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Mustang Academy (Freshman Academy)
Mustang Academy (Freshman Academy)
Welcome to Clifton High School and the Mustang Academy. Our school is committed to creating a positive learning environment where students are academically and socially successful. As part of our strategic plan, we are continuing the methodology of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, a nationally validated framework for creating a positive school climate. Your children were actively involved in this program at both Clifton Middle Schools. At Clifton High School we believe Responsibility, Acceptance, and Respect all lead to Success which allows our school motto to hold true: “It’s a great day to be a Mustang”! Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports framework is associated with increases in positive student outcomes (e.g., increase in instructional time) and decreases in conduct infractions as measured by office conduct referral and suspension data. In New Jersey consistent high fidelity implementation of PBSIS has resulted in an average of 21% decrease in referrals to the office for conduct infractions and a 30% average decrease in out-of-school suspensions. Through a collaborative team process, we have determined that responsibility, acceptance, and respect are priorities at Clifton High School, and all staff is expected to implement the procedures described in this manual. Only through consistent and genuine implementation of the practices described will we be able to achieve the types of positive outcomes we want to see at Clifton High School. For some, change is exciting. For others, change is uncomfortable. Change is necessary to grow so that we can be the best educational professionals possible, and our students deserve the best educational professionals.
Student Incentive System
The Mustang Academy student incentive system is made up of 3 levels of recognition.
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Teachers/staff members issue students Mustang GTs for targeted goals and other recognition.
- Teams have established a trade-in system.
- Teams will evaluate their trade-in systems throughout the course of the year and will make necessary changes.
- Teams individually have determined where and when they will have students trade-in tickets.
- Teachers will submit all collected Mustang GTs to the Universal Team at the end of the month.
Trade-in Menu
- Participation in Mustang Academy Raffles (you can only win once per drawing)- 1 GT
- Small Snack Bag- 5 GTs
- Small School Supplies Kit- 5 GTs
- Large Snack Bag- 10 GTs
- Large School Supplies Kit- 10 GTs
- School Survival Kit- 15 GTs
- Free ID and Lanyard- 15 GTs
- Pomptonian Coupon ($3.00 at the snack line in the Cafeteria)- 15 GTs
- Paid Admission to Specific School Activities- 25 GTs
- Mustang Academy T-Shirt- 35 GTs
- Mustang Academy Activity (Each event will have a limited number of participants)- 35 GTs
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- Teachers/staff members recognize students by giving them “PROPS.”
- Teachers/staff members will announce students who receive PROPS.
- Students should submit their PROPS by putting them in their team bin (sorted by English teacher) in the East Wing Guidance Office.
- Receiving PROPS grants student eligibility for Mustang Academy-level activities/rewards (examples include pizza parties, teacher-student events/games, in-school movies, school spirit wear).
- There will be at least one reward activity or prize per marking period.
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- Teachers/staff members will submit a Shout Out Form to student school guidance counselors.
- Counselors will send a letter home to the student’s parent/guardian, recognizing the Teacher Shout Out. This letter will also be added to the student’s file.
- The student will have his/her name written on a “Mustang” that will be posted in the East Wing hallways.
- Mustang Academy Staff will hand out Shout Out Forms to students to publicly recognize them for what they have done.
Programs
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Many of our students demonstrate exceptional examples of what it means to be a Mustang. To recognize these stellar contributions to our school community, staff will nominate students for “Academy Aces”. Each team will nominate no more than four students per marking period. All nominations will be reviewed by the team and administration.
- Teams will submit a list of nominees to counselors when they finalize their report card grade entry
- Parents will be notified of the recognition through a letter mailed home
- Academy Aces will have their names posted in the Winner’s Circle and on the CHS website
- There will be a breakfast or lunch for each marking periods Academy Aces (starting in November)
Suggested criteria for nomination:
- The student must have 90% attendance
- The student must hand homework and assignments in on time
- The student must demonstrate the characteristics of respect, responsibility, and acceptance
- The student must meet the teacher’s behavioral expectations
- Students must meet team academic criteria
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Each Academic Team will have 4 student Ambassadors to assist in the daily function of the Mustang Academy. Students who wish to be considered for Ambassador position must meet the following criteria:
- 8th grade average of at least 80.
- No disciplinary infractions thus far in the school year.
- No category 2 infraction with violence or category 3 infractions in 8th grade.
- No excessive absenteeism or tardiness in 8th grade.
- Candidates will be required to meet with members of the Universal Team for a brief interview.
- Each team will be entitled to 4 Ambassadors.
- Students may not campaign for this position.
- The exact results of the interview will not be revealed to anyone other than the Universal team and School Administration.
- Students will be required to attend monthly after school meetings (no exceptions) and required to attend after school and evening events.
- Students must support and model the behaviors stipulated by the Mustang Academy.
- The administration reserves the right to prohibit any student from seeking a position as Ambassador. The reasons will be discussed individually with the student.
- Students who do incur discipline violations, excessive attendance violations or are failing more than 1 subject per marking period will be subject to administrative review and possible removal from the position.
Student Ambassador Job Description
Responsible for communicating the plans and goals of the Mustang Academy to your respective team.- Promote all Mustang Academy events.
- Participate in all Mustang Academy activities including fundraisers.
- Promote and model the Pillars of the Mustang Academy (Responsibility, Respect, Acceptance, and Success).
- By nature of their position, all Freshman Class Officers will be Ambassadors.