Academy of the Redwoods Handbook
 |
|
Board Approved and Revised: June, 2026
This handbook serves as a reference for students, families, and staff. It outlines the expectations, policies, procedures, program requirements, and educational philosophy of Academy of the Redwoods and should be used as a resource throughout a student's time in the program.
About Academy of the Redwoods
Academy of the Redwoods (AR) is a Middle College High School within the Fortuna Union High School District located on the campus of College of the Redwoods (CR). AR combines a comprehensive high school program with supported dual enrollment, allowing students to complete high school graduation requirements while also taking college classes through CR. AR is designed to help students gradually build independence, academic confidence, responsibility, and the skills needed for success in the AR/CR pathway and beyond. The information, policies, and procedures in this handbook are intended to help students and families understand the program and successfully participate in the AR community. Student success at AR is closely connected to the effort, responsibility, and engagement students bring to the program.
AR does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in any educational program or activity. This includes compliance with Title IX regulations regarding discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX to AR programs or activities may be directed to the Principal.
Mission Statement
“Academy of the Redwoods, Middle College High School, uses the power of place, an inclusive community, and a supportive environment to inspire and empower a wide spectrum of motivated students. Through a transformative program that incorporates rigorous high school curriculum with college immersion, we prepare all individuals to become contributing members of an ever-changing society.”
AR Motto
Respect. Responsibility. Choice.
These values guide all aspects of the AR community.
Respect / Respect yourself and others.
Responsibility / Take ownership of your actions.
Choice / Make good choices.
TOES
AR students develop and maintain:
● Time Management
● Organization
● Engagement
● Study Skills
These habits are foundational to success at AR, participation in the AR/CR pathway, and any postsecondary goals.
Administration, Staff & Support Services
Fortuna Union High School District
735 13th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540-(707)725-4462 Office
Superintendent Clint Duey
Executive Assistant Chelsey Olivera
Academy of the Redwoods
7351 Tompkins Hill Road Eureka, CA 95503 Main Office: 707-476-4203
Administration
● Principal: Jack Millsap III | 476-4577 | jmillsap@fuhsdistrict.net
● Administrative Assistant: Regina Salmon | 476-4203 | rsalmon@fuhsdistrict.net
● Academic Advising: Gini Wozny & Alison Brewer | gwozny@fuhsdistrict.net | abrewer@fuhsdistrict.net
Faculty & Student Support
● Education Specialist/College & Career: Ed Sonia | 476-4587 | esonia@fuhsdistrict.net
● Teacher in Charge / Math: Alison Brewer | abrewer@fuhsdistrict.net
● Social Sciences: Andrew Freeman | afreeman@fuhsdistrict.net
● Biology: Angeline Holtski | aholtski@fuhsdistrict.net
● Foundations / PE: Lynsey Molina | lmolina@fuhsdistrict.net
● Math: Mikaela Stanley | mstanley@fuhsdistrict.net
● Chemistry: Burt Codispoti | bcodispoti@fuhsdistrict.net
● English: Gini Wozny | gwozny@fuhsdistrict.net
A current staff directory with contact information is maintained on the AR website.
Students and families are responsible for staying informed regarding schedule changes, registration timelines, school events, academic progress, program expectations, and dual enrollment requirements. The AR website should be the first stop for important information, handbook materials, and resources. Regularly monitor: ParentSquare, Aeries, Student email, Google Classroom, Daily Announcements, AR website at academyoftheredwoods.org
Professional communication between students, families, and staff is expected.
_1781641037.jpeg)
The AR Model
AR combines rigorous high school coursework with structured support, gradual independence, and dual enrollment opportunities through CR. High school coursework remains the foundation of the program, while access to college coursework increases as students demonstrate academic success, responsibility, maturity, and readiness for the AR/CR pathway.
Finding Balance at AR
AR values academic success alongside overall well-being. Students are encouraged to build healthy study habits, participate in activities and relationships outside of school, get adequate rest, and ask for help when needed. While students are encouraged to pursue meaningful college coursework, AR strongly discourages unhealthy academic overload and values balance, personal growth, and the opportunity to still be a teenager.
THE TIER SYSTEM
The AR Tier System is designed around a gradual release of structure and independence as students demonstrate readiness for the AR/CR pathway.
Most students progress through the following sequence:
Tier 1 → Tier 2A → Tier 2B → Tier 3
All students begin in Tier 1 and move into Tier 2A as they progress through the program. Tier 1 and Tier 2A are very structured support-based tiers designed to help students develop the academic habits, responsibility, communication skills, and independence necessary for success at AR and CR.
After Tier 2A, placement is reviewed each semester and is based on academic performance, attendance, responsibility, behavior, successful participation in AR and CR coursework, and overall readiness for increased independence. Placement may also be adjusted as the result of Academic Review, Attendance Review, disciplinary concerns, or other interventions designed to support student success.
Students may:
- Advance to a less structured Tier as they demonstrate success and independence
- Remain in their current Tier if additional support is needed
- Move to a more structured Tier if additional support would better promote student success
The goal of the Tier System is to provide each student with the appropriate balance of support and independence for success.
Tier 1 1st Year Students and New 2nd Year Students
Tier 1 provides the highest level of structure and support. Students focus on developing TOES skills, academic habits, responsibility, attendance, and positive relationships with peers and staff.
Students in Tier 1 are expected to:
-Develop TOES skills
-Demonstrate responsibility and appropriate behavior
-Complete coursework and seek help when needed
-Build the habits necessary for future success in AR and CR coursework
Students take a full AR schedule, Foundations class is required, and CR classes are not available during the fall semester.
Tier 2A 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Year Students
Tier 2A balances structure and support with opportunities for dual enrollment and increased independence. Students continue building responsibility, communication, organization, attendance, and academic habits while gaining access to CR coursework within program guidelines.
Students in Tier 2A are expected to:
-Maintain progress toward graduation and CR eligibility
-Demonstrate responsibility, communication, and appropriate behavior
-Develop increasing independence while utilizing available support
-Continue strengthening TOES skills and preparing for increased independence
Students who do not meet Tier 2B requirements remain in Tier 2A while receiving additional support.
Tier 2B 3rd and 4th Year Students
Tier 2B provides increased scheduling flexibility and independence while maintaining academic accountability.
To be eligible for Tier 2B, students must:
-Earn Bs or better in AR coursework during the previous semester
-Earn Cs or better in CR coursework during the previous semester
-Demonstrate strong attendance and punctuality
-Demonstrate responsibility, communication, and readiness for increased independence
Tier 3 4th Year Students
Tier 3 is the highest level of independence at AR. Students manage most aspects of their schedules and college coursework while preparing for life after high school.
To be eligible for Tier 3, students must:
-Earn Bs or better in all AR coursework during the previous semester
-Earn Bs or better in all CR coursework during the previous semester
-Receive Credit in all Credit/No Credit classes
-Have no more than five tardies during the previous semester
-Demonstrate strong attendance, communication, and independent work habits -Be enrolled in and remain enrolled in a minimum of 6 CR units
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
_1781729878.jpg)
Students must complete:
● 240 total credits
● Required A-G coursework
● 50 hours of community service
● Minimum college coursework requirements
● Required AR coursework
Students are expected to complete at least 14 transferable college units and are generally encouraged to aim for approximately 14–30 transferable units during high school. AR does not encourage students to overload on college coursework at the expense of balance, well-being, or long-term success.
A-G Eligibility
Academy of the Redwoods offers A-G approved coursework required for admission consideration to California State Universities (CSUs) and University of California (UC) schools. However, students must earn a grade of C or better in A-G approved courses for those courses to count toward A-G eligibility. Students who earn Ds in A-G courses may still meet high school graduation requirements and earn an AR diploma, but those courses will not count toward CSU or UC A-G eligibility. This means a student may graduate from AR while not being eligible to apply directly to CSU or UC campuses as a freshman.
Students and families are encouraged to understand:
● Graduation requirements
● A-G eligibility requirements
● College admission pathways
● Transfer options
● Postsecondary planning
Community Service
Community service develops responsibility, leadership, and community involvement. Detailed procedures and forms are included in the appendices. Students must complete 50 total hours of community service in order to graduate.
Requirements:
● Students may start their hours the summer after finishing 8th grade
● Must occur outside regular class time
● Must be submitted during the semester completed
● Late or retroactive submissions may not be accepted
● Seniors must meet all posted deadlines in order to participate in graduation
● Hours completed over summer should be submitted at the beginning of the next school year
DUAL ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION
Dual Enrollment & Registration
Dual enrollment is both a privilege and an opportunity. AR uses a gradual release model for dual enrollment participation. Students earn increased access to CR coursework, units, and scheduling flexibility through successful academic performance, responsible attendance, and demonstrated independence.
The purpose of dual enrollment is to:
● Explore college coursework
● Build readiness for increased independence and postsecondary pathways
● Complete transferable coursework
● Support future educational and career goals
Maximum CR enrollment is 11 units per semester for any dual enrolled student.
CR Registration Process
Step 1: Read the Handbook
Students and families should review the handbook annually.
Step 2: Complete Dual Enrollment Form
Students must submit a CR Dual Enrollment Form during their Foundations class.
Step 3: Build a Schedule
Schedules must prioritize AR coursework and graduation requirements.
Step 4: Meet with Advisor
Students meet with AR advising staff before registering for CR classes.
Step 5: Register
Students register through CR WebAdvisor after approval.
1st Year Students
● No CR classes during fall semester
● Students who earn straight As in AR classes and pass all credit/no credit classes may become eligible for one approved 3-unit CR course during spring semester
● First-year CR classes must take place outside the regular AR school day
First-Time CR Students
Students enrolling in CR coursework for the first time must begin with approved introductory coursework unless granted an approved exception.
● College success courses
● Introductory art, theater, music, and cinema courses
● Beginning instrument or voice lessons
● Astronomy
These courses are selected because they provide a manageable introduction to the expectations and independence associated with dual enrollment coursework while also taking into consideration the rigor of the AR high school schedule, particularly during the first two years of the program. Students beginning CR coursework for the first time are limited to lower unit loads. An exception may be made for students beginning Language Other Than English (LOTE) coursework during their 3rd year, as these courses are 4-unit classes.
Course Restrictions
Online Courses - only permitted if the course is not offered in person and is needed for graduation.
English - English C1000: allowed beginning 3rd year with B+ in English 2 English C1001: allowed after passing C1000
Language Courses - Language coursework may not begin before 3rd year. Math - Students are limited to one college math course per semester unless additional coursework is needed for graduation.
AR Schedule Priority - Students may not drop or rearrange core AR academic classes to accommodate CR coursework.
_1781726870.jpg)
Continuing Dual Enrollment Eligibility
Students who successfully complete previous CR coursework may become eligible for increased unit loads and scheduling flexibility through the advising and approval process.
Second-Year Students
● Must earn Bs or better in AR classes
● Must pass all credit/no credit classes
Third/Fourth Year Students
Students approved for increased CR coursework must:
● Maintain Cs or better in AR and CR coursework
● Meet Tier expectations and attendance requirements
Maximum unit loads are determined through the advising and approval process.
Unit Expectations
Students are encouraged to pursue a balanced and intentional college pathway. Generally recommended:
● Minimum for AR graduation: 14 transferable units
● Recommended range: 14–30 transferable units
AR discourages excessive unit accumulation during high school.
SUMMER COURSEWORK & OUTSIDE INSTITUTION COURSEWORK
AR strongly encourages students to maintain balance and well-being throughout high school, including during summer breaks. The philosophy of AR emphasizes meaningful academic engagement while also allowing students time to pursue employment, extracurricular activities, travel, enrichment programs, family responsibilities, personal interests, and simply the opportunity to be a teenager. For this reason, AR does not generally recommend taking summer college coursework unless there is a specific academic need or approved educational plan. Students considering summer coursework should meet with an AR advisor before registering for any course.
Summer Coursework Expectations
● All summer coursework must be approved by AR advising staff and/or administration in advance.
● Students may not exceed the maximum 11-unit dual enrollment limit, including summer coursework or coursework taken through outside institutions.
● AR does not provide staffing, advising support, tutoring, monitoring, or academic intervention during summer coursework.
● AR does not cover tuition, textbooks, materials, transportation, or additional fees associated with summer classes.
● Students are responsible for understanding all registration deadlines, drop deadlines, fees, and college expectations associated with summer coursework.
Outside Institution Coursework
Courses taken outside of College of the Redwoods may only appear on the AR transcript if:
● The coursework is approved in advance by administration
● The course is needed for graduation requirements
Outside institution coursework counts toward the maximum 11-unit dual enrollment limit. Students should not independently enroll in outside coursework without first meeting with an AR advisor and developing an approved academic plan.
Academic Advising
Students receive ongoing academic and dual enrollment advising throughout their time at AR. During the first year, advising is primarily provided through Foundations, where students learn about the AR/CR pathway, graduation requirements, college systems, transfer options, and postsecondary planning.
Additional advising is provided through Tier, Course Support, College and Career coursework, meetings with advising staff, and individual planning sessions.
Support includes graduation planning, college and career exploration, schedule building, CR registration, transfer guidance, and postsecondary planning. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves while seeking support when needed.
Academic Advising
Students receive ongoing academic and dual enrollment advising throughout their time at AR. During the first year, advising is primarily provided through Foundations, where students learn about the AR/CR pathway, graduation requirements, college systems, transfer options, and postsecondary planning.
Additional advising is provided through Tier, Course Support, College and Career coursework, meetings with advising staff, and individual planning sessions.
Support includes graduation planning, college and career exploration, schedule building, CR registration, transfer guidance, and postsecondary planning. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves while seeking support when needed.
ACADEMIC REVIEW & PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Academic Review & Program Eligibility
If a student’s semester GPA falls below 2.0, an academic review may be conducted involving administration, the student, and parent(s)/guardian(s). The purpose of the review is to evaluate student progress, support needs, readiness for dual enrollment participation, and overall fit within the AR/CR pathway.
The first formal GPA review occurs at the conclusion of a student’s first year at AR. Students who enter the review process will participate in follow-up reviews in subsequent semesters to monitor academic progress, support needs, and overall program readiness.
Reviews may consider:
● Academic progress
● Attendance
● Readiness for dual enrollment participation
● Overall program fit
● Available interventions and supports
Some AR graduation requirements, including Language Other Than English (LOTE) and Visual and Performing Arts coursework, are completed through College of the Redwoods rather than through AR high school classes.
Additionally, students in their 3rd and 4th years are expected to qualify for and successfully participate in CR coursework. Students who are unable to qualify for college classes may be placed into additional Course Support classes in order to meet required instructional minutes. While Course Support classes can provide valuable intervention and support, long-term placement in support classes without access to college coursework is generally not considered to align with the intended goals of the AR/CR pathway.
AR believes students should have room to make mistakes, grow, and improve. At the same time, the school has a responsibility to ensure students are able to meaningfully access and benefit from the opportunities that make AR unique.
Behaviors Resulting in Immediate Administrative Review
Certain behaviors may result in immediate administrative review and possible removal from AR, including:
● Weapons
● Assault
● Drug sales/distribution
● Serious threats
● Severe harassment
● Two suspensions
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is essential. Academic honesty violations may result in progressive consequences depending on severity and frequency. Repeated violations may result in loss of privileges or administrative review regarding continued placement at AR.
Violations include:
● Plagiarism
● Cheating
● Unauthorized AI or technology use
● Copying assignments
● Sharing test materials
● Forgery
Consequences may include:
● Loss of assignment credit
● Automatic Drop F on assignments or assessments
● Parent conference
● Academic probation
● Suspension
● Transcript or disciplinary documentation
● Removal from AR
Work Permits
Students employed while enrolled at AR must maintain satisfactory attendance, academic progress, and good standing. Work permits require a minimum 2.0 GPA and may be revoked due to poor attendance, excessive unexcused absences, unsatisfactory academic progress, or other failure to meet program standards.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance Philosophy
At AR, regular attendance reflects the values of responsibility, respect, and choice. Consistent attendance supports academic success, participation in the community, and preparation for future college and workplace expectations.
Attendance Procedures & Legal Requirements
California law requires students ages 6–18 to attend school. Students may be classified as truant after three unexcused absences or three instances of being more than 30 minutes late without a valid excuse. Students who miss 10% or more of the school year may be considered chronically absent.
Examples of excused absences include illness, medical appointments, court appearances, death in the family, quarantine, or other legally excused reasons. Absences must be verified through the office within 3 school days or may be considered unexcused or truant. Students 18 years of age or older may verify their own absences in accordance with district policy. Three tardies equal one absence. Excessive absences or tardies may impact Tier placement, dual enrollment eligibility, work permit eligibility, and overall program standing. AR follows California truancy laws and district attendance procedures. Attendance concerns may result in truancy notifications, attendance contracts, parent conferences, SARB referral, or other interventions.
AR is a closed campus. Students must sign out through the office before leaving during the school day.
Attendance Review & Program Eligibility
Students who accumulate 9 absences, or 18 tardies, are classified as chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year), are referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB), or whose attendance significantly interferes with successful participation in AR or CR coursework will participate in an Attendance Review involving administration, the student, and parent(s)/guardian(s). The purpose of the review is to evaluate attendance concerns, identify barriers to attendance, determine support needs, assess readiness for participation in the AR/CR pathway, and evaluate overall program fit. Once a student enters the Attendance Review process, attendance will be reviewed at the end of each semester until attendance concerns have been resolved and the student demonstrates successful participation in the program.
Possible outcomes may include:
● Attendance contracts
● Tier adjustments
● Restricted dual enrollment access
● Loss of work permit eligibility
● Additional interventions and supports
● Review of continued placement within the AR/CR Pathway
COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS, DISCIPLINE, & STUDENT CONDUCT
Restorative Philosophy
AR believes:
● Mistakes are opportunities for growth
● Reflection matters
● Accountability matters
● Relationships matter
The goal of discipline at AR is growth, accountability, and restoration whenever possible.
Community Agreement & Conduct Expectations
All AR students annually review and sign the AR Community Agreement in their Tier classes. Through this agreement, students commit to supporting a high-quality learning environment, practicing safe and responsible behavior, and treating others with kindness and respect.
Students are expected to:
● Respect staff, peers, and campus spaces
● Follow staff directions
● Contribute positively to classrooms and the AR community
● Use appropriate language and behavior
● Maintain academic integrity
Broken Agreement System
When community agreements are broken, AR works to address concerns through reflection, accountability, communication, and restorative practices whenever possible. Repeated or serious violations may result in disciplinary action, loss of privileges, probation, or changes in program placement.
Step 1 - Verbal reminder.
Step 2 - Broken Agreement/Self Reflection.
Step 3 - Parent/guardian notification and administrative involvement.
Step 4 - Administrative intervention and possible additional consequences.
Suspensions & Program Removal
Most first suspensions result in intervention and support.
Two suspensions or serious disciplinary violations may result in:
● Loss of privileges
● Tier reassignment
● Probation
● Removal from AR
Students who receive two suspensions will be reviewed for continued enrollment. Students removed from AR for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible to return.
Substance Use, Weapons, Harassment & Sexual Harassment
Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, vaping products, weapons, or imitation weapons is prohibited.
Weapons may include:
● Firearms
● Knives
● Pepper spray
● Tasers
● Explosives
Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, bullying, and sexual harassment are prohibited. Reports of safety concerns, harassment, discrimination, bullying, or sexual harassment will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
Consequences for violations may include:
● Suspension
● Parent/guardian conference
● Counseling referral
● Safety plans
● Law enforcement involvement or referral
● Immediate administrative review
● Program removal
TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONIC DEVICE EXPECTATIONS
_1781722468.jpg)
Philosophy
Technology should support learning, communication, and productivity rather than create distraction or disruption.
Personal Devices
Personal devices, including cell phones, headphones, earbuds, tablets, and smart devices, are permitted on campus at student risk. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. The use of personal devices on campus is a privilege and may be restricted if devices interfere with learning, safety, or the school environment.
Device Use Times
Personal devices may be used before school, during passing periods, at lunch, and after school. Devices may not be used during instructional time unless specifically authorized by staff.
Classroom Expectations
Teachers may require devices to be turned off or stored during class and may restrict earbuds, headphones, smart devices, or other technology. Students are expected to comply immediately with staff directions regarding device use.
Prohibited Technology Use
Students may not:
● Record or photograph others without permission
● Access inappropriate or non-school appropriate content
● Use technology to bully, harass, intimidate, or target others
● Use devices in restrooms or locker rooms
● Use devices for cheating or academic dishonesty
● Use food delivery apps during the school day
Technology Consequences
Misuse of technology or electronic devices may result in:
● Device confiscation
● Parent/guardian conference
● Restricted technology access
● Suspension
Chromebook Expectations
Students issued school devices are expected to use equipment responsibly, protect and properly care for devices, and follow district acceptable use policies. Damage, misuse, or irresponsible use of school-issued technology may result in fees, replacement costs, or loss of technology privileges.
CAMPUS LIFE
_1781724665.jpg)
Clubs & Organizations
Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and activities. All clubs require an advisor, must renew annually, and must follow district fundraising policies.
Dances
Students attending dances must show ID, follow school rules, and remain substance free. Dance eligibility is determined by administration. Guest passes for non-AR students must be obtained/signed before the day of the dance.
Lunch Expectations
Students are expected to clean up after themselves, respect campus spaces, and remain on campus.
Parking
CR parking regulations apply to AR students. Students are responsible for obtaining proper permits.
Visitors
All visitors must check in through the office. Classroom visits require prior approval.
Lockers & Personal Property
Students are responsible for their personal belongings. School lockers remain school property.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Accident Reports
All serious injuries should be reported immediately so that a report can be filed.
Child Abuse Reporting
AR staff are mandated reporters. Suspected abuse must be reported according to law.
Communicable Diseases & Immunizations
Students must comply with California immunization requirements.
Complaints
Students and families may file complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, safety concerns, or policy violations. District complaint procedures are available through the district office.
Emergency Procedures
AR participates in fire drills, earthquake drills, and other safety exercises. Students are expected to follow staff directions during emergencies.
Safety Complaints
Students may report safety concerns to staff or administration. Anonymous reporting options are available.
Social Media
School expectations apply to online behavior that substantially impacts the school environment.
HANDBOOK USE & RESPONSIBILITY FORM
Handbook Use & Responsibility Form
Students and families are responsible for reviewing the AR Handbook and staying informed about the expectations, policies, procedures, and program requirements that guide the AR community.
By signing below, we acknowledge that we have reviewed the AR Handbook and understand that it is our responsibility to remain informed about its contents. We understand that students are expected to follow all applicable school policies, procedures, and expectations, and that failure to read the handbook does not exempt students or families from compliance with its contents.
