File:  JF

Admissions Policy

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Non-Discrimination Statement for Diman

The Greater Fall River Vocational School District/Diman Regional Vocational-Technical High School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment. Furthermore, District/School policy includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees, i.e., racial harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination.

I. Admissions

When Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (Diman Regional) receives more applications than it has available seats, Diman Regional applies selection criteria to determine which students it will admit.  The criteria Diman Regional applies have been approved by its School Committee and the School Committee will approve the use of these criteria annually.  Diman Regional’s admissions policy is on file at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

II. Equal Education Opportunity

Diman Regional admits students and makes available to them its programs, privileges, and courses of study without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. 

If a student’s primary language is not English, Diman Regional will provide them with an application form in their home language.  Please contact our Admissions Office at 508 678 2891 extension 1500 or lmiller@dimanregional.org if you have questions or need help filling out the application form.

Diman Regional is committed to providing educational opportunities to students experiencing homelessness.  Please contact Diman Regional’s liaison at 508 678 2891 extension 1500 or lmiller@dimanregional.org with any questions. 

Students with disabilities may voluntarily identify themselves to Diman Regional to request reasonable accommodations during the application and admissions process.

Neither a student’s disability nor the primary language of their home will have any effect on their admission to Diman Regional.

Consistent with Massachusetts regulations, Diman Regional has created a plan with deliberate , specific strategies to promote equal educational opportunities and attract, enroll, and retain a student population that, when compared to students in similar grades in sending districts, has a comparable academic and demographic profile. 

The staff of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District will meet regularly to review student enrollment data.  These meetings will focus on ensuring the district’s commitment to equity and diversity.  Data from our district will be reviewed and compared to sending districts.  Based on outcomes, our plan will include action steps to meet with stakeholders and identify potential needs and improvements to our practices and protocols. 

III. Eligibility

Any rising or current 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student who is a resident of Greater Fall River Vocational may apply for admission to Diman Regional.  Students may only be admitted to Diman Regional if they have been promoted to the grade they are seeking to enter, so students should be aware their admission is conditional-if they are not ultimately promoted to enter the grade they have applied for, their admission will be rescinded.  Residents of Greater Fall River Vocational who meet the minimum admissions requirements are admitted before any non-residents seeking the same program. 

Apportionment:

Diman Regional has a regional agreement in place that identifies the cities and towns that are members of the region, and explains how those cities and towns allocate seats to their residents.  This agreement can be found at: https://www.dimanregional.org/cms/lib/MA01929605/Centricity/Domain/138/RegionalAgreement_2.pdf

Non-Residents:

Students who are not residents of Greater Fall River Vocational are eligible to apply for admission to Diman Regional.  Please be aware that residents of Greater Fall River Vocational who meet the minimum admission requirements will be admitted before any non-residents seeking the same program.  Students and families can find information on the Chapter 74 Nonresident Student Tuition Program at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/

Homeschooled Students:

Homeschool applicants may apply to Diman Regional full-time and will be subject to the same admissions standards as other applicants.  Documentation from sending superintendents will be needed to verify home schooling.

Transfer Students:

Students already participating in Chapter 74 programs at another school may apply for admission to Diman Regional and will be subject to the same admissions standards as other applicants. 

School Choice:

Diman Regional does not participate in the inter-district school choice program.  The inter-district school choice program, M.G.L. c. 76, s 12B, allows parents/guardians to send their children to schools in communities other than the city or town in which they reside.

IV. Organizational Structure:

Diman Regional is a Chapter 74 Regional Vocational School located in Fall River, MA.

The Superintendent of Diman Regional is:

            Brian Bentley (bbentley@dimanregional.org)

The Principal of Diman Regional is:

            Mr. Andrew Rebello (arebello@dimanregional.org)

It is the responsibility of Diman Regional’s Superintendent to supervise the administration of the policies and procedures used to admit and enroll students, consistent with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidance. 

V. Admissions Communication Policies

Diman Regional maintains a calendar of events on its website (www.dimanregional.org) where it provides information on admissions process, as well as other information about its programs.  Students and their families can request hard copies of the calendar by calling or emailing the Admissions Office at 508 678 2891 extension 1500.

Diman Regional also sends out recruitment information to potential applicants in the following ways:

1. Annually, an information session will be held to review the Admission Policy and procedures for area Guidance Counselors.
2. A video presentation and discussion of the programs available is conducted   at the district schools in the fall. This includes discussion of opportunities for students to pursue non-traditional careers
3. Vocational programs, academic pathways information, application and other pertinent information is available on Diman's web site: www.dimanregional.org.
4. Several tour dates will be available for students and parents during the school year to visit Diman and all shop programs.
5. Annually, a Parent/Guardian open house is held to inform and disseminate information regarding the application process and services at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. Open House includes presentations about vocational-technical programs, including academic offerings, athletic programs and extracurricular activities and clubs.
6. Brochures that describe vocational/technical programs including academic courses, sports, cooperative education and special education resources are distributed during Open House and presentations at the district schools.
7. Content on social media is published about specific accomplishments of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School students in traditional and non-traditional programs, cooperative education and the school in general.
8. Admission informational events will be held each fall that are geared specifically toward assisting English Language Learners and Special Education Students learn about Diman, the support services offered at Diman and assistance with the application process.

Diman Regional offers tours of its facilities to interested applicants.  To request a tour, please sign up on the Admissions Page of the school’s website.  If the agreed-upon slot for a tour occurs during the applicant’s school day, the Admissions Office will provide confirmation to the applicant’s current school that the applicant attended a tour during this time.   Transportation will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian or sending school.

VI. Application Process

A.  Application process for fall admission to the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th

            1. Students interested in applying to Diman Regional for fall admission to the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade must complete an application AND have their school submit all required documentation.

1. Complete and submit an online application at www.dimanregional.org. For those needing a paper copy, they may contact the DIMAN guidance office at 508-678-2891 x 1500.
2. Applications received on or before December 15th will be considered for the first round of acceptances. Applications received after December 15th will be integrated in rank order on the established applicant list. However, they will not be considered for the first round of acceptances. 
3. Diman will request records from sending school for applicants.

         2. It is the responsibility of the sending school counselor (or other school personnel, if applicable) to:

1. 1. 1. Complete their portion of the application form, which includes conduct, grades; attendance, recommendation (refer to rubric for recommendation) and required signatures.
      2. Include a copy of the student's academic, attendance, and discipline records.

                 Forward materials to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's Guidance Department by the Friday before February vacation for fall admission.

            3. Applications are considered complete when:

1. 1. 1. All the required information is completed on the first and last page of the application.
      2. All required signatures are present.
      3. A copy of the student's academic, attendance and discipline records are attached to the application.
      4. School recommendation is completed and signed.

4. If the required school documentation is not received by Diman, the following procedures will be followed:

1. 1. Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's Guidance Office will notify the local school Guidance Counselor responsible for submitting the required school documentation that the application is incomplete and will request completion.
   2. The applicant's parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's Guidance Office in the event the problem is not resolved by the local school Guidance Counselor.
   3. If after notifying the local school's Guidance Counselor and parent(s)/guardian(s), the application remains incomplete for ten (10) school days, the application will be considered inactive.

B. Application process for fall admission to the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade:

1. 1. Students interested in applying to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School must:
      1. Apply to transfer by filling out online application at www.dimanregional.org no later than July 15. 
      2. Submit to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Guidance Office a copy of their final report card no later than July 15.

2. 2. It is the responsibility of the local Guidance Counselor to:
      1. Complete their portion of the application which includes conduct, grades; attendance, and recommendation (refer to rubric for recommendation) and required signatures.
      2. Include a copy of the student’s academic, attendance and discipline records.
      3. Forward materials to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's Guidance Department.
   3. If the required school documentation is not received by Diman, the following procedures will be followed:
      1. Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's Guidance Office will notify the local school Guidance Counselor responsible for submitting the required school documentation that the application is incomplete and will request completion.
      2. The applicant's parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by the Guidance Office at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in the event that the problem is not resolved by the local school Guidance Counselor.
      3. If after notifying the local school's Guidance Counselor and parent(s)/guardian(s), the application remains incomplete for ten (10) school days, the application will be considered inactive.

Transfer Students:

Students already enrolled in a Chapter 74 state approved program in another school may apply for admissions to Diman Regional.  Please contact the Admissions Office at 508 678 2891 extension 1500 or lmiller@dimanregional.org with any questions.  You may apply at www.dimanregional.org or contact the Admissions Office to request a paper application.

Withdrawn Students:

Students who withdraw from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School and who are attending or not attending another high school may reapply to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School following the procedures contained in this Admission Policy and will be evaluated using the criteria contained in this Admission Policy.

VII. Selection Process

When more students apply to Diman Regional than available seats, Diman Regional uses the following system to select students for admission:

Selection Criteria

Completed applications are processed by the Guidance Office using admissions criteria. Each applicant will be assigned a score derived from the sum of the sub scores of the following criteria:

Conduct - Maximum 50 Points

50 points --Zero suspensions or incidents imposed pursuant to MGL c.71 37H, 37H½, 37H¾

0 points - One or more incidents resulting in suspension imposed pursuant to MGL c.71 37H, 37H½, or for which suspension or expulsion totals 10 or more days was imposed to M.G.L. c 71, 37H ¾.

A copy of the student's disciplinary record must accompany the application. Each suspension or infraction will be reviewed to determine a pattern of multiple incidents of major discipline under 37H ¾ which may reflect upon the student’s likelihood of success or safety in the vocational school or program. Students who receive zero (0) points due to this will be given an opportunity to explain and clarify the suspensions or pattern of incidents to an admissions panel comprised of the Principal, Director of Admissions, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a Vocational Instructor, and a Guidance Counselor.

Academic Marks - Maximum 136 Points

Final grades of A (100-90) will receive 17 points

Final grades of B (89-80) will receive 12 points

Final grades of C (79-70) will receive 7 points

Final grades of D (69-60) will receive 2 points

Final grades of F (below 60) will receive 0 points

For applications to grade nine (fall admission) the final grade seven and Terms 1 and 2 grade eight marks (or first trimester marks) in English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science from the local school report card/transcript are used. Applications to grades ten, eleven and twelve (fall admission) the final marks of the last two school years in English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science from the local school report card/transcript is used. For applications to grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve (admission during the school year) the previous final grade marks in English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science and the current school year to the date of the application marks in English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science from the local school report card/transcript are used.

Cumulative Unexcused Absences –

Points-- 80 -- 0 days absent

Points-- 70 – 1 to 3 days absent

Points-- 60 -- 4 to 6 days absent

Points-- 50 -- 7 to 9 days absent

Points-- 40 -- 10 to 12 days absent

Points-- 30 – 13 to 15 days absent

Points-- 0 – 16 or more days absent

For applications to grade nine (fall admission), grade seven and Terms 1 and 2 grade eight unexcused absences or first trimester unexcused absence from the local school report card/transcript are used.

For applications to grades ten, eleven and twelve (fall admission) the previous school year and current school year unexcused absences from the local school report card/transcript are used.

For applications to grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve (admission during the school year) the previous years unexcused absences and the current school year to the date of the application, unexcused absences from the local school report card/transcript are used.

An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not school approved. Examples of school approved absences are: medical appointments, funeral leave, court appearances, religious observances or any other reason approved by the school. A copy of the student's attendance record must accompany the application.

Recommendation - Maximum 60 Points (from School Guidance)

RUBRIC FOR RECOMMENDATION From Guidance Counselor

For application to grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve (fall admission and admission during the school year) the assessment of a student's overall performance within his/her school is used for the recommendation. 

After points are given in each area, the points are totaled for each applicant. A maximum total of three hundred and twenty-six (326) points can be earned for incoming students.

The Director of Guidance and Admissions at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School considers all score criteria; scholastic achievement, attendance, conduct, and the recommendation. Applications are reviewed, processed and assigned points by criteria.

After a point total for each resident applicant has been determined, all resident applicants are placed in order of their "point total" and town of residence. Resident applicants are then accepted in order of the point total they have achieved. The resident applicant with the first highest point total is accepted first, the resident applicant with the second highest point total is accepted second and so on until all seats are filled.   All applicants are accepted, declined or receive a letter to submit their final report cards. If openings occur, the seats are filled by accepting resident applicants from the next student in order of point total. 

All applicants whose applications are received by Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School are notified of their status by a letter to their parent(s)/guardian(s).

Enrollment and Conditional Enrollment: Diman Regional will ask sending districts to confirm that all accepted students have been promoted and have not received major discipline pursuant to MGL c.71 37H, 37H½, or for which suspension or expulsion totals 10 or more days was imposed pursuant to M.G.L. c 71, 37H ¾. Students who have received the aforementioned discipline after acceptance will be given an opportunity to explain and clarify the suspensions or pattern of incidents to an admissions panel comprised of the Principal, Director of Admissions, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a Vocational Instructor, and a Guidance Counselor. If the panel finds sufficient cause, the acceptance may be withdrawn.

VIII. Exploratory Program

Because Diman Regional offers 5 or more Chapter 74 state approved programs, Diman Regional provides a half year exploratory program for 9th grade students.  The program is based on the applicable Vocational Technical Education and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

All ninth graders who enroll in Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School participate in a vocational technical exploratory program designed to help them learn about their talents and interests. Students list their top three exploratory choices on their application and explore each of them along with nine other shops (one of which is a non-traditional shop) for two to four days. Students are evaluated and scored by each shop instructor.

IX. Program Specific Admission

Diman Regional uses the following system for students to identify and enroll in their Chapter 74 technical program:

At the end of the students’ shop exploratory period, each student selects his/her program of choice, as well as a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth choice. Students are admitted into the shop of their choice based on the point total they receive on the Exploratory Evaluation Rubric.  If a shop fills, based on point total, before a student gets his/her first choice, the Director of Guidance and Admissions then moves to the student's second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth choice depending upon whether there is an opening in the shop. If a student's point total on the Exploratory Evaluation Rubric does not qualify them for a shop of their choice, the Director of Guidance and Admissions will place the student in a shop taking into consideration availability, shops explored, and student exploratory performance. This process continues until all students are placed.

X. Review and Appeal Process

If Diman Regional does not accept an applicant, or places them on a waitlist, the applicant or their parent/guardian may request the Superintendent of Diman Regional to review the decision (within the accepted timeline).  These requests can be made the following way:

1. By email to bbentley@dimanregional.org
2. By hard-copy mail or hand delivered to 251 Stonehaven Road, Fall River, MA, 02723, Attention: Mr. Brian Bentley

The Superintendent will respond to these requests for review in writing and indicate whether the decision to deny admission to the student, or to waitlist the student, will stand or be overturned.  In making this determination, the Superintendent will review the following information:

The applicant's parent(s)/guardian(s), upon receipt of a letter from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School indicating that the applicant was not accepted, may request a review of the decision by sending a letter requesting a review to the Superintendent within thirty days of the receipt of the letter. The Superintendent will respond in writing to the letter with the findings of the review they may do so by sending a letter requesting that they be scheduled to appear before the School Committee to appeal the Superintendent's findings.

The School Committee will respond in writing to the parent(s)/guardian(s) with a scheduled date for the appeal within thirty days of the receipt of the letter. The School Committee will respond in writing to the letter with their decision on the appeal within thirty days of the School Committee meeting when the appeal was presented.                                

The Superintendent can review data related to the application process only.  The School Committee can also review data related to the application process only.  Decisions will be made based on data only, no inferences will be allowed during the Appeal Process. 

Admission to Specific Programs within Diman Regional:

Students who are admitted to Diman Regional will need to apply to a specific program of student (shop) during their 9th grade year. 

If the student applies to a program and is denied, the student may appeal their rejection to the Superintendent in the following ways:

1. By email to bbentley@dimanregional.org
2. By hard-copy mail or hand delivered to 251 Stonehaven Road, Fall River, MA, 02723, Attention: Mr.  Brian Bentley

The student's/applicant's parent(s)/guardian(s), upon notification from Diman, indicating that the student’s/applicant's was not placed in a particular shop program may request a review of the decision by sending a letter requesting a review to the Principal within thirty days of the receipt of the letter. The Principal will respond in writing to the letter with the findings of the review within thirty days. 

In making this determination, the Superintendent will review the following information:

-Exploratory selection sheets from the student

-Exploratory grades

-School wide placement data

XI. Maintenance of Records

Diman Regional maintains records of all students who apply, enroll, or are waitlisted, as well as their score on admission criteria, to facilitate analysis of its admissions system and compliance with application laws and regulations.  Diman Regional will provide this information to DESE upon request. 

Accepted as Policy by School Committee on 09/15/2022