i3 Academy High School @ Jeff State Student Handbook 2024-2025 PDF

High School @ Jeff State 2024-2025 Address: i3 Academy High School @ Jeff State Community College H.Y. Carson Building 2601 Carson Rd. Birmingham, AL 35215 A Message from the Principal 3 Mission and vision...

High School @ Jeff State 2024-2025 Address: i3 Academy High School @ Jeff State Community College H.Y. Carson Building 2601 Carson Rd. Birmingham, AL 35215 A Message from the Principal 3 Mission and vision 4 Mission Statement 4 Vision 4 Core Values 4 Profile of a Graduate 4 School Overview 5 School Contact Information 5 School Hours 5 Bell Schedule 5 2024-25 Calendar 7 School Closings and Delayed Openings 8 Admissions and Enrollment 8 Change of Address 8 Custody 8 Grade Placement 8 Verification of Residency 8 Withdrawal from School 9 School Systems 9 Arrival 9 Dismissal 9 Attendance 10 Absence Policy 10 Absences and Excuses 11 Tardiness Policy 12 Tardiness Procedures 12 Early Dismissal 13 Truancy 13 Violation of i3 Academy Attendance Policies 13 Transportation 13 Busing 13 Activity Busing 13 Consequences 13 Dress Code 14 Cell Phones 15 Bathroom and Hall Passes 15 Student Supplies 16 1  Chromebooks: 15 Calculators 15 Student Agendas 15 Locks and Lockers 15 Personal Belongings 15 Academic Program 16 Graduation Requirements 16 Course Catalog 17 Dual Enrollment 18 Report Cards and Progress Reports 18 Progress Reports 18 Credit Recovery 18 Homework Expectations 19 Student Cheating and Plagiarism 19 Athletic Eligibility 19 2  A Message from the Principal Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students: The administrators, teachers, and staff of i3 Academy High School @ Jeff State are pleased to welcome you. We are looking forward to working with you, our students and their families. Our goal is to help each student reach the high standards that have been established for our schools. This handbook will support us as we work together to provide high-quality educational programs for all of our students. The handbook contains important information about our schools and can serve as a valuable reference for you throughout the school year. Please read the handbook and be sure to save it. The handbook is important because: It explains essential school policies and procedures. The Code of Honor explains how students are expected to behave toward their teachers and their classmates as well as what happens when students do not meet these expectations. It describes the many ways families can support their child’s learning at school and at home. It describes the rights of students and their families, for example: ○ the right to be treated equally regardless of race or disability, ○ the right to privacy regarding student records, and It advises parents and students about what to do if they think their rights have been violated. It gives helpful information on many topics including attendance, health services, and other helpful resources All our policies and procedures have only one goal, which is to help every student to achieve high academic standards in a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment. Together, we can achieve that goal. In partnership, Tamala R. Maddox, PhD 3 Mission and vision Mission Statement To empower learners to become agents of change who solve the problems they see in the world Vision We envision a world in which all learners are equipped to excel in a global society Core Values Imagine Investigate Innovate Profile of a Graduate An agent of change is highly equipped to solve problems both locally and globally An empowered learner knows where to go to learn new skills and can utilize those skills to solve complex problems. A self-aware learner knows how to manage feelings, relationships, and understands their mental and emotional world. An engaged citizen who identifies and understands problems in their community and takes leadership in solving these problems. 4 School Overview School Contact Information Address: Shipping Address: Jefferson State Community College ℅ i3 Academy, Carson Building 2601 Carson Road Birmingham AL 35215 Phone number: 205-202-9998 School Website: i3Academy.org Individual Staff contact information can be found in the main office Social Media Facebook i3 Academy Instagram @i3Academy X (Twitter) @i3Academy School Hours Doors Open: 8:00am School starts: 8:15am Dismissal Begins: 3:25 Bell Schedule Students have eight blocks of classes, including a study hall. Each day will have four classes. A-Days and B-Days that will alternate Tuesday-Friday. On Mondays, the ninth graders participate in both project based learning and career exploration with local businesses and we run an alternate schedule on those days. Mondays 8:15-10:35 2 hr 20 min Career Research and Exploration Advisory Check-in (present 10:40-11:25 45 min findings) Lunch (only one lunch block on 11:30-12:15 45 min Mondays) 12:15-2:00 1 hr 45 min PBL time 2:00-2:10 10 min Dismissal 5  Tuesdays - Fridays A lunch B Lunch 8:15-8:35 Advisory 8:15-8:35 Advisory 8:40-10:05 Block 1 8:40-10:05 Block 1 10:10-11:35 Block 2 10:10-11:35 Block 2 11:40-12:25 Lunch 11:40-1:05 Block 3 12:30-1:55 Block 3 1:10-1:55 Lunch 2:00-3:25 Block 4 2:00-3:25 Block 4 3:25-3:30 Dismissal 3:25-3:30 Dismissal 6 2024-25 Calendar 7 School Closings and Delayed Openings In the event of inclement weather, the i3 Academy will follow the advice of the Jefferson County EMA as well as forecasts from local, regional, and national sources. The decision to close the main campuses will be based solely on the safety of our students and faculty. When possible, instruction will occur remotely (synchronous and/or asynchronous) during day(s). All school closings will be communicated through the phone system and via email notifications. Please note all decisions relative to this issue are made with the safety and well-being of all students foremost in our minds. However, you may feel that conditions in your area are not sufficiently safe to send your child to school on the day in question. Therefore, on days of questionable weather conditions when school is in session, parents/guardians are advised to use their discretion as to whether or not to send their children to school on that day (this would be considered an unexcused absence). Admissions and Enrollment Change of Address If a student’s residence or contact information changes during the school year, the parent or guardian is required to notify the school. The parent or guardian should complete a change of address form, accompanied by new proof of residency documentation. This information must be submitted within fourteen (14) days of any move or change of address. This form should be returned to the Main Office. Custody Parents are encouraged to provide the school a copy of all court order(s) regarding the custody of the child. i3 Academy personnel may request custody documentation should a question arise. Student enrollment forms, as well as other official documents of the school should be signed by the natural parent or guardian with whom the child resides. The school will give to non-custodial parents, upon request, all information required under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the laws of Alabama, unless there is a valid court order directing the school not to divulge such information. If such an order exists, a copy must be presented to the principal. Updated custody agreement forms should be on file with i3 Academy at all times, Restricted pick-up of any parent or guardian will only be adhered to with evidence of court ordered documents or a current custody agreement stating pick-up or visitation are restricted. Grade Placement If acceptable documentation for determining grade placement is not presented at the time students are enrolled, students will be temporarily assigned to a grade until determination as to final grade placement can be made. For high school placement, the school reviews and verifies current credit accumulation to determine appropriate grade placement. Verification of Residency A school system employee or designee may visit the address given by any parent/guardian to verify residency. The property address given must be the actual location where the student and parent/guardian live full time. 8 Schools may request a parent/guardian provide proof of residency if: (1) mail is returned from the student’s address of record; (2) a student’s attendance record indicates a pattern of absences, tardies; or (3) other circumstances are presented that place the school on notice that the address of record is invalid/inaccurate for the student. Withdrawal from School At the time of withdrawal, students must return all resources, such as devices, library books, and other school-owned items. Any such items not returned, for which the student is responsible, must be paid before any records can be released. The school may withhold grade reports, diplomas, and/or certificates of progress until all school-owned items have been returned in good order and/or restitution is made for damaged school-owned materials. When students transfer or withdraw from school, parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to come to the school and sign the necessary forms. A 48-hour period is necessary to process all withdrawal paperwork. Students’ grades and transcripts will not be released until all accounts are cleared. In situations where a custodial parent enrolls a child in school, that same parent should be the person who withdraws the child from school. However, the custodial parents who enrolled the child in school may give certified written permission to the school to allow a non-custodial parent to complete withdrawal procedures. i3 Academy may withdraw a student without parent/guardian permission as required and permitted by the Alabama State Board of Education Rules. 9 School Systems Attendance i3 Academy maintains attendance regulations that follow guidelines of the Birmingham City Schools attendance policy. Students are expected to be in school except in cases of illness or emergency (see list of Excused Absences and Tardies below). Only when attendance is regular and punctual can students fully capitalize on the many opportunities for successful learning that this school offers. The school and its families must work together to ensure the regular attendance of all students. While the school recognizes the value of family trips, it is strongly recommended that such trips correspond with the generous vacations already built into the school calendar to avoid the loss of valuable class time. Students are responsible for any work missed due to an absence, whether excused or unexcused. Parents are required to notify the school of a child’s absence as soon as possible and preferably before the start of the day on which the student will be absent. If the school has not been notified about an absence in a timely manner, the school will attempt to contact the family by phone to inform them about the student’s absence. Parents can also verify their child’s attendance via PowerSchool. Absence Policy Please refer to the information below regarding the school’s absence policy: 1. Attendance will be taken in each class period. 2. You will receive a robocall if your child misses attendance at the beginning of the day during their first class. 3. Students who arrive at school after 11:00am will be counted as absent for the day. 4. After 1 and 2 unexcused absences, the school will contact the parent by phone, email or in person and remind them of the school’s attendance policy. The school will document the contact with the parent. 5. After 3 unexcused absences the Dean of Students will have a phone conference with parents reminding them of the school’s attendance policy and intervene to support if necessary. 6. After 4 unexcused absences the Dean of Students will meet with the student to create an action plan to resolve absences. 7. If the student accumulates more than five (5) unexcused absences, he/she will be referred to the i3 Academy’s attendance officer. The parent will be required to participate in the Pre-Early Warning Intervention Program provided by i3 Academy. Attendance at the Pre-Early Warning Intervention meeting is mandatory except where prior arrangements have been made or an emergency exists. This meeting is in lieu of having to attend Early Warning Court. 8. When the attendance officer has been notified by the principal or his/her designee that the student has reached seven (7) unexcused absences, ten (10) excused absences, or ten (10) unexcused tardies, the principal or his/her designee in conference with the Attendance officer will decide whether or not to file a petition with family court. 9. The Attendance Officer will complete and provide all documentation required by the court. 10  10. The Attendance Officer will send the referral to Family Court, listing the date set for review. 11. The Attendance Officer or Family Court will notify the parents specifying the date and time for Early Warning. 12. The Attendance Officer will be present at the review. 13. The Attendance Officer will report to the school the hearing findings. Absences and Excuses Students are not permitted to be absent from school without a valid excuse with proper documentation. Absences will be designated as excused or unexcused. Excused absences will be permitted for the following reasons: Personal illness Hospitalization Emergency Death in immediate family Court subpoena Religious holidays with prior Principal approval Absences approved by the Head of School School Sponsored Educational Opportunity Quarantine Suspension Expulsion Medical (or dental) appointments Parent’s Notes All absences require a written note from the parent/guardian explaining the absence(s). The student should deliver the note to the front office when they return to school. Failure to submit such notes within three (3) days after returning to school will result in an unexcused absence being recorded.Special and extenuating circumstances will be considered and reviewed by the Head of School. Excessive unexcused absences may result in a loss of academic credit or referral of the matter to juvenile or other appropriate legal authorities for investigation. Doctor’s Notes Upon return to school, a student absent for more than 5 consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. When verified by the parent or guardian, excusable absences will be recorded in the student’s permanent record as an “excused absence”. The school does not excuse absences for assisting at home, babysitting, family vacations, shopping or for other reasons deemed capricious by the school authorities. In addition, 11 teachers are not responsible for providing private instruction for work missed through absences for the aforementioned reasons. Such absences must always be reported to the school and will be recorded on the child’s permanent record as “unexcused absences”. Continued or chronic absence/ tardiness for illegal reasons may result in referral to the Student Support Team (SST), or the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), and excessive illegal absence/ tardiness may result in the retention of a student at grade level and referral to the juvenile authorities. If a student is marked with an unexcused absence for the school day, the student will not be allowed to participate or attend extracurricular activities, including athletics, scheduled for the same day that the student is absent. Tardiness Policy All students must arrive at school and be in the assigned classroom by 8:00 a.m. Students are considered tardy when entering the classroom after 8:00 a.m. As attendance is taken each class period in high school, students can also receive a tardy if they are late to an individual block. Two tardies is equal to one unexcused absence. Repeated failure to comply with this policy could result in the student losing the privilege of attending i3 Academy. Tardiness Procedures Students who arrive after the 8:00 a.m. bell rings must be signed in by the adult who brought them to school. Only proof of medical and dental appointments will be considered for excused tardiness. Please thoroughly examine the school’s tardy policy below: 1. After three (3) unexcused tardies the school will contact the parent by phone, email and/or in-person and remind them of the school’s attendance policy. The school will document the contact with the parent. 2. After five (5) unexcused tardies the school will send a first notice to the parent reminding them of the school’s attendance policy and intervene to support if necessary. After ten (10) unexcused absences a second notice will be sent. Notices will be mailed to the address listed in the school’s Student Information System (SIS). 3. If the student accumulates more than ten (10) unexcused tardies a referral will be made to the Dean of Students. At 10+ tardies parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or the student are required to attend a mandatory meeting regarding attendance. 4. Once fifteen (15) unexcused tardies have accumulated during the school year, referral will be made to the Attendance Officer and the same Pre-Early Warning Meeting procedures may apply. The school may also impose disciplinary procedures for excessive tardies. Tardies are considered excused for the same reason(s) as excused student absences. Excessive absences and tardies may result in a home visit from the Attendance Officer. 12 Early Dismissal Requests to be dismissed before the end of the school day must be limited to emergencies or medical appointments which otherwise could not be addressed during after school hours. Parents should not check out students out of convenience. For example, checking student(s) out for the purpose of avoiding carpool traffic. Students who need to leave early should bring a note from their parents on the morning of the day of the early dismissal. Parents have to check their child out from the front desk using standard checkout procedures. Frequency of early dismissals will be monitored. Early dismissal ends at 2:30 p.m. Students will not be released after 2:30 p.m. Truancy Parents or guardians are required to ensure that students under their care, custody or control attend school regularly. Habitual or excessive absence from school may require school officials to refer the matter to juvenile authorities or to initiate truancy proceedings. [Reference: Ala. Code §16-28-1, et seq. (1975); Ala. Admin. Code 290-3-1-.02]. The Compulsory Attendance Law requires all minor students to attend school on a regular basis. When a child is absent, parents, guardians, or other persons who have control of a child enrolled in i3 Academy should report reasons for absences in compliance with Policy and Regulation Alabama law requires that after any student accrues five (5) days of unexcused absences in a given school year, the parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of that child shall be in violation of O.C.G.A -20-2-690.1 (b). Any child that is subject to compulsory attendance who, during the school calendar year, has more than five (5) days of unexcused absences is considered truant. The law states the following: “Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine or not less than $25.00 and no greater than $100.00, or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, community service, or any combination of such penalties, at the discretion of the court having jurisdiction. Each day’s absence from school in violation of this part after the child’s school system notifies the parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child of five unexcused days of absence for a child shall constitute a separate offense.” i3 Academy will notify parents/guardians when a student has accumulated five (5) unexcused absences. The family will be referred to Family Court for further actions. Violation of i3 Academy Attendance Policies Students with excessive unexcused absences and/or tardiness are in violation of our attendance policy. Students who have exhibited a pattern of poor attendance from the previous school year and/or have exceeded the current school year maximum number of unexcused absences and or/tardies may be placed on 13 attendance probation. Students on probation can be withdrawn when 2 absences and 5 tardies are reached. A due process model will be implemented to address continued and repeated attendance concerns. Continued and repeated attendance issues will jeopardize the student’s continued enrollment at i3 Academy. Dress Code While attending school, all students must be in uniform daily. Uniforms must be neat and clean. Students should also practice good hygiene. If a child is out of uniform, parents will be contacted and required to bring the necessary items before students are admitted to class. Coats, jackets and other over-garments, which are not part of the school uniform, must be stored in an assigned location. For safety concerns, students are not allowed to wear coats and jackets during the school day. i3 Academy uniform policy is as follows: Boys Girls Tops Knit Polo Style Shirt Knit Polo Style Shirt Navy Blue, Maize (Yellow) or Gray Navy Blue, Maize (Yellow) or Gray Collar required Collar required Sleeves required Sleeves required Solid color only Solid color only Bottoms Khaki or Navy Khaki or Navy Pants Pants Shorts (not to exceed 1 inch above Skirts (not to exceed 1 inch above the the knee) knee) Shorts (not to exceed 1 inch above the knee) Jumper Footwear No open toed shoes No open toed shoes Accessories Belt Belt All accessories should be consistent All accessories should be consistent with with the spirit of the uniform policy. the spirit of the uniform policy. Head coverings are only allowed for Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons inside of the school religious reasons inside of the school building. building. Other When approved by the administration, select clothing may be allowed on particular school days. Professional dress will be requested or required for select events including project presentations and identified field trips. *Administrators reserve the right to request removal of clothing items deemed as inappropriate/out of compliance of school policies and expectations 14 Cell Phones In efforts to create a distraction free learning environment, i3 Academy High School will be implementing the following cell phone policy listed below. The administration of i3 Academy High School believes this cell phone policy is in the best interest of students’ learning. Cell phones are allowed to be used on school grounds before school (until 8:00), between transition bells in the hallways, during lunch in Fitzgerald, and after school. Students should never make a phone call during the school day. Students are to report to the front office if they must make a phone call. Cell phone and smartwatch usage is strictly prohibited in all classrooms, restrooms, school offices, and any other location on campus unless special permission is granted by an administrator. No earbuds are allowed at any point on i3 Academy High School campus unless used with a Chromebook, laptop, or computer and permission is granted by the teacher. Students must be able to hear all surroundings at all times. During the instructional day (Classroom Time), cell phones and smart watches must remain out of sight and in silent mode. This includes courses that are taught in the gym, bandroom, or other unconventional classrooms. No exceptions. Chromebooks are to be checked out by students or students are to use personal Chromebooks, laptops, or iPads for learning. A device such as these listed above should be in students' backpacks at all times. Cell phones and smart watches are not allowed for learning in the classrooms at i3 Academy. Cell phones are not to be charged in the school building. Cell phone cameras and audio recorders may be only used for specific educational benefit and only with prior permission of the teacher or administrator. The school and its staff are not responsible for any damage to or theft of a student’s cell phone. Students must properly secure and take care of their own phones. If a student loses a phone, administration at i3 Academy will not be responsible for tracking the device. Cell Phone Usage: ○ Educational Purposes ○ No social media postings Student use of cell phones at i3 Academy is a privilege not a right. Failure to adhere to established guidelines will result in consequences similar to the consequences levied for other disruptions to the educational process including the confiscation or banning of cell phones. Bathroom and Hall Passes Students are permitted to use the restroom during arrival and during transitions without the use of a bathroom pass. If using the restroom during these times, students are still required to arrive at their next class on time (before the bell). If the student needs to use an e-Hall pass, they will inform their teacher and wait for an appropriate moment in class to use this pass (such as after the completion of a graded assignment or at a natural pause in the lesson) as indicated by teacher permission. 15 In the event that a student needs to go to the office or another room for any reason outside of the regular transition time, the student should have an e-Hall pass. Students must have a pass from a teacher to use the office phone. Student Supplies Chromebooks: All students that turn in a technology form will be assigned an i3 Chromebook. Teachers will do periodic checks to ensure students are taking care of their Chromebooks. There is a fee for all damaged and/or unreturned Chromebooks at the end of the school year. If the student’s Chromebook is damaged or not returned at the end of the year a fee will be due. First incident per year: $50 Second incident per year: $100 Third incident per year: loss of use. Personal Belongings Students are responsible for their own belongings and keeping them safe. i3 will not be held responsible for items that were stolen from lockers that were not assigned or locked. Students should not share their locker or locker combination with any other students, and this often results in items going missing or ending up damaged. ​Students should not bring money, property, or other valuables to school, especially electronics. Money for school sanctioned events or activities, such as field trips, should be sent in a sealed envelope labeled with the student’s name. If money is required for other reasons, students and parents will be notified. The school will not assume the responsibility for any lost or stolen items. While it is the responsibility of the student to secure and maintain the safety and control of any and all valuables, the administration of i3 Academy and its entire staff will also hold students accountable for any deliberate theft or misuse of another students’ property. Students are not allowed to sell or solicit funds of any kind without the consent of an administrator. Students are not permitted to give items on campus without consent from an administrator. This includes candy, sodas, or any other materials. Academic Program Graduation Requirements I3 Academy High School at Jeff States follows the Alabama Department of Education graduation requirements. Credit Requirements: Math: 4 credits English: 4 credits Science: 4 credits 16  Social Studies: 4 credits Physical Education and Health: 1.5 credits Career Readiness: 1 credit CTE, World Languages, or Arts: 3 credits Electives: 2.5 credits Total Credits: 24 Assessment Requirements: Civics Exam: Students must take and pass a United States citizenship and immigration services civics test with a score of 60 or higher. Students take this assessment in December of their senior year. Under Alabama law, students must also meet one of the following college and career readiness benchmarks: ○ A benchmark score on the ACT college entrance exam, ○ A qualifying score of three or higher on an Advanced Placement exam, ○ A qualifying score of four or higher on an International Baccalaureate exam, ○ Earning college credit while in high school, ○ Earning silver or gold status on the ACT WorkKeys exam, ○ Completing an in-school youth apprenticeship program, ○ Earning a career technical industry credential listed on the compendium of valuable credentials of the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways, ○ Being accepted into a branch of the military before graduation, ○ Attaining career and technical education completer status, ○ Any additional college and career readiness indicator approved by the State Board of Education. Other i3 Specific Requirements: 25 hours of logged community service Additional notes: If a student completes 3 or more courses in the same CTE pathway, they will receive a CTE endorsement on their diploma. A student can also earn the Alabama Diploma with Advanced Honors. To meet this requirement, i3 scholars must take (2) honors/advanced coursed; 2 years Foreign Language. in the same language, earn 24 credits, and have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 (on a four-point scale) on all courses taken during the freshman year through the second semester of the senior year. Alabama Essentials Pathway Diploma Course Catalog In 9th grade, students will complete the following course to earn a total of 7 credits. English 9 Geometry 17  Biology World History PE Career Preparedness Elective (computer science, visual arts, music) As students continue through high school, they will have a greater variety of course options. The course catalog will be updated annually to reflect i3 offerings. Dual Enrollment Starting in 10th grade, i3 students will have the opportunity to begin taking dual enrollment courses at Jeff State. In order to qualify for dual enrollment students need to meet a number of requirements. First, the student must have a 2.5 GPA at i3. Additionally, they must earn a C or better in dual enrollment courses to continue to have the option to take dual enrollment courses. For access to Jeff State English and Math courses, students must meet additional requirements, which are summarized in this chart. Progress Reports All high school students will receive a mid-quarter report of academic progress each grading period. Schools may issue progress reports more often than this minimum requirement. Promotion and Retention In high school, promotion is determined by the number of academic credits earned. A student needs a minimum of 5 credits to be promoted from 9th to 10th grade, 11 credits to be promoted from 10th to 11th grade, and 17 to be promoted from 11th to 12th grade. I3 will offer sufficient credit bearing opportunities to ensure students have the ability to earn more than these credit requirements. Credit Recovery Students who have not achieved a baseline average of EP or above in a course must repeat the entire course. Credit Recovery is an option that allows students who have been unsuccessful in mastering particular content or skills an opportunity to apply for Credit Recovery as an alternative to repeating the entire course. Credit Recovery is based on deficiencies only which allows for a more expedient recovery from the failing grade. Credit recovery coursework can be offered through completion of Alabama ACCESS courses, which are delivered through an online model. This option is free to i3 students. Students must complete the course and achieve a passing grade of EP or higher before receiving a credit for the course. The original grade in the course will remain on the permanent transcript. 18 Be aware that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does not recognize Credit Recovery for course credit and advise athletes accordingly or prohibit their participation. Homework Expectations Homework is an extension of the school day. Students are expected to meet the deadlines given by their teachers. The school-wide homework focus is on either previously taught material or material to prepare for an in person lesson. Examples could include reading a chapter in a text and answering comprehension questions before class, so that class time is focused on discussion. Additionally, high school homework also includes studying for assessments and long term research projects. Teachers may provide additional practice and reinforcement via online platforms, resources and Google Classroom. Student Cheating and Plagiarism Cheating and plagiarism is a serious offense. As students gain access to new technology, including AI, there are increased opportunities to cheat and plagiarize. To be prepared educationally for college, i3 scholars must be able to perform without cheating, plagiarizing, or copying another person’s work. To support students in understanding the importance of academic honesty, they will receive instruction on: How and when to cite sources, including AI What constitutes plagiarism What constitutes cheating Students who take the aid of other students and students who knowingly do work for others will be held to the same standard. Students who violate this policy will be subject to consequences consistent with i3’s discipline policy. Students who engage in Academic Dishonesty will be required to repair the harm caused to themselves and to their community. Athletic Eligibility The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) sets the academic eligibility requirements for student athletes. A 10th, 11th or 12th grade student must have passed a minimum of six units of work (including any four core courses) with a composite average of 70 for those six units during the preceding two semesters of attendance. Any four core courses must be included in the six passed and averaged. Any number of units (subjects) may be earned in an accredited summer school and/or Credit Recovery if approved by local board. All students must be taking six units of work (ones not previously passed) during the current year (seniors on track for graduation fall under different guidelines). 19  An 8th or 9th grade student must have passed a minimum of five new subjects with a composite average of 70 and must have been promoted to the next grade. More information for parents can be found on the AHSAA website. 20