operate Cassata. Monetary gifts may be used for purchasing audiovisual equipment; software, library books, computers and other school needs and are greatly needed and appreciated.

Each student is required to perform a minimum of 10 hrs. of Community Service to graduate.

Credit will be awarded when a student has met the designated requirements with a minimum course grade of 70%. Student's owing a tuition balance or community service or with a book out will not be issued a credit slip!

No student is ever allowed to take a zero or a failing grade on an assignment or a test. Students are required to remediate and re-test when the teacher believes the student has mastered the necessary skills. A student may not skip assignments or chapters without the expressed consent of the teacher. Additionally, students must turn work in as it is completed and not "hold" work until a chapter is completed to turn in all at once. Test completion must occur as required in course outlines. The teacher will not accept work from later chapters until all required quizzes or tests have been passed. For example, a student may not complete the work for chapter 2 until chapter 1 is complete and the test passed. The same policy holds true for each chapter in each class.

Those who have failed a course prior to enrolling in Cassata may be eligible to take chapter tests or a final exam and earn credit by demonstrating mastery in the course. An administrator or counselor with the teacher will determine a student’s eligibility to take a mastery test. Students testing out of a course must complete the test out process within two weeks of enrollment in the class. (Once enrolled in a course, a student must complete the course within one year or repeat the course.)

2. A career connection course must be successfully completed.

3. Attendance must be 90% or above and satisfactory academic standing in all classes must be maintained.

4. The student must complete 175 hours of continuous, successful employment at one job site. Paycheck stubs must be presented for documentation.

5. Additional one-half credits may be earned for every 175 hours of satisfactory performance with a single employer.

6. A maximum of six credits may be earned for work experience and related course work.

An average of one hour of homework per night is expected of all Cassata students. It is the responsibility of the student to ask the teacher what to do and how much is expected daily until the student becomes responsible enough to estimate that on his or her own. The teacher is expected to check homework at the beginning of each class. If the student has not done the assigned homework two days in a row, the teacher will contact the parent/guardian. If homework is still not done, the teacher should set up a parent conference to address the problem. The Principal or a counselor will be available for the conference if needed.

The Supreme Court has ruled that schools are not required to meet the same standards as law enforcement regarding student searches. Student searches will only take place by the Principal or a school administrator. A search will take place only if "reasonable grounds for suspecting the search will result in evidence proving the student has violated or is violating the law, or the rules of the school." (T.L.O., 469 U.S. at 340)

Cassata may also employ the service of drug and weapon detecting dogs that may arrive unannounced, to search the building, cars and property at Cassata. Parents will be notified immediately if any illegal items are found or suspected. This measure will be taken to insure the safety and well being of our students.

It is a felony to bring a weapon on a school campus in the state of Texas. It is expressly forbidden for anyone to bring a weapon on the property of Cassata High School or on any school related activity regardless of one’s ability to carry a concealed weapon in other areas.

Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual advances, conduct or language and is a form of sexual misconduct. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Any student experiencing sexual harassment is required to report the offense immediately to school personnel. Counseling will be required of any student harassing another. Suspension and/or expulsion may also result from this type of harassment.

Students are expected to attend school every day. If attendance falls below 90%, a student is classified as on probation. Parents will be notified and conferences may be required. Students must perform community service for each hour below the 90% attendance rate. The 90% requirement is a state law.

Each student is responsible for keeping up with absences and tardies. Students must complete community service and turn in documentation for absences by the 10^th of each month to maintain enrollment. Students may not miss school for completion of community service. If community service for absences is not completed and documentation turned in by the 10^th of the month, the student will be withdrawn until the community service is completed. A $25 re-enrollment fee must be paid prior to re-enrollment. A requirement for keeping a tuition assistance grant is meeting or exceeding the attendance requirement of 90%. If attendance or punctuality falls below that, the student is in jeopardy of losing tuition assistance.

Parents must call the attendance clerk as soon as possible if a student is absent or tardy.

Students should arrange doctor and dental appointments around their school schedule. This should not be difficult in most cases due to the "half-day" school day. The student is required to bring a physician’s statement to the attendance clerk if school time must be missed. A doctor’s statement is required if the student misses three consecutive days. Chronic absenteeism and/or tardiness will be grounds for suspension or expulsion and/or revocation of tuition assistance.

In order to issue a TEA form to a student for a driver’s license or driver’s education classes, the student must meet all state requirements. This includes the 90% attendance requirement or having community service completed, tuition paid and the student must be in good standing. This is a state law. CHS will not break this law.

State law prohibits electronic devices at school. Electronic devices are not allowed in the building. Electronic devices include pagers (beepers), telephones, radios, cassette and CD players, etc. Electronic items will be taken up and returned to a parent or guardian only. A third infraction will result in the item returned at the end of the school year.

Students are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco products in any area of the school building, its property, or within a two-block radius of the school. Smoking on field trips is not allowed.

Other than by Cassata’s Student Council or other approved school group, selling of any kind is prohibited on CHS campus and must be approved by the Principal.

Student visitors are not allowed during the school day, on field trips, or other scheduled school functions.

Parents are always welcome to visit the school. Parents needing to see a specific teacher or staff member are expected to call and make an appointment so that adequate time may be scheduled. All Visitors must check-in through the school office.

Occasional field trips are scheduled to correlate with units of study or to enhance cultural awareness. Transportation will be arranged through the administrative office only. A written permission slip must be on file at the school prior to the student leaving for the event.

Field trips are a privilege. Students who fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements may be denied the privilege to participate. Students must be in uniform unless directed otherwise and then must follow the rules for dress-down or dress-up day as required by the instructor.

Only those students who have submitted a parental permission form prior to leaving will be allowed to go on a field trip. Phone calls may not be substituted for written permission. Student visitors are not allowed on field trips. Transportation will be arranged through the administrative office.

Smoking is not allowed on field trips and food and drink is allowed only if a teacher/sponsor gives permission in advance. Students are reminded that they are representing Cassata and are expected to conduct themselves appropriately.

The student to whom the books(s) are issued must pay for damaged or lost textbooks. Students are also responsible for any damage they cause to school property and equipment.

The use of the Internet is limited to items of educational relevance and appropriateness.

Chat rooms, adult rooms with inappropriate adult content and sites providing illegal, illicit or terrorist information or materials are restricted. Further, sites which promote "hate" of any group of people will not be tolerated, nor will sites with language not appropriate for the classroom. It is never appropriate to look at sites that teach how to make drugs or weapons. When in doubt about visiting a site, consult your teacher. Students breaking this rule are subject to suspension from computer use, and suspension or expulsion from school. Prior to using any Cassata computer, an Internet Policy Form must be signed by the parent and student.

Students must be in full compliance with the dress code at all times that the student is in the building and on school sponsored activities. This includes before and after school, and all other times not specified as "Dress-Down" or "Dress-Up" days.

1. An abundance of any one color may not be worn (ask or use good judgment).

2. Shirts must have sleeves. (short or long)

Skirts and shorts must be near knee length (3 inches or closer to knee).

Bare midriffs and see-through clothing are not allowed.

Trousers must be at waist level & not sagging

Black, white or blue jeans, shorts (of appropriate length) or skirts may be worn.

Solid black or white shirts or blouses may be worn. They may not hang past the students’ finger tips.

All clothing must be hemmed with no jagged ends showing. (No cut-off, ripped or torn clothing.)

Shoes and laces must be mostly black, white or brown.

Pants, jeans and shorts must be worn at the appropriate waist level.

No head covering is allowed in the building.

No gang related clothing or accessories allowed.

Pierced jewelry locations are limited to the ear.

Accessories that are considered inappropriate or disruptive will not be allowed.

Appropriate undergarments must always be worn.

If a student is not in full compliance with the dress code policy, the student will be sent home and will accumulate 3 hours of community service for that day. Parents must insure that the student is dressed in black or white everyday. Parents must also insure that if the student is sent home for a dress code violation, transportation will be available. If no transportation is available, the student is required to ride the bus home.

Second offense - Conference with parent or guardian, course work is destroyed, and the student is suspended from Cassata High School for up to nine weeks.

At Cassata High School, cheating is defined as turning in work that you did not compose or complete yourself, whether it comes from a fellow student, parent, friend, Cliff Notes, the Internet or World Wide Web, the back of a textbook or a teacher’s edition. Having someone else write answers for you is considered cheating. Letting someone else copy your work as his or her own is also cheating.

Cheating is further defined as using notes or other "aids" during a test without a teacher’s direct approval.

Participating in teacher-approved study groups is not considered cheating. Cheating occurs when you work together and get your answers from someone else or when you give your answers to someone else without your teacher’s approval or knowledge. Partnering with another student to divide the work is also cheating. If student A answers questions 1-10 and student B answers 11-20 and exchanges answers, it is cheating.

Food and drink are permitted in the classroom at the discretion of the teacher. The Principal may revoke this privilege if students are tardy to class or if trash is not disposed of properly.

Cassata High School requires standards of conduct that will create an environment conducive to learning and an atmosphere of respect. A primary goal is to help each student develop self-discipline and responsibility for proper behavior. Classroom rules should be posted in each classroom.

1. Classroom Rules

a. Be seated with materials ready when the bell sounds.

b. Stay on task (no sleeping).

c. Do not disturb others.

d. Request permission and a pass to leave the classroom only in emergency situations.

e. Keep classroom clean and organized.

2. School Rules

Respect staff, other students and yourself.

Establish personal goals and work to achieve them.

Attend regularly and punctually.

Do not smoke in the building or around the campus.

Do not leave school or go outside without permission.

Follow the dress code.

Theft or damage to property will require restitution.

Inappropriate language or "gang" terminology is not acceptable.

Violence and/or threatening behavior is never allowed.

Come inside the building as soon as you arrive.

a. To be treated with dignity and respect.

b. To have a positive learning environment.

c. To express themselves in a reasonable manner.

Students who have difficulty with school rules or requirements may be assigned a probation contract status and given a specified period of time to improve the area of difficulty. Probationary contracts are signed by the student, a parent, an administrator, and/or a counselor. Every effort is made to assist the student in succeeding at Cassata.

Cassata students are provided every opportunity to achieve scholastic success, but those who disregard school rules will be subject to disciplinary action. Causes of suspension or expulsion are:

2. Possession or use of a weapon or any item that may be used as a weapon.

3. Fighting, physical aggression, threatening behavior or words, or disrespect toward students or staff.

4. Damaging property or stealing.

5. Habitual misconduct which is disruptive of the learning process.

6. Violation of the honor code.

7. Refusal to obey reasonable directives of faculty and staff.

8. Chronic absenteeism or tardiness.

9. Continued refusal or inability to complete school work.

10. Refusing to go to school office when directed.

11. All illegal acts and/or threats.

12. Any language or representation of hate toward a group or individual.

13. Other inappropriate conduct by a student or one acting on the behalf of a student.

The Principal or a counselor will notify the student and the student’s parent/guardian of the reason for the suspension, the duration of the suspension, and the requirements for reinstatement.

Parents wishing to appeal the expulsion decision must file a written appeal with the Principal within five (5) days from the date of the parent’s notification of the principal’s decision.

Specific policy for grievances and complaints are available from the school office. Before filing an official grievance, however, the parent and student must first speak to the person with whom the student is experiencing the problem. If the problem is not resolved, please contact the principal who will set up a conference to resolve the grievance. The Principal has full discretion in resolving all grievances for the school.

2007-2008 Academic Calendar