General Information

Admissions

Admission to ANY Career Center course or program is by application only. This includes all Pre-Tech, Half Day, Full Day and related programs such as the Youth Career Awareness Program (YCAP). All applicants must meet minimum eligibility criteria, including but not limited to the age requirements, and have successfully completed the 8th grade, as in accordance to Vermont State Law. For more information on admissions you may request a copy of the Admissions Policy. Note ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FEBRUARY 15 PRECEDING THE FALL OF DESIRED ENROLLMENT.

School Closings

School closing for inclement weather and other emergencies are announced on WTSA (96.7 FM), WKVT (92.7 FM), WKNE (103.7 FM). Please note that if your school is called off in your community this does not necessarily mean that there will be no school at the WRCC. You must listen specifically for the Windham Regional Career Center announcement.

Home School Releases or Activities Impacting Career Center Attendance

WRCC embraces the concept that education is primarily preparation for the workplace and life long learning. As a result, students are encouraged to behave in a manner that demonstrates an appropriate commitment to the workplace and career success. Stated more directly, WRCC is like work, and students need to be here. In an attempt to eliminate confusion and provide some consistency the following guidelines will be implemented at the WRCC when a home school district has a half-day or some other form of an early release other than a school closing:

• Students are strongly encouraged to attend their Career Center program.
  
  
• Students are encouraged to plan ahead and make necessary personal transportation from their home school to their next destination (home, work, etc.).
  
  
• Students may make up missed hours in accordance with the attendance policy, and the requirements of the instructor.
  
  
• Students will not receive "shop-hour credit" for time not present at the WRCC for any reason.
  
  
• SEE the WRCC Attendance Policies

Change of Address/Telephone Number

Should any student have a change in the following during the school year he/she should immediately report the change to the guidance office:

• Home address
  
  
• Home telephone number
  
  
• Guardian (if appropriate)
  
  
• Any change on the emergency card information

Insurance

The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union and the BUHS #6 School Board insures all students under a "school time" account policy. This plan will pay the expenses incurred, which are not reimbursable under any other insurance policy or service contract covering injury. A student who intends to file for insurance coverage must obtain and complete the required reports available via the general office. Such reports should be filed immediately following an accident or injury if coverage is expected.

Fire Drills/Alarms and Building Evacuation

Upon hearing the fire alarm ALL students/occupants are to vacate the building immediately in a quiet and orderly fashion. Patterns for leaving the building are posted in each area of the school and the teacher in charge will secure their area and take attendance. Please be courteous to all fire department personnel. Any student apprehended pulling a fire alarm will be subject to disciplinary action as well as prosecution under the law. Do not re-enter the building until the "all clear" is given by the administration.

No attempt will be made on the part of the teachers/occupants to extinguish the fire. The first purpose of fire safety is to save lives, not buildings. Evacuate at all times.

Lockers

WRCC provides each student with a locker. For your own protection, do not give your combination to anyone. Only school approved or issued locks may be placed on lockers. Students should use their lockers daily to insure the safety of their property. Lockers are for the purpose of storing personal property, tools, and uniforms. Items that would be classified as valuables or large sums of money should not be left in lockers or carried on one's person. If it becomes necessary that valuables need be brought to school, they should be left in the Trade and Industrial Center General Office or in the Professional Technical Center General Office with the Director or Assistant Director, in a secure location.

Lockers are the property of WRCC and therefore, are subject to inspection and search at any time for any reason. It is the student's obligation to keep them neat and orderly at all times. No locker is to be altered in any manner. No bumper stickers, posters, or ornaments of any type may be placed on any locker. Students will be responsible and charged for any damage to their assigned locker or if they lose or damage the lock assigned to them. Student lockers remain the property of the WRCC and school officials retain the right to inspect and/or search lockers, desks or other storage assigned to students.

Inspection of Students' Person and Property

A student shall be free from searches by school officials of his/her clothing and other personal property unless there is reasonable suspicion to believe that something is concealed that may be of immediate danger to persons, property or the educational process, is evidence of criminal or disciplinary violation or the possession of which is prohibited under state/federal law or regulation or under the behavior code of the WRCC. If school administrators believe there is reasonable suspicion a proper search will be conducted. The search itself will be reasonable and not excessively intrusive when viewed in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.

Shop Tools/Instruments/Materials

Some tools and instruments used in the shops and laboratories are furnished by WRCC. When tools, instruments or materials are removed from the tool crib or dispensary, the student to whom such items are issued is responsible for the return of such item(s) and charged for lost or damaged item(s). Students (not assigned work crews) are not permitted to take tools from the building.

Students who bring tools or supplies to be used in their shops are strongly encouraged to store their personal property in a toolbox or kit secured by a lock or in their lockers.

Policy on Possession of Knives/Weapons

It is essential for students in certain Career Center programs to utilize small specialty knives in the course of the shop day. These knives, however, are not required in every shop and may be carried by students in the designated shops only. Knives or trade related tools will be issued to students via the tool dispensing rules authorized for the shop. There is, therefore, no reason for a student to bring a knife to school.

Whoever, except as provided by law, carries on his/her person, or carries on his person or under his control in a vehicle, on a school bus, on school property, or at any school sponsored activity, any item intended to cause harm including, but not limited to a stiletto, dagger or a device or case which enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn in a locked position, any ballistic knife, or any knife with a detachable blade capable of being propelled by any mechanism, dirk knife, any knife having a double-edged blade, or a switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which the blade is released from the handle, having a blade over one and one-half inches, or a sling shot, blowgun, blackjack, metallic knuckles, nunchaku, zoobaw, also known as lackers or kung fu sticks, or any similar weapon consisting of two sticks of wood, plastic or metal connected at one end by a length of rope, chain, wire or leather, a suriken or any similar pointed starlike object intended to injure a person when thrown or any arm band, made with leather which has metallic spikes, points or studs or any similar device made from any other substance or a cestus or similar material weighted with metal or other substance and worn on the hand, or manrikigusari or similar length of chain having weighted ends is in violation of the law. See BUHS Policy F24 for additional information.

Electronic Devices

The use of electronic devices at WRCC is limited. Students may not possess pagers and beepers while on school property except when carried for legitimate reasons such as for volunteer service in fire or rescue departments. Cell phones and other electronic communications devices are allowed but must be turned off and not be used during the school day. Devices possessed or misused under this policy are subject to confiscation by the Director/Assistant Director and will be returned at the end of the year or other time as determined by the administration.

Walkmans, iPods, and portable MP3 and/or CD players may be used on the bus; however they must be placed in the student locker upon arrival Career Center. From time to time the instructor may allow the use of these devices in an appropriate manner. Unauthorized use during school time will result in the device being confiscated. Shop teachers may allow a radio to be played at an appropriate level in shop or class and will determine the appropriate use there of.

Responsibility for Lost or Damaged Property

Each student is responsible for maintaining WRCC property issued to them including but not limited to: lockers, locks, books, safety glasses, safety equipment, tools, instruments, materials, etc. Such property will be returned in good condition, excluding normal wear. Replacement of lost or damaged items will be charged to the student responsible. In the case of intentional damage to school property, a student will be responsible for reimbursement as well as disciplinary consequences.

Computers/Technology/Telecommunications/Internet

In the ongoing effort to keep students up to date with current workplace technology, computer use is essential in all programs. Technology resources are to be treated in a manner of respect. Each computer has a sign in/sign out log that must be completed for each and every use. The use of technology is an integral part of the educational process; however, at any time if this privilege is abused or violates acceptable use, the Director may revoke access. Unacceptable use of computers, technology related hardware is subject to disciplinary action in conformity with the WRCC discipline policy.

WRCC offers students the opportunity to expand educational resources in the global community by providing Internet access. All use of the Internet is to be conducted under the supervision of an instructor. Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Students are responsible for acceptable use just as they are responsible for their behavior in all aspects of their attendance at the WRCC.

Students should not have any expectation of privacy as to his/her use of the computers/Internet. The school reserves the right, for legitimate school purposes, to access and disclose contents of electronic communications without regard to content, and to conduct periodic, unannounced inspections of communications. Students are advised to never view, send, or access materials that they would not want instructors/parents to see.

WRCC prepares students for the 21st century workforce. When students enter the work force they will likely be using their employer's electronic network. Computers, technology related hardware, and/or Internet access in the workplace, as well as in school, have a specific limited purpose. To that end Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) are standard practice by employers and schools alike.

Computers/Technology/Telecommunications/Internet Acceptable Use Policy

• All use of technology equipment, including computers, must be under the supervision of an instructor.
  
  
• When using a computer, students must sign in/out on the log provided for that computer.
  
  
• Inappropriate behavior, including, but not limited to, any attempt to change files that do not belong to you, and/or harm or destroy systems, or data of any computer, network and/or network security, hardware, and software are subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the WRCC behavioral policy.
  
  
• Students are not allowed to install/download any commercial software, shareware or freeware onto any WRCC computer.
  
  
• All use of the Internet is to be conducted under the supervision of an instructor.
  
  
• The use of the computer/Internet is limited to educational research, the support of educational endeavors, and career development activities.
  
  
• Students are to respect the rights of others and will not copy or intrude into other people's files, nor violate federal, state, and/or local copyright infringement laws. Copyright infringement occurs when you reproduce work that is protected by a copyright. If you are unsure if you are violating copyright laws see your instructor.
  
  
• Students are responsible for citing sources and giving credit to authors when using the Internet for research. Plagiarism, the idea of taking writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours, is not allowed.
  
  
• Students are not to post personal contact information about themselves, another person, or the school through the Internet including name, address, phone, age, etc.
  
  
• Use of obscene, profane, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening or disrespectful language on the Internet will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the WRCC behavioral policy.
  
  
• Inappropriate materials and language should not be accessed. Should a student encounter such material by error they should report it to the instructor immediately.
  
  
• Students may not use the Internet for commercial purposes including, but not limited to offer, provide, or purchase products or services.
  
  
• Students may not use the Internet for political lobbying. Students may communicate with elected representatives to express opinions on political issues.
  
  
• Material placed on a WEB page must relate to the educational process of WRCC and must be approved by the Director/Assistant Director prior to launching on the Internet.
  
  
• Students should not waste limited resources and/or generate printed materials from the Internet without prior permission from instructor.
  
  
• Students are not to engage in chain letters, pyramid schemes, "spamming", and/or "broadcasting" of inappropriate messages to lists or individuals.
  
  
• In the event of illegal activities conducted on the Internet through the WRCC access the procedure defined in Police Investigation and Interrogations in this handbook will be followed.

Homework & Project Based Learning

All WRCC programs assign projects, reports and readings that must be completed in order for students to make competency gains in their occupational program. Homework within a career and technical school takes several forms, including out-of-school projects, and therefore will necessitate additional responsibility and maturity by the student. Within a career and technical setting a student will be provided with home and community based construction projects, assembly tasks, technical report writing, mini-field trips, employability skill identification activities and other tasks. These assignments will be given to students in addition to traditional homework. In many programs, these additional projects are essential to the successful completion of the program. The time spent by students on Projects and Activities related to the achievement of occupational competence must be logged by the student and supervised by the instructor of the program. Homework that is not handed in within teacher-established timeframes will be considered late and will impact the grade the student receives in the WRCC program. Students having two (2) or more late projects, homework or other assignments will be required to stay after school to make up that work in accord with teacher-established guidelines.

Visitors

Any person visiting the WRCC must report to the general office in the Trade and Industrial Center or the Professional Technical Center General Office first, and sign in with the time and place and person to be visited indicated. Visitors will be given a visitor pass and must wear eye protective devices in shops engaged in activities that could be injurious to eyes.

Student Visitors
Whenever a student wishes to have a guest visit the WRCC, that student must ask permission via the administration in the general office three days in advance of the day of the visit. Once permission is granted the student will receive a visitor pass that must be worn at all times. Graduates of the Career Center are likewise required to follow this procedure to provide staff prior notice in order to minimize instructional interruption. Visitors from schools in session are not permitted without special arrangements made by the Director/Assistant Director and the home school principal. Visitors not following this procedure will not be granted access. The purpose of the visitor policy is to provide the prospective student visitor an opportunity to observe a specific shop area and provide for the security of the campus. In the event a student brings a guest to school without administrative permission the guest will be asked to leave.

Telephone Privileges

Students will not be called to the telephone during school hours. Messages will be given to the students in case of emergency only. The telephone may be used by students during break or lunch or after school only, with permission given by the instructor or Director/Assistant Director. In most cases the common Advisory Time is the time when students are given messages.

Student Driving Privileges

The school is concerned about the dangers involved in the use of automobiles and motorcycles by students. No student may drive to the WRCC without prior approval from the Director/Assistant Director and the home school principal. Once this approval is granted (Using the WRCC Student Driving and Passenger Permission Form) the student may apply for a Student Parking Permit from the BUHS Administrative Office.

Transportation is provided to/from WRCC and local high schools daily. Requests to drive will be evaluated on an individual basis. It should be noted that students must also request being a passenger if they intend to drive with another student to the Career Center.

A WRCC Student Driving Permission Form must be obtained from the WRCC office and filled out and signed by the parents, the home school administrator, and final approval is from the WRCC Director/Assistant Director.

Students must register their vehicle with BUHS Administration using the BUHS Parking Permit Form AFTER WRCC Student Driving Permission Form is completed, received and approved by WRCC.

Students' cars must be parked in the BUHS STUDENT parking lot during school hours or during any school function. No student vehicles will be permitted in the Trade and Industrial Center parking area. It is a 10 minute walk from the BUHS STUDENT parking lot to the TIC building. Students must allocate this time to be in class on time. Students are to leave automobiles immediately and report to their shop or their first class even if they are early.

Students are not to drive in or out of school grounds at a speed exceeding 10 m.p.h.

Once a car has been parked, the student is not to enter the parking lot again for any reason during the school day without permission AND A PASS from the Director/Assistant Director or the BUHS Administration.

NO STUDENT CARS MAY BE DRIVEN TO THE TRADE & INDUSTRIAL CENTER. Vehicles being repaired by the Automotive Program must have requested an "Automotive Shop Car Pass" that is displayed in the front window of the car having work done on it. This Car Pass MUST be requested at least TWO DAYS in advance of the work being done. A valid Car Pass is signed by the Director AND the Instructor and has a DATE on it. Cars found in the TIC parking lot without a car pass WILL BE TOWED.

A student that misses the high school bus in the morning, may drive to WRCC AFTER reporting their status to their home school principal and requesting permission to drive. If the home school principal agrees then student must call the WRCC before leaving the home high school.

As a general rule a first offense of any of the above driving rules will carry a ten-day revocation of driving privileges. A second offense, depending upon severity, will carry a more serious driving suspension. A third driving suspension will generally result in loss of driving privileges for the remainder of the school year. In case of dangerous driving, police and/or Registry will be notified.
Unauthorized and/or unknown vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.

Academic Scheduling

WRCC member school counselors will assist students in developing schedules that meet local graduation requirements and prepare students for their career development. The Career Counselor (Anne Doran) at WRCC will collaborate with the member schools and all students to enhance course selections that are relevant and supportive of the student's career and technical educational plan. All course changes will be made through guidance counselors in accordance with member school procedures. Students may seek assistance from the WRCC Career Counselor if scheduling at the home school is having a negative impact on their ability to attend WRCC. All WRCC program selections must follow the Admissions Policy procedures. The Director has final approval on all student course enrollments. No student will be allowed to select academic courses that are scheduled during WRCC program times.

Embedded Academic credit is awarded via successful completion of half day and full day Career Center programs. Pre-Tech courses do not provide embedded academic credit. Academic Credits earned will be reflected on the students' high school transcript and the students guidance counselor will attach the Career Center Profile and Program Description with the transcript to any post-secondary institution requesting such. The Windham Regional Career Center Profile is available from the Career Center Guidance Office.

Career Guidance Services

Career Guidance Services are available to all students through the Career Development Counselor (Anne Doran). These services are intended to help you make the most of your educational, career and technical and personal opportunities. Counseling is offered to assist you to make suitable decisions regarding educational and career and technical plans, to overcome personal difficulties and to assist in developing strengths. Counselors and other guidance personnel will call upon students periodically. A student may make an appointment to see a counselor by:

• Stopping at the home school or Career Center Guidance Office before school, at break time, or after school to obtain a pass.
  
  
• Requesting a pass from your teacher who will call the WRCC Guidance Office to determine when you may be seen.

Career Counseling

All young people need to be successful in school and, ultimately, in life. Teachers, counselors, school administrators, and parents are here to assist all students in finding meaningful careers. WRCC, in collaboration with member school districts is committed to facilitating the implementation of an Individualized Career Portfolio (ICP) for every student. WRCC will assist students with developing job skills, making informed career choices, becoming familiar with the workplace and its demands, selecting high school courses that correspond to these career choices, and assisting in post-secondary planning, securing work-based learning opportunities and job placement.

Several assessment instruments are used to help students identify their own interests, abilities and aptitudes. These interests and abilities are cross-referenced with occupations that are compatible. A computer-based occupational search program is initiated for each student. Work-based learning activities such as job shadowing, mentoring, internships and Work Co-op programs are designed to further enhance the career planning process for every student. Many related member district high school programs operate career information centers in conjunction with the WRCC resulting in a smooth transition from school to career for every student.

Substance Abuse Counseling

Any student requesting assistance should arrange for an initial screening meeting through his/her guidance counselor or the school nurse. Every effort will be made to direct the student to the appropriate program within their respective community.

College Placement Assistance

To enhance career success post secondary options should be considered by every student. The WRCC works closely with community and state colleges to facilitate student choices. Many WRCC programs have agreements with post-secondary institutions that will give successful students college credit for specific levels of achievement within the WRCC program.

Tech Prep

The Windham Regional Career Center partners with the Vermont Tech Prep initiative in specific program areas. Tech Prep is a sequence of study beginning in high school and continuing at least two years of post secondary education. The program supports the college prep course of general education by preparing students for high-skill and/or high demand occupations. Tech Prep students should be well prepared to continue their education at a two-year college, then transfer to a four-year college, university or enter full-time employment in their chosen field.

Tech Prep advantages include the opportunity for students to begin earning college credit while still in high school by taking courses in a career pathway that is articulated with area the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and the Vermont State College system. Interested students should speak with their guidance counselor at the end of their sophomore year. Tech Prep students are eligible to take an early college placement test during the spring of their junior year. See the WRCC Program of Studies for specific information regarding Tech Prep/Articulation Agreements available in specific programs.

Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Work Education (Coop) Program is an opportunity for extending Career Center learning into paid or unpaid positions in the local workforce during or after school hours. Students are also required to attend career skills seminars as part of this program. Grades are based on the employer's evaluation of the student outlined on the Work Based Learning Plan.

In order to be eligible, Coop students must meet the following requirements:

• Students must be presently enrolled in a program at WRCC and be considered "job ready" by the instructor, the Coop Coordinator and the Career Guidance Counselor.
  
  
• Students are eligible for Coop in the 2nd semester of their program or the first semester of the 2nd year of their program.
  
  
• Approval by the Director/Assistant Director is also necessary for Coop placement.
  
  
• Students must have demonstrated 85% minimum attendance.
  
  
• Students must be passing all their subjects, including all academic courses.
  
  
• The position must be related to the student's area of study.
  
  
• A minimum of 10 hours a week on-the-job is necessary for a Coop position.

After school and summer Coop placements are encouraged and available on a case by case basis. Students who do not meet the above requirements may go through a petition process before Coop is approved.

Approved and participating CO-OP students are responsible for the following:

• Required to attend all scheduled classes at their home school prior to reporting to their CO-OP employer.
  
  
• Greater than 15% absenteeism and/or tardiness to school and/or work shall be cause for removal from CO-OP.
  
  
• Failure to follow work rules and regulations, falsifying illness, academic course failures, and personal problems that interfere with employment, shall be cause for removal from CO-OP.
  
  
• Participating students who fail to adhere to cooperating employer rules and regulations will be removed from CO-OP.
  
  
• Students failing to comply with safety regulations or who fail to utilize prescribed safety equipment on the job will be subject to removal from CO-OP.
  
  
• Students whose personal conduct or effort indicates lack of responsibility may be excluded or removed from CO-OP by the Director/Assistant Director.
  
  
• Students are required to obtain from the Work Coop Coordinator, the "Evaluation Card" (time card) to be filled out by both student and employer. The Placement Counselor on a bi-monthly basis will pick up these cards.
  
  
• Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from their CO-OP, and are personally responsible and liable for their actions in route to and from CO-OP.
  
  
• It is strongly recommended that students participating in CO-OP take out the home school sponsored "student accident plan" approved by the School Board in their home school in the event there is no family accident insurance in effect.
  

The WRCC assumes the following responsibilities when placing a student in CO-OP:

• The Work Coop Coordinator, in concert with the instructor will affect a selection process utilizing student grades, conduct, effort, attendance, recommendations, competency level, and any other significant criteria before a placement decision is made.
  
  
• The Work Coop Coordinator will act as liaison between the CO-OP employer and the student to assist in any problems which might arise during the course of the cooperative employment.
  
  
• The Work Coop Coordinator will conduct supervisory visits to each cooperative employment work site to insure that both student and employer are benefiting from the Cooperative Education Program.
  
  
• In recommending a cooperative student to an employer, the school is of the opinion that the student will make an appropriate employee with entry level skills in his/her field.

"Cooperative Employers" will be responsible for the following:

• Provide the Work Coop Coordinator with a job description indicating the type of work the student will be doing.
  

• Cooperative employers must insure that employment orientation is conducted for the student including work rules and regulations, safety procedures and equipment, special instructions concerning work conditions, and any other pertinent employment information.
  
  
• Cooperative employers must provide "Workers Compensation" for each cooperative student while working in a paid position. Without this insurance coverage, a placement cannot be made.
  
  
• Cooperative employers agree to pay the legal minimum wage to the student and should consider a higher wage commensurate with the student's experience, ability, and work to be done.
  
  
• Periodic evaluations should be conducted of the student's work to ascertain if increases in the wage rates are justified.
  
  
• Students must be supervised and provided on-the-job training by a Craftsman (journeyman) or other employee who is experienced in the area in which the student is working.
  
  
• Cooperative employers must insure that the student's work and training will be in a field directly or closely related to the student's career and technical program.
  
  
• Cooperating Employers agree to follow the guidelines set forth in the Work Based Learning Plan developed for the individual student.
  
  
• If there were to be insufficient work available or training must be temporarily curtailed for the student, the cooperative employer would be responsible for notifying the Work Coop Coordinator of this so that immediate reassignment of the student to his/her school schedule can be accomplished.
  
  
• Cooperative employers agree to allow student's sufficient time-off from employment to attend official school functions, especially those scheduled for seniors related to graduation.
  
  
• Cooperative employers are encouraged to express recommendations to the school concerning possible changes to update the program of instruction, to include the adoption of newer teaching techniques and the acquisition of more modern equipment. Cooperative employers are also encouraged to join related Program Advisory Committees.
  
  
• Cooperative employers are responsible for verifying the student's
  
  
• Evaluation Card" (time card) and grading the student's work performance for the week completed. This grade will provide the basis for the student's report card grade.
  

The "cooperative agreement" may be terminated at any time by mutual agreement between the cooperative employer, the WRCC, the home high school principal and the student, and expires upon graduation of the student.