School Motto
“Higher Standards”
The staff of Innovations High School is committed to the success of each and every student enrolled in
our school. We believe that students have unlimited potential and can rise to meet higher standards
through higher expectations. We dedicate ourselves to the preparation of our students to compete and
advance in today’s ever developing society.

School Colors
Cardinal Red and Old Gold

Mascot
Phoenix

Equal Educational Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy Statement
As a campus of the Youth Connection Charter School, Innovations High School is committed to equal
educational opportunity, and will take action to ensure that all students are treated fairly during enrollment.

Enrollment
All students enrolling at Innovations must meet the following criteria:
- Score 8.0 or higher on the READING portion of the STAR assessment
- Score 7.0 or higher on the MATH portion of the STAR assessment*
- Must have enough credits to graduate before the age of 21 (minimum 6 credits)
- In order to be eligible for graduation students must obtain 22 credits by the end of their senior academic year.
- Students must possess a desire to buy into our school’s mission and vision.
- Students must pay a $250 student fee, which includes 2 uniform shirts, prior to the first day of school.

*Students who score below this level may be required to take academic support courses (see
description below).

Registration
The following paperwork will be required from each student prior to enrollment. All forms or
photocopies must be on file prior to registration.

- Official high school transcripts Health/immunization records
- State ID or Driver’s License Drop letter from previous high school
- Social Security Card Emergency contact form
- Birth Certificate Photographic release form
- Proof of address Lunch application form
- Student Photo ID Other applicable IHS documentationLottery Process

Once IHS reaches student capacity, all remaining applicants that meet the enrollment criteria shall
be placed on the IHS lottery list. All waiting/lottery list and applicant referrals are forwarded to the
Youth Connection Charter School’s office on the 20th day of each month via lottery referral
transmittal form. IHS conducts lotteries as needed to fill available seats when students withdraw or
graduate. All lotteries are witnessed by an independent third party.

Supplies
Each teacher will outline the supplies required for each class in the course syllabus.
Students must have supplies every day that they are in school (i.e. pens, paper, notebooks, pencils,
etc.) Disciplinary actions will be taken if unprepared for school. (See Discipline Code)

Academic Education Plan (AEP)
An AEP will be developed for all IHS students upon entry and reviewed quarterly and as needed in
order to assess eligibility for graduation. The AEP serves to assist students by: charting the
student’s academic goals, success towards those goals and by identifying current or potential
obstacles the student may encounter. Students’ progress in Innovations’ four quadrants of scholastic
excellence, intelligent creative expression, personal development, and social responsibility will be
tracked and monitored.

Youth Experiencing Success (YES) Program
Students selected to participate in this program will meet with the YES Mentor at
scheduled times. The student and the mentor will evaluate academic progress, career
development, internship progress, job shadowing opportunities, and discuss issues
concerning college placement, as well as recommend referral services if needed.

Testing
- The STAR reading and math assessments will be given four times per year. The STAR results are
  utilized for course placement, obtaining skill diagnostics, and for measuring growth throughout the
  school year. Students must make month-to-month gains on both assessments. Students who are
  here one year should show one year’s gain, unless they begin under sixth grade level; in that case,
  they must make two year’s gain in one year.
- The Plan and PSAE practice exam will be given to underclassmen and juniors respectively in the fall.
- The Prairie State Exam (PSAE) will be administered once per year at the 11th grade level. This exam is
  a mandatory requirement for all students applying for graduation.
- Passing the United States Constitution Test is required for graduation.

Academic Support Course Assignments
Students who score under a 5.0 on the STAR reading assessment will be assigned to the
Read 180 course*. Math support courses will be scheduled based on STAR math scores.
*This policy may not apply to students with I.E.P. documentation.

Grades
Grades (report cards) are issued at the end of each quarter (approximately every 9-10 weeks).
Grades are based on a combination of classwork, homework assignments, tests and quizzes,
attendance, special projects and class participation.

Grading
Student performance will be evaluated using the following grading scale according to NCA
Standards:

A= 94-100% - Work is exemplary and regularly exceeds standards
B= 86-93% - Work slightly exceeds standards
C= 77-85% - Work meets standards

All students are required to pass scheduled classes with a 77% or higher unless otherwise indicated
by AEP and/or IEP. Students performing below a C average will be considered as performing
below average, thus there are no grades of ”D” given. Students performing below 77% will receive
a grade of “F” unless otherwise indicated by AEP/IEP.

Progress Reports
Students will receive academic progress reports for each quarter (approximately every 5th week of
that particular quarter). IHS will hold a “Phoenix Family Day” on each progress report distribution
day. All parents are encouraged to visit the school that day, but parents of students who are
failing one or more classes are required to attend.

Homework
Students will be given homework at least twice per week in each class. Students will receive a
syllabus that details the homework policy for each class. Students will complete assignments by the
dates they are due. Absences do not excuse any student from completing assignments. It is the
responsibility of that student to obtain and complete any missed assignment. Students who fail to
turn in homework assignments on the due date are subject to failing that course.

View the 2012-13 Parent & Student Handbook.