Handbook
Here is some selected information from the REAL Class handbook.
Class Information & Policies
Governance. The REAL Class is one of many programs at the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences Public Charter School.
Facilities. REAL Classes reside in pleasant and modern air-conditioned classrooms located near the HAAS high school campus. We have easy access to a field for recess and PE (and will be separate from the high school activities).
Classroom Structure. We are a self-contained program, meaning there will not usually be a separate music teacher, a PE teacher, etc. However, these subjects are be a part of our curriculum and we integrate these topics and concepts into other classroom activities.
School Hours. 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
Calendar. HAAS’s REAL Classes use the same calendar as the Pahoa area public schools. Download 2007-2008 School Calendar Now
Lunches. Students may bring their own lunch daily or purchase DOE lunches.
After School Programs. Charter School students are no longer allowed to attend other public school A+ programs. No reason for this change of policy is known to us.
Transportation. HAAS provides transportation to and from the local elementary schools (Keonepoko & Pahoa) where students can continue on with the regular DOE routes.
Communication
Between schools. As part of the admissions process, parents will be required to notify their child’s previous school of the transfer to HAAS. When a student exits a REAL Class their records will be sent to the subsequent school requesting them. Grade reports will be included.
Between the REAL Class teacher and parents. Hawaii DOE grade reports will be sent home for parents’ signature each semester. In person parent-teacher conferences will be held before December and as requested by either parent or teacher. Informal means of communication will include notes, phone calls, and/or e-mail messages as appropriate. Weekly test results are expected to be signed by parents and returned every Monday.
Entrance procedures.
Admissions. Admission to HAAS’s REAL Class program is competitive. Criteria for evaluating applicants may include standardized test results, school records, teacher questionnaires, entrance exams, and a personal interview.
Application Process. Parents will be contacted within 10 working days of the receipt of the complete written application which should include copies of previous academic and behavioral performance. If HAAS finds a child appropriate for testing, it will be scheduled.
Applications are now being accepted for 6th graders for the 2008/09 school year. To succeed, students will need to keep up with a heavy workload without falling behind. Very little time will be spent in remediation of basic skills, so those students with advanced skills will be given preference over those needing remediation.
See the admissions page for details. Or download an application in Adobe PDF format which you can print out for yourself.
Releases. A release from the the former school (if any) shall be required before any new student may be enrolled.
Health Cards. Parents must provide evidence that students are exempt from, or comply with, health/immunization requirements.
Exit procedures.
Release of records. When the student’s records are requested by the next school (if they do not continue at HAAS), they will be forwarded promptly. These records will include reports of performance at HAAS’s REAL Class.
Absences & Tardies
Excused Absences. All absences and tardies will need written excuses from the student’s parents or guardians.
Unexcused Absences. If no written excuses are forthcoming after parental contact, the absence will be treated as a “cut” and the parent will be required to attend a parent/teacher conference to discuss the matter.
Grading & Achievement
Grade Reports. Hawaii DOE report cards will be issued each semester.
Student Conduct. All students in REAL Classes are expected to show common sense and respect for themselves and others. If there is a lapse in good conduct, parents will be notified immediately and a parent/teacher conference will likely be scheduled to discuss the matter.
Honor Code
In the beginning of each school year, students will create a code of honor which they will help each other uphold.
Tuition
There is no tuition at public charter schools such as HAAS.
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