Welcome to John Dewey High School. We are happy that your child chose to join our family in what we hope will be a most exciting and rewarding educational experience.

John Dewey High School represents an innovative concept in education, which is, in many ways, unlike the organization and structure of the traditional large city high school.

We at John Dewey are committed to individual progress and enrichment, the stimulation of greater individual effort through independent study and a de-emphasis of the concept of failure. Our adventure in learning is based on the principle that each student may advance at his/her own rate; some may merit graduation in three years, while some may require more. Graduation, therefore, takes place whenever a student masters the prescribed curriculum. The responsibility for learning is yours. We will provide the tools, a stimulating, unique setting and the support and understanding to enable students of all levels of ability to achieve academic success. Our staff will always be available to help you achieve your educational and career goals.

The philosophy and objectives of John Dewey High School are inherent in the organization, procedures and regulations outlined in this handbook. They will become more obvious as you face the variety of new approaches and ideas in our courses of study, facilities and methods of instruction. Our aim is to develop thinking, questioning, reasoning and responsible individuals. We hope to achieve our objectives through individualized instruction, the use of resource centers for accelerated and reinforced learning, independent study opportunities, a non-graded curriculum and the establishment of behavioral goals that are reasonable and open to assessment by both student and teacher.

We believe you should review the contents of this handbook with your child so that you too may become thoroughly familiar with it and will be able to fully understand our school program.

Dear John Dewey High School Student:

All of us at John Dewey High School are striving to ensure that you are provided with a safe, secure and pleasant environment in which to learn.  We would therefore, like to review some important rules.  We are relying upon you to follow them.  All students must choose an area to be in at the beginning of their independent study or lunch bands and REMAIN THERE FOR THE ENTIRE BAND.  This can be a resource center, library, cafeteria or the campus.  All locker bays will be off limits throughout the entire day.

NO STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE CAFETERIA, LIBRARY, OR RESOURCE CENTERS UNTIL THE END OF THE BAND.  NO ONE MAY ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL THE END OF THE BAND.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ANY STUDENT WANDER THE HALLS.  STUDENTS FOUND WANDERING THE HALLS WHILE CLASSES ARE IN SESSION WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE DEANS’ OFFICE.  STUDENTS WILL HAVE HIS/HER PARENTS CALLED.  FREE BAND LOITERING MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION.  A DEAN’S RECORD MAY LEAD TO EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS GRADUATION CEREMONY, PROMS, DANCES, TALENT SHOWS, ETC.

Students wishing to use a bathroom during a class must obtain a bathroom pass from the teacher. Certain bathrooms will be open ten minutes after the beginning of the band and will be locked the last ten minutes of the band. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO WALK THE HALLWAYS DURING ANY BAND WITHOUT A PASS.  No student will be permitted to leave class during the first and last 10 minutes of the band.  NO MORE THAN ONE STUDENT MAY BE ALLOWED OUT OF A CLASS AT A TIME. 

A photo I.D. must be shown every morning upon entering school through the CAASS System.  I.D.’s must be worn at all times.  Students without an I.D. must get a temporary I.D. card for the day.  $3.00 for replacement I.D.  Continued abuse of temporary I.D.’s will result in disciplinary action.  All students must enter through the main doors.  Doors open at 7:30 A.M. for breakfast.

Students may be subjected to random scanning and metal detection without notice. 

When official class is scheduled, students must remain in official class during the entire period.   

Possession of cell phones, Ipods, MP3’s, sidekicks, cameras, entertainment and/or communication devices are prohibited in the building or on campus as per chancellor regulations.  They will be confiscated and returned by appointment only to a parent.

Students found cutting a class will have their parents called by a counselor and/or dean.  Students found cutting may have to serve detention.  Chronic cutting will result in a suspension.

Students are not allowed off campus during the day.  This is for your own protection.  Students found off campus by security, deans or truancy patrol will be processed for truancy and will be suspended.

Students wishing to use the campus facilities must enter and exit the building through the main entrance by the auditorium.  No other exit doors may be used.  Students may only enter or exit the building at the beginning of a band.  Students are limited to using the front campus only.  All other campus areas are off limits.  No leaving the campus before the day is over.  Students will be required to show program cards upon leaving the building.

At dismissal, students must use the Stillwell Avenue gate.  No other gates are permitted to be used to leave the campus.

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED in the building or on campus.  STUDENTS FOUND SMOKING MAY HAVE TO SERVE DETENTION OR BE SUSPENDED or may be subject to a fine from the Dept. of Health.

No glass bottles will be permitted to be brought into the building.          

No hats or head wear are allowed to be worn in the building.  They will be confiscated.  All gang paraphernalia such as flags, du-rags, beads, chains, headbands and bandannas will be confiscated and discarded.  No tank tops, halters, tube tops, open back, string blouses, micro mini skirts, short shorts or pants worn below the waist.

No cards, dice, dominos, coin or yoyo game playing anywhere.  Balloons are not allowed in the building.  These items will be confiscated and destroyed.  NO MARKERS ALLOWED IN SCHOOL.