Student Handbook 2021-22

“One Team, One Mission, Every Student...”

5525 W. 34th St.

Indianapolis, IN 46224

Phone: 317-693-5613

Fax: 317-226-3750

Newcomer Program Mission Statement: The Newcomer Program’s mission is to provide newly arrived

English language learners with a unique learning experience

designed to fit their academic and language development

needs. Our program will deliver high-quality instruction in a

supportive environment to help students and families acclimate

to their new country. Students will have access to tailored

programs that develop social and critical-thinking skills vital to

success in higher education and the workplace. The ultimate

goal is the acquisition of academic language skills in English, as

well as the celebration of cultural and multi-linguistic diversity.

Newcomer Goals for the Year: 1. Use ESL and teacher-help to learn grade-level content

2. Increase use of English by speaking, listening, reading, and writing

every day in every class

3. Understand and be able to use clear checklists, rubrics, and

assessments to understand and track my grades

4. Use core values to prepare socially, emotionally, and academically for

my next school.

School Hours: • The doors open for breakfast at 6:55AM

• Classes start at 7:20AM

• Classes end at 2:10PM

• Students get onto their buses from 2:10PM

• Buses leave the school at 2:15PM

In-Person Learning vs. Virtual Learning: • There is school every day.

• If a family wishes for their student to be virtual, they need to contact Mr. Salinas, the social

worker.

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I understand!

Newcomer Program Staff:

Name Position Other Languages Spoken

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez Newcomer Program Coordinator Spanish

Mrs. Patricia Garza Administrative Associate Spanish

Mrs. Susana Colgan Family and Community Engagement Liaison

Spanish

Mr. Mario Salinas Social Worker Spanish

Ms. Raquel Plata Counselor Spanish

Ms. Sarah Hutchison Literacy Coach Spanish

Ms. Allison Apland Science Arabic

Mr. Wilbur Jackson Social Studies

Ms. Rebecca Nunley Math

Mr. Mirac Ozkir Math Turkish

Mr. Josh Swem English Language Arts Spanish

TBA English Language Arts

Mrs. Tiesha Hooper-Smith English as a New Language

Ms. Rebekah Edelman College & Career Readiness / Social Studies

Spanish

Mr. Andy Gaunce English

Mr. Ethan Hoffman Math Spanish

Ms. Katrina Sahawneh Biology Arabic

Ms. Anne Kaplan U.S History

Mrs. Elisha Pepperman Art

Ms. Sheila McPherson Physical Education / Health

Mrs. Traci Prescott Music

Mr. Humberto Rodriguez Physical Education Spanish

Mr. Massiga Seck Special Education French

Ms. Nuvia Cazarez Bilingual Assistant Spanish

Mr. Diego Lemus Bilingual Assistant Spanish

Mrs. Yessica Torres Bilingual Assistant Spanish

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez Email: rodrigua@myips.org

Office Phone Number: 317-693-5613

Fax Number: 317-226-3750

Illegal substances: No drugs, alcohol or weapons on school

property.

Dr. Rodriguez can search your locker, bag,

or you any time.

Anti-discrimination and Harassment:

A student cannot be discriminated against because of race, color,

religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation.

race and color religion national origin

sex disability age sexual orientation

Incident/ Injury Reports:

If a teacher or student is hurt at school, we must report it immediately!

Bullying:

Bullying is prohibited.

Bullies can be one student or groups of students.

There are 4 kinds of bullying:

• Physical: hurting other people

• Social: leaving people out

• Verbal: saying mean or hurtful things

• Cyber: saying or doing mean or hurtful things on the internet or

via text

Students may not bully:

• At school

• Traveling to and from school (on the bus)

• At school events

If you see someone bullying or being bullied, talk to an adult in the building

immediately

Consequences for bullying are serious:

• In-school suspension

• Out-of-school suspension

• Out-of-School Suspension and Parent Conference Regarding

Probation/Alternative Placement/Expulsion

Cell Phones/ Electronics/ Headphones: You cannot use your phone or smart watch at school. During class,

bathroom breaks, at lunch, or in the hallways. Headphones and

earbuds may only be worn when directed by school staff.

Leave your phone in your locker or backpack. If staff sees your

phone they will:

1st time – take it and return it to you at dismissal.

2nd time – leave it with Dr. Rodriguez. The phone will be returned at

dismissal.

3rd time – leave it with Dr. Rodriguez. Your parent has to come to school to

get it.

You cannot record, have, view, send, or share pictures or videos of

violence or sexual content at school, school events, or the bus. If you have an

emergency, your family can call the school at 317-693-5613.

Gang and Criminal Activity: No gangs, destructive behavior, or illegal group behavior on school property, on school buses, and/or

at school events.

No retaliation against individuals who report gang or criminal organization activity, destructive or

illegal group behavior, or who are victims, witnesses, bystanders, or other people with reliable

information about these activities.

School Delays and Emergency Virtual Learning Days: If the weather is really bad, school starts two hours late (is delayed) or is virtual for the day.

Why do we delay school or do virtual school for the

day?

• Dangerously cold weather

• Lots of snow

• Ice on the roads and sidewalks

How will I know if school is delayed or virtual for the day?

1. Listen to teachers at school. We usually know

when the weather will be bad the next day

2. Listen for a phone call from the school

3. Go onto myips.org and look for information on the

first page

4. Watch TV and look for “Indianapolis Public

Schools”

Indianapolis Public

Schools will have

classes virtually

today due to

dangerous

weather.

Classes are virtual today. Please be safe!

IPS Uniform – mandatory every day:

Shirts

• must be a solid color

• can have a collar or no collar

Pants/Skirts/Belts

• Any solid-colored pant is acceptable

• Fastened at the waist

• Must worn above the hip

• Belts are not required at any grade

• Pants must be worn so that no undergarments are showing

• Leggings and yoga pants are still not permitted

• Ripped or torn pants are not permitted

• Skirt/Skort/Jumper is permissible, but it must come to the fingertips when arms are down by the side

Shoes

• Must be closed toe and have a closed heel or strap heel.

Sweaters, Jackets, and Hoodies

• You can wear a hoodie, but you cannot put your hood up

Hats

• No hats, headscarves or bandanas, except for religious reason

• Put hats in your lockers or a teacher will take them

If you do not

wear your

uniform, your

family must

come to bring

you one OR you

must wear one

from the

school.

Mandatory COVID Safety:

Before School:

• Every day before school, check on how you feel (self-screening) - DO NOT come to school if

you have symptoms of COVID-19

o Fever or chills (100 degrees or higher), new cough., shortness of breath or difficulty

breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore

throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea

Masks:

Vaccinated students (ages 12 and older) may opt out of wearing face masks by voluntarily providing proof of vaccination status. Click HERE to learn how to submit proof of vaccination documentation for students.

• Unvaccinated students must wear face masks

• Masks are required on IPS buses for all students regardless of vaccination status

• You do not have to wear your mask when you are eating or drinking water

• It is recommended you have 2 masks at school every day

• Clean your masks

• Cover your nose and mouth

2 masks

Washing your hands:

• Wash your hands:

o When you use the bathroom

o When you get to school

o Before and after lunch

o When they look dirty

o After you use a tissue

o When you go home

• Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands

o When you go into a new classroom

o After PE, art, and music

• When you go to the bathroom, always wash your hands with soap

and hot water for at least 20 seconds

Social distancing:

• Keep 3 feet distance between you and other people

• In class, sit facing the front of the room

If you feel sick:

• If you feel sick, tell your teacher immediately

• We will separate you from your classmates, take your

temperature, and if you are sick, we will call your

family to come take you home so you can rest

Water bottles:

• Use your IPS water bottle or bring a bottle to school so you can

drink water

I feel sick

Expectations at School:

Restroom

• Your teacher will tell you when you can go to the restroom

To keep you safe, only some students can be in the bathroom together at one time

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water

• Talk quietly – no yelling

• Do not touch people – no pushing or hitting

• Flush the toilet and use the trash can

• Do now throw paper towels or water

• Do not waste water or paper towels

Hallway

• You can go to the bathroom when your teacher gives you permission

• Please walk quietly in the hallway

• Kissing, touching, and running is not allowed in the hallway

Relationships and Touching

• Kissing, laying on people, sitting together in the same chair is not appropriate at school – remember to socially-distance

• If you are in a relationship, we will call your family to let them know

• If you are uncomfortable with something someone says or does to you or something you see, tell a teacher immediately

Food

• No food in classrooms or in hallways

• No vending machines

• Food in the United States can be full of sugar and fat – it is bad for your heart and brain

Classroom

• Follow the rules for COVID safety

• Be on time and ready for class

• Only use approved electronics

• Use English as much as you can

• Stay in your seat

• Listen and follow directions

• 1 voice at a time

• Do your best work

• Ask for help - raise your hand

• Use respectful language with each other

Lockers

• Only you can use your locker

• Do not share lockers

• Your locker combination is a secret

• Dr. Rodriguez can search my locker anytime

• Go to your locker before 1st period and after Advisory ONLY

Cafeteria/ Food

• You must socially distance 3 feet

• Respect the food service workers

• Take the correct number of foods

• Wait in line patiently with 3 feet between you and your classmates

• Put your trash in the can – No throwing food

• Clean up your table and the floor – No trash on the tables

• Stay in your seat – No walking around

• No junk food like Takis or soda – No vending machines

• No food outside of the cafeteria in hallways, bathroom or class

Chromebook Computers

• Respect the computers – they are expensive

• Bring your computer and charger every day

• If you have a technology problem, tell your teacher immediately

• Technology problems, call the IPS IT department: 317-226-3600

• Remember your username and password

Transportation

Riding the Bus

COVID safety rules and expectations

• You must wear a mask when you are waiting for the bus and socially distance from the people at your bus stop

• You must wear a mask when you get on the bus and the whole time you are on the bus

• When you get on the bus, you will use hand sanitizer

• Bus drivers will tell you where to sit to make sure you are socially distanced

• The first students on the bus will sit in the back so that you are not walking by people to get to your seat

• If you are the first student off the bus in the afternoon, you will sit in the front of the bus

• Bus monitors will check to make sure you are in your correct seat, that you have your mask on, and that you are using hand sanitizer

• Bus drivers and monitors will clean the bus every day

• Windows on the bus and the ceiling openings will be cracked for good ventilation

Other important information

• The driver’s job is to transport you safely

• Everything you do on the bus is recorded on cameras

• DO NOT run between buses

• There are many dangers and distractions on the road so LISTEN TO YOUR DRIVER

• Do not listen to music without headphones

• Riding the bus is a privilege – if there are problems, you can no longer ride the bus

• Help take care of the elementary students on the bus – Everyone at Newcomer is family

Problems? Call 317-226-4000 or 317-449-0796 for questions about late buses, bus stop changes, concerns about bus safety

Walking to School

• Use crosswalks

• Look both ways before you cross the street

• Do not talk to strangers

• Hold the hand of younger students

• Pay attention to the road Riding your Bike to School

• Do not ride bike around buses

• Wait for a teacher to tell you that you can leave, then ride your bike

• Lock your bike – People steal bikes!

• Do not walk or run between buses

Arriving Tardy to Class

• You must be in class on time, every day

• You are here to learn and every minute in class is important

• There are consequences for arriving to class tard

Loss of Friday activity

Phone call to your family

Teacher must walk you to your class

Mandatory conference with your family and the principal

Detention during lunch or advisory

Core Values: Be a S.H.A.R.K. Safe

• Follow the COVID safety rules

• Stay with your teacher

• Walk in the hallways

• Follow directions

Hardworking

• Ask questions

• Participate in groups

• Pay attention

• Make mistakes

• Take notes

• Finish your work and homework

Act Responsibly

• Follow the COVID safety rules to keep everyone safe

• Be honest

• Study after school

• Balance your life

Respectful

• Be on time

• Take turns to talk

• Raise your hand

• Use kind words

• Listen and follow directions

• Clean up trash

Kind

• Respect the health of everyone

• Think about other people’s feelings

• Help people

• Smile

• Introduce yourself to new students

Student Affirmation Statement

“I (the student) am an awesome English learner and scholar at Newcomer. I will make mistakes, but I will learn from them. I will do my best to speak as much English as I can. I will be safe, hard-working, act responsibly, respectful, and kind.”

What can I do if I do not understand? • Ask your teacher a clarifying question

o Can you repeat that? Can you say that again? o Could you say that again slowly? o Can you explain that? o Can you give me an example? o What do we need to do? o Can you show me what to do? o What does this word mean? o How do you say this word? o What is my grade in this class? Why do I have this grade?

• Visit your teacher during lunch to study

• Talk to your advisory teacher about your grades

• Ask your teacher how to study

• Use materials in enrichment area to study more

How can I be a role model to new students?

• Use school-appropriate language around the building

• Only touch your friends appropriately

• Avoid fights with them

• Do not yell at them

• Help them with their schoolwork

• Encourage them

• Remember, they are always watching you

Rewards:

• When you exhibit SHARK core values, you can earn rewards

• Rewards are different in each class

• They may include: o Choosing the song to work to o Positive phone call home o Small-group lunch with your teacher and friends

Student Code of Conduct:

• If you do not follow school rules, there are

consequences.

• Teachers use the following information to give you

consequences based on the behavior.

Teacher-Managed Administration-Managed

Level 1 Behaviors Teacher and involve natural

consequences

Level 2 Behaviors Assistance from Administration,

Support Staff

Level 3 and 4 Behaviors Suspension, Intensive help from

staff and principal

• Not wearing your mask and following COVID safety rules

• Talking during instruction

• Eating/drinking in class

• Using profanity/ Inappropriate comments

• Uniform violation

• Leaving class without permission

• Refusal to work or follow a reasonable request

• Being tardy

• Misusing equipment and materials

• Public displays of affection

• Using electronic device without permission or refusal to surrender when asked

• Persistent level 1 behaviors

• Not wearing your mask and following COVID safety rules

• Using profanity towards staff member or another student

• Truancy

• Academic Dishonesty

• Drug/alcohol use

• Fighting

• Bullying/Cyber-bullying

• Gambling

• Leaving campus without permission

• Vandalism

• Aggressive language towards others

• Aggressive physical contact

Level 1 Consequences Level 2 Consequences Level 3 and 4 Consequences

• Call family (COVID safety)

• Apology to teacher/ student

• Conference with parent/ family

• Conference with student

• Detention

• Home/ School Plan

• In-class time out

• Buddy room

• Loss of privilege

• Restorative chat

• Behavior

• Go to isolation room (COVID safety) and family takes you home

• Behavior contract

• Check in/ Check out with Mr. Salinas or Ms. Plata

• Community Service

• Conference with parents

• Daily or weekly report

• Detention

• In-School Suspension

• Family attends class with you

• Referral to principal

• Temporary removal from class

• In-school suspension

• Loss of privileges outside of school

• Out-of-school suspension

• Referral to MTSS

• Referral to Mr. Salinas/ Ms. Plata

• Service at approved program (up to 120 hours)

• Tobacco/ Alcohol/ Drug Program

• Expulsion

• Referral to school police

Sharing the Building with Northwest

Middle School

• Stay in Newcomer hallways

• When you’re walking in Northwest hallways,

please remember those students are in class

• Do not enter Northwest without teachers

• The doors lock behind you when you go downstairs

• Do not visit Northwest classes

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Student Contract (student copy):

I agree I will follow these rules and if I do not, I agree to the

consequences. I will be safe, respectful, hardworking, kind, and

responsible. If there is a problem, I will ask for help. If I do not

understand, I will ask for help.

Name __________________________________

Signature _______________________________

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Student Contract (school copy):

I agree I will follow these rules and if I do not, I agree to the

consequences. I will be safe, respectful, hardworking, kind, and

responsible. If there is a problem, I will ask for help. If I do not

understand, I will ask for help.

Name __________________________________

Signature _______________________________