Student Handbook 2026–27

August 10, 2026

Roots Charter High School Student Handbook, 2026–2027. 243. Love first. Belong always.

This page is the full text of the student handbook so it can be read on any device and by screen readers. The official designed version is available as a PDF at the bottom of this page.

The Roots Way

I am a part of a community, and I will honor that community through words and actions.

I will respect the farm and will spend my energy to make it a peaceful, beautiful and fruitful place.

I always have choice. I will learn to understand my choices.

My actions are in my control. I will guard my actions and align them with my goals.

I have energy to expend. I will expend my energy in reaching my goals.

I am connected to everything. That connection makes me who I am. I will remain connected and engaged in my life and the life of others.

I understand that above all else, I reap what I sow. I will sow goodness.

This is The Roots Way. Memorize The Roots Way and you can earn a free Roots shirt or beanie.

The Roots Way in the classroom

Be…

Respectful. Honor your community through words and actions. Be calm when addressing others. Wait your turn. Use your energy to make positive connections.
Observant. Pay attention to directions. Be aware of how your actions impact others.
On-task. Use electronic devices only when allowed. Be prepared for class with proper materials.
Teachable. Be engaged in the current task. Make the choice to follow directions the first time given.
Successful. Complete work on time. Ask for help when needed. Attend class regularly.

Electronic device policy: bell to bell

New for 2026–27. Purpose: to support student learning, minimize distractions, and comply with Utah's updated state law prohibiting device use during the entire school day. S.B. 69 (2026), Utah Code § 53G-7-227, effective July 1, 2026.

We want classrooms and hallways where students are present, focused, and free to connect: with ideas, with learning, and with each other.

What changed this year. Last year devices had to be put away during class time. This year they must be put away for the whole school day, from the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods.

All personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds and Bluetooth headphones, tablets, and similar items, must be silent and out of sight from the moment the first bell rings until the last bell of the day. Out of sight means in a backpack, locker, or pocket, not in your hand, on your desk, or on your lap.

Device expectations at a glance

Before the first bell (arrival): allowed.
During class time: not allowed.
Passing periods and hallways: not allowed.
Lunch and breaks: not allowed.
Restroom during the school day: not allowed.
Study hall, advisory, assemblies: not allowed.
After the last bell (dismissal): allowed.
School-issued devices such as Chromebooks: allowed as directed by staff.

Basic watches and fitness trackers are still allowed. A wearable that only tells time, tracks steps or health data, or shows notifications you cannot reply to is not considered a smart watch under this policy.

Exceptions and outcomes

In summary: during school hours, personal devices must be silent and out of sight. If a device is seen or heard during the school day, it is a violation of the policy.

Approved exceptions. State law requires Roots to allow device use in these situations:

To respond to an imminent threat to someone's health or safety.
To respond to a school-wide emergency.
To contact the SafeUT Crisis Line. See our crisis resources.
As written into a student's IEP or Section 504 accommodation plan.
To address a documented medical necessity approved by administration.

Parent accommodation requests. A parent or guardian may request permission for their student to briefly use a device in a designated area during non-instructional time. Submit requests to the front office; approved students will be given a specific location and time.

Need to reach your student? Call the Roots front office and we will get a message to them right away. Students who need to call home may do so from the front office.

Outcomes if not followed:

First violation: device is stored in the front office until the end of the day.
Second violation: device is stored in the front office until the end of the day and a parent or guardian is notified to pick it up.
Third violation: device is stored in the front office, and a student, parent, and administrator meeting is held to create a behavior plan.
Refusal: refusing to hand over a device is treated as defiance and is referred directly to administration.

Roots is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices. Questions? Contact the Roots front office.

Dress code

Because we have a farm, the health department requires us to have a strict dress code. The farm is worth it. Follow the dress code and don't go to ISS.

Yes:

Long pants.
Shirts and sweatshirts.
Closed-toed shoes.

No:

Shorts.
Skirts.
Belly shirts.
Vulgarity on any clothing.
Sandals or slippers.

Tank tops should meet the three-finger rule. Violations will lead to calls home and In School Suspension.

Attendance policy

80% attendance or above to stay in good standing. See the In School Suspension section for the process if you are below 80%.
10 excused absences a school year, unless a doctor's note is provided.
All absences must be excused within 5 days of the absence.

Grading policy

Grade weighting: participation 20%, assignments 40%, assessments and projects 40%.

Grade scale: A 89.5–100%, B 79.5–89.4%, C 69.5–79.4%, D 59.5–69.4%, I 0–59.4%.

Late work will be determined by each individual teacher.

Credit recovery. If a student does not pass a class they can work with the teacher to complete the necessary work to get their grade up during the next quarter. Students will have one quarter to get their grade up. At the end of the next quarter, the student will still be able to make up the work to receive credit for the class, but the highest grade they can receive is a D (60%).

In School Suspension (ISS)

In School Suspension is a tool we use to help you get back on track in your classes. ISS runs as two weeks of night school, 2:00–5:00pm, Monday through Thursday.

Ways you find yourself in ISS:

Attendance. If your attendance is below 80% and you do not turn in a tracker and have an unexcused absence, you will have to complete an ISS.
Behavior. A teacher or admin referral for disruptive behavior, campus violations, or dress code violations.

You can have three ISS assignments a term for attendance or behavior. After that we will schedule a parent, student, and administrator meeting and a contract will be signed. If the contract is violated, it takes 10 days of attendance and bringing classes to passing to get back to day school.

Tardy policy

Roots High expects all students to report to class on time each period each day. If your student is tardy without a viable excuse, they will report to the front desk to receive a tardy pass. Excessive tardies are subject to the following consequences:

15 tardies: lunch detention.
30 tardies: two lunch detentions.
45 tardies: three lunch detentions.
55 or more tardies: parent meeting and action plan.

Failure to make it to lunch detention will result in In School Suspension.

Student of the Week

Each week the staff nominate a student who they feel has done outstanding things in the Roots community and is exhibiting The Roots Way. The Student of the Week earns $5 Banjo Bucks to use in the student store.

Easy ways to earn credit

Participating in our annual Career Fair.
Field trips, such as the State Fair field trip, can earn you up to .25 credit.
Having a booth and participating in the Spring and Fall Festival.

Next Steps Fund

Don't let finances stop you from your next steps. The Next Steps Fund supports SLCC concurrent enrollment, vocational training, and food handler permits. Come chat with the student support staff to see what is possible for you. For more information, contact Student Services. The fund is made possible by generous donations from the Roots community.

Who is here for you

Beyond all your teachers and paraprofessionals, you have a full administration and student services team. Every name, role, email, and phone number lives on the staff directory, which is kept current there rather than repeated here.

Your student advocate is assigned by grade:

9th grade: Eli Bastian, and Mirabelle Sierra (advocate and ISS).
10th grade: Liliana Rodriguez and Amanda Sherman.
11th grade: Ngaire Skipps and Elisja Montano.
12th grade: Benji Tanner and Taft Harsh.

Roots has amazing teachers and paraprofessionals in every class. Beyond that we are the Student Services Team, and we are here to help you have a great Roots experience, help you find your path here, and help you transition to life after you leave Roots. 243.

Banjo, our school support dog, is also here for you.

Love first. Belong always.

And don't forget: 243 means we love you.

Download the official document →