HHSO Handbook

At Hope High School Online, we inspire students to make better choices and become champions of their own learning  in an alternative, non-traditional school environment.

We believe that every student has the ability to learn and an inherent desire to do so. We encourage students to be intentional about planning and advocating for their education.

We want our students to develop leadership qualities and be inspired by the success of others while taking advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow everyday.

• We value our students’ individuality and our team is committed to meeting their unique educational needs. We provide structure for our students while allowing for flexibility with work schedules, family dynamics, and medical challenges, etc. In our delivery model, students can engage in course work at a time and place best suited for them while adhering to state attendance and academic requirements.  All students have tutoring services, academic interventions, and other resources made available to them.

• We foster a caring and supportive learning environment driven by the shared belief that both results and relationships matter. We promote open communication with our students and families as we work together as a team. Our priority is encouraging and motivating students to develop effective study skills and grow in knowledge and confidence. We guide each student on their pathway of education with an individualized graduation plan.

• We appreciate the opportunities to learn, which take place beyond the boundaries of academics. We live by the proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”. This is why we work collaboratively to provide students with lifelong tools to build their confidence. We believe doing for others acts as its own positive reinforcement and develops well-rounded individuals. Challenging the stereotype of online schools, we provide various possibilities for students to interact with their community as well as other students. Some examples include our student trips, school hangouts and student/staff participation in various volunteer opportunities within the community.

• We aspire to teach students to grow their talents and intelligence by embracing challenges, appreciating mistakes, recognizing effort as the path to mastery, and committing to the process of continuous improvement. We begin with a sincere interest and confidence in the ability to develop the potential that exists in each and every person. We do not see our school only as an avenue for achievement and obtaining a diploma, but also as a conduit for development that results from putting forth the very best effort. 

ELA

Math

Science

Social Studies

Foreign Language

Electives

*Please check the website for course descriptions and course availability.

*** Testing schedules are subject to change depending on state assessment requirements.***

HHSO facilitates and administers a variety of assessments each school year.  Below is a brief description of each type of assessment:

1. State Assessments: Any state-mandated test will be in accordance with state regulations and guidelines.   All students are required to participate in state testing; failure to participate may result in withdrawal from Hope High School Online. 

ACT Aspire - 9th grade

ACT and AzSCI - 11th grade

The ACT assessment can be used to meet college entrance requirements. Taking the ACT outside of the ACT state assessment does not satisfy Arizona state requirements. 

***State assessments are required to be proctored in person by Blueprint Education employees only. This may require travel to testing locations. While every attempt is made to establish testing sites within 1.5 hours of students’ homes, some sites might require additional travel time to and from testing locations.*** 

2. AZELLA (Arizona English Language Learner Assessment): Students who have been identified as potential or current English Language Learners. The AZELLA is used to determine placement and/or reassess students' English language proficiency. The results are also used to determine services for English Language Learners. The initial AZELLA assessment is completed within 30 days of an identified student’s enrollment, and the reassessment will occur in the Spring between January and March. 

3. NWEA Benchmark Assessments: Required benchmark assessments are administered by Hope High School Online staff at various times each school year. Online group proctoring is conducted via Google Meets. Students are required to schedule benchmark testing sessions with staff members when offered. The time spent taking the benchmarks counts toward the student’s weekly attendance. Since the benchmark assessments provide important data as to each student’s learning progress, it is imperative that students take the tests when scheduled. Each student’s scores are used to design personalized interventions or enrichments to support student growth. Not scheduling the assessments could result in a student’s courses being disabled and absences accruing. Failure to attend multiple benchmark tests may result in withdrawal from Hope High School Online. 

   1. 1. 1. Fall: Math, Reading, Science, and English assessments are administered to students at the beginning of the school year. These tests are used to help establish a student's proficiency baseline for which subsequent assessments are measured against. 

         2. Winter:  Math, Reading, Science, and English benchmarks will be administered in the middle of the school year. These tests must be taken with an HHSO proctor. 

*** The results from the Fall assessments will be used to assess student needs and provide individual academic interventions if necessary. We strive to prepare all students to be ready for state assessments. The information from the Winter assessments indicates readiness and identifies possible learning gaps. *** 

3. 1. 1. 3. Spring: Math, Reading, Science, and English assessments are administered to students at the end of the school year and are used to measure full-year academic growth. These tests must be taken with an approved proctor. 

3. Civics Test: A 100 question state-required test to be administered to all students virtually with a Blueprint Education employee. Students must pass this test before a diploma can be issued. 

Passing Score: 70%

Below you will find a list of resources that you will use while working on your courses:

1) Email to staff members

2) Research major news sources: (newspapers, magazines, U.S. Congress)

3) File Transfer (FTP) - transfer files between computers, in either direction

4) Research - research databases, image files, weather maps, (U.S. Weather Service, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian)

Course websites may include links to other sites. Please note:

• Blueprint Education and Hope High School Online are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites.

• You will not be tested on information from these links. They are just for extra help or more information.

• Be aware when leaving the course site and read the privacy statements of any website that collects personal information. 

Students/Parents/Guardians will:

• Always obey copyright and personal property laws.

• Have good manners and use appropriate language.

• Ask for help when needed.

• Use the computer in ways that show consideration and respect.

• Notify a teacher or other adult if you come across any inappropriate material. 

Students/Parents/Guardians will NOT:

• Invade or compromise another person's privacy or files.

• Knowingly post or forward any information that is not true.

• Participate in Cyber Bullying. 

• Disrupt the intended use of the Internet.

• Seek to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the Internet.

• Use a computer to harm other people.

• Install software on school computers unless directed by a teacher to do so.

• Use a computer for illegal purposes.

• Copy copyrighted software.

• Encrypt communication so as to avoid security review.

• Destroy the integrity of computer-based information or operating systems.

• Use the system to access, store or distribute inappropriate material.

• Use someone else's account or passwords, nor share your password or account with anyone else.

• Use offensive or inflammatory speech or written text.

• Be destructive of technological property.

• Employ the network for commercial purposes.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein by the author of the curriculum content do not necessarily express, state, or reflect the opinion of Blueprint Education and Hope High School Online or its employees.

Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure responsible use. Teachers may monitor internet use by checking the websites students visit to ensure they use the Internet for academic purposes.  Students and parents should not expect that files stored on Blueprint Education servers are private. Communication, web pages, and email are often public in nature. Families are responsible for guiding appropriate Internet behavior in independent study. 

Hope High School Online strives to provide error-free Internet access but is not liable for any lost, damaged, or unavailable information due to technical issues. 

Welcome to Hope High School Online! We are thrilled you have decided to pursue your educational journey with us. Before you begin, we would like you to know that we are committed to your success. Equally, we trust that you are committed to your education. We uphold this mutual commitment with the following standards:

We commit to provide you (students) with:

• Clear standards and communication

• Exceptional courses

• Highly Qualified teachers

• Access to student progress and attendance

• Tutoring available by appointment

• Regular communication regarding academics and events

• 2 business days grading window

• Individualized support

• Respect

• Availability

• Guidance

• High standards and expectations

Our trusted commitment from you:

• To be a dedicated and motivated student

• To work online for at least 30 hours, unless otherwise noted

• To complete 2 courses every 6 weeks

• To participate and complete school work with academic integrity

• To attend state testing when and where it is administered

• To communicate with your teachers and coaches

• To adhere to HHSO Honor Code Policy

• To adhere to all HHSO’s Policies and Procedures 

• To be responsible and respectful

• To manage your time to stay on track

• To keep your best interests in mind

• To ask questions when you do not understand a policy, procedure or course material

• To have fun learning!

Thank you parents/guardians for:

• Being Proactive

• Tracking your students progress through the learning management systems

• Supporting your student in creating and maintaining a schoolwork schedule

• Ensuring your student works online every week for the required number of hours and makes the required progress

• Processing your students' weekly attendance via our Attendance Web App

• Communicating with HHSO regarding any concerns and/or attendance issues

• Ensuring your student participates in all benchmarks and state assessments

• Providing any relevant information regarding their education

• Being responsible and respectful to HHSO staff

• Partnering with HHSO staff

***Please remember that HHSO is here to ensure your student receives the best education and experience possible. We work to collaborate with students and parents/guardians to have exceptional outcomes for all students.***

At HHSO, the overall success of our students is extremely important to us. Therefore, we are committed to building strong relationships between students, HHSO staff, and parents. We believe these relationships should be open, honest, professional, and positive in nature, ensuring all parties involved are actively heard and valued. 

Due to our commitment and mission to empower students of their own learning, communication will be primarily between student and academic coach/teacher. Parents will be brought into communication when other situations arise including but not limited to discipline and emergencies. 

Other reciprocal guiding principles are outlined below:

We promise to:

• Respect your privacy

• Respond to all inquiries within one business day

• Be professional in our communication

• Provide access to all staff contact information

We ask that you:

• Allow staff two business days for all assignments to be graded

• Be professional in your communications with all staff

• Give us adequate time to investigate all questions/concerns

• Keep your contact information current

We are committed to ensuring that all interactions between staff, students, and families are appropriate in nature.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT – Sexual harassment of or by any student is prohibited.  Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  If a student or staff member believes they have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment, they should report it to the principal or other administrator immediately so that action can be taken, per our policy, as posted on the school website at hopehighonline.org.

All course assignments must be completed prior to final grades being issued. 

Zero Policy 

Students who turn in blank or unreadable documents for assignments will be given two opportunities to correctly complete the assignment based on teacher feedback. Upon the third submission of a blank or unreadable document, students will earn a zero on the assignment. 

Pretesting

The pre-testing setting is reserved for credit recovery courses only. Please do not ask your coach or teacher to turn this setting on for your non-credit recovery courses. 

Module Exams

Every course consists of Module Exams.  If a student scores less than 60% on a module exam, the teacher will determine what interventions are necessary and require the student to take the exam again. Retakes must be taken within 3 business days of the original attempt. 

Semester/Final Exams

Every course contains exams (midterm, final, and/or semester exams) that must be proctored by a Hope High School Online staff member.  Students must complete these exams within 3 business days of finishing their coursework.  Students must score a 60% or greater on these exam to pass the course. Additional review will be required by the teacher to retake one of these exams. Retakes must be taken within 5 business days of the original attempt. 

Once an exam has been started, it is subject to grading. No "split" or "continued" exam sessions are allowed. Students may not use course notes, textbooks, workbooks, manuals, or electronic devices to assist them in the completion of an exam unless teacher approved. Outside calculators are not permitted during exams unless approved by the teacher. If anexam requires a calculator, it will be provided within the test or exam tools.

Students have two options for testing. : 1) HHSO Office or 2) Online Proctoring with a HHSO staff proctor.  Prior to testing, students are required to submit an Exam Request Form. Your exam time is not approved until you have received a confirmation email (Please be aware, this process can take up to 24 business hours). Do not show up at your testing location before you have received this confirmation.

1. HHSO Office - Students who wish to take their final/cumulative exam in our office in Phoenix can test between the hours of 9 AM - 3 PM, Monday through Thursday.

2. Online Proctoring with a HHSO proctor - Students will need access to a computer, a working camera, microphone, ability to share their entire screen, and a second device to share their workspace for the duration of your exam. iPads are not permitted as a main testing device due to frequent technical glitches between the camera, screen sharing, and Buzz. In order for students to be proctored virtually, proctors must be able to both see and hear them the entire time.  

Automatic Course Failure: 

1. All Final/Semester exams must be taken by using one of the two proctoring options outlined in the Proctoring section. If there is evidence of cheating or misconduct established on final tests/cumulative exams, students will earn a failing grade for the course.

2. Students must complete their final/semester exam within 3 business days of finishing their coursework.  

3. No show Policy: After 3 exam no shows within the same course, an F will be issued. 

Grading Scale: All courses will consist of multiple module exams and 1-2 final/semester exams. The grading scale will vary by course, but the final exam will always count as at least 30% of the final grade.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – IDEA CHILD FIND 

Blueprint Education, on an annual basis, creates public awareness of special education opportunities and advises parents of the rights of children with disabilities. Through Child Find, the district attempts to locate, identify, and evaluate preschool through 12th-grade students residing within the district boundaries, or enrolled in the online high school, who are suspected as having a disability. This includes children who are homeless, migrant children/highly mobile, and children who are wards of the state. The district will ensure that district staff and the general public are informed of: 

• The availability of special education services  

• Student rights to a free appropriate public education 

• Confidentiality protections 

• The special education referral process  

Child Study Team

Blueprint Education refers students that are struggling to make progress in the general education curriculum to the Child Study Team, as part of the district’s multi-tiered intervention system.  The Child Study Team (CST) meets to review and discuss student present levels and area(s) of concern, develop and implement an intervention plan, and monitor the student’s response to interventions.  The Child Study Team may refer a student to a multidisciplinary evaluation team for a special education education evaluation if the student does not respond to interventions and there is a suspect educational disability.  

Multidisciplinary Evaluation Process 

The evaluation process identifies the presence of possible educational disabilities and evaluates the impact of the disability on learning. A multidisciplinary team is formed to review the existing information for the student’s functional and academic performance. At the end of this review, the team determines if additional data is needed for educational decision making. Assessments are completed within sixty (60) calendar days of a parent’s informed written consent. The multidisciplinary team will review existing and new information from evaluation to determine if the student meets the criteria as a student with an educational disability and shows the need for specially designed services. 

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)  

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is both a process and a written document whereby teams develop a written plan for a student with disabilities, monitor the student’s educational progress, and make needed changes in the student’s program as circumstances change. An IEP must be based on the individual needs of the student, must enable the student to receive educational benefit, and must meet state educational standards.  Blueprint Education shall ensure that an IEP is developed and implemented for each eligible child served by the district and for each eligible child placed in or referred to a private school or facility by the district.  

Special Education Services

Hope High School Online provides special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The enrolling student (parent/guardian if applicable) acknowledges their responsibility to give Hope High School Online a copy of the most recent IEP during the enrollment process.

Hope High School Online requires an increased level of independence which exceeds that of the traditional school setting. Students in the online setting will work independently from home on their classes, with classroom instruction provided through video tutorials.  By signing this document, the enrolled or enrolling student (parents/guardian if applicable) who is receiving or may need special education services realizes that special education services are offered by appointment via webcam or phone, according to the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team. 

If the need arises for a change in special education services and/or placement, due to supportive data (e.g. Response to Intervention, attendance, participation in special education services, grades),  the IEP team may consider other placements within the continuum of services as offered by Blueprint Education District in order to best meet the student’s needs. This may include the student being placed at Hope High School’s physical campus if deemed necessary by the IEP team in order for the student to make adequate progress in the general education curriculum.  

For additional information, refer to the following documents:

IDEA Procedural Safeguards (English)

IDEA Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)

Blueprint Education’s Board Approved Special Education Policies

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 

Additionally, Blueprint Education provides support to students who are eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 according to the 504 plan developed by the team including the parent and the student.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to eliminate discrimination based on disability. Section 504 requires the provision of appropriate educational services: services that are designed to meet the individual needs of qualified students to the same extent that the needs of students without a disability are met. Essentially, Section 504 was designed to “level the playing field,” to ensure full participation by individuals with disabilities.  

To qualify under Section 504, a student must: 

• Be determined to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities including learning and behavior,  

• have a record of having such an impairment, or

• be regarded as having such impairment.  

Section 504 ensures that a qualified child with a disability has equal access to education. The child may receive appropriate accommodations tailored to the child’s individual needs. During the process of determining evaluation, eligibility, or the implementation of your student’s Section 504 Plan, if there is a disagreement without resolution at the school level, please be advised that there is a district appeal process you can initiate.  Blueprint Education pledges that the district complies with Section 504 regulations and no discrimination based on disability is permitted. If you believe discrimination has occurred against your student, please contact your school principal or District Section 504 Coordinator. 

Refer to your Parent’s Rights and Safeguards. 

Student progress can be tracked in Buzz and/or Genius. You can expect to find current course information in reference to student progress and grades. 

• Students are expected to finish two courses every 6 weeks.  Students who do not finish courses by the target dates are at risk of being dropped from their course or receive a failing grade.  

• Extensions will be granted upon meeting specific criteria as determined by staff.

• If a student is on track or ahead in progress in two classes, 3 courses can be taken in a time frame of 8 weeks with coach approval. 

Consequences:

• Students who do not make academic progress for 2 consecutive weeks may be considered for withdrawal.

• Students who do not complete their course by the course expiration date for the same course twice may be considered for withdrawal.

• Students who do not complete their course by their expiration date 3 separate times during the school year may be considered for withdrawal.

For a detailed outline of what is required to stay on track in their course, students should contact their Coach. HHSO will monitor academic progress and attendance to ensure students stay on track for course completion.

As a full-time school, students are expected to complete a minimum of 11 courses per school year to stay on track for graduation. Failure to progress may result in the student being withdrawn.

Attendance is required of each student at HHSO. The minimum attendance requirement is set by the state government and /or the Arizona Department of Education. It is subject to change at any time. Failure to progress in courses or frequent absences may lead to withdrawal.

The Expectations

• Students work online in courses at least 30 hours a week, unless otherwise noted on the school calendar. Hours must have academic progress tied to them.

• Guardians must approve weekly attendance via the HHSO Attendance Web App.  For more information, visit www.hopehighonline.org/attendance. 

Consequences:

Missing Attendance Logs

• Week 1: Guardians for students who have missing attendance logs for one week will receive daily reminder emails and texts.

• Week 2: Students who have missing attendance logs for 2 weeks will receive a warning email about courses being diabled the following week.

• Week 3: Students who have missing attendance logs for 3 weeks are disabled from their courses.

• Week 4: Students who have missing attendance logs for 4 weeks will be recommended for withdrawal.

Missing Hours

• Students who are behind in weekly hours will receive attendance notifications. In extreme cases, students will be given interventions to help them redeem missing attendance hours. 

• Students who exceed 100 missing hours may be withdrawn.

Banked Hours

• Students who work over the required amount of attendance hours each week will accrue banked hours. This allows students to have extra time to utilize in case of emergencies or for planned days off without accruing further absences.  Student can accrue up to 50 banked hours at any given time during the school year.

An example of this could look like: Jack Sparrow worked 35 hours in a week, accumulating 5 hours of banked time. The next week, Jack got sick and missed 1 day of school and was only able to meet 25 hours of attendance. Instead of gaining 5 hours of absences his banked hours were applied to his absences.

***Banked hours do not excuse inadequate progress. Students are still expected to maintain consistent and appropriate progress to complete their classes in time.***

Rejected Hours

• Attendance hours must be tied to course progress. Attendance hours will be reviewed, and if adequate progress is not made hours could be rejected. It is vital that progress is made with attendance to make sufficient progress toward graduation. 

***Documented proof of extenuating circumstances is required for consideration of waiving the consequences of missing attendance.

Please be aware that documented proof does not excuse missing hours, as all missing hours can be made up. Extenuating circumstances can include death of a family member, long term illness, etc..***

A student may be placed on a contract for one of the following reasons:

• Lack of adequate progress (20% per course, per week, is highly suggested)

• Failure to adequately respond to multiple support interventions. (re: goals and daily/weekly check-ins)

• Inadequate attendance- Repeated failure to meet the minimum attendance requirement

• Failure to take the final test/cumulative exam within 3 business days  of finishing all coursework

• Re-entry- Based on prior academic/attendance history

The following steps will be taken prior to placing a student on contract:

• Multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the student

• Teacher or coach goals/support interventions not met

• Given warning prior to contract

The point of contracts is to confirm HHSO’s support of students in becoming more successful in their courses, while also allowing students to confirm their commitment to HHSO. Contract parameters will be set by the HHSO team.  When a student is placed on a contract, the student and guardian will be required to respond that they understand the terms to the assigned staff member.” The contract activates as soon as it’s sent with or without acknowledgement from student/parent. 

Students who anticipate graduating in May must have completed their courses(s) to meet graduation requirements with a final grade no later than the Friday prior to the last day of school to participate in the graduation ceremony. If the deadline is missed, grades may not be processed in time for graduation.

Hope High School Online students must meet the minimum graduation requirements for high school graduation as defined by The Arizona State Board of Education. This includes passing the Arizona Civics Test and completing the online CPR Module. If the student has a valid CPR certification card please email a picture of the front and back to your HHSO coach, this can be accepted in place of the online CPR module. 

Please click the link to see sample diploma plan options here.

High School diploma requirements for HHSO graduates are listed below:

• English Language Arts: 4 credits 

• Mathematics: 4 credits (Covering Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)

• Social Studies: 3 credits (Covering World History/Geography, US/AZ History, US/AZ Government, and Economics)

• Science: 3 credits (Including Earth/Space, Life, and Physical Science concepts)

• Electives: 8 credits (Including 1.0 credit of Fine Art/CTE, 0.5 Credit of Technology or Workplace Readiness, and 0.5 credit of Health Education)

**Students wishing to attend a 4 year university should speak with their coach to ensure necessary entrance requirements are met.

25% Diploma Rule

- Pursuant to A.A.C.R7-2-302, R7-2-302.01, and R7-2-302.02, Hope High School Online will grant a high school diploma to students who complete the minimum approved Arizona State Department of Education requirements..

- In accordance with Cognia Distance Learning policies, 25% percent of the course curricular requirements shall be completed with Hope High School Online or another Blueprint Education Cognia Accredited School.

- Any exceptions to the 25% Policy must be approved by the principal or his/her designee and the Blueprint Leadership Team. Please be aware that if your exception is approved, Hope High School Online will not grant a diploma to students who take fewer than the equivalent of one semester. (i.e. 6 courses) It is the intention of HHSO to fully understand the academic merits of all students in which the school grants a diploma. This minimum course completion requirement enforces the academic integrity of the school.

A summer break (June and July) is reserved for those students who have completed their current courses. However, students are more than welcome to work through the summer to catch up or move ahead in their academic plan. 

Extensions on Courses: 

Students wishing to earn an extension are required to fill out an extension form that has to be approved by a staff member. However,  the requirments outlined below must be met.  Be advised, multiple extensions can prolong progress towards graduation.

• 80% progress completed in your course.

• Passing the course and no missing assignments. 

• Extension request is submitted within the allotted window (Up to 5 days prior to your expiration) 

• 1 extension is allotted for each semester. (Up to 2 additional extensions per semester may be earned for attending Benchmarks, State Testing, etc.) 

• Continuous communication with your teacher and/or academic coach

By submitting the extension request form students are not guaranteed an extension.

*This policy may differ for ESS/504 students.

Hope High School Online expects a high degree of honor and integrity in the completion of all courses.  The activities embedded in each course are designed to support learning and prepare students for the exams.  Each activity must be completed independently by the student without cheating, plagiarizing, knowingly giving false information, giving responses generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), and without the use of academically dishonest tools.  Students may discuss the content of the course material with others (tutoring for eaxmple), but the actual responses or submitted work must be in their own words. Paying others to complete courses or using tech tools is absolutely prohibited.

• When researching a content related topic, collect the ideas and make notes in your own words

• Use your own ideas and words for all assignments unless specifically told to do otherwise in the assignment

• Use quotation marks around any information that you copy word for word. Make sure to cite the source of the quote

• Do not copy and paste any piece of information from another source (book, website, encyclopedia, etc.) without citing the source*

• Students are prohibited from utilizing any academically dishonest tools, including but not limited to bots, scripts, programs, or any other automated or technological means, to complete coursework. Engaging in such practices violates academic integrity standards and will result in disciplinary action. 

    Here are some types of Honor Code Violations.

(Please know that each of the following points includes videos, audio media, written works, and AI generated responses)

• Copying text "as is" without quotation marks and with no citation or source.

• Reordering the elements of the source text without citation.

• Copying pieces (sentences, key phrases) of the source text without citation.

• Paraphrasing without citation.

• Reproducing information that is not common knowledge or self-evident without citation.

• Incorporating an idea heard in conversation without citation.

• Using your own past material or another student's material as a new idea without citation.

• Using software or online translators to translate material without citation.

  • Paying for another to contribute to or complete your work.

• Purchasing material, or translating from someone else's material (web-based or hard copy) without citation. 

*For information on citing courses check out these websites:

• http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

• http://www.citationmachine.net/

Possible Consequences for Honor Code Violation per course:

• Assignment Reset: as a warning, the assignment will be reset and the student must complete the assignment before moving forward.

• Assignment Failure: as a result of an honor code violation the student may fail the assignment.

• Honor Code Violation Course: an Honor Code Violation (HCV) Course will be added to the students account and their current courses will be disabled until the HCV Course is completed.

• Team Meeting: courses will be disabled until a Parent Teacher Meeting can be held (HHSO Administration may be included based on severity of honor code violation). 

• Course Failure: as a result of an honor code violation the student may fail the course. 

• Withdrawal/Expulsion: as a result of excessive or severe academic dishonesty the student may be withdrawn or expelled from the school. 

Important Note:

• Students sign an honor code agreement at the start of every course.

• The consequences listed above will be determined based on the number of honor code violations, the intent of the honor code violation, or the participation of consequences by the student.

     HHSO’s Stance on Artificial Intelligence Programs

At Hope High School Online we pride ourselves in our ability to be Agile and adapt in changing environments. Being an entirely online school, HHSO is committed to being among the best schools in implementing new technologies. When Covid-19 changed the landscape of education, HHSO was uniquely situated to overcome the new challenges that traditional schools were not prepared for in an online environment. AI platforms are similarly changing the landscape of education once again. While we continue to learn about the positives and negatives of these new AI programs, the following policy will be implemented.

    What You Should Know?

Artificial Intelligence language models have now grown capable to write essays, emails, speak conversationally, and help with nearly any writing situation that relies on language based patterns. It is increasingly more important for students to learn how to use these platforms with academic integrity. As a school we are building learning opportunities into our curriculum to help students in the following situations:

• improving equity, since more students can have access to personalized learning, tutoring strategies, and scaffolding;

• saving time, e.g., when brainstorming or troubleshooting; 

• motivating learners when they feel stuck or unsure of how to move forward with a certain task

• developing certain critical thinking skills.

There are some limitations with using AI models and students should be aware of the following:

• AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, are not 100% accurate. ChatGPT will even make up information that sounds convincing but isn’t real.

• ChatGPT is not currently plugged into the internet to access “real-time” information. It has been trained on information that’s current through 2021 but not the present. 

• AI platforms have bias. They have been trained on datasets that contain worldviews and assumptions and will replicate those ways of thinking about the world. Critical thinking strategies are especially important when engaging with AI-generated text.  

• AI platforms rely on language patterns to predict what an answer to a prompt should look like. They aren’t “thinking” about the right response in a way a student would. 

• Apps such as ChatGPT tend to depersonalize your writing. Overreliance may lead to a lack of voice and distinctive style—rhetorical strategies that are crucial for effective writing. 

Our Core Principles for Using Artificial Intelligence

As we learn with AI platforms, there are two principles we use to guide our class policy on AI use:

Cognitive dimension: Working with AI should not reduce your ability to think clearly. We will practice using AI to facilitate—rather than hinder—learning. 

Ethical dimension: Students using AI should be transparent about their use and make sure it aligns with academic integrity. 

Academic Integrity When Using Artificial Intelligence

With those principles in mind, here are some policies that will be enforced in our course:

1. AI use is encouraged with certain tasks, especially with preparation and editing. Students are invited to use AI platforms to help prepare for assignments and projects, e.g., to help with brainstorming, to see what a completed essay might look like, or to learn specific concepts or skills. I also welcome you to use AI tools to help revise and edit your work, e.g., to help identify flaws in reasoning, spot confusing or underdeveloped paragraphs, or to simply fix citations. Specific questions should never be copied into prompts, but topics and strategies could be learned through an AI model.

2. AI use must be tracked and acknowledged. When submitting work, students must clearly identify any writing, text, concepts learned, or media generated by AI. This can be done in a variety of ways, e.g., by highlighting the text in a different-colored font and explaining what parts have been AI-generated in a cover letter. Students can also use the Track Changes option in MS Word to show how they’ve developed a draft from beginning to end. In this course, parts of essays generated by AI should appear in a different-colored font, when feasible, and the relationship between those sections and student contributions should be discussed in cover letters that accompany the essay submission. 

3. Any writing, media, or other submissions not explicitly identified as AI-generated will be assumed as original to the student. Submitting AI-generated work without identifying it as such will be considered a violation of the HHSO Honor Code. Any honor code violations will follow the “Consequences for an Honor Code Violation”

As AI tools become increasingly embedded in existing technologies, students will enter gray areas that don’t obviously align with the policies above. If a student is unsure of whether and how much of a submission has been AI-generated, or whether they are in violation of a certain policy, they should reach out to the instructor and ask for guidance.

HHSO challenges our students to develop their digital citizenship skills based on ISTE’s 5 core competencies.

Inclusive:

Be open to hearing and respectfully recognizing multiple viewpoints, and engage with others online with respect and empathy. Engaging with staff and students online should be respectful always seeking to understand one another. 

Informed:

Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of digital media and social posts. Ensure that the information you report is accurate and from reliable sources. 

Engaged:

Use technology and digital channels for civic engagement, to solve problems and be a force for good in both physical and virtual communities.

Balanced:

Make informed decisions about how to prioritize time and activities online and off. Make sure to schedule breaks when working through courses. Developing a daily schedule is encouraged and creates balance while ensuring productivity and progress toward graduation.

Alert:

Be aware of online actions, and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online. Always be vigilant about online safety. Ensure that communication is appropriate and reported to a staff member immediately should there be inappropriate communication.

Hope High School Online is committed to ensuring every student’s right to be educated in a safe, positive, caring, and respectful environment by enforcing an anti-bullying policy. To assist in creating this environment and enable students’ use of technology in a safe and responsible manner, bullying, harassment or intimidation as defined by this policy will not be tolerated.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is, but not limited to, any act of bullying committed by the use of electronic technology or electronic communication devices, including telephonic devices, social networking and other Internet communications. These actions can take place on personal or school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists, or other school owned property, and by means of an individual’s personal electronic media and equipment.

Examples of Cyberbullying

Posting comments, messages, photos or screenshots that are mean, threatening, untrue, personal, secret or embarrassing anonymous messages or abuse (on social networks or online gaming), filming or taking photos of someone without their knowledge and/or consent; this includes sharing photos or videos ‘Indirect’ messages or comments where an individual is not directly named, but their identity is insinuated, fake accounts or profiles excluding people from online conversations or doxing over online gaming messages that encourage self harm or suicide harassment based on race, gender, sexual preference, financial status, etc.

For more information on cyberbullying go to the US Government bullying website:

https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html

Reporting

Students and parents are encouraged to immediately report bullying or harassment to the student's academic coach.

School officials are required to follow procedures to investigate a student bullying claim and resolve the incidents with appropriate sanctions.

Preventions

Hope High School Online integrates cyberbullying prevention into relevant policies and practices, ensures reporting routes are accessible and visible, and promotes the positive use of technology. 

Students and parents are prohibited from bullying on school property, at school sponsored events and activities and through the use of electronic technology including but not limited to electronic communication equipment, on school or personal computers, school or social networks, forums, telephone or mailings.

Staff at Hope High School Online undergo training which includes understanding, preventing, and responding to cyberbullying.

Discipline

Due to the behaviors occurring through digital devices, the act of cyberbullying may not be recognizable because teachers and/or parents may not have the ability to overhear or see the act take place. Since Hope High School Online is based in an electronic setting, the identity of the offender could be unknown, school officials will initiate steps to identify the person responsible. These can include but are not limited to investigating all school systems and computer logs, identifying and interviewing possible witnesses, and with police involvement, obtaining user information from the internet service provider. Disciplinary action may result from cyberbullying which occurs outside of the school parameters. All suspected violations of law will be reported to local law enforcement. For more information on Arizona’s bullying laws (which include cyberbullying) please visit:

https://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/arizona/index.html

Unintended consequences

With shared content via digital forums, the subject matter becomes public and may be permanent, if not reported and removed. This content may be available and viewed by strangers and others who are not the victims of the cyberbullying act. This can create a type of permanent record, also known as “online reputation”, which can be accessible to schools, employers, and others researching an individual now or in the future. Cyberbullying can also be very harmful not only to the victim of bullying but the individual participating in the act.

Hope High School Online offers a wide variety of activities through various online and in person events throughout the year. 

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @hhsotigers for upcoming events!

         College Tours

 Join HHSO in many virtual tours and informational webinars of various colleges. Including, but not limited to, ASU, NAU, UofA, and Maricopa Community Colleges.

Hangouts 

HHSO strives to cultivate student experiences. Some of these in person events include movie screenings, amusement parks and other entertainment venues such as Escape Room and Main Event.

Join other HHSO students and staff in regularly scheduled virtual meetings to have space to interact with others, have dedicated time to work on your classes, play fun virtual games, and much more! 

Prom

Partake in a night to remember! HHSO joins our sister school, Hope High School, in creating a once in a lifetime experience that allows students to dress up, take unlimited photos in our photobooth, eat and drink light refreshments, and dance the night away!

VIP

The VIP program aims to prepare our students to design a life of value, independence, and purpose (VIP). Many of our students don't reach their full potential success, not because they aren't presented with opportunities, but because they need to be more confident and prepared when the doors of possibility are opened. Join VIP in various fun events that allow students to experience out of the box field trips and real-life applicable workshops! For more information check out our VIP homepage: https://vip.blueprinteducation.org/. To participate, students must be up to date with their attendance hours and academic progress. 

As part of the journey here at Hope High School Online, we want to ensure our students gain the understanding and necessary resources that will help guide them in their life after high school. Thus, preparing our students for their future career and educational goals, students will be completing an Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP).  

An ECAP reflects a student’s current plan of coursework, career aspirations, and extended learning opportunities in order to develop individual academic and career goals. By following a series of assessments and activities geared to provide additional support to meet their individual needs, students will be able to better understand themselves and their postsecondary goals.

Hope High School Online uses Major Clarity to assist students with developing their ECAP.Through this, students will gain access to various resources that will guide them in their future. This process is outlined on our Student Portal with step by step directions as to how to navigate each assessment and activity. Upon enrollment, each student will be given directions as to how to begin their ECAP. Throughout the student’s time here at HHSO, the Academic Coaches and the School Counselor will be working one-on-one with students to help develop individualized plans for after high school. Therefore, the ECAP will be utilized consistently to ensure students are given any information or resources necessary to make their future goals come alive.

Whether a student wishes to Enlist, Employ, Enroll or Explore, we have what you need to plan! Check out our College & Career Center for more interactive tools. For more information or to get started on your ECAP, please start HERE. 

Hope High School Online offers students the chance to earn credits towards a college degree or a trade school, as well as earning credit for their high school diploma. Junior and Senior students can do this by either enrolling in a nearby community college, or applying for a program to earn a certificate in a specific trade from various schools such as West-MEC, EVIT, JTED, CAVIT, and others.

These additional classes and programs enable students to:

• Earn college and high school credit simultaneously

• Save money on college tuition

• Reduce college completion time

• Eliminate coursework during their freshman year of college

• Graduate High School with potential Certificate or Degree

If a student is interested, they must first speak to their coach to verify eligibility.

Coach contact information can be found here on the Student Portal or under "Mentor Information" on the Genius homepage.

1. Refer to the automated “Enrollment Confirmation” email you received with your account information and follow the link to Genius. 

2. Enter your given username and password.

3. Once you are in Genius, you will locate the section titled “Academic Snapshot” and click on a course to be taken to Buzz to access course content.

If you still have questions, please contact the office at 602-674-5555 to speak with your coach. 

Coach: Contact your coach with questions regarding your graduation plan, attendance, events, final exam scheduling, your plans after high school and other general questions about Hope High School Online.  You can find coach contact information in Genius under “Mentor Information” on the left side of the page.

Teacher: Contact your teacher with questions specifically related to the course; such as final exam scheduling, quiz/test retakes, study tips/guides, tutoring requests, and content questions. You can find teacher information under “Course Information” on the left side of the page. Select a course to find your teacher.

Paraprofessionals: Contact our paraprofessionals for tutoring and exam scheduling. Currently, our tutors assist in ELA, Basic Math, Algebra I, Geometry, Science, and Social Studies.  You can find tutor information by reaching out to your teacher.

McKinney Vento Liaison: Contact Caitlin Savage at caitlins@blueprinteducation.org or 602-906-4878 if a student is or at risk of homelessness. For more information regarding McKinney Vento eligibility & services please see: https://www.azed.gov/homeless/parents-guardians-and-youth

For more details on who to contact and where to locate each staff, please refer to this embedded link HERE

Hope High School Online, an Arizona charter high school, supports the early child education program called Child Find. Hope High School Online will provide information regarding the availability of early intervention services and special education services for children age birth to 22, including children enrolled in private and home schools. If you are aware of a pre school age child who needs early education evaluation or services. ask them to call the school office at 800.426.4952 for referral information. We are committed to early intervention for children in need and welcome the opportunity to facilitate this process. To read more, see the Arizona Deportment of Education website address:  http://www.ade.state.az.us/ess/ChildFind/CfHome.asp 

Homeless Students

RIGHTS OF HOMELESS STUDENTS 

Hope High School Online shall provide an educational environment that treats all students with dignity and respect. Every homeless student shall have access to the same free and appropriate educational opportunities as students who are not homeless. This commitment to the educational rights of homeless children, youth, and unaccompanied youth, are applied to all services, programs, and activities provided. A student may be considered eligible for services as a "Homeless Child or Youth" under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act If he or she is presently living: 

• In a shelter, temporary shared housing, or transitional living program 

• In a hotel/motel, campground, or similar situation due to lack of alternatives At a bus station, park, car, or abandoned building 

• In temporary or transitional foster care placement 

According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, eligible students have rights to: Immediate enrollment: Documentation and immunization records cannot serve as a barrier to the enrollment in school. 

School Selection: McKinney-Vento eligible students have a right to select from the following schools: 

• The school he/she attended when permanently housed (School of Origin) The school in which he/she was last enrolled (School of Origin) 

• The school in the attendance area in which the student currently resides (School of Residency) 

• Remain enrolled in his/her selected school for the duration of homelessness, or until the academic year upon which they are permanently housed. 

• Participate in programs for which they are eligible. including Title I, National School Lunch Program, Head Start, Even Start, etc.

• Transportation Services: A McKinney-Vento eligible student attending his/her School of Origin has a right to transportation to and from the School of Origin. 

Dispute Resolution: If you disagree with school officials about enrollment, transportation, or fair treatment of a homeless child or youth, you may file a complaint with the school district. The school district must respond and attempt to resolve it quickly. During the dispute, the student must be immediately enrolled in the school and provided transportation until the matter Is resolved. The Homeless Liaison will assist you in making a decision, providing notice of any appeal process and filling out dispute forms. 

For more information, refer to http://www.azed.gov/schooleffectiveness/specialpops/ or contact: 

Caitlin Savage 

Homeless Liaison 

Hope High School Online 

(602) 674-5555 

www.HopeHighOnline.org 

caitlins@blueprinteducation.org 

Rita Rodriguez

State Homeless Education Program Coordinator

Arizona Department of Education

(602) 542-4963 

homeless@azed.gov 

FERPA and Student Records

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's educational records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students." 

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's educational records maintained by the school within 45 days of a request made to the school administrator Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records without copies. Schools may charge a fee for copies. 

Parents or eligible students have the right to request in writing that a school correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. 

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's educational record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions: 

School officials with legitimate educational interest: 

1. A school official is a person employed or contracted by the school to serve as an administrator, supervisor, teacher, or support staff member (including health staff, law enforcement personnel, attorney, auditor, or other similar roles); a person serving on the school board; or a parent or student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks; 

2. A legitimate educational interest means the review of records is necessary to fulfill a professional responsibility for the school: 

- Other schools to which a student is seeking to enroll 

- Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes 

- Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student 

- Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school - Accrediting organizations 

- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena 

- Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies 

- State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law 

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, sports participation (including height and weight of athletes) and dates of attendance unless notified by the parents or eligible student that the school is not to disclose the information without consent. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that protects the rights of students with disabilities. In addition to standard school records, for children with disabilities education records could include evaluation and testing materials, medical and health information, Individualized Education Programs and related notices and consents, progress reports, materials related to disciplinary actions, and mediation agreements. Such information is gathered from a number of sources, including the student's parents and staff of the school of attendance. Also, with parental permission, information may be gathered from additional pertinent sources, such as doctors and other health care providers. This information is collected to assure the child is identified, evaluated, and provided a Free Appropriate Public Education in accordance with state and federal special education laws. Each agency participating under Part B of IDEA must assure that at all stages of gathering, storing, retaining and disclosing education records to third parties that it complies with the federal confidentiality laws. In addition, the destruction of any education records of a child with a disability must be in accordance with IDEA regulatory requirements. 

For additional Information or to file a complaint, you may call the federal government at (202) 260-3887 (voice) or 1-800-877-8339 (TDD) OR the Arizona Department of Education (ADE/ESS) at (602) 542-4013. Or you may contact: 

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 

400 Maryland Avenue SW 

Washington, D.C. 20202-5901 

Arizona Department of Education 

Exceptional Student Services 

1535 W Jefferson. BIN 24 

Phoenix, AZ 85007