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FIRESTONE
COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER
HOME OF THE FALCONS
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2022 – 2023
Colors Green & Gold
Team Name Falcons
Yearbook Volplane
Literary Magazine Voices
Newspaper Focus
MOTTO
“Success Is Our Tradition”
Campus Principal: Tina Loughry
470 Castle Blvd.
Akron, OH 44313
Phone: 330-761-3270
Fax 330-836-2001
Academy Principals
Freshman Academy: William Emery
KSU Academy of Advanced Technology and Engineering: Jeannie Yost
KSU Academy of Design: Angelo Donatelli
KSU Academy of Performing Arts: Krista Bowden
Counselors
KSU Academy of Advanced Technology and Engineering: Joseph Donofrio
KSU Academy of Design: Nicole Hornish
KSU Academy of Performing Arts: Bianca Heard
Freshman Academy: Dan Sandy
College and Career Academy Coach: Cassandra Hanna
Leader of Campus Support:
This handbook belongs to:
Name: ________________________________________________
Homeroom #: __________________________________________
MISSION
It is the mission of the Firestone CLC learning community to prepare our students to attain their
highest degree of academic success.
Dear Student:
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year at Firestone CLC. We are dedicated to academic excellence and offering a challenging personalized educational program for each student that ensures that all are college and career ready. Our immediate goal is to assist you to master course objectives, to become responsible, self-directed and self-disciplined. Further, we wish to instill in each student a desire to be a lifelong learner, thinking independently and critically, ready to function effectively in a constantly changing world and community.
Your responsibility is to contribute to the Firestone CLC community by taking advantage of the many opportunities offered. Working up to your academic potential, participating in one or many of the extracurricular activities offered, and providing service to your community are some ways that you will contribute.
This handbook has been prepared to help you succeed at your school. Please read it carefully so you will be informed of your privilege and responsibility. Also, all District policies and the student code of conduct apply.
On behalf of the entire staff of Firestone Community Learning Center, I wish you the very best this school year.
Sincerely,
Tina Loughry
Campus Principal
GENERAL INFORMATION
Absence/Attendance Policy
Compulsory attendance laws come from the State of Ohio. According to these regulations and the policy of Akron Public Schools, a student may receive an excused absence from school for the following reasons: personal illness; illness in the family; quarantine of the home; funerals (immediate family or relative); religious holidays; medical and dental appointments (verified by note from doctor); appointment at the Board of Education; college visitations (see college visits section) and emergencies (any emergency or set of circumstances as determined by the principal). However, excused and unexcused absences are recorded and generate truancy notifications.
When a student is absent or tardy, it is the obligation of the parent or guardian to report the absence and reason for the absence or tardiness to the school by 10:00 AM the same day. The phone number is (330) 761-3270. Students who are absent from school and do not have a parent call the school the day of is considered unexcused. Teachers are not required to give credit for work when an absence is unexcused.
The Attendance Office should be notified by a written statement the day of a medical appointment. The school fax number is (330) 836-2001.
On the basis of state regulations and the items on attendance, the following circumstances constitute some examples of grounds for NOT EXCUSING student absence from school: oversleeping, shopping trips, weather, car or transportation problems, flicking or truancy, failure to report a reason for an absence.
Academic Dishonesty and Integrity
Students at Firestone CLC are expected to do their own work in an honest and forthright manner. Looking at another student’s test paper, using crib sheets, obtaining, receiving or distributing test answers, copying homework, or plagiarizing (i.e. copying from a book, magazine or internet) or text messaging are dishonest acts. Students who compromise their integrity in these ways will be subject to disciplinary actions by the teacher and administration.
Accidents
Any accident in the school building, on school grounds, or at any event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge. An accident report will be completed immediately and turned in to the school office.
Activities
You are urged to participate in and attend the many after-school events and organizational activities. Proper behavior is expected and students are responsible to abide by the APS/Firestone CLC policies. Students under suspension must not attend or participate in after-school events.
Athletic Policy
Student athletes who are excused by the principal, for a partial day-due to illness or injury which requires treatment-may participate in a practice or game (that day) provided they were in attendance for a minimum of four classroom periods. Said provisions shall apply Monday through Friday. Students participating in sports will also receive a “Grading Period Eligibility” check at the end of each grading period. Students must pass 2.5 credits and earn a minimum of 2.0 GPA during the preceding grading period. Students who have a 1.5 - 1.99 GPA may attend tutoring/study sessions 3 times a week to remain eligible. Failure to maintain the above criteria will result in the student’s athletic eligibility being revoked for the entire next nine (9) week grading period.
Cell Phone/Electronic District Policy
Students may use personal communication devices (PCDs), before and after school, during their lunch period, during study hall or in classrooms only when given teacher consent. Devices must not be distracting to other students or the educational process. Teachers and administrators will determine if the use of technology is disruptive or inappropriate and students MUST comply with directives regarding the use of technology to preserve a productive and safe learning environment.
The use of PCDs that contain built-in cameras (i.e., devices that take still or motion pictures, whether in a digital or other format) is prohibited in any area where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists and includes but not limited to gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms and/or swimming pool.
Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person.
Students may not use a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See policy 5517.01. Students are prohibited from using PCDs to threaten and/or engage in sexting. Such actions will be reported to law enforcement and child services as required by law.
If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis and face progressive discipline as a result.
Students are solely responsible for the security of their PCDs. The Board of Education assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to , or misuse or unauthorized use of PCDs brought onto its property.
Change of Address
Any change of address or phone number must be reported to the main office immediately.
Chromebooks
All students in APS are issued a chromebook. Chromebook repair and support is available daily from Mr. Taylor in room 221A during his office hours. Fines may be assessed according to District policy for damaged or lost chromebooks that are the result of negligence or intentional destruction.
College Visits
College visits are considered excused when they are verified in advance with the appropriate form obtained from the counselors. The following will apply:
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Freshman and Sophomores are permitted to take 2 college visits/auditions per year.
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Juniors and Seniors are permitted to take 5 college visits/auditions per year.
Counseling Services
The counseling center is in Room 106 for grades 9-12. The counseling services are designed to facilitate the interpersonal, educational, and career development of each student. Students must complete a “request form” to meet with their counselor. These forms are located in Room 106. Once the form is completed, please leave the form with the secretary. The counselor will call students in during lunch and study halls when possible.
Deliveries
To minimize the disruption of classes and promote safety in the halls, no food or gifts will be delivered to students during the school day. FOOD OR PIZZA DELIVERIES BY STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND WILL BE RETURNED. Parental deliveries can be picked up after school.
Dress Code: Basic Guidelines
All grooming and all apparel worn at Firestone CLC must continue to meet the basic guidelines set forth by the APS Dress Code: As a general rule, all garments must be neat, clean, and properly sized. Students may not wear anything that promotes gangs, tobacco, drug and alcohol use, sexual activity or anything illegal or immoral.
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Shirts:
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Shirts must be properly sized. Underwear, shoulders, chest, back and midsection may not be visible. Shirts cannot be longer than the wrist level of a student’s arm. If the shirt is longer than the wrist length, the shirt must be tucked in.
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Hoodies:
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All hooded apparel must be properly sized. Hoodies cannot be longer than the wrist level of a student’s arm. Hoods must be removed from the head upon entry into all APS facilities, and shall remain down at all times.
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Bottoms:
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All lower garments must be anchored at the natural waist and cannot drag on the ground. Tight-fitting, oversized, drooping and garments exposing more than mid-thigh are not permitted. Pant waistbands may not be more than one (1) inch bigger than the student’s actual waist size. Pants cannot be gathered or drawn together at the waist and must be worn at the natural waist.
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Shoes:
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All footwear must be secure on the foot and not present a safety hazard. Slippers, flip-flops, stilettos and shower shoes are not permitted.
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Belts:
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A belt must be worn if the pants will not stay at the student’s measured waistline.
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Other:
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All clothing designed as outerwear, worn to and from school, cannot be worn indoors during the regular school day. Clothing designed for sleepwear is prohibited.
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Accessories:
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Sunglasses cannot be worn in the building. All jewelry and accessories must not be distracting or create a safety hazard.
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Violations of Dress Code policy will result in appropriate discipline which could include a warning, a parent conference, being sent home, ISS/OSS.
Fax
We do not accept fax transmissions for student work coming into the building. The fax machine is for emergency use only.
Fees
Fees for the 2022/2023 school year have been waived by Akron Public Schools Board of Education with the exception of chromebook fees.
Field Trips
Students participating in APS sponsored field trip/off campus activities are subject to all rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook of Firestone CLC and the Code of Student Behavior.
Fire Drills
The State of Ohio requires every school to have fire drills. When the fire alarm sounds, it is imperative that all staff and students leave the building quietly by the nearest exit. Silence is expected during fire drills.
Flicking
Students must report to their assigned classes. Flicking consequences are progressive and can lead to out of school suspension.
Students who leave the building/campus without prior parental permission and are flicking classes will receive progressive disciplinary consequences.
Forgery/False Identification
The following will result in disciplinary consequences:
* Altering/falsifying a hall pass
* Misrepresenting another person’s signature or false call off for attendance
* Attempting to falsify an educational document
* Refusing to identify himself/herself, or gives a false name
Fundraisers
Only school approved fundraisers will be permitted at Firestone CLC. No other fundraisers may be conducted during the school day.
Gambling
Gambling of any type is forbidden anywhere on school property before, after or during school. Playing cards, rolling dice, pitching coins and any other games in which money may exchange hands are not permitted at school under any circumstances. Teachers will confiscate all cards and gambling devices as soon as they are observed and will refer the students to the administration for appropriate discipline.
Graduation
Requirements for graduation from high school are:
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To earn a minimum of 21 credits in the following areas:
English 4
Science 3
Mathematics 4
Social Studies 3
Health/PE 1
Electives 6
*Students entering 9th grade after July 2022 will need to earn a half credit of financial literacy
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Show competency on Ohio State Tests in English II and Algebra I or meet competency through an alternative pathway.
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Show readiness through earning two Ohio Seals of which one is Ohio-designed.
More information is available through our School Guidance Department and the Ohio Department of Education Website.
Grading
Academic grades encompass an evaluation of homework, test grades, classwork, quizzes, reports, projects, participation and attendance; citizenship grades: (1-Excellent, 2-Above Average, 3-Average, 4-Needs to improve, 5-Very Poor) encompass courtesy, participation, attitude, dependability, trustworthiness, effort, initiative, and general behavior.
Interim reports are now available digitally on Home Access for parents and students.
Akron Public School Grading Scale
A 93-100 4.0
A- 90-92 3.8
B+ 87-89 3.2
B 83-86 3.0
B- 80-82 2.8
C+ 77-79 2.2
C 73-76 2.0
C- 70-72 1.8
D+ 67-69 1.2
D 63-66 1.0
D- 60-62 0.8
F 0-59 0.0
Hall Expectations
Walk-do not run inside the building
Professional tone, language and behavior
Be on time and prepared for class
No outside food or beverage
Ears free of obstruction (no headphones/earbuds on ears)
Hall Passes
Students must have a pass after class change to be in the hall. No hall passes will be issued the first or last 15 minutes of class unless the teacher notes the need for an exception or emergency.
Harassment Policy
It is the policy of the Board of Education to maintain an education and work environment which is free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all School District operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of unlawful harassment.
The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, or any other basis, and encourages those within the School District community as well as third parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify the problems. The Board will investigate all allegations of harassment and in those cases where harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps to end the harassment. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of or by any student. This prohibition encompasses sexual harassment which may occur between students (peer-to-peer), and between a student and an employee. This policy applies to conduct which occurs during or is related to school and/or school sponsored activities, regardless of whether it occurs on or off school property.
Hold Slip Policy
Students who have any outstanding holds i.e., unpaid fees, book fines, failure to return textbooks or sports uniforms, etc. will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities.
Honor and Merit Rolls
Academic success is our tradition at Firestone. Focus on Excellence! Honor roll status is achieved by maintaining a 3.5 average or higher during any grading period. Merit roll status is achieved by maintaining a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49.
Illness At School
Every student must have an emergency card on file in the main office. If a student becomes ill at school, he/she will get a note from the teacher to go to the nurse. If the nurse is not available, see your counselor or school secretary.
In School Suspension (ISS)
Firestone CLC operates an ISS program as an alternative to out of school suspension. ISS is inclusive of tardy to school/class, detentions and minor behavior issues. All school policies and procedures apply when a student is in ISS.
Insubordination/Gross Insubordination
Insubordination is defined as failure to respond to a person in authority, failure to comply with directions of school personnel or otherwise acting in defiance of school authority.
Gross Insubordination is defined as failure to comply with directions or otherwise acting in defiance of school authority after specific warning of becoming grossly insubordinate and in the presence of others.
Violations will result in an in/out of school suspension.
Insurance
Forms are available the first few weeks of school to purchase private accident insurance. Parents who have students involved in athletics, extracurricular activities, and vocational programs are encouraged to investigate this coverage.
Internet Access
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The Firestone administration will deem what is appropriate use and their decision is final. Students are given internet access guidelines and must have a signed parent/guardian consent form to access the internet on file in the school office. This privilege will also apply to the student use of laptops and electronic notebooks.
Locks and Lockers
Locker assignments are made by the 1st period teacher and a copy of the locker registration is kept in the office of the assistant principal. A student is expected to use only the locker assigned to him/her. A fee of $5 is assessed if the student loses his/her lock. It is the sole responsibility of the student assigned to a locker to secure and be responsible for personal possessions and school property on loan to him/her. Lockers used by students remain the property of the Akron Public Schools and the Search and Seizure section of the Code of Student Behavior applies. Students enrolled in physical education classes should provide locks for their gym lockers. Firestone CLC will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
Lunch
Students are restricted to the school building/campus during lunch.
Messages
Students should not receive messages at school. If a parent/guardian has an emergency, and needs to contact a student, the attendance office will see that the student receives a message. Emergencies will be determined by the assistant principal/counselor.
National Honor Society (NHS)
Membership in the National Honor Society is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon a high school student. Membership is based on scholarship, service, leadership, and character and honesty. Juniors and seniors who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher are eligible for consideration. Entrance is by application, signed and received by staff members and submitted to the NHS advisor. Final acceptance is determined by a team composed of faculty members who determine acceptance.
Parking
Students who are licensed drivers may drive to school if they park in the school student parking lot. A parking permit is required and can be obtained on a first come first serve basis.
Positive Behavior Intervention/ Falcon Talons
The Board of Education is committed to the District-wide use of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports ("PBIS") with students, and the establishment of a school environment focused on the care, safety, and welfare of all students and staff members. Students will have incentives based on earning Falcon Talons.
PTSA
Firestone CLC has an active and interesting PTSA. It meets monthly, alternating afternoon and evening meetings, and all parents are invited to attend. Contact information is available in the main office.
Public Displays of Affection
The inappropriate excessive display of affection (as determined by staff members) is unacceptable behavior for students at Firestone CLC and Firestone CLC sponsored events. Parents will be notified of this situation and their assistance requested. In some instances discipline measures may apply.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued to students quarterly, two weeks following the close of the grading period.
Schedule Changes
When there is a conflict with your schedule, please make an appointment to see your guidance counselor within the first two weeks of the semester. Complete a counselor request form and leave it with the secretary in Room 106. You will be called to the office by your grade level counselor.
Search And Seizure
Lockers, desks and other storage areas and their contents are subject to random search at any time.
Tardiness to Class
Students must be in the classroom when the bell rings and not loitering in the halls. Students who are tardy to classes four or more times in a quarter will receive progressive disciplinary consequences.
Textbooks
Each student is issued books and/or electronic access to textbooks. Be sure that your name is written in ink in each of your textbooks at the time they are issued. Book numbers are issued to individual students--you are responsible to return the book number assigned to you. Always return the book assigned you directly to the teacher
Tornado Drills
Instructions for Tornado Drills will be posted in each classroom. When the Tornado Drill signal begins, it is imperative that students and staff proceed directly to their designated area. Students should remain silent during these drills so that further instructions may be given.
Tutoring
Tutoring may be offered before and after school by individual Firestone staff members. The district has online and phone support with APS After Hours Support Center Monday-Thursday from 4-7 and Saturday from 10-2. Also, students have 24 hour support through the TutorMe app in the APS Portal. Any student may take advantage of this service.
Video Surveillance
For your safety, the halls of Firestone CLC are monitored by video cameras.
Visitors
All adult visitors must register in the main office and receive a visitor’s name tag. Students who want to see the school with the intention of enrolling may schedule a visit. The parent should call the office of the principal to make arrangements. Visits are scheduled beginning in October and continue until March.
Weapons
Ohio law makes it a felony for any person to convey, attempt to convey, or possess any weapon or dangerous ordnance onto or on any property owned or controlled by, or to any activity held under the auspices of a school. Also, possession or use of a weapon will result in a recommendation for mandatory expulsion and charges will be filed with the police.
Withdrawing From School
A student withdrawing from school should report to the main office where a leaving school card will be issued. The student will take the card to each class, turn in books, and receive an in-progress grade from the teacher.
ALMA MATER
Thy hallowed name is Firestone,
We sing our praise to thee,
Of all the days at Firestone
We’ll think eternally.
Your faith we command
As proudly we stand
And pledge our loyalty
For Firestone High, our love will not die,
We give fidelity.
For Firestone victorious,
For sons both brave and bold,
For love of Alma Mater,
All hail to the Green and Gold
FIRESTONE CLC CLUBS/SPORTS/EXTRACURRICULARS
ACTIVITY ADVISOR/COACH
Academic Challenge Mr. Boling
ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mr. Wood
Ambassadors (10, 11, 12) Mrs. Hanna
Anime Club Mr. Zuren/ Ms. K. Wilson
Basketball, Boys Mr. Neugebauer
Basketball, Girls Mr. McGill
Baseball Mr. Sloan
Bowling Mr. Westphal
Catalina Club Ms. Tausz
Cheerleading Mrs. Johnson/Ms. A. Cowan
Chess TBA
Colorguard Ms. Pugliese
Cross Country, Boys Mrs. Schaefer
Cross Country, Girls Mrs. Schaefer
DECA Mrs. Cooper
Ecology TBA
Engineering (PLTW) Mr. Wallen
FCCLA Mrs. Chadbourne/Mrs. Powell
Flagline Ms. Pugliese
Football Mr. Mitchell
Game Club Mr. Zuren/ Ms. K. Wilson
GLASS Ms. Saal
Golf, Boys Mr. Westphal/Mr. Homa
Golf, Girls Mr. Bozeka
Gospel Choir Mrs. Childers
J.O.G. Mrs. French
Journalism (Focus) Mrs. Hanlon
Literary Magazine (Voices) Mrs. Beaven
Marching Band Mr. Kennedy
Musical Mr. Zimmerman
National Art Honor Society Mr. Sienerth
National Honor Society Mrs. Sommers
National Honor Society for Dance Arts Mrs. Berick
Orchestra Mr. Stakleff
FIRESTONE CLC CLUBS/SPORTS/EXTRACURRICULARS (continued)
ACTIVITY ADVISOR/COACH
Soccer, Boys Mr. Milford
Soccer, Girls Mr. Larios
Softball Ms. Williams
Stage Crew Mr. Zimmerman
Student Council Mrs. Stecz
Swim Team Mrs. Dial
Tennis, Boys Mr. Sampsell
Tennis, Girls Mr. Sampsell
Thespians Mr. Zimmerman
Track, Boys/Girls Mr. Mitchell
Vocal Music Mrs. Meyer
Volleyball Mrs. McMillan-Myers
Wrestling Mr. Tiedemann
Yearbook (Volplane) Mr. Dougherty