1. Attendance
Overview
Attending school every day is required for student academic success. In fact, even having a 90% attendance rate means a student is missing 18+ days of school. That’s a month of missed instruction and puts a student at risk of dropping out. That is simply unacceptable. That is why our goal is to help every student reach 100% attendance.
An Absence Defined
A student who is not in school for at least one instructional period is marked absent for the day. Attendance is recorded daily for each period of scheduled instruction.
Excused Absence
An Absence is unexcused if it is unexplained. An excused absence includes students unable to attend due to illness/injury, religious observation, family emergencies or pre-arranged appointments. Excused absences will not be counted when attendance is calculated for school attendance recognition, or for eligibility in sports (PSAL) or other school activities. Families are expected to notify the school whenever a student is unable to attend school, either in advance of the absence (preferred) or following the absence.
Unexcused Absences
Without explanation of a reason, an absence is considered unexcused. When a student is unable to attend school due to lack of appropriate immunizations the absence(s) are considered unexcused. Families should plan vacations and trips are also considered unexcused. Families should plan vacations and trips when school is not in session. If students do miss school, families must work with the school to develop plans for take-home and make-up work
Lateness
Students are considered late if they are not in their first period class by 8:00am. Lateness can be excused for the same reasons mentioned before. Parents will be contacted if their child arrives late for three consecutive days in the same week.
Notification of Absences & Lateness
Every family of a student who is not in school by 10am will be notified by an automated phone call, email or text message. After two consecutive days of absence, school staff will call the student’s family. Even if families provided a documented reason and the absence is considered excused, a phone call may still be made.
The principal will share a weekly attendance summary with parents via text message on Mondays indicating how many times their child was absent, late to school, late to class during the prior week as well as their year-to-date attendance rate.
Leaving Early
Leaving school early must be arranged in advance. A student who is leaving school early can be released to the family or a person who has been identified on NYCSA and/or the Blue Card and verified as authorized for pick up by the school secretary. Anyone picking up a student must come to the main office and provide a photo ID. Students over 18 must have their families speak with the school secretary before the student can sign out. Students over 18 who have IEPs must be picked up by an adult authorized in NYCSA and/or the Blue Card. Students under age 18 may not leave school early without an adult authorized for pick up.
2. Grading
Overview
At Bushwick Leaders’ High School, a student’s grade represents what they know and can do. As such, we believe that it is critical to the academic success of students that grades accurately reflect mastery of standards & skills, that they motivate students to learn and that they are non-biased. For these reasons we have adopted a research-based approach to grading that ensures the grades students and families receive meet these three expectations.
Grading Practices
Below is our grading policy organized by our three expectations shared above.
Ensure Accuracy
- 100% of a student’s report card grade will be based on classwork, assessments, homework and projects that provide a high degree of confidence of what a student knows and can do. Classwork, assessments, homework and individual projects will be used to assess mastery of standards. Standards will then be used to determine mastery of NYSED Portrait of a Graduate competencies.
- A student’s grade will be based on individual contributions only. For example, a grade from a group project will not be used to determine a student’s grade since a group grade does not accurately reflect what an individual student knows or doesn’t know.
- The assignment or assessment that best represents a student’s mastery of a standard or skill will be used to determine their grade. For example, if a student performs well on a new assessment that measures standards and skills from an older assessment, the information from the new assessment will be used to determine a student’s grade.
- An assignment or assessment cannot be given a zero. Including a zero from an assignment or an exam in a student’s grade does not accurately reflect what a student knows and does not motivate learning. Instead of a zero the student will be given a grade of “No Evidence” or a 55.
- Extra-credit cannot be included in a grade. Any work that does not measure mastery of standards and skills cannot be included in a student’s grade. Any opportunity to assess mastery of standards and skills should be provided to all students and be mandatory, not optional.
Spark Motivation
- Retakes and Redos are allowed, conditionally. Students will be given an opportunity to retake an assessment or redo an assignment to demonstrate their mastery of standards and skills. However, teachers will determine what requirements a student must meet in order to retake or redo an assignment or assessment. This includes completing outstanding assignments needed to master standards and skills or participating in tutoring after school.
- More written and timely feedback will be provided. Our goal is to grade and return student assignments and assessments within two weeks. Our goal is to also provide students with written feedback as often as possible to explain what standards and skills they have mastered and to provide clear and actionable steps they need to take to improve their academic performance.
- Students will be provided with information that clearly explains what they know and don’t know. This can be done using rubrics for example and checklists that are directly tied to standards and skills students are expected to master.
Remove Bias
- Attendance, behavior and compliance will not be included in a student’s grade. Although great attendance, positive behavior and being compliant can help students succeed in college and careers, they do not reflect what academic standards and skills a student has mastered and often penalize students for things outside of their control (e.g. home environment). Basing a student’s grade on attendance, behavior or compliance introduces bias into a student’s grade because it is subjective.
- An alternative approach will be taken when managing academic dishonesty. We know students don’t always make the right decisions. We also recognize that some students (e.g. male, Black, brown, students with special needs) have been disproportionately subjected to very punitive consequences that further puts them at a disadvantage. Therefore, we believe it is important to take restorative (non-grade) approaches to helping students understand the consequences of their action, most importantly, how their learning is affected and get them back on the right track. Our approach also includes enlisting parents and families in getting the support students need to be academically successful. Failure is not an option.
Grading Scale
Bushwick Leaders’ High School grading scale is on a 0-100 Point System for report card grades. Refer to the table below for a translation of grades from one scale to another.
| Point System | Letter Grade | Grade Point Average | Standards/Mastery-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | A | 4.0 | Exceeds Standards |
| 75 | C | 2.0 | Meeting Standards |
| 65 | D | 1.0 | Approaching Standards |
| 55 | F | 0.0 | No Evidence/Below Standards |
Homework
Teachers have the discretion of assigning homework daily that can reasonably be completed within about 20-30 minutes. However, at a minimum, one homework assignment each week will be assigned to students that will be graded and used to assess mastery of standards and/or skills. Homework will not be graded for compliance (e.g. how many times a student turned in homework) as grading for compliance does not assist with determining what a student knows and can do.
Late and Missing Work Policy
Teachers will have the discretion of providing students with up to 7 days to submit late or missing work past a due date. Teachers will not deduct points from a students work for submitting late or missing work if it is submitted within 7 days past the due date. After the 7 days, the teacher will use existing information to determine if a student has mastered a particular skill and/or standard. Teachers are also expected to spiral assessments so that students have future opportunities to demonstrate mastery on a particular skill and/or standard. These opportunities should be communicated to students that were not able to submit any work or assessments within the 7-day grace period.
3. Dress Guidelines
Overview
We acknowledge that students are individuals who have the right to express and affirm their varied identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression) by determining their own dress. We also recognize the importance of providing students with a safe and welcoming learning environment where high-quality teaching and learning takes place. To this end we have devised dress guidelines that seeks to maintain the right of students, promotes equity, and ensures the security of our students and staff.
Please note that Bushwick Leaders High School reserves the right and final authority to decide what is deemed appropriate. If clothing is dangerous, interferes with the learning process, identified by law enforcement as promoting unlawful activities and does not follow the guidelines below we will take appropriate action.
What to Wear
- School swag. Although there is no uniform, we encourage students to show school pride every day.
- Wear pants, skirts, and dresses that come above the hips and reach down to the student’s longest fingertip when arms are extended and down at their sides.
- Wear shirts, blouses, dresses with necklines that are at or above the top of the armpits and cover the midriff or abdomen.
- Wear shoes that have at least one strap over the back of the foot.
What Not to Wear
- Clothing that exposes undergarments and/or are see through.
- Clothing that mentions drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons and vulgar/obscene/profane captions.
- Any article of clothing, accessory or paraphernalia that is used to signify gang affiliation.
- Any accessory, object or ornament that is capable of being used as a weapon or for storing and/or consuming drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
- Hoods, masks, or other garments and accessories that obstruct a student’s identity may be required to be lowered or removed while in school unless required for medical, religious, disability-related, or other protected reasons.
- Slides or flip flops.
Non-Compliance and Discipline
Failure to comply with the dress guidelines above will be dealt with in a way that maintains the dignity of the student, minimally disrupts their education, is proportional to the frequency and severity of the student’s non-compliance and aligned with the NYCDOE Discipline Code. For a list of all possible non-compliance measures see the list below.
- Written Warning
- Written Assignments
- Restorative Conferences
- Removal from the learning environment
- Parent contact by a staff member
- Parent Conference
- In-School Suspension
- Out-of-School Suspension
4. Use of Electronic Devices
Overview
To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. An “internet-enabled electronic device” is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.
Use of Internet-Enabled Devices
Bushwick Leaders’ High School has an “Away for the Day” policy on the use of internet-enabled electronic devices, including cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems. Although students are permitted to bring internet-enabled electronic devices to school they must be powered down and stored in a school provided Yondr pouch as they enter the building for the duration of the school day. Devices that cannot fit in a Yondr pouch such as a tablet or laptop must be stored in the student’s assigned locker.
Exceptions to the use of internet-enabled devices are possible for the following situations:
- If authorized by the school principal for a specific educational purpose;
- Where necessary to monitor a medical condition and to notify the user of necessary action to be taken for the management of a student’s healthcare;
- On a case-by-case basis, after review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor, for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member;
- Where required by law;
- In the event of an individual student emergency where the parent has notified the principal of the specific nature of the emergency;
- For translation and interpretation services if other means of translation or interpretation are not available;
- If a student requires the use as documented in an IEP and/or 504 plan for a medical purpose or education purpose but the school has not yet secured a DOE-issued device for such purpose.
Use of Other Devices
Note that airpods, headphones, and other Bluetooth enabled devices are not allowed in the classroom. Smart Glasses and Portable Speakers are not allowed in the school at all and will be confiscated from students. All other electronic devices are subject to review by school administration.
Cell Phone Storage Process
At the beginning of the school year, every student will be assigned a personal Yondr Pouch, similar to being assigned a textbook. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to bring their pouch with them to school every day. Students that lose their yondr pouch will be required to pay
Building Entrance
As students enter the building, they will:
- Turn their phone off.
- Unlock their empty Yondr Pouch using an Unlocking Base at the Building Entrance(s).
- Place their phone inside the pouch and securely close it and store it in their backpack in front of school staff.
Each student will maintain possession of their cellphone inside their Yondr Pouch for the duration of the school day. The Yondr pouch has enough space to also store a smart watch and air pods. Note that students will not be permitted to go to class without complying with entry procedures for storing their internet enabled devices and their parent/guardian will be contacted.
Building Exit
As students exit the building at the end of the school day, they will:
- Unlock their pouch using an Unlocking Base at a Building Exit(s).
- Remove their phone from their pouch.
- Securely close their empty pouch and place it in their backpack for the next day.
Procedure when a Student Does Not Have their Yondr Pouch
If for whatever reason a student does not have their Yondr pouch they will be required to hand in their phone when they enter school. The phone and other internet-devices will be powered down and placed in an envelope with the student’s name written on it. The envelope will then be given to the main office staff who will hold the phone until the end of the school day. The student can pick up their devices from the main office staff at the end of their day.
Students that consistently forget/lose their pouch will have a parent meeting scheduled to come up with a plan to address the issue.
Replacing a Stolen, Lost or Damaged Yondr Pouch
Students will need to pay $10.00 for every stolen, lost or Yondr pouch that is damaged to the point where it cannot be used to securely store their phone. Parents will be notified when a student needs to replace their Yondr bag. Students who develop a pattern of losing or damaging their Yondr pouch will have a parent meeting scheduled to understand why the student is losing or damaging their Yondr pouch, develop a plan for addressing the problem and discussing consequences should the pattern continue, including disciplinary responses that are consistent with the NYCDOE discipline code.
Emergency Communications
In case of emergency or exigent circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at 718-919-4212 to reach their child. Additionally in case of emergency or exigent circumstances, students may access phones in the main office, Principal’s office, Assistant Principals’ office or their school counselor’s office.
Lastly, in case of emergency or exigent circumstances, the school will use Power School (formerly known as Kinvolv) to communicate information to parents or guardians. Parents do not need to download any application to receive communications from the school. However, it is important that parents ensure that the school has the most up-to-date contact information. Parents can review and update their contact information using the NYC Schools Account here: https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/. For information on how to set up your NYCSA account see here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/setup-guide.
Non-Compliance and Discipline
Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. As provided in the State law, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy. Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Principal Garcia, Assistant Principal Wilson or Assistant Principal Beauford. For more information about the NYCDOE’s policy on the use of electronic devices please see Chancellor’s Regulation A-413.
5. School Events Policy
Attendance at school-sponsored events is a privilege, not a right. Participation may be restricted or revoked at the discretion of school administration.
Students participating in school-sponsored events, including dances, are required to comply with all New York City Department of Education regulations and all Bushwick Leaders’ High School policies, as outlined on this web page. In addition, students may not:
- Wear face masks or face coverings unless required for a documented medical, religious, disability-related, safety or other legally protected reasons.
- Bring, wear, display, or use toy weapons, costume weapons, or any item that could reasonably be perceived as a weapon.
- Possess or use eggs, silly string, or any other items that may create safety concerns, damage property, or disrupt the event.
- Wear clothing or accessories deemed dangerous, disruptive, or inappropriate by school administration. • Wear clothing that does not comply with the school’s dress code.
Students must wear attire that appropriately covers the body. Specifically, clothing must cover the student from the underarm area to the tip of the longest finger when arms are resting naturally at their sides. Shirts must fully cover the midriff and cleavage. Mini-skirts, excessively short shorts, and overly revealing tops are not permitted.
Students may not possess or use any form of contraband, including but not limited to prohibited substances, alcohol, vaping devices, tobacco products, or any other items prohibited by school or NYC DOE policy.
Guest Policy
Guests are permitted only with prior approval from school administration. All guests must present a valid photo ID upon entry and are expected to comply with all school event policies and expectations. Failure of a guest to adhere to these policies may result in removal from the event and may impact future guest privileges.
Safety and Security
School administration reserves the right to inspect bags, clothing, and other personal items prior to entry to any school-sponsored event. Students and guests who refuse an inspection may be denied admission.
Event Conduct Expectations
The following behaviors are prohibited and will not be tolerated:
- Grinding or other inappropriate dancing
- Moshing
- Inappropriate slow dancing
- Running
- Chair tipping or other unsafe physical conduct
- Fighting or physical altercations
- Threatening, intimidating, bullying, or harassing behavior
- Vulgar, profane, or inappropriate language or conduct
- Any behavior that compromises the safety, security, or positive environment of the event
Attendance and Eligibility
School administration reserves the right to restrict a student’s participation in a school event based on disciplinary concerns, attendance issues, excessive lateness, academic standing, or other factors deemed inconsistent with the expectations of the event.
Electronics and Social Media
Students are expected to use electronic devices responsibly. The recording, photographing, or posting of content that violates school policies, compromises the privacy of others, or disrupts the event may result in disciplinary action and/or removal from the event.
Entry and Re-Entry
School administration reserves the right to determine admission procedures for all events. Once a student or guest exits an event, re-entry may be denied.
Transportation
Students and families should be aware that transportation arrangements may vary by event. For certain events, including but not limited to Prom and Noche de Gala, students may be responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to and from the event.