FSOA Student Handbook

Activities &  Athletics

Athletics

• FSOA students will be able to participate in athletics through an Adams 12 middle or high school as indicated in District Policy 6250 Section 6.1.
• Students who attend via Five Star Online will be required to meet the same eligibility requirements as students attending in person.  
• Students are responsible for understanding district policy and working directly with the appropriate school to enroll in athletics.   Athletic registration deadlines may vary by school. 

Clubs

• Students participate in clubs through Five Star Online Academy.  Students cannot participate in after-school clubs at other Adams 12 schools. 
• Clubs will be formed in the first semester and, in most cases, students will have the opportunity to participate virtually.  Information can be found on our Activities page. 

FSOA Activities Page

Co-curricular Activities

• High school students may have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities such as band, orchestra, or choir at the Adams 12 school indicated in District Policy 6250.   This participation requires the agreement of both schools' principals and is contingent on scheduling restrictions. 
• In these cases, students may not be on campus at the other school except for the designated course period.  They must check in and out at the main office or in whatever manner the high school determines.  Being on campus at any other time will be considered trespassing.  
• Students may be removed from the class/activity at either principal's discretion based on behavior or attendance.  Removal from the course will lead to a "withdraw fail (WF)" on the student's transcript.   

Assessments

• Students will take assessments throughout the year to support teachers in making informed decisions about student progress. 
• MAP Assessments: MAP assessments are given three times per year to students in Grades 6-9, students receiving support through an IEP, and multilingual learners. In-person assessment times are offered, and virtual testing is available upon request.
• CMAS Assessments: CMAS assessments are given in the spring to students in Grades 6-8 in English and Math. Students in Grade 8 and 11 also take CMAS science assessments. CMAS will only be administered in person and are state-required assessments.
• PSAT and SAT: Students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 take the PSAT or SAT in the spring. These assessments can only be administer in person and are state-required assessments.
• High school students may earn credit based on their performance or growth on some standardized assessments, as indicated in District Policy 6340. 

Once dates for these in-person assessments are determined, they will be communicated to families.  Information on opting out of state-required assessments will be provided to parents/guardians upon request as indicated by Colorado Department of Education policies.  

Student Attendance

How is attendance taken at Five Star Online Academy? 

Attendance for Virtual, Synchronous Classes 

• Virtual classes are held on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, based on a student’s individual schedule.  Special Education, ELD, and select classes will also meet on Monday and Friday.
• Students are considered to be in attendance if they log into the live, virtual class and verify their presence with video.** 
  • Please reach out to the principal or assistant principal if there is a concern about your child’s ability to verify their attendance with video. 
• Students are expected to remain logged into each class for the duration of the class in order to be marked present.
  • Teachers will check for student understanding throughout the class period.
  • In case of connectivity issues, parents or guardians may call the school’s attendance line to confirm that the student is working independently at home, and the attendance will be modified accordingly.   
• Communication will go out to parents by the end of the day for missed virtual, synchronous class periods. 

Attendance for Asynchronous Days 

• Students submit weekly assignments in each course to keep them on track to finish that course's work prior to the end of the grading period. Students should plan to spend about five hours per week, per course to complete this work.  
• If a student does not submit any assignments for a course in a given week (Tuesday through the following Monday), they will be counted absent for ALL of the previous week’s asynchronous days.
• Teachers review student login activity and progress on weekly course work to determine a student’s asynchronous attendance for the PREVIOUS week. Attendance for asynchronous days is communicated to parents each Wednesday. 
• Due Dates for Asynchronous Work:  Asynchronous work is assigned on Tuesday morning and is due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday night.  

Attendance for In-Person Activities

• When in-person attendance is required (such as for state assessments), attendance will be taken and reported on a daily basis.      

**In accordance with C.R.S. 22-1-131(3)(b), exceptions to this requirement will be made if the student’s technology does not allow the student to provide a live digital image of the student while the student participates in the live, virtual class.

Absences / Make-Up Work

Absences for Virtual, Synchronous Classes

• Absences from Virtual, Synchronous Classes must be reported on the school’s attendance line, even if the teacher has been informed of the absence. This includes any early departures or late arrivals.  The school’s attendance line (720-972-7430) may be called at any time to report an absence or tardy.    

Absences for Asynchronous Days / Work

• Since students have a full week to complete their asynchronous work, it is our hope that students will be able to complete this asynchronous work on a timely, regular basis.
• Please note that asynchronous attendance represents up to four (4) days of class time, which means that excusing a student from their asynchronous work will count for four of the five absences that parents are allowed to excuse without documentation.    
• If your child will be unable to complete the asynchronous work due to extended illness, hospitalization, etc., please contact the school principal or assistant principal.  

Make-Up Work

• Secondary students are responsible for contacting their teachers immediately upon return from their absences to collect all make-up work assigned and establish when this make-up work shall be completed. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up work. If a family knows in advance that a student will be absent, the student should contact the teacher prior to the absence.  Pre-arranged absences past the five days allowed per semester must be pre-approved by the school administrator. 
• All assigned work needs to be completed in an acceptable manner. Students have the number of days absent plus one additional day to make up any missed work for absences. Exceptions to this policy for long-term assignments will be noted in the course syllabus.
• Teachers outline all make-up policies and late work policies in their course syllabuses.

Please refer to District Policy 5020 for more information on excused/unexcused absences and the consequences for habitual absenteeism.      

Tardy Policy

All tardies and consequences will be addressed in each individual teacher’s class as described in the Course Syllabus unless it becomes a habitual issue.  A tardy is defined as coming late to a class within the first 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes the absence will be marked UPA (unexcused partial absence).

Awards and Academic Letters

Recognitions will be earned by students based on excellent performance at Five Star Online Academy.  In order to be eligible for an academic award, the student must have been enrolled at FSOA for at least 80% of the semester for which the award is being granted. 

Academic Awards/Honor Roll

• At the end of each semester, students’ grade point averages (GPA) are calculated based on the average of all grades attained in relationship to the credit value of each course.   Based on these GPAs, Five Star Online Academy recognizes the following academic honors.  GPAs are not rounded for the purposes of these awards. 

  • Principal’s Honor Roll:  A student must earn a 3.5 or higher for the semester and must not have received a failing grade in any class.  
  • Phoenix Honor Roll:  A student must earn a 3.0 - 3.49 or higher for the semester and must not have received a failing grade in any course. 

Academic Letter (High School Only) 

• Students in grades 9-12 may earn an academic letter for maintaining a 3.70 GPA for two consecutive semesters.  Both semesters must have been completed at Five Star Online Academy at the high school level.  Academic Letters are awarded in the spring and fall. 

Positive and Safe Learning Environment

In order to ensure a positive and safe learning environment that helps facilitate self-discipline, encourage academic success and promote school wellness, school staff will enforce District policies and school rules related to expected student behavior. Consequences will be administered by staff in those circumstances where a student exhibits behavior contrary to these policies/rules. Each teacher/staff member will have a set of specific guidelines of acceptable behavior, in addition to the school rules and District policies. 

The summary of Student Code of Conduct includes information such as:

• student conduct
• student attendance
• cell phones and personal technology devices
• District technology and Internet usage
• student dress code
• bullying and harassment

Please note that the District’s Student Conduct and Discipline Policies apply during remote learning as well as during in-person learning opportunities.   

In-School Suspension 

For certain infractions, a student may be assigned to in-school suspension (ISS) instead of being assigned out-of-school suspension. In this case, the student will be expected to complete all assignments that are provided by teachers and/or attend remote synchronous classes. There will be no cell phones/personal technology devices, food or drink (except during the designated lunch period), sleeping, talking, games or drawing (unless the student is working on an assignment that includes art). Students assigned to ISS may not attend nor take part in any extracurricular or after school activities on days of suspension, unless special arrangements are made.

Building Access

At FSOA 

• All Five Star Online Academy (FSOA) students will enter the building at the main doors and check in with the appropriate staff member. 
• When students are attending in-person activities facilitated by FSOA, they will be required to check in and check out as directed.  Student IDs must be worn on the lanyard and visible at all times.  

At Other Adams 12 Buildings

• FSOA students may not be on site at a different Adams 12 school during the school day. Doing so is a violation of the student code of conduct and students may be referred to law enforcement. 
• If students have been approved to participate in after-school athletics at an Adams 12 school, they will need to check in with the main office or as directed by that school’s administration.

Creating a Shared Classroom Experience

• Teachers will use Google Meets to connect to students during each class period.  Students will learn the basic functionalities of these tools, such as raising hands, typing in the chat box, and using break-out rooms. 
• Teachers seeing students (and students seeing one another) helps teachers to check for understanding and for students to feel connected to their peers.  For this reason, teachers will be asking students to turn their cameras on during some portions of class. 

Cameras On**:  Students will be asked to turn on their web camera during some key instructional periods during class, such as 

• Taking attendance
• Participating in small-group discussions in break-out rooms
• Participating in Socratic seminars/discussions
• Participating in small group guided instruction
• Demonstrating a physical or musical skill during PE or Art class
• Prepared speeches or presentations

Cameras Off:  Students will be given ample opportunities to turn their web cameras off during class as well. Such times might include the following: 

• Taking notes while listening to direct instruction
• Working independently
• Watching films/video clips
• Watching other students present information

• Student use of web cameras during one-on-one help sessions or office hours is optional and at student/parent discretion. Some specialized learning experiences, such as speech language therapy or occupational therapy, will require students to be on video camera to achieve the learning goals.   
• There are a variety of tools that students can use to increase the privacy of their physical environment while their cameras are on, such as blurring the back-ground or using a pre-created background through Google Meets.  Teachers will support students in learning these techniques. 
• Should you have concerns about your child turning on their camera at key instructional moments as defined above, please reach out to your child’s teachers or the school administration. 

**In accordance with C.R.S. 22-1-131(3)(b), exceptions to this requirement will be made if the student’s technology does not allow the student to provide a live digital image of the student while the student participates in the live, virtual class.

Away for the Day! 

Guidance on student use of cell phones and other technology devices is provided in District Policy 5030.  For the purposes of this policy, Personal Technology Device (PTD) include any privately-owned portable technology, including but not limited to, cell phone and wearable technology such as smart watches, smart glasses, wireless earbuds, and wireless headphones.  

• PTDs may not be used in any manner which is potentially unsafe, illegal, or otherwise might violate the District’s Student Code of Conduct.  Please see the policy for more details. 
• Use of PTDs in violation of school expectations and District Policy 5030 will result in disciplinary consequences.   

At home

• We ask that parents/guardians partner with us to create an at-home environment conducive to learning, which includes limiting distractions such as cell phones.   
• Students are encouraged to keep their phones and PTDs in an alternative location during synchronous class time so that they can focus on their learning. 

At school

• Students should not bring wireless earbuds or wireless headphones to school.  
• Learning Lab:   
  • While attending Learning Lab in-person at FSOA, PTDs must be in the “off” or “silent” position and stored out of sight.  
  • Students will be able to access their cell phones or other PTDs during the designated, posted lunch period only.     
  • If a student needs to use their cell phone to contact home, they will request permission from an administrator or designated staff member.  If given permission, students will be directed to an identified area at the school for use or given access to a school-based landline. 
  • Students may not use / access cell phones or PTDs in the restrooms.
• Peer Engagement
  • While attending Peer Engagement in-person at FSOA, PTDs must be in the “off” or “silent” position and stored out of sight.
  • Students will be able to access their cell phones or other PTDs at the conclusion of our last session at 12:00.   
  • Students may not use / access cell phones or PTDs in the restrooms.

In non-academic settings outside the school day, including before or after school activities or on school transportation, PTDs may be used in “silent mode” provided the use of the PTD, as determined by the supervising staff member or bus driver, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern or otherwise violates the District’s Student Code of Conduct.

The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen or destroyed PTDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity away from campus. School administration, teachers, or staff will not investigate incidents.

Students who violate the district’s policy on student use of cell phones and other personal technology devices may be disciplined in accordance with District Policy.

Definitions

• Plagiarism means to present, as one’s own, the work, writing, words, ideas, or computer information of someone else. Sources could be published or unpublished.  If unclear, always ask your teacher. 
• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not allowable unless explicit prior permission is given by your teacher.  
  • Students should not copy from any source, including generative AI, without prior teacher approval and adequate documentation.  
  • Students should not submit AI-generated work as their original work.  
• Cheating is supplying, requesting or using unauthorized information prior to or during an assignment or assessment. Examples include looking at or using someone else’s work, using crib/stolen/borrowed notes, or unauthorized use of electronics.

Student Responsibilities and Impacts

• If you are ever unclear, it is your responsibility to ask your teacher for guidance.  
• Consequences for plagiarism, inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence, and cheating apply to all classes and discipline carries over year to year.
• Matrix for Plagiarism/Cheating: 
  • 1st offense:  “F” on the assignment, teacher calls home, disciplinary referral 
    • Student may be allowed to re-do the assignment at teacher discretion.  Additional conditions (e.g. completing the assignment in person) may be required.   
  • 2nd offense:  “F” on the assignment, conference with student/parent/administrator, disciplinary referral. 
  • 3rd offense: “F” on the assignment, disciplinary referral. Student will complete their synchronous classes from the building for one assigned day, under the supervision of an administrator.  Assigned to a 3rd Millenium online learning module. 
  • 4th offense:  “0” on the assignment.  In-school suspension.   
  • 5th offense:  “0” on the assignment.  Out-of-school suspension. 
• Additional consequences may be given based on the severity of the incident.   

Connect with your school and teachers.

The free Adams 12 Five Star Schools mobile app makes it easier than ever to stay connected with your school community. Get the latest school and district news, event updates, student highlights, and important alerts—all in one place. Learn more.

Download the app:

Communication from the School

• An email will be sent home on Friday afternoon to remind parents of important dates and events. Please make sure to keep your email address updated through Infinite Campus so you receive these important messages.  Students will also receive these messages to their school email account.  

Communication with Teachers

• Apptegy (phone app): This phone app features two-way communication with each of a student’s teachers. This app also includes automatic translation to your preferred language. Through this app, you will also receive building and district updates and announcements.
• Phone: Teachers’ phone extensions are available on the school website, their email signature, and their syllabus.  Please note it may take 1-2 business days for a teacher to return your call, and that the return call may come from a blocked number.. 
• Email:  You may also reach your student’s teacher via email.  All staff email addresses can be found on our school website.  You may expect to hear back from them within 1-2 business days.
• If there is an urgent matter related to your child’s mental or physical health, please call the main school office number and request to speak with an administrator.
• Teachers will be available to meet with students and parents in person or via video-conference (Google Meets) throughout the school year. In-person meetings may be requested. 

Fees

• All fees will be billed in the fall semester. Almost all fees are entered through Infinite Campus with specific due dates.  We ask you to check the Parent Portal frequently as membership dues, activities, and fines are billed in this manner.  Anyone enrolling after November  will be asked to pay fees upon entry.  
• Surplus balances will be applied to any outstanding balances.  Any remaining surplus will be refunded according to District Policy 5630.
• A paper billing statement will be mailed out in Fall to all students and in Spring to any transitioning students (elementary to middle, middle to high school, and seniors).  At all other times of the year, any student with a balance due on their account will receive an electronic billing statement on the 20th of the month.  Please be sure your email is up to date so you can keep informed.
• Students qualifying for free/reduced benefits might also qualify for free/reduced school fees.  In order to have your fees adjust, you will need to fill out and submit an Information Release Form for a qualifying school.  This form must be submitted each school year.  Fees will automatically adjust according to your qualifying status. Be aware that not all fees qualify for a reduction.  The form can be found on the district website. 
• Seniors who have outstanding fees will not be able to participation in commencement / graduation activities.
• Information on FSOA - specific class fees can be found in our course selection guide.

FSOA Course Selection Guide

You can also find more information regarding fees by going to the Adams 12 website and reviewing District Policy 5630. 

Field Trips

• All field trips will be fully optional, and parents will receive notice of scheduled field trips well in advance. 
• Parents must sign a permission form for all field trips. Students without a permission slip will not be allowed to accompany their class on the field trip.  
• Additional requirements such as school attendance, grades, and participating in preparatory activities may be required for students to be eligible to participate in field trips. 
• As all field trips are optional, school administration may determine that a student is ineligible for participation due to a pattern of student behaviors that are in violation of the student code of conduct.  In such cases, the school principal will work directly with the student and their family to seek resolution before this determination is made. 

Free Breakfast and Lunch!

Students who attend in-person Learning Lab or Peer Engagement have the opportunity to receive a FREE FREE breakfast and lunch while they are on campus.

Food is accessible during posted times through our refrigerated vending machines.  To use these machines, students should use their student IDs.  

Access menus and/or add funds for a la carte items:

SchoolCafe Family Hub

For more information about dietary needs, wellness policy and more, visit Nutrition Services.

Doordash / Delivery Services

Students are not allowed to receive food from delivery services such as Doordash or Uber Eats while on campus.  Please do not order food for your child and please do not direct them to use these services while at Five Star Online Academy. 

Kitchen Use

We provide a shared kitchen for students to use, including a refrigerator and microwave.  Basic dishes and silverware are also generally available. 

Students are responsible for removing their food from the kitchen area every day, cleaning up any messes, and washing any school dishes that are used.  By working together, we can keep our kitchen clean and accessible for our entire school community to use!

Food should be consumed in Phoenix Central  and not in any carpeted areas.

Free and Reduced Benefits help families and their schools.

Here's How:

• Boosts School Funding: Schools receive additional funding from the state to enhance the educational experience for all students. Your child's school can receive more than $1,100 per qualifying student, directly enhancing the educational experience for all.

• Reduces School Fees: Families can receive 50% off select fees or not have to pay them at all. These include athletic fees, course fees, and activity and field trip fees tied to the curriculum. See the Fees Schedule
• Supports High Schoolers: High school students can receive discounts and/or tuition-relief when preparing for their future; which may include course fees, post-graduation planning, scholarships, state and national testing (including SAT, ACT, AP and IB), and post-secondary enrollment.

• Access to Community Resources: Families can qualify for additional resources, such as medical, food and cash assistance, and discounted services like internet

Families must reapply for free and reduced benefits every new school year.

Learn more & apply today!

Grading Scale

The primary purpose of the grading system is to clearly, accurately and consistently communicate learning progress and achievement to students, families, staff and postsecondary institutions. In accordance with District Policy, our school reports student progress using letter grades with the following numerical scale:

A  89.5 – 100%

B  79.5 – 89%

D  59.5 – 69%

F  Below 59.5%

Student grades can be accessed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at any time.

High School students who fail a class may retake the class on a space available basis. The student will be awarded the higher grade and the GPA will be recalculated. Upon verification of successful completion, the prior course grade will be replaced with “NG” and the new course grade and credit will be listed in the transcript under the corresponding semester.   

Grade Reporting

Teachers at Five Star Online Academy record assignment scores in Infinite Campus. 

• Mid-term and end-of-semester grades will also be posted in Infinite Campus.  
• Though some assignments may be submitted through Edmentum, Schoology, or other online tools, Infinite Campus is the only official gradebook of record. 
• Your child’s progress will be reported at individual parent conferences at least twice a year.

Academic progress can also be found via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents who need assistance creating a Parent Portal account to access their student grades can contact the school registrar.  

Course Credit and Grade Point Average (for High School Only) 

• Students can earn up to 0.5 credits per semester per course during high school;  a small number of courses will allow students to earn only 0.25 credits per semester.
• A course that is failed will not provide a student with credit. Students who withdraw from Five Star Online Academy prior to the end of the grading term will receive no credit. 
• The following point scale will be used to compute grade point average. See the section below for information on weighted grades.

Weighted Grades (for High School Only)

• Weighted grades will be assigned to courses with the Advanced Placement (AP) designation or courses which require an AP course as a prerequisite.  Students who do not take the AP exam will not be eligible for weighted grade status.  
• Students transferring to Five Star Online Academy may have the grade for a previously complete course weighted if the course was an Advanced Placement only.  Classes designed as honors, college prep, or pre-AP will not be weighted. 
• Weighted credit must be requested upon transferring into FSOA and approved by the school principal. 

Graduation & Commencement Requirements  

• Seniors who meet the Adams 12 Five Star Schools graduation requirements will graduate with a Five Star Online Academy diploma and participate in commencement ceremonies with FSOA. 
• Students must complete at least one full semester their senior year at FSOA in order to be eligible for a diploma from Five Star Online. 
• All courses must be completed and transcripted on senior’s last day (as indicated on the school calendar) for a student to be eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies.  
• All outstanding fees must be paid for students to participation in commencement ceremonies.

Credit and Readiness Requirements 

Adams 12 Graduation requirements can be found on the district Graduation Requirement webpage. A minimum of 23 credits in specific categories must be earned. 

In addition to earning 23 credits, students will be required to demonstrate College and Career Readiness in English and Mathematics.   The options for demonstrating readiness can be found on the district’s Graduation Requirements website. 

Early Graduates

Students who will meet all graduation requirements by the end of first semester and wish to graduate early should contact their counselor.  

• An application for early completion must be received by October 1 and approved by the FSOA principal or designee.  
• Students who are approved for early completion will participate in the regularly scheduled commencement ceremony in May.

Honors for Graduating Seniors 

• Five Star Online Academy will honor graduating seniors in accordance with the Latin Honors designation system.  In order to receive this honor, students must have the following cumulative GPAs, as calculated at the completion of 1st semester of their senior year: 
  • 4.250 and above:  Summa Cum Laude
  • 4.000 to 4.249:  Magna Cum Laude
  • 3.750 - 3.999:  Cum Laude
• To be eligible for one of these distinctions, students must have completed at least one full year with Five Star Online Academy and be enrolled as a full time student.  We will not present honors for valedictorian and salutatorian. 

Letters of Recommendation & Transcripts  

Letters of Recommendation

• Students who request a recommendation from a staff member are asked to provide a minimum of three weeks’ notice before the letter is needed.  For college application purposes, staff members will upload their letters of recommendation to the SchooLinks platform.  

Transcripts & Transcripts Requests 

• Students are encouraged to plan ahead so that they do not miss deadlines.  Students who need transcripts sent to colleges will request that process via their SchooLinks account.  Once a request is received, the Five Star Online Academy counseling staff will send the transcript within one week.  The majority of transcripts will be sent electronically from Five Star Online Academy to the appropriate college/university via SchooLinks.  In the rare case that electronic transcripts are not accepted, we will mail a transcript.   
• As of Fall 2024, student transcripts no longer include a class rank.  Should a student need a verification of class rank for a scholarship application, they should contact their school counselor. 

Learning Lab provides students with the opportunity to receive one-on-one or small group instruction from teachers. 

• Students may be directed to work with specific teachers, focus on specific coursework, or sit in specific areas of the learning space in order to maximize the learning experience.
• Physical activity breaks will be provided hourly.
• Expectations for student participation during Learning Lab are posted.    
• Guidelines for cell phone and PTD use are outlined in the appropriate section of this handbook.  
• Learning Lab is a drop-in opportunity available between 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays.  
  • Students should not arrive earlier than 7:45.  From 7:45 - 8:00, they will remain in the school vestibule. 
  • Students must be picked up no later than 3:30 p.m. 
  • Students check-in when they arrive and check-out when they leave.  
• Students will have the opportunity to eat lunch during a designated time frame.  
  • Students in grades 6 - 9 must remain on campus during the designated lunch period. 
  • Students in grades 10 - 12 may leave campus during the designated lunch period after checking out with a staff member.  
  • With the exception of lunch for students in grades 10 - 12, once a student leaves for the day they cannot return unless they are checked in / checked out by a parent. 
• Many of our students walk or bike to the Learning Lab independently.  
  • If a parent/guardian wishes for their child to only be released directly to a parent/guardian directly,  they can escort their child into the secure vestibule and let a staff member know.  

Peer Engagement provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning activities and develop collaborative / social skills alongside their peers. 

• Peer Engagement takes place from 8:00 - 12:00 on Wednesdays. 
  • Students should not arrive earlier than 7:45.  From 7:45 - 8:00, they will remain in the school vestibule. 
  • Students must be picked up no later than 12:15 p.m.
  • Students check-in when they arrive and check-out when they leave.  
• Many of our students walk or bike to Peer Engagement independently.  
  • If a parent/guardian wishes for their child to only be released directly to a parent/guardian directly,  they can escort their child into the secure vestibule and let a staff member know.   
• As students in elementary, middle, and high school grades may participate in activities with one another, maintaining high standards for student behavior, language, and dress is essential.
  • Expectations for student participation in Peer Engagement are reviewed each week.  
  • Guidelines for cell phone and PTD use are outlined in the appropriate section of this handbook.  
• As Peer Engagement is optional, school administration may determine that a student is ineligible for participation due to a pattern of student behaviors that are in violation of the student code of conduct.  In such cases, the school principal will work directly with the student and their family to seek resolution before this determination is made. 

In an effort to keep our school feeling safe for all students and families and in accordance with District Policy 1220, only service animals and therapy dogs are permitted on school property. District policy requires prior authorization from the principal to have a therapy dog on school property.
District students and employees who wish to be accompanied by a service animal on an ongoing basis in District schools, buildings and/or vehicles shall provide at least ten (10) working days’ advance written notice to the District’s Title IX/Nondiscrimination Coordinator. 

We ask that all other pets remain off school grounds during school hours. We appreciate your cooperation with this request.

In our ongoing efforts to provide the safest and most secure environment for our students, an additional security measure has been installed, which requires the following safety measures.

• ALL exterior doors will be locked at all times.
• Please do not open the door or hold the door open for others.
• In order to enter the building, you will need to press the button located [describe location of button for school entry].
• An office member will release the doors, allowing access to the building.
• Once entering the building, ALL visitors must check in at the office, show ID, and obtain a visitor pass.
• If you would like to wait with your child before school or wait for your child after school, you will need to wait outside.

Course Schedules / Minimum Course Requirements

• Middle school students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per year.  Course credit amounts vary from 0.25 to 0.5 per semester.  
  • Students will be enrolled in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and required electives each year.  Student can submit their preferences for one year-long elective or two semester-long electives.  
  • Students receiving special education services and multilingual learners may be scheduled into additional courses.
• High school students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits.
  • 9th - 11th Grade Students
    • Students in grades 9 - 11 will be required to take a full credit of English, Math, Science, and Social Science each year. 
  • 12th Grade Students
    • For seniors, Adams 12 Five Star Schools will require 3 credits of these 6 credits to be taken in core subjects (English, Social Studies, Science, Math or Foreign Language).  Exceptions to the three (3) core classes may be made for students at the Bollman Technical Education Center or Future Forward at Washington Square, providing such students can demonstrate competency in the core areas. See District Policy 6340.
  • Students receiving special education services and multilingual learners may be scheduled into additional courses.
• Students can submit schedule requests / preferences in the spring of the previous year.  More information can be found on our course selection page.

Schedule Changes  

• Once registered, students may request a change during the first ten days of school for the following reasons: 1)Failed a class or have not taken prerequisite; 2) Previously earned credit in same class; 3) Documented physical disability (e.g. inability to complete a PE course).

• Until a schedule change is approved, the student must continue to attend all classes on his/her schedule.  Students requesting a change should make an appointment with a counselor.
• Please note that changes requested for reasons that are not listed above (including, but not limited to, job conflicts, workload concerns, or athletics) will not be able to be accommodated.
• Note: A “withdrawal” from class after ten (10) days may result in  an “WF” (withdrawal fail), which will negatively impact a student’s cumulative grade point average. 

Advanced Placement --High School Only

• The Advanced Placement (AP) Program provides students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while they are in high school. 
• As a result of the final national test score that students receive, college credit may be awarded. Credit awarded depends on the college the student wishes to attend.
• All students who take AP classes will be required to take the AP exams in May. Students who do not take the final AP exam will not be eligible for weighted grade status.  
• Fees will be collected through the district billing process. 
  • The current fee for each exam is $99 and is subject to change. 
  • Students who register for the exam but do not take the exam will be charged an unused/canceled exam fee.
  • Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students who qualify for the free/reduced meal program will also qualify for a reduced fee from the College Board.  
• For more information about AP, you can access the website at: www.collegeboard.org. This website includes the testing schedule in May.  
• Students registered for AP classes will not be able to drop those classes after the first ten (10) days of the semester.

Advisory

Advisory is a time for students to connect, learn new skills, and develop their skills as online learners.

• Grades 6-8: Occurs during one class period, every Tuesday.  Rotates through content areas
• Grades 9-10: One class on Thursday. Students earn 0.25 credits each semester based on participation.
• Grades 11-12: Students will meet as a junior or senior class quarterly on Thursdays.  These sessions are led by counselors and focus on college & career readiness, graduation, and other topics related to students’ Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). 

Controversial Issues 

• Staff will follow District Policy 6220 as it relates to controversial issues.   This includes notifying parents in advance about students' participation in a District-approved controversial health education course or topic.  
• Should you have any questions or concerns about material being taught in class, please contact the teacher.  If the situation is not resolved, please reach out to the school administration. 

Colorado Digital Learning Solutions (CDLS) -- High School Only

• A small number of students may be taking AP or other advanced courses through a partnership with Colorado Digital Learning Solutions.  These classes are denoted with “StudioCDLS” on their schedule.
• There will be no additional fee for students taking these courses, outside of the AP fee described above. 
•  These classes are primarily asynchronous, with work posted every week and a Colorado licensed educator from CDLS available for support and feedback.  
• Additionally, a student in a CDLS course will meet with a Five Star Online Academy teacher weekly to discuss progress.   
• Attendance will be entered on a weekly basis based upon the student’s progress in the course and based upon attending the meeting with the Five Star Online Academy staff member. 
• A student who does not make adequate progress in the first two weeks of a CDLS course will be dropped and moved into a FSOA elective.   If a student fails the first semester of a CDLS course, they will not be able to continue into the second semester in that course.   

FFCTE Courses -- High School Only

• Students enrolled at FFCTE courses at Bollman and Washington Square are required to attend classes in person.  They will need to wear a student ID at all times and enter the schools through the main office.   
• Students attending FFCTE will be allowed to ride the bus from their home high school to Washington Square or Bollman; they should wait for the bus outside and not enter the high school.  If transportation is needed, a bus pass is required.  
  • Bus Passes for students attending classes at Washington Square or Bollman can be picked up at the district transportation office. 

Final Exams/Projects

• All courses will have an end-of-semester final exam or culminating project. 
• This final exam or project will be worth no more than 10% of a student’s overall semester grade.
• No early finals will be given at the end of either semester. If a student misses a final exam, they will receive an “Incomplete” in the courses.   
• All late final exams must be completed within three weeks of the end of the semester.  Upon completion, the “Incomplete” will be converted to a grade on a student’s transcript.   

Syllabus

During the first two weeks of class, teachers will review the course syllabus linked to their class in Schoology. The syllabus will include:

• A course title, instructor name, and any prerequisites
• Instructor email address
• Instructor web page address
• When and where help is available
• A course description (including novels used in English classes)
• Course objectives or essential outcomes
• Grading procedures and scale
• Expectations of student work and participation
• Absence policy
• Tardy policy
• Late work policy
• Review of plagiarism and cheating policies
• Student Integrity Oath
• General Guidelines

We are proud of our school and show our pride by taking care of our building. You can add to our pride by keeping classrooms, lockers, halls and restrooms clean. You can help make the school a pleasant place to be by respecting student’s and staff’s personal property. 

Large amounts of money, expensive jewelry or watches and other valuable possessions should not be brought to school. At no time will the school assume responsibility for valuables. All lost and found items are to be turned in to the school office. Unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity on a monthly basis.

Students are required to have their school-issued ID visible to school personnel at all times while on school property.

The student ID is a valuable tool permitting access to many opportunities including:

• Field trip bus transportation  
• Student meal accounts. Parents may deposit funds in a student’s meal account via the district website. Access to these funds will be only with the student identification.
• Admission to school activities (such as dances)
• Library book/material checkout

Students will receive their student ID during school picture days and will use them to access the building starting early in the school year.  Replacement IDs are $5.00.

Counseling Office 

The Adams12 Counseling Curriculum will address the mindsets and behaviors as outlined by the American School Counselor Association.

• Social/Emotional Development: Standards guiding school counseling programs to help students manage emotions and learn and apply interpersonal skills.
• Academic Development: Standards guiding school counseling programs to implement strategies and activities to support and maximize each students’ ability to learn.
• Career Development: Standards guiding school counseling programs to help students 1) understand the connection between school and the world of work and 2) plan for and make a successful transition from school to postsecondary education and/or the world of work and from job to job across their lives.  

Our counselors are available to meet with students.  Students may schedule an appointment to see a counselor.  Students are encouraged to make appointments during free periods, lunch or after school.  Parents/Guardians can initiate a meeting with a counselor via phone or email.  For more information, see our counseling page.

FSOA Counseling Page

Gifted and Talented (GT)

We will provide GT programming for students in ways similar to those provided in traditional brick and mortar buildings.   Our GT program evaluates students who have been nominated for identification. The program assures that all teachers of identified Gifted and Talented students are notified of each student’s identification and areas of giftedness. Students will develop goals for the year and work with their teachers and the Gifted Coordinator to achieve their goals. 

Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and SchooLinks

• All secondary students at Five Star Online will have an account created with the internet based software SchooLinks.  
• Counselors will access all students once per semester through their classes to help deliver the Adams 12 Counseling Curriculum.  Students will use the SchooLinks platform to fulfill the Colorado Department of Education Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) requirements.   
• In addition, seniors will use SchooLinks to assist with the college application process which includes sending letters of recommendation and transcripts to colleges.   

MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support)

• Colorado Department of Education defines MTSS as “a prevention-based framework of team-driven, data-based problem solving for improving the outcomes of every student through family, school, and community partnering and a layered continuum of evidence-based practices applied at the classroom, school, district, region and state level.”  
• At Five Star Online, the MTSS team includes administrators, teachers, counselors, and other mental health professionals.  This group works to improve student achievement by considering school-wide systems as well as by reviewing/considering individual student needs.    

Student and Family Outreach Program (SFOP)

• The District Student and Family Outreach Program believes that all students hold the strength and potential to thrive.  Our mission is to remove barriers that keep students from being engaged and thriving in school by offering the following supports:
  • provide homeless education services
  • connect families with needed community resources (food, clothing, utility assistance, etc…)
  • provide Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) application assistance to families
  • provide bilingual assistance
• If you would like more information please contact the student and family outreach program at 720-972-6015 or make a referral online here. 

Suicide Prevention

• Protecting the health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance to the Adams 12 Five Star School District. Policy 5520 addresses suicide assessments as a priority to protect all students.  Adams 12 will treat all threats or attempted suicides as serious regardless of the degree of lethality involved. When a student threatens or attempts suicide, the Adams 12 personnel will follow District Policy and respond accordingly.
• The following steps have been taken to help protect all students:
  • Students will learn about recognizing and responding to warning signs of suicide in friends, using coping skills, using support systems, and seeking help for themselves and friends. 
  • When a student is identified as being at risk, he or she will be assessed by a District mental health professional who will work with the student and help connect the student to appropriate local resources.
• All students will be expected to help create a school culture of respect and support in which students feel comfortable seeking help for themselves or friends. Students are encouraged to tell any staff member if they, or a friend, are feeling suicidal or in need of help.
• For additional information, please visit the District’s website.

Translation 

We are happy to arrange for translation services for meetings, conferences, open house events, and other communication needs.  Please contact our Family Liaison (720-972-7435) for any needed translation services. 

Appropriate Use

• The use of technology must be in support of educational goals and consistent with the educational objectives of Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Families should refer to District Policy 5035 (Student Use of District Technology and the Internet) and District Policy 8200 (Internet Safety Policies) for specific information about accepted and prohibited technology use.   
• Users must follow accepted rules of network etiquette such as politeness and confidentiality regarding personal address or phone numbers.
• Administrators of the systems as well as school administrators will have access to all computer activities. Email and other computer activities are not private and can be monitored by school or district staff at any time. Messages or actions relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported.
• All document files and data stored on the school/district network are deemed school property.

Chromebooks

• Each student who attends Five Star Online Academy will be provided with a district Chromebook to check out for the school year. Returning FSOA students will continue using the chromebook they checked out during the previous school year. 
• Even students who will be primarily working from a personal laptop or desktop computer must check out a district Chromebook, as they will be necessary for district assessments, access to specific applications, etc.  

Camera and Video Conferencing

Please see the separate handbook section for information on the use of cameras during Google Meets classes.

GoGuardian

Our teachers use GoGuardian as a tool to support students when they are using technology during class time.  This letter provides more information about GoGuardian and how it is used at FSOA.  

Internet Access

Students attending Five Star Online must have consistent, reliable access to the internet.  Families who need support in obtaining internet access can find resources on the Adams 12 Family Tech Support webpage. 

Tech Support

• In most cases, a student’s teacher(s) can provide support to students in regard to resetting passwords, accessing course materials through Schoology, and using Google Meets.  Additionally, the Adams 12 Family Tech Support webpage provides information on how students can access their learning remotely and also provides support for addressing any issues that might arise. Families can also put in a technical support request through the link on the upper right hand corner of this webpage. 
• If an issue continues to be unresolved, please contact the Five Star Online staff at 720-972-7430.  

School Visitors

Parents and visitors are welcome in Adams 12 Schools in accordance with District Policy 1200.   

• Student and staff safety will be prioritized at FSOA.  All visitors during regular business hours must check-in at the main entrance / secured vestibule.  Visitors may not access other doors to enter our school. 
  • A valid ID must be presented at the time you arrive at school and will be scanned through the Raptor visitor tracking system. 
  • Visitors will be required to wear a visitor’s badge/sticker at all times. 
• If a visitor would like to spend time with a teacher or administrator, please call and make arrangements prior to visiting.  Staff may not be available for unscheduled visits. 
• Students are NOT permitted to bring friends or siblings with them to school. Students who permit friends or siblings to attend school and/or who violate District policy by attending a District school where they are not enrolled will be subject to discipline and may be referred to law enforcement.

In the event of bad weather, Adams 12 Five Star Schools uses a variety of resources to determine if conditions exist that warrant a 1-hour delayed start or closure of schools.  Five Star Online Academy follows the same school closure and late start determinations made by the school district.  

Every effort will be made to announce a decision by 5:30 a.m. to close or delay opening schools. 

Alerts are ONLY sent if schools are closed or operating on a 1-hour delay. If schools are operating on a normal schedule you will not receive an alert.

Learn more about the district’s 1-Hour Delay and School Closure process.