Valley Oak High School

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Graduation Requirements | Graduation Ceremonies

Alternative Diplomas | Junior College Req.

University Requirements

MISSION STATEMENT:

We believe that every student is entitled to an educational environment that best suits his or her academic abilities, learning styles and personal needs. At Valley Oak High School, using the alternative strategies of independent study, all students will develop skills for successful living and become productive and responsible citizens. The teachers role is to be the student's guide, mentor, counselor, and advocate. We encourage parents and caregivers to take an active role in the student's learning and life plans.

E.S.L.R. (EXPECTED SCHOOL WIDE LEARNING RESULTS):

Valley Oak High School students will become:

1. Independent learners who:

a. are self-motivated

b. schedule / pace themselves in order

to meet academic requirements,

advancing toward graduation.

c. Exhibit good study / work habits that

include regular timely attendance,

and effective time management to

accomplish projects.

d. Interpret and follow verbal and written

directions

e. Develop solutions to problems and

adapt them to real life situations

f. Develop vocational knowledge and skills.

2. Effective communicators who:

a. are able to read and comprehend

information

b. are able to convey ideas and information

through writing

c. are able to verbally share ideas and

information

d. are able to listen and interpret

information

3. Responsible, self-directed adults who:

a. exhibit self-esteem based upon

self-confidence and ability

b. exhibit self-motivation, self-discipline,

and accept individual responsibility

c. set appropriate and realistic educational,

vocational, and personal goals and

standards

d. maintain appropriate hygiene, proper

nutrition, and physical fitness

e. actively seek and subsequently maintain

employment

4. Contributing citizens who:

a. demonstrate knowledge of cultures that

fosters tolerance for individual

differences

b. are aware that their actions effect not

only themselves but also others

c. contribute time and energy to the

community

d. understand and participate in the

democratic process

INTRODUCTION:

Valley Oak High School is an alternative high school that utilizes the learning strategy of independent study. Students who have been approved by their home school or the District Alternative Placement Committee should check out of their previous school. Then they should call Valley Oak High School for an appointment to enroll. This appointment usually takes about an hour. It is best for the student to come with a parent or guardian. When a student enrolls in Valley Oak High School, that are placed in the courses they need to work toward graduation. They are given their books and their first week assignment. Then they pick an appointment time for the weekly meetings. The student will bring the completed work to their first weekly meeting to be corrected, take test on completed unites of work, and get the next week's assignments. The weekly meeting will be approximately one hour and will be one on one with a teacher.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Students must come in each week for a one hour meeting and have at least four of their regular book subjects completed or it is counted as an absence. It is extremely important for the student and parent to make a commitment to have their student at the meeting on time with their work completed. Families should keep their meeting days and times in mind when planning their schedules so they don't miss this important meeting. Missing one weekly meeting is equivalent to missing a whole week of school. Students will be dropped if they miss three meetings in a row or if they miss five meetings through the whole school year. Parents may ask for an evaluation for possible re-entry.

The only excused absence are when a student is ill and the parents get the completed work to the site of the appointment before the regular meeting time so the teacher can correct the work during their regular meeting time. If this procedure is followed the student will not receive an absence.

Vacations and leaves must be arranged at least one week in advance. Parent must deliver a letter to Mr. Reed (for approval) stating the situation and dates involved.

EARNING CREDITS:

Credits are earned by completing books that are assigned a certain number of credits. Partial completing of books will be awarded a proportional amount of credits. If a student is behind in credits, they will stay behind if they only do the minimum assignments. Students have the right to double every assignment every week in order to catch up or accelerate.

A maximum of 45 credits a semester or 90 credits a year may be earned at Valley Oak High School. Additional credit beyond the maximum may be earned by Juniors and Seniors in Adult Education, Junior College, or ROP classes. Ask Mr. Reed for more information.

STUDENT RESTRICTIONS:

Valley Oak High School students can not be on or around any school campus during school hours (7am to 4pm) unless they have school business and check in at the office. They should be at home during those hours or under adult supervision unless they are going to or coming from work.

DISCIPLINE POLICY:

Everyone should treat each other with respect and respect each others property.

Sexual harassment includes sexual favors or threats, verbal harassment, physical harassment, and visual harassment. Any of these should be reported to a staff member or the superintendent.

Zero tolerance policy will apply for any physical injury to others; extortion, robbery, or possession of controlled substance (drugs). Any of these issues will result in a recommendation to the school board for expulsion on the first offense.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND INFORMATION:

Valley Oak High School students will have counseling and testing services available.

Junior and senior students who are in good standing in the district may be eligible to take ROP classes offered in this county. Foreign language, advanced math, and advanced science may be available to highly motivated students.

Work permit applications may be picked up at our office. When you get the application filled out, you need to bring it to the office. If you are a student in good standing with a good attendance record, we will type a work permit for you. If your grades or attendance become a problem, we will call your employer and cancel your work permit. Contact Mr. Reed for more information.

SUMMER SCHOOL:

Summer School is usually held at Riverbank High School. It generally starts the week after graduation. Two sessions are held each summer. You can take one class first session and earn five credits. If you take another class second session you would earn an additional five credits for a total of ten.

Summer School is a good way for Valley Oak students to complete the classroom portion of drivers training since we cannot offer this class through the independent study strategy.

TRANSFERRING SCHOOLS:

The best time to transfer to another school is at the start of a new semester. You should always notify Mr. Reed well in advance so all of the proper paper work is completed and taken through the District Alternative Placement Committee.

Transfers to East Stanislaus need to be made at the beginning of the six week block schedules.

When transferring out of Valley Oak High School, please return all books and pay off any fines before you leave. Ask your teacher to make out a report card, pick up a transcript of all your grades and credits, and a copy of your shot records at our office.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

English	4yrs / 40 credits
Science	2yrs / 20 credits (1 year Life & 1 year Physical)
Social Science	4yrs / 40 credits (Life Skills/CDM)
	(World History) (U.S. History) (Government / Econ.)
Math	2yrs / 20 credits
Physical Education	2yrs / 20 credits
Fine Arts	1yr / 10 credits
Electives	80 Credits

Total	230 Credits

Passing the reading, writing, and math proficiency tests.

GRADUATION CEREMONIES:

Valley Oak High School graduation ceremony is held the last week of school at the beautiful River Oak Amphitheatre. This special night generally has about one hundred students participating. The students and teachers ware their graduation gowns and the superintendent and school board members come to speak and hand out the diplomas. the graduate may invite as many people as they want to join in the celebration. Graduates get a chance to go to the microphone and express their joy ( if they wish ) after they receive their diploma.

ALTERNATIVE DIPLOMAS AND EQUIVALENTS:

Adult Education diploma - After students turn 18 years old they must earn at least 10 credits in the Adult Education Program, have at least 180 credits in the right areas, and pass proficiencies.

GED - You must be within 60 days of turning 18 years old or older to take this test.

California High School Proficiency Exam - You must be over 16 years old, enrolled and attending a school regularly, and enroll through your school. MORE INFO. IN OUR OFFICE.

JUNIOR COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS:

Junior College usually require High School Diploma, California High School Proficiency, or reaching 18 years old, Students who complete two successful years at junior college can usually transfer to any state university.

UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS:

Universities will accept any High School Diploma if you score high enough on the entrance exam. However most Universities prefer students who have completed the "a-f subjects". That would include Valley Oak High requirements plus algebra, geometry, and algebra II, biology, chemistry, physics, and two years of foreign language.

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