Graduation and Promotion Requirements

A.  Promotion Guidelines
Promotion from grade to grade is based on credits earned.  Each class represents one (1) credit as follows:

• Entering Grade 9 – students are assigned 5 required classes + 2 School District mandated mathematics and English classes
• Promotion to 10^th grade – 5 credits
• Promotion to 11^th  grade – 11 credits
• Promotion to 12^th grade – 17.5 credits or sufficient number of credits to reach 27. 5 by the end of 12^th grade

A passing grade at the high school level is described as a “D” or higher (65) or higher.

B.  Graduation Guidelines
A 12^th grade student will graduate if she/he has:

• Earned a total of 27.5 credits which includes:
  • 4 – English
  • 3 – Mathematics
  • 3 – Science
  • 3 – Social Studies
  • 1 – African American History
  • 2 – World Language
  • 2 – Arts and Humanities
  • 1 – Physical Education
  • .5 – Health
  • 6 – Vocational Program (3 years/2 credits each year)

AND successfully complete a Multidisciplinary Project or a Service Learning Project in grade 11. A student must pass their CTE vocational program and meet the certification requirements every year for three years.

Seniors who have attended regularly (18 or less unexcused absences) but will not graduate due to failure of a major subject will be permitted to take a re-exam.
If the student passes the re-exam, the student is permitted to graduate.

Promotion Requirements

Because of the high standards and increased graduation requirements of the School District of Philadelphia, there are no “spare” courses in the curriculum.  All students must pass or make up in an approved summer school every course in which they are enrolled.  Students failing their vocational shop are returned to their neighborhood school.

 

Any student who does not make up every course failure will be retained in grade until all course work is made up with a passing grade.  Making up failed courses is especially important because students may miss special school activities, such as the prom or other dances/trips, if they remain “out of book."

 

Even though school personnel will always do their best to keep students informed of these situations, parents and students also must realize that failures need to be dealt with immediately.

 

In order to be promoted into 11th grade, a student must be able to graduate from Mastbaum the June of the following year by taking courses offered. If the child needs additional course work in the summer to meet graduation requirements, he/she will be retained in grade until that course work is made up.

Permission Forms

In order to attend class trips students will need a completed:
Parental Permission for Trips

In order to allow for the posting of student images or voices on the internet students will need a completed:
Permission Form for Use of Student Picture,Voice,Work and/orFull Name on a School District of Philadelphia Website

Extracurricular Activities

Mastbaum has a variety of extracurricular activities.

Some of these activities are the following:

• Cheerleading
• Chess club
• Yearbook
• Choir
• ASPIRA
• Dance
• Tutoring

 

Home and School Association

Mastbaum has an active Home and School partnership.  Home and School meetings are designed to provide the parents with information regarding the educational programs at Mastbaum, the workings of the School District, and/or topics of interest as determined by the parents.  The meetings also provide the administration with the opportunity to obtain parental input and guidance on issues affecting the students at the school.

Please contact the main office for additonal information regarding membership and the meeting schedule. 

Important Information for Parents

Bell Schedule

The following bell schedule is in effect every day, except when there is an extended advisory.

 

Advisory      7:50 - 8:06
1                 8:06 – 8:57
2                 8:57 – 9:48
3                 9:48 – 10:39 (lunch)
4                 10:39 – 11:30 (lunch)
5                 11:30 – 12:21 (lunch)
6                 12:21 – 1:12 (lunch)
7                 1:12 – 2:03
8                 2:03 - 2:54

 

Address or Phone Number Changes

On occasion, it may be necessary for school personnel to contact homes for important matters.  It is extremely important that all changes in address or phone numbers be reported in writing to the school office as soon as they occur.

 

Advisory

Time each day is set aside for advisory during which attendance is taken, the Dailygram is read, and other important details are undertaken.  During this time, notices are delivered and students are informed about class and school activities.  Advisory is part of the instructional day; therefore, students are expected to cooperate and participate in activities as directed by the advisor. Lateness to advisory is lateness to school.  Too many latenesses may limit awards and lead to disciplinary action.

 

Breakfast and Lunch Programs

Mastbaum provides a hot/cold breakfast and lunch for its students. Breakfast is available from 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.  Students may also bring lunch from home if they desire. 

 

Closing of School-

CALL THE SNOW HOTLINE AT

215-400-7669

School will close only when the CEO deems it necessary.  Announcements regarding the closing of school will be announced over local radio and television stations.  There is no separate number for Mastbaum School.  School closing information will be announced on KYW (1060 AM) beginning at 6:00 A.M.  Please do not call the school for this information. THE SNOW HOTLINE is 215-400-7669.  We try to keep the phone lines open for emergencies.

 

Dailygram

The Dailygram is Mastbaum’s daily news sheet.  Important announcements for the day-to-day operation of the school are published here.  Copies are posted around the school for your information.

 

Fire and Evacuation Procedures

Fire drill instructions are posted in each room.  In case of evacuation, move quickly to the designated area as directed by the teacher as quickly and quietly as possible.  Students will remain with the teacher until told to return to the building. Fire drills are held once a month.

 

Gym Lockers and Uniform

Lockers are available in the Gym Locker Rooms.  Students must bring their own locks or can purchase one through the PE department to secure their belongings.  Students should not have a large amount of money or valuable items with them.  Students are not permitted to share lockers.  Neither the school nor the School District will be responsible for articles placed in the lockers.

 

Gym uniforms are navy or white tee shirts and navy shorts.  Theses items can be purchased on your own or in the gym.

  

Messages for Students

Please do not call the school to give messages to students.  The school can only accept emergency messages for students from parents/guardians.  If an emergency exists, the parent should call the counselor directly and he/she will attempt to relay the message.

 

PA State Assessment and Terra Nova Assessment

The PA State Assessment exams are given to 11^th grade students while the Terra Nova is given to 9^th and 10^th grade students in the spring in order to measure their progress.  The PSSA is the backbone of the School District’s School Accountability System.  It is therefore
extremely important that all students report to school daily and do their best on these exams.

 

Progress Reports (Report Cards)

Report cards will be issued to students four times a year.
Mastbaum attempts to keep parents abreast of academic progress (or lack thereof) through phone calls and interim reports.  Parents are encouraged to call teachers, department heads or the counselor to check on student progress. 

 

Students failing two or more subjects in any marking period will be placed on Academic Probation. Parents will be required to attend a CSAP (Comprehensive Support Assistance Process) meeting to assist in planning a course of action for academic improvement and removal from   academic probation.

 

Scan Operations

All students must go through the scanning and metal detection operations everyday before advisory.  Students who do not comply with this will be dealt with by the disciplinarian in a progressive fashion.

 

School Lockers

Students will be loaned a school locker for the school term.  Both the locker and the lock are the property of the School District of Philadelphia.  In the event the lock is lost, the student is to notify the NTA office.  Under no circumstances are students to switch or replace the school’s lock with their own.  No contraband (drugs, alcohol, weapons, cigarettes, or proceeds from criminal conduct) is to be kept in any school locker or other assigned storage area (including desks, lab, gym, or shop compartments).  One locker is loaned to each student and is not to be shared with other students or outsiders.  Be sure the locker is locked when you leave it.

 

The school administration reserves the right to inspect lockers, desks and other storage areas and their contents to protect the health, safety and general welfare of everyone in the school community.  Money and other valuables should not be left in school lockers, desks or storage areas.  Neither the school nor the School District of Philadelphia is responsible for losses.

 

SEPTA/Tokens

Tokens are sold every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. It is the student’s responsibility to get tokens during those days and times noted.  Students are expected to bring exact change to purchase tokens.  Price changes will be announced in the Dailygram.  TOKENS ARE NOT SOLD AFTER SCHOOL.

 

Trespass Ordinance

The Trespassing Ordinance, Philadelphia Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10-824, was passed by City Council to prevent unauthorized entry on school premises.  This ordinance provides that permission must be obtained within fifteen minutes of entering a school building to remain on the premises. 

 

All visitors, including parents, must report immediately to the high school office to sign in and receive an official visitor’s pass.  Failure to do so constitutes a violation of the ordinance and the ordinance imposes a maximum fine of $300.00 and a maximum of 90 days in jail.  Students on suspension should not be on school grounds without a parent.  He/she may be charged with trespassing if on school property.

 

Visitors

All visitors must properly register at the front entrance and in the school office.  A visitor’s pass will be issued before touring the building and must be returned to the office upon departure.  Teachers in classrooms cannot be disturbed.  Appointments to talk with teachers must be arranged in advance.