PS Academy Arizona 2023-24 Parent & Student Handbook PDF

Parent & Student Handbook 5222 E. Baseline Road, Ste# 108, Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-309-4792 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:45am - 4:00pm Friday 7:45am - 2:00pm Contents Student Withdrawal ............................................... 15 INTRODUCTION ...............................................

Parent & Student Handbook 5222 E. Baseline Road, Ste# 108, Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-309-4792 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:45am - 4:00pm Friday 7:45am - 2:00pm Contents Student Withdrawal ............................................... 15 INTRODUCTION .........................................................3 Tuition ...................................................................... 15 Welcome to PS Academy Arizona! .........................3 Volunteering/Observation at School .................... 16 Handbook Purpose ...................................................3 Visitors & Tours ...................................................... 16 Mission Statement .....................................................3 School Sponsored Activities & Dances ................ 16 Vision ..........................................................................3 Non-Solicitation (Posters, Flyers, Announcements etc.) ............................................................................ 16 CONTACT LIST ............................................................4 Transportation Rules .............................................. 15 GENERAL POLICIES ...................................................5 HEALTH & SAFETY .................................................. 16 Attendance Policies ...................................................5 Alcohol/Drug/Weapons Policy ............................. 16 Homework .................................................................7 Smoking/Tobacco/Vape Pens ................................ 17 Student Planners .......................................................8 Bullying / Harassment / Hazing ........................... 17 Before & After School Programs .............................8 Child Abuse Reporting .......................................... 17 Classroom Supplies & Donations ...........................8 Emergency Response.............................................. 18 Parent Communication ............................................8 Lockdowns / Stay In Place ..................................... 18 Community Outings / Field Trips ..........................9 Fire Alarms & Evacuations .................................... 19 Custody....................................................................... 9 Reunification............................................................ 19 Early Pickup ...............................................................9 Illnesses & Injuries .................................................. 19 Drop Off....................................................................10 Lice checks ............................................................... 20 Pick Up......................................................................10 Medication & Dietary Supplements ..................... 21 Student Parking .......................................................11 Student Interrogations ........................................... 21 Technology & Electronic Devices .........................11 Police Visits / Arrests.............................................. 21 Personal Electronic Devices & Cell Phones .........11 Searches .................................................................... 22 Equal Education & Non-Discrimination ..............12 Personal Property & Belongings ........................... 22 Vandalism ................................................................12 STUDENT CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS ........... 22 Lost and Found ........................................................12 Academic Integrity ................................................. 22 Lunch/ Forgotten Lunch Procedure .....................12 Behavior ................................................................... 23 Food & Beverages....................................................13 Behavior Team......................................................... 23 Parties / Birthdays / Celebrations..........................13 Student Rights & Responsibilities ........................ 23 Report Cards ............................................................13 Dress Code ............................................................... 24 School & News Media ............................................14 Student Speech ........................................................ 24 School Pictures & Yearbook ...................................14 Parent & Student Handbook Acknowledgement .. 25 Social Media .............................................................14 INTRODUCTION Welcome to PS Academy Arizona! Welcome to PS Academy Arizona! We value our students, staff and families and look forward to another successful school year! Handbook Purpose This handbook has been prepared to inform parents and students about the School’s philosophy, teaching practices, policies, and the benefits provided to the students and families we serve, as well as the conduct expected from them. While this handbook is not intended to be a book of rules and regulations or a contract, it does include some important guidelines which parents and students should know. This handbook can be amended at any time by Administration. This handbook will not answer every question you may have, nor would the School want to restrict the normal question and answer exchange among us. It is in our person-to-person conversations that we can better know each other, express our views, and work together in a harmonious relationship. No one other than authorized management may alter or modify any of the policies in this handbook. No statement or promise by a supervisor, manager, or designee is to be interpreted as a change in policy, nor will it constitute an agreement with a parent or student. We ask that parents and students read this guide carefully, become familiar with the school and our policies, and refer to it whenever questions arise. Mission Statement Our mission is to enrich the lives of students with autism and other exceptionalities, both academically and socially. We accomplish this by combining individualized education, highly skilled and dedicated staff, and collaboration with students, families and the community. We offer a safe and inclusive environment that empowers students to learn, be responsible, communicate effectively and thrive. Vision Our vision is to provide the foundation that inspires and empowers every student to reach his or her full potential, both in and out of the classroom. CONTACT LIST To report an absence, please contact: Please report by 9am! [email protected] 480-309-4792 To discuss student behavior matters or concerns: To discuss any education related matters i.e. student or staff related concerns including schedules, need for meetings, etc Behavior Team Education Team [email protected] [email protected] Transportation Team To obtain information about Transportation services: [email protected] Drivers To contact your student’s van driver on the day of a change needed: [email protected] Tech Team For questions regarding the Parent Portal, computer rentals, or technical assistance: [email protected] Enrollment Team To refer a new student: [email protected] BA Program To obtain information about our Before and After School Program: [email protected] Accounting Department For information about tuition or fees: [email protected] Sycamore Parent Portal https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php PS Academy Website www.psacademyarizona.com ALERT System You must opt in to receive messages by text by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 Drop Off Elementary 8:15 am-8:29am Secondary 7:45 am-7:59am Pick Up Monday – Thursday Friday Monday – Thursday Friday 2:15 pm, no later than 2:30 pm 11:15 am, no later than 11:30 am 2:50 pm, no later than 3:10 pm 11:50 am, no later than 12:10 pm 4 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook GENERAL POLICIES Attendance Policies Attendance is ultimately the responsibility of the student and their family. It is important that parents and students recognize the direct relationship that exists between academic success and regular school attendance. You may access your student’s attendance and grades via the Sycamore Parent Portal: https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php If you need assistance in accessing this information, please contact the tech team at [email protected] To Report an Absence: Call 480-309-4792 or email [email protected] Please report absences by 9am In order for an absence to be excused, the parent or guardian must call or email Attendance. Previously arranged absences must be submitted to the attendance email at least five days prior to the absence. Excessive absences can greatly impact a student’s grades. Most classes weigh participation heavily. If a student is absent they do not receive participation points. Only excused absences will be allowed to make up classwork and/ or assignments. HABITUAL ABSENCES MAY RESULT IN A STUDENT RECEIVING AN “INCOMPLETE” AS A GRADE. **PLEASE NOTE, IF A STUDENT IS ABSENT ON THE DAY OF AN EVENT THE STUDENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ATTEND ANY AFTER-SCHOOL EVENT THAT DAY** Types of Absences EXCUSED ABSENCE: An absence is legitimate under the following conditions:    Personal illness Serious Family illness Diagnostic testing    Religious holiday (up to 3 days) Death in the family or close friend (up to 3 days) Family Vacation (IF pre-approved) 5 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: Any other absence is unexcused, including transportation issues. Family vacations are considered unexcused absences unless pre-approved, and it is expected that parents will schedule vacations during periods of time when school is not in session. Makeup work is not permitted for unexcused absences. SCHOOL-RELATED ABSENCE: If a student misses a class due to a pre- approved school-related activity, it will not count as an absence. SUSPENSION: Even though suspension is considered a serious consequence for discipline issues, the days missed while suspended count as excused absences for purposes of keeping track of days missed from school. Suspended students remain responsible for all makeup work. Medical Homebound Program: This program is only available for students that are not able to attend school due to physical/mental illnesses that would keep them from being able to function successfully. It is only on a temporary basis until it is decided that the student is ready to return to school, or that the student is failing in the program. For a student to be placed in this program, it must be proposed by the Education Team. If a student is placed in the Medical Homebound Program, further information will be sent to the student’s parents/guardians. Truancy Parents are responsible for ensuring that their student attends school. If a student is habitually truant, parents may be asked to come to campus to meet with the Education Team and/ or provide a Chronic Illness Form from a doctor before the student is cleared to return. Also, parents and student may be cited by the court for truancy. By law, a student is considered habitually truant if absent without excuse for five or more days per quarter, or if absent, with or without excuse, for 18 or more days per school year. Tardiness It is important that students arrive on time so that they can remain current in their studies and avoid disrupting the class upon arrival. Students must be on campus by: 8:00 am 8:30 am Secondary Elementary All students who arrive late to school and/or classes are considered tardy. Students arriving after these start times will need to be checked in at the front office. Students who are not on campus by their respective start times must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the front desk. No student will be permitted to go to class unless signed in by a parent/guardian. Students are expected to make up all missed work when tardy. Students marked tardy repeatedly may be referred for disciplinary action. 6 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Parents and/or guardians are not permitted to walk students to class. If your student needs assistance, the front desk will call your student’s class or ask a staff member to walk them to their class. Parents and/or guardians who are dropping off items, such as food or backpacks, will not be allowed to bring them to their student’s classroom. All items must be dropped off at the front desk. The front desk will call the classroom to notify the student’s teacher and ask them to send the student to the front office when it does not disrupt instruction. Homework Homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline, and life-long learning habits. If appropriate, teachers will assign relevant, challenging, and meaningful homework assignments that prepare students for new material and reinforce classroom learning objectives. Homework should provide students with the opportunity to apply information they have learned, complete unfinished classroom assignments and develop academic independence. It is not appropriate for some students to be given homework. Students who are not able to work independently at home, or students who have high anxiety about academic work may need to finish assignments at school instead. Homework assignments will vary based on program. Student Planners will be used as a tool to assist students with the organization of classroom assignments and homework. In the event that a student is missing assignments and does not complete his/her homework the planner may need to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to school. We want to ensure that students are successful and working together as a team will increase student success. All students should be reading each evening for at least 20 minutes in addition to any other homework assigned in class. Completing and submitting homework assignments help ensure mastery of a subject and helps develop organizational skills. Homework Requests & Makeup Work If your student is going to be out for an extended absence, you may email the homeroom teacher directly with homework requests. Makeup work is the responsibility of the student and/or parent to contact teachers for makeup work. Students with excused absences are allowed the number of days missed in order to make up assignments, tests, or other work. If extenuating circumstances exist (i.e., an extreme emergency or extended illness), students may be given an extension; however, parents must notify the teacher prior to or on the due date when an emergency arises. Makeup work is not permitted for unexcused absences. 7 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Student Planners At the beginning of the school year, PS Academy Arizona will supply all secondary students with a school planner. This will allow organizational skills to be consistently taught and used across all classes, allowing students to keep track of their assignments, projects and papers. Teachers will review the planners daily. Please help support your student by reviewing the planner with them daily. If a student is not turning in homework on time, parents may be asked to sign planners daily. Students are responsible for their planner and are required to replace it if lost or stolen for a fee of $15. Please contact the front desk or your student’s homeroom teacher to arrange reordering a new planner. Before & After School Programs Parents/guardians who wish to have their student attend the Before or After School Program MUST formally enroll them by emailing [email protected]. Classroom Supplies & Donations Standard school supplies are included with tuition, but additional classroom supplies are always appreciated. If a parent would like to donate supplies, it is best to check in with the homeroom teacher. Parent Communication Communication between school and home is a priority for PS Academy Arizona. We have several methods to provide you with information throughout the year, including the website (www.psacademyarizona.com), Parent Portal (Sycamore), Facebook (school page and parent group), and teacher email. If you need to speak with your student’s teacher, email is the best way to communicate. If you have an urgent message, please contact the front desk Please help the school stay in communication with you by updating your address, phone numbers and email address through the school office. Encourage your student to look through his/her backpack and planner nightly to see if any communication was sent home, as well as to go over any work or projects with your student. Remember most communication occurs via email. **Parents are not permitted to call or text our staff directly. If there is an emergency, please contact the front desk. ** STAFF ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GIVE OUT PERSONAL PHONE NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR CALLS OR TEXT/EMAIL MESSAGES. Teachers have their own pages on Sycamore (Student Information System) so parents can see information from the teacher such as any forms, permission slips etc. 8 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Alert System If we need to reach parents quickly, including during an emergency, if able, we will utilize our Alert System through Intrado School Messenger. Depending on the urgency of the matter, you may receive one or multiple of the following methods of communication – 1. A pre-recorded phone call. If you do not answer then a message will be left in your voice mailbox. 2. SMS/Text Message. You must opt in to receive messages by text by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. You will receive an automated response letting you know you have opted in. Only highly important information is sent via SMS, so it is very important that you opt in. 3. Email sent to the primary contact email addresses provided to us by you. Community Outings / Field Trips Only students who are approved for a particular activity and their assigned staff may participate in community outings/field trips. Eligibility to attend outings and field trips is based on meeting behavior and academic expectations. Custody In cases where custody/visitation affects the school, PS Academy Arizona follows the most recent court order on file. School employees do not wish to be placed in the middle of custody disputes. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent or of parents having joint custody to provide PS Academy Arizona with the most recent court order. In the cases in which a person other than the parent has been granted guardianship, the legal guardian shall be responsible for notifying school officials of the conditions of the guardianship and for providing school officials with all pertinent written documentation of changes. A parent who lives out of state and wants student records must send a request to the Education Team in writing. Early Pickup For safety purposes, a student will only be released from the classroom before the regular dismissal time when the parent/ guardian or authorized person comes into the office and signs the student out. The front desk may ask for ID from any person picking up a student. Students will not be released on the basis of a telephone call. **PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW SECONDARY STUDENTS TO BE RELEASED BETWEEN 2:30PM-2:45PM ON A REGULAR BASIS AS IT DISRUPTS OUR DISMISSAL PROCESS AND INTERRUPTS INSTRUCTION.** Students will only be released to persons authorized by the parent and those individuals specifically listed on the Emergency Information Form. For a student to be released to anyone other than those listed on the Emergency Information Form, the school will require specific written authorization from the parent, and the person picking up the student will need to show ID upon arrival. 9 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Early dismissals count as partial absences. Students that are repeatedly dismissed early may be referred for disciplinary action, unless previously approved by the school. Drop Off It is extremely important that parents use the car line each day. If a parent drops a student off before 7:45am their student will be placed in the Before School Program and a fee may be incurred. Students not on campus by their respective start times will be considered tardy, and must be signed in at the front desk. Please pull up to the cones in the times listed below and your student will be greeted by staff and escorted onto school grounds: Secondary Students Elementary Students 7:45 am-7:59am 8:15 am-8:29am PLEASE DO NOT:  Show up any earlier than 20 minutes to pick up or drop off students in the car line as there are other tenants that share the building and it will cause unnecessary traffic. The Town of Gilbert needs all through traffic to not be blocked, except for the times listed above.  Park and walk across the car line as it is dangerous and slows the process down considerably.  Be on your cell phone during pickup/ drop off. Please give your full attention.  Drive around a car that is stopped in line. If you choose to park your car, you may do so on the north east side of the building near the front office. In the afternoon, please enter the car line and display the placard with your student’s name on it in the passenger side window so that staff can call student names quickly and efficiently. STAFF WILL ACCOMMODATE ALL PARENTS IN THE CAR LINE BEFORE CALLING STUDENTS OF PARENTS WHO PARK AND WALK UP TO THE SCHOOL. Pick Up We appreciate your help as we focus on the safety of our students! If a parent arrives for pick-up after 3:15pm, their student will be placed in the After School Program and a fee may be incurred. Secondary pick-up times: Monday – Thursday Friday 2:50 pm, no later than 3:10 pm 11:50 am, no later than 12:10 pm Elementary pick-up times: Monday – Thursday Friday 2:15 pm, no later than 2:30 pm 11:15 am, no later than 11:30 am 10 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Student Parking Students are permitted to park on school campus as a matter of privilege, not of right, and may have that privilege revoked at any time. PS Academy students who are licensed to drive must check in with the Transportation Team for information on parking and campus vehicle protocols. Technology & Electronic Devices PS Academy Arizona believes that technology is an important part of education. The school has provided opportunities for students to use iPads, computers and/ or smart TVs throughout their school day. Every student is expected to observe proper decorum and should understand that any behavior which is unacceptable in person is also unacceptable in the use of computers. The use of computers/ smart TVs is a privilege and any student who violates a rule may be disciplined. The following constitutes specific misuse of technology. Other forms of misuse not specifically described below will be subject to the same corrective action if, in the determination by the Education Team, such behavior fails to respect human or property rights of others or disrupts the educational process.         Uploading, downloading or installing inappropriate programs, files or apps Creating, sending, accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing offensive, profane, harassing, threatening, pornographic, obscene, violent or sexually explicit material Recording or posting videos, pictures or audio files of students or staff without their permission Participating in electronic meeting places or using messaging services for inappropriate activities Installing, storing or transmitting copyrighted materials Tampering with school settings Performing any action that makes a system inoperable Printing non-school related assignments on school printers Personal Electronic Devices & Cell Phones Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during school hours. All devices should be stored in the student’s backpack or remain at home. PS Academy Arizona is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices. All communication between parents and students, during school hours, must be done using an administrator’s landline phone. This will ensure that the student, staff, and parent(s) are all sharing/receiving the same information and there are no misunderstandings. If a student violates the no electronics policy, disciplinary action will be taken as specified by the Education Team which may include confiscation or a complete ban on bringing any personal devices on campus. 11 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Equal Education & Non-Discrimination It is the policy of PS Academy Arizona to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment and to ensure that students and staff are free from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Under certain conditions, discrimination can include harassing conduct by students or by employees if, among other things, the harassing conduct is based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability and if the conduct creates a hostile learning environment under the law. If a student believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination by the school, the student should report the discrimination to a school administrator. Vandalism Students who cut, deface by words, drawings or images, or otherwise damage any school property may be suspended or expelled from school. Parents may be liable for damage done to school property by their student. If the student(s) is suspended, they may be required to repair any vandalism before they return to school. Lost and Found Loss or theft of any item should be reported to staff immediately. Any found item should be taken to the front desk. Any items remaining in Lost and Found at the end of every quarter will be donated or thrown away. Lunch/ Forgotten Lunch Procedure Students will eat their lunch in the cafeteria or outdoor picnic areas (when weather permits). Students will be given 30 minutes for lunch. Good table manners are expected and quiet talking is allowed. Students must clean up their lunch area before being dismissed. Elementary students will take a 15 minute recess/break following lunch. Many students state that they have forgotten their lunch/ snack and ask for food and snacks on a regular basis. Some of the students have food but just don’t like what they have and some are not bringing enough food to eat. As a result, we have formed procedures for when this occurs. If any student needs food for any reason, they will be sent to the front desk and provided with a light snack, and their parents will be contacted. We understand that many parents are working with their students to ensure they are packing the appropriate lunch and snacks for themselves and need our communication and support when a student does not. Every once in a while, we will have a student who says they don’t have food at home. In that case, we may call parents and have a discussion with them and offer to provide available support if needed. 12 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Once the situation is assessed, staff will assist them to work through the food they have brought to school. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Education Team. Food & Beverages Open containers of food and beverages are not allowed outside the lunch area. Students are permitted to bring bottled water to school as long as it remains in a sealed container and does not disrupt the classroom setting. Please do not send your student to school with coffee or breakfast items. PS Academy reserves the right to inspect water bottles and containers. Parties / Birthdays / Celebrations Elementary School: Classroom parties are allowed in observance of holidays and the last day of school. Students will be excused if they are not celebrating an event for religious reasons, but it is the parent’s responsibility to review the calendar on dates regarding celebrations. You may also send in a treat to share on your student’s birthday. REMEMBER THAT ALL FOOD OR TREATS SENT IN MUST BE STORE BOUGHT OR PRE-PACKAGED. Check with your student’s teacher as to the class assigned break time. Secondary School: Classroom parties and celebrations are not permitted in the secondary setting. PS Academy Arizona encourages that all invitations and celebrations be handled outside of school hours. Report Cards Reporting student progress is an essential part of the communication and partnership process between home and school. It is PS Academy Arizona’s responsibility to provide parents and students with complete and useful information that thoughtfully reflects the fullness of the learning process. Parents and students should have information that accurately reflects students’ levels of performance and their progress in meeting academic standards. Report cards provide a “snapshot” of student learning reflecting benchmarks, student achievement and progress, and where support is needed. Learning is the message we wish to communicate to both parents and students. Students should be evaluated on their individual progress toward achieving the standards and skills of their grade level. 13 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook All teachers will keep an accurate record of each student’s progress during the school year. A progress report will be accessible on the parent portal (Sycamore) at the end of each 9-week quarter and a report card at the end of each semester. In the Academic/ Enrichment programs an overall achievement grade (A-F) is given for each content area based on participation, classwork, assessments, and homework. The grading scale for content area courses in Academic and Enrichment Programs courses will be standards-based, utilizing the following scale: o A=90-100% o B=80-89% o C=70-79% o D=60-69% o F=Below 60% The grading scale for students in the Full Potential Program, Full Capability Program, and Elementary will be standards-based, utilizing the following scale: o M = Mastery o S=Satisfactory o N=Needs more time **Please note that absences and tardiness may impact student grades.** School & News Media The media sometimes cover events at our school. Your student may be interviewed, recorded, photographed or videotaped by the media or school staff for a story in the newspaper, radio or television. In some cases, photos and videos may be placed on the internet for public access. You may choose to opt out of school/media coverage for your student at any time by completing an Opt Out form and submitting it to the school office. School Pictures & Yearbook Early in the school year, a professional photographer will come and take student photographs. Packets are made available to order and purchase. These photos are published along with many other candid photos documenting the school year in the annual PS Academy Arizona yearbooks. Social Media Below are guidelines to follow when members of the school community (students, parents, faculty, administrators, and staff) are representing PS Academy Arizona in social media spaces, regardless of whether these are considered professional or personal spaces. 14 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Please be respectful of others and do not use this platform to air grievances. If you have a concern at any time, please reach out to the Education Team. Staff should never “friend” or “follow” any current PS Academy Arizona students on any social media outlets. Student Withdrawal An official Student Withdrawal form must be completed for students to withdraw. A parent or a legal guardian must either call the front office or email the Education Team to begin the withdrawal process. Once the process has been started it may take up to five business days to complete. PS Academy Arizona has the right to delay request of records to other schools until an official withdrawal form is completed. If there is a balance due on any fees, PS Academy has the right to withhold the release of the transcript until all fees are paid depending on state or federal laws. Transportation Rules Students must obey the rules set forth by the Transportation Department. Violations of the Transportation Policy include: • Being late and delaying the van schedule • Physical harm or threat to another person. • Fighting • Weapons • Smoking/vaping or the use of drugs • Refusal to obey the van driver • Disruption of the transportation vehicle • Harassing and/or bullying • Inappropriate conversation and inappropriate use of phone Note: Any violation of transportation/ school rules may result in consequences per the Education Team. If your student will not be using transportation services as scheduled, please email [email protected], with as much advanced notice as possible. Tuition Parents/ Guardians are responsible for all subscribed fees including yearly tuition. There are three options to cover the cost of tuition: 1. The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) through the Arizona Department of Education 2. Use of School Tuition Organizations (STOs) 3. Private Pay 15 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook PS Academy accepts personal checks. Any checks returned as unpaid will incur a $25 returned check fee, as allowed by state law. **If a student’s account is 60+ days past due, please be aware that the student may be placed on an Accounting Hold and the account may be turned over to a creditor agency in order to receive payment. Volunteering/Observation at School In order to respect our students’ independence, we do not allow parents to volunteer or observe in the classroom. There are many events throughout the school year for parents to attend so that they can be involved in their student’s educational experience. Please refer to our PS Academy Arizona Facebook/ Instagram pages or our website at www.psacademyarizona.com to learn more about the events at PS Academy Arizona. Visitors & Tours All visitors, regardless of purpose, are required to sign in at the front desk. Visitors will be required to provide a photo ID, who they are visiting, and the purpose of the visit. Visitors may not be able to enter classrooms unless they are on a supervised tour or assisting with pre-arranged instruction or presentations. Due seasonal illnesses, visitor and tour access may be limited. School Sponsored Activities & Dances Students may invite guests to designated school dances. A minimum 3-day prior approval must be secured from school administration. Students in grades 7-12 from other schools may be invited as guests but are subject to the same dance and school regulations as PS Academy students. Non-Solicitation (Posters, Flyers, Announcements etc.) Solicitation on campus including distribution of materials (announcements, pamphlets, newsletters, memos, etc.) is prohibited without prior authorization from administration. HEALTH & SAFETY Alcohol/Drug/Weapons Policy Any student found to be possessing, using, or selling illegal or unauthorized drugs or alcohol or possessing illegal drug paraphernalia shall be suspended and/or expelled at the discretion of the Education Team and according to the student’s disciplinary record. PS Academy Arizona enforces this policy in school buildings, on school property, on school vehicles, and at school-sponsored functions. 16 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Students possessing, knowingly carrying, or displaying any dangerous instrument may be suspended and recommended for expulsion. This policy includes weapons on campus after hours and may be applied to simulated weapons. Smoking/Tobacco/Vape Pens The distribution, possession, use or sale of tobacco products, including imitation tobacco (electronic cigarette, hookah, water pipe, vaping device) on school grounds, school-sponsored events and on schoolsponsored transportation is not permitted by students, parents or staff. Students found in possession may face suspension and/ or expulsion. Bullying / Harassment / Hazing PS Academy Arizona believes that all students have a right to a safe and inclusive school environment. The school and community have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance. PS Academy Arizona will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. Harassment, bullying and hazing of students are prohibited on campus, during school related activities, or when travelling to and from school. Students should also be aware that written insults and attacks via email text messaging or internet social networks is considered harassment and bullying. Accordingly, students and parents should be aware that internet communication that causes problems between students on campus will be dealt with as a serious student discipline matter. Harassment and bullying mean any severe or persistent physical or psychological abuse of a student by means of physical threats or assaults, verbal threats or insults or other hostile or degrading acts. Harassment and bullying include acts that are inflicted because of a student’s actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Harassment and bullying also include any type of sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, whether verbal or physical in nature may, in certain circumstances, constitute sexual harassment. PS Academy Arizona expects students and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying and to use the proper avenues and procedures to report such behavior. Staff who witness such acts must take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so. Violation of this bullying/harassment policy will result in disciplinary action as deemed by the Education Team. Child Abuse Reporting State law requires all employees who, when acting in the scope of their employment, develop a reasonable belief that a child is or has been a victim of child abuse to immediately report it to Department of Child Safety (DCS) or police. Although the child abuse reporting law applies most often to an adult abusing a child, the legal definition of child abuse also includes any situation in which a child is the victim of sexual abuse or non-accidental injury, regardless of the age or maturity of the alleged abuser. A fight between students that results in 17 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook non-accidental physical injury may be investigated by the police. Likewise, an act of sexual harassment by one student against another that meets the elements of sexual abuse also could be investigated by the police to determine criminal charges. Incidents of student sexual harassment, fighting and bullying are carefully reviewed. If the details of a situation indicate possible child abuse, PS Academy Arizona employees will submit a report, unless a police officer advises that a report is not appropriate. Reports of child abuse are confidential records. To ensure the safety of students, employees will err on the side of caution by reporting an incident. By doing so, employees are carrying out their legal duty. This approach to child abuse reporting helps our school continue to provide the safe and orderly learning environment that we all want for our children. We ask that you support this effort by reminding your child to always comply with the student conduct code and to discuss any safety concerns with his or her teacher or Administration. Emergency Response PS Academy Arizona provides students with a quality education in a safe learning environment, but emergencies may still occur. A school emergency may involve a power outage or other situation. Sometimes there is neighborhood incident that may not directly affect the school but require a precautionary lockdown or an evacuation. In all emergencies, PS Academy Arizona will support the campus with the needed resources. We will work directly with the police and fire officials if there are threats or neighborhood incidents. The school will provide you with information as quickly as possible through our alert system through which you will receive a text, email, and phone call with the latest information regarding the concern. It is extremely important that you opt-in to receive these alerts. Please contact the tech team if you have not been sent the link to opt-in. Our first priority will always be to ensure the safety of the students and staff. Remember that the information you hear from the media or others may not be accurate. Please do not contact the school, where staff will be focused on taking care of the students and working with police and fire officials. Please avoid contacting your student by cell phone. If you receive a call or text message from your student, direct him or her to follow instructions from school staff. Lockdowns / Stay In Place During a school lockdown, we will take every necessary measure to ensure that students and staff are safe and secure in the classroom and on campus. If you receive information about a lockdown, please do not go to the school. The office and classroom doors will be locked; no one will be allowed in or out. As a safety measure, your student cannot be released from school until police and fire officials give clearance. Please be patient and follow directions of all first responders. 18 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Please avoid attempting to contact your student in a lockdown situation. The use of electronic devices by students, inside the building will be strictly prohibited to prevent ringers from going off and any miscommunications. Fire Alarms & Evacuations When the FIRE ALARM sounds, students should evacuate the building in an orderly, quiet manner and follow the instructions of those in charge. If emergency responders believe that students and staff would be safer away from campus, school administration will follow established evacuation procedures to move to designated areas outside the building. During an evacuation, PS Academy Arizona staff will provide supervision. Measures are in place to ensure that students remain with their classes. An evacuation could be brief with everyone returning to a normal schedule at school in a short time. Parents should not go to the evacuation site. We would not want the presence of additional individuals to add confusion to the emergency situation and take the attention of staff away from the students. Students reporting and/or creating false fire alarms will be subject to disciplinary action from administration. Reunification PS Academy Arizona has an emergency plan to care for the students in a lockdown or evacuation during the school day and beyond, if needed. However, there may be situations in which parents will be contacted through the alert system to pick up students. In a reunification, students will only be released to a parent or adult designated on the emergency contact card. In the check-out process, a staff member will verify information by requiring photo identification and a signature. Illnesses & Injuries The only place for a sick child is at home. If your student displays any of the symptoms below, please do not send them to school:       Fever- 100F or higher Vomiting Diarrhea Respiratory symptoms Rashes or sores Flu/ RSV symptoms       Sore throat or swollen glands Head lice Pink eye Ringworm Chicken Pox COVID * *Specific COVID protocols will be provided upon notification to the school of positive test results 19 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Students who have any of the listed symptoms/ conditions will be excluded from school until the symptoms have substantially subsided for at least twenty-four hours OR a physician has certified in writing that the child is no longer a threat to the health of other children. The student must check in with the office before re-entering the school. Minor Injuries As you know, minor injuries happen to children. Our staff will treat most minor injuries and call parent/guardian when necessary. More Serious Injuries A staff member will call the parent/guardian to report any serious injury requiring further medical care. An “Incident/Accident Report” will be filled out, and a copy will be sent home with all students involved. 911 A school staff member will call 911 if a serious accident or illness occurs. Parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT CONTACT INFORMATION BE CURRENT AT ALL TIMES. WE MUST BE ABLE TO REACH YOU OR YOUR DESIGNATED EMERGENCY CONTACTS! Notice of Communicable Illness/Diseases PS Academy Arizona will send home “Health Alerts” for any communicable disease that occurs among students. Therefore, parents/guardians MUST notify the school if a student becomes sick after attending school and has any of the symptoms listed above. If a student has these symptoms at school, we will call the parent/guardian, or person you have designated for emergencies, to come pick up the student. A staff member will care for the student and keep them as comfortable as possible until the parent/guardian/ authorized person picks them up. **We expect parents to make arrangements for a sick student to be picked up within one hour of the first contact. Please note that the same will apply for students who are on community outings/field trips. ** Lice checks Lice are commonly transmitted in children when they share combs, brushes and hats. Lice checks may be performed on student if a staff member suspects that the student has lice, or if a classmate and/or sibling of any student have lice. If a student is found to have head lice, the parent will be notified immediately to take their student home. The student will need to be treated and the parent or guardian must remove all of the eggs (nits) from the hair shaft before the student may return to school. 20 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Medication & Dietary Supplements School personnel are sometimes asked to administer medication to students during school hours. The following conditions must be met: 1. All medication must come in its original container. Prescription medication must have an unaltered pharmaceutical label attached. Over-the-counter medication, dietary supplements and other nonprescribed medication must be labeled with the student’s name, medication name, dosage directions and time of day to be taken. 2. All medication must be brought to and picked up at the front office by a parent. NO MEDICATION IS TO ARRIVE IN STUDENT BACKBACKS. 3. The parent must complete and sign a Parent’s Consent for Giving Medication at School. A new form must be completed at the beginning of each school year and anytime the medication or dosage changes. 4. Medication must be administered and stored in the administrative/health office. 5. The parent is notified when additional medication is needed and when unused or discontinued medication needs to be picked up from school. 6. If a student requires medication on a field trip, the procedures for taking medication on a field trip must be followed. A student may carry and self-administer prescribed emergency medication or an inhaler if it is properly labeled and written parent consent has been provided to the school Health Specialist. No other medication, including over-the counter medications and dietary supplements, may be carried. Self- medication plans may be developed for diabetic or asthmatic students with physician approval. If a student misses a dose of medication that is not administered by the school, a parent or guardian will be contacted. If the student needs the medication and cannot wait until after school, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to come to the school to administer. Staff may not administer medication without a signed consent form. Student Interrogations School officials may question students without limitation with regards to all relevant matters. The parent will be contacted if a student interviewed is then subject to discipline for a serious offense. A student may decline at any time to be interviewed without a parent present. Police Visits / Arrests Police may ask to interview a student at school. If the purpose of the interview is to investigate child abuse or neglect, the school cannot notify the parent without police authorization. In all other cases the school will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent. The school will allow the interview unless the student does not wish to be interviewed or wishes to first speak with the parent. 21 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook If police wish to take a student into custody provided they have probable cause, a warrant, subpoena or other legally binding document, the school MUST comply with the request. The school will notify the parent unless the police have directed the school to refer the parent to the police. Searches School officials have the right to search and seize property, including school property assigned to students, when health, safety, and/or welfare of the student(s) is in jeopardy, or when there is reason to believe that a search will turn up evidence that the student has violated school rules or the law. Searches may also include a student's personal property such as backpacks, pockets, and other personal effects. Disrobing of a student is overly intrusive for purposes of most student searches and is not allowed by any school staff. PS Academy reserves the right to monitor and inspect the student use of the School’s technology, internet and network systems, with or without reason, or with or without notice, by school personnel. Personal Property & Belongings Students should not carry valuable personal items with them at school. PS Academy Arizona cannot guard students’ personal belongings and is not responsible for these items, including cell phones and other electronic devices that may be lost, stolen or damaged at school. PLEASE clearly label ALL belongings your student brings to school. There will be a Lost and Found in the Front Office. All items left in the Lost and Found will be donated to charity on the last day of each quarter. STUDENT CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS Academic Integrity Academic integrity is honest and responsible learning and achievement. Students are expected to submit original work and give credit to other peoples’ ideas. Proper academic integrity includes: creating and expressing a student’s original ideas in course work, acknowledging all sources of information, completing assignments independently or acknowledging collaboration, accurately reporting research results and honesty during exams and testing situations. PS Academy Arizona believes academic integrity is the foundation of success. This skill will carry students beyond their academic career. Academic dishonesty not only cheats the student of valuable learning experiences but can result in disciplinary action and failing grades on assignments or in courses. 22 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Behavior At PS Academy Arizona we implement the Big 5 as a school wide positive behavior system. It is based on the following 5 principles: 1. Be Respectful 2. Be Responsible 3. Be Cooperative 4. Be Safe 5. Be a Good Citizen Teachers will be referring to this when discussing behaviors with students. We are asking staff that unless the behavior is severe, all behavior be managed in the classroom. We have a “Managing Student Behavior Process” that the teachers follow. If a student is sent to the office for a severe behavior issue, we will be asking them to take ownership of his/her behavior and contact you via phone. In addition, the behavior referral form that accompanies a student when sent to the office must be signed by the parent/guardian when the student is picked up. We feel having a team approach and including you in the process increases positive outcomes. Behavior Team PS Academy’s Behavior Team supports students while navigating difficult social/emotional situations. Member(s) of the Behavior Team may also be contacted to address behavior that violates our “Big 5” code of conduct. Depending on the severity of the issue or pattern, the Behavior Team reserves the right to implement consequences at school and/or contact parents. The Behavior Team may call a parent/guardian to pick up their student from school as a consequence for severe behavior. Student Rights & Responsibilities 1. Respecting the rights of others: Students have a right to an education without interference from others. 2. Attending school: Students have a responsibility to attend school daily and to be on time. 3. Completing work assignments: Students are responsible for completing all class work and homework on time. It is the students’ responsibility to get homework or make-up work for absences. 4. Being prepared for class: Students have a responsibility to bring to class any necessary books and materials that may be required to actively participate in class assignments and/or activities. 5. Respecting public property: Students have a responsibility to respect and to protect all school property, materials and equipment. 6. Showing respect: Students have a responsibility to demonstrate respect for other students, faculty, staff, community members and themselves. 7. Obeying school rules: Students have a responsibility to know and to obey rules and regulations in order to provide a safe and positive learning environment. 8. Cooperating with School Staff: Students have a responsibility to cooperate with school staff, authorities, and peers. 23 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Dress Code School pride, morale and image are influenced by the general appearance of students. PS Academy wants to provide opportunities for students to express themselves within certain parameters. Students should wear school appropriate attire while at school or during school events. The following are generally not acceptable:  Bare feet  Sexually provocative clothing or exposed undergarments o “see through”, low cut, or exposes one’s midriff or buttocks  Clothing with offensive slogans or pictures  Clothing with sexual overtones or anything that promotes weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gang membership, or violence.  Any clothing or accessories that would present a safety hazard o i.e. choke collars, anything with spikes  Any clothing or headwear that conceals the face Particular clothing items that are NOT acceptable:  Halter-tops  Garments with Spaghetti straps  Strapless garments  Trench coats  Sagging pants Note: Tennis shoes MUST be worn for PE class. Reasonable accommodation will be made for sincerely held religious beliefs and disabilities when such accommodations do not cause an undue burden. The school administration retains the final discretion to determine what garments or accessories meet the dress code. Student Speech Students are entitled to certain free speech rights in school. However, these rights are not automatically the same as the rights of adults in other settings, as this freedom must be applied in light of the special characteristics of the school environment. Prohibited student speech includes, among other things:  speech that causes a material and substantial disruption  speech that is vulgar  lewd obscene or plainly offensive  speech that harasses, bullies or otherwise substantially interferes with another’s right to attend school or participate in school activities  speech that advertises or promotes alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs  “fighting words”  threats of violence and racial, ethnic, sexual or religious slurs. 24 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook Parent & Student Handbook Acknowledgement I acknowledge receipt of PS Academy Arizona’s Parent & Student Handbook and understand and accept the responsibilities outlined within it. I also acknowledge the following: 1. This handbook does not include every process, policy, and expectation applicable to parents or students. 2. If I have questions regarding any policy in this handbook, or other expectations related to my responsibilities outlined in this handbook, it is my responsibility to reach out to PS Academy for clarification. Student Name (Please Print) Student Signature Date Parent Name (Please Print) Parent Signature Date 25 Rev. 5/2023 Parent & Student Handbook