alma family handbook

8/6/2019 Alma Family Handbook

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AlmadelMarFamilyHandbook Page1of71 2011-2012SchoolYear

DearAlmadelMarParent, WelcometotheAlmadelMarFamily!WearehonoredandhumbledbyyourdecisiontoenrollyourscholaratAlmadelMarCharterSchool.Inmakingthisdecision,youhavetakenanimportantsteponthepathtoyourscholarscollegegraduation.Wepromisetodo

everythinginourpowertomakesureyourchilddoesthehardworknecessaryforhimorhertobeonacollegetrajectory.AsamemberoftheAlmadelMarfamily,youaremakingacommitmenttoservice.Thatcommitmentmeansyouwillhelptosupportourschoolcommunityinwhateverwaysyouareable.Inadditiontoadvocatingforyourchildseducation,weaskthatyoualsoadvocatefortheeducationofeveryscholarinourbuilding.Wehavenodoubtthat,withyoursupport,everysingleoneofourscholarswillachieveatthehighestlevels.Pleasespendsometimereviewingthishandbookatthestartoftheschoolyear,andbesuretocalloremailuswithquestionsregardinganyofourpolicies.Beforeschoolstarts,

weaskthatyoureadthroughthefirst32pagesofthishandbook.Welookforwardtogettingtoknowyouandyourscholar(s)aswechallengethemtodotheirbestworkeverydayofthisschoolyear.

InService,

WillGardner,ExecutiveDirectorRolandriaJustice,PrincipalMeredithSegal,DirectorofScholarandFamilyServices


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TableofContents

SectionI:OurMission.........................................................................................................................5

SectionII:BoardofTrustees............................................................................................................7

SectionIII:FacultyandStaff...........................................................................................................10

SectionIV:WhomtoContactWhen..........................................................................................12

SectionV:FamilyEngagement.......................................................................................................13 1. Phoneande-mailcommunication................................................................................................142. WeeklyUpdates..................................................................................................................................143. InitialHomeVisits.............................................................................................................................154. ParentTeacherConferences.......................................................................................................155. FamilyDaysofService......................................................................................................................156. ExpeditionNights...............................................................................................................................157. OpenHouses........................................................................................................................................158. ParentCouncils...................................................................................................................................15

A. SchoolwideParentCouncil......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... ...16B. SpecialEducationParentAdvisoryCouncil.....................................................................................16 C. EnglishLanguageLearner(ELL)ParentAdvisoryCouncil.......................................................16

9. VolunteerOpportunities.................................................................................................................1710. SchoolVisits........................................................................................................................................1711. TownHall.............................................................................................................................................1812. BirthdayCelebrations......................................................................................................................18

SectionVI:AcademicProgram.......................................................................................................191. AcademicSubjects.............................................................................................................................20

A. Literacy............................................................................................................................................................20B. Mathematics.......... ......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... ...20C. Science/SocialStudies...............................................................................................................................20D. Co-Curriculars......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... 20E. SampleDailySchedule......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... ...22

2. ExpeditionaryLearning...................................................................................................................233. Schoolsupplies...................................................................................................................................234. Homework............................................................................................................................................235. Gradingpolicies..................................................................................................................................24

A. ProgressReports.........................................................................................................................................24B. ReportCards..................................................................................................................................................25C. Conferences....................................................................................................................................................25

6. Promotion/RetentionPolicies.......................................................................................................257. Assessments.........................................................................................................................................26

A. MassachusettsComprehensiveAssessmentSystem(MCAS)..................................................26B. TerraNova......................................................................................................................................................26C. MathBenchmarkTests..............................................................................................................................26 D. Fountas&PinnellReadingAssessments..........................................................................................26E. TeacherCreatedTestsandQuizzes.....................................................................................................26

SectionVII:CodeofConduct...........................................................................................................27 1. FiveCommitments.............................................................................................................................28

A. Service..............................................................................................................................................................28B. Quality..............................................................................................................................................................28


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C. Integrity...........................................................................................................................................................29D. Accountability...............................................................................................................................................29E. Persistence.....................................................................................................................................................29

2. ConsequencesforFailuretoAdheretoBehavioralExpectations.....................................30A. ClassroomConsequences.........................................................................................................................30 B. Office-LevelConsequences......................................................................................................................31 C. SuspensionandExpulsion.......................................................................................................................31

3. Attendance...........................................................................................................................................32A. ExcusedAbsences.......................................................................................................................................32B. UnexcusedAbsences..................................................................................................................................32C. Punctuality......................................................................................................................................................33

4. CellPhones,Electronics,andToys...............................................................................................335. Gum,Candy,andCaffeine................................................................................................................336. TobaccoProducts...............................................................................................................................347. ApplicationofPoliciestoScholarswithSpecialNeeds.........................................................34

SectionVIII:DressCode...................................................................................................................35 1. UniformOptionsforGirls................................................................................................................36

2. UniformOptionsforBoys................................................................................................................373. AdditionalSpecificationsforBoysandGirls.............................................................................384. ObtainingDressCodeItems...........................................................................................................38

A. OrderingInformation................................................................................................................................38B. FinancialAssistance...................................................................................................................................39C. DonationofUsedUniforms.....................................................................................................................39

5. DressCodeEnforcement..................................................................................................................39

SectionIX:AfterschoolProgram...................................................................................................40 1. Enrollment............................................................................................................................................412. Cost..........................................................................................................................................................413. Transportation....................................................................................................................................41

SectionX:EducatingAllScholars..................................................................................................42 1. EvaluationsforSpecialEducation................................................................................................432. EligibilityforSpecialEducation....................................................................................................433. IndividualizedEducationPlan.......................................................................................................434. 504AccommodationPlan...............................................................................................................445. Counseling............................................................................................................................................446. HomelessEducationAct..................................................................................................................447. EnglishLanguageLearners.............................................................................................................44

SectionXI:SchoolBreakfastandLunch......................................................................................451. FreeandReducedBreakfastandLunch.....................................................................................46

A. Eligibility.........................................................................................................................................................46

B. Enrollment......................................................................................................................................................46 2. MealPrices...........................................................................................................................................463. OrderingMeals...................................................................................................................................47

A. OnlineOrdering............................................................................................................................................47 B. PaperOrdering.............................................................................................................................................47

4. MealsfromHome...............................................................................................................................48

SectionXII:Health..............................................................................................................................49 1. Screenings............................................................................................................................................502. AdministrationofMedicationinSchool.....................................................................................50


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A. PainKillers.....................................................................................................................................................50B. AsthmaInhalers...........................................................................................................................................51C. EpiPens.............................................................................................................................................................51

3. FirstAidandMedicalEmergencies..............................................................................................514. MedicalExclusion..............................................................................................................................515. MedicalRecords.................................................................................................................................52

A. MassachusettsSchoolHealthRecord.................................................................................................52B. EmergencyCard...........................................................................................................................................52C. AuthorizationforDispensingMedicationinSchoolForm......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... 53

SectionXIII:SafetyandSecurity....................................................................................................541. WeatherClosures...............................................................................................................................552. VisitorProtocols.................................................................................................................................553. ScholarProperty................................................................................................................................55

A. ScholarStorageSpace................................................................................................................................55 B. ProhibitedItems..........................................................................................................................................55C. Lost&Found..................................................................................................................................................56 D. ScholarSearches..........................................................................................................................................56

4. RestrainingOrders............................................................................................................................565. EvacuationProcedures....................................................................................................................56

SectionXIV:Transportation...........................................................................................................58 1. SchoolBuses........................................................................................................................................59

A. EligibilityforBusTransportation........................................................................................................59B. LocationofBusPickupandDrop-off..................................................................................................59C. BehaviorontheBus....................................................................................................................................59

2. DropoffandPickupatSchool........................................................................................................603. WalkersandBikers...........................................................................................................................61

SectionXV:BullyingPolicy..............................................................................................................62 1. BullyingPreventionEfforts............................................................................................................632. CollaborationwithFamilies...........................................................................................................63

A. In-PersonReporttoStaffMember.......................................................................................................63 B. WrittenIncidentReportingForm........................................................................................................63C. PhoneMessage........... .......... ......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... .......... ......63

3. ResponsestoReportsofBullying.................................................................................................64A. Safety................................................................................................................................................................64B. Investigation..................................................................................................................................................64C. Determinations.............................................................................................................................................64

4. ResponsestoConfirmedBullyingIncidents.............................................................................64A. PromotingSafetyfortheTargetandOthers......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... ......... ........64B. EffortstoPreventFutureIncidents.....................................................................................................64 C. DisciplinaryAction......................................................................................................................................64

5. AccesstoResourcesandSupportServices................................................................................64

Appendices...........................................................................................................................................66 Appendix1:SchoolCalendar..................................................................................................................66Appendix2:AlmadelMarPledge.........................................................................................................68Appendix3:Suspension&ExpulsionPolicies..................................................................................69


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Section I: Our Mission


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AlmadelMarisaninclusiveExpeditionaryLearningschoolthatputsNewBedfordscholarsonacollegetrajectoryandchallengesthemtobeservice-orientedleaders.Byengaginginarigorousacademicprogramwithanemphasisonmeaningfulwork,ourscholarswillmasteressentialskillsandcontent,takeownershipoftheirlearningandthinkboldlywhileaddressingcomplexacademicandcommunityissues.

AlmadelMarisacharterschool.CharterschoolswereintroducedinMassachusettsviathe1993EducationReformActpassedbytheLegislature.Charterschoolsareindependentlymanagedpublicschoolsthatoperateunderafive-yearchartergrantedbytheMassachusettsBoardofEducation.Charterschoolshavethefreedomtoorganizearoundacoremission,curriculum,theme,orteachingmethod,andareallowedtocontroltheirownbudgetsandhire(andfire)teachersandstaff.Inreturnforthisfreedom,acharterschoolmustdemonstratestrongacademicresultsandorganizationalviabilityorthecharterwillberevoked.Parentschoosetosendtheirchildrentocharterschools;scholarsareselectedbyrandompubliclotterywhen

demandexceedsthenumberofseatsavailable.Charterschoolsarepublicschoolsembodyingfreedom,choice,andaccountability.

OurFiveCommitments:

Service

Iwillactivelycontributetomyschoolandlargercommunitywithaspiritofcooperation,volunteeringmytimeandtalentstohelpothers.Quality

Iwilldomybestworkeverydayandreachforhighstandardsofacademicachievementandcharacter.IntegrityIwillbetruthfulandrespectmyselfandothersthroughmyactionsandmywords.AccountabilityIwilltakeresponsibilityformyconductandactions,alwaysstrivingtoholdmyselftohighstandardsandencouragingthosearoundmetodothesame.Persistence

Iwillnotgiveupwhenfacedwithchallenges.IwillaskforhelpwhenIneedit.Irecognizethatreallearningtakestimeandeffort.


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Section II: Board ofTrustees


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TheindividualslistedbelowcompriseAlmadelMarsfoundingBoardofTrustees.Theyareresponsibleforoverseeingthegovernanceoftheschoolandensuringthattheschoolisfulfillingitsmission.DavidCabral,MBA,isaPrincipalatFiveStarSurgicalandFiveStarManufacturing,

growingbusinessesthatmakeandrefurbishsurgicaldevices.DavidgrewupintheNewBedfordareaandservesontheBoardsoftheGreaterNewBedfordIndustrialFoundationandtheGreaterNewBedfordWorkforceInvestmentBoard.KarynCampbell,CFA,istheformermanagingdirectorofCapitalAdvisorsGroup,Inc.andservesonthenationalboardofdirectorsforCitizenSchools.Throughherwork,shehasexpandedCitizenSchoolsfromathree-siteprogramwithatwomilliondollarbudgettoanationalnetworkincludingprogramsinmorethan20citieswithatwenty-threemilliondollarbudget.Havinggrownupwithdyslexia,Karynattributeshersuccesstoexperientiallearningopportunities,andsheiscommittedtoopeningsuchopportunitiestounderprivilegedchildreninNewBedford.

JeanFox,MBA,hasworkedwiththeGreaterNewBedfordWorkforceInitiativeforthelastthreeyears.AstheorganizationsYouthCouncilDirector,shehasdesignedandimplementedfederallyfundedprogramsforat-riskyouthinNewBedford.ThroughPeople,IncorporatedandTheOpportunityCenter,Jeanhascreatedjobtrainingandplacementprogramsforyoungpeopleandforadultswithdisabilities.JeanisamemberoftheNewBedfordEarlyLiteracyConsortium.AmandaGlinski,JD,isacurrentresidentofNewBedford.AmandaisanestatesplanninglawyerinNewBedfordwithexperienceinotherareassuchasrealestate,generalcorporaterepresentation,businesslitigationandtrademarkapplications.

GuillermoGonzalez,MD,Vice-ChairisanativeofPuertoRicoandacurrentresidentofNewBedfordwithover30yearsofexperienceasapsychiatrist.HecurrentlyrunsaprivatepracticeinNewBedfordandhasservedontheEducationCommitteeforNewBedfordsMasterPlanandasaboardmemberfortheCommunityHealthFoundationofGreaterNewBedford.MarthaKay,M.Ed.,hasservedasanadministratorinNewBedfordPublicSchoolsforthepast20years.Mostrecently,shehasservedasthePrincipalofGomesElementarySchool,whichwasdesignatedasaCommendationSchoolforitsworkclosingtheachievementgapforEnglishlanguagelearnersandlow-incomescholars.Marthabringsapassionfor

improvingeducationaloutcomesforscholarsinNewBedford,expertiseinfederalgrant-writingandsignificantexperiencewithservingEnglishlanguagelearners.JudithLiisaDirectorofStrategyatTeachForAmerica,focusingontheorganizationsnear-andlong-termstrategicplanning.PriortojoiningTeachforAmerica,JudithwasamanagementconsultantatMcKinseyandCompany,whereshespentseveralyearsworkingonstrategicbusinessplanningandorganizationalstructure/developmentforawidespanofdifferentprivatesectororganizations.


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DavidM.Prentiss,JD,ChairmanistheCEOoftheNewBedfordSymphonyOrchestraaswellasalecturerinPoliticalScienceattheUniversityofMassachusettsinDartmouth.HehasservedastheExecutiveDirectoroftheButtonwoodParkZoologicalSocietyaswellastheActingDeanoftheSouthernNewEnglandSchoolofLaw.

MarkRasmussen,MPP,hasbeenPresidentandChiefExecutiveOfficerofTheCoalitionforBuzzardsBay,headquarteredinNewBedford,since1998.HeisagraduateofHarvardUniversitysKennedySchoolofGovernmentwithaMastersinPublicAdministrationandisalifelongresidentofGreaterNewBedford.


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Section III: Faculty andStaff


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Name Position E-mail

WillGardner ExecutiveDirector [email protected]

RolandriaJustice Principal [email protected]

MeredithSegal DirectorofScholar&FamilyServices [email protected]

LourdesGonzalez OfficeManager [email protected]

RebeccaCotugno KindergartenLeadTeacher [email protected]

BeckyJones KindergartenLeadTeacher [email protected] KindergartenAssociateTeacher [email protected]

FaustinaDePina KindergartenAssociateTeacher [email protected]

CourtneyMurtzNettell FirstGradeLeadTeacher [email protected]

KylaSpindler FirstGradeLeadTeacher [email protected]

NathalieConception FirstGradeAssociateTeacher [email protected]

JosephAlmeida SecondGradeLeadTeacher [email protected]

EmilySassola SecondGradeLeadTeacher [email protected]

ElizabethLeiwant SecondGradeAssociateTeacher [email protected]

SarahDoyle SpecialEducationInterventionist [email protected]

BethanyBrown PhysicalEducationTeacher [email protected]

AmandaHarris ArtTeacher [email protected]

JoshDaponte MusicTeacher [email protected]

JohnVeenstra PlantManager [email protected]

BoardofTrustees

ExecutiveDirector

PlantManager Principal

Lead

Teachers

AssociateTeachers

Co-curricularTeachers

SPEDInterventionist

DirectorofStudentand

FamilyServices

Nurse OficeManager


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Section IV: Whom to

Contact When

Concern StaffMemberIhavequestionsaboutmyscholarsacademicprogress Yourscholarsteacher

Ihavequestionsabouthomework Yourscholarsteacher

Ihavequestionsaboutschoolactivities(fieldtrips,etc.) Yourscholarsteacher

Myscholarhasanallergy;myscholarneedsmedicationduringtheday SchoolNurse

Idontknowwhethertosendmychildtoschoolbecausehe/shemaybesick SchoolNurse

Myscholarhasbeendiagnosedwithacontagiousillness SchoolNurseIhaveconcernsaboutindividualorschoolwidedisciplineissues RolandriaJustice

Ihavequestionsaboutstandardizedtesting RolandriaJustice

Ihavequestionsaboutinstructionormanagementnotansweredbyothers RolandriaJustice

Ihavebigpicturequestionsaboutinstruction,academics,orteaching RolandriaJustice

Myscholarwillbeabsentorlate LourdesGonzalez

Iwillbepickingmyscholaruponagivenday LourdesGonzalez

Iwouldliketoentermyscholarssiblingsintothelotteryfornextyear LourdesGonzalez

Ineedacopyofthecalendarorothermaterials LourdesGonzalez

Ineedtogetanemergencymessagetomyscholarduringtheday LourdesGonzalez

MyscholarhasanIEP/504plan;Ithinkmyscholarmayhavespecialneeds MeredithSegal

Ineedhelporderinguniforms MeredithSegal

Ineedhelporderinglunch;myscholariseligibleforfree/reducedlunch MeredithSegal

Ihavequestionsabouttransportation MeredithSegal

Iwouldliketovolunteer;IwouldliketojoinoneoftheParentCouncils MeredithSegal

Ineedhelpwithhousing,food,clothing,orcommunityresources MeredithSegal

Ihavequestionsabouttheafterschoolprogram ElizabethLeiwant

Iwouldliketomakeadonationofgoods,services,ormoneytotheschool WillGardner

Ihaveacomplainttofile WillGardner

AllmembersoftheAlmadelMarstaffwillrespondtophonecallsande-mailswithin24hoursoronebusinessday.Pleaseneverhesitatetobeintouchwithquestions,concerns,orsuggestions


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Section V: Family

Engagement


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AlmadelMarbelievesstronglythatscholarssucceedwhentheadultsintheirschoolandtheirhomeareworkingtogether.AlmadelMarexpectsthatallparentsandguardianswilltakeanactiveroleintheeducationoftheirscholars.AlmadelMariscommittedtodoingwhateverittakestoovercomebarriersto

engagementandtoensurethatallparentsandguardianshavetheopportunitytobepartoftheschoolcommunity.AlmadelMaralsostronglyencouragestheengagementofextendedfamilymembers.Inordertoallowforcommunication,itiscriticalthattheschoolhaveupdatedcontactinformationforallparentsandguardians.Anytimeaphonenumberore-mailaddresschanges,pleasecontacttheOfficeManagerwithin24hourstoprovideupdatedinformation.

1. Phone and e-mail communicationAllparentswillbeprovidedwiththecellphonenumberande-mailaddressfortheirchildsteacherandforotherstaffmembers.Scholarsandparentsshouldfeelfreetocall,text,ore-mailanytimethattheyhaveaquestion,concern,orsuggestion.AllAlmadelMarstaffmemberswillrespondwithin24hoursor1businessday.Teachersandotherstaffmemberswillcontactparentstosharebothpositiveandnegativedevelopmentsinareasincludingacademicperformanceandbehavior.AlmadelMarexpectsallparentstorespondtophonecalls,texts,ande-mailsregardingtheirscholarwithin24hoursor1businessday.Ifcommunicationsarenotreturned,staffmembersmayconductahomevisittodiscussthematter.AlmadelMaralsoutilizesanautomatedcommunicationsystemtodistributeimportantinformationtoparents.Parentswillreceiveautomatedcalls,textmessages,ande-mailsregardingupcomingevents,professionaldays,andothermatters.Inaddition,allfamilieswillreceiveautomatedphonecallsandtextmessagesinthecaseofschoolclosureduetoweather,earlydismissalduetoweather,oranotheremergencysituation.Ifparentsarenotreceivingthesecommunications,pleasecontacttheOfficeManager.

2. Weekly UpdatesEachFridayafternoon,scholarswillbringhomeadouble-sidedpapercontainingimportantupdatesforfamilies.Onesideofthispaperwillcontainasummaryofthetopicscoveredbytheclassduringtheweekaswellasabriefprogressreportregardingtheperformanceoftheindividualscholar.Theothersidewillcontaininformationabouttheupcomingweek.

AlmadelMaris

committedtodoing

whateverittakesto

overcomebarriersto

engagementandtoensurethatall

parentsand

guardianshavethe

opportunitytobe

partoftheschoolcommunity.

Anytimeaphonenumber,address,or

e-mailaddress

changes,pleasenotify

theMainOfficeimmediately.


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3. Initial Home VisitsAmemberoftheAlmadelMarteamwillconductaninitialhomevisitwithallnewlyacceptedfamiliespriortothestartoftheschoolyear.Ifparentsarenotcomfortablewithavisitathome,themeetingmayoccuratanotherlocationofthefamilyschoosing.

4. Parent Teacher ConferencesTheAlmadelMaracademicyearisdividedintofourquarters.Followingtheendofeachofthefirstthreequarters,Parent-TeacherConferenceswillbeconducted.Duringthesecondquarter,conferenceswillbescholarled.AnadditionalParent-TeacherConferencewillbeheldattheendoftheyearifnecessarytoaddressindividualneeds.Eachparentwillbeexpectedtosignupforanappointmentduringthistimewindow.ThedatesofParent-Teacherconferencesarelistedontheschoolcalendartoallowparentssufficientnoticetorequesttimeofffromworkifnecessary.

5. Family Days of ServiceFamilyDaysofServiceoffertheopportunityforscholarsandtheirfamilymembersto

demonstratetheircommitmenttoservicebyparticipatingincommunityserviceprojects.ExtendedfamilymembersarewelcometoattendDaysofService.AtleastfourFamilyDaysofServicewillbeheldeachyear.Theseeventsarenotmandatory,butparticipationisstronglyencouraged.

6. Expedition NightsTwiceayear,AlmadelMarwillhostExpeditionNights.ExpeditionNightswillofferscholarstheopportunitytoshowcasetheirworkandtoteachparentsandcommunitymembersaboutwhattheyhavelearned.Scholarparticipationintheseeveningsisrequired,andfamilymembersarestronglyencouragedtoattend.

7. Open HousesFourtimesayear,AlmadelMarwillhostOpenHouses.TheSeptemberandOctoberOpenHouseswillgivefamiliestheopportunitytolearnaboutinschoolculture,visitclassrooms,andspeakwithstaffmembers.TheOpenHouseinJanuarywillofferprospectivefamiliesthechancetolearnabouttheschoolfromcurrentparentsandscholars,andtheAprilOpenHousewillwelcomenewlyacceptedfamiliesforthe2012-2013schoolyeartotheschoolcommunity.

8. Parent CouncilsTheAlmadelMarParentCouncilswillengageparentsinshapingtheschoolanddevelopingprogrammingthatwilladvancethemissionoftheschool.AlmadelMarwilloperatethreeParentCouncils:

TheSchoolwideParent

Council,SPEDParent

Council,andELLParentCouncilwillwork

togethertoensurethat

theneedsofallscholars

areaddressed.All

parentsareencouraged

toparticipateinall

parentcouncils.

TheSchoolwide

ParentCouncil

willmeetonthe

secondTuesdayof

eachmonthat

6:00PM.


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A. Schoolwide Parent CouncilTheSchoolwideParentCouncilwillberesponsibleforplanningspecialevents,developingprogrammingandservicesforfamilies,givinginputonschoolpolicy,recruitingnewscholars,andconductingotheractivitiesasdeterminedbymembers.

TheSchoolwideParentCouncilwillmeetonthesecondTuesdayofeachmonthat6:00PM.Duringthesecondmeetingoftheyear,thebylawswillbefinalized,andofficerswillbeelected.Allparentsareencouragedtoparticipate.

B. Special Education Parent Advisory CouncilTheSpecialEducationParentAdvisoryCouncilwillpromoteparentengagementinthedevelopmentandmodificationofprogramsservingscholarswithspecialneeds.

InaccordancewithMassachusettsGeneralLaw,dutiesoftheSpecialEducationAdvisoryCouncilwillinclude,butnotbe

limitedto,advisingtheschoolonmatterspertainingtotheeducationandsafetyofscholarswithspecialneedsandmeetingregularlywithschoolofficialstoparticipateintheplanning,development,andevaluationoftheschoolsspecialeducationprograms.TheSpecialEducationParentAdvisoryCouncilwillalsoofferworkshopsandeducationalprogrammingofinteresttoparentsofchildrenwithspecialneedsandwillplayanactiveroleinrecruitingscholarswithspecialneedstoenterthelottery.

TheSpecialEducationParentCouncilwillmeetonthefirstWednesdayofeveryothermonthat6:00PM.Duringthefirstmeetingoftheyear,thebylawswillbe

finalized,andofficerswillbeelected.Allparentsareencouragedtoparticipate.

C. English Language Learner (ELL) Parent Advisory CouncilTheEnglishLanguageLearnerParentCouncilwillengageparentsindevelopingprogrammingforchildrenwhospeakalanguageotherthanEnglishathomeandfortheparentsofsuchscholars.PotentialprogrammingincludesESLclassesforadults.TheEnglishLanguageLearnerParentCouncilwillalsosupporttheschoolinensuringthatallmaterialsareavailabletoparentsintheirhomelanguage.

TheEnglishLanguageLearnerParentCouncilwillmeeton

thelastTuesdayofalternatemonthsat6:00PM.Duringthefirstmeetingoftheyear,thebylawswillbefinalized,andofficerswillbeelected.Allparentsareencouragedtoparticipate.

TheSpecial

EducationParent

Councilwillmeet

onthefirst

Wednesdayofeveryothermonth

at6:00PM.

TheELLParent

Councilwillmeet

onthelastTuesdayofevery

othermonthat

6:00PM.


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9. Volunteer OpportunitiesAlmadelMarencouragesallparentstovolunteerandwilltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethateveryparenthastheopportunitytodosoinawaythataccommodateshisorherschedule.Volunteeropportunitiesincludethefollowing:

Classroomtaskstutoringscholars,assistingteacherswithreviewingscholar;assistingteacherswithorganizingclassrooms.

Officetasksfilingpapers,makingphotocopies,coveringthefrontdeskduringstaffbreaks.

Librarytasksorganizingbooks,returningbookstoshelves,assistingscholarsinlibraryuse.

Enrichmentactivitiesleadingorhelpingtoleaddance,music,orsportsclasses

Fieldtripschaperoningscholarsduringfieldtrips.Inaccordancewithschoolpolicy,parentvolunteerswillberequiredtocompleteabackgroundcheckpriortoengaginginanyvolunteeractivitiesthatcouldinvolvedirectandunsupervisedcontactwithscholars.Anotarypublicwillbeavailableatparentorientationtocompletebackgroundcheckformswithparents.Priortovolunteeringforthefirsttime,parentswillmeetwiththeDirectorofScholarandFamilyServicestoreviewprotocolsforvolunteeractivities.Volunteerswilllogalloftheirhourstoallowforrecognitionoftheirservice.

10. School VisitsAlmadelMarmaintainsanopenpolicyinregardtovisitors.Parentsandotherindividualsinvolvedinascholarslifeareencouragedtovisitclassroomsatanytime.Inordertosupportthelearningofallscholars,visitorsareaskedtoabidebythefollowingpolicies:

Pleaseturnallcellphoneringersoffpriortoenteringaclassroom.

PleasecheckinattheMainOfficeassoonasyouarrive.Atthattime,youwillreceiveanametag.Youarerequiredtodisplaythisnametagthroughoutyourvisit.

Unlessotherwiseinstructedbytheteacher,pleaseremaininthebackoftheclassroomtoavoiddistractingourscholars.

Pleasedonotdisruptclassroomactivities.Parentswishingtospeakwithteachersmayscheduleameetingwhentheteacherisavailable.

Exceptinspecialcases,weaskthatparentsrefrainfromvisitingduringthefirstthreeweeksofschoolinordertoallowustobuildstrongschoolculture.


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AlmadelMarreservestherighttorequestavisitortoleaveatanytimeifthatvisitorisdisruptingschoolactivitiesormakinganymemberoftheschoolcommunityuncomfortable.

11. Town HallEveryFridayafternoon,theAlmadelMarcommunitycomestogethertorecognize

outstandingscholarachievementinthedomainsofacademics,behavior,andcharacter.Parentsarewelcometoattendthiscommunitygathering.

12. Birthday CelebrationsBecauseourscholarsneedeverypossibleminutetodotheworkthatwillputthemonthepathtocollege,wedonotallowbirthdaycelebrationsduringtheschoolday.Parentsmaysendabirthdaytreattobeconsumedduringafternoonsnacktime.Ifparentsaresendingatreat,pleasefollowtheguidelineslistedbelow:

Sendenoughtreatsforeachchildintheclassroomtohaveone.

Healthytreatssuchasfruitsaladsormuffinsareencouraged. Pleasecheckwithyourscholarsteachersastowhetheranyscholarintheclasshas

anallergy.Inthecaseofanallergy,pleaseselectatreatthatissafeforallscholars.Invitationstobirthdaypartiesmaynotbedistributedatschoolunlesseverychildintheclassisinvited.


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Section VI: AcademicProgram


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AlmadelMarwasfoundedonthebeliefthatallscholarscanachieveathighlevels.Assuch,AlmadelMarseducationalprogramisdesignedtocultivatetheknowledgeandskillsinscholarsthatwillputthemonthepathtocollegeandenablethemtobeservice-orientedleaders.

Almascholarswillattendaschoolthatprovidesdata-drivenindividualizedscholarsupport,anemphasisonserviceleadership,andarigorouscurriculumthatbuildscorebackgroundknowledgestartingintheearlygrades.

1. Academic SubjectsA. Literacy

Alma del Mars literacy program incorporates a standards-based, balanced literacy

approach to ensuring that all scholars become proficient and critical readers and writers,

motivated to read and write throughout their lives. The literacyframework includes significant time spent with Read Alouds, WordStudy, Guided Reading, Shared Reading, Interactive Writing and

Independent Writing. Scholars will receive, at minimum, 90 minutesof literacy instruction each day. Because of the importance of

literacy in all subjects, Associate teachers, Special Educationteachers and Specialist teachers will all facilitate small group and

one-on-one literacy instruction as needed.

B. MathematicsThe Alma mathematics standards come from the 2011 Massachusetts CurriculumFrameworks recently adopted as a result of the Common Core Standards. Using the

Singapore Math Curriculum, we seek to develop not only conceptual mastery ofmathematical topics but also the processes that each scholar must demonstrate in order to

become mathematically numerate. The mathematical processes are common in everygrade in order to improve our scholars understanding of the mathematics and to

encourage communication of mathematical ideas and models.

C. Science/Social StudiesScience and Social Studies instruction will be taught through interdisciplinary learning

expeditions planned in conjunction with Massachusetts Science and Social StudiesFrameworks. These expeditions are designed to make the standards come alive through

long-term, comprehensive investigations that include case studies, projects, fieldwork,experts and service learning.

D. Co-CurricularsScholarswillparticipateinphysicaleducation,art,andmusicthreedaysaweek.AlllessonsareplannedinaccordancetotheMassachusettsCurriculumFrameworksfor

Literacyisour

foundation.

Scholarsread

andwriteall

daylong.


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VisualArts,PhysicalEducationandMusicanddesignedinaccordancewithscholarsdevelopmentalneeds.Additionally,ourco-curricularteacherswillensurethatthatthesestandardsareintegrated,whenappropriate,intoclassroomstudiesofotherdisciplines.


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E. Sample Daily ScheduleTheschedulebelowillustratesatypicaldayforanAlmadelMarscholar.Mostdays,eachscholarwillhavereading,writing,non-fiction,lunch/recess,andtwoco-curriculars.

Yourscholarsschedulemaydifferfromthisexample.

7:30

Preparation Period

8:00Morning Meeting

8:20

Math

9:45

Physical Education

10:30

Literacy11:10

1:25

Science & Social Studies1:55

12:40

Art

11:55

Lunch

Extension

3:10Reflection

3:30 Dismissal

2:40


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2. Expeditionary LearningAlma del Mar partners Expeditionary Learning, a national network of

over 160 schools that has demonstrated strong results working withscholars from all backgrounds, especially scholars from low-income

households, English language learners and scholars with speciallearning needs. In Expeditionary Learning Schools, the core practices

implemented will create school environments that promote deepengagement in learning that allows scholars to achieve at high levels.

3. School suppliesWhileindividualgradelevelschoolsupplylistswillbesenthomeforparentsandguardianstoreference,itisimportantthatscholarshavenecessarysuppliesathometosuccessfullycompletehomework.AlmadelMarrecommendsthatscholarshaveaccesstothefollowingsupplies:

Lotsofpencils Erasers Pencilsharpener Crayonsandmarkers Linedpaper Gluesticksandscissors Pocketfolders

Additionally,scholarsmustbepreparedeachdaywiththeirrequiredsupplies,includingbutnotlimitedto,writingutensils,homeworkassignments,andindependentreading

books.

4. HomeworkHomeworkservesmultiplepurposes,includingreinforcingtheideasandconceptstaughtthroughouttheday,helpingteacherstodeterminewhetherachildhasmasteredtheconcepts,keepingparentsconnectedtotheschool,andshowingfamilieswhattheirscholarislearning.Homeworkalsoteachesscholarsresponsibilityandaccountability.AlmadelMarscholarsareexpectedtocompletehighqualityhomeworkeachnightandeachweekend.Thathomeworkwillbecollectedbyteachersandbeusedtoplan

instruction,determinegradesandmakerecommendationsforindividualscholarsupportifneeded.Familiesarerequiredtoreviewyourscholarshomeworkforqualityandcompletion.Thefollowingrubricoffersguidanceastowhatparentsshouldlookforwhenreviewinghomework:

PresidentBarack

Obamasaidof

Expeditionary

Learningschools:

Thiskindof

innovativeschoolsanexampleofhow

allourschoolsshouldbe.


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Quality Completion

*Didhewriteincompletesentences? *Didheattempttoansweralloftheproblems,eventhemostdifficult?

*Isthehomeworklegible? *Didshedothecorrectassignments?*Doesthehomeworkincludethecorrect

heading,includingfirstandlastname?

*Didheputtheirworkintheproperplace

aftercompletiontoensureitreturnstoschoolontime?

*Isthishisbestwork? Ifascholarneedssupportwithahomeworkassignment,thefollowingstepsshouldbetaken(intheorderlisted).

1) Askaparentorotherfamilymemberforassistance.2) Checktheschoolwebsite(almadelmar.org)foranyadditionalhomework

information.

3) Callaclassmateorhomeworkbuddy.4) Callyourteacherby8:00PMandaskforhelp.Ifyoucannotreachyourteacher,

leaveadetailedmessageexplainingwhatyouneedhelpwith.5) Tryyourhardest!Notgettingintouchwithsomeoneisnotanexcusefor

incompletehomework.ScholarswhodonotturninqualityhomeworkassignmentsmayberequiredtocompletethatworkduringtheschooldayorafterschooluntilhomeworkcompletionmeetsAlmastandards.Theofficewillcontactparentstoinformthemiftheirchildisrequiredtostayafterschool.

5. Grading policiesAlmadelMarscholarswillbeevaluatedinallsubjectareasusingacommonsetofperformancestandards.Thesestandards,basedonafour-pointscale(1-4)commonlyusedincollege,willdefinemasteryforscholars,parents,andteachers.Theyprovideclear,ambitiousgoalsforlearning.ScholarsreportcardswillbebasedontheiracademicstandingwithaseparatereportbeingofferedforperformanceintheareasoftheFiveCommitments.Thefollowingtoolswillbeusedtoshareinformationregardingtheprogressofscholars:

A. Progress ReportsInthemiddleofeachquarter,classroomteacherswillsendhomeaprogressreport,whichoutlinesscholarprogress.


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B. Report CardsAt the end of each term, parents and guardians will receive a more detailed picture oftheir childs progress on a report card. The report card outlines scholar performance in

all of the areas taught.

C. ConferencesParent-teacherconferenceswillbeheldattheendofquarters1and3.Duringparentconferences,teacherswilluseexamplesofscholarworktoshowparentsandguardiansevidenceoftheirchildrensprogress.Inaddition,parentswillparticipateinscholar-ledparentconferencesattheendofquarter2.Conferencesattheendofquarter4willbeheldifnecessarytoaddressindividualconcerns.Atthistime,scholarswillpresentaportfoliooftheirworkanddiscusstheirprogresstowardsmeetingacademicandnon-academicgoals.Ourgoalisfor100%ofourparentsandguardianstoattendallconferences.

6. Promotion/Retention PoliciesAlmadelMarspromotionandretentionpolicyreflectsourcommitmenttoaccountabilityandqualitywetaketheresponsibilityofputtingourscholarsonthepathtocollegeseriouslyandwillpromotethemonlywhentheyaretrulyreadytobeginthenextlevelofwork.Promotiontothenextgradeisearnedbydemonstratingmasteryoftherigorousacademicstandardsandtheresponsibilitynecessarytocometoschoolontimeeverydayanddemonstratebehaviorsthatshowtheschoolsvalues.PromotionalCriteria:Scholarsmayberetainedintheircurrentgradelevelorrecommendedforsummerworkforthefollowingreasons:

Failuretodemonstrateproficiency(level3or4)in75%oftheessentialstandardsforeachsubject

Readingsignificantlybelowgradelevel,asindicatedbytheFountasandPinnellassessment

Failuretoearna3or4onthestateexamsinMathandELA Morethan13absencesduringtheschoolyearormorethan25tardies PoorperformanceinanyorallareasoftheFiveCommitments,asmeasuredbythe

weeklyCommitmentcard,behaviorreferrals,andteacherobservations

AlmadelMarrecognizesthatretentioncanbedifficultforscholarsandparentsandwill

workaggressivelyandproactivelybothtonotifyparentsofconcernsandtosupportstrugglingscholarsatriskforretention.ScholarswithIEPswillbepromotedtothenextgradebasedonsuccessfulaccomplishmentofthegoalsoftheIEP.TheschoolwillholdallscholarsincludingthosewithIEPstothesamerigorousacademicandbehavioralstandards.


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7. AssessmentsVariousassessmenttoolswillbeusedthroughouttheyeartoevaluatetheprogressofAlmadelMarscholars.

A. Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)TomeasureAlmascholarsperformanceontheMassachusettsstatestandardstootherschoolsinthestate,scholarsingradesthreethrougheightareassessedannuallyinreading,writing,mathematics,scienceandtechnology,andhistoryandsocialscienceusingtheMCAS.Thesetests,administeredinMarch,AprilandMay,evaluateschool-wideproficiencyandgrowth,grade-levelperformanceandgaugeindividualscholarperformanceagainstthestandards.

B. Terra NovaInordertomakesurethatourscholarsareviabletocompetewithscholarsacrossthenation,AlmadelMarwilladministertheTerraNovatest.Thisisanationally

recognized,norm-referencedtestbasedonspecificobjectivestobemasteredbyscholarsatparticulargradelevels.TheTerraNovaresultsindicatescholarperformanceandmasteryofspecificcontentobjectivesascomparedtoscholarsoftheirownageandgradelevelacrossthenation.Itallowsustocomparehowscholarsareperformingbothwithintheschoolandagainstthenationalaverage.

C. Math Benchmark TestsTheseassessmentsarequarterlymeasuresofscholarsmasteryofthestandardscreatedbyteachersusingvariousSingaporeMathmaterialsandresources.Almastaffusethedatacollectedbythebenchmarkteststohelpdeterminescholarsgradesforreportcards,toassesswhichstandardstoreteach,andtoguideschool-

widemodificationsincurriculumandinstruction.

D. Fountas & Pinnell Reading AssessmentsFountas&Pinnellreadingassessments include a series of texts used to identify ascholars current reading level and progress along a gradient of text levels over time.They are also useful in determining a scholars independent and instructional reading

level, identifying scholars who need literacy intervention, and establishing readinginstruction groups.

E. Teacher Created Tests and QuizzesAlmateachersprovidescholarswithmanyopportunitiestoshowwhattheyknow.

Teacher-createdassessmentsmaybeusedatthebeginningofaunitofstudytoguideplanningoratthemiddleorendofaunittocheckprogressofscholarslearning.


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Section VII: Code ofConduct


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AlmadelMarstrivestocreateasafe,welcomingandorderlyenvironmentinwhicheveryscholarcanachievehisorherhighestpotential.Scholarswillbeexpectedtomakeappropriatechoicesregardingtheirpersonalconductonadailybasisandwillbesupportedintheireffortstopracticetheirbestbehavior.Inboththeclassroomandtheschoolasawhole,explicitrulesandfairconsequenceswillgovernscholarconduct.

1. Five CommitmentsAtAlmadelMar,disciplineisdefinedasthesetofhabits,routinesandbeliefsthatscholarsmustdevelopinordertodogreatworkandbesuccessful.AscholarwhodemonstratesthecommitmentstoService,Quality,Integrity,AccountabilityandPersistenceexhibitsdiscipline.Itistheresponsibilityofboththeschoolandthefamilytoteachandreinforcethesecommitmentsandtocultivateinallscholarsthedrivetolivethemeveryday.AlmadelMarscholarspracticethefollowingCommitments:

A. ServiceIwillactivelycontributetomyschoolandthelargercommunitywithaspiritofcooperation,volunteeringmytimeandtalentstohelpothers.

WhatservicelookslikeatAlmadelMar: Ilookforopportunitiestobeofservice,fromholdingthedooropenforsomeone

toorganizingacoatdriveforthehomelessduringthewinter. Iamawareofhowmyactionsaffectothers(e.g.voicesinhallways,silence

duringindependentreadingtime,etc.). Itakejoyinthehappinessandsuccessofothers. Iamflexibleandabletoworkwithotherswhomayormaynotbelikeme. IshowgratitudeforwhatIhaveandalwaysusekindwordssuchaspleaseand

thankyou. Itakeprideinmakingothersfeelwelcomeandapartofthecommunity.Igreet

myclassmates,teachersandvisitorswithasmile.

B. QualityIwilldomybestworkeverydayandreachforhighstandardsofacademicachievementandcharacter.

WhatqualitylookslikeatAlmadelMar:

Idomyabsolutebestworkeachday. Iaskforhelpfrommyteacherandfellowscholarsinordertomakemywork

evenbetter. Idoasmanydraftsorrehearsalsasnecessarytocreateamazingwork. Ibringmycompletedhomeworktoschooleveryday,anditisalwaysmybest

work. Iamorganizedandkeepeverythinginitsproperplace.


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Ishowprideinmyappearancebykeepingaclean,neatuniform,showingproperbodylanguage(e.g.noslouching)andlookinglikeascholar.

IshowprideinmyideasandwhoIambyusingappropriatelanguage,makingeyecontact,connectingwithmyaudience,andusingaloudandproudvoicewhenIspeak.

C. IntegrityIwillbetruthfulandrespectothersandmyselfthroughmyactionsandwords.

WhatintegritylookslikeatAlmadelMar: Idotherightthingevenwhennooneiswatching. Iamawareofhowmyactionsimpactothers,andIonlywanttohaveapositive

impact. Iamhonest,evenwhenmyhonestymayleadtomyfacinganegative

consequence.

Ishowrespectforourlearningenvironmentbyspeakingatanappropriatevolumeandkeepingmyschoolcleanandfreeofgraffiti. ItreatothersthewayIwanttobetreated. Ipracticeacademichonestyanddomybestworkonmyown. IletanadultknowifIhearoforwitnessasituationIcantdealwithonmyown. Idontscapegoatorbullyothers,ortoleratethesebehaviorsinmyschool.

D. AccountabilityIwilltakeresponsibilityformyconductandactions,alwaysstrivingtoholdmyselftohighstandardsandencouragingthosearoundmetodothesame.

WhataccountabilitylookslikeatAlmadelMar: Ilistenandfollowdirectionsthefirsttimetheyaregiven. IcometoschooleverydayontimewitheverythingIneedtolearnanddomy

bestwork. IfocusonwhatIamsupposedtobefocusingon,makingsurenottobreakgroup

concentration. Isetgoalsformyselfandworkhardtoachievethem. IrepresenttheAlmacommunitywell,whetherinschooloroutsideofit. IrespectfullyspeakwithmypeersifInoticethemdosomethingthatisnot

supportiveofourlearningenvironment.

Igiveandreceiveconstructivefeedback. Ishowself-controlandthinkbeforeIact. IshowthateveryminutethatIaminschoolmatterstome.

E. PersistenceIwillnotgiveupwhenfacedwithchallenges.IwillaskforhelpwhenIneedit.I

knowthatreallearningtakestimeandeffort.


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WhatpersistencelookslikeatAlmadelMar: Iknowthat,whenIworkhard,IcanaccomplishanythingIputmymindto.

InsteadofIcantandIlltry,IalwayssayIcanandIwill. Iknowthatthingsdontcomeeasily.IfIamgivenworkthatistooeasy,Iaskthe

teacherforsomethingmorechallenging. WhenIcometoachallenge,Iworkharder.Inevergiveup. Iknowthatitisokaytomakemistakes,andIwanttotakegoodchances.If

anotherscholarmakesamistakeorgetsawronganswer,Iencouragehimorhertokeepworkingharduntilheorshesucceeds.

2. Consequences for Failure to Adhere to Behavioral ExpectationsAlmadelMarsgoalistocreateaschoolcultureinwhichscholarswanttofollowtheschoolsbehavioralexpectations.Behaviorsthatinterferewiththesafetyandwell-beingoftheschoolpopulationorinterferewiththeteachingorlearningprocesseswillnotbetolerated.Suchbehaviorswillleadtoconsequencesaimedatmodifyingtheinappropriate

behaviorsandinvestingscholarsinchangingtheirbehavior.

A. Classroom ConsequencesAlmadelMarteachersuselow-levelinterventionstodiffusesituationsandpreventbehaviorsfromescalating.Theselowlevelinterventionsarelogicalandminimizethetimescholarsareoutoftheclassroom.

Someexamplesoftheseinterventionsincludechangingascholarsseatintheclassroom;private,one-on-oneconversations;requestingthescholartowriteareflectionorapologyletterforhisorherbehavior;andtimeoffoflunchand/orrecess.

Almateachersunderstandtheimportanceofconsistencyandusethefollowingguidingprincipleswhenadministeringconsequences:

Theyanticipatebehaviorbeforeithappensandaddressitproactively.

Theyaccentuatepositivescholarbehavioranddrawaslittleattentionas

possibletonegativebehaviors.

Theyrespectthedignityofindividualscholarsandneverintentionallyshamethem.

Theyissuelogicalconsequenceswhenpossibleanddeliverthemwithempathy.

Theyissueconsequencesassoonaspossibleaftertheoffensehasoccurred.


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B. Office-Level ConsequencesReferralstotheOfficewillonlybemadeifthereisaseverebehaviorincidentoriftherearerecurringbehaviorproblems.ReservingtheOfficeforthesehigher-levelconcernspreservestheteachersauthorityintheclassroomandensuresthatscholarsunderstandthatbeingsenttotheOfficeisseriousandshouldnothappen

often.Whilethislistisnotcomprehensive,thefollowingareexamplesofbehaviorsthatwouldwarrantanimmediateremovalfromclassandreferraltotheOffice:

Anytypeofphysicalaltercation

Theft

Possessionofaweaponorweapon-likeobject

ScholarswhoaresenttotheOfficewillmeetwithanadministratorandwillbeaskedtoreflectonhowtheycanimprovetheirbehavior.Thescholarswillberesponsibleformakingupanyworkmissedduetotheirbehavior,andtheirparents/guardianswillbenotifiedregardingtheincident.

ScholarswhosechoiceshavecausedthemtomisssignificanttimeinclassonaparticulardaymayberequiredtostayforHomeworkClubthatdayorthenextdaytomakeuplostlearningtime.Shouldthisoccur,parentsandguardianswillreceivetimelynotificationandwillberesponsibleforarrangingalaterpickupoftheirchild.

C. Suspension and ExpulsionAlmadelMarbelievesthatscholarsattendanceiscriticaltotheirbeingonthepathtocollege.However,thereareoccasionswhenascholarmustberemovedfromthecommunity.Whilewewilldoeverythingpossibletominimizethoseoccasions,wemusthavethesupportoffamilieswhensuspensionisrequiredinordertomaintainasafeandpositivelearningenvironment.

Actionsthatmaywarrantasuspensioninclude,butarenotlimitedto:

Vandalism Pullingthefirealarm Endangeringthesafetyofoneselforothers Possessionoruseoftobacco,alcohol,oranyotherdrugs Possessionofaweaponorweapon-likeobject Physicalviolenceorthreatstowardsscholarsorstaff,includingbullying


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Theissuanceofacriminalcomplaintchargingascholarwithafelony,orthe

issuanceofafelonydelinquencycomplaintagainstascholar

ThePrincipalmaysuspendascholarforaperiodoftimedeterminedappropriateby

thePrincipalif,afterprovidingthescholarwitha)noticeoftheviolation,b)anexplanationoftheevidence,andc)anopportunitytoprovidehisorherexplanationofeventstothePrincipal,thePrincipaldeterminesthatthescholarscontinuedpresenceinschoolwouldhaveasubstantialdetrimentaleffectonthegeneralwelfareoftheschool.Ifascholarissuspended,aphonecallandletterwillbesenthomeexplainingtheincidentindetailandthelengthofthesuspension.Aparentorguardianwillbeexpectedtomeetwithaschooladministratorbeforebeforethechildreturnstoschooltodiscusstheincidentanddeterminewaystopreventanothersuspensionfromoccurringinthefuture.Arecordofallsuspendableoffensescommittedbyagivenscholarwillbekeptbytheschool.

FurtherdetailsregardingsuspensionandexpulsionpoliciesareavailableinAppendix4.

3. AttendanceThereisnotimetowasteindevelopingthehabitsofscholarship,leadershipandservicethateveryscholarneedstobesuccessfulinclimbingthehighmountaintocollege.Goodattendanceandtimelyarrivaltoschoolandclassarenecessaryandareexpectedofallscholars.Itisimpossibletomakeupeverythingthatismissedduringaschoolday.Valuablelearningopportunitiessuchasgroupwork,discussions,andpeerinteractionscannotberecreatedandarevitaltoascholarseducation.

A. Excused AbsencesTheonlyexcusableabsencesfromschoolarethosethatresultfromillnessorotherseriousmedicalevents,requiredcourtattendance,deathintheimmediatefamily,orobservationofreligiousholidays.Inorderfortheseschoolabsencestobeconsideredexcused,appropriatedocumentationmustbeprovidedtotheoffice.Requireddocumentationmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,doctorsnotes,parent/guardiannotes,andtravelrecords.

Parentsshouldscheduleallnon-emergencydentist,doctorandotherappointmentssuchthattheydonotrequirescholarstomissschool.AppointmentsmaybescheduledforMondaythroughThursdayafter3:30PM,Fridayafter2:00PM,professionaldays,orvacations.

B. Unexcused AbsencesAnyabsencethatisnotproperlydocumentedorthatisnotincludedintheabovewillbeconsideredunexcused.Scholarswhoareabsentmorethan13daysoverthe

Scholarsmustbein

schooleveryday

unlesstheyhaveacontagiousillness,

anotherserious

medicalcondition,or

areligiousconflict.

Vacationsandfamily

plansarenotan

excusetomissschool.


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courseoftheyearmayberequiredtoattendsummerschoolandareatriskofbeingretainedthefollowingyear.

C. PunctualityAllscholarsareexpectedtobeatschoolby7:30AMeveryday.Anyscholararrivingafter7:30AMwithoutmeetingthecriteriaforanexcusedabsenceisconsideredlate.Ifascholarislatethreetimesduringagivenquarter,allfuturelatearrivalsthatquarterwillresultinacallhomeandmayleadthescholartoberequiredtostayafterschoolforHomeworkClub.Atardybecomesanunexcusedabsenceifthescholararrivesafter10:00AMwithoutappropriatedocumentationforthelateness.

Scholarswhoaretardymorethan25timesorabsent(excusedorunexcused)formorethan13daysoverthecourseoftheyearmayberequiredtoattendsummerschoolandareatriskofbeingretainedthefollowingyear.Daysservedonsuspensionareincludedinascholarstotalabsences.

4. Cell Phones, Electronics, and ToysAlmadelMarscholarscometoschooleverydaytolearn.Assuch,scholarsarenotallowedtobringobjectstoschool,ortoanyschool-relatedactivities(suchasfieldtrips),whichwillinterferewiththeirspendingtheirtimelearningandwhichhavethepotentialtodistracttheirpeers.

Examplesoftheseobjectsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,cellphones,cameras,gamesystems,andtoys.Ifastaffmemberseesorhearsoneoftheseobjects,heorshewillconfiscateit,andaparentorguardianwillhavetocometotheMainOfficetoretrievetheitem.Pleasenotethat,whileAlmadelMarstaffwilltakereasonableprecautionstokeeptheseobjectssafe,AlmadelMarisnotresponsiblefortheseitemsaftertheyhavebeenconfiscated.Itistheparentandscholarsresponsibilitytokeeppersonalbelongingssafebykeepingthemathome.

5. Gum, Candy, and CaffeineScholarsmaynot,atanytime,beinpossessionofchewinggum,candy,orcaffeinatedbeverageswhileatschooloratschool-sponsoredevents.Scholarsfoundinpossessionoftheseitemswillbeissuedaconsequence.Scholarswhocontinuetodisregardthispolicywillfaceincreasinglysevereconsequencesincludingpossiblelossofprivileges.

Ifascholar

islatemore

than25

timesor

absentmore

than13

times,heor

shemaybe

requiredtorepeatthe

grade.


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6. Tobacco ProductsPursuanttoM.G.L.c.71,37H,theuseoftobaccoproductsisprohibitedwithinschoolbuildingsorschoolfacilities,onschoolgrounds,andonschoolbuses.

7. Application of Policies to Scholars with Special NeedsThedisciplineofascholarwhohasbeenidentifiedashavingspecialneeds,pursuanttoM.G.L.c.69,1B,M.G.L.c.71B,3,603CMR28.00andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,issubjecttotherequirementsofthescholarsIndividualizedEducationPlan(IEP).TheIEPshouldindicatewhetherthescholarisexpectedtomeettherequirementsoftheregulardisciplinecodeorifamodificationisdeemednecessary.ThespecificmodificationmustbedescribedinthescholarsIEP.Intheeventthatascholarwithdisabilitieshasbeenexcludedfromschoolfortenormoredaysinanyschoolyear(eitherthroughin-schoolorout-of-schoolsuspension),thescholarsspecialeducationteammustbeconvenedforadeterminationinthecaseofany

decisiontofurtherexcludeorexpelthescholar.TheteamistonotifytheDepartmentofElementaryandSecondaryEducationanddeterminetheappropriatenessofthescholarsplacementandtherelationship(ifany)betweenthescholarsmisconductandhisorhercondition.TheteammusteitherdesignamodifiedprogramforthescholarorprovideservicesduringthesuspensionandanyneededmodificationtotheIEPrelativetothedisciplinecode.Additionally,arecordofallsuspendableoffensescommittedbyscholarswithspecialneedswillbemaintained.


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Section VIII: Dress Code


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1. Uniform Options for Girls

Girlsarerequiredtowearoneofthefollowingshirtseveryday:

FrenchToastlong-sleeveblueblousewithAlmalogo FrenchToastshort-sleeveblueblousewithAlmalogoGirlsarerequiredtowearoneofthefollowingitemseveryday:

(permittedinwarm

weatheronly)

FrenchToastkhakijumperwithAlmalogo

FrenchToastkhakiscooter FrenchToastkhakipants(mustbewornwithbelt)

FrenchToastkhakishorts(mustbewornwithbelt)

Girlsmayweareitherofthebelowsweaters(optional).Noothersweatersorsweatshirtsarepermitted.

FrenchToastnavycardigansweaterwithAlmalogo FrenchToastnavyvestwithAlmalogo


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2. Uniform Options for BoysBoysarerequiredtowearofthefollowingshirtseveryday:

FrenchToastlong-sleeveblueblousewithAlmalogo FrenchToastshort-sleeveblueblousewithAlmalogoBoysarerequiredtowearoneofthefollowingitemseveryday:

(permittedinwarmweatheronly)

FrenchToastkhakipants FrenchToastkhakishorts

Boysmayweareitherofthebelowsweaters(optional).Noothersweatersorsweatshirtsarepermitted.

FrenchToastnavyv-neckcardigansweaterwithAlmalogo FrenchToastnavyvestwithAlmalogo


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3. Additional Specifications for Boys and Girls

Shirts: Shirtsmustbetuckedinatalltimes.

Belts: Scholarsarerequiredtowearasolidblackbeltwithallpantsandshorts.

Tights/socks: Socksortightsmustbewornatalltimes.

Allsocksandtightsmustbesolidwhitewithnopattern.

Shoes: Allshoesmustbesolidblack.Shoesmustbeclose-toedandhavearubbersole.

Nologos,wheels,orlightsarepermitted.

Bootsmaybeworntoandfromschoolonly.Jewelry: Nodistractingjewelryispermitted.Studearringsaretheonly

permissibleearrings.Bracelets(otherthanwatches)arenotpermitted.Necklacesmustbetuckedinandnotvisible.Sillybandzarenotpermitted.

Headwear: Nohats,bandanas,orcapsarepermittedindoors.Religiousitemsarepermitted.Hairmustbeneatatalltimes.Ifahairstyleisdistractingfrominstruction,thatstylewillnotbepermitted.

Nails: Fakenailsarenotpermitted.Nocolorednailpolishispermitted.

Clearnailpolishispermitted.Makeup: Nomakeupispermitted.Lipglossisnotpermitted.

4. Obtaining Dress Code ItemsA. Ordering Information

Allshirts,pants,shorts,jumpers,scooters,andsweatersmustbeorderedthroughFrenchToast.Belts,socks,andtightsmaybeorderedthroughFrenchToast,buttheymayalsobepurchasedelsewhereprovidedthattheymeetthespecifications

describedabove.AlmadelMarsschoolcodeatFrenchToastisQS5UDWP.Itemsmaybeorderedinoneofthreeways:

Byphone: 1-800-frenchtoast(1-800-373-6248)Online: www.frenchtoast.comBymail-inform: AvailableintheMainOffice


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B. Financial AssistanceAlmadelMariscommittedtoensuringthatthecostofuniformsisnotabarrierforanyscholar.Iffamiliesfeelthatthecostofuniformswouldposeasignificantfinancialhardship,theymaycontacttheDirectorofScholarandFamilyServicestorequestastarterkitcontainingalluniformitemsthatascholarneedstobegin

school.

C. Donation of Used UniformsAttheendoftheyear,familiesareencouragedtodonateuniformitemsingoodconditionthatnolongerfittheirscholars.Theseitemswillbemadeavailabletofamiliesatnocost.

5. Dress Code EnforcementAllscholarsareexpectedtobeindresscodeatalltimesduringtheschool

dayandduringtheafterschoolprogram.Everymorning,auniformcheckwillbeperformedasscholarsenterthebuilding.Ifascholarisfoundtobeoutofcompliance,thescholarwillberequiredtoreporttotheMainOffice.WhenthescholararrivesintheMainOffice,thescholarwillbeprovidedwiththenecessaryitemstogetintodresscode.ClothingitemsthatdonotcomplywithdresscodewillbeheldintheMainOfficeandmaybepickedupbyaparentorguardianonly.Atthetimeofpickup,theparentorguardianmustreturntheborroweduniformitems.Repeateddresscodeviolationswillleadtoconsequencesforscholars.

Scholarsmaynot

entertheir

classrooms

untilthey

areindress

code.


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Section IX: AfterschoolProgram


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AlmadelMaroffersastructuredafterschoolenrichmentprogramonMondaythroughThursdayafternoons.Theprogramwilloperatefrom3:30PMuntil5:00PM.From3:30until4:00PM,theprogramwillbefocusedonacademicsandwillincludetheopportunityforscholarstocompletehomeworkandreceiveone-on-oneacademicsupport.

From4:00until5:00PM,scholarswillparticipateinavarietyofactivitiesincludingathletics,music,dance,andcommunityservice.Duringthistime,scholarswillalsomeetwithmentors.TheafterschoolprogramwillbeginonOctober3andwillfollowtheschoolcalendar.

1. EnrollmentFamilieswishingtoguaranteeaslotfortheirsonordaughtermustenrollbySeptember2.Scholarsmaybeabletojointheprogramthereafterasspaceallows.

Duetothenatureoftheafterschoolprogram,participantsmustcommittoattendingforthefulldurationoftheprogramMondaythroughThursday.Scholarswhorepeatedlyleaveearlyorregularlymisstheprogramwillberequiredtowithdrawfortheremainderofthequarter.Theonlyexceptionstothispolicyareinthecaseofmedicalappointmentsorreligiousconflicts.

2. CostScholarswhoreceivefreeorreducedpricelunchwillhavetheopportunitytoparticipateatnocost.Therewillbeafeeforfull-pricefamilies.Familiesmaypayonlineonamonthly

basis.

3. TransportationFamiliesareresponsibleforensuringthatscholarsarepickedupat5:00PM.Ifascholarisnotpickedupby5:10PMmorethanthreetimesduringaquarter,thescholarwillberequiredtowithdrawfromtheprogramfortheremainderofthequarter.Allpoliciessurroundingreleaseofscholarsattheendoftheschooldayapplyattheendoftheafterschoolprogram;onlyindividualslistedontheEmergencyCardwillbepermittedtopickupascholar.

Scholars

participatinginthe

afterschoolprogrammustattendevery

dayandmustremain

forthefullduration

oftheprogram.


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Section X: Educating AllScholars


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AlmadelMariscommittedtoensuringthatallscholarshavetheresourcesthattheyneedtobeonthepathwaytocollegeandsuccessinlife.Thus,AlmadelMaroffersafullarrayofevaluationandsupportservicesincludingthefollowing:

Speechtherapy

Occupationaltherapy

Physicaltherapy

Counseling(providedonsitethroughapartnershipwithChildandFamily)

1. Evaluations for Special EducationAtanytime,aparentmayrequestthatascholarbeevaluatedtodetermineeligibilityforspecialeducationservices.AllparentalrequestsmustbemadeinwritingtotheDirectorof

ScholarandFamilyServices.Allrequestswillberespondedtowithinfive(5)days.Withinthirty(30)daysafteraparentsignsaconsenttotestform,allrequiredevaluationswillbecompleted.Followingthecompletionofanevaluation,ateammeetingwillbeconvenedtodiscussthescholarseligibilityforspecialeducationservices.Ifthescholarisfoundtobeeligible,anIndividualizedEducationPlan(IEP)willbedevelopedtoaddresstheareaofneed.ParentparticipationiscriticalinthedeterminationofeligibilityforspecialeducationandinthedevelopmentofanIEP.Everyreasonableeffortwillbemadetoschedulemeetingssuchthatparentshavetheopportunitytoparticipate.Parentsmayalsoparticipatebyphoneif

unabletoattendthemeeting.Parentsarewelcometoinviteotherstoattendthemeeting.

2. Eligibility for Special EducationInordertobeeligibleforspecialeducationservices,ascholarmustmeetallofthefollowingcriteria:

A. ThescholarhasadisabilityB. Thedisabilityisleadingthescholarnottomakeprogressinthegeneraleducation

programC. Thescholarrequiresspecificallydesignedinstructionorrelatedservices(examples

includeoccupationaltherapy,speechtherapy,orphysicaltherapy)

3. Individualized Education PlanTheIEPisalegaldocumentthatidentifiestheservicesandaccommodationsthatarenecessaryforscholarstomakeeffectiveprocess.AnIEPisreviewedeveryyearbyateamincludingthescholarsteachers,anyspecialistsinvolvedinthescholarseducation,theparent,anyonetheparentinvites,andthescholarifthescholarisofanappropriateagetoparticipate.


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4. 504 Accommodation PlanUponcompletionofanevaluation,theIEPteamwillmeetandmayrecommendthata504AccommodationPlanbewritten.A504Planisalegaldocument,whichisprimarilya

classroomaccommodationplan.ItisnotanIEP.Inordertobeeligiblefora504plan,ascholarmusthaveadisabilitywhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities,suchaslearning.Thescholarmaystillbemakingeffectiveprogressinthegeneraleducationcurriculum.

5. CounselingAlmadelMarpartnerswithChildandFamilytooffercounselingservicestoscholarsonsite.Anyparentmayrequestanevaluationofascholaratanytime.Parentsmustprovidewrittenconsentpriortoanevaluation.Ifascholariseligibleforservices,MassHealthorprivateinsurancewillbebilled.Familieswillincurnofeesforservices.

6. Homeless Education ActTheMcKinney-VentoHomelessEducationActisthefederallawthatentitleschildrenwhoarehomelesstoafree,publiceducationandrequiresschoolstoremovebarrierstotheirenrollment,attendance,andsuccessinschool.Allhomelessscholarshavearighttoreceiveanequitablelevelofservicesprovidedtootherchildren,includingtransportation,educationalservices,andnutritionalandhealthservices.AlmadelMariscommittedtoensuringthathomelessscholarsreceiveawidearrayofservicestosupporttheireducationandtheirsuccessinlife.PleasecontacttheDirectorofScholarandFamilyServicesifyouhaveanyquestions.

7. English Language LearnersAlmadelMarwillworkwithfamiliestoensurethatallscholars,regardlessoftheirhomelanguage,developEnglishproficiency,contentknowledge,andacademiclanguageskillstopreparethemforsuccessinmainstreamclasses.ScholarswhospeaklanguagesotherthanEnglishathomewillbeevaluatedwhentheybeginatAlmadelMartodeterminetheirlevelofEnglishfluency.MassachusettsStateLawrequiresthatallEnglishLanguageLearnersreceiveShelteredEnglishImmersionunlesstheparentsignsawaiver.ShelteredEnglishImmersioninvolvesEnglishlanguagedevelopmenttaughtbyanESL-certifiedteacherandshelteredcontentcoursestaughtbyateacherwithabackgroundinShelteredEnglish

Immersion.ScholarswhoseprimarylanguageisnotEnglishhaveequalrightsofaccesstoallacademicandnon-academiccomponentsoftheAlmadelMarexperience.AlmadelMarwillensurethatallparentsreceivewrittenandoralcommunicationfromtheschoolintheirhomelanguageiftheyarenotcomfortablewithcommunicationinEnglish.


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Section XI: SchoolBreakfast and Lunch


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Ifascholarpayingfull-pricehasnotorderedlunchforagivendayandforgetslunch,thescholarwillbeprovidedwithlunchatacostof$4.00forthatday.

3.

Ordering MealsGiventhatAlmadelMarsmealsarepreparedoff-site,familiesmustordermealsinadvancesothattheschoolhasanaccuratecountofthenumberofmealsrequired.AlmadelMarisacash-freeschool;allmealsmustbepaidforonlineusingacreditcardorattheMainOfficeusingacheckormoneyorder.

A. Online OrderingAlmaDelMarCharterSchoolpartnerswithorderlunches.comtoprovideasecure,fastandeasy-to-useonlineorderingsystemthatallowsAlmaDelMarCharterSchoolparentstoviewourschoollunchmenu,order,prepayandmanagescholarlunchesontheweb.

Toenrollinthesystem,pleasedothefollowing: Gotoalmadelmar.orderlunches.com Clickonregisterintheuppercorner Enteralma177forschoolpassword Followthepromptstocreateanaccountforyourscholar

Youmayordermealsforthemonthbeginningoneweekpriortothestartofthemonth.Allmealsmustbeordered48hoursinadvance.Allonlineordersforfullorreducedpricelunchmustbepaidforusingacheckorcreditcard.Familieseligibleforfreelunchwillnotbeaskedforapaymentmethod.

ComputerswillbeavailableatAlmadelMarforfamilieswithoutInternetaccessathome.

Ifyourequiresupportwithusingtheonlineorderingsystem,pleasecontactorderlunches.comdirectlyat800-381-6511.

B. Paper OrderingIfyouarenotcomfortableusingtheonlineorderingsystem,youmayorderusingpaperorderingforms.Theseformswillbesenthomewiththemonthlymenuaweekpriorthestartofthemonthandmustbereturnedwithcheckormoneyorderatleast48hourspriorthestartofthenewmonth.Familiesusingpaperorderformsmustorderlunchesforthefullmonthinadvance.

Tosignupforonlinelunch

ordering,pleasevisit

almadelmar.orderlunches.com

Schoolpassword:alma177

Forhelpwithorderinglunches,pleasecall800-381-6511.


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4. Meals from HomeAlmadelMarscholarsmaybringbreakfastand/orlunchfromhome.Refrigerationandheatingwillnotbeavailable,sofamiliesshouldsendfoodsthatmaybestoredandconsumedatroomtemperature.

TheitemslistedbelowareprohibitedatAlmadelMar:

Candy

Sodas(includingdietsodas)

Sportsdrinks

Icedteas(includingdieticedteas)

Alljuicesandfruitdrinksexceptthosethatare100%juice

Beveragescontainingcaffeine,excludinglow-fatorfat-freechocolatemilk(whichcontaintrivialamountsofcaffeine)

Ifanyoftheabovelisteditemsisbroughttoschool,itwillbeconfiscatedanddiscarded.Scholarswillhaveaccesstowateratalltimes.

Duetoallergyconcerns,scholarsnotprohibitedtosharefoodsorbeveragesbroughtfromhome.AlmadelMarreservestherighttoprohibitadditionalfooditemsasallergyneedsnecessitate.

Scholarsmaynot

bringcandy,sodas,or

sugarydrinksto

school.Suchitems

willbediscarded.


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Section XII: Health


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AlmadelMariscommittedtosupportingthehealthandwell-beingofallscholars.Theschoolstaffincludesapart-timeRegisteredNurse.Sheisabletoprovidebasicfirstaid,careforillscholars,administermedicationtoscholarswhorequireitduringtheschoolday,andprovidecounselingonhealth-relatedissuestoscholarsandtheirfamilies.Inaddition,theschoolhasarelationshipwithalocalpediatricianwhoadvisestheschoolwithregardto

health-relatedmatters.

1. ScreeningsScholarsinallgradeswillundergoannualvisionandhearingscreenings.Inaddition,scholarsinfirstgradewillundergoBMIscreenings.Theschoolnursewillcontactthefamilyifscreeningsresultsindicateaneedforfollow-up.Itistheparentorguardiansresponsibilitytoensurethatidentifiedneedsareaddressed.Theschoolwillprovidereferralsforappropriateservicesattherequestofafamily.

2. Administration of Medication in SchoolIfascholarrequiresmedicationwhileinschool,theschoolmusthaveonfileanAuthorizationtoDispenseMedicationform,filledoutbythescholarsphysician.Noscholarisallowedtopossessmedicationwhileatschool.Parentswhohaveprovidedtheschoolwithmedicationdispensationauthorizationformsshouldbringthemedicationtotheschoolonthefirstdayandgivethemedicationtothenurse,orcontactthenursetomakeotherarrangements.Whiletheschoolnurseisresponsibleforsupervisingtheschoolsprescriptionmedicationadministrationprogram,theschoolhasregisteredwiththeDepartmentofPublicHealtha

Board-approvedplanthatallowsthedelegationoftheadministrationofmedicationtounlicensedschoolpersonnelundercertaincircumstances.

A. Pain KillersMedicationpoliciesapplytoallmedication,includingpainkillers(Tylenol,aspirin,etc.).IfascholarneedstotakeTylenoloraspirinduringtheschoolday,thescholarmusthaveonfiletheauthorizationsignedbyhisorherphysicianandaparentorguardian,givingtheschoolpermissiontoadministerthemedicationasneededduringtheschoolyear.

Inaddition,eachdaythescholarneedsthemedication,heorshemustbringthemedicationandanotefromaparentorguardian.Thisnotemuststatethefollowinginformation:

theschoolisauthorizedtoadministertheTylenoloraspirinonthatday thetimewhenthechildwaslastgiventheTylenoloraspirin

Noscholarwillbe

permittedtotakeany

medication

(prescriptionornon-

prescription)without

writtenauthorization

fromadoctor.Allmedicationsmustbe

storedwiththe

schoolnurse.


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Ifsuchauthorizationisnotprovided,theparentorguardianofthescholarmustcometotheschooltoadministerthemedicationdirectly.

B. Asthma InhalersIfascholarneedstohaveanasthmainhalerwithhimorheratschool,theparent

mustprovidetheschoolnursewiththeorderfromadoctorstatingthatthescholarneedstocarrytheinhaler.Theordermustalsobesignedbyaparentorguardian,andtheparentorguardianmustprovidethenursewithasecondinhalerthatwillbekeptinthenursesoffice.

C. EpiPensIfascholarhasaseriousallergytoafood,AlmadelMarstronglyencouragesparentsorguardianstobringanEpiPentoschoolonthefirstdayofschool.Aswithotherprescriptionmedications,theEpiPenmustbeaccompaniedbyamedicationauthorizationformfromtheprescribingpediatrician.EpiPenswillbeadministeredincaseofapossibleallergicreactioninaccordancewithbestmedicalpractices.If

anEpiPenisadministered,theparentwillbecontactedimmediately.Iftheparentisnotabletotransportthescholartoamedicaltreatmentfacility,theschoolwillhavethescholartransportedviaambulance.

3. First Aid and Medical EmergenciesMinoraccidents,cuts,scrapes,andbruiseswillgenerallybetreatedattheschoolbytheschoolnurseorbyselectedteachersandadministrators.Theschoolisnotequippedtoprovidemedicalservicesbeyondbasicfirstaid.Intheeventthatachildrequiresemergencymedicalcare,aparentorguardianwillbenotifiedassoonaspossible.Ifaparent,guardian,orotheremergencycontactcannotbereached,theschoolmayneedto

arrangeforthescholartobetransportedviaambulancetothenearesthospital.ItisessentialthatwehaveonfileeachscholarsOffice/HealthEmergencyCard,whichprovidesup-to-datecontactinformationforparentsandguardians,andwhichgivestheschoolauthorizationtobeginmedicaltreatment.

4. Medical ExclusionIntheinterestofprotectingthehealthofallscholars,pleaseDONOTsendascholartoschoolinthecaseofanyoneofthefollowing:

Afeverofover100degreeswithinthepast24hours Anundiagnosedskinrash Vomitingordiarrheawithinthepast24hours Untreatedconjunctivitis(scholarsmayreturn24hours

afterbeginningtreatment) Untreatedheadlice Diagnosedcontagiousillnesssuchasstrepthroatormononucleosis

Ifparentsarehaving

difficultydeciding

whethertokeepa

scholarhomefor

medicalreasons,call

theschoolnurseor

theDirectorof

ScholarandFamilyServicesinthe

morningforguidance.


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Ifscholarsinschoolareobservedtohaveanyoftheaboveconditions,theywillbesenthome.Ifascholarisdiagnosedwithacontagiousillness,pleasecontacttheschoolnurse

immediatelysothatshemaymonitorthespreadofdisease.Scholarsshouldcometoschoolwhentheyhaveroutinesorethroats,achesandpains,headaches,orotherminormedicalconcerns.Absencesduetotheseissuesareunnecessaryandinterferewithascholarseducation.Suchabsenceswillbeconsideredunexcused.

5. Medical RecordsMassachusettsstatelawrequiresallscholarsenrollinginanewschooltohaveaphysicalexaminationbeforeenteringtheschool.Beforeascholarcanenrollintheschool,theschoolmusthaveonfilethefollowingforms:

A. Massachusetts School Health RecordThisformcontainsrecordsshowingthatthescholarhashadaphysicalexamwithinthepastyearpriortothestartoftheschoolyear,hasup-to-dateimmunizations,andhashadallrequiredscreenings.

i. ImmunizationsAlmadelMarenforcestheSchoolImmunizationLaw.AccordingtoMassachusettsGeneralLaws,scholarswillnotbepermittedtoattendschoolwithoutaphysicianscertificationofimmunizationagainstdiptheria,

pertussis,tetanus,measles,andothersuchdiseasesasspecifiedbytheDepartmentofPublicHealthunlessoneofthefollowingconditionsapplies:Adoctorprovideswrittendocumentationthatimmunizationwouldendangerthehealthofascholaroraparentorguardianprovideswrittendocumentationthatimmunizationconflictswithhisorhersincerereligiousbeliefs.Documentationwillberequiredatthestartofeachschoolyear.Scholarslackingimmunizationsmaybeexcludedfromschoolduringdiseaseoutbreaksinordertoprotecttheirhealthandthatoftheschoolcommunityatlarge.

B. Emergency CardThisformcontainsinformationaboutascholarsallergies,healthconditions,physician,dentist,andhealthinsurance.TheformalsoauthorizesAlmadelMartoactincaseofamedicalemergency.Noscholarwillbeallowedtoenterschoolwithouthavingthisformonfile.

AlmadelMarexpectsfamiliestoupdatemedicalrecordsthroughouttheschoolyear.Parentsshouldprovidetheschoolwithacopyofeachphysicalthatthescholarhas.Inaddition,parentsshouldprovidetheschoolwithdocumentationanytimea

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