Policies

Student & Parent Handbook

Frankford High School Student & Parent Handbook 2026-27

Electronics Policy

Chromebooks

Students will be responsible for bringing chromebooks to and from school for learning. This is the only technology that will be allowed in the building. Cell phones are still prohibited, in addition to the following items: smart watches, iPads, laser pointers, and electronic gaming devices.  It is vitally important that all students do not have earbuds or headphones on in the Hallways in case of an emergency message being communicated over the PA System. Please review the full School District of Philadelphia Code of Conduct here.

Cell Phone Policy

Rationale

In 2019 Frankford High School joined thousands of other schools across the nation in banning cell phones from their school.  Research has shown that a cell phone/smart watch free learning environment increases student engagement, an increase in academic achievement and improvement in student behavior.

We understand that cell phones have great utility, but cell phone use has increasingly become a source of distraction, antisocial behavior and conflict both at home and at school. Frankford High School believes in maintaining a safe and effective educational environment for all of its students.

Research shows that the mere presence of cellphones in the classroom can be detrimental to student performance. According to a survey and report from Common Sense Media that involved 1,240 interviews with parents and their 12 to 18-year-old children, 50% of teens feel attached to their mobile devices, and 59% of their parents agree that their kids have a problem putting their devices down (U.S. News & World Report).

We believe this will allow our students to be:

• Engaged in classroom activities and assignments
• Less dependent on electronics to do classwork
• Less likely to engage in conversations around bullying
• Less likely to be distracted and procrastinate on assignments in class
• In an effort to best serve your child, we will need your full support in the adoption of the Electronic Device  Policy  at our school. We want to assure our families that you can reach your student at the main office at 215-400-7200 in case of an emergency.

Consequences for noncompliance with Frankford Cell Phone Policy:

• 1st offense : Cell phones are prohibited. If you are found to be in possession of a phone the phone will be confiscated and locked in a safe. It will only be returned to a parent or guardian (listed in SIS), from the Welcome Center, between the hours of 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. Students still refusing to cooperate prior to entry into school will then be denied entry (not suspended) by the principal/designee until such time as they choose to comply.
• 2nd offense : Cell phones are prohibited. If you are found to be in possession of a phone the phone will be confiscated and returned at the end of the marking period. It will only be returned to a parent or guardian (listed in SIS), from the Welcome Center, between the hours of 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
• 3rd offense : Cell phones are prohibited. If you are found to be in possession of a phone the phone will be confiscated and locked in a safe. It will only be returned to a parent or guardian (listed in SIS), from the Welcome Center, between the hours of 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m., on the last day of the school year.

Frankford HS is NOT responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged electronics.

Graduation Requirements

Students must have 23.5 credits in the following areas:

School-Parent Compact

School Year 2026-2027
Revision Date: 04/09/26

A parent input meeting was held on 4/9/2026 where parents were encouraged to give input into the development of this
Compact.

To understand how working together can benefit your child, it is first important to understand the district’s and school’s goals for student academic achievement.

The Board of Education’s updated Goals and Guardrails are available on the School District Website at www. philasd.org.

Frankford High School GOALS

• School Goal 1: At least 27% of students will score at Proficient or Advanced on the Algebra I Keystone exam.
• School Goal 2: At least 60% of students will attend school 95% of days or more.
• School Goal 3: At least 75% of 9th grade students will earn a minimum of 5 credits (four core plus one more) with As or Bs.
• School Goal 4: At least 90% of students will have zero out-of-school suspensions.
• School Goal 5: At least 95% of 12th grade students will be on track for graduation.
• School Goal 6: At least 47% of students will score at Proficient or Advanced on the English Keystone exam.

To help your child meet the district and school goals, the school, you, and your child will work together:

SCHOOL/TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Frankford High School will:

Be responsible for ensuring that staff meet the needs of their students by implementing AVID strategies, small group, and
differentiated instruction.
Teachers will continue to update Infinite Campus so parents can be informed about their child’s academic progress.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

We, as parents, will:

• Actively monitor our child’s attendance and lateness. Parents/guardians will send in notes when a child is absent within
  3 days.
• Parents/guardians will commit to support their child’s progress and academic achievement.
• Parents/guardians will attend meetings to provide input during School Advisory Council and Title I meetings, when
  available.
• Parents/guardians will continue to review student progress regularly through the Parent Portal.
• Parents/guardians will attend school events, meetings, and workshops in order to build their capacity.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend school every day and on time.
• Attend all classes, review grades on a regular basis, ask for assistance when needed, and attend credit recovery if it is
  needed.
• Complete homework and projects on time.
• Bring home documents to parents/guardians when required.
• Respect themselves, each other, and school staff at all times.

COMMUNICATION ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:

Frankford High School is committed to frequent two-way communication with families about
children’s learning. Some of the ways you can expect us to reach you are:

• School Website
• Social Media Accounts
• Flyers
• Parent Robo-calls
• Text Messaging
• Google Classroom
• Email

ACTIVITIES TO BUILD PARTNERSHIPS:
Frankford High School offers ongoing events and programs to build partnerships with families.

• SAC meetings- To be held the 3rd week of the month (Day to be determined)
• Parent workshops – Monthly
• Parent Portal
• Parent Input Title I meetings (Fall, Winter, Spring)
• Parent Resource Table
• Freshman Commitment Ceremony
• Coffee House
• Musicals
• Athletic Events

The Parent and Family Engagement Policy

In support of strengthening student academic achievement, Frankford High School receives Title I, Part A funds and therefore must jointly develop with, agree on with, and distribute to parents and family members of participating children a written parent and family engagement policy that contains information required by section 1116(b) and (c) of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The policy establishes the school’s expectations for parent and family engagement and describes how the school will implement a number of specific parent and family engagement activities, and it is incorporated into the school’s plan submitted to the local educational agency (LEA).

The Frankford High School agrees to implement the following requirements as outlined by Section 1116:

Right to Know

As the parent or guardian of a student attending a school that receives dollars Federal Title I, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teacher (s) and instructional assistant (s) who teach your child. Federal law requires each Title I school district to comply with and provide you with the information requested in a timely manner. All schools have on file a list of teachers and your professional qualifications.

At any time, you can ask:

• Whether the teacher met the state requirements and certification requirements for the grade and subject he / she is teaching,
• If the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate by which the
  waived state ratings, and
• What college or graduate degrees does the teacher hold, including certificates of postgraduate and additional degrees, and major (s) or area (s) of concentration.
• If your child receives help from an instructional assistant and, if so, their ratings.

Shared Values

• Instruction must be tailored to meet individual needs.
• A partnership must exist among the students, family, school staff and community.
• We must foster a desire for lifelong learning.
• Student cooperation and ownership is crucial.
• Common values and ethical conduct must be shared among members of the school community
• Excellent attendance is crucial.
• Multiculturalism and diversity must be integrated into all aspects of the school community
• A positive learning environment must exist.
• Technology must remain current, including instruction, skills and applications.

Declaration Of Beliefs And Visions

We support The School District of Philadelphia’s Declaration of Beliefs and Visions, which states that:

• All children can learn at high levels.
• All children can reach their learning potential and that the achievement gap can be closed.
• Schools have an enormous impact on children’s lives.
• All children should be educated in a safe and orderly environment.

Frankford High School will be a collaborative setting engaging all stakeholders in an inspirational and
respectful environment that prepares students to be productive global citizen.