Policies

Attendance Policy

Full-time students at ASU Prep Digital are expected to regularly log and participate in academic activities 30-35 hours per week, or approximately six-seven hours per day. A standard full-time course load consists of six courses for high school and five courses for middle school with a minimum of five course enrollments per term. K-5 course loads vary for full-time with a minimum of four courses.

Regular attendance is essential for success in school. Although we appreciate that health and family take precedent, we do ask that families not plan activities on days and times when school is in session. If a student participates in extracurricular activities or works part time during the school week, it is recommended that they distribute any missed attendance hours over the weekend.

Full-Time Attendance

Attendance for full-time and part-time students is required to be logged in the parent portal weekly by the parent at https://asuprepaz.infinitecampus.org/. Satisfactory attendance status is determined by the following criteria for full-time and part-time students:

• Logging attendance weekly, in the student portal.
  • Instructions and a step-by-step video on how to enter attendance are located on our website: ASU Prep Digital Attendance
• Accrue attendance through participation in the weekly live lesson for each course. If a student cannot attend a weekly live lesson, a recording or alternate activity will be provided.
• Attendance logs and course gradebook should match (i.e., a log of 10 hours in English but no assignments submitted for the week is not satisfactory attendance).
• At or above required percentage completion as indicated by course pace chart.
• Active participation in courses as recorded in Canvas, Learning Cloud, Rosetta Stone, ClassLink, etc.
• Communication with teacher and Learning Success Coach (two-way communication via phone calls, emails, attendance at Individual Learning Plan Conferences, etc.).
• Attending weekly homerooms with Learning Success Coach.
• Attend all mandatory state testing, if applicable.

Weekly Attendance Hours that are required to be logged by Grade Level:

• Kindergarten: 15 weekly or 3 hours daily
• Grades 1-3: 30 weekly or 6 hours daily
• Grades 4-5: 30 weekly or 6 hours daily
• Grades 6-8: 35 weekly or 7 hours daily
• Grades 9-12: 30 weekly or 6 hours daily

Failure to maintain a satisfactory attendance status through accrued and logged time could lead to a school-initiated withdrawal from ASU Prep Digital.

NOTE: For Khan World School, KWS Guides will submit attendance.

Vacations or Days Off: Because ASU Prep Digital allows students to work ahead or catch up on course work by allowing 24/7 access, students have the flexibility to take days off and still stay on pace. All requests for vacations or days off should be sent via email to your Learning Success Coach and teachers. It is preferred that student vacations align with the course calendar whenever possible.

Our attendance policy is governed by ARS 15-803 – School attendance; exemptions; definitions:

1. It is unlawful for any child between six (6) and sixteen (16) years of age to fail to attend school during the hours school is in session, unless excused pursuant to section ARS 15-803.
2. A child who is habitually truant or who has excessive absences may be adjudicated an incorrigible child. Absences may be considered excessive when the number of absent days exceeds 10% (18 days per year, 9 days per semester) of the number of required attendance days prescribed in section ARS 15-803, subsection B, paragraph 1.
3. As used in this section:
   1. “Habitually truant” means a child who is truant for at least five (5) school days unexcused within a school year.
   2. “Truant” means an unexcused absence for at least one (1) class period during the day.
   3. “Truant child” means a child who is between six (6) and sixteen (16) years of age and who is not in attendance at a public or private school during the hours that school is in session, unless excused as provided by this section.
4. ASUPD allows for flexibility within the day and week as to when a student completes their work.  However, to align with Arizona Statutes, ASUPD expects work to be submitted in each class each week that the school is in session

Part-Time Attendance

ASU Prep Digital strongly advises regular attendance in part-time courses. Consistent, regular progress is vital for retention and for achieving academic success. We recognize that students have varied schedules and require schedule flexibility. Part-time learners are expected to follow course pacing guidelines, regularly communicate with instructors and support staff, and actively engage in course(s) each week. Students who fail to consistently work throughout the duration of a course may be subject to withdrawal.

Part-time students who are funded through Arizona state funding are required to abide by the full-time attendance requirements documented above, logging the number of hours applicable to part-time status.

Retention and Promotion Policy

Grades K-12 students who are not demonstrating mastery and proficiency in expected/required state standards at the end of each semester will meet with a team consisting, but not limited to parent, student, LSC/counselor, administrator to establish a plan for success in the second semester.

K-8 students who are being recommended by teacher or parent for retention or acceleration of a full grade will contact the LSC/Counselor and a team consisting, but not limited to parent, student, LSC/counselor, administrator will convene to discuss the following items:

• Current mastery of standards/content in all areas
• Work habits and attendance
• Social and emotional maturity
• State assessment results
• School-issued diagnostic and benchmark test results
• Teacher input regarding classroom participation and student agency
• Parent input and feedback regarding request (if applicable)

The team will determine the appropriate retention and or acceleration. It is the recommendation in most cases to adhere to consistent grade level progression since we have the ability to personalize the student’s learning. Any approved grade level advancement or promotion will be officially processed and reflected in the student record at the conclusion of the school year.

Recommendations for learners that do not demonstrate mastery:

1. Participate in a conference to determine parent/LSC/teacher concerns and garner feedback
2. Summer School for remediation – Math Momentum and/or Reading Refresh
3. Complete an Exact Path Diagnostic test at the start of the new school year

Grace Period Policy

Unless otherwise noted, below are grace period guidelines for ASU Prep Digital students. Students may modify class schedules without penalty during the grace period. This policy is not applicable to students who are withdrawing from the school.

Code of Conduct

As a member of the ASU Prep Digital family, you will be expected to uphold the rules, policies, and procedures of our school. The Online Code of Conduct for students includes the following:

• Reach for new content and skills and make them your own.
• Participate in online course discussions and other activities on a regular, substantial basis
• Review course requirements; organize and schedule work.
• Be persistent as you read, study, research, plan, and accomplish work.
• Learn and practice the new technology skills needed for assignments and interaction.
• Keep an open mind, and consider different perspectives and opinions.
• Participate in online discussions with thoughtful posts that build upon previous ideas and information.
• Contribute toward an online class environment that supports and encourages creativity and sharing.
• Use the support and ideas of your online community to participate in the creative process of learning.
• Treat your classmates and teacher with courtesy and respect.
• Think before you communicate; avoid derogatory, dismissive, or overly critical comments.
• Support others in learning by providing constructive feedback, resources, and information.
• Post questions in the message board so that other students can benefit from the clarifications and solutions provided by your teacher or the learning community.
• By your comments and actions, show your appreciation for the contributions of others.
• Welcome and value the diversity, expertise, and insights of the learners in your class.
• Be honest in your representations of your background and education when sharing with your teacher and classmates.
• Submit work that is your own.
• Follow copyright laws, and give credit when using the work of others.
• Be an active, dependable member when participating in group activities.

Student Rights, Privileges, and Responsibilities

At ASU Prep Digital, we wholeheartedly believe that you should have special rights and privileges as a student in the school. You are placing a great deal of trust in ASU Prep Digital, and we plan to place that same trust in you. With those rights and privileges, though, comes great responsibility. You are expected to be a self-directed learner and, as such, you will be required to commit significant time and energy to your academics.

In return, ASU Prep Digital offers you the following rights and privileges:

• Access to a world-class, rigorous education that will prepare you for success in college, career, and life
• Access to a safe, diverse, and inclusive learning environment that fosters the intellectual, personal, social, and ethical development of all students
• Access to the ASU Library and other digital resources to make your learning experience productive, and meaningful
• Access to learning opportunities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving, and that prepare you to apply what you have learned to real-world situations
• Ability to choose the direction of your learning and studies as you navigate through the digital school program
• Access to state-of-the art, 21st-century digital tools to facilitate learning, collaboration, and communication
• Access to a dynamic learning environment that includes engaging and interactive coursework, robust discourse, and opportunities to collaborate with peers
• Access to regular, timely, and substantial feedback from teachers on assignments and projects, including individualized assistance as needed

The benefits and privileges are numerous for attending ASU Prep Digital. In return for these benefits and privileges, you are asked to acknowledge, adhere, and agree to the following responsibilities:

• Take personal responsibility for your academic performance at all times.
• Follow all ASU Prep Digital policies and procedures as outlined in this orientation course and the student handbook.
• Commit to completing and submitting all assignments on time.
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times and follow the rules of netiquette when interacting with and collaborating in the ASU Prep Digital learning environment.
• Treat all teachers and classmates with respect and refrain from abusive and inappropriate behavior.
• Immediately contact your teacher or academic success coach if you experience harassment, bullying, or any other inappropriate behavior by a classmate or faculty member.

Misconduct

Misconduct refers to non-academic misconduct by a student. Misconduct is defined as:

• Interfering with the orderly conduct of an examination, lecture, tutorial or other teaching class, or impairing or hindering the learning or assessment performance of others
• Impairing or undermining the reputation of ASU Prep Digital, its courses or assessments
• Gaining or seeking to gain an unfair advantage in relation to any work submitted for assessment or dishonestly helping others to gain an unfair advantage
• Collusion

Examples of Misconduct are:

• The use of profanity, sexually explicit comments or threatening comments toward school staff or other students in any verbal or written communication
• Disrupting the orderly conduct of live lessons, tutoring sessions, discussion boards or any school activity
• Refusing to comply with any reasonable request of identifiable school personnel performing their duties
• Violating any federal or state statute

Consequences from misconduct violations can include but are not limited to:

First Offense

• Documentation of incident
• Parent contact by teacher and/or administration

Second Offense

• Formal reprimand
• Documentation of incident
• Parent contact by Administration

Third Offense

• Possible short-term suspension
• Student Conduct Agreement
• Parent contact by administration

Fourth Offense

• Possible long-term suspension and/or expulsion from ASU Prep Digital
• Parent contact by administration

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Students are expected to use ASU Prep Digital issued accounts including but not limited to e-mail, Single Sign-On account, and other electronic information services (EIS), collectively referred to as the “ASU Prep Digital Account,” in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with the mission and educational goals of the ASU Prep Digital and in accordance with Governing Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct.

1. Students shall use their ASU Prep Digital Account productively and responsibly, and for school-related purposes only. Users shall not use the ASU Prep Digital Account for personal or non-school related use.
2. Students may not use their ASU Prep Digital issued account to engage in transmission, receiving or possession of obscene materials of any kind. Students may not send or receive emails that contain inappropriate or obscene comments, suggestions, or language. ASU Prep uses Gaggle to monitor student email and Google Docs, ensuring their safety and promoting responsible digital behavior. Gaggle actively scans content, flagging any concerning material, to address potential threats like cyberbullying and inappropriate content. This monitoring tool helps create a secure and supportive educational environment while fostering a positive online community. Students are encouraged to use their school-provided accounts responsibly, knowing that their activities are monitored to ensure a safe learning experience.
3. Students may not intentionally seek information or modify files, data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the computer/iPad/network.
4. Students may not use their ASU Prep Digital Account to engage in illegal activities such as software pirating, peer- to-peer file sharing (i.e., FrostWire, Bit Torrents, etc.) and/or intellectual property violations (ex: music, videos, books, television shows, movies, etc. which are under copyright). Only public domain software may be installed on school property with the consent of the school Director and IT Director.
5. Transmission of any material in violation of any state, federal law, or school policy is prohibited.
6. Use of your ASU Prep Digital Account to engage in cyber bullying is prohibited. Cyber bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others.
7. Privacy in communications when using the ASU Prep Digital Account is not guaranteed. In order to verify compliance with this rule, the school reserves the right to inspect any directories, files and/or messages residing on or sent using the ASU Prep Digital Account.
8. When using the ASU Prep Digital Account students must follow the directions of school teachers/staff and adhere to school policies.
9. Users agree to not use the ASU Prep Digital Account in any manner that violates Governing Board policies or the ASU Prep Digital’s code of conduct.

Gaggle

ASU Prep has partnered with Gaggle to help support student safety and well-being when using school-provided devices and platforms. ASU Prep will use the Gaggle Safety Management solution to keep watch over content students produce through their school-issued Google accounts to help us identify those who are in need of help.

Gaggle uses a powerful combination of technology and human intelligence to review students’ use of online tools and provide real-time analysis of potentially concerning behavior or content. Gaggle alerts school officials during and after school hours if students show signs of self-harm, depression, thoughts of suicide, substance abuse, cyberbullying, credible threats of violence against others, or other harmful situations. With Gaggle, ASU Prep is better equipped to proactively identify students who are struggling, provide support where needed, and foster a safer school environment.

Monitored software includes the following school-issued asuprep.org accounts:

• ASU Prep Google Drive (Google docs, Google sheets, etc)
• ASU Prep Google Email (asuprep.org email accounts)
• ASU Prep Google Calendar

Personal software and hardware systems will NOT be monitored, including:

• Personal email accounts including personal gmail account
• Personal Google Drive accounts
• Personal hardware (local and/or external)

Use of school-issued accounts for personal use is not permitted and is subject to monitoring to ensure that appropriate and safe behaviors are exhibited. Privacy in communications when using any ASU Prep Digital Accounts are not guaranteed.

Any family can choose to stop using ASU Prep issued accounts at any time. None of these platforms/tools are required components of any course. Families may choose to use personal Google Drive, Email and Calendar accounts in lieu of those issued by ASU Prep. No personal accounts are or can be monitored by ASU Preparatory Academy via Gaggle. Additionally, contact information can be updated within our Student Information System so that communication is sent to personal email addresses only.

Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group, intended to harm others.

Examples of CyberBullying include but are not limited to:

• Mean text messages or emails
• Rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites
• Sending embarrassing pictures or videos

Becoming a global citizen at ASU Prep Digital will encompass collaborating and connecting with students and teachers around the world using the latest technology. Online audio, video and texting tools will be used along with email, personal phone calls and texts to provide an enhanced global experience between students.

School-wide Rules against Cyberbullying:

• Students will not cyberbully other students
• Students will help students who are cyberbullied
• Students will tell an ASU Prep Digital staff member and an adult at home when we know cyberbullying is occurring

Consequences for cyberbullying can lead to dismissal from ASU Prep Digital.

Any cyberbullying issues can be reported anonymously by email to: ASUPrepDigitalCyberBullying@asu.edu.

Email, Phone and Texting

Students communicate regularly with their teachers through email, phone and text messaging. Responding in a timely manner to all communication helps build a more connected community at ASU Prep Digital. Best practices for these communication tools include but are not limited to the following:

Email

• Reading and responding to email is expected on all days school is in session
• Email is to be used for school-related work between students and teachers and/or students to students
• Sending bulk email is prohibited

Phone/Texting

• Regular phone communication and texting is an expectation between students/parents and teachers/Learning Success Coaches
• Students will discuss academic material with their teacher(s) via phone on a monthly basis
• Students are required to have a working voicemail system for faculty and staff to leave messages
• Inappropriate texting, including sending electronic photographs or videos with nudity, is strictly prohibited
• ASU Prep Digital is not responsible for costs associated with long distance phone calls, use of data or school-related apps, or texting. Please check with your phone provider to know your specific phone plan.