Welcome to Complete High School Maize and one of the most exciting, rewarding learning environments you will ever encounter.

We at Complete know that we will be working with some of the brightest and most creative students in the state. The staff is committed to providing learning strategies that will lead to the best opportunity for academic and personal success. We also expect students to be active participants in the creation of their Personal Education Plan (PEP).

Students at Complete will have more freedom, choices, and privileges but along with this comes a significant increase in responsibilities.

Do not be under the mistaken notion that Complete is going to be the easy way out. Yes, we will adapt instruction to correlate with individual learning styles. Yes, we will adapt activities to meet the needs of the students. But remember that ultimately students are responsible for the learning that occurs. The Multiple Intelligences Model is just one way we will determine how our students' needs are met. Whereas we will match learning styles with the student, we also will help students learn to adapt their learning style with many others. One of our goals is to make sure students are prepared for a variety of experiences which they might face in the future.

All of us at Complete are here for you. We were not assigned to this school, but rather, asked to be placed here because we have such a deep commitment to alternative education principles as well as a sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of all students who pass through our door.

Have a wonderful stay at Complete. Welcome to the Complete High School Maize family.

Deb Elliott, teacher/coordinator

Complete High School Maize
11411 W 49th St N
Maize KS 67101 
316-722-4790 
316-729-0621 - fax

Staff
Deb Elliott, Speech and Communication/Coordinator
Deanna Gooch, Social Studies/Assistant Coordinator
Ted Kozicki, Social Studies/Science
Kathy Anderson, Clerical
Kristy Custer, English/Journalism
Chris Botts, Math
Sheryl Tillery, Para

Included in this handbook is general information regarding Complete. Policies, rules, procedures, and programs are developed from the ideas of students, staff, USD 266 administration, and Board of Education. Because of this our program is constantly evolving in order to meet the needs of the current population. Therefore, this handbook should be viewed as a general source of information and not as a set of laws written in stone.

Mission
USD 266 - The mission of the Maize Public schools is to ensure that all students have the opportunity for a quality education which will enable them to develop attitudes, knowledge and experience necessary to reach their potential for becoming responsible and productive members of society.

Maize High School - The empowerment of all students to excel academically and to master the necessary skills to be productive and responsible citizens, ready to enter higher education and/or employment.

Goals
Complete High School Maize has, at its core, three major goals:

• To provide a quality academic environment that leads to the awarding of a high school diploma.
• To provide students with those personal/social living skills that will help them be successful for life.
• To provide vocational guidance and placement that will lead to successful career attainment.

The Animal School
Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of a "new world". So they organized a school.

They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum all the animals took all the subjects.

The duck was excellent in swimming, in fact better than his instructor, but he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practice running. This was kept up until his web feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But average was acceptable in school so nobody worried about that except the duck.

The rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but had a nervous breakdown because of so much make-up work in swimming.

The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the tree top down. He also developed a "charlie horse" from over-exertion and then got a C in climbing and a D in running.

The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there.

At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well, and also run, climb, and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian.

Dr. George H. Reavis, 1939

In response to "The Animal School" Complete High School Maize was born.

Eligibility
Students who are at least 16 years of age may attend CHSM. Younger students may be admitted on an individual basis. There is no upper age limit. Only those students desiring to obtain a high school diploma and make improvements in their life will be admitted.

Enrollment Procedures

1. The student requests an application for both the student and 
   parent/mentor and submits them to CHSM.
    
2. If the school has no vacancies the student will be placed on a waiting list and be notified when an opening occurs.
    
3. When a position is available, the student and parent/mentor will be contacted to set up an appointment for an interview.
    
4. If the student is unable to keep the appointment he/she must call. If not, the student will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.
    
5. Based on the interview the student will be told whether or not he/she can attend CHSM. If admitted, the student will be scheduled to complete an orientation contract. The student must also complete necessary paperwork with Maize High School.
    
6. Once the orientation has been successfully completed, the student is considered to be a student at CHSM.

The purpose of the interview is to determine whether CHSM is a good placement for the student. The purpose of the orientation is to acquaint the student with CHSM and to develop a Personal Education Plan (PEP) with the student.

Learning Environment
We at CHSM recognize that all students do not learn in the same way or at the same pace. We truly do value individuality. In order to discover each student's best learning style, the Multiple Intelligences model is one of many that will be used. A variety of instructional methods, curriculum contracts, individualization, varied methods, and creative, non-traditional learning styles will be utilized. 

Students will be challenged to achieve all that they can. We acknowledge that CHSM will house some of the brightest and most talented students. The challenge will be to optimize these talents by valuing high expectations. Students and staff will develop PEP's upon entering CHSM. This PEP will outline the student's plan for success.

Schedule

There will be opportunities for students to earn additional credits outside of the school day. Students are encouraged to participate in as many of these programs as possible. (See Active Learning)

Graduation Requirements
The current Maize High School required courses for graduation are also in effect for CHSM students. In addition, CHSM students must meet additional requirements in health fitness, civics, career education, and community service. Each of these is discussed further in the "What's Happening" section of this handbook. Amounts of credit needed in each area will be individually contracted with the student. Students must also complete an exit interview.

Every course a student completes will meet the outcomes established for Maize High School courses. The means of achieving these outcomes is the sole determination of CHSM. CHSM students will participate in state assessments.

Diploma
Students will receive the same Maize High School diploma that all MHS students receive. The only difference is that the diploma will be signed by the coordinator of CHSM rather than the MHS principal. Students will receive their diploma once credits have been completed for graduation. They may participate in the Maize High School graduation ceremony at the end of the school year during which credits are completed.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend CHSM 100 percent of the time. If a student is not able to attend he/she is asked to notify the office. Fifteen minutes of productive time will be awarded to students who call in prior to the start of school.

Students will receive either productive or non-productive time in each class. Non-productive time is either time not in class or time not used in a productive manner. Students must have a minimum of 30 hours of productive time to earn .25 credit and 60 hours of productive time to earn .50 credit. The consequences of being absent, tardy, or non-productive are:

• It takes much longer to complete Curriculum Contracts, thus delaying graduation.
• Habitual absent, tardy, or non-productive students may be dropped in order to allow students on the waiting list to attend.
• Accumulation of 1350 minutes of non-productive time per 9 weeks will place the student in the "Doghouse". (See "Doghouse" for more information)

Contracts for attendance may be negotiated in extenuating circumstances but once negotiated students are expected to complete the terms of the contract.

Students who have been dismissed from CHSM may apply to be re-admitted but will be added to the bottom of the waiting list.

Grade Cards/Progress Reports
Transcripts with the student's courses/grades will be sent home at least twice a year. Parent/Teacher conferences will be conducted at least twice a year and it is expected that every parent/mentor attend. Students are in charge of conducting their own conference.
Homework Policy
Because students are expected to be productive while in attendance of CHSM, and because students work one-on-one with staff, students should not expect to be given homework. Any outside work will be negotiated by the student.

Guidelines for Behavior
The basic "rule" for CHSM is this: students and staff are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect. Any behavior that prevents students and staff from teaching and/or learning will not occur.

Because our school is located in a residential neighborhood and we understand we may be scrutinized until we are understood, it is imperative that students and staff drive slowly, safely, and carefully and that any behavior displayed is done in a productive, positive manner.

We are bound by state law which mandates that students will be expelled for 186 days for possession of a weapon on school grounds. Other state mandates will be in effect for CHSM.

The Doghouse
If a student falls short of accomplishing his/her contracted goals or accumulates too much non-productive time the student will be placed in the doghouse. Students in the doghouse will be required to meet with staff at the designated time. Catching up on credits and paying back non-productive time will get the student out of the doghouse.

Special Education
CHSM will not offer any special education services. Therefore, students currently on an IEP through special education may attend CHSM as long as they sign out of special education. Special education students may decide to remain at the comprehensive high school if they feel they need special education services.

Breakfast
A breakfast of cereal, juice, muffins, and milk is available for purchase. Students will be charged the same as Maize High School students. Students must make arrangements for breakfast the day before the breakfast is requested.

Lunch
Enrollment fees are the same as those paid by MHS students. Students will eat meals prepared by the Maize Middle School cafeteria. Students may purchase a la carte items from the freezer for lunch, as well. One day a week meals will be provided by CHSM. A $5 per month fee is assessed to defray the cost of this meal. Occasionally students will need to provide money for extra activities. Examples of this are fees for special "Buff It Up" activities and the Crown-Uptown Dinner Theatre. Students will be notified several weeks in advance of needing the money.

TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More
As a condition for acceptance to CHSM the student's parent or mentor is required to have some involvement in the school. At the very least this means a commitment to attend parent-teacher conferences. We welcome parents to volunteer in special activities throughout the year.

I Can Class
Students from CHSM, as well as MHS students, can earn credits for academic course work after school hours. Maize High School students may use this class to make up credits if they are short of having enough to graduate. CHSM students may use this class either to accelerate their credits, or to make up credits they may have failed. See the coordinator for more information.

Curriculum Contracts
Many credits at CHSM are earned by completing contracts. These are utilized most often during the academic blocks. A contract simply lists all requirements a student must complete before receiving credit. A quarter credit is equal to a minimum of 30 hours of contract work. Students completing a minimum of 60 hours of contract work will receive .50 credit. Most contracts can be modified through negotiation with the teacher.

One-Minute Lessons
Social skill building is a focal point at CHSM. As such, one-minute lessons are academic time devoted to social skill building. These will occur on a need-be basis. Students will be required to participate in activities that show mastery of these skills.

Matinee Classes
Many options for receiving elective academic course work will be available in the afternoon block. Staff will offer varied content areas. Five different classes will be offered each week and students will select the two they would like to take. Productive time is recorded in the student's cumulative credit file kept by the clerical staff.

Active Learning
Students will be presented with numerous opportunities for gaining credit to be applied to their credit file. Examples of activities are as follows:

• Strut Your Stuff-Students can research questions on the "Strut Your Stuff" board. Students can earn hours toward credit by responding correctly to the questions. These may include contracts offered during Christmas and Spring Break.
• Quotes of the Week-Quotes will be posted each week and students are able to write a paper that explains and relates the quote to their life. Credit can be earned for this process.
• Town Hall Meeting - Students and staff will meet as a group to discuss issues, solve problems, and celebrate successes. Participation in these meetings will result in the accumulation of credit.
• Civics - Students will be required to participate in community activities that may include the following: attending USD 266 Board of Education meetings, Maize city council meetings, school site council meetings, civic organization meetings, special interest group meetings, and others as they come about.
• Yearbook Project - Students will be responsible for keeping a chronological record of school events that will result in the production of a yearbook for the school.
• Buff It Up - One day each week the matinee classes will be devoted to health/physical fitness activities. Examples of activities that all students and staff will participate in are: bowling, swimming, tennis, golf, walking/jogging, and a variety of other events.
• Opportunity Knocks - Students are required to participate in community service. These opportunities will be arranged with the assistance of the staff.
• Exploratory Time - Speakers, community, colleges, vocational schools, and numerous outside agencies will be brought in to meet with students regarding careers, training programs, and community events. Student requests will determine who is brought in.
• Complete Acts of Kindness - Students and staff will be expected to demonstrate kindness and respect to peers in on-going activities. In addition, students and staff will participate in a "Kindness Journal" activity.
• Work Keys - Students will take a battery of Work Keys tests and work on related curriculum throughout the year. Seniors will retake the test as part of their exit interview.
• Work Experience - Seniors may earn credits for successfully maintaining a job. These will be arranged on an individual basis.
• Wichita Technical College - Students meeting the criteria for vo-tech may attend their junior and/or senior year.
• Complete Leaders - Students take turns being Complete Leaders. The Complete Leader publishes the school paper, completes pages in the Yearbook, helps with custodial duties, and performs a variety of other duties.
• Online Courses - Some students may be allowed to take classes "on-line". These courses are paid for by the district. However, failure to complete the course with a satisfactory grade will result in the student having to reimburse the school for the fee (approximately $200).

Additional activities will be added as deemed necessary or at the request of the students/staff.

Incentive Programs

The following awards/incentives are offered to CHSM students:

• Completely Awesome - presented to students who go above-and-beyond the call of duty. Students receive a certificate, recognition, and a soft drink.
• Complete Citizen of the Week - Each week a student is selected who best represents the true model student of the school. Students receive a certificate, recognition, soft drink, and at the end of the 9 weeks all recipients will be treated to Dairy Queen.
• Birthday - When it is a student's birthday he will receive cards from students in the school, a book signed by each of the staff, a cupcake, and a happy birthday song.
• Complete Achiever - Students who miss no more than 2 days of school during the 9 weeks, do not get in the Doghouse, earn a minimum of 2.25 credits, and have no disciplinary incidents are named complete achievers. Complete Achievers earn lunch with Deb and may negotiate for a special privilege.
• No Dropouts - Whenever the school goes 45 days without a dropout, an ice cream party is earned. Further rewards will be determined by staff/students.
• No Doghouse - If there are no students in the Doghouse for 45 consecutive days all students will go to the movies together during the school day.

Other awards/incentives will be offered as they come up. We believe in being proactive rather than reactive. This is one way of accomplishing that goal.