Handbooks

Digital Education Center Student Handbook 2025-26

 Providing virtual learning for Kindergarten-12^th grade students.

Hal Strain

Principal/Online Director

Hours of operation

(During the academic year)

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Telephone:  435-833-8710

Email:  online@tooeleschools.org

Fax:  435-833-8788

Website: https://dec.tooeleschools.org

Address:  211 S. Tooele Blvd., Tooele, UT 84074

The DEC is co-located within the Community Learning Center.

DEC administrative offices are in room 126

across the hall from the BPHS gymnasium.

The DEC is accredited via Cognia.

Who We Are: We are teachers, staff and administrators that care about your student's education and specialize in delivering high quality instruction via the Internet. Students that enroll full-time in the Digital Education Center, work to gain original credit towards a high school diploma. Students may elect to remain at their home high schools and take up to (2) a-la-carte courses from the Digital Education Center by requesting courses through their school counselor.  Students may take more than two a-la-carte courses only if they have been granted permission by their home high school principal. The Digital Education Center provides students with a web-based method of earning original credit.

•       Our Mission: We empower all students for college and/or career success by providing student-centered, quality, online learning paths.

•       Our Vision:  Elevate your learning, anytime, anywhere.

•       Our Values: We inspire independence, self-reliance, and ingenuity through adaptive, self-paced learning.

•       Our Motto:  Every student, every day, everywhere, whatever it takes.

Communication: We are a virtual school and use multiple forms of communication with parents and students (telephone, email, web meetings, in-person meetings etc). We require an active parental email address for students to be admitted to the Digital Education Center. All 7th-12th grade students are provided with a Tooele County School District email address which they need to use to participate in online coursework.

Our Platform: The Digital Education Center utilizes online learning management systems known as: Canvas, Edgenuity and Google Classroom. Students who have Internet access at home can access Canvas, Edgenuity and Google Classroom via desktop, laptop, or tablet (access via a smartphone is not recommended).  Students who do not have access to the Internet may use the Digital Education Center computer lab room 103, located within the Community Learning Center at 211 Tooele Blvd. Tooele, UT 84074. Edgenuity is a common tool used in 7th-12th grade student learning, which assists educators in bringing coursework to students throughout Tooele County.

DEC Programs

The Digital Education Center serves Kindergarten through 12th Grade students.

●     K-5 Grades use Google Classroom (teachers may also use approved websites to aid in the delivery of instruction (e.g. i-Ready, Loom, Screencast, Flipgrid, Kahoot, Nearpod, Classkick and more).

●     6-12 Grades use Edgenuity (Driver’s Education and Utah Studies are hosted on Canvas)

●     Adult Education- The DEC provides adults who have not earned a high school diploma a path to earning an adult high school diploma.

●     Digital Education Center A-La-Carte- Utah core specific online courses (original credit and/or credit recovery), are offered for all Tooele County School District junior and high school students. A-La-Carte courses are available in addition to student’s regularly scheduled face-to-face classes.

Tooele County School District is committed to providing educational opportunities to students without regard to race, color, sex, national origin or disability. If you have questions, please contact the Title IX coordinator 435-833-1900.

This policy applies to all school programs and employment handled by the school district or through contractors, sub-contractors, or any other educational agency. Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Acts of 1974 and other Federal and State statutes and regulations. The Title VII Indian Education program provides supplemental services to meet the culturally related academic needs of American/Alaskan Native Students. The program is federally funded through the Department of Education in Washington D.C. by a Formula Grant Program. To enroll in the program students must be enrolled in one of the District’s Public Schools and Parents/Guardians must complete a 506 form. 506 forms are available in the school office or you can contact the Indian Education Office at 833-1915.

Inquiries regarding the application of these laws and regulations or grievance procedures to be followed in the event of noncompliance may be directed to the district’s Equal Employment Officer: Assistant Superintendent Jeff Hamm 92 South Lodestone Way, Tooele, Utah, or the Director Denver Regional Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

·        ADA Officer/504 Officer:

o   Hal Strain, Principal/Director 833-8711

·        Sexual Harassment Officers:

o   Hal Strain, Principal/Director 833-8711

o   Assistant Superintendent Jeff Hamm 833-1900

·        Indian Education:

o   Hal Strain, Principal/Director 833-8711

o   District Contact: Natalie Brunsdale 833-1900

o   Director Brad Hranicky 833-1900

·        ALS Information:

o   Hal Strain, Principal/Director 833-8711

o   Home Liaison Contact: Angelina Montano 833-1900

o   Student Services Director Heather Castagno 833-1900

·        Family Liaison Contact (Homeless Students):

o   Student Services 833-1900

TCSD fee schedule can be found at:

https://www.tooeleschools.org/fs/resource-manager/view/24fa02e7-5374-477a-ae0a-eeff77f029c3

FEE WAIVER: Students who are in State Custody or foster care or are receiving public assistance in the form of Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or Supplemental Security Income, or are eligible for free school lunch, may have all fees waived. Other fee waivers may be granted because of extenuating circumstances, such as exceptional financial burden, substantial reduction of income, or extraordinary medical expenses. Request for fee waivers are to be made to the building Principal.

GRADING: Grades will be assigned based on the following grade scale:

●     A= 93-100%

●     A-=90-92%

●     B+=87-89%

●     B=83-86%

●     B-=80-83%

●     C+=77-79%

●     C=73-76%

●     C-=70-72%

●     D+=67-69%

●     D=63-66%

●     D-=60-62%

●     F=59% or lower

Students are expected to complete all Digital Education Center coursework with “Academic Integrity.” The scope of academic integrity centers on honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Students should complete all coursework in a manner that embodies these values and promotes hard work and honest effort. Coursework completed without maintaining academic integrity, constitutes misconduct.

Academic misconduct falsifies a student’s understanding of coursework and undermines an ability to determine how the student performs in each course. Misconduct will result in a student being withdrawn from the course with no grade; however, the student may restart the course from the beginning. Depending on the severity of misconduct, the student may face the possibility of disqualification of future Digital Education Center course enrollments. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to:

●     Completing coursework for another person.

●     Allowing coursework to be completed by another person for the student.

●     Plagiarizing coursework from another person and submitting it as the student’s work

●     Using the Internet (or apps) to search for specific quiz and test answers.

●     Any cheating during an online course.

As stated by the Utah State Board of Education, “Students are encouraged to engage in the highest standards of civil and ethical behavior on school grounds, during school sponsored activities and in school-related communications and interactions.” Digital Education Center students are expected to follow the Tooele County School District Student Conduct and Discipline Policy as outlined in the district policy manual. Digital Education Center students are expected to:

●     Complete all coursework in a manner that embodies academic integrity and honest effort.

●     Conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to a productive learning atmosphere for themselves and their classmates.  This includes following all school rules and TCSD policy while in TCSD buildings.

●     Use various technology and software appropriately as outlined in the Tooele County School District Acceptable Use Policy.

All cumulative exams must be taken in a proctored setting (e.g. at a testing lab within the student’s boundary high school or at the Digital Education Center’s lab, room 103B at the Community Learning Center/Blue Peak High School). Students should schedule proctored tests with an approved proctor at least 48 hours in advance of taking a test. All cumulative tests must be completed during published proctoring hours.

A virtual proctoring option is available.  Information about proctoring cumulative exams can be found in the student Edgenuity courses. 

The use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs, or drug paraphernalia constitutes a hazard to the welfare of students, staff and educational programs, and is illegal under the laws of the State of Utah. Students who may be under the influence of, possess, be knowingly present where there is use of, and/or distribute alcohol or drugs during school hours, on school property or during school activities will have discipline administered in accordance with the following guidelines:

Possess, Use or Knowingly Present When Use or Sales of Drugs or Alcohol Occurs:

• First Violation: Suspended 3-10 days. The student will be referred to court. The student and parents shall sign a non-use contract. The student and at least one parent/guardian will complete the school sponsored drug and alcohol program completed within 6 weeks. A drug test 6 weeks after the incident which must be ‘clean’ and a meeting with the administration upon return.

• Second Violation: The student will be suspended from school for 10 days until CMT can meet and may be put on homebound education for nine weeks. The student will be referred to court. The student may also be referred to a more extensive drug and alcohol rehabilitation program through CMT. Upon return, a ‘clean’ drug test and a meeting with administration are required.

• Third Violation: The student will be referred to court and will be suspended from school for 10 days until CMT meets. The Principal will make a recommendation to the CMT Committee for possible expulsion up to one year. The student may be requested to successfully complete an approved alcohol or drug treatment program prior to consideration for re-admittance. A clean drug test and meeting with administration upon return.

Sell or Distribute Drugs or Alcohol:

• First Violation: The student will be referred to court, distribution is a felony. The student will be suspended from school for 10 days, until CMT can meet to discuss the situation. The Principal and Superintendent will consider whether a suspension longer than ten days is appropriate. The Principal may grant re-admittance to the school when the student demonstrates a readiness to return, including a clean drug test. The student will be requested to successfully complete an approved alcohol and drug treatment program prior to consideration for re-admittance. Upon return to school, a clean drug test and a meeting with the administration must occur.

• Second Violation: The student will be expelled from school for at least one year.

Prescribed drugs/medications are to be stored in the Main Office where the secretary will distribute the prescribed dosages. A healthcare plan will also need to be created with the school nurse.

Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and hazing of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the Tooele County School District (TCSD). TCSD is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, TCSD has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and hazing – including but not limited to civil rights violations – as well as processes and procedures to deal with such incidents. Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and hazing of students and/or employees by students and/or employees will not be tolerated in TCSD.

School officials have the authority to discipline students for off-campus speech that causes or threatens substantial disruption on campus or at school activities, including violent altercations, or a significant interference with a student’s educational performance and involvement in school activities. If after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion, pursuant to Utah Code Ann. 53A-11-904 and in accordance with the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, loss of participation in extracurricular activities, and/or probation. If after an investigation, a school employee is found to have violated this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including termination.

The first offense of students who misuse, access inappropriate material or conduct unacceptable in email correspondence will meet with the principal or assistant principal and their parents, and the appropriate disciplinary action will be assigned.

Students are advised that if they are threatened, harassed, or intimidated by any other student, they should immediately report the matter to a faculty member or administrator. Students taking matters into their own hands, or responding to being threatened, criticized, or hitting, pushing, shoving or slapping the other student is not acceptable and may receive disciplinary action. Students fighting will be sent home. All students initiating or involved in a fight will be suspended. Students prompting a fight or pushing a student physically into a fighting situation will be suspended as a participant in the fight. Students not yielding adult access to a fight will be disciplined.

The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or symbol implies membership to a gang will result in disciplinary action. Incidents involving initiations or intimidation, which cause bodily harm or personal degradation or disgrace, resulting in physical or mental harm to students, may result in suspension, expulsion and/or legal action.

Any student who is in possession of a weapon at school will be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year. In situations where school officials determine that objects may be used as weapons which pose a threat to staff or students, they will: 1. confiscate the item 2. notify proper law enforcement agencies 3. suspend the student 4. recommend an alternative instruction environment, such as homebound, and 5. press charges through juvenile court authorities. Facsimiles of weapons or toy weapons are also expressly forbidden at school and possession of such may result in suspension.

DEC staff is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment. Disrespect to and defiance of school staff members will not be tolerated. Acts of disrespect and defiance undermine educational excellence. Acts against school personnel will receive severe administrative consequence. Teachers will be expected to treat all students with mutual respect. They will strive to handle individual infractions privately. They will teach common courtesy by example.

A violation of the safe school policy will result in suspension until CMT can meet to determine what consequences will be received. The consequences may include long-term suspension with a homebound teacher or expulsion. Law enforcement will also be notified who will determine consequences according to juvenile or adult law, on a case by case basis. Knives, explosive devices, fire crackers, smoke bombs, etc. are prohibited on school property or at any school activities regardless of location. Violation of these prohibitions may be cause for disciplinary action, which may include expulsion. Prohibited items are subject to confiscation by school officials.

The purpose of this policy is to assure a learning environment that is free from any harassment and is in compliance with state and federal law. Any form of harassment by staff or students is prohibited. This includes: any verbal, written or physical conduct or including a sexual nature, which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Any suggestion, request, demand, or pressure for sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threat concerning one’s grades, extracurricular standing, job, etc., is prohibited. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Derogatory, demanding, or offensive jokes, teasing or comments of a sexual nature.

• Graphic remarks or sexual comments about an individual’s body.

• Sexual suggestive or obscene telephone calls, letters, notes or invitations.

• Sexual suggestive or obscene pictures, cartoons, posters or objects.

• Grabbing, pinching, or touching of private areas.

• Deliberate cornering, shouldering or bumping in hallways.

• Sexual gestures, unwanted pats or hugs, any unwanted touching.

• Any form of sexual threat, intimidation or exploitation.

• Actual or attempted sexual assault, molestation or rape.

• Sexist remarks or gender-based stereotyping.

Sexual harassment by students or staff must be reported to administration. Parents of any students involved must be informed immediately. Following a thorough and fair investigation, students or staff members who have violated this policy may face: suspension, expulsion, alternative placement, other appropriate legal or school consequences. 

The use and/or possession of tobacco products (cigarettes, chew, e cigarettes, vapors) are prohibited and illegal. This applies to students who are in school, on the way to and from school, during lunch, and at all school sponsored activities. Administrators are agents of the court and will issue consequences for all offenses. First Violation: If the student admits to using/possessing tobacco, the student will sign a non-use contract, meet with parents and administration, and must complete an approved smoking cessation class at the expense of the parent/guardian. ***If the student denies using/possessing tobacco, the student will receive a citation from the school’s resource officer and meet with parents and administration. Subsequent Violations: Student will have another meeting with the parents and administration. The student will receive a ticket from the school resource officer.

To qualify for a Section 504 Accommodation plan, a student must have a disability that significantly affects a major life activity. A student must have a record of and be regarded as having such an impairment. Eligibility for a 504 must be determined by a team knowledgeable of the student. Please contact your counselor or administrator to discuss the possibility of a 504 accommodation.

Whenever there is a change in an address, email address and/or telephone number, students or parents should notify the DEC Office. In case of an emergency, it is necessary to have the correct address and telephone number on file so that the parent/guardian may be promptly contacted.

Courses offered at the CLC will have a career pathway or technical focus. There are three types of classes at the CLC; concurrent, state certified courses and regular high school classes. Each course will be taught in a two period block, with most courses running for the entire year. Courses are open to all 11^th and 12^th grade high school students in TCSD.  Please see your counselor if you want to attend a course at the CLC.  Course fees may apply.

It is the practice of the Tooele County School District to have a health care plan in place for children who have a health concern. The classroom health care plan (HCP) helps to ensure a better understanding of your child’s health care needs and is directly reviewed with your child’s teacher and principal. Issues that need to be addressed: administration of medication to students by school personnel, students carrying and self-administering their own medication, diet modifications, medical conditions, and physical cares that need to be done during school hours. HCP requires signatures from parents/guardians and health care providers. Under Utah Code 53-A-11- 601 medication administration and possession of medication is allowed at school as long as consents are signed by parents/guardians and health care provider. If a student requires any of these services or attention regarding a health care concern, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to contact the student’s school. The school will provide the appropriate paperwork so the student’s health concerns can be addressed at the school.

Students are considered homeless if they do not live in their guardians’ home, (living with parents at the grandparents’ home, living on their own, living with a friend, living with a relative other than guardian). See your administrator for assistance and resources for homeless students.

Generally, a student injured on the school campus will be covered by his/her own insurance policy. A reasonable State health insurance policy is available to the student, but it must be obtained and paid for by each individual student at the beginning of the school year prior to athletic participation. Forms will be available in the Main Office. The school does not carry student health insurance. No student may participate in UHSAA activities without proof of insurance coverage.

Parents are always welcome at DEC. An appointment needs to be made to see a teacher.  To ensure the safety of all persons and to maintain an educational environment free from disruption, all visitors must sign in/out at the Main Office and wear a Visitor’s Pass while on campus. ** District policy mandates student visitors are prohibited on campus. **

Directions to log into Edgenuity

1.     Students go to https://auth.edgenuity.com/Login/Login/Student using the Chrome web browser.

2.     Enter the username and password as indicated in the welcome email sent from your teacher. 

Directions for Parents/Guardians to log in to Edgenuity Family Portal:

1.     Go to https://auth.edgenuity.com/Login/Login/Family

2.     First time logging in

a.     Click on “Activate Account”

b.     Enter the parent/guardian email address associated with the Edgenuity account.

c.     Enter the activation code received from the teacher.

d.     Follow instructions to activate account (you will be required to create a password and a security question).

3.     Once the account is set up, enter the email address and password you established during the activation process.

1.     Students must work at least 25-30 hours each week and attend weekly mentoring meetings.

●     Sit down each week and build a schedule with your parent/guardian that details times you will work on your online classes.

●     Plan short breaks (5-10 minutes) in your schedule so you can refresh and refocus.

●     Post the schedule in a visible place so you and your parent/guardian can see it.

●     Follow your schedule consistently.

●     Find a process and time that works for you that will allow you to pass your classes.

●     If you have questions, contact your teacher.  Teacher contact information can be found at:  https://dec.tooeleschools.org/about-us/secondary

2.     Know your plan to graduation:

●     Meet with your counselor as often as needed.  Counselor contact information can be found at: https://dec.tooeleschools.org/about-us/counseling

●     Track the classes you need to qualify for graduation (understand your grad map).

●     Finish at least 6 quarter credit courses each quarter.

3.     The DEC lab located in room 103 within the Community Learning Center/Blue Peak High School is an opportune place to complete work.

●     In the lab students can take cumulative exams and meet with teachers in person.

●     The lab is quiet, the computers are fast, the lab has both high speed internet and Wi-Fi.

●     The lab is a great place for students to network with peers on coursework.

4.     DEC administrators are available to meet with students and parents upon request.  

In order to gain and/or maintain extra-curricular eligibility status, a full-time Digital Education Center student must:

• Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher the quarter prior to establishing eligibility and all quarters of participation in the activity.

• Make adequate progress toward graduation the quarter prior to establishing eligibility and all quarters of participation in the activity.  To make adequate progress toward graduation, a student must: o Freshman: complete at least 1.5 credits (6 quarter credit courses) each quarter.

  o Sophomore: To determine the number of credits needed to make adequate progress toward graduation each quarter, use the following formula: (number of credits remaining for the student to graduate at the beginning of their sophomore year)/12

  o Junior: To determine the number of credits needed to make adequate progress toward graduation each quarter, use the following formula: (number of credits remaining for the student to graduate at the beginning of their junior year)/8

  o Senior: To determine the number of credits needed to make adequate progress toward graduation each quarter, use the following formula: (number of credits      remaining for the student to graduate at the beginning of their senior year)/4 

*Since students in the Digital Education Center Snow College program receive grades each semester, multiply the number of credits per quarter above by 2 to figure the credits required for eligibility.