Student Handbook Home

Welcome to STRIDE where we understand that no-one can go back and make a brand new start, but anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending!

STRIDE is a program offered as an extension of Dodge City High School. While it is located on a separate campus, the USD443 Board of Education’s approved high school handbook still governs the students attending STRIDE.

Included in this handbook is the general information regarding STRIDE. Policies, rules, procedures, and programs are developed from the ideas of students, staff, administration, and the board of education. Because of this, our program is constantly evolving in order to meet the needs of the current population. Therefore, this handbook should be viewed as a general source of information.

Mission

The mission of USD 443 is to prepare our students to be capable, contributing participants in a changing world.

The mission of the STRIDE program is to help students understand their value and provide a high-quality education that maximizes untapped skills, talents, and abilities in order to improve work ethic, compassion, and problem-solving skills.

Goals

1. Providing an environment that leads to the awarding of a high school diploma to all students who enter
2. Providing an environment that leads to the development of personal and social skills for every student
3. Providing vocational guidance that leads to successful career attainment for every student

Camilla Hartzler – Principal - hartzler_camilla@443mail.org
Jade Schaffer – Counselor - schaffer_jade@443mail.org
Gloria Lee – Secretary - lee_gloria@443mail.org
Geneva Cecil – Teacher (ELA) - cecil_geneva@443mail.org
Shala Waldman – Teacher (Math) - waldman_shala2@443mail.org
TaShane Lerch – Teacher (Science) - lerch_tashane@443mail.org
Denise Ann Bamberger – Teacher (Special Education) - bamberger_denise@443mail.org
Zach Shipley – Teacher (Social Studies) - shipley_zach@443mail.org
Brandon Webster – Teacher (Social Studies) - webster_brandon@443mail.org
Bruce Kiplinger – Teacher (Suspension Coordinator) - kiplinger_bruce@443mail.org
Brigitte Costa – Para - costa_brigitte@443mail.org

• Students who have attended high school on the traditional campus
  
  • We do not normally admit students directly from middle school; we recommend that they attempt the traditional campus first.
• Students desiring to obtain a high school diploma and make improvements to their lives.
• Students who leave STRIDE and want to return are subject to certain criteria upon approval of return
  • Attendance contracts
  • Maintaining adequate weekly progress
  • Completing courses on schedule
  • Attend Groups

1. Students request STRIDE enrollment information from his/her DCHS counselor.
   
2. Students submit the questionnaire that will be provided.
   1. Once the questionnaire is submitted, the student is placed on the master STRIDE list for review by Ms. Hartzler
3. Near the end of each quarter of school, Ms. Hartzler will reach out to students and parents to set up appointments for the interview process.
   1. The purpose of the interview is to determine if STRIDE is a good placement.
   2. Any student/parent that no shows without notification will be placed at the bottom of the waitlist.
4. Students/parents will be notified of admittance/non-admittance to the STRIDE program after interviews are completed.
5. Once admitted, students must complete orientation/expectations packet in order to become a permanent member of the STRIDE family
   1. Orientation contracts are given to acquaint students with STRIDE and see if instruction methods and expectations offered are conducive to the students' learning style
   2. Students who choose not to complete this process will be moved back to DCHS

• We understand that not all students learn the same way or at the same pace.
  
• We value the individuality of every student.
• We utilize an online learning platform (Edgenuity) that allows flexibility in student schedules
• Every student will develop an individualized plan of study (IPS) to outline student success
• We want every student to have at least one adult from our campus that he/she can connect with
• We value building positive relationships. The trust that these relationships are built upon determines the level of commitment we get from parents and students.
• Students are expected to have positive behaviors to promote the learning environment
• To develop relationships across our campus, we utilize a positive behavior matrix (linked below)
  • STRIDE Positive Behavior Matrix
  • JCDB Dress Code

As previously stated, we are bound by all school board policies in effect at DCHS, and that includes policies that deal with how major violations of behavior expectations will be handled. These situations could include, but are not limited to: A weapon on school grounds, having drugs or drug paraphernalia, and major technology violations. Here is a list of links to USD 443 board policies that govern certain situations.

• JCDAA Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Devices
• JCDBB Weapons
• JDDA Drug-Free Schools
• JDDC Bullying
• JHCAA Gang Activity
• JCAB Searches of Property
• JCABB Searches of Students
• JCAC Interrogation and Investigations

General Policy Statement
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance (including alcohol and "look-alike" substances) is strictly prohibited in any school building, on school property, or at any school-sponsored activity. This prohibition extends to all electronic vaping and inhalation devices regardless of their contents.

Vaping and Electronic Inhalation Devices
To maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, the district utilizes a unified policy regarding vaping that focuses on the delivery method rather than the substance contained in the device.

• Prohibited Items: All electronic vaping and inhalation devices are prohibited on school grounds. This includes, but is not limited to, traditional vapes, "wellness diffusers," vitamin vapes, and aromatherapy inhalers.
• Medical Exception: Prescription medical inhalers (such as those used for asthma) remain permitted when used in accordance with established district health policies.

Search and Seizure Protocols
The district reserves the right to conduct searches to ensure the security of the school environment.

• Lockers and School Property: Lockers and desks are district property and are subject to random searches at any time.
• Canine (Drug Dog) Searches: Trained dogs may be used to search for controlled substances in lockers, desks, common areas, and parking lots.
• Safety Protocol: During any search involving trained canines, all students and staff will be removed from the area being searched. At no time will students or staff come into contact with the dogs.
• Reasonable Suspicion: An alert by a trained dog constitutes reasonable suspicion for an administrative search of the specific locker, backpack, or vehicle.

Sanctions and Consequences
Violations of the drug-free and vaping policies are subject to disciplinary action in alignment with the USD 443 Discipline Handbook and Board Policy JDDA. Sanctions may include the following:

• Suspension: Immediate short-term suspension from school.
• Expulsion: Recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion for the remainder of the school year.
• Law Enforcement Notification: Mandatory notification of local law enforcement for illegal substance violations.
• Rehabilitation/Education: Requirement to complete a drug and alcohol education or treatment program as a condition for remaining in or returning to school.

Board Policy References
JDDA: Drug-Free Schools
JCAB: Searches of PropertyJCABB: Searches of Students

District Stance: "District-Issued Only" In compliance with Kansas Senate Bill 2299, the district operates a "Bell-to-Bell, Device-Free" policy. The district's official stance is: If the district did not issue the device to you, it is not allowed inside the school building. This applies to all classrooms, passing periods, lunch, and restrooms.

Absolute Prohibition on Personal Technology This policy applies to any and all technology not owned or issued by the district. If the district did not give it to you, it is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to:

• All cell phones and smartphones.
• Smartwatches, GPS-enabled watches/devices, and phone watches (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.).
• Wireless earbuds/headphones (AirPods, Beats, etc.).
  • Testing Accommodations: The district will provide required headphones/earbuds for testing or instructional purposes as needed.
• Personal tablets or gaming devices.

Off-Campus and Workplace Learning Expectations

• College Classes: College/Concurrent Enrollment Classes: Students attending college or concurrent enrollment classes may use personal devices while off campus. Upon returning to school grounds, devices must be left in the vehicle or checked into the Main Office immediately upon return to the school.
• Job Shadowing / PLE / WBL: These are considered school-related learning experiences. Personal devices must be left in the student’s vehicle during the duration of these experiences. Use of a personal device during job shadowing or workplace learning is a violation of this policy.

Athletic and Activity Travel (Non-Instructional Trips)

• The Departure Rule: Students leaving for school-sponsored athletic or activity events (e.g., away games, music competitions) may retrieve their personal devices from their vehicle or another building-designated storage location only after they have been officially dismissed from their academic classes for travel. Buildings may determine the most appropriate storage location for devices prior to dismissal (e.g., Main Office, Athletic Office, etc.).
• Instructional Field Trips: This exception does not apply to instructional field trips. Field trips are considered an extension of the classroom, and the "Device-Free" building policy remains in effect for the duration of the trip.
• Usage: Once the athletic/activity bus departs school grounds, personal devices may be used at the discretion of the head coach or sponsor to coordinate late-night pickups with parents.

• The district is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices.

Authorized Storage

• Vehicles/Home: Students are directed to leave personal devices at home or in a locked vehicle.
• Main Office Check-In: If a student brings a device into the building, it must be checked into the Main Office or another building-designated location immediately upon entry. Buildings may establish additional procedures for device storage and retrieval based on operational needs.
• Backpacks: Backpacks are NOT considered an authorized storage location for personal devices.

Communication & Emergency Procedures

• Parent/Student Contact: Parent/Student Contact: All contact during the school day must occur through the school’s Main Office or other building-designated location.
• Emergency Phone Use: Students needing emergency communication may use a school phone in the Main Office or another building-designated location as determined by administration.

Exceptions - Personal device use is only for documented IEP/504 requirements or medical necessities. Documentation must be on file with administration.

Discipline Progression: If a device is seen or heard and was not properly checked into the office or other building-designated location, the following discipline progression will apply. Buildings may establish procedures for how confiscated devices are stored and managed based on the operational needs of the building.

• 1st Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Student picks it up after school.
• 2nd Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Parent/Guardian must pick it up.
• 3rd Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Parent/Guardian picks it up + detention.
• Refusal to Surrender: Refusal to immediately surrender a device to a staff member is a cell phone violation and insubordination/defiance. This results in an immediate administrative referral, and the student will bypass the 1st offense (student pick-up).
• Continued Violations: Repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary consequences and/or parent conferences as determined by administration.
• Documentation: Violations will be documented in Skyward.

• The Chromebook is school property that you are being allowed to use. Any action that violates existing Board policy or public law will be reported to the proper authorities.
• If the student is using an app or website inappropriately, it may result in consequences or loss of privileges.
• Student Chromebook will be filtered through the district’s technology department.
• School staff members have the right to check any material stored on a student’s laptop.

Student Responsibilities – Chromebook Care

The student will:

• Use their Chromebook in a responsible and ethical manner,
• Be responsible for keeping their laptop in good working order,
• Report any Chromebook damage to their Family teacher,
• Use only a soft cloth to clean the screen, no cleaners of any kind,
• Not have any writing or stickers on the laptop.

Student Responsibilities – Chromebook Usage

The student will:

• Will not deter from Teacher’s Go Guardian restrictions
• Not access games unless directed by a teacher.
• Not take photos or videos unless they are being used in a project assigned by a teacher,
• Not use any social media sites during school
• Not use Chromebooks in restrooms
• Use the school-approved passwords and screensavers.
• Keep the originally installed apps on the laptop in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times,
• Be responsible for making sure their laptop is charged and ready for the next day.

*Reminder of replacement costs associated with district learning devices:

• Attendance needs to be a priority to ensure long-term student growth
• Students must make up the late time
  
  • If a student comes after 8:00, the student stays past 2:40, 1 minute for every minute he/she is late up to 50 minutes.
  • This is the daily expectation with no questions asked. If an extenuating circumstance arises, you can discuss alternative arrangements to make up the time with Ms. Hartzler
• Attendance is taken seriously, and we provide specific incentives to promote the development of high attendance rates (see “incentive programs” section)
  • Attendance Works Family Flyer
  • Attendance Success Plan
  • STRIDE Tardy Plan
  • Board Policies governing attendance
    • JBD Absences and Excuses
    • JBE Truancy
    • JBH Release of a student during the school day

Accessing the Building:

• Secured Entrance: Alt Ed. operates with a single secured entry location. Anyone entering the building during school hours will be required to enter the building through the main entry located on the south side of the building Comanche St. entrance.
• Weapons Detectors: All students/visitors and their property entering the building during school hours will pass through weapons detectors. Individuals or property that causes the detector to alert will be subject to further search.

• Progress is tracked and reported in Edgenuity, Google Sheets, and Skyward
• Students are provided with weekly target percentages based on the remaining credits that they need to obtain
• Teachers will send progress reports at the end of each unit (14 days) via Parent Square, showing courses completed.

In addition to Edgenuity classes students will be in some teacher-led courses with direct instruction. The classes students take will be dependent on where each individual student is currently at in their academics. The goal is for most Core Classes ( Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science) to be teacher-led and taken by students so they get more focused instruction on the content and standards that USD 443 provides. In these teacher-led courses students will earn points toward completion of credits.

• All students grade 9-11 will be required to give an End of The Year Presentation. This presentation will consist of speaking in front of 3 staff members about their school year at STRIDE. The components of the presentation will be attendance, credits earned, and discipline, and something they have accomplished in regard to school work or that they have improved on throughout the year at STRIDE.
• After the presentation the staff will determine if the student will be asked to return the following school year.
• With very limited spots, and an increasing number of students seeking admission to our program, it is vital that students utilize and take advantage of the opportunity that has been given them. If a student isn’t meeting our basic schoolwide expectations of coming to school regularly, earning credit in teacher led courses and on Edgenuity, or are a discipline problem, then their ability to remain with our program will be in question.
• If a student is asked not to return, they will be expected to return to DCHS the following school year.

• STRIDE follows the current USD 443 required course/credits for graduation
• Students are required to complete an exit interview before graduating
• Students are provided with learning experiences in health/fitness, civic engagement, career education, and community service
  • Activities are listed in the “Active Learning Opportunities” section.
• Students are required to participate in Kansas State Assessments and other surveys needed for data collection
• Students will receive a Dodge City High School diploma issued at the end of the school year
• Students are permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony if their credits are completed
• The following links are board policies on graduation ceremonies and early graduation.

JFC Graduation Exercises.pdf

• JFCA Early Graduation.pdf
• Link to Graduation Supplies (Cap / Gown / Tassel etc.
  • These items are purchased by students and not supplied by the school.

• STRIDE Fit: Zach Shipley / Geneva Cecil - Students have the opportunity to participate in a program designed to promote strength development and general fitness led by several of the teachers that also participate.
• Town Hall Meetings: Entire Staff - Students and staff will meet as a group to discuss issues, solve problems, and celebrate successes. Students may be asked to present information during these meetings.
• Civic Engagement: Students may be asked to participate in community activities that could include the following: USD 443 school board meetings, school site council meetings, breakfast club, and others that come about.
  • This could include speakers from outside agencies as well
• Yearbook Project: Geneva Cecil - Students will have the opportunity to create a scrapbook-style or video yearbook under the guidance of a certified teacher.
• Work Experience: Students have the opportunity to earn elective credits for successfully maintaining a job. This will be built into the student’s individual plan of study.
• Learn to Serve: Brandon Webster - One day per month, students will have the opportunity to complete a service project. There will be several service projects per day, and students will choose which to participate in.
• Internships: Jade Schaffer / Geneva Cecil - These are non-paid positions that allow students the opportunity to job shadow and learn about different careers.
• Groups: Jade Schaffer - Students have the opportunity to participate in workgroups to develop life skills in a student-led capacity throughout the year, based on needs.
• Literacy Time: Entire Staff - Literacy is defined as the ability to read and write, but in today’s society, it can also represent a person’s understanding of a particular subject or field. At STRIDE, we understand the importance of increasing the overall understanding of 21st century skills and providing learning experiences for our students, so our students will be required to participate in Daily Literacy Activities that are developed and implemented to increase literacy in all of the following areas:
  • Reading and Writing skills, including different types of communication mediums and collaboration
  • Understanding Information and Media
  • Self-Efficacy, Self-Regulation, Initiative, and Self-Direction
  • Social Skills and Cross-Cultural Skills
  • Productivity and Accountability
  • Leadership and Responsibility
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Financial, Economic, and Entrepreneurial Skills
    • This includes budgeting
    • This includes understanding taxes at the personal, local, state, and federal levels
    • This includes the opportunity to operate 3D printers, t-shirt design software and printing tools, and vinyl sign-making equipment
  • Civic Engagement
  • Health and the Health Care System
• Classes Outside of the STRIDE campus
  • College Courses / Dual Credit Enrollment
  • Courses and Extracurricular Activities on the DCHS campus
    • Students attending STRIDE and in good standing with DCHS are still allowed the opportunity to participate in possible classes or extracurricular activities, which could include but are not limited to music, cheer, sports, clubs, etc…..
      • However, DCHS reserves the right to make the final determination on participation
    • When allowed the privilege to take courses or participate in extracurricular activities outside the STRIDE campus, students must understand that those classes are a priority. Proper documentation must be provided by the student to show that the student is in good standing with attendance and grades.
    • When attending these classes or extracurricular activities, STRIDE students are also subject to the guidelines and expectations provided by the school of study.
    • Students attending classes and activities outside of STRIDE are responsible for their own transportation
    • Students who choose to attend classes or extracurricular activities outside of the STRIDE campus will complete an alternative attendance plan as part of their IPS.
      • Students are expected to attend the STRIDE campus at the times dictated by the attendance plan.
      • Students are also expected to attend off-campus classes even if we don’t have school at STRIDE on a particular day when the off-campus class is meeting.

• STRIDE Excellence: (Certificate) - Presented to any STRIDE student at any time appropriate by any staff member! - Shout Outs!
• STRIDE Student of the Month: (Certificate) - Given monthly after staff nominates and votes. The student of the month will receive preferential parking and a lunch with the Principal.
• Birthday Celebration: (DA) (Cards) - Celebrated the last Thursday of each month
• STRIDE Attendance Excellence: (Certificate and the opportunity to win prizes)
  • Awarded every 9 weeks
  • At least 85% attendance required
• STRIDE Progress Towards a Diploma: (Certificate and the opportunity to win prizes)
  • Awarded every 9 weeks
  • Achieve adequate weekly progress goals at least 70% of the time
• STRIDE High Achiever: (Awarded each 9 weeks)
  • No major behavior issues or referrals
  • At least 85% attendance
  • Achieve adequate weekly progress at least 80% of the time
  • These students will receive lunch with the principal and earn the opportunity to negotiate for a special privilege. The privilege will last through the following 9 weeks. The student must make an appointment to negotiate the privilege during a staff meeting.
• STRIDE Attendance Incentives: (Awarded Weekly)
  • Only eligible after completing 1 quarter at STRIDE
  • No major or minor behavior issues during the week
  • All missed time is appropriately made up during the week
  • Weekly progress goal is achieved
  • The principal makes the final call on any questionable situations
• STRIDE High Achieving Campus Award
  • If 80% of the student population achieves at least adequate weekly progress, the student body will earn 1 item towards a banana split. If the student body earns all five items in consecutive weeks, there will be a banana split party.
  • The incentive starts over after any week that 80% adequate progress is not achieved.
• Graduation Celebrations
  • At the end of each semester
  • Students and families are invited to share a special moment as we celebrate the successes and future endeavors of our students.

• Continued two-way communication is vital to student success
• The following are ways parents/guardians can stay in touch and up to date with what is occurring at STRIDE;
  • ParentSquare
  • Website: Alternative Campus - Home
  • Student Gmail Accounts
    • The school provides every student with a Gmail account, and it is expected that the student checks this email for school-related information at least daily.
• Please also keep your contact information current in cases where we need to make direct contact with important information or emergencies.
  • Please contact Gloria Lee at (620) 371-1275 to update your information if changes occur.

Students who attend STRIDE request to attend STRIDE and do so voluntarily. We consider attending STRIDE a privilege designed to help students who choose a smaller and more personal learning environment. As such, we expect our students to actively participate in individualized learning experiences and take responsibility for personal development. Obviously, there may be speed bumps along the way, but in the end, STRIDE students will learn how to handle adverse situations, learn from them, and move forward. I am glad you have chosen to be part of the STRIDE family!

Sincerely,
Camilla Hartzler
Principal - USD 443 Alternative Education