BASE Agreements & Policies

 Agreements

HOME & BASE belongs to its members and there is an expectation that we treat each other, the space, and the community with respect. All of the following agreements and policies reinforce the respect that is expected of HOME & BASE members. However, there is no substitute for a shared commitment to HOME & BASE, common sense, and a commitment to respecting our shared project.

Members of HOME & BASE make agreements in each group, and make the following agreements with all the members of HOME & BASE:

1.  I agree to respect HOME & BASE’s property and members by my language and actions.

2.  I agree to think before I act and use common sense.

3. I agree to take responsibility for my own actions.

4. I agree to respect the values and opinions of each individual as well as the values of HOME & BASE.

5. I agree to be objective when the situation requires it.

6. I agree to be honest and direct.

7. I agree to take action when I think something is not right.

8. I agree to follow the policies of HOME & BASE.

9. I agree to submit to the process and decisions of the Situation Evaluation Team (SET).

10. I agree to participate in the maintenance and cleaning of the HOME & BASE building.

11.  I agree to respect the Alameda Point community.

12. I agree to being in the building only during designated hours.

13. I agree to replace any property that I damage or break.

14. I agree to take responsibility for intervening when I see others breaking their agreements.

The following policies were created from the traditions of HOME, the BASE charter, and in collaboration with the youth and adults of HOME & BASE.

Safety

BASE is a different kind of community. The youth and adults of BASE are trying to demonstrate a community as we believe it should be. It is the responsibility of all members of BASE to maintain the emotional and physical safety of our members.

Personal safety is an important part of being at HOME & BASE. Students must use common sense and avoid injury and reckless behavior. Inappropriate behavior that poses a risk to you or others is subject to disciplinary action.

Racist, homophobic, and disability discriminatory behavior and language is inconsistent with the community that the youth and adults of BASE are trying to create. Such behaviors undermine the climate of safety and trust that is essential to our work. Racist, homophobic, and disability discriminatory behavior will be treated seriously and is grounds for disciplinary action.

Discipline Procedures

Discipline options include referrals to SET referrals to the Board of Directors Disciplinary Committee, a meeting with your coach or other HOME & BASE member regarding your conduct, a call to your parents regarding your conduct, a meeting with your parents regarding your conduct, a leave of absence from some or all of HOME & BASE’s programs (including BASE High School), expulsion from HOME & BASE’s programs, work assignments (such as painting, or helping the HOME & BASE community in some other way) after hours, or other options that fit the situation as determined by SET or the staff of HOME & BASE.

The Director of BASE may take any disciplinary action, including suspension or a leave of absence that they deem in the best interest of the community or the youth involved pending a review by SET or the Disciplinary Subcommittee of the Board of Directors.

BASE Coaches may also take a range of disciplinary actions or provide supports to encourage appropriate behavior. Acceptable coach actions include, but are not limited to, asking youth to take a time out, requiring youth to work independently for a period of time, asking youth to excuse themselves to the office where their behavior will be recorded before they return to class, or, in cases where a youth's behavior is disruptive to the point where it is interfering with the coaches ability to conduct the group, they may be sent home for the day. Each Coach may create agreements and expectations for and with their groups which will be made public to the group. Agreements and expectations are intended to further clarify how each Coach will implement these policies and the role of youth in supporting one another. Coach disciplinary actions may be recorded for purposes of grades and accountability, but they are not part of the youths permanent record.

Due Process

All of the consequences for violating these agreements and policies are subject to review. Youth Members and their families have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions taken by any body to SET, the Disciplinary Subcommittee of the Board of Directors, and the Full Board of Directors, in that order, if they feel that a further hearing is required or if they wish to express any extenuating circumstances.

Non-Discrimination

All of these policies and agreements are intended to hold youth to a high but reasonable standard. These policies and agreements are upheld consistent with, and accommodations and exceptions are made in compliance with, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal education privacy requirements.

SET

The Situation Evaluation Team (SET) can be accessed when there is a dispute regarding violations of these policies and the resulting consequences. SET is a rotating group of youth and adults who help create policies, investigate infractions, resolve conflicts, and determine consequences in most matters.

Governance

Policies are subject to review through the BASE youth-adult governance process or other BASE decision-making processes.

Choosing In and Out of Groups*

It is a tradition of BASE that participation in any group or class is a privilege and a matter of choice. Youth who are consistently not meeting the agreements or expectations of a group may be asked to leave the group, even if it is a class required for graduation. BASE will make a consistent effort to coach and advise youth as to the importance of meeting the requirements of each group or course, and BASE will provide an opportunity for youth to earn their way back into groups they have been asked to leave. Youth who are asked to leave a group or course will receive a mark of “No Credit” for the course and they will be responsible for meeting the graduation requirement in some other way, consistent with BASE policies.  Families will be notified about coaches concerns prior to their being asked to leave the group and the staff will inform families as to what opportunities are available to earn re-entry into the group. BASE youth who are no longer enrolled in a course, and who consequently have an open period, will be assigned to a course or task during their open period by the Director.

 If youth are asked to leave a group and that impacts their likelihood of successfully completing the requirements of BASE, it may merit consideration by the staff, BASE governing board, and the family as to whether BASE is an appropriate setting for that youth. Some groups or classes are core to the BASE experience and are required, such as primary teams (integrated humanities). If youth choose not to meet  program requirements they may not be permitted to remain at BASE.

Open Periods*

Youth are required to have a scheduled group or course during every block of the regular school day. Exceptions to this policy may be made in the case of youth who are taking an Honors Seminar or are enrolled in UC transferable college courses. The Director on a case-by-case basis will consider special circumstances.

Credit, Grades, and Grade Points

Credit: BASE graduation requirements and coursework is aligned with the requirements of the University of California and California State University. Units are awarded for satisfactory progress towards the course outcomes.

Grades: Grades are optional for BASE Students and are not awarded to Division 1 youth unless requested prior to the commencement of a course. BASE awards A, B, and C letter grades, as appropriate, for satisfactory progress towards course outcomes. BASE also awards marks of CR (Credit) and NC (No Credit). Each coach develops in their course outline the breakdown of the work and points that add up to each grade. In general, the grading scale at BASE is as follows: A=100%-90%, B-89%-80%, C=79%-70%, CR=100%-70%, or NC=69%-0%. BASE does not award "D's" or "F's."  Students who do not make sufficient progress towards course outcomes, whether due to a need for extra time, non-completion of required course elements, or difficulty mastering the material, receive a "No Credit."  A No Credit mark signifies that the course is still in progress. No Credit designations can be revised at any time as a result of the student meeting the course outcomes. So long as a young person is enrolled in BASE, no grades at BASE are permanent. Youth may petition to improve historical grades for courses taken at BASE through further demonstration of meeting the outcomes of the course to a higher level than previously attained.

In some special circumstances a youth may be awarded a mark of IP (In Progress), especially if the youth is completing coursework on a prearranged timeline that does not conform to the standard school calendar. Marks of IP will be awarded on a case by case basis and only with the approval of the Director. Marks of IP are excluded from the Grade Point Average. IP marks become NC marks if the young person transfers from BASE prior to completing the coursework.*

Grade Points: BASE calculates "grade point average" for courses that receive grades. Grade point averages are calculated in two ways: "Academic GPA" includes all courses that meet the UC/CSU requirements; this GPA is generally what counts in college admissions. "Total GPA" includes all courses attempted for a grade. 9^th grade courses are excluded from the grade point average and are generally not considered by college admissions offices.

Grade point averages are calculated as follows:

1. Each letter grade is given a point value as follows: A=4, B=3, C=2, NC=0. Marks of CR or IP are excluded from the Grade Point Average. While BASE does not assign D’s, transferred D’s are assigned a point value of 1.  An extra grade point is awarded for the following honors courses: Honors American Literature of Social Change, Honors Literature and Composition, Honors US History, Honors US Government, or any transferred, non-elective Honors Course that meets the UC/CSU A-F requirements. An extra grade point is also awarded for UC/CSU transferable college courses. A maximum of 8 extra points will be allowed and a maximum of 2 of these points can be completed in the 10th grade.
   
2. Multiply the point value of each class by the number of units for that class to determine the grade points for each course.
   
3.  Add all the grade points up to get a total grade point.
   
4. Add all the units up to get a total number of units.
   
5. Divide the total grade point by the total weighting to get your grade point average.

Transfer of Credit:

Transferring High School Courses to BASE:  BASE will transfer any units received at another high school, including units received for earned "D's."  When transferring credits from a school using a different units system, BASE will evaluate the course and transfer the courses into the BASE units format as appropriate. Only courses that are UC/CSU approved, with the student earning a C or better, fulfill the academic graduation requirements of BASE. Any UC/CSU courses attempted in which the student earned a "D" can be transferred for elective credit only. The A-G course lists maintained by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) is the basis for determining which transfer courses meet the A-G requirements (UCOP lists can be viewed at: https://pathways2.ucop.edu/doorways/list/)  BASE staff members consider each case and any special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Transferring Community College Courses to BASE:  BASE will transfer any units earned at a community college. Community college courses must be taken through the "concurrent enrollment" process to transfer for high school credit. Non-remedial academic courses taken at a community college count for simultaneous college and high school credit, BASE awards double the units for high school credit, BASE awards 10 units of high school credit for each 3, 4 or 5 unit course and BASE Awards an extra grade point. A 2 unit college course is awarded 7 high school units. Courses taken for less then 2 units will be awarded triple the unit value of the course (i.e. a 1.5 unit college course will count for 4.5 high school units) . Check with BASE staff to determine the weight of each community college course.

Transferring BASE Courses to Other High Schools:  BASE course credits generally transfer to other public and private high schools. It is up to each high school to determine how they interpret BASE credits and units, which graduation requirements the courses fulfill, and how to interpret BASE grades. BASE staff members communicate our policies, course content, and units structures to schools upon request. BASE only transmits course records consistent with our policies and does not reinterpret grades, units, or course titles to meet the needs of other schools. When a BASE student transfers, all grades become permanent, including No-Credits (which become the equivalent of an "F" in most schools).

Concurrent Enrollment in BASE: Students from other high schools can enroll in BASE courses, space available and as appropriate. It is up to each student that wishes to concurrently enroll to ensure with their school that the credits will transfer. Upon completion of the course, BASE will forward to the appropriate school courses completed, final grades, and units earned. These concurrent enrollment policies also apply to youth receiving high school credit for HOME programs.

BASE Graduation Requirements:

The following are the graduation requirements and a list of BASE courses fulfilling those requirements.

Notes:

• Total units required for Graduation: 230

• College bound youth should plan to exceed the minimum a-g requirements listed above.

• Transfer courses that meet the BASE A-G requirements must be UC/CSU approved courses.

• Letter grades of “D” transfer to BASE as elective credit only. They do not fulfill A-G graduation requirements.

• Students transferring from other schools must meet the BASE graduation requirements regardless of the graduation requirements of the district or school from which they transferred.

• While the time it takes to fulfill a unit requirement will vary, 5 units are roughly equal to five hours per week for one semester. (10 units are five hours per week for two semesters.)

• The additional hours requirement meets the needs of enterprise work that various groups and courses require, such as community meetings, community builds, presentations, school board meetings, etc. Meeting the extra hours requirements for each class is mandatory and attendance is taken. Each group will have its own extra hours requirements and coaches will track hours as a portion of the grade. Youth should expect to exceed 45 hours in a given year.

• Programs taken at other educational facilities can count towards these requirements on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the Director. The BASE staff will make a determination regarding the unit transferability of each external or previous course.

• Students can appeal to have specific requirements waived, fulfilled through previous experience, or redefined on a case-by-case basis with approval of the Director (particularly for transfer students) so long as the main objectives of each content area are met. In general, the A-G requirements are less flexible and the elective units are more flexible.

• Some courses, as noted above, can be "validated" by subsequent coursework. A "validated" requirement (for example, completion of Spanish 2 validating a non A-G Spanish course from another school OR validating a "D" or "NC" from a Spanish 1 class) means that the youth will satisfy that academic requirement. Youth who validate a course that they did not initially earn units for will not have those units restored. Admission into a higher level course when a youth has not demonstrated sufficient progress in a lower level course will be on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the affected coach and the Director. Youth can also attempt to improve a historical grade (for courses taken at BASE only) based on evidence that they have met the outcomes and completed the requirements of the previous course.

• Youth can also fulfill a-g graduation requirements by exam, with the permission of the Director. SAT II subject tests can meet the various requirements if a youth scores at or above the UC required minimum. Youth should consult their coach or the BASE Director to determine the required exam and score for each subject area. This option is especially appropriate for youth who have transferred from programs that do not have a-g approved course lists or from schools that do not require a-g courses. Examinations do not count for units, and youth still require a total of 230 units to graduate. BASE requires youth to participate in primary team courses and youth are not allowed to test out of courses that would be part of their regularly scheduled primary team (primary team includes English and Social Science courses appropriate to the youth’s grade level). Exceptions to this policy are made at the discretion of the Director.

For a complete and currently offered course list, please visit www.homeproject.org/BASE/courses.htm

To determine whether course work from a previous school meets the UC/CSU A-G requirements, http://www.ucop.edu/doorways/

Alternative Post Secondary Goals:

BASE Youth who wish to pursue a particular course of post-secondary study that has different entrance requirements than the UC/CSU requirements may petition to substitute requirements that are necessary for UC/CSU eligibility on a course-for-course basis. Students may not petition to waive courses required for graduation by the California Department of Education. Students may not petition to waive the BASE Language Arts requirement.

Concurrent Enrollment in Community College:

1. BASE Youth who concurrently pursue a High School Diploma and an Associates (AA) Degree will be deemed to have met the BASE graduation requirements upon completion of their Associates Degree provided they have met the minimum requirements of the California Department of Education and earned 230 high school units. Students may not petition to waive the BASE Language Arts requirement.
    
2. BASE Youth who concurrently pursue a Community College Certificate may petition to substitute courses required for the Certificate for courses required for UC/CSU eligibility on a course for course basis. Students may not petition to waive courses required for graduation by the California Department of Education. Students may not petition to waive the BASE Language Arts requirement.

The “Alternative Post Secondary Goals” and the “Concurrent Enrollment in Community College” alternate graduation requirements are exceptions to the standard BASE graduation requirements. These exceptions to the graduation requirements may only be approved by the BASE Director upon review of a thorough proposal created by the Youth and presented for feedback to an appropriate panel (including but not limited to one Alternatives in Action board member, one BASE faculty member, and one BASE Youth representative).

Youth may not petition for alternate graduation requirements until they have completed two years of high school and earned a minimum of 100 units including: 20 units of English, 10 units of Algebra, 10 units of Social Science, and 10 units of laboratory science.

Theft

Theft shows a fundamental disrespect for other people and is grounds for immediate disciplinary action. Cases of theft or suspected theft will be referred to the Situation Evaluation Team (SET).

Attendance

Learning at BASE is a team process and learning cannot happen unless youth are present and on time. Absences disrupt the learning program and affect BASE financially. Even excused absences must be kept to a minimum.

Youth are allowed 8 absences per semester (for policy purposes BASE makes no distinction between excused or unexcused absences). After 8 absences the youth will not receive credit for courses that they missed. Absences include missing any part of a scheduled program day including specially scheduled times outside of regular hours (such as builds).

The first semester a youth exceeds the 8 absence requirement, they may be allowed to work to improve their grade under the terms of the BASE grade policy. Any future semesters in which the youth exceeds the 8 absence requirement will result in the youth permanently receiving no credit and disciplinary action which could include referral for disenrollment or probationary contracts.*

Lateness

Youth are expected to be on time for every scheduled meeting or class. On time means being in your seat and ready to begin at the scheduled time.* Youth may be late for a class 8 times, after which they will not receive credit for that course. There are some, very limited opportunities to redeem lates through extra work. Currently, youth can redeem up to 4 lates per month through participation in a work day scheduled for the 1st Friday of each month. Youth who are late should not disrupt their classes but should go immediately to get a late slip. Youth who fail to collect a late slip will be marked absent for the period.

Use of Space & Resources

• There is an expectation that all students respect the BASE building. This includes:

• Youth do not have access to the Key box and should not access keys under any circumstances. Coaches must facilitate the use of keys.

• Youth should not ask the front office staff for supplies, to make copies, or any other administrative needs. Needs from the front office staff must be addressed by coaches.

• The BASE building is workspace and BASE members should behave in a way that respects and encourages work.

• Do not misuse any equipment or supplies.

• Office space is off limits to students without permission. Office space includes the reception and administration offices, the marketing and fundraising office, and coaches work stations.

• The conference room is for formal meetings of 7 people or less. You must sign up for a meeting time on the sheet by the door. This room is not for studying or hanging out.

• Bathrooms should be used for their intended purpose only. Both youth and adults are expected to clean up after themselves.

• Respect the appropriate noise levels for a given space.

• Do not deface pictures, walls, etc.

• Play involving running, balls, etc. should be done outside.

• TV watching and playing Video Games are activities for your home, and are not permitted in the HOME & BASE building.  Personal Web Surfing should be done only with specific permission of a coach.

• Music may be played SOFTLY during breaks only and only to the extent that it does not disrupt HOME Sweet HOME, meetings, or other activities. Music should not be played during non-break time.

• Technology must be used in accordance with the technology agreements.

• Members are financially responsible for involvement with damage to equipment, the building, or other HOME or BASE property.

• Each HOME or BASE group is expected to clean up their space after each use. The HOME & BASE building is a multi-use building and must always be left ready for use by the next community group.*

Alameda Point

Alameda Point is private property and HOME & BASE made an agreement as a condition of our lease that HOME & BASE members would respect this property. HOME & BASE members must respect the Alameda Point community in the way we drive, treat residence, and conduct ourselves. There is no loitering, entering any buildings, smoking or other illegal activities on Alameda Point. Any violation is grounds for expulsion from HOME & BASE programs or other disciplinary action.

HOME Sweet HOME

HOME SWEET HOME is a fully licensed preschool that is part of HOME & BASE and is located on sight. Parents trust their young children to the care of HOME & BASE youth and adult members and special consideration should be shown in and around HOME SWEET HOME. Youth should not be in the preschool unless they are specifically scheduled to be working there and are properly supervised. Youth should also pay particular attention to their actions when they are by the entrances or around the exterior fences of HOME SWEET HOME.

Smoking

There is no smoking on the HOME & BASE grounds and parking lot or on Alameda Point in general. Smoking in these areas is grounds for disciplinary action.

Drugs and Alcohol

Any possession of or use of illegal drugs or alcohol, or possession of drug paraphernalia on the HOME & BASE grounds or on Alameda Point in general is grounds for expulsion or other disciplinary action.

Violence

Violence and threatened violence is not consistent with the values of the HOME & BASE community. Any form of violence is grounds for expulsion or other disciplinary action.

Campus*

BASE is a closed campus. Youth may not leave the grounds of BASE during school hours with out permission from there coach or as required by a particular class. Youth may not go on to ANY other part of Alameda Point unless accompanied by a coach or with the specific permission of a coach.

Youth who leave during school hours with the permission of a coach must sign out at the front gate. Any violation is grounds for expulsion from HOME & BASE programs or other disciplinary action.

Please also see rules regarding Alameda Point.

Appropriate Language & Behavior

BASE is a community school and youth and adults of BASE are required to behave in a way that represents BASE positively in the community. BASE frequently has visitors including parents, local business people, educators, politicians, funders, and other community members. Cursing and other disrespectful behavior are inconsistent with this responsibility.

Athletic Policies (adopted by BASE Governing Board)

As an independent charter school, BASE students may participate on varsity teams at the school they would otherwise be attending. The BASE Governing Board has the discretion to adopt policies that govern the participation requirements for students that attend BASE. This includes probation guidelines for students who fail to meet the minimum 2.0 grade point average requirements.

Students who fail to achieve the minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average on a Semester Report may be given  probationary status and made eligible for varsity sports at the discretion of the BASE Director. Students placed on probation status will be required to meet the 2.0 Grade Point Average requirement by the next semester's grading period. Additionally, students on probation will be required to meet clearly established benchmarks on a regularly scheduled interval to remain eligible during the course of the semester. Benchmarks will be developed by the appropriate staff and approved by the BASE Director. Quarterly progress reviews, which do not include letter grades, can also be evaluated by the BASE Director and considered in determining continued eligibility.

If a student is determined to be ineligible for participation in varsity sports, quarterly progress reviews can be considered by the BASE Director in determining if the student  is meeting the 2.0 grade point average threshold.

Expulsion

As stated in the BASE charter (as approved by the Alameda Unified School District Board of Education in May 2001) some behaviors present such a serious risk to the health and safety of the community that they may constitute grounds for expulsion from the school. BASE considers the acts enumerated in Section 48900 of the Education Code to qualify for possible expulsion from the school if committed at the school site or related to a school activity.  Acts that will be immediately referred for Board action for consideration of expulsion without prior proceedings by the BASE peer discipline group will include but may not be limited to:

• Possession of any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object

• Possession, use or sale of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or other intoxicant, or drug paraphernalia

• Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault

• Harassing, threatening or intimidating a witness in a disciplinary proceeding

• Causing physical injury to another person

• Committing robbery or extortion

• Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property

• Stealing or attempting to steal school property

• Knowingly receiving stolen school property

• Engaging in sexual harassment

• >Attempting to cause or threatening physical injury to another person

• Attempting to commit robbery or extortion

• Causing or attempting to cause damage to personal property

• Stealing or attempting to steal personal property

• Knowingly receiving stolen personal property

• Committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity

• Disrupting school activities

• Hate crime (victim/s of any of the above acts were chosen based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation)

Other acts for which students may be expelled, upon referral to the board following peer discipline proceedings, if the result of those proceedings is to recommend expulsion based on a consideration of all relevant facts, will include but may not be limited to:

• Attempting to cause or threatening physical injury to another person;

• Attempting to commit robbery or extortion;

• Causing or attempting to cause damage to personal property;

• Stealing or attempting to steal personal property;

• Knowingly receiving stolen personal property;

• Committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity; or

• Disrupting school activities.

Gum

Due to excessive gum being found on the furniture, walls, and floors of the AIA building, gum is not allowed on campus during BASE hours (7:30am-5:30pm) or during BASE events. This policy will remain in effect until 4 school weeks elapse with no incidents of gum chewing or discarded gum found on campus. If 4 weeks elapse with no incidents, Gum chewing will be allowed as long as no discarded gum is found on campus.

Youth who are chewing gum will be required to clean an area of the school. Appropriate cleaning areas include the back patio, the kitchen, or any area selected by a coach. This cleaning may be required to be completed after school.

Electronics:

Use of cell phones, beepers, text messaging, game playing and similar devices are not permitted during structured work time including class time, independent study blocks, or any other scheduled activity. If electronic devices are used, they will be confiscated and may be kept indefinitely. Listening to music MAY be permissible during indepdendent work time only, on a class to class basis, with the permission of the coach. Youth who have earphones on during inappropriate times or during times that are not in accordance with group agreements may have their music player confiscated. Music players are not permissible during Community Wide Meetings.

Bathrooms:*

Male youth may use the men’s room only with permission of a coach. They must sign out a key with a coach or their use of the Men’s room must be supervised by an appointed member of the community. Any vandalism of the men’s room is grounds for immediate disciplinary action including referral to SET or to the Governing Board for possible expulsion. If there is an incident of vandalism during a specific time period, all youth who used the Men’s room during that period will be investigated for potential involvement in the incident. Male community members entering the Ladies Room can be considered Sexual Harassment as is grounds for disciplinary action. This policy may be temporarily amended following each week free of vandalism or other inappropriate use of the Men’s room.