A+ Schools Program

Participation in the A+ Schools Program requires certain behaviors and attitudes. Specifically, a student who participates in the A+ Schools Program must be a good citizen and be judged so by the proper school authorities.

A student whose character or conduct is such as to discredit his/her school is not considered a good citizen. His/her conduct shall be satisfactory in accordance with the standards of good discipline. A student who participates in the A+ Schools Program should remember not only the financial rewards but also the individual discipline and responsibilities that come with it.

The following criteria regarding the school’s discipline policy will serve as a measurable indicator of respect for self, school, and good citizenship:

Criminal Activity:
A student who is convicted of a verifiable misdemeanor or felony will not qualify.

Substance Abuse:
A student shall not possess or use alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or controlled substances. Any violation of the student alcohol/drug abuse policy will result in loss of eligibility for the program.

Suspension:
A student will lose A+ eligibility if he/she accumulates more than eight (8) days of suspension (ISS and OSS) during his/her high school career. Suspension records for eligible students who transfer from another district will be used to determine eligibility.

Violations of Safe Schools Act:
A student who is disciplined in accordance with the Safe Schools Act of 1996 will lose eligibility for the A+ Schools Program. These violations include, but are not limited to, assault, weapons possession, and drug distribution.

Due Process:
A student who believes that he/she has been declared ineligible for the A+ Schools Program unfairly may appeal to the A+ Schools Appeals Committee. In cases of appeal, the student or parent/guardian must notify the A+ Coordinator in writing of his/her intent to appeal within 10 days of receiving the written ineligibility letter. An A+ Appeals Committee shall hear the appeal and return its decision to the student. The A+ Schools Appeals Committee will consist of the principal and two at-large faculty members. The decision of the committee can be appealed to the Scott City R-I School Board of Education. The A+ Coordinator will facilitate the appeal but will not be involved in the voting process.

To be eligible for the A+ schools financial assistance, the student must graduate with a cumulative, non-weighted grade point average of 2.5 or above.  Scott City High School uses an 11 point grading system, therefore students must graduate with a cumulative, non-weighted grade point average of 6.875 or above. The cumulative grade point average is for the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years and is calculated using semester grades (not quarter grades). A student with a cumulative average of 2.4999 or lower on 4 point scale and 6.874 or lower on an 11 point scale will not qualify for A+ status. The student’s official transcript will serve as evidence of grade point average for admission into an approved Missouri public community college or Missouri public vocational/technical school.

The A+ participant has the responsibility to closely monitor his/her grade point average. Updates will be provided to all A+ students and parents on the students’ report card. Final determination of A+ eligibility cannot be made until an A+ participant graduates and his/her final GPA is calculated.

The criteria of the A+ Schools Program requires that students seeking A+ status must perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring for other students. Listed below are the A+ schools guidelines concerning tutoring or mentoring.

• Tutoring/mentoring must be school sponsored.
• The student must go through an orientation/training before the mentoring/tutoring will begin.
• The official time sheet must be signed and dated by the school sponsoring official in charge of that tutoring or mentoring activity.
• Tutoring/mentoring may be done during the school year or during summer school.
• All tutoring/mentoring must be done on school premises.
• All tutoring/mentoring experiences must begin before February 2nd in the year the student will graduate.
• The student is expected to be present at the agreed upon day and time for tutoring/mentoring.
• If an absence must occur, the student is expected to notify the adult in charge of the tutoring/mentoring experience.

Tutors will need to schedule tutoring sessions with the A+ Coordinator or the Cadet teaching sponsor. The following list contains possible opportunities that will count toward the 50 hours of unpaid tutoring/mentoring requirement of the A+ Schools Program:

• Elementary School Tutoring/Mentoring
• Middle School Tutoring/Mentoring
• High School Tutoring/Mentoring
• A+ Course: Counts as 1/2 credit of practical arts (for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors)
• The A+ course is offered during the fall semester, spring semester, and during summer school.
• Opportunities as approved by the A+ Coordinator

A current list of approved tutoring/mentoring activities and the contact person for these activities will be posted in the Counselor’s Office and the A+ Coordinator’s Office.

EXPECTATIONS

Compliance - The tutor must be meeting the requirement of the A+ program to take the A+ course. Cumulative grade point average must be at least 6.875 or higher and cumulative attendance must be at least 95% or higher.

Behavior – The tutor is expected to behave as the more mature member of the tutoring team. The behavior of the tutor is as important for the person receiving the tutoring as the subject matter. Express confidence in the person’s ability and praise his/her successes.
Promptness – The tutor is expected to be on time for tutoring sessions and to use the time wisely.
Compensation – The tutor is not to receive money or other compensation for tutoring. The compensation, upon completion of all requirements, will be tuition and fees for your continued education.
Confidentiality – Confidentiality (both during and after the tutor’s assignment) concerning any student whom the tutor assists is required in order to participate. Privileged information given by the student, the student’s parents, and/or teachers must be kept private and confidential. If your student reaches out to you with problems that require outside help, immediately report this to the supervising teacher before leaving the building.

TERMINATION OF OPPORTUNITY

Any single significant action, or repeated actions, in violation of school district policy or procedures may result in the termination of the opportunity to tutor. The student will then be assigned another class if scheduled for Cadet Teaching during the school day. Disclosure of information to others not involved with the tutee will be considered a breach of contract and could result in dismissal from the A+ tutoring program and/or other disciplinary action.

A+ participants and their parents are required to complete and submit with the government as a good faith effort to secure all available federal post-secondary student financial assistance funds that do not require repayment. Information reported on FAFSA is required by post-secondary institutions to complete the enrollment process.

• Parents must complete and mail the online FAFSA form. The FAFSA information must be available to the public community college or vocational/technical school that the student is planning to attend.
• The FAFSA information is available in the Guidance Office and the A+ Office in December of the year of graduation. Parents of seniors are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after January 1. FAFSA forms are available and may be submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov by the April 1st deadline.
• The Scott City R-1 School District does not have access to personal information submitted with the FAFSA.

• Sign the A+ Schools Participation Agreement
• Sign the A+ Schools Citizenship Guidelines
• Sign the A+ Schools Tutoring Agreement
• Attend Tutoring/Mentoring Training
• Submit the A+ Tutoring/Mentoring Placement Request and Approval
• Begin Tutoring
• Maintain GPA, attendance, and citizenship requirements.

• Update the A+ Tutoring/ Mentoring Placement Request and Approval
• Continue tutoring/mentoring hours if not completed
• Maintain GPA, attendance, and citizenship requirements.

• Update the A+ Tutoring/ Mentoring Placement Request and Approval
• Continue tutoring/mentoring hours if not completed
• Maintain GPA, attendance, and citizenship requirements.

• Update the A+ Tutoring/Mentoring Placement Request and Approval
• See the A+ Coordinator if you intend to graduate at semester and enter the post-secondary institution immediately upon graduation.
• Maintain GPA, attendance, and citizenship requirements.

• Complete the Citizenship Eligibility Report
• Submit FAFSA
• Document FAFSA Submission with postcard verification or a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Maintain GPA, attendance, and citizenship requirements.
• Complete the intent to use A+ Incentives form prior to May 20
• Register for Selective Service when applicable.