NSU University School Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017

Page 28 3. Only those persons authorized on the student emergency consent form will be allowed to confer with students (exception: law enforcement and DCF). Unauthorized requests will be denied. 4. Parents shall be notified by telephone or in writing either before or after a law enforcement interview. 4: CURRICULUM ACADEMIC POLICIES LOWER SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS Students’ academic achievement levels are assessed both during the admissions process and through informal evaluations that are given after the start of school each year. Report cards, standardized test results, teachers’ recommendations, and the students’ learning portfolios are used to determine an overall learning profile. Diagnostic information is compiled for all students, after which a differentiated learning program is prepared. Students work together in small groups for reading/language arts and math according to similar learning styles, skill levels, and needs. Instruction in small groups dictates that varied instructional materials and lesson developments will be applied. Students will experience different skills and activities at different times and in different formats. The NSU University School curriculum guide states the essential outcomes for every subject and for every grade. It includes learning goals and objectives grouped into strands, suggestions for instructional methods, strategies for personalizing the instruction, and criteria for mastery. Teachers then establish a match between the learner and the methods and materials deemed most appropriate for him or her to master new skills in the most effective and efficient manner. Because the group assignment is based on the learning needs of the student and the teaching style of the teacher, requests for a particular teacher cannot be accommodated. As students proceed through the four phases of learning—acquisition, fluency, maintenance, and application— teachers adjust the introduction, development, practice, and follow-up activities accordingly. A variety of experiences that include implementations ranging from texts/workbooks to computer simulations and telecommunications play a vital role in the learning process. As students show proficiency with certain skills, teachers adjust their techniques and strategies to accommodate the time necessary to master newly presented information and refine existing knowledge. HONOR ROLL HONOR ROLL MIDDLE SCHOOL Students with A’s and B’s in all subjects and 1’s and 2’s in conduct will qualify for honor roll. NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY MIDDLE SCHOOL Students in seventh and eighth grades who are outstanding in scholarship, leadership, character, and service to the school and community may be elected to the NSU University School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Every spring, the faculty and staff members select candidates for the honor society. The minimum cumulative grade point average (grade 7 and 8) for consideration is 3.50. Students must be working on or above grade-level and maintain the grade point average under which they were admitted to be in good standing. The group meets regularly and undertakes a variety of service projects throughout the year. For induction and continued membership of NJHS, each student must maintain a good behavioral record. External suspensions or six or more detentions will eliminate a student from induction and membership for that academic year. Internal suspensions will also be reviewed as part of this process. HONOR ROLL UPPER SCHOOL The Upper School honor rolls are determined at the end of each semester, according to the following criteria: 1. Head of School’s Honor Roll: 90 or better grades in all courses 2. Director’s Honor Roll: minimum 80 grades in all courses