2006 – 2007 Student / Parent Handbook
704-924-8870
704-873-1398 Fax
Board Members
Kristi Wishon
John Milholland – Scarlett
Perry
AMERICAN RENAISSANCE
CHARTER SCHOOL VISION
To provide an
engaging educational environment, which surrounds the child in a community of
learners, who acknowledge and believe in the unique, yet dynamic nature of the
human spirit and strive to foster and nurture the individual through meaningful
and challenging opportunities in art, research, communication, and science
while collectively experiencing a Renaissance of the Mind.
AMERICAN RENAISSANCE
CHARTER SCHOOL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Introduction
II General Information
III Visitors
IV School Functions
V School Services
VI Academic Information
VII Student Responsibilities
VIII Bad Weather Procedures
IX Student Dress Code
Lockers
Acknowledgement of Receipt of
Handbook
School Year Calendar
I INTRODUCTION
Welcome
This
handbook is prepared for students and parents.
It provides important facts on school attendance, immunization
requirements, and rules for student conduct, and testing. Also included are the school calendar and
school hours.
Our
handbook provides rules for governance and operation of the school set by the
Board, Team Leader, and the Staff.
Students and parents should comply with these rules, regulations and
directives.
Cooperation
among home, school, and the community is essential to ensure that all students
receive the full benefit of their education.
It is important that everyone read and discusses this handbook and
become familiar with its contents.
From ARCS Board Members
The
ARCS Board meets each month in a regularly scheduled board meeting. All ARCS Board Meetings are open to our
school community and the public as required by the Open Meetings Law and the
requirements of all non-profit organizations and schools.
FACULTY
Patricia
Bosshart
Kindergarten
Bonnie
Cook Nurse
Tami
Frutig First
Grade
Kathleen
Gay Student Services Leader
Jacqueline
Hayes Kindergarten
Jennifer
Hodges Upper Core Math
Tina
Hofer Lower
Core Communication
Jennifer
Hollifield
Teaching
Associate
Amy
McCachren Upper
Core Art
Sharon
Molleur Team
Leader
Susette Munday Teaching Associate
Robin
Munguia Spanish
Carobeth Overcash Kindergarten
Marissa
Parsons Music
Ian
Powers Lower Core Art
Carolyn
Rogers EC
Debbie
Shaginaw Kindergarten
Robyn
Smith First
Grade
Janet
Spicer Upper
Core Communication
II GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION
A.
Age Requirements
Children
may attend kindergarten if they are five years old on or before October 16 of
the present school year. Valid birth certificates
are required. Kindergartners must also
have completed their immunizations and have a physical examination. The team leader or school nurse must see your
child’s birth certificate. The form for
the required health assessment for the child is available at the school.
B.
Health Care Guidelines
In
an effort to protect all children from contagious illness, ARCS follows these
health care policies.
School employees are
allowed to administer medications prescribed by a doctor upon written
request of the student’s parents or guardians.
In
case of illness, we will contact the parent or other family member to pick up
the child from the school (within1-1/2 hours) both to prevent transmission to
the other children and to provide comfort for the child. Your child must be kept home for 24 hours (without symptoms) before returning to
school. In case of contagious illness
(or suspected contagious illness), a doctor’s note will be required prior to
your child returning to school. ARCS understands that it is difficult for a parent to leave
or to miss work; therefore it is suggested that alternative arrangements be
made in advance. The following
conditions will result in your being contacted to pick up your child:
* tympanic
temperature of 101 degrees or more; auxiliary temperature of 99 degrees
·
two or more episodes of vomiting during the course of the
school day
·
three or more diarrhea or loose stools, inconsistent with
usual bowel movements and not associated with antibiotic use
·
any suspicious rash
·
purulent drainage from eyes (Pink eye or other contagious
eye infection)
·
colored nasal discharge (if transmission cannot be
controlled)
·
any symptoms requiring one-on-one care and/or causing severe
discomfort
·
any symptoms accompanied by open, oozing, bacterial infections
and/or severe or bloody diarrhea
When
returning your child to ARCS after an illness, please remember:
·
a child must be free from
symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea for a full 24 hour period prior
to returning to school
·
any child prescribed an antibiotic must take it for 24 hours
before returning to school
·
any contagious illness (such as measles or chickenpox)
requires a doctor’s note, specifying that the child is no longer contagious,
prior to returning to school
·
a child must be able to participate in ALL activities
(including outdoor play) upon returning to school. State law requires that all children go
outside (weather permitting). If your child
is unable to go outdoors, a doctor’s note, including a limit to the time when
the child must remain indoors, is required.
Policy for Administration
of Prescription Medications:
·
State law requires a Prescription
Medication Form signed by the parent and by written order of a physician
(prescription labels are permitted).
·
The form must specify both the dosage and the time to be
administered.
·
The medication must have a current pharmacist’s
label, in the original bottle. The
label must include the child’s name, dosage, date, and the name and number of
the physician.
Policy for Administration
of Nonprescription Medications:
·
State law requires that the parent confer with a physician
regarding the administration of “over-the-counter” medications. The parent is
required to complete an Administration
Request for “over-the-counter Medication form stating the medication and
dosage specified by the physician. The
form must be completed each week that the medication is requested
·
Nonprescription ointments
and/or topical lotions require only a note signed by the parent, specifying
time and dosage (not to exceed 3 months.)
·
Include information on insurance and authorization for
medication.
C.
School Day
Arrival ---Student may not arrive before
Students arriving after
Dismissal ---all students must be
picked up by
**
Students arriving before
D.
Student Attendance
The
Compulsory Attendance Law, N.C. G.S. 115C-378 as amended, states that a student
under sixteen years of age MUST attend school regularly while school is in
session. Unlawful absences will be reported to proper authorities.
Learning
is the underlying purpose of every school.
When a student misses class or parts of class, he or she does not have
the benefit of discussions, demonstrations, experiments, or instruction which have a tremendous bearing on learning and grades. Repeated absence defeats the purpose of
school and jeopardizes the student’s chances of promotion. It is the parents and student’s
responsibility and obligation to make sure the student attends school unless
the child must be absent for one of the following reasons.
1. Illness or Injury: when the absence results from
illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to
attend school
2. Quarantine: when isolation of the student is ordered by
the local health officer or by the State Board of Health.
3. Death in the Immediate Family: when the absence
results from the death of a member of the immediate family of the student (For
the purpose of this regulation, the immediate family of the student includes,
but is not necessarily limited to parents, brothers, sisters, and
grandparents).
4. Medical or Dental Appointment: when the absence
results from a medical or dental appointment for a student.
5. Court or Administrative proceedings: when the
absence results from the attendance of a student at the proceedings of a court
or an administrative tribunal if the student is a party to the action or under
subpoena as a witness.
6. Religious Observance: if the tenets of a
religion to which a student or his/her parent adheres require or suggest
observance of a religious event. The
approval of such absence is within the discretion of the Board but approval
should be granted unless the religious observance or the cumulative effect of
religious observance is of such duration as to interfere with the education of
the student.
7. Educational
All other
absences shall be deemed unlawful. After three unexcused absences, the
required state procedure will be followed.
a)
Written Excuses Required: students must have a written excuse from a parent/guardian
for any and all absences from school. This note must be given to the teacher no
later than three days after the child
returns to school following an absence, or the absence will be reported as
unlawful. This is required of all
parents.
(GS 115C-379)
b)
Excessive absence:
students who accumulate ten days
of excused or unexcused absences will be required to bring a doctor’s excuse
for any further absence from school & if the doctor’s excuse is not
provided, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. The Team Leader
and/or Board may grant exceptions.
c)
Early Dismissal of a Student from
School: 1) Parents/guardians are discouraged from
picking children up from school early, unless it is absolutely necessary. 2)
The parent/guardian must pick the child up in the office. 3) If someone other
than the parent/guardian is sent to pick the child up, a dated written note
stating that person’s name and the time he or she will arrive for the child, is required. A
phone call does not replace the written permission. Parents/guardians must provide the same
written permission if the child is to go home with someone, stay after school,
or leave with anyone other than the parent or legal guardian. 4) Students must
be signed out on the appropriate form in the school’s office. 5) Children may not be picked up at their
classroom.
d)
Tardiness: Excessive Tardiness will
result in days missed that are unexcused.
A.
Family Trips
Before a
student may be excused for school for a family trip, written arrangements must
be made by the parents/guardians with the Team Leader three days prior to the trip.
Students will be excused for up to five
days per year for the family travels.
All students who leave school for an extended trip will be coded in the
following manner: excused the first five days and all additional absences are
unexcused. The student is responsible
for obtaining and completing all class work. Absence during End of Grading testing should be avoided at all cost!
III
VISITORS
Visitors
are welcome in our school. Everyone, including parents, should report to the school office first to help insure the
safety of students. Parents are
especially encouraged
to volunteer and attend parent awareness sessions.
A) Conferences with the teachers or
administrators should be arranged in advance.
Teacher conferences should be scheduled on Tuesday afternoons from
B)
Pre-school
age children must remain in the company of the parent.
C)
Volunteers,
parents, business partners, and other community volunteers are vital to the
successful educational program. We
encourage you to consider being a tutor, a mentor, lunch buddy, speaker,
project judge, or helping with clerical work.
Please call the school if you wish to volunteer. Remember the other children may not accompany
the volunteer to school.
IV
SCHOOL FUNCTIONS
Our
school has a very active parent support group called R.A.P. (Renaissance Association of Parents). Please become a member and show support
for your school by attending meetings and sponsored school events and
activities. Volunteer to work on
committees. This is an opportunity to
show the children that you value them and their educational growth.
2006-2007 Officers
Kari Jolly, President
Shirley Johnson, Vice
President/Treasurer
Gina Terry, Secretary
Our
school provides a Before / After School Care Program. The hours of the operation of this
service are
Cost: $60
per week, $45 per week (afternoons only), $20 per week (mornings only),
& $15
per day (drop in)
Payment
must be tendered on Friday prior to the week service is expected. Care will not be provided without payment. Payments
are made payable to: ARCS.
Before/After School Program will
begin
V
SCHOOL SERVICES
A) Lunch: ARCS contracts for school lunches
with several vendors. School lunch menus
are provided at the middle of the month for the coming month. Parents/families are asked to complete the
lunch menu in the following way:
·
circle the days your child will
purchase lunch
·
return the menu and payment for the
total number of days purchased in an envelope with your child’s name
·
panic lunches will be provided by request at a cost of $5.00 per lunch per
day. Lunches served to a child which are not circled on the menu ARE PANIC
lunches. 1st choice for Panic
lunch is the days’ menu selection (when available), 2nd choice is a Lunchable meal.
·
Bag lunches are acceptable
B) Pictures: ARCS will arrange for student pictures to be
taken in the fall and in the spring as a service to parents.
C) Use of Telephone: Students will NOT make
telephone calls during the school days except in case of emergency. Students will NOT be called from class to the
phone except in case of a real emergency. Cell phones for students are not
allowed.
VI
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
A)
Reporting
Assessments – One of the primary goals at ARCS is for our students to master
the objectives in the N C Standard Course of Study. ARCS expects our
students to strive for mastery of the required objectives. Parents will be given detailed assessments
five times a year informing them of their child’s level of progress towards
mastering the N C objectives for their grade level.
1) Interim Reports: Communication with parents/guardians by means
other than formal report cards is encouraged.
This may include scheduled parent/teacher conferences, notes, letters,
telephone calls, home visits, proficiency reports, and samples of student
work. Particular emphasis should be
placed on contact with parents or guardians of students who experience
difficulty in the school environment.
2) Student Progression: In preparing students for productive
citizenship in a democratic society, we must deal with the serious issue of
retention and promotion. Such a critical
decision must be based on clearly outlined criteria.
3) Subject Code for K-2 Grades:
4 – Excellent Mastery (demonstrates & applies knowledge
& strategies beyond grade level)
3 – Proficient Mastery (demonstrates & applies knowledge
& strategies on grade level)
2 – Slow Mastery (inconsistently demonstrates & applies
knowledge & strategies; requires frequent assistance)
1 – Insufficient Mastery (rarely demonstrates or applies
knowledge or strategies; needs assistance & modified curriculum)
(*) curriculum has been modified
SUB –TOPIC CODE
(CK) appropriate progress (na)
not applicable
(x) needs improvement
4) Subject Code for 3-5 Grades:
A – Excellent Mastery
(90-100) (ck)
appropriate progress
B – Very good Mastery
(80-89) (x) needs improvements
C – Satisfactory
Mastery (70-79)
D – Slow Mastery
(60-69)
F – Unsatisfactory
progress (0-59)
·
Educators
must encourage responsible citizenship while striving for academic excellence.
Effort, ability, attendance, achievement, and social, emotional, and physical
development must be considered.
·
The
decision to promote or retain has to be made carefully because the
ramifications could affect the quality of the student’s life. Consideration
must include input from educators, parents/guardians, and students. The final decision rests with the Team
Leader. (G.S. 115-228)
·
Learning Through
Real Experiences: All children will participate in
this program which will provide weekly opportunities for students to
participate in ongoing activities throughout the community. Because our location is in Historic Downtown
Statesville, ARCS learners will be within walking distance of the following:
five banks, the Civic Center, the Hall of Justice, the Courthouse, Farmer’s
Market, three newspaper offices, the fire station, the police station, the
public library, the Chamber of Commerce, the Children’s Museum, Mitchell
Community College, a pet store, and over 100 businesses. Utilizing a curriculum approach, we will
involve each learner in experiences which enhance and extend their learning
opportunities in all core areas. The
learning opportunities are endless as together we build a community of
learners.
Prior notice
containing details, fees, chaperones, and transportation will be provided in
advance concerning field trips other than daily experiences.
B)
Homework
Research
has proven that students who do some homework are more successful at school.
Homework is assigned to meet your child’s educational needs. It is the
student’s responsibility to have it completed and ready to be presented at the
beginning of class for which it is required.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide guidance ONLY on student
assignments. Students learn the wrong
lesson when they don’t do their own work.
Planners: Grade 3rd through 5th will
participate in writing. This process will continue throughout the year.
Handwriting
Programs: ARCS teaches the D’Nealian Handwriting
Method. This method has been widely used
throughout the
Accelerated
Reader: ARCS utilizes the nationally recognized
accelerated reader program for all students.
Students participate in AR each morning from arrival to
C.
Testing
1.
End
of Grade (EOG) Testing is a key factor in determining how much a child has
progressed during the year. Students
MUST be in attendance for testing in May.
Dates: 1st Assessment Period Ends October
1st
Assessment to Parents October
2nd
Assessment Period Ends November
2nd
Assessment to Parents December
3rd
Assessment Periods Ends February
3rd
Assessment to Parents February
4th
Assessment Period Ends March
4th
Assessment Period to Parents April
5th
Assessment Period Ends May
5th
Assessment to Parent June
2.
Other
Elementary Testing Program Assessments:
EOG Pretest -
Grade 3 Date: August 29,
30, & 31, 2006
NC Writing Assessment – Grade 4 Date:
EOG Test for Grades 3, 4, & 5 Date: May 22, 23, & 24, 2007
CAT Test for Grades K, 1, & 2 Date:
May 1 & 2
VII STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Each student has a
right to attend public school and must accept the consequences for his actions.
Each
student is responsible for knowing all rules, regulations, and policies, which
affect him/her. Students share with
school personnel the responsibility of maintaining order at school through
compliance with all lawful directions of the Team Leader, teachers, substitute
teachers, teacher assistants and other personnel authorized to give directions.
ARCS believes in an environment which encourages,
supports, and motivates the child.
Because we acknowledge each child as a valuable individual, our
interactions with children are positive and non-violent. Our goal is to foster the growth and
development of each child in an environment of warmth and love, which
encourages mutual respect and understanding.
Staff
Members at ARCS will:
Respect
children
Plan
daily programs that encourage and motivate
Encourage
appropriate behaviors
Redirect
inappropriate behaviors
Model
appropriate behaviors
Provide
opportunities for children to discuss concerns with adults
Provide
opportunities for children to talk about appropriate and inappropriate
behaviors
Goal: To establish and maintain a positive and safe learning
environment in which all students can learn.
Teachers
will be firm, consistent, and positive with their discipline. Parents should become familiar with the
teacher’s expectations concerning behavior.
As a
parent, you have the right to know when your child routinely chooses not to
follow the rules. We urge your support
and cooperation if you should receive a call or behavior form. It is in your child’s best interest that we
work together. You are your child’s first teacher. Teaching appropriate behavior is your
responsibility as a parent.
ARCS is committed to the education of every
student. The staff encourages and
motivates all students to achieve their best. However, we will not allow any
student to keep another student from learning.
Thank you for helping us to reach our goals.
The ARCS
behavior policy will be distributed to parents and students. There will also be a parent-student
acknowledgement statement kept on file with the student’s records. The policy
and its consequences will be discussed with students and parents and reviewed
periodically with their teachers.
Any ARCS
student who disrupts the learning environment may be referred for behavior
assessment. The Team Leader, Student
Services Leader, or Professional Development leader will keep a log that will
include the student’s name, core, and date of referral, as well as the behavior
concern, and name of the teacher. The
Team Leader or Designee will notify the parent of inappropriate behavior in
person or by a telephone call.
Bomb Threat or Hoax
No
student shall communicate or publish in any manner whatsoever any report,
threat, or other statement, knowing the same to be false, that presently
located or to be placed on any school property is a device designed to cause
damage, destruction, or injury by explosion, blasting, or combustion.
No
student shall place or display on any school premises with or without the
intent of perpetuating a hoax, any device that would appear to a reasonable
person to be an explosive device or similar instrument capable of causing
injury or damage.
Any such
report, threat, or statement will be deemed to be factual and to constitute a
clear and present danger to individuals and property. Law enforcement authorities will be notified
immediately and criminal process will be initiated against the person or
persons, whether minor or adult, responsible for such conduct.
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
No
student shall knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any weapon as defined by N
C General Statute 14-269.2 or other object that can reasonably be considered a
weapon or dangerous instrument.
The first
violation of this policy during a school year by a student may result in a
suspension for the student from the school for a designated period of time up
to and including long-term suspension.
The
second violation of this policy during a school year by a student shall result
in long-term suspension from the school system for the remained of the school
year.
If the
first violation of this policy involves the possession of a pistol, rifle,
shotgun, pellet gun, handgun, a facsimile of any gun, any other firearm, or an
explosive device, the student shall receive a long-term suspension from the
school system for one year. An official
complaint will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
However,
the team leader may modify the expulsion requirement on a case by case basis.
Parents
are reminded that the N C G. S. 14-269.2 amended by Chapter 558 (H 1008) in
1993, makes it a Class I felony, on a misdemeanor under some circumstances, for
any person to possess or carry a firearm or explosive onto educational
property. That includes a hunting rifle
in a vehicle.
It is a
misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry on school grounds any BB gun,
air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane,
switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razor and razor blades, and
any sharp-pointed or edged instrument, except instructional supplies
“Educational
property” includes any public school building or bus; any property owned, used,
or operated by ARCS.
Prohibited Substances
The
possession, use, sale, exchange, or distribution of any prohibited substance on
educational property will not be tolerated.
“Prohibited Substance” includes, but is not limited to the following:
tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and controlled substances,
medicines for which your child does not have a valid prescription, and any
substance which reasonably appears to be a counterfeit or facsimile of any
prohibited substance. “Possession”
includes in a locker, book-bag, desk, vehicle, or on a student’s person at
school or any school-related activity.
The first
violation of this policy during a school year will result in notification of
parent(s) or guardian(s) and the appropriate law enforcement agency;
out-of-school suspension of at least five days, the student and parent will be
required to obtain an alcohol and drug assessment provided by Iredell County
Mental Health or similar agency and comply with a specific number of treatments
or educational sessions; and the student may be prosecuted under applicable
juvenile or criminal law.
The
second violation of this policy during a school year will involve the same
notification of parent(s) or guardian(s) and the appropriate law enforcement
agency; the student will be suspended out-of-school for 10 days and a
recommendation will be made that the student be suspended for the remainder of
the school year to the ARCS Board, the student may be prosecuted under the
applicable juvenile or criminal law; and the student will be encouraged to seek
substance abuse treatment services.
VIII INCLEMENT WEATHER
There are
many factors considered prior to making the decision to delay or cancel school.
The primary concern when inclement weather strikes is the safety of students
and staff when traveling on county roads.
The condition of the roads is a primary consideration.
When snow
or ice conditions are predicted or present, tune your radio or television to
the following list of media carriers for an announcement and check our WEB
address at www.amerren-charterschool.org
WBTV, NBC6, WSOC 1400 am,
1110 am, 99.3 fm
If NO
announcement of delay or cancellation of school is heard, you should understand
school is scheduled.
In some
cases, school may have to be cancelled after students arrive. Parents need to make arrangements beforehand
concerning where a child is to go if school is dismissed (NOTE:
After
School Care will not operate during these conditions).
ARCS does NOT follow the Iredell/Statesville school system inclement
weather policy.
IX