DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Excel Academy Student Handbook

2020-2021

2501 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE Washington, D.C. 20020

Tel. 202-373-0097 | Fax. 202-373-0477

www.excelps.org

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @ExcelAcademyPS

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Excel Academy Creed I am a scholar because I love learning. I am college bound because I work hard.

I am proud because I am a girl. I am a leader because I have a voice. I am successful because I dream big. We are strong because we are sisters.

We determine our destiny. We will change the world.

We will EXCEL!

Educate. Empower. EXCEL!

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DistrictofColumbiaPublicSchools(DCPS)MissionandVision

VisionStatementEverystudentfeelsloved,challenged,andpreparedtopositivelyinfluencesocietyandthriveinlife.MissionStatementOurmissionistoensurethateveryschoolguaranteesstudentsreachtheirfullpotentialthroughrigorousandjoyfullearningexperiencesprovidedinanurturingenvironment.TaglineEveryStudent,EverySchool,EveryDay!

ExcelAcademyMissionandVision

OurVisionThevisionofExcelAcademyistoempowerourscholarstobelifelong,innovativelearners,productivecompetitors,andleaderswhomakeapositiveimpactglobally.OurMissionExcelAcademywillofferauniquesingle-sexeducationalmodelforgirlsintheDistrictofColumbia.Thecurriculumwillfocusonbuildingstudentachievementinliteracy,mathematics,science,technology,worldlanguages,andperformingandvisualartswhilestrengtheningthescholars’self-esteem,whichempowersthemtomakepositiveethicalchoices.Theschoolwillprovideamyriadofopportunitiestodeveloptheyoungladiesacademically,socially,andemotionallyinordertopreparethemtobeproductivecompetitorsinthe21stcentury.ExcelAcademyIDEALS○Integrity:Wearehonest;wedowhat’sright,andwerefusetocompromiseourvalues.○Discipline:Wehaveself-control,andwemakegoodchoices.○Enjoyment:Webringjoytoourlearning,ourschool,andourcommunity.○Achievement:Weworkhardtoexceedourgoals.○Leadership:Weareinfluential,andweshowtheway.○Sisterhood:Weareunited.Weriseandfalltogether.

Hashtags:#EducateEmpowerExceland#ExcelGirlsRising

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STUDENTHANDBOOKAccordingtoTitle5,Chapter25ofD.C.MunicipalRegulations(DCMR),“ItisthepolicyoftheChancellorthatasafeenvironmentconducivetolearningshallbemaintainedinDCPS.Tobuildandmaintainthisenvironment,DCPSshallprovidestudents,families,andstaffwithclearexpectationsandrulesforappropriateschoolbehavior.Theserulesmustbalancetheresponsibilitiesandrightsoftheschoolcommunity.Theserulesmustreflecttheindividual’sresponsibilityforcontributingtoasafeenvironmentconducivetolearningandtheneedformutualrespectandcooperationamongallsegmentsoftheschoolcommunity.”Toachieveourmissionandvision,ExcelAcademyhasadoptedthefollowinggoals:○Tohaveaschool-wideplaninplaceforallstaff,students,andfamiliestoadhere.○Allstaffandstudentsreceivetrainingonthedisciplinepolicy.○Allstaff,students,andfamiliesunderstandclearexpectationsforstudentconduct.○Structureswillbeinplacetocelebratestudentswhoarepracticingschoolvalues.○Socio-emotionalsupportsareprovidedtoallstudents.○Systemsareinplacetocollectandfrequentlyreviewdataonattendance,tardies,andofficereferrals.

DisclaimerItisexpectedthatallstaffmembers,parents/guardians,andcommunitymembersexercisesoundjudgmentintheiractionsandactinthebestinterestofallstudentsatalltimeswithtotalattentiontothesafetyandwelfareofeveryoneinthebuilding.ItisunderstoodthatbyreceivingthishandbookandbeingenrolledatExcelAcademy,allparents/guardiansunderstandtheexpectationsforallofthepoliciesandprocedureslistedinthisguide.Itisnotpossibletolisteverythingthatwemightencounter.Still,itisexpectedthatallstaff,parents/guardians,andcommunitymemberswillsupportandfollowallschool-widepoliciesandproceduresatalltimes.Alldecisions,policies,andprocedureswillALWAYSbeinthebestinterestofallstudentsatExcelAcademy.

GeneralSchoolInformationOfficeHours:8:00am-4:30pmOffice:202.373.0097|Fax:202.373.0477Website:www.excelps.orgFacebook,Twitter,Instagram:@ExcelAcademyPSSchoolHours:

DoorsOpen(Breakfast):8:10amAcademicInstruction:8:45amDismissal:3:15pm

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ArrivalPoliciesSchoolstartsat8:45am.Studentsarrivingafter8:45amaretardyandmustgotothemainofficeforalateslip.○7:00am-8:00am:BeforeCare○8:10am:Doorsopenforstudentseatingbreakfast○8:10am-8:35am:Breakfastisserved.StudentsinPre-Kand6thgradeeatintheclassroom,andstudentsin7thand8thgradeeatbreakfastinthecafeteria.○8:45am:Theschooldaybegins.Studentsshouldnotarrivebefore8:10amunlessenrolledinBeforeCarebecausesupervisionisnotavailable.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforstudentsupervisionandsafetybefore8:10am.Duringmorningarrival,parentsofscholarsinPre-K3through2ndgradescanescorttheirscholarstotheirclassroom.Theschoolrequeststhatparentsandguardiansofscholarsin3rdthrough8thgradesdropofftheirscholarsattheschoolentrancesdesignatedbelowandallowthemtotransitioninsideindependentlytofacilitateatimelyandsmoothstartoftheschoolday.

ATTENDANCEPOLICYOurgoalistoensurethateverystudentattendsschoolregularlyandontime.Showingupforschoolhasasignificantimpactonastudent’sacademicsuccess,startinginkindergartenandcontinuingthroughhighschool.Evenaschildrengrowolderandmoreindependent,familiesplayacrucialroleinmakingsurestudentsgettoschoolsafelyeverydayandunderstandwhyattendanceissoessentialforsuccessinschoolandinlife.Werealizesomeabsencesareunavoidableduetohealthproblemsorothercircumstances.Butwealsoknowthatwhenstudentsmisstoomuchschool--excusedorunexcused--theycanfallbehindacademically.Yourchildislesslikelytosucceedifheorsheischronicallyabsent--whichmeansmissing18ormoredaysinaschoolyear.Researchshowsthat:

• Childrenthatarechronicallyabsentinkindergartenand1stgradearemuchlesslikelytoreadatgradelevelbytheendof3rdgrade.

• By6thgrade,chronicabsenceisawarningsignforstudentsatriskofdroppingoutofschool.• By9thgrade,goodattendancecanpredictgraduationratesevenbetterthan8th-gradetestscores.

Studentsareexpectedtobeinschoolexceptincasesofemergency,illness,orschool-approvedabsence.Unexcusedabsenceswillbeconsideredtruancyandwillbeaddressedaccordingtothedistrict’struancypolicy.TheExcelstaffsupportsthephilosophythattheinstructionalprogramisavitalpartofformaleducation.Wefurtherbelievethatitisnecessarytorequirethatstudentsattendschoolamaximumnumberofdays.Studentsarerequiredtomaintainalevelofattendance,whichenablesthemtomeettheirresponsibilitiesaslearners.Studentsandtheirparents/guardiansholdtheprimaryresponsibilityforschoolattendanceandforfollowingtheattendancepolicy.Weaskforthecooperationofbothstudentsandparentsinthesematterssothatthestudentcanreceivethebesteducationpossible.Intheeventofabsenceorillness:Parentsshouldcalltheschoolonthefirstdaythestudentmissesandsendanotetotheteacherstatingthereasonforabsence.Adoctor’sstatementisrequiredforextended

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illness.Make-upworkisrequiredwhenapplicable.Parentsareencouragedtomakedentalandmedicalappointmentsafterschoolhours.Studentsareprohibitedfromparticipatinginextra-curricularactivitieswhentheyareabsentfromschool.

ExcusedandUnexcusedAbsencesExcusedabsencesarewhenschool-agedstudentsareabsentfromschoolwithavalidexcuseandparentalapproval.Examplesofexcusedabsencesinclude:

• Studentillness(adoctor’snoteisrequiredifastudentisabsentformorethanfivedays);• Deathinthestudent’simmediatefamily;• Necessityforastudenttoattendajudicialproceedingasaplaintiff,defendant,witnessor

juror;• Observanceofareligiousholiday;• Temporaryschoolclosingsduetoweather,unsafeconditionsorotheremergencies;• Medicalreasonssuchasadoctor’sappointment(adoctor’snoteisrequired);• FailureofDCtoprovidetransportationwherelegallyresponsible;• Lawfulsuspensionorexclusionfromschoolbyschoolauthorities;• Absencestoallowstudentstovisittheirparentorlegalguardian,whoisinthemilitary;

immediatelybefore,duringorafterdeployment;• EmergencyorothercircumstancesapprovedbytheDirectorofAttendanceandSupport

Servicesordesignee.Excusenotesmustbesubmittedbytheparent/guardianwithin5daysofastudent’sreturntoschoolafteranabsence.Thenotemustincludeawrittenexplanationofthereasonforthestudent’sabsence.Parents/guardiansmaywritetheirownnoteormayusetheDCPStemplateexcusenoteformobtainedfromtheschool.

Unexcusedabsencesarewhenschool-agedstudentsareabsentfromschoolwithoutavalidexcuse,withorwithoutparentalapproval.Examplesofunexcusedabsencesinclude:

• Babysitting• Miscellaneous• Extendedtravel(domesticorinternational)• Oversleeping• Cuttingclasses

Studentsmustbepresent80%ofthedaytobecountedas“legallypresent”.Whenastudentreturnstoschoolafteranabsence,anoteshouldbesenttotheteacherorattendancecounselor.Thenoteshouldincludethedate(s)oftheabsenceandthereason.Adoctor’snoteshouldbeprovidedifrequired.Studentabsenceswithoutnoteswillbemarkedunexcused.Ifabsencesareduetochronichealthissues,i.e.asthma,theschoolnursewilldevelopanIndividualHealthPlan.

AttendanceExpectations:1. Arriveontimetoschoolandtoclasseachday.2. Bringyourbooksandmaterialstoclass.3. Askyourteacherformissedworkormake-upassignmentsfordaysyouwereabsent.

Askschoolstaffforhelpifyouhaveacademicorotherconcerns(e.g.safetyorlackoftransportation)preventingyoufromcomingtoschool.

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Studentswhocutclassorareabsentmaybesubjecttothefollowingresponses:○ Individual/groupcounselingtoaddressattendanceneeds.○ Participationinthecreationof,andadherenceto,anattendancestudentsupportplan.○ Parentsofstudentswithfive(5)unexcusedabsenceswillberequestedtoparticipateina

truancyconferenceandreferredtotheStudentSupportTeam.○ Studentswith7unexcusedabsenceswillreceiveaMetropolitanPoliceDepartment/DCPS

notificationletter.○ Parentsofstudentswithten(10)totalabsences–excusedorunexcusedmayberequestedto

participateinanAttendancefollow-upConference(SST)○ Studentsages5-13withten(10)unexcusedabsenceswillbereferredtotheChildandFamily

ServicesAgency(CFSA)forsuspectededucationalneglect.○ Studentswithten(10)unexcusedabsenceswillbereferredtotheOfficeofStateSuperintendent

ofEducation.○ Highschoolstudentswithten(10)unexcusedabsenceswillbereferredtotheschool’s

AttendanceCommittee/theStudentSupportTeamforfollow-up.○ Studentsages14-17withfifteen(15)unexcusedabsenceswillbereferredtoCourtSocial

Services.○ Studentsages5-13withfifteen(15)unexcusedabsenceswillbereferredtotheOfficeofthe

AttorneyGeneral.○ Coursegradesoryear-endpromotionmaybeaffectedbyunexcusedabsences.

TruancyTruancyisdefinedasthewillfulabsencefromschoolbyaminor(5–18yearsofage)withorwithoutparentalapproval,knowledge,orconsent.Atruantisaminor(5–18yearsofage)who,withoutavalidreasonandwithorwithoutparentalknowledgeorconsent,doesnotattendschool.Atruantisdefinedasanystudentwhoaccumulatestenormoreunexcusedabsencesinoneschoolyear.Studentsbetweentheagesof14and18whoaccumulate15ormoreabsenceswillbereferredtoDCCourtServicesfortruancy.Studentsundertheageof14willbereportedtoCFSA,perDistrictofColumbiapolicy.TruancyEnforcementAlluniformedlawenforcementofficersintheDistrictareresponsiblefortruancyenforcement.

• Ifthepolicepickupatruant,shewillbetransportedinapolicevehicletotheschool.• Parents/guardiansarenotifiedofthestudent’struancystatus.• Parents/guardiansandstudentsmayberequiredtoattendatruancyconference.

BirthdayCelebrationsBirthdaypartiesatExcelAcademyareprohibitedduringtheinstructionalday.Birthdaypartiesshouldtakeplaceat2:45pm.Allpartiesmustbecoordinatedwiththeclassroomteacher.

BULLYING

SchoolBullyingPolicyAccordingtotheDistrictofColumbiaLaw,bullyingissevereorrepeatedusebyoneormorestudentsofverbal,writtenorelectroniccommunicationoraphysicalactorgesture,orexclusion,oranycombinationthereof,directedatanotherstudentthathasthefollowingeffects:

○ causesphysicaloremotionalharmtothetargetedstudentordamagetothetargetedstudent’sproperty;

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○ placesthetargetedstudentinreasonablefearofharmtohimselforherselforofdamagetohisorherproperty;

○ createsahostileenvironmentatschoolforthetargetedstudent;○ infringesontherightsofthetargetedstudentatschool;or○ materiallyandsubstantiallydisruptstheeducationalprocessortheorderlyoperationofthe

school.InaccordancewiththeDistrict-WideBullyingPreventionPolicy;ExcelAcademystrivestoprovidestudentswithoptimalconditionsforlearningbymaintainingaschoolenvironmentwhereeveryoneistreatedwithrespectandnooneisphysicallyoremotionallyharmed.Actsofbullyingbystudentsareprohibited:

a. Onschoolpremises;b. Atanyschool-sponsoredactivityoreventonandoffDCPSgrounds:c. Onpublicandschooltransportationincludingstoplocations;d. Usingschoolpropertyorequipment;e. Walkingtoandfromschool;f. Or,anyotherplacewhereastudenthasaccesstotechnology.

“Bullying,”means any severe, pervasive, or persistent act or conduct,whether physical, electronic orverbalthat

A. Maybebasedonastudent’sactualorperceivedrace,color,ethnicity,religion,nationalorigin,sex,age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,intellectualability,familialstatus,familyresponsibilities,matriculation,politicalaffiliation,geneticinformation, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place ofresidenceorbusiness,oranyotherdistinguishingcharacteristic,oronastudent’sassociationwitha person, or group with any person, with one or more of the actual or perceived foregoingcharacteristics;and

B. Shallreasonablypredictedto:a. Placeastudentinreasonablefearofphysicalharmtohisorherpersonorproperty;b. Causeasubstantialdetrimentaleffectonthestudent’sphysicalormentalhealth;c. Substantiallyinterferewiththestudent’sacademicperformanceorattendance;d. Substantially interferewith the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school

activitiesorservices;ore. Materially and substantiallydisrupts theeducationprocessor theorderlyoperationof a

school.Bullyingalsooccurswhenastudentorgroupofstudentsorganizeacampaignagainstanotherstudentorwhen a student or group of students maliciously spread rumors about another student. In mostcircumstancesBullyingdoesnotincludeamutualfightbetweentwostudentswhoareangrywitheachother.Allreferencestobullyingshallalsobeunderstoodtoincludecyberbullying.

ElectronicCommunicationThe use of the Internet andmobile technology such as web pages, discussion groups such as instantmessaging,SMStext,Instagram,orFacebookwiththeintentofintimidating,harassing,orharminganotherperson.

ProtectionAgainstRetaliationExcelAcademywill take appropriate steps toprotect anyperson - studentornon-student, accusedoraccuser, etc. - fromretaliationwhen they report, file a complaint of, are the subject of a complaint, or

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cooperateinaninvestigationconcerningaviolationoftheDCPSBullyingPreventionPolicy.Anemployee,volunteer,orstudentwhopromptlyandingoodfaithreportsanincidentof,orinformationon,bullyingincompliancewiththispolicyshallbeimmunefromacauseofactionfordamagesarisingfromthereport.Threatsoractsofretaliation,whetherperson-to-person,byelectronicmeans,orthroughthirdparties,areserious offenses thatwill subject the violator to disciplinary and other corrective action,which couldincludelong-termsuspension,exclusionorexpulsion.AllincidentsofbullyingshouldbereportedtotheDean.InaccordancewithTheOfficeofHumanRightsDistrict-wideBullyingpreventionPolicy,ExcelAcademywillnottolerateanyformofbullying,includingcyber-bullying,norwillwetolerateretaliationagainstanystudentorotherpersonwhoreportsanincidentofbullying,whoparticipatesinaninvestigationofacomplaintofbullying,orwhoisawitnessto,orotherwisehasreliableinformationaboutbullying.Thispolicyappliestoallofourstudents;italsomayapplytoasituationinwhichoneofourstudentsissubjecttobullyingbyaformerstudentwhocomesonschoolgroundsorwhoengagesincyberbullyingagainstoneofourcurrentstudents.Bullyingandcyber-bullyingareprohibitedonschoolgrounds,ongroundsadjacenttoschoolgroundsandatschool-sponsoredeventsandschool-relatedactivities,functionsandprograms,whetheronoroffschoolgrounds.Bullyingandcyber-bullyingareprohibitedatbusstops,onschoolbusesandothervehiclesowned,leased,orusedbytheschool,orthroughtheuseoftechnologyoranelectronicdeviceowned,leased,orusedbytheschool(forexample,aschoolcomputerorschool-maintainednetwork).Bullyingandcyber-bullyingareprohibitedatalocation,activity,function,orprogramthatisnotschool-relatedorthroughtheuseoftechnologyoranelectronicdevicethatisnotowned,leased,orusedbytheschool,ifthebullyingorcyberbullyingcreatesahostileenvironmentatschoolforastudent,infringesontherightsofastudentatschool,ormateriallyandsubstantiallydisruptstheeducationprocessortheorderlyoperationoftheschool.

Cyber-BullyingCyber-bullyingisbullyingthroughtheuseoftechnologyorelectronicdevicessuchasatelephone,cellphone,computer,ortheInternet.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedto,email,aninstantmessage,atextmessage,oranInternetposting,whetheronawebpage,inablog,onasocialmediapage,orelsewhere.

HostileEnvironmentAhostileenvironmentisasituationinwhichbullying(and/orcyber-bullying)causestheschoolenvironmenttobepermeatedwithintimidation,ridicule,orinsultthatissufficientlysevereorpervasivesoastoaltertheconditionsofastudent’seducation.

RetaliationRetaliationisanyformofintimidation,reprisal,orharassmentdirectedagainstastudentwhoreportsbullying,providesinformationduringaninvestigationofbullying,orwitnessesorhasreliableinformationaboutbull

CellularTelephonePolicyExcelAcademyunderstandsthatcellphoneshavebecomeastandardtoolforcommunication.Nonetheless,theyhavecomprisedthesafetyofstudentsandareasignificantdistractiontothelearningenvironment.Inanefforttopromotetheappropriateuseoftechnologywhilemaintaining

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theintegrityofteachingandlearning,ExcelAcademywillimplementacellphonepolicy.Thecellphonepolicywillrequirestudentstoturnintheirdevicesbeforetheinstructionaldaybeginsandretrievetheirdevicesattheendoftheday.MiddleSchoolStudents:Lockcellphonesinthecellphonelockersatthebeginningoftheday.ElementaryStudents:Turnindevicestotheirhomeroomteacherandretrievetheirdeviceattheendoftheday.Failuretofollowtheseruleswillresultinthefollowingdisciplinaryactions:

○ 1stoffense:Thedevicewillbeconfiscatedandreturnedtothestudentattheendoftheschoolday.Thestudentwillbeinformedofthecellphonepolicyandprogressivedisciplinesteps.Thestudent’sparentwillbenotified.

○ 2ndoffense:Thedevicewillbeconfiscatedandsubmittedtoschooladministrationaccompaniedwithareferral.Parentsarerequiredtoattendaconferencewithschooladministrationinordertoretrievethedeviceandreviewthecellphonepolicyandprogressivedisciplinesteps.

○ 3rdoffense:Thedevicewillbeconfiscatedandreturnedtotheparent/guardianafterthestudenthasserveddetentionandcompletedarestorativeassignment.

**Studentswhorefusetosurrendertheirdevicewillbereferredtotheschooladministration.Parentsshouldcontactthemainofficeifthereisanemergency,andtheyneedtocommunicatewiththeir child.We encourage students to leave their cell phones at home. The school will not beresponsibleforanylost,stolen,damaged,confiscatedphones,orusagefees.

DismissalProcedurePleasemakearrangementsforyourscholarstobepickedupontime.Scholarswillbedismissedfromdesignatedlocationsatthecampusdismissaltimes.

• StudentswillonlybereleasedtoaguardianordesigneelistedontheStudentReleaseAuthorizationForm(IntakeForm).

• MiddleSchoolscholarsmaybedismissedindependentlywithparent/guardianpermission.• TheauthorizedpersonpickingupstudentsMUSTentertheschooltosignthestudentout.

Ifachildisnotpickeduppromptly(10minutesafterdismissal),everyeffortwillbemadetocontacttheparentorthepersonslistedontheemergencycard.Thereisnosupervisionprovidedforchildrenafterschoolunlesstheyareinaftercareorparticipateinanextra-curricularactivity.Ifnocontactismadewithin30minutesutilizingtheemergencynumbers,yourchildwillbereferredtoChildandFamilyServices.

DressCodeAtExcelAcademy,uniformsaremandatoryforstudentsingradesPre-Kthrough8th.Webelievethatthestudentsshouldcreateafavorableimageofboththemselvesandtheschoolatalltimes.ExcelAcademyscholarsareexpectedtoadheretotheDressCode.Studentsinthebuildingorparticipatinginoff-campusactivitiesareexpectedtobeindresscode,includingschoolperformances,fieldtrips(unlessotherwiseindicated),orduringafterschoolevents.Tops:○Pre-K-Kindergarten:LightYellowpolo,shortorlong-sleeved,solidcolor.

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○1st-4thGrade:LightBluepolo,shortorlong-sleeved,solidcolor.○5th-8thGrade:Whitepolo,shortorlong-sleeved,solidcolor.○AllScholars:NavyBluesweaterorcardigan(optional)Bottoms:○Pre-K-Kindergarten-4thGrade:Navybottoms,jumpers,pants,shorts,orskirts,(mustreachtheknee)○5th-8th:Khakibottoms,pantsorskirtExcelAcademyscholarsarenotpermittedtowear:○Hoodedsweatshirtsandouterwearinthebuilding.○Scholarsmustremovecoats,jackets,andnon-uniformouterwearuponenteringtheclassroom○Denimofanycolor○Topsorbottomswithpatterns,designs,logos,stripesorpolkadots○Distractingjewelryoraccessoriesincludingbracelets,headbands,oroversizedhairaccessories,andhoopordanglingearrings(studearringsallowed)○Shoeswithheels○Non-religiousheadwear,hats,scarvesorbandanas○Make-upofanykind(includinglipgloss)Therewillbeauniformbanklocatedattheschool.Weencourageparentstodonateuniformsthatyourchildmayhaveoutgrowntothebank.Thefollowingconsequenceswillbefollowedinviolationofthecode:○Parentswillbecalledwhenastudentisnotcompliantandaskedtobringappropriateclothingtoschool.○Ifparentscannotbereachedwithinthefirsttwohoursofschool,studentswillbeissuedclothingfromtheuniformbankwithdirectionstoreturnitcleanthenextday.Parentswillbenotifiediftherearespecialcircumstancesthatchildrenarenotrequiredtowearuniforms.

Drug-FreeSchoolPolicyExcelAcademycomplieswiththepoliciesoftheDistrictofColumbiaregardingaNOdrugpolicyforbothstudentsandstaff.Also,ithasproclaimedtheareaaroundtheschoolasaDrug-FreeZone.ExcelAcademyprohibitstheillegalsale,purchase,use,orpossessionofanyintoxicatingsubstances.Nostudentornon-student,includingadultsandvisitors,shallpossess,use,ordistributedrugsonschoolgroundsorschoolactivities.

EarlyDismissalTominimizeclassroominterruptionsandensurethatstudentshavethebenefitofafulldayofinstruction,weaskthatparentswaituntiltheendofthedaytopick-upscholars.Studentswithearlydismissalmissvaluableinstructionaltimeandinterruptthescheduleofourcommunity.Morethanone(1)earlyreleasepermonthwillinitiateadministrativefollow-upbythePrincipal.Studentsaredismissedthroughtheschooloffice.Studentsmaynotwaitinfrontofthebuildingorenterautomobilesunlessaccompaniedbyaparentorguardian.Theserulesarenecessarytoensurestudent

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safety.Parents/guardiansmustcometotheofficetosignastudentoutforearlydismissal.Studentsmaynotbesignedoutbyanunknownpersonunlessthatperson’snameisnotedonthestudent’srecords.Classesendat3:15pm.Studentsshouldremaininclassuntiltheendoftheday.Studentswhoarepickedupearlymissimportantinformationanddisrupttheclass.Ifastudentisrepeatedlypickedupearly,thefollowingactionswillbetaken:

○ Studentleavesearly3daysinaquarter(~7%)● Teachercallshomeandmonitorssituation.

○ Studentleavesearlymorethan6daysinaquarter(~13%)

● Schoolrequiresmedicaldocumentationifahealthproblemisthecauseofearlydismissal.

● Asignificantnumberoflatearrivalsmayalsobeafactorinretentiondecisions.

Ifaparentneedstopickupastudentpriorto3:15pm,weasktobeinformedby12:00pm,sothatwewillhavestudentsreadyfortheearlyrelease.Wewillnotpermitearlyreleasesafter2:30pm,unlessthereisanemergency.

FieldTripsExcelencouragesfieldtripsseveraltimesayeartocomplementclassroominstruction.Signedparentpermissionslipsarerequiredforstudentstoparticipate;pleasereturnthesetoteachersontime.Excelusespublictransportationwhenappropriate;fieldtripstosomelocationsmayrequireacharteredcoachorschoolbuses.Tripsaregenerallyorganizedbygradelevelbytheclassroomorspecialsteachers;allinformation,forms,andfeeswillbecoordinatedthroughyourchild’sclassroomteacherorroomparents.

HealthPoliciesASchoolHealthNurseisondutyregularlyfrom8:30amto4:30pmintheHealthSuite.Thenurseisavailableforfirstaid,healthscreening,medicationadministration,andhealtheducation.StudentsmustpresentaSchoolNursePassthathasbeenfilledoutbytheteacherbeforebeingseen.AllergyiesIfyourchildhasafoodorotherallergy,youmustreportittotheschoolnursewithdoctor’sinstructionsonappropriateforms.FoodallergiesThisinformationshouldbedocumentedonaDietaryAccommodationsForm(dcps.dc.gov/publication/dietary-accommodations-instructions-and-forms);thenursewillsendthecompletedformtoDCPSFoodandNutritionServices.Also,pleasereporttheconditiontoyourchild’steacherandforthecoordinationofspecialevents.StudentIllnessParentsarerequestedtoreportimmediatelyiftheirchildhasaninfectiousillness(e.g.,strepthroat,chickenpox,lice,etc.)totheirteacherandthenurse.Childrenwithatemperatureover100.2F,sorethroat,orwhohavehadrecentepisodesofvomitingordiarrheashouldbekepthomeStudentsmayreturntoschoolafterbeingfever-freeorvomit/diarrhea-freefor24hourswithoutmedicationChildrendiagnosedwithacontagiousillnesssuchasstrepthroat,orpinkeyeshouldbekepthomeuntilcompletingthefirst24hoursofantibiotics.Parentsshouldsenddocumentationofresultstothenurse.

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Studentswithpossibleeyeorskininfections,lice,orothercontagiousillnesseswillberemovedfromclass.Parentswillbenotifiedtopickupthechildforfurtherdiagnosis.ChronicIllnessParentsofchildrenwithachronicillness(e.g.,asthma)thatmayaffectschoolperformanceshouldcontacttheschoolnursetodevelopanindividualhealthplan,andtofindoutifanyotherdocumentationmayberequired.Suddenillnessoraccident.Theschoolnursewillcontactparentstoadvisethemincaseofillnessoraccident.Pleasekeepcontactinformationcurrent.Theschoolmustalsohavethenumberofarelative,friend,orneighborincaseparentscannotbereached.Ifemergencytransportationisrequired,astudentwillbeaccompaniedbyastaffmemberiftheparentisnotpresent.Nurse/MedicationIfastudentneeds(ormayneed)medicationduringschoolhours,DCPSpolicyrequiresthatformsbecompletedbybothparentandphysicianbeforeanyprescriptionorover-the-countermedicationcanbeadministeredtoachildParentsmustsubmitaMedicationPlan,AsthmaActionPlan,orActionPlanforAnaphylaxis,alongwiththerequiredmedicationinaboxlabeledbyapharmacy.Over-the-countermedicationsrequireadoctor’sorderandsealedmedication(nopharmacylabelrequired).Informationandformsareavailablefromthenurseoratdcps.dc.gov/health.Medicationsshouldalwaysbedeliveredbyaparentorauthorizedadultwhomustsignmedicationintothehealthsuite.Forthesafetyofallstudents,nochildispermittedtocarrymedicationswiththeexceptionofanalbuterolinhaler,whichrequiresauthorizationfromaphysicianandanassessmentbytheschoolnurse.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,pleasespeaktothenurse.

HomeVisitsandAcademicParentandTeacherTeamExcelAcademyrecognizesthecriticalrolethatparentsandfamiliesplayintheeducationoftheirscholars.ThroughapartnershipwiththeFlamboyanFoundation,wewillcontinuetopartnerwithfamiliesthroughhomevisitsandAcademicParentTeacherTeam(APTT)meetings.APTTmeetingswillserveasanopportunityforparentstodiscusstheirscholars’progresswiththeteacherbasedonspecificmathandliteracyskills.Parentswillalsohavetheopportunitytocreatea“Make-and-Take”projectthatcanbeusedathomeforadditionalpractice.APTTmeetingswillbeheldinawholegroupsettingwithopportunitiestospeakoneononewithteachers.Homevisitsserveasanopportunitytomeetwithyourscholar’steachertobecomemorefamiliarwithouracademicprogramanddiscussanyspecificgoalsyoumayhaveforyourscholars.Homevisitscanbescheduledwithyourscholar’steacherforweekdayafternoonsandevenings.Homevisitscanalsobescheduledoutsideofthehomeinaneutrallocationsuchasacoffeeshoporlibrary.Theexpectationisthatallfamilieswillreceiveahomevisit.

LockersLockersareschoolpropertyandaresubjecttoinspectionbyAdministrationatanytime.Thelockersaremadeavailableforstudentuseinstoringsuppliesandpersonalitemsnecessaryforuseatschool.Studentsareonlypermittedtogototheirlockerbefore8:45am,beforeandafterlunchandatdismissal.

• Lockersshouldbekeptclean.

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• Allbackpacks,outerwear,hats,toys,electronicdevices,orotheritemsnotneededintheclassroomshouldbeputawayinyourlockerwhenstudentsenterthebuildinguntiltheyleaveattheendoftheday.

• ExcelAcademyisnotresponsiblefortheloss,theft,orbreakageofvaluableitems.

ParentResponsibilities

ParentsAreTeachersParentsaretheirchildren’sfirstandmostinfluentialteachers.Whatparentsdotohelptheirchildrenlearnismoreimportant

toacademicsuccessthanhowwelloffthefamilyis.(WhatWorks,1986)

Parentsareencouragedtoparticipateintheeducationoftheirchildren.Withoutthecooperationandpartnershipbetweenparentsandschoolstaff,wecannoteffectivelyhelpastudentreachhisorherfullpotential.Theprimaryroleofparentsistocontinuallyshowthechildthattheyareinterestedinandsupportiveofhowtheirchildisdoinginschool.Byworkingtogether,parentsandstaffcanhelpthestudentlearnbehaviorsthatwillincreasethechancesofsuccess.Toensureyourchild’ssuccessinschool,weaskthatparentsdothefollowing:

• Makesureyourchildhasadequaterest.• Provideanutritiousbreakfastforyourchildormakesuretheyareatschoolby8:15toreceive

breakfast.• Makesureyourchildcomestoschoolinacompleteuniform.• Haveyourchildarriveatschoolnolaterthan8:45am.• Makesureyourchildispickeduppromptlyat3:15pmunlesstheyareenrolledinanafter-school

program.• Checkyourchild’sfolder/backpackdailyforschoolcommunicationsandhomework.• Helpyourchildestablishgoodstudyhabitsbyprovidinganappropriatetimeandplacefor

completinghomework.• Readtoyourchildorprovideaquietplaceforyourchildtoreadatleast30minutesperday.• Checkyourchild’steacherregardinganyquestionsorconcerns.• Makesureyourchildleavesallitemsnotschool-relatedathome(e.g.,toys,games,sports

equipment,tradingcards,jewelry,make-up,IPads,etc.)• Praise/rewardyourchildforfollowingtherulesatExcelAcademy.• Establishandmaintainsolution-centeredfamilyandschoolpartnerships.• Ensurethatstudentstakeadvantageoftutoring,enrichment,andextracurricularactivities.• Communicateanyuniquedifficulties,situationstotheschoolinatimelyfashion.• Attendparentandteacherconferences.

Supporttheparentandteacherassociationandotherschool-wideinitiatives.

Pick-upListPolicyExcelAcademyteachersandstaffwillnotremovecustodialparentsfromthepick-uplistwithoutwrittenlegaldocumentation.Allfamilymembersandpersonsauthorizedtopickupstudentsmustprovideagovernment-issuedidentification.Pick-UpList:Allnamesofthosethatcanpickupyourchildneedtobeontheregistrationforminthemainoffice,pleaseupdatethatlistasneeded.Ifsomeoneisnotonthelistneedstopickupachild,pleaseinformthehomeroomteacher,andsendawrittennotetothemainoffice.

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TheadultpickingupthestudentwillneedID.Withsafetyasourtoppriority,wewillnotletstudentsleavewithothersunlesstheprocedureabovehasbeenfollowed.Allfamilydisputesregardingthisissueshouldbehandledoutsideofschool.

STUDENTDISCIPLINESafety,order,andstudentdisciplinearefundamentaltothelearningatExcelAcademy.Inadditiontoachallengingcurriculum,dedicatedteachers,andpropermaterials,asafeandorderlylearningenvironmentisvitaltotheacademicsuccessofeveryscholar.Therefore,ExcelAcademyiscommittedtomaintainingasafeschoolenvironmentinwhicheachscholarhasanequaleducationalopportunity.AtExcelAcademy,weuseourbehaviortrackingsystemstosupportschool-widerulesandexpectations.Theserulesandexpectationsaretaughttoscholarsbyschoolstaffmemberstopreventinitialoccurrencesofchallengingbehaviors.WeexpectscholarstodemonstratetheExcelAcademyIDEALS:

Integrity-Wearehonest;wedowhat’sright;andwerefusetocompromiseourvalues.Discipline-Wehaveself-control,andwemakegoodchoices.Enjoyment-Webringjoytoourlearning,ourschool,andourcommunity.Achievement-Weworkhardtoexceedourgoals.Leadership-Weareinfluential,andweshowtheway.Sisterhood-Weareunited.Weriseandfalltogether.

RewardsandRecognitionAtExcelAcademy,weteachtheadvantagesofgoodcitizenshiptoallstudents.Eachtimewedisciplinechildren,itisanotheropportunitytocapturea“teachablemoment”whereinwecanremindthechildrenonwaystomanageconflictswithoutviolenceorbeinghurtful.Oneofourprimarygoalsistoempowerstudentstobesuccessful.Whenstudentsfeelgoodaboutthemselves,theywillbecomebettercitizensoftheirschoolandcommunitiesbygrowingtobebothscholarsandambassadorsofgoodwill.Studentswhoareoutstandingcitizensoftheschool,suchasastudentofthemonthorstudentswhoarerecognizedforexhibitingtheschool’sIDEALSwillberewardedwithspecialactivitiesandincentives.SomeoftheseincentivesincludehavingtheirnameannouncedoverthePAsystem,students’picturesdisplayedinvariousplacesoftheschool,andcertificatesandrecognitionattheawardassemblies,etc.

BehaviorInterventionsDisciplineCode:TheDCPSdisciplinepolicyor“Chapter25”addressesconsequencesforstudentswhodisrupttheeducationalprocess,whichispostedonourwebsite.PleasebeadvisedthatExcelAcademyhastheresponsibilityandtheauthoritytomaintainasafelearningenvironment.Tomaintainasafelearningenvironment,wehaverulesandregulationswhich,whenviolated,haveconsequencesthatarefair,appropriateforthegradelevel,andconsistent.ItisthebeliefofExcelAcademytoresolvedisciplineproblemsbyusingmeaningfulinterventionstoaddressthemisbehaviorsuchasredirection,mediation,parentinvolvement,counseling,orotherappropriatealternativestosuspension,particularlywhenrespondingtonon-violentnegativebehaviors.However,wewillnottolerateunsafebehaviorssuchasfighting,assault,bullying,orotherunsafeTier3-5behaviors.Tier3-5behaviorsaresuspendableinfractionsbasedonDCMRChapter25.

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InfractionsandPenaltiesTheschoolmaintainsapointssystemforstudentdisciplinaryissues.Studentswhoexhibitdisruptive,disrespectfulordefiantbehavior,orwhoengageinmoreseveremisconductwhileonschoolpropertyorparticipatinginschoolactivities,willreceivepoints.Studentsexhibitingsuchbehaviorswillreceiveonaprogressivebasisthefollowingconsequences:

(1) StudentConference(2) ParentContact(3) Detention(4) ParentConference/BehaviorContract(5) In-SchoolIntervention(6) Off-siteSuspension

InfractionTiersTier1Behaviors(ClassroomManagement)

TierIbehaviorsincludethosebehaviorsthatmaybedisruptiveintheacademicenvironmentbutdonotharmothers.TierIbehaviorsreceiveclassroomlevelconsequencesthatmaybeelevatedtoadministrativeinterventioniftheyarenotsuccessfullyabatedbytheteacherortheappropriateschoollevelcommittee.ThefollowingbehaviorsareTier1behaviors:1.1 Refusaltopresentschool-issuedidentificationuponrequest;1.2 Noncompliancewithdresscode;1.3 Attendingclasswithoutrequiredclassmaterialsorassignedwork1.4 Disengagementfromclassroomlearning;1.5 Behaviorsthatdisruptorinterferewithclassroomlearning;1.6 Unexcusedlatenessforschoolorclass;1.7 Inappropriatedisplaysofaffection1.8 Excessivenoiseintheclassroom,hall,orschoolbuilding;1.9 Runningintheclassroom,hallorschoolbuilding;1.10 Communicatingwithstaffandpeersinamannerthatisnotpolite,courteous,orrespectful;1.11 Directingprofanityorobscene/offensivegesturestowardspeers;1.12 Refusaltocomplywithstaffinstruction,orclassroomorschoolrules;and1.13 Anyotherconductthatmaybedisruptiveintheacademicenvironmentbutdoesnotharmothers.DisciplinaryresponsesforTier1behaviorsshallinclude:

○ FirstOffense–Verbalredirectionorreprimand○ SecondOffense–Teacher/studentconference○ ThirdOffense–Parentcontactbyteacher○ FourthOffense–Teacher/parentconference○ FifthOffense–Behaviorcontract/orprogressreport○ SixthOffense–ReferraltoCounselor/MentalHealthTeam○ SeventhOffense–OfficeReferral

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Tier2Behaviors

TierIIbehaviorsincludethosebehaviorsthatmaybedisruptiveintheacademicenvironment,involveschoolproperty,ormaycauseminorharmtoothers.TierIIbehavioralinfractionsresultinschool-basedinterventionsandadministrativeconsequences.ThefollowingbehaviorsshallbeconsideredTierIIbehaviors:2.1 Usingcomputer/officeequipmentwithoutpermission;2.2 Intentionalmisuseofschoolequipment/supplies/facilities;2.3 Unauthorizeduseofportableelectronicdevicesduringschoolhours(e.g.Mp3players,IPods,cell

phones);2.4 Disruptivebehavioronschoolbusorpublictransportation(metrobus/rail)directlyonthewayto

orfromschool2.5 Leavingclassroomwithoutpermission;2.6 Unexcusedabsencefromclass(cut);2.7 Unauthorizedpresenceinhallwayduringclasstime;2.8 Unexcusedabsencefromschool(cut);2.9 Inappropriateordisruptivephysicalcontactbetweenstudents;2.10 Directingprofanityorobscene/offensivegesturestowardstaff;2.11 Throwingobjectsthatmaycauseinjuryordamagetoproperty;2.12 Anybehaviororotherconductthatmaybedisruptiveintheacademicenvironment,involve

schoolproperty,ormaycauseminorharmtoothers;and2.13 DocumentedpatternofpersistentTierIbehavior.DisciplinaryresponsesforTierIIbehaviorsshallinclude:

○ FirstOffense–Verbaldirectionorreprimand○ SecondOffense–Teacher/studentconference○ ThirdOffense–Parentalcontactbyteacher○ FourthOffense–Behaviorcontract○ FifthOffense–ReferraltoCounselor/MentalHealthTeam○ SixthOffense-Administratorconference

Tier3Behaviors

TierIIIbehaviorsincludethosebehaviors,whichhavethepotentialtodisrupttheschoolenvironment,causeharmtoselforothers,ordestroyschoolproperty.Inadditiontolesserconsequences,TierIIIbehavioralinfractionsmayresultinsuspension.ThefollowingbehaviorsshallbeconsideredTierIIIbehaviors:3.1 InappropriateuseofDCPScomputerornetwork(restrictedwebsites,offensiveemails);3.2 Saleordistributionofanyitemwithoutauthorization;3.3 Possessionordistributionofobsceneorpornographicmaterialonschoolpremises;3.4 Possessionordistributionoruseoftobacco;3.5 Useofalcohol;3.6 Useofmarijuana,controlleddangeroussubstances,imitationcontrolledsubstances,inhalants,

otherintoxicants,ordrugparaphernalia;

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3.7 Unauthorizedpossession,use,ordistributionofoverthecountermedication;3.8 Verbal,written,orphysicalthreattopersonorproperty(includingintimidatingpostures);3.9 Obscene,seriously,offensive,orabusivelanguageorgestures;3.10 CausingdisruptiononschoolpropertyoratanyDCPS-sponsoredorsupervisedactivity;3.11 Gambling;3.12 Communicatingslursbasedonrace,ethnicity,color,nationalorigin,religion,gender,sexual

orientation,ordisability,includingderogatorysexuallanguage;3.13 Engaginginsexualactsonschoolpremisesoratschool-relatedfunctions;3.14 Leavingschoolwithoutpermission;3.15 Academicdishonesty;3.16 Forgery;3.17 Lyingtoorgivingmisleadinginformationtoaschoolstaff;3.18 Postingordistributingmaterialorliteraturethatisdisrespectful,demeaning,humiliating,or

damagingtostudentand/orstaff.ThisincludespostingmaterialonInternetorsendingmaterialelectronically(viaemailorcellphone);

3.19 Engaginginbehaviorthatdemonstratesgang/neighborhoodcrewaffiliation(displayingclothingorgesturesassociatedwithgangs);

3.20 Hazing;3.21 Bullying,orusinghumiliatingorintimidatinglanguageorbehavior,includingInternetbullying;3.22 Possessionoftoolsorinstruments,whichschooladministratorsdeem,couldbeusedasaweapon;3.23 Engaginginrecklessbehaviorthatmaycauseharmtoselforothers;3.24 Extortion;3.25 Fightingwherethereisnoinjuryandorweapon;3.26 Anybehaviororotherconductwhichhasthepotentialtodisrupttheschoolenvironment,cause

harmtoselforothers,ordestroyschoolproperty;and3.27 DocumentedpatternofpersistentTierIIbehaviors.DisciplinaryresponsesforTierIIIbehaviorsshallinclude:AllTierIIIbehaviorsshallbedirectlyreferredtothebehaviorteam.Theschoolreservestherighttoweighandconsiderastudent’sentiredisciplinaryrecordandcircumstanceswhenissuingdiscipline.Pointswillbeassignedforeachinfractioninordertoimplementprogressivediscipline.TierIIIbehaviorsmayresultinautomaticsuspension.StudentswillreceivepointsforTierIIandTierIIIbehaviorsthatdonotresultinautomaticsuspension.

Tier4BehaviorsTierIVbehaviorsincludedthosebehaviorswhichcausesignificantdisruptiontotheschoolenvironment,causeharmtoselforothers,ordestroyschoolproperty.TierIVbehaviorsresultinoff-sitesuspension.ThefollowingbehaviorsshallbeconsideredTierIVbehaviors:4.1 Actsofvandalism,destructionofproperty,orgraffiti(tagging);4.2 DocumentedtheftofschoolorpersonalPropertywithoutforce;4.3 Interferingwithordisruptingschoolprograms;4.4 Trespassing;4.5 Tamperingwithchanging,oralteringanofficialrecordordocumentofaschool;

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4.6 Persistentharassmentbasedonrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,realorperceivedgender,sexualorientation,age,religion,ordisability;

4.7 Lewdorindecentpublicbehaviororsexualmisconduct;4.8 Sexualharassment;4.9 Retaliationforreportingharassmentandsexualharassment;4.10 Fightingwhichcreatessubstantialriskorresultsinminorinjury;4.11 Incitingotherstoviolenceordisruption;4.12 Activatingfalsealarm;4.13 Contaminatingfood;4.14 Possessionofareplicaorimitationofaweapon(includingwaterguns);4.15 Usinganarticlethatisnotnormallyconsideredaweapontointimidateorthreatenanother

individual;4.16 Anybehaviororconductwhichcausessignificantdisruptiontotheschoolenvironment,causes

harmtoselforothers,ordestroysschoolproperty;and4.17 DocumentedpatternofpersistentTierIIIbehavior.DisciplinaryresponsesforTierIVbehavior:AllTierIVbehaviorsshallbedirectlyreferredtothebehaviorteam.TierIVbehaviorswillresultinautomaticsuspension.

Tier5Behaviors

TierVbehaviorsincludedthosebehaviorswhichareillegal,causesubstantialharmtoselforothers,orcausemajordisruptiontotheschoolenvironment.TierVbehaviorsresultinsuspensionorexpulsion.ThefollowingbehaviorsshallbeconsideredTierVbehaviors:5.1 Actsofexceptionmisconductatotherschools;5.2 Vandalism/destructionofpropertyover$500;5.3 Sellingordistributionofmarijuana,prescriptiondrugs,controlleddangeroussubstances,

imitationcontrolledsubstances,inhalants,otherintoxicants,controlledordrugparaphernalia;5.4 Thepossessionordistributionofalcohol;5.5 Thepossessionofdrugparaphernaliaorcontrolledsubstance,irrespectiveoftheamountortype,

pursuanttothecriminalstatutesoftheDistrictofColumbia;5.6 Causingseriousdisruptionsordamagetotheschool'scomputersystems,electronicfiles,or

network;5.7 Possessionoffireworksorexplosives;5.8 Theftorattemptedtheftusingforce,coercion,intimidation,orthreatofviolence;5.9 Assaultorphysicalattackonstudentorstaff;5.10 Fightingwhichresultsinseriousphysicalinjury;5.11 Participatinginagroupfight,whichhasbeenplanned,causesmajordisruptiontotheschoolday,

orresultsinsubstantialbodilyinjury;5.12 Usinganarticlethatisnotnormallyconsideredaweapontoinjureanotherindividual;5.13 Use,threateneduse,ortransferofanyweapon;5.14 Use,possessionorbringingtoschoolaloadedorunloadedfirearm,includingbutnotlimitedto

pistols,blankpistols,starterpistols,revolvers,rifles,andshotguns;5.15 AnybehaviorthatviolatestheGuns-FreeSchoolsAct;5.16 Deliberateactsthatcauseseverephysicalinjurytoanotherperson(s);5.17 Assaultwithaweapon;5.18 Commissionorattemptedcommissionofanyactofsexualassaultorsexualaggression;5.19 Arson;

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5.20 Biohazard;5.21 Bombthreat;5.22 Anyotherintentionaluseofviolence,force,coercion,threats,intimidation,orothercomparable

conductwhichcausesorattemptstocauseseverephysicalinjury,substantialdisruption,orobstructionofanylawfulmission,process,orfunctionoftheD.C.PublicSchools;

5.23 Anyotherbehaviorthatisillegal,causessubstantialharmtoselforothers,orcausesmajordisruptiontotheschoolenvironment;and

5.24 DocumentedpatternofpersistentTierIVbehavior.DisciplinaryresponsesforTierVbehaviorsinclude:AllTierVbehaviorsshallbedirectlyreferredtoDeanNivens.TierVbehaviorsresultinautomaticlong-termsuspensionorexpulsion.SuspensionsandExpulsionsStudentswhohavebeensuspendedorexpelledshallnotbeeligibletoparticipateinanyschoolfunctionforthedurationoftheirsuspensionorexpulsion.TheonlyexceptionsmaybeauthorizedbytheChancellor,orhisorherdesigneeshallbeforsystem-widetesting,orCollegeBoardoradmissionexaminations.Parents/guardianswillbenotifiedofsuspensionsorexpulsionaftertheincidentisinvestigated.Parentsandguardianshavetherighttoaconferencewiththeschoolofficialresponsibleformakingorapprovingthedisciplinaryaction.Theyalsoreservetherighttoappealsuspensionsnolaterthantwodaysafterreceivingthenoticeofdisciplinaryaction.Studentswillbeprovidedwithaworkpacketfromtheirteacherstocompleteonsuspension.Parentsmustescortstudentstoschoolafterthesuspensionhasbeenserved.Alllong-termsuspensionsorexpulsionswillresultinahearingconductedbytheOfficeofAdministrativeHearings.AlternativestoformaldisciplineWhileformaldisciplinarymeasureswillberequiredinsomecases,teachersandotherschoolpersonnelareencouragedtodevelopandmakeuseofinformalcorrectionandguidancestrategieswhereappropriate.Thesestrategiesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:(a)BehaviorContract(b)CounselingSessions(c)DailyConductSheet(SignedbyParent/Guardian)(d)ParentContact(e)School-BasedCommunityService(f)AfterSchoolDetention(g)RecessDetention(h)Teacher/StudentConference(i)Counselor/StudentConference(j)ReflectiveEssaysAtanytime,theDiscipleCommitteereservestherighttomodifythisplaninaccordancewithTitle5,Chapter25ofD.C.MunicipalRegulations(DCMR)withtheapprovalofthePrincipal.

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StudentRecordsTheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)isafederallawthataffordsparentstherighttohaveaccesstotheirchildren’seducationrecords,therighttoseektohavetherecordsamended,andtherighttohavesomecontroloverthedisclosureofpersonallyidentifiableinformationfromtheeducationrecords.Whenastudentturns18yearsold,orentersapostsecondaryinstitutionatanyage,therightsunderFERPAtransferfromtheparentstothestudent(“eligiblestudent”).TheFERPAstatuteisfoundat20U.S.C.§1232gandtheFERPAregulationsarefoundat34CFRPart99.PertheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA),allstudentrecordsaretreatedasconfidentialandkeptunderrestrictedconditions.Parentsmayrequesttoreviewtheirchild’srecordsatanytime,ortobeinformedoftheinformationcontainedtherein.ParentsmayrequestthatExcelcorrectsrecordswhichtheybelievetobeinaccurateormisleading.Parentsmayrequestphotocopiesoftheirchild’srecordsandfilesmaynotberemovedfromtheschoollocationwheretheyaremaintained.Whenrequestedbyaparent,itmaytakeupto48hourstogetcopiesofthefile(s).Excelreservestherighttodisclosestudentrecordswithoutparentalconsenttothefollowingparties:

○ Schoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterest;○ Otherschoolstowhichastudentistransferring;○ Specifiedofficialsforauditorevaluationpurposes;○ Organizationsconductingcertainstudiesfororonbehalfoftheschool;○ Accreditingorganizations;○ Tocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena○ Appropriateofficialsincasesofhealthandsafetyemergencies;andStateandlocalauthorities,

withinajuvenilejusticesystem,pursuanttospecificStatelaw

StudentResponsibilitiesAsstudents,yousharetheresponsibilitytoimproveacademicachievementby:

• Completinghomeworkassignmentsdaily.• Payingattentioninclass.• Askingforhelpwhenneeded.• Readingatleast30minutesperdayoutsideofschool.• Comingtoschoolontimeeveryday.• Comingtoschooldressedinuniformdaily.• Leavingallitemsnotschool-relatedathome(e.g.,toys,games,sportsequipment,tradingcards,

jewelry,make-up,IPads,Gameboys,etc.)• Showingrespectforadultsandpeersatalltimes.• Givingyourparentsortheadultresponsibleforyourwelfare,allnoticesandinformationreceived

atschooldaily.• Followingtherulesandproceduresoutlinedinthedisciplinepolicy.

UpdatedParentandStudentInformationItisimperativethattheschoolhascurrentandup-to-dateinformationonyourchild.Incaseofemergencies,wemustbeabletocontactparents/guardiansinatimelymanner.Ifyourcontactinformationchanges,pleaseinformtheschoolimmediately.Thisinformationshouldgototheregistrarinthemainoffice.

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VisitorPolicyParentsareavitalpartoftheExcelcommunityandarewelcomedtovisit.Allvisitorsmust,however,presentID,check-in,andsigninatthefrontdesk.AtExcelAcademy,weaskthatallvisitorsareappropriatelyattiredandthattheyrefrainfromusingprofanity.Visitorswhoarenotabletomeettheserequirementswillbeaskedtoleavethefacility.Failuretomeetthisstandardmayresultinfurtheractionuptoandincludingbeingbannedfromtheschool.Visitorsmustbeescortedtotheirdestinationinthebuilding.AllvisitorswishingtomeetwithanExcelemployeeareencouragedtoscheduleanappointmenttoensurestaffavailability.Visitstotheclassroomshouldbepre-arrangedwiththeclassroomteacher.TheCultureandClimateCommitteeisdesignedtobesupportiveoftheeducationalgoalsoftheDistrictofColumbiaPublicSchoolSystemandExcelAcademy.TheAdministrativeTeamandtheCultureandClimateCommitteewillmeetregularlytoassesstheeffectivenessandfairnessofitsimplementationwillanalyzethecomponentsoftheprogramperiodically.Theunderlyingrationaleoftheprogramistohelpstudentstomakepositivechangesintheircharacterdevelopment.Inordertomeasuretheeffectivenessofthisprogram,comparisonsfrompreviousyearswillbemade.Dataonthefrequencyofdifferentlevelsofinfractionsandtheircontextwillbeanalyzedforfutureprogramdevelopment.Dataontheeffectivenessofthecharactereducationprogramandotherinterventionstrategieswillalsobegatheredandanalyzedforthesamepurposes.

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FORMALACKNOWLEDGEMENTOFRECEIPTOFTHEFAMILYHANDBOOK

ParentAgreement

We,theundersigned,understandthatthishandbookcontainsessentialinformationforparents,guardians,andstudents.WeacknowledgethatwehavereceivedacopyoftheExcelAcademyStudentHandbook.Weareawarethatthishandbookcontainsinformationandpoliciesforourreview.Wehavereviewedtheinformationandprocedurescontainedinthishandbook.Weunderstandthat:

• Allparents,guardians,andstudentswillbeheldaccountablefortheirbehavior,andthatfailuretoabidebytheguidelinescanresultintheconsequencesoutlinedinthishandbook.

• Failuretoreturnthisacknowledgmentformdoesnotexcuseanyindividualfromcomplyingwith

theprovisionsoftheFamilyHandbook,ExcelAcademypolicies,regulations,andguidelines.Directionsforreturnofthisformthroughouttheschoolyear:1)StudentandParent/Guardianreviewhandbook.2)Parent/Guardiansignanddatehandbookacknowledgmentbelow.3)Removethispagefromthehandbook4)Thestudentreturnsthispagetothehomeroomteacheronthefirstdayofschool.Newandtransferstudentsregisteringafterthestartoftheschoolyearmustreturnthisacknowledgmentpagewithinoneweekafterreceipt.StudentName:______________________________________________________________________________________Grade:______________________________________________________________________________________________ParentName:_______________________________________________________________________________________ParentSignature:___________________________________________________________________________________Date:__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Atanytime,schoolAdministrationreservestherighttomodifythisplaninaccordancewithTitle5,Chapter25ofD.C.MunicipalRegulations(DCMR)withtheapprovalofthePrincipal.

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Pleasesignandreturnthissheettoyourchild’steacher.