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school saint bernard high school 2010-2011 student-parent handbook 9100 falmouth avenue playa del rey ca 90293 ph 310-823-4651 fax 310-827-3365 school code 052487 administration principal assistant principal of learning assistant principal of leadership dean of character formation dean of humanities dean of s.t.e.m director of guidance director of athletics director of development director of performing arts business manager michael alvarez georgia capell jon mcmaster david sifuentes tiffany o rourke sean griffin rosie roberts gregory dixon kelley lebouf maureen robinson rey marquez this agenda belongs to name grade

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table of contents mission/vision/philosophy statements 3 21st century classroom 4 eslrs achieving viking excellence 4 history and tradition 5 st bernard of clairvaux 5 crest motto school prayer and alma mater 5 non-discrimination policy 6 tuition and fees 2010-2011 6 curriculum 8 graduation requirements 8 christian service policy 8 academic honor code 9 violations of the academic honor code 9 academic course load 10 student registration course selection 10 grading policies 11 grading procedure 11 grading scale 12 grade point average 12 semester examinations 12 midterm exams 13 grade reports 13 make-up of semester fails 13 summer school 13 repeating a course 14 community college coursework 14 academic probation 14 7th period academic success class 14 academic dismissal 14 graduation with honors 15 honor roll 15 valedictorian salutatorian 15 comitatus award 15 transcripts of grades 15 student withdrawal procedures 16 absence from school 17 re-admit procedures 17 excused absence 17 unexcused absence 17 truancy 18 tardiness 18 make-up work 18 off-campus permits 18 off-campus college visits 18 illnesses occurring at school 18 deliveries and messages 18 discipline 19 classroom discipline 19 school discipline 19 dean s detention 19 causes for disciplinary action 20 disciplinary procedures 21 student discipline reports 21 disciplinary probation 21 strict disciplinary probation 22 suspension 22 board of character formation appeal 22 disciplinary procedures 22 misconduct reports 22 parking lot and on-campus driving 22 insulting/abusing teacher/school personnel 22 responsibility for property 23 student area 23 snack bar 23 hall passes 23 school hours of supervision 23 cell phones personal electronic devices 23 unauthorized student internet web sites 23 student lockers 24 photographs video and audio recording policy 24 confiscation of student property 24 personal appearance 25 uniform dress code 25 dress code boys 25 dress code girls 26 formal uniform dress days ­ all students 27 cold weather attire ­ all students 27 letter jacket policy 28 substance abuse policy 29 general procedures 29 grievance procedure 29 arrests and court orders 29 directory information 29 campus maintenance 30 school building access 30 closed campus policy 30 damages 30 lost items 30 student/parent services 30 computer regulations 30 library hours/regulations 30 counseling and guidance 31 academic guidance counselor 31 the hannon college center 31 annual national test dates 31 college admissions 32 guidance for college financial aid 32 letters of recommendation 32 transcripts for colleges 32 asb identification card 33 masses assemblies and rallies 33 bulletin boards 33 dances 33 dance guidelines 33 absence from school participation in activities 34 student government 34 class officers and asb/class commissioners 34 pep squads 34 drama production 34 homecoming court prom king queen 34 athletics 34 probationary eligibility 35 pregnancy 35 verbal/written confidences 35 married student policy 35 students no longer living with parent/guardian 36 harassment policy 36 complaint and investigation procedures 36 child abuse policy 37

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mission statement the mission of st bernard high school is to send forth faith-filled principled and knowledgeable young men and women by providing an exemplary college preparatory education rooted in roman catholic tradition as a diverse community of christian believers we strive to inspire students to embrace the teachings of jesus christ and to follow his call to lead serve and learn vision statement in a global society where values and a sense of community are being challenged daily it has never been more imperative to educate our youth to be the future leaders inventors professionals creators and philanthropists of the 21st century st bernard high school is moving to the forefront of education as it takes its place as a highly progressive competitive multicultural and god-valued institution of learning st bernard high school is always striving to be the school of choice for catholic students in the los angeles area by providing a complete educational experience immersed in the catholic tradition and excelling in both academic and co-curricular programs students graduating from the school will have the motivation and expertise necessary to pursue their aspirations for higher learning and lead lives as faith-filled and responsible citizens philosophy in harmony with the school s mission the philosophy of st bernard high school is driven by the message of jesus christ and the mission of the roman catholic church we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children and understand that our role is to assist parents in accomplishing this task by acting as facilitators to the learning and personal growth of the child we strive to equip students with the skills they need to live faith-filled dynamic honorable and productive lives in the image of christ as educators of st bernard high school we embrace and adhere to the five-fold purpose of catholic education the teaching of doctrine · we believe our commitment to the catholic faith is the fundamental principle that must permeate our instruction school activities and every aspect of our daily life · we believe in the dignity and importance of each person and seek to help our students come to the same recognition to this end we cherish our diversity and promote a school environment based on respect and tolerance · we believe in guiding students to achieve a greater degree of self-realization and a heightened awareness of their obligations to god and to their fellow human beings the call to worship we believe in the importance of personal and communal daily prayer and encourage our students to glorify god throughout their lives we believe in providing a liturgical environment where students can worship together at monthly mass and prayer services and can nurture their relationship with god through prayer the sacrament of reconciliation and retreat experiences we believe in welcoming all students regardless of their religious affiliation to be an active part of our catholic faith community by including them in christian leadership opportunities music ministry and by encouraging their participation in mass and catholic religious customs and traditions the promotion of scholastic excellence we believe in providing a challenging academic curriculum rich in student-centered learning opportunities that is designed to promote analytical thinking and to develop life-long learning skills we believe in a christ-centered holistic approach to education that not only supplies students with an outstanding college preparatory foundation but also nurtures the spiritual intellectual social cultural physical and artistic facets of the individual · we believe that a complete education is more than academic and therefore encourage and support students as they cultivate their god-given talents through participation in co-curricular activities such as athletics music dance theatre leadership and service 3

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the building of community · we believe in the individuality of each student the strength of community in collaborating with parents and in supporting one another to foster a spirit of family · we believe in celebrating our diverse school community by promoting an appreciation and respect for all humanity regardless of race ethnicity gender religious affiliation economic status or sexuality · we believe that achievement of the school s mission depends on administrators teachers parents community members and students all working together toward the common goal of student success the fostering of service · we believe each student is called in a unique way to develop the talents and potentials necessary for assuming roles of christian leadership in our world · we believe in preparing our students to consider christian service as a normal vital part of their lives as adult christians · we believe that each student possesses the ability to assume the role of christian leadership by following the example of jesus christ through concrete forms of service to their brothers and sisters 21st century classroom a 21st century st bernard classroom disperses the use of various technologies throughout the academic disciplines faculty utilizes authentic modes of assessment and varies individual methodologies to meet the specific needs of individual students teacher competencies are held to the california standards for the teaching profession st bernard incorporates writing across the curriculum developing a verbal knowledge of all disciplines along with advanced literacy skills social development and physical growth occurs in athletics fine arts and co-curricular activities involving more than half the student body in sport competitions co-curricular projects and outreach community programs eslrs achieving viking excellence as we strive to attain our vision and mission and in deference to the school philosophy st bernard high school has defined the following school-wide learning results for the graduates of the school at st bernard these learning results are the school aves ­ achieving viking excellence to achieve viking excellence the st bernard graduate will be a christian disciple who · · · models christ in their daily life develops an understanding of and appreciation for the catholic church and her traditions exhibits a sense of catholic social responsibility through acts of service critical thinker who · · · uses higher level thinking processes to analyze problem-solve and draw conclusions based on supportive evidence demonstrates interdisciplinary comprehension and application shows mastery of research skills by effectively using a variety of appropriate resources including technology to seek understanding through inquiry effective communicator who · · · incorporates and presents ideas appropriately thoughtfully and creatively is articulate both orally and in writing reads and listens with respect and comprehension self-directed learner who · · · sets academic lifestyle career and personal goals for the future assumes responsibility and respect for the learning process and strives to exceed expectations masters the academic and life skills necessary to become a productive member of society 4

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history and tradition plans for st bernard high school were begun in 1955 in response to the need for high schools in the westchesterplaya del rey area st bernard was founded as a four year co-instructional school located at st anastasia school it was at st anastasia that classes were held for one year prior to the completion of the present campus on december 4 1957 the present land site was blessed at a simple ceremony during the year 1957-1958 the pioneer class chose the school colors blue signifying loyalty white purity and gold nobility their motto noverim te noverim me and their school mascot vikings the school s first principal reverend francis j cahill headed the faculty consisting of the brothers of saint patrick the sisters of the holy names of jesus and mary and the sisters of st joseph of carondolet on september 22 1958 the doors of the new st bernard high school opened for the first time at 9100 falmouth avenue in playa del rey joining the original faculty replacing the brothers of st patrick were the piarist fathers and the daughters of mary and joseph on may 24 1958 the original building was solemnly dedicated september 10 1957 is observed as founders day st bernard of clairvaux bernard the founding abbot of clairvaux abbey in burgundy was one of the most commanding church leaders in the first half of the twelfth century as well as one of the greatest spiritual masters of all times and the most powerful propagator of the cistercian reform he was born in fontaines-les-dijon in 1090 and entered the abbey of citeaux in 1112 bringing thirty of his relatives with him including five of his brothers ­ his youngest brother and his widowed father followed later after receiving a monastic formation he was sent in 1115 to begin a new monastery near aube clairvaux the valley of light as a young abbot he published a series of sermons on the annunciation bernard s spiritual writing as well as his extraordinary personal magnetism began to attract many to clairvaux and the other cistercian monasteries leading to many new foundations bernard s dynamism soon reached far beyond monastic circles he was sought as an advisor and mediator by the ruling powers of his age more than any other he helped to bring about the healing of the papal schism which arose in 1130 with the election of the antipope anacletus ii at the same time he labored for peace and reconciliation between england and france and among many lesser nobles bernard died at clairvaux on the 20th of august in 1153 he was canonized by pope alexander iii on the 18th of january in 1174 pope pius vii declared him a doctor of the church in 1830 crest motto school prayer and alma mater patron motto crest st bernard of clairvaux noverim te noverim me by knowing him i know myself three miters a book and the school prayer alma mater loyal sons and daughters st bernard high to you pledge fore er allegiance loyalty strong and true mary our queen leads us onward `neath gold white and blue alma mater great st bernard hail all hail to you and sorrowful o mother of the word incarnate despise not my petitions but in your mercy hear and answer me amen the school crest sums up the outstanding attributes of the school patron st bernard the miters symbolize his position as abbot and recall his sanctity the book signifies his vast knowledge love of learning and his valuable contribution to the theology of the church the words memorare maria recall the opening words of the prayer to our lady attributed to st bernard prayer memorare remember o most gracious virgin mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided inspired by this confidence i fly to you o virgin of virgins my mother to you i come before you i stand sinful 5

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non-discrimination policy st bernard high school mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of christ for all admits students of any race color and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights privileges programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students the school does not discriminate on the basis of race color and national and/or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies admissions policies scholarship and loan programs and athletic or other school-administered programs tuition and fees 2010-2011 tuition is stated as an annual amount and is payable beginning july 2010 for your convenience tuition may be paid in eleven month installments beginning july 1 2010 and ending may 1 2011 there will be no additional class fees charged all fees are non-refundable tuition annually monthly july 2010 ­ may 2011 1st student catholic rate $6,600.00 $600 per month 11 payments 2nd and 3rd student catholic rate $5,200.00 per student $473.00 per month 11 payments per student 1st student non catholic rate $7,200.00 $655.00 per month 11 payments 2nd and 3rd student non-catholic rate $5,760.00 per student $524.00 per month 11 payments per student payment policies 1 eleven monthly payments starting july 2010 through may 2011 2 see tuition management agreement for payment details and policies 3 tuition payments must be current for students to take mid-term exams 4 tuition and other fees must be paid in full in order to take semester/final exams other fees mandatory reregistration fee new student registration student asb activities retreat fee senior graduation fee additional costs and fees as applicable $475.00 $475.00 $225.00 $175.00 due on registration day through april 16 late fee of $50 applies april 17 ­ 30 late fee of $200 beginning may 1 2010 fee applies to all freshmen and transfer students due september 15 2010 covers asb/activities retreat programs and campus ministry services note other costs associated with field trips such as tickets and lunches are not included in this fee due march 15 2011 required fee for all seniors locker locks uniforms textbooks fundraising commitments raffle tickets casino night golf etc school dances senior grad night jr sr prom performing arts fee for recitals instruments costumes etc school event tickets musical play recital cif play-off games etc additional and special program fees as applicable $90.00 per ap class 1 mandatory for all students in ap courses ap exam testing special science $50.00 per ap science course lab fee 2 lab fee applies to ap science and anatomy/physiology anat/phys class payment must be received before the first game this is an athletic participation and transportation fee and does athletics fee $150.00 per sport not include spirit packs program ads banquet tournament expenses or other team fund raisers see head coach for details all players fr/jv/varsity must purchase supplemental football supplemental accident $58.00 approx accident insurance before starting practice insurance provides for transportation and other general team cheerleading $150.00 expenses does not include uniforms camp etc parent volunteer service hours non-participating uncompleted hours in case of student withdrawal parent hours are prorated to the month $375.00 25 hours $15 per hour $15.00 per hour non-participating 375.00/11 $34.10 per month participating 25hr/11 2.27 hours per month due november 15 2010 due by may 15 2011 6

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examination policy 1 tuition payments must be current for students to take tri-term/mid-term exams 2 tuition and other fees must be paid in full in order to take semester/final exams 3 checks will be accepted until ten working days before exams thereafter only cash money order or cashier s check will be accepted mandatory fundraising fees escrip mandatory for all families register your vons pavilions macy s debit and credit cards for use in the program every time you use them escrip will make a contribution to st bernard high school fill out the enclosed application or sign up online by visiting www.escrip.com enter group id #6568391 to find st bernard high school see enclosed flyer for details mandatory for all families families will be billed and can make $300 per family payments over a six-month period $150 in sales mandatory for all families raffle tickets christmas tree sale additional fundraising opportunities see enclosed for enrollment information ralph s card food4less albertson s card onecause target office depot staples goodshop 4 rebate st bernard high school receives contributions based on your purchases at ralph s when you enter your club card number or phone number at the cash register varies 4-5 rebate st bernard high school receives contributions based on your purchases at food4less when you use your community rewards card 4 rebate st bernard high school receives contributions based on your purchases at albertson s when you enter your club card number or phone number at the cash register varies up to 36 rebate if you are an online shopper st bernard s can benefit just go to www.onecause.com sign in and select st bernard high school as your beneficiary 1 rebate when you use your target ® visa ® or target guest card ® st bernard s receives a contribution 5 rebate while shopping for your business or school supplies at office depot give them st bernard s id #70012455 and st bernard s will receive a rebate 5 rebate while shopping for your business or school supplies at staples give them st bernard s phone number 310-823-4651 and st bernard s will receive a rebate varies up to a 20 rebate every time you make a purchase online you can support st bernard high school each purchase made via the goodshop mall results in a donation ­ averaging approximately 3 of the sale but going up to 20 or even more 1¢ per search every time you search the internet you can contribute to st bernard high school goodsearch.com is a new yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue to the charities its users designate varies up to 26 rebate and 1¢ per search every time you shop online at any of their 744 participating stores you can contribute to st bernard high school you can also search the web through isearchigive.com a search engine powered by igive and raise a penny or more for st bernard s every time recycle your printing cartridges and cell phones in our escrip recycle bin in the advancement office at st bernard high school st bernard s receives between $1 and $10 per item goodsearch igive printer cartridges laptops ipods and cell phones 7

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academic policies curriculum students in the school are expected to be prepared to meet the demands of the academic curriculum as defined by the high school graduation requirements students are challenged to meet the demands of a rigorous college preparatory curriculum as defined and certified by the university of california the st bernard high school curriculum does not include a separate program special services or an individualized study plan for students who for medical learning behavioral psychological or other reasons require special handling or consideration if a student s situation or condition requires an accommodation that the administration deems unreasonable or unworkable or if the school does not have the facilities or services to provide for the accommodation the student will be referred to another school graduation requirements if any of the graduation requirements are not met the student s diploma will be withheld when a diploma is withheld the student will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony students with outstanding financial accounts are ineligible to receive a diploma with the exception of computer studies fine arts p.e classes and health all graduation requirements and college entrance required coursework must be taken at st bernard during the regular school year to graduate from st bernard high school a student must have 1 a record of good character citizenship and support of school philosophy 2 all students are required to perform 80 hours of christian service 3 a minimum of 240 semester credits to include the following religious studies 4 years 40 credits english 4 years 40 credits social science 3 years 30 credits world history 10 credits us history 10 credits us government 5 credits economics 5 credits foreign language 2 years 20 credits same language math 3 years 30 credits must include at minimum college prep algebra i geometry and algebra ii or higher science 2 years 20 credits must include 1 year of biology and 1 year of chemistry or physical science computer applications 1 semester 5 credits visual performing arts 1 year 10 credits physical ed health 1 year 10 credits electives 35 credits christian service policy the 80 hours of christian service graduation requirement is in support of the school aves and is based on the belief that a well-rounded christian young man or woman must learn to serve the lord in practicing christian service the student has the opportunity to understand what jesus said whatsoever you do to the least of these that you do unto me the christian service program is designed to supplement a student s in-class religious education it serves as a means for the student to live out his/her faith and to put christ s message of love into practice some guidelines for the choice of service projects are as follows 1 the service must help others at a non-profit agency 2 the service must be performed on a volunteer basis no payment can be accepted 3 the service must be performed to serve others besides family neighbors and friends 8

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academic honor code 1 st bernard high school is a catholic institution dedicated to the intellectual moral and spiritual development of the student the school expects that its students will strive to meet their individual potentials and upon graduation become citizens who incorporate high ethical standards and christian values into their daily lives the school strives to develop promote and maintain moral structure and honesty among all members of its community commitment to truth and academic integrity is imperative to this goal adherence to the academic honor code promotes the level of academic integrity required within the school and assures that student work is judged fairly when evaluated against curricular standards and the work of others it also insures that each student will demonstrate honesty and integrity in their assignments testing and participation in their learning process this code defines the behaviors which violate the principle of academic integrity and the methods for promoting academic integrity on campus academic integrity will be emphasized throughout the student s career at st bernard student and parent at the beginning of each school year must sign the honor code agreement 2 3 the honor pledge must be signed by students on assignments and exams as required by any instructor on my honor i pledge that i have not violated any of the provisions of the st bernard high school academic honor code honor code agreement each year students shall be required to sign the following honor code agreement which will be kept in the student s academic file 1 as a student at st bernard high school i will conduct myself in an honest and academically ethical manner and will comply with the provisions of the st bernard high school honor code 2 i understand that i must write and sign the following honor pledge on tests and work whenever required by an instructor on my honor i pledge that i have not violated any of the provisions of the st bernard high school academic honor code 3 i understand that if i do not include this pledge as required by the instructor with my signature the instructor will not grade my work in those instances where there is an unintentional omission i will be given an opportunity to correct it by signing the pledge 4 i understand that the academic honor code applies to all work submitted whether or not the signed honor pledge is required by the instructor and that i am expected to submit only my own work at all times 5 i have read and understand my responsibilities as defined by the st bernard high school academic honor code and will to the best of my ability comply with those responsibilities violations of the academic honor code violation of the academic honor code includes but is not limited to 1 giving or receiving answers to quizzes tests examinations or any assignments the student is expected to submit as his/her own work 2 loaning or copying homework in or out of class 3 plagiarism or copying the work of another and submitting it as one s own work 4 plagiarism of information from the internet or other electronic source 5 using unauthorized aids in doing course work or in testing 6 altering graded work and resubmitting it for grading 7 fabricating data references or other information and including it in an assignment as if it were fact 8 forging the signature of a parent on an assignment test paper report card or other official school document of communication from the teacher or school to the parent 9

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actions for violation of the academic honor code adherence to the academic honor code is a four-year commitment violations of the code are cumulative in nature over the four years the student is at st bernard depending on the severity of the violation as determined by the dean of character formation and/or administration violation of the academic honor code anytime during the four-year period may result in the following 1st violation 1 2 3 the student will not receive credit for the work or test grade earned will be a zero the student may in the presence of the dean of character formation be required to call his/her parents and inform them of the incident membership in any academic or leadership organization may be suspended for at least one semester depending on the severity of the infraction defined by the dean of character formation these organizations include but may not be limited to national honor society california scholarship federation csf young black scholars student council/class office/asb campus ministry leadership viking ambassador the student may be ineligible for honor roll honors for the semester the infraction occurs seniors may be ineligible to earn their diploma with academic honors depending on the nature of the infraction and the student s disciplinary history further disciplinary action including probation suspension and expulsion may be taken a student who steals or purchases a copy of a test or the teacher s edition of a textbook is subject to immediate dismissal from school 4 5 2nd violation a b students involved in a second incidence as defined above in the same class may be immediately removed from the class and may receive a fail in the class for the semester students involved in a second incidence as defined above for the same class or in a different class will be subject to the following disciplinary action if already on probation the level of probation will be raised to strict probation if already on strict probation the student will be asked to withdraw from the school a student allowed to continue at st bernard high school after a 2nd violation of the academic honor code can be asked to withdraw upon a 3rd violation 3rd violation a academic course load all students are required to be enrolled in courses for each of the six periods of the day all students must have their own text books novels and other necessary supplies with them in class students who register for a zero period or 7th period class do so in addition to the regular course load student registration course selection the assistant principal of learning and guidance department organize the registration process to include a comprehensive guidance program designed to assist the student and parent in selecting the courses which meet graduation requirements and college entrance goals group and individual guidance will accompany the distribution of the course catalog and registration packet parents must assist their child in selecting an appropriate course a study prerequisites/course commitment forms for some classes students must meet prerequisites defined in the course catalog in order to take the course students requesting upper division ap and honors courses must complete course commitment forms in order to take the class · students who earn second semester grades which render them ineligible for a class may have their course request pulled for the class · students not eligible to take a course may attend sbhs summer school to review material in order to improve the grade and become eligible to take the course 10

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· students who achieve the minimum requirement at the end of summer school will be only be placed in the course space and schedule permitting course request updates · · at the time of registration students and parents must thoughtfully select courses for the entire school year both the students and the parent must sign the course request and any necessary commitment contracts students must also select alternate courses to be used in the event a course is not offered due to low enrollment or a scheduling conflict prevents enrollment in a class failure to select alternate courses as instructed on the course request may result in being scheduled in any available class students may request updates to their course request through july 15 after july 15 student initiated changes in the course request cannot be made students who do not properly complete the course request or do not list alternate choices will be placed by the counselor or administrator in any class that is available in this case changes will not be made · · schedule correction once the final schedule is created after july 15 student-initiated changes are not made unless the school has made an error if a student requests a course either as a first choice or an alternate and is scheduled for that course the course will not be changed unless an error was made or the student no longer meets prerequisite requirements for the course · schedules are created for the entire school year full-year classes cannot be dropped at the end of the semester · schedules are never changed for period or teacher preference · for single semester classes students may not choose the semester the class is to be taken grading policies the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to determine the extent to which a student has achieved success in terms of course objectives and standards this level of achievement is to be determined by a systematic process and conveyed to the student and his/her parent in the form of a letter grade grades are further used by teachers and administrators to determine a student s eligibility for the next level of study and for placement in future classes colleges use grades to determine eligibility for admission grading procedure · · the final grade earned at the end of each semester is posted on the student s permanent academic transcript teachers will give written statements of grading policies to each student during the first week of instruction the policy statement will include the method of determining grades and the teacher s policy regarding homework and the make-up of assignments and tests/quizzes missed when a student is absent in accordance with the course grading policy teachers will average all grades earned during the semester in determining the semester grade a teacher assigns a grade on the basis of a student s academic achievement participation and attendance can be computed into the academic grade attendance is a factor in assigning grades o o no student should be absent more than 10 days excused or unexcused in any class in any semester a teacher reserves the right to lower a student s class grade by 1 point for each absence over 10 in the same class for the purposes of grade calculation 3 class tardies may be considered equivalent to 1 unexcused class absence the school reserves the right to deny credit for a class in which a student has been absent more than 10 days during the semester citizenship grades · · · o 11

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grading scale the following scale is used in computing grades superior students a 100-97 a 96-93 a92-90 uses time well is self-motivated works independently masters facts has a high degree of understanding of the subject matter and is able to relate them to life needs and interests above average student b 89-87 b 86-83 b82-80 shows consistent interest and maintain a respectable standard of understanding and proficiency in the subject matter average student c 79-77 c 76-73 c 72-70 does satisfactory work but requires direction and stimulation from the teacher shows a reasonable proficiency in understanding the subject below average passing students d 69-67 d 66-63 d62-60 frequently fails to do satisfactory work and understands only minimal amount of the subject failing students f 59 and below consistently fails to meet the requirements of the course shows little interest and demonstrates little if any understanding of the subject late and remiss in completing work fails to meet minimum standards of the course i incomplete student failed to complete all requirements of the course students who do not take midterm or final exams will receive grades of incomplete an i will become an f after two weeks if the work is not complete a student with an outstanding tuition balance who is rendered ineligible to take midterm or final exams will remain incomplete until such time that they are cleared by the finance office for testing grade point average only the cumulative gpa weighted and unweighted is recorded on the student s permanent record the st bernard gpa includes all coursework taken for the purposes of honor roll valedictorian and salutatorian selection and graduation with honors the weighted gpa is used colleges and universities generally recalculate the gpa based on their admissions criteria consult the specific college admissions information for details on calculating the college entrance gpa numerical values for letter grades a 4 b 3 c 2 d 1 and f 0 a plus or minus after a letter grade does not affect the numerical value of the grade honors and advanced placement courses earn an extra grade point and are weighted as a 5 points b 4 points c 3 points grades of d or f in an honors or a.p class are not given additional weighted points note the university of california and many other competitive universities limit the courses and the number of courses eligible for weighted points semester examinations semester examinations are mandatory in all classes and are given at the end of each semester semester examinations are comprehensive in scope and will last ninety minutes students with unexcused absences on the 12

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day of the semester exam will not be allowed to make up the exam he/she will receive no credit for the exam students must have financial clearance in order to take semester exams midterm exams midterm examinations are mandatory in all classes and comprehensive in scope and are given at the mid point of each semester midterm exams are 75 minutes in length students with unexcused absences on the day of the semester exam will not be allowed to make up the exam and will not receive credit for the exam students must have financial clearance in order to take midterm exams grade reports it is the responsibility of parents to check the school calendar website email and parent newsletter for report card dates and confirm that all report cards and progress reports issued have been received · · official grade reports are issued twice per semester ­ at the quarter and at the end of the semester the first report card is a quarter report and indicates academic progress to that point in the semester quarter grades do not become part of the student s permanent record they do however affect a student s eligibility to participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities see eligibility for participation in activities the grades issued in january and june are final grades for the semester these grades become part of the student s permanent record official grades will be both emailed and u.s mailed home to the parent as indicated on the school calendar parents and students are responsible for checking grades posted to homelogic throughout the semester · · · make-up of semester fails an f received for a semester grade must be made up during the summer immediately following the earned fail the student may not be readmitted unless all fails have been made-up courses may be made up according to the following conditions 1 all graduation and college entrance requirements must be made up at st bernard during the summer session if the course failed or an equivalent is not offered at st bernard the student must get permission in writing from the assistant principal of learning to take the course for high school credit at a community college or another catholic high school 2 if a senior fails the first semester of a course efforts will be made by the counselor and assistant principal of learning to arrange for coursework that will allow him/her to make the course and credits up during the second semester if a senior fails a second semester course the diploma will be withheld pending make-up of the course and/or required credits the student will not walk in the graduation ceremony 3 if a student fails a required subject he/she must retake the semester failed of that subject 4 if a student fails an elective course he/she may make up the credits by retaking the class or by enrolling in an academic elective course of comparable quality the assistant principal of learning must approve academic elective coursework prior to enrollment in the course 5 during the ordinary school year a student may not retake a failed course exceptions may be made for first semester seniors or when a required course cannot be found in summer school in this case the missing credits must be made up during summer and the course repeated during the school year 6 no failing grade may be made up through credits earned in courses taken prior to earning the failing grade this also applies to seniors who fail second semester classes 7 pe courses may not be used to make up a fail earned in an academic subject summer school all graduation requirements and college entrance requirements must be taken at st bernard during the regular school year except for computer studies fine arts and health/pe computer and fine arts courses taken at a community college must be approved in writing by the guidance counselor assistant principal of learning prior to enrollment in the course summer school may be used for 1 make up of failed courses students making up fails must take the course at st bernard if it is offered at 13

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2 3 4 5 st bernard if the course is not offered at st bernard the student must receive the written permission of the assistant principal of learning to attend a community college or other catholic high school review of courses in order to prepare or qualify for the next level or to improve upon a d grade see repeating a course below note only grades of d can be retaken for credit classes in math taken for full credit in order to advance to a higher level of math the following year enrichment ­ credits earned depend on course taken and situation students are encouraged to do enrichment classes at the community college level to earn college credits and to experience college level coursework meet graduation requirements in computer studies visual and performing arts pe or health all other graduation requirements must be taken at st bernard during the regular school year repeating a course · although not required for a high school diploma the st bernard counseling department recommends that students who have earned a d in a college preparatory or required course repeat the coursework in summer school students wishing to repeat a course in summer school due to a low grade d or lower should carefully consider the following the original grade will not be deleted from the transcript both grades will show on the transcript however no additional credits will be earned for the repeated course courses repeated at st bernard and pre-approved institutions only college or other catholic high school will be included in the student s cumulative gpa courses taken at schools other than college or approved catholic high school are enrichment only no credit and will not be included in the student s cumulative grade point average in this case the grade for the repeated course is not added to the st bernard transcript and it is up to the student to provide the grade earned to any requesting institution · · community college coursework students wishing to take community college courses in order to qualify for the next level of math for enrichment to review a course or to meet graduation requirements in computer studies or fine arts must get the written permission of the guidance counselor assistant principal of learning the student may earn dual credits college and high school credits for these courses students will receive credit towards graduation for a required math class taken at a community college only if the next level of math is taken by the student at st bernard the following year students taking community college courses must provide an official transcript of the grade earned to receive high school credit for the class academic probation any student who receives two f s on a semester report card will be placed on academic probation for the semester following the fail students on academic probation will be required to adhere to the stipulations outlined in their individual academic probation contract failure to uphold these conditions may result in academic dismissal from school a student may also be placed on academic probation by the counselor assistant principal of learning if the student s gpa falls below a 2.0 or if the student consistently exhibits poor academic progress and motivation and fails to show improvement 7th period academic success class students on academic probation will be required to attend 7th period academic success class for a minimum of one grading period or until the grades have improved to an acceptable standard failure to regularly attend 7th period constitutes a violation of the academic probation contract and my result in dismissal from school see appendix for explanation and contract for 7th period academic dismissal a student who earns three fails in a single school year or who has a cumulative academic record below 2.0 may be ineligible to return for the following year in addition any student who is more than 15 credits deficient at the end of the academic semester will be asked to withdraw from the school exceptions may be made where serious illness or an accident made it impossible for the student to achieve passing grades 14

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graduation with honors summa cum laude students maintaining a weighted grade point average of 3.80 to 4.0 over the first seven semesters graduate with the highest honors magna cum laude students maintaining a weighted grade point average of 3.60 to 3.79 over the first seven semesters graduate with great honors cum laude students maintaining a weighted grade point average of 3.40 to 3.59 over the first seven semesters graduate with honors honor roll appointment to the honor roll is based on the previous semester s grades students earning a 3.80 gpa weighted are placed on the principal s honor roll students earning between 3.33 and 3.79 gpa weighted are placed on the dean s honor roll a minimum of 4 academic classes must be taken to qualify for the honor rolls valedictorian and salutatorian honors the valedictorian and salutatorian for st bernard high school will be the top two academic students based on their weighted gpa only coursework taken at st bernard high school will be considered in the gpa calculation the valedictorian and salutatorian must have been st bernard high school students for four years both the valedictorian and the salutatorian will give speeches at graduation comitatus award st bernard presents three comitatus medals to seniors at graduation and to students in the other grades at their awards ceremony the gold the silver and the bronze the recipients of these awards are determined by the administration based on faculty nominations any student receiving one medal is automatically excluded from the other two · the bronze medal is presented to the student who stands out as an example of total involvement in the st bernard family · the silver medal is presented to a top academic student in the class who best achieved the school s aves · the gold medal is presented to the student who best exemplifies our mission as a catholic high school this student s commitment to christian values academics and involvement in the school and community is truly outstanding transcripts of grades · transcripts are ordered from the main office and processed by assistant principal of learning students requesting transcripts must complete a separate transcript request form for every transcript ordered forms are available on the school website www.stbernardhs.com or in the main office of the school completed forms can be either dropped off in the main office or returned to the school by mail transcript processing fees fee must be included with the request and is payable at the time the request is made transcripts will not be processed until payment is received make all checks payable to st bernard high school o $5.00 per transcript for regular processing whether official or unofficial allow 5 business days for regular transcript processing o $10.00 per transcript for 24-hour or faxed service requests for 24-hour processing must be made by 10:00 am the previous day note official transcripts require imprinting with the official raised school seal and colored stamps and therefore cannot be faxed · transcripts are only processed twice weekly on tuesdays and thursdays transcripts official or unofficial are not available on demand and will be processed within 5 business days of the date the request is received · official transcripts must be mailed by the school directly to the school/university/or institution requesting the documents transcripts are mailed to the exact address indicated on the transcript 15 ·

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