Turning Point Academy Public Charter School Parent/Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Turning Point Academy Public Charter School Parent/Student Handbook Ms. Rhonda Clomax - Principal

2 Table of Contents Principal s Greeting...3 Forward...4 Administrative Staff...5 School Procedures Attendance, Testing, Breakfast, Books Bus Transportation...8 Cafeteria...8 Lunch Money Ethics and Discipline Bullying, Harassment Uniform Policy Uniforms, Offence Notice School Supplies Health Services Obligations, PTO and Personal Property...24 School Hours...25 Emergency Closing, Telephones, Visitors Parent Commitment to Academics...26 Academic Program...26 Parent Discovery Groups, 5 Words, 5 Principles Priorities...28 Family Renewal...28 Overview, FLC, Discovery Groups, Family Weekends Parent Commitment Parent Responsibilities...30 TPA Characters Scheduled Meetings & Dates...32 Family Life Center, Board of Directors Meetings, PTO PGCPS Calendar...33 Library Calendar...34 Acknowledgement of Handbook...35 Parent Commitment Agreement

3 Principal s Greeting The Turning Point Academy Public Charter School extends its welcome to students, parents, partners and community. It is indeed an honor to serve you. I look forward to working with you to sustain the Turning Point Academy school culture which is reflective in academic excellence and moral character. With high expectations and standards, our pursuit for academic excellence and each child s destiny depends on your willingness to support our efforts in translating our vision, philosophy and mission into reality. As a staff, we will endeavor to provide an academic atmosphere conducive to learning. At Turning Point Academy, all students are expected to perform at their maximum level throughout the year. Once again, I wish you a most successful school year, as we embark on this journey to fulfill our vision and mission. Educationally, Ms. Rhonda Clomax Principal 3

4 FORWARD The Turning Point Academy Public Charter School Parent Handbook contains information necessary for the effective functioning of the total school program. At the heart of Turning Point Academy is the belief that the parent is the primary teacher, and home is the primary classroom. Student success at TPA is directly linked to the commitment of parents to participate in our program and to demonstrate a willing and enduring commitment to the policies and procedures that make our school operate in benefit of our students. Our expectation is that parents and school staff will work in partnership in these efforts. EFFECTIVE USE OF THE HANDBOOK The policies, procedures, and guidelines that have been outlined in this book are provided to you as a resource and a blueprint to ensure mutual understanding, cooperation, and acceptance of the values and expectations of the Turning Point Academy School Community. Without your commitment to upholding these values and expectations, our work with your child is incomplete and compromised. MISSION STATEMENT To establish an educational structure and culture that inspires the children, the parents and the teachers to give their best, to pursue their destiny and to develop their unique potential. 4

5 Turning Point Academy Staff Contact List Principal Academic Facilitator Secretaries...Rhonda Clomax... Tauheedah Lewis... Nancy Barboza, Principal s Secretary...Doretta Brown, Records Secretary Family Life Character Education... Lois Scales, Coordinator Guidance Transportation... Karen Thompson, Counselor...Ed Grasty IT/Computer Services... Jonathan Triggs Health Services Food Services PTO President Parent Conferences Report Cards Textbooks Time & Attendance Substitutes Supplies... Xlina Usim...Cheryl Busarow... Renee Ramirez... Karen Thompson... Karen Thompson... Suzanne Croskey... Doretta Brown... Tauheedah Lewis... Nancy Barboza Math/Testing Coordinator... Suzanne G. Croskey Math Resource Reading Resource Special Education... Karen Cushman... Dr. Helen Turner... Lesli Jackson... Justin John-Langba, Middle School... Sharon Marshall, Elementary 5

6 School Colors Maroon & Gray School Mascot Eagle SCHOOL PROCEDURES Student Attendance Policy Students are expected to be in school on time each day. School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students should not arrive before 7:45 a.m. No student will be allowed on the property unsupervised before 7:45 a.m. All students must be in their class by 8:00 a.m. Absentee Policy - School achievement begins with regular attendance. Parents/guardians must ensure that all school age children in their care are in school on time daily. Additionally, school personnel must communicate any attendance problems or concerns to parents/guardians in a timely manner. Parents are required to send documentation of student absence in the form of a written note. Lawful Absence - Absence from school, including absence for any portion of the day, shall be considered lawful only for the following reasons: 1. Illness of the student. The principal shall require a physician s certificate from the parent/guardian of a student reported continuously absent for illness. 2. Students should bring a note signed by a parent or guardian to excuse the absence and also receive make-up work. 3. Work approved or sponsored by the school, the local school system, or the State Department of Education, accepted by the Chief Executive Officer or the school principal, or their designees, as reason for excusing the student. 4. Death in the immediate family 5. Observance of a religious holiday 6. Lack of authorized transportation (This shall not include students denied authorized transportation for disciplinary reasons). 7. Other emergency that s declared by the Superintendent. 8. State of emergency 9. Suspension 10. Court Summons Any absence for any reason not listed above is considered unexcused and the student will receive a zero in all classes for work missed. Unlawful Absence/Truancy Unlawful absence and/or truancy is defined as the act of a pupil being absent from school for a day or any portion of a day from an individual class or any portion of a class for any reason other than those defined as lawful. Teachers are not required to provide make-up work for students when absences are unlawful. Tardiness - It is imperative for students to be on time at the beginning of the school day. The official school attendance documentation is recorded during this time. Schools are required to admit students to school regardless of the time they arrive (However, students who arrive late to school must report first to the appropriate administrative office to obtain a late pass before being admitted to any classroom or other area of the school). This pass must be shown to all of the student s teachers as the student reports 6

7 to each class during the day, as well as to teachers of any missed classes during the next school day. If the student does not obtain and show the pass to all teachers, the tardy will be UNEXCUSED. Additionally, for the tardiness to be excused, students are required to bring a note from the parent/guardian explaining the reason for the tardiness. Students tardy to school must bring a written note from a parent/guardian indicating the reason for tardiness and telephone numbers for verification. The parent may accompany the student to the main office upon arrival. Any student arriving after 8:15 a.m. must report directly to the Main Office or secretary and sign in. Before 8:15 a.m. students are to report directly to class. Early Departures - Upon arrival to school, students are not permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without a permit from the Nurse s Office and/or the Main Office. Students who wish to leave school early must bring a written parental request to the Main Office immediately upon entering the building in the morning. The written request must state the date, time and reason for dismissal. The request must also include a telephone number where a parent can be reached for verification during the school day. If a parent has a short-notice emergency, the parent must contact the Main Office either by telephone or in person before the student will be excused from school. Parents please contact the office by 12 noon if you plan to pick your child up early. Parents must sign all students out of the building in the Main Office. Any student leaving school property during school hours and/or after school activities without permission will be suspended. For early dismissal, the student must be picked up before 2:00pm. Testing/PARCC Assessment The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Test is an exam given to students in grades (3-8) which consists of reading and math. This test provides educators, parents, and the public valuable information about student, school, school system, and state performance. PARCC scores will show how well Maryland children have learned the reading and mathematics skills specified in the Maryland Common Core State Standards. PARCC scores will also show how children performed compared to other students across the nation. Students in grades (K-1) will take the Diagnostic Reading Assessment (DRA) test, and grade 2 will take the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) test. Breakfast Our breakfast program is open to all students. It is totally voluntary on a day to day basis. In order to provide the most effective and efficient educational day, students may enter their classrooms for breakfast at 7:55 AM. Turning Point Academy has been selected to participate in the Maryland Meals for Achievement program, where all students receive breakfast. There is no fee associated with this program. Books and Equipment Books and equipment issued to students are on loan for the duration of the course. Students are expected to properly care for them while in their possession. Textbooks must be covered at all times. Lost books or equipment must be paid for before any additional materials are issued. Students will be assessed the full replacement cost for any lost books or equipment. Book checks will be done each quarter. Restitution must be made for any damaged or lost books. 7

8 BUS TRANSPORTATION Riding the bus is a privilege and good behavior is required. Transported students are given a bus assignment. Students are required to ride that bus only, to and from school. Students should be at the designated bus stop 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. In order to maintain a safe and orderly environment on each bus, the school supports the driver in maintaining safe bus-riding habits. Anyone who violates the safety standards will be suspended or removed from the bus. Any destruction of property on or off the bus while being transported may result in restitution, removal from bus, suspension, and/or security/police action. Any littering is against Maryland State Law. An EMERGENCY request to ride a different bus must be made in writing by the parent/guardian and submitted to the office at least a day in advance of the request. Please discuss the following Student Bus Rider Responsibilities (as determined by the school system) with your child: 1. Be at their designated school bus stop ten (15) minutes prior to pick-up time 2. Remain seated while the bus is in motion 3. Keep noise down by talking in normal conversational tones only 4. Maintain normal classroom standard of conduct 5. No eating, drinking, or smoking 6. No animals or other non-school related objects should be taken onto the bus 7. Do not extend arms, hands, head, or any objects from bus windows 8. Do not throw any object from the bus 9. Cell phones may not be used while riding the bus CAFETERIA The school cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch. All students will receive a code to use when purchasing breakfast or lunch. Every student will receive an application for free and reduced-price lunches. Students have assigned tables in the cafeteria. As soon as all students are seated, the administrator in charge will allow students to get in line. All students are required to place all trash in trash receptacles and keep the cafeteria clean. Students must obtain permission to leave the cafeteria. The last five minutes of lunch is QUIET TIME. All students must remain seated and quiet during this time. There will be consequences for all students who refuse to adhere to this rule. Lunch Money Account numbers (PIN) are assigned to each student for a more effective and efficient meal program. Students or parents may deposit money into their accounts or go online at myschoolbucks.com. If a K-5 student s account shows insufficient funds, the Board of Education has prescribed that the student be served a cheese sandwich. The school office does not lend lunch money to students. Money can be put into your child(ren) s account by cash, check, or money order. Checks should be made payable to Food and Nutrition Services. Please include your student s name and PIN on the check/money order. Please place the cash, check, or money order in an envelope 8

9 ETHICS AND DISCIPLINE Cheating Students who cheat, plagiarize, or forge in connection with academic endeavor and/or school procedures are subject to disciplinary action. Students found cheating will receive a zero (0) for the assignment. Please refer to the Prince Georges County Public Schools Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Education Article Students who chronically disrupt the learning environment for others will be subject to Section A of the Maryland State Education Article : A person may not willfully disturb or otherwise prevent the orderly conduct of the activities, administration or classes of any institution of elementary, secondary or higher education. Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500.00, imprisonment not exceeding six months or both. Should a student repeatedly disrupt the learning environment a conference will be scheduled with the parent, student and the youth services officer who works with our school. A plan of action will be developed in order to prevent further violation of Education Article ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 6144 July 1, 2010 MONITORING AND EXITING PROCEDURES FOR SPECIALTY PROGRAMS I. PURPOSE: To identify the steps to be taken when students who are enrolled in the middle and high school specialty programs are experiencing difficulty in school. II. INFORMATION: Continuation of a student in the specialty program will depend upon the successful demonstration of minimal proficiencies in required courses. A. Specialty programs offer challenging and innovative instructional content for students who are interested in a uniquely focused or specialized curriculum. It is essential for students to attain at least minimal levels of proficiency in required courses. This level of achievement is necessary to ensure academic success in subsequent required courses. Specialty programs are defined as visual and performing arts, creative and performing arts, immersion, biotechnology, biomedical science and technology, music and technology, international baccalaureate, and Montessori programs. B. Required courses are courses in the student s designated major or those courses that comprise the specialty program. 9

10 III. PROCEDURES: Students who fail to attain a C average or higher in one or more of the required courses will be given academic assistance. The following procedures apply: A. The student and the parent must sign an agreement to uphold the standards of the Specialty Program. B. Academic assistance, initiated at the end of any marking period in which the student experiences academic difficulty, will include a parent conference and strategic intervention provided by the Supplemental Services Team (SST). C. At any time, parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, administrators/coordinators may request a review of the student s grades. D. Whenever it is determined that a student is in need of academic assistance, the Coordinator will provide written notification of that action to the parents/guardians. E. Students who have received academic assistance and fail to earn a C average or better in required courses will be referred to the school s SIT team for review. If withdrawal is the decision of the school team and the parents, documentation must accompany the written request for removal from the program and be forwarded to the Area Office or the High School Consortium. 1. Once the Associate Superintendent has approved the removal, the principal will notify the parent in writing of the decision to return the student to their regular attendance area school at the end of the school year. The student s withdrawal papers are sent to the student s boundary school. 2. The principal will send a copy of the withdrawal letter to the Department of Pupil Accounting and School Boundaries. The student will be removed from the program file. IV. RELATED PROCEDURE: Administrative Procedure 6143, Monitoring and Exit Procedures for High School Magnet Programs. V. MAINTENANCE AND UPDATE OF THESE PROCEDURES: These procedures originate with the Division of Academics, Department of Pupil Accounting and School Boundaries and will be updated as needed. VI. CANCELLATIONS AND SUPERSEDURES: This Administrative Procedure cancels and supersedes Administrative Procedure 6144, dated January 1, VII. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1,

11 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 5143 July 1, 2013 BULLYING, HARASSMENT OR INTIMIDATION IN PRINCE GEORGE S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this procedure is to maintain a safe school environment that is conducive to learning and to ensure that school administrators and staff take measures to promote the prevention of bullying, harassment, and intimidation as well as prohibit reprisal or retaliation against individuals who report these acts. II. INFORMATION: In accordance with the provisions of Section of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland State Board of Education developed and adopted a model policy to address bullying, harassment, and intimidation. All local school systems were required to establish a policy prohibiting bullying, harassment, or intimidation based on the model policy by July 1, This policy focuses on student to student bullying, harassment or intimidation. Allegations of students being bullied by an employee are to be addressed under Administrative Procedure 4170, Discrimination and Harassment. III. BOARD POLICY: It is the intent of Prince George s County Public Schools to maintain safe environments that are conducive to learning. The name and contact information for the MSDE employee who is familiar with the reporting and investigating procedures in your local school system (LSS) (Michael Ford, School Safety Specialist, both at ) The purpose of this policy is to ensure that school administrators take measures to promote the prevention of bullying, harassment, or intimidation in the learning environment and inform parents of these efforts. (Board Policy 5143) IV. DEFINITIONS: A. Bullying, harassment, and intimidation (BHI) are anti-social behaviors that are conducted with the intent to cause harm and are characterized by an imbalance of power. Bullying, harassment, and intimidation is intentional conduct, including verbal, nonverbal, physical, or written conduct, or an intentional electronic communication, that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a student s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a student s physical or psychological well-being and is motivated by an actual or a perceived personal characteristic including race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socio-economic status, familial status, or physical or mental ability or disability or is threatening or seriously 11

12 intimidating; and, occurs on school property, at a school activity or event, or on a school bus; or, substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a school. B. Electronic communication means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular phone, computer, or pager. C. Retaliation is an act of reprisal or getting back at a person for an act he/she has committed. V. PROCEDURES: A. Reporting of allegations of student bullying, harassment, or intimidation All reports must be written (and submitted to the school) or submitted electronically using the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Form. Reports must be promptly and appropriately investigated by school administrators or the administrative designee, consistent with due process rights, using the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Incident School Investigation Form within two (2) school days after receipt of a Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form. Copies of the Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Form can be requested from the school, downloaded from or submitted electronically by completing the digitized form on the PGCPS web page. B. Investigation of Alleged Incidents All allegations of BHI must be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the local school. The investigation must be documented using the Investigation Form and the Investigation Notes Form and include all notes or communication logs related to the specific incident. The following actions are to take place in order to allow the school administration/designee to determine the appropriate course of action to address the behavior. School administrators or the administrative designee will determine whether bullying, harassment, or intimidation occurred by taking the following steps: 1. Meet individually with the victim, the accused and any witnesses to gather information regarding the allegation. 2. Notify all parties involved in the incident that retaliation against a victim, witness or bystander is strictly prohibited. 3. Document findings from the investigation on the Incident School Investigation Form. 4. Document all notes taken during the student interviews, parent contacts, and information gathered from other witnesses on the Investigation Notes Form and attach the notes to the BHI Incident School Investigation Form. 5. Indicate findings on the Incident School Investigation Form to include whether or not the allegation was substantiated as bullying or not substantiated as bullying. If the incident is not substantiated the reason must be noted on the form. 12

13 6. Notify the parents of the victim and offender of the outcome of the investigation once the investigation has been completed. The notification must respect the confidentiality of the victim and the offender. Therefore, specific information related to disciplinary consequences will not be provided. 7. Notify the Investigative Counselor or School Security Officer immediately if the bullying, harassment, or intimidation creates imminent danger or qualifies as a delinquent act. 8. Log the incident into SchoolMax indicating the actions taken to investigate the allegations and the outcome (for directions see page 4, H. 1-15). 9. Submit a copy of the completed Reporting, Investigation and Notes Forms to the Office of Student Engagement and School Support within five (5) school days. 10. Copies of the forms MUST be maintained in the principal s confidential file. These forms are not to be filed in the student s cumulative folder or limited access folder. C. Parental Notification The school administrator/designee will immediately notify parent/guardian of the victim and the parents of the offender of the incident. 1. The parent/guardian of the victim will be informed of the specific steps that the school will take to intervene, interrupt and monitor the behaviors. 2. The parent/guardian of the offender will be informed of the specific steps that the school will take to intervene, interrupt, and monitor the behaviors as well as the proposed consequences as stipulated in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. 3. The parent/guardian of the victim may be invited to participate in the development of an intervention plan for their child. 4. The parent/guardian of the offender may be invited to participate in the development of an intervention plan for their child. 5. The parent/guardian will be provided with a copy of the intervention plan developed for their child. D. Follow-up actions by the principal or principal s designee: 1. Separate conferences for the victim and offender will occur within ten (10) school days after the investigation to ensure that the bullying, harassment, or intimidation has ceased, and to determine whether there is a need for additional intervention. Individual conferences may occur as part of the counseling intervention. 13

14 2. A second conference will be held with the victim four (4) weeks after the initial conference to ensure that the bullying, harassment, or intimidation has ceased. E. Central support for parents and school administrators a. In instances wherein the bullying, harassment or intimidation incident is unresolved, and/or parent/guardians are not satisfied with the investigation; support may be requested by the school or parent/guardian from the Department of Student Engagement and School Support. 2. Support may be inclusive of, but not limited to, the following: Independent review of the bullying, harassment, or intimidation report, investigation and notes; Interview of parties involved in data collection and disposition; Review of disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, under the Student s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook related to the incident(s). Consultation with the parent/guardian and school-based personnel on alternative strategies and supports. Consultation with other involved offices regarding findings and recommended actions. The Department of Student Engagement and School Support will work with the school to ensure that the incident is investigated and that the resolution is sufficient. The Department of Student Engagement and School Support may amend the findings and recommendations of the school pursuant to review. F. Prevention of bullying, harassment, or intimidation All schools will implement procedures to prevent and reduce acts of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. 1. Each school-based administrator will provide annual in-service training to staff on procedures to prevent, identify, investigate and report allegations of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. 2. Schools will inform students and parents that bullying, harassment, or intimidation will not be condoned. 3. Schools will inform students about the availability and use of the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form and their use during orientation sessions during the first week of school. 4. Parents will be informed about the availability of the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form through appropriate school communication (i.e., school web site, parent newsletters, student handbook, etc.) 5. Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Forms will be available in the main office, counselors office and other locations in each school. 14

15 6. Copies of the form will be available on the Prince George s County Public Schools website. 7. Schools are required to conduct developmentally appropriate prevention activities such as: a. Holding regular classroom meetings with students to discuss safety concerns. b. Clarifying and reinforcing classroom rules against bullying, harassment, or intimidation. c. Conducting classroom lessons on sensitivity and tolerance. d. Forming an Anti-Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Committee to assess the nature and prevalence of bullying at the school. e. Celebrating the annual national anti-bullying week. f. Conducting grade level focus groups or a school-wide survey to identify problem areas in the building and the level of bullying, harassment, or intimidation within the school. G. Interventions to address bullying, intimidation, or harassment Schools must provide intervention and support to victims and offenders to address acts of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. These interventions may include, but are not limited to, the following actions: 1. Parent/student conferences. 2. Counseling with the professional school counselor, school psychologist, pupil personnel worker, professional school nurse and other appropriate professional staff. 3. Behavioral contracts 4. Positive behavioral supports, such as functional behavioral assessments and behavioral intervention plans, etc. 5. Support counseling for the victim. 6. Support counseling for the offender. 7. Support counseling for bystanders. 8. Increased adult supervision during unstructured times (i.e. classroom changes, lunch, recess, etc.). 9. Social skills training, including role playing and behavioral rehearsal. 10. Schedule adjustment. 11. Development of a plan of support for the victim and offender. The response/intervention must be documented in SchoolMax. H. Consequences Consequences and support strategies for persons committing acts of bullying, harassment, or intimidation, for persons engaged in reprisal or retaliation, and for persons found to have made false accusations shall be consistently and fairly applied after appropriate investigation has determined that such an offense has occurred. A range of consequences is contained in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. I. Inputting Bullying or Harassment Incidents into SchoolMax 1. Log in to SchoolMax. 15

16 2. Select Discipline from the list of modules. The discipline page appears. 3. Select create an incident. 4. Input the date of the incident and the type of incident following the System prompts. 5. Select the appropriate event code (bullying or harassment). 6. Click the update button. 7. Select the appropriate bullying/harassment sub-code. 8. Assign participants to the incident: -offender -victim -witness 9. Click Save. 10. Add a response. 11. Click on the response code drop down list and select the response type. 12. Click Save. 13. Add responses (investigative methods) in the order of occurrence (For example, conference with student, conference with parents, counseling, etc.). 14. Save after each response. 15. For additional information refer to the online SchoolMax Discipline Training Guide. The SchoolMax training homepage is at Click on Administrative Support on the upper left for the Administrators page. On that page, click on discipline under online help. Choose the appropriate reporting category from the list in the upper left of the page. J. Professional Development Appropriate professional development will be provided to all stakeholders annually to support the implementation of this procedure. Professional development includes trainings for students, staff and parents. Resources and materials are available on the PGCPS intraweb. School-based security personnel must participate in professional development on the response to bullying, harassment and intimidation. VI. RELATED PROCEDURES: Administrative Procedure 0700, Information Technology Services Acceptable Usage Guidelines; Administrative Procedure 4170, Discrimination and Harassment; and Administrative Procedure 10101, Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. VII. MAINTENANCE AND UPDATE OF THESE PROCEDURES: These procedures originate with the Division of Student Services. Regular updating of these procedures will be accomplished, as needed. VIII. CANCELLATIONS AND SUPERSEDURES: This Administrative Procedure cancels and supersedes Administrative Procedure 5143, dated March 26, IX. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1,

17 UNIFORM POLICY TPA uniforms can be purchased from the following retailers All American Wear, Inc B Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD Phone: Flynn & O Hara School Uniforms Lanham Crossing Shopping Center 8807 Annapolis Road Lanham, MD TPA uniform policy is MANDATORY not optional. Parents of students not complying with the uniform policy will be contacted to pick up their child(ren) for the day. Students will be marked as early departure on that day and this will become part of their permanent student attendance record. Kindergarten - Fifth Grade Uniforms BOYS: FALL & WINTER Shirt: white boys oxford short or long sleeve Polo: Burgundy long or short sleeve Uniform Pants: Grey (ONLY) pleated slacks. Vest: Burgundy sweater vest Sweater: Burgundy cardigan sweater Sweat Shirt: TPA burgundy logo sweat shirt Socks: white, black or grey Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoes) Tie: Clip on plaid burgundy tie Belt: Solid Black-must be worn at all times SPRING & SUMMER Polo shirt: burgundy Uniform shorts: grey (ONLY) Belt: Solid Black- must be worn at all times Socks: white, black or grey Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoes) Accessories Policy for All Grades Girls may wear gold or silver earrings NO larger than a quarter; Boys may NOT wear earrings No necklaces, bracelets or rings(girls & Boys) No Leggings, No Jeans, No carpenter pants Watches may be worn GIRLS: FALL & WINTER Blouse: white Peter Pan short or long sleeve Polo: Burgundy long or short sleeve Jumper: Grades K-3 plaid pleated (Only) Skirt: Grades 3-5 (Only) Solid burgundy or plaid Skorts: Grades K-3 Only Pleated 3 tab solid Burgundy Uniform Pants: grey pants (Only) - Only during Winter months (Nov-Mar) Vest: Burgundy sweater vest Sweater: Crew neck burgundy cardigan Sweat Shirt: TPA Burgundy logo sweat shirt Socks or tights: burgundy, black or white Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoes) Tie: Cross tie Belt: Solid Black-must be worn at all times SPRING & SUMMER Blouse: white Peter Pan short or long sleeve Polo shirt: burgundy Uniform Shorts: grey (Only) Belt: Solid Black- must be worn at all times Socks: burgundy, black or white Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoe GYM UNIFORM FOR K-5 TH GRADE STUDENTS: YY Shirt: white, gray or burgundy short sleeve TPA eagle T-shirt Sweat Shirt: TPA logo burgundy sweat shirt Sweat Pants: TPA logo burgundy sweat pants Shorts: burgundy mesh shorts or regular uniform shorts Nylon Sweat Suite or short set (purchased through TPA ONLY) Shoes: Tennis shoes only (all black) 17

18 Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade Uniforms BOYS: FALL & WINTER Shirt: white boys oxford short or long sleeve Polo: Black or heather grey Uniform Pants: Black pleated slacks (ONLY) Vest: Black sweater vest Sweater: Black cardigan sweater Sweat Shirt: TPA logo sweat shirt Socks: white, black or grey Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoes) Tie: Clip on Grey tie (Mandatory) Belt: Solid Black-must be worn at all times GIRLS: FALL & WINTER Blouse: white Peter Pan short or long sleeve Polo: Black or heather grey Skirt: Grey (Only) Uniform Pants: Black slacks (ONLY) No Jeans - Only during Winter months (Nov-Mar) Vest: Black sweater vest Sweater: Crew neck black cardigan Sweat Shirt: TPA logo sweat shirt Socks or tights: grey, black or white Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoes) Tie: Cross tie grey (Mandatory) Belt: Solid Black-must be worn at all times SPRING & SUMMER Polo shirts: Black or heather grey Uniform shorts: Black (ONLY) No Jeans Belt: Solid Black- must be worn at all times Socks: white, black or grey Shoes: All Black (solid soft sole shoes) SPRING & SUMMER Blouse: white Peter Pan short or long sleeve Polo shirt: Black or heather grey Uniform shorts: Black (ONLY) No Jeans Belt: Solid Black- must be worn at all times Socks: grey, black or white Shoes: All Black (solid soft sole shoes) GYM UNIFORM FOR 6 TH, 7 TH & 8 TH GRADE STUDENTS: YEAR ROUND Shirt: TPA Logo short sleeve white T-Shirt Shirt: grey or black short sleeve TPA eagle T-shirt (available through TPA only) Sweat Shirt: TPA logo black sweat shirt Sweat Pants: TPA logo black sweat pants Shorts: black mesh shorts or regular uniform shorts Shoes: All black (solid soft sole shoes) Accessories Policy for All Grades Girls may wear gold or silver earrings NO larger than a quarter; Boys may NOT wear earrings No necklaces, bracelets or rings (Girls & Boys) No Leggings, No Jeans, No carpenter pants Watches may be worn 18

19 STUDENT UNIFORM OFFENSE NOTICE (Student Name) (Teacher/Grade) Dear Parent/Guardian, Consistent with PGCPS Administrative Procedure #0600 and the Uniform Policy notice that you were previously issued; your child is in violation of the following uniform offense(s): OFFENSE #1: For a first violation of this policy, the child s teacher contacts the parents or guardians in writing or by phone and notifies the Principal in writing that a violation has occurred. OFFENSE #2: For a second violation of this policy, the teacher refers the student to the Family Life Coordinator who contacts the parents or guardians by telephone and in writing that a second violation has occurred. OFFENSE #3: For a third violation, the Guidance Counselor contacts the parents or guardians again by telephone and in writing to notify them that a third uniform policy violation has occurred. OFFENSE #4: For a fourth violation, the school administration arranges a parent conference and reiterates the parameters of the policy and consequences of future violations. OFFENSE #5: For a fifth violation, the student is removed from the class for one full day and completes classroom assignments provided by the classroom teacher in another part of the school. OFFENSE #6: For a sixth violation, a parent/student conference is called which includes representatives from the school administration, the child s classroom teacher and representatives from the school uniform committee. A final warning is given to the student and his parents/guardians advising them that another violation will result in the reassignment to another school. The same information will be forwarded to the parents/guardians in writing, as well. OFFENSE #7: On the occasion of a seventh violation within a school year, the student will be reassigned to a school that does not have a mandatory school uniform policy. (See admin. Procedure 6144) Principal Signature Date 19

20 SCHOOL SUPPLIES All students are expected to report to school prepared to work. They should have an ample supply of pens, pencils, highlighters; three hole punched lined paper, spiral notebooks, three ring binders, composition books, folders, etc. Each teacher will provide a list of specific supplies required for their class. Grades K thru 8 Supply Lists Kindergarten 2 packs of pencils 2 plastic folders with pockets 1 pair of scissors 3 composition books 1 pack of paper towels 2 boxes of facial tissue 3 packs of crayons 1 box of zipper bags (quart/gallon size) 2 bottles of hand sanitizer 1 big bottle of glue/pack of glue sticks First Grade 4 composition notebooks 2 packs of glue sticks 1 Primary Composition book 2 boxes of tissue 2 packs of pencils (#2) 1 box of zipper bags (quart size) 2 bottles of hand sanitizer Second Grade 3 24-packs of pencils 4 large erasers 4 packs notebook paper 1 pack of cap erasers 2 24-count boxes of crayons 4 bottles of hand sanitizer w/pump 6 composition books 5 two-pocket folders 2 rolls of paper towels 1 ruler (centimeters and inches only) 1 pack dry erase markers 1 highlighter 1 pack disinfecting wipes 1 pack sticky notes 1 pack construction paper 1 chapter book (to read during DEAR) 1 pack baby wipes 2 boxes of zipper bags (gallon size) 2 boxes of zipper bags (sandwich size) 1 clipboard 3 boxes of tissue 1 pair of scissors 1 bottle of glue 4 glue sticks 20

21 Third Grade 3 24-packs of pencils (#2) 4 large erasers 4 bottles of hand sanitizer w/pump 1 pack of cap erasers 8 composition books 5 two-pocket folders 2 rolls of paper towels 1 ruler (centimeters and inches only) 1 pack of dry erase markers 1 highlighter 1 pack of disinfecting wipes 1 pack of sticky notes 1 pack of construction paper 1 bottle of glue 2 boxes of zipper bags (gallon size) 1 chapter book (to read during DEAR) 2 boxes of zipper bags (sandwich/qt) 1 pair of scissors 1 clipboard 3 boxes of tissue 4 packs of notebook paper 2 packs of crayons (24 ct) 4 glue sticks Fourth Grade 4 composition books 1 pack of cap erasers 3 packs of college-rule paper 4 large erasers 3-ring binder (2-inch) 1 pack of dry erase markers 8 dividers for a binder 2 rolls of paper towels 5 two-pocket folders 1 pack of construction paper 2 packs of pencils (#2 24-ct.) 1 pack of baby wipes 2 packs of pens (1 black & 1 blue) 2 packs of disinfecting wipes 1 pack of markers (10-ct.) 1 box of zipper bags (gallon size) 3 boxes of tissue 1 box of zipper bags (sandwich size) 4 glue sticks 1 pack of sticky notes 1 pack of crayons (24-ct.) 1 pack of highlighters 1 pack of colored pencils (12-ct.) 1 plastic protractor 1 pair of scissors 1 pack of sheet protectors 1 ruler 4 packs of index cards (3 x 5 inch) 4 book covers 1 pencil box or case 4 bottles of hand sanitizer 1 clipboard Fifth Grade 3 packs of pencils (#2 24 ct.) 2 packs of loose-leaf paper 2 bottles of hand sanitizer w/pump 1 pack of colored pencils 3 composition books 2 large erasers 1 roll of paper towels 3 two-pocket folders 1 pack of dry erase markers 1 ruler (inches and centimeters only) 1 pack of disinfecting wipes 1 highlighter 1 pack of construction paper 1 pack of sticky notes 2 glue sticks 1 chapter book (to read during DEAR) 1 box of zipper bags (gallon size) 1 pair of scissors 1 box of zipper bags (sandwich/qt) 2 boxes of tissue 1 clipboard 21

22 Sixth Grade 3 packs of pencils (#2 24 ct.) 1 hardcover 3-ring binder (2-inch) 12 composition books 2 large erasers 1 pack of dry erase markers 2 packs of cap erasers 1 ruler (centimeters and inches only) 4 packs of sticky notes 2 highlighters (yellow) 2 bottles of hand sanitizer (w/pump) 1 pack of disinfecting wipes 6 one-subject spiral notebooks 4 glue sticks 1 chapter book (to read during DEAR) 1 box of zipper bags (gallon size) 1 protractor 1 box of zipper bags (sandwich size) 1 pair of scissors 1 clipboard 5 two-pocket folders 4 boxes of tissue (one per teacher) 2 packs of erasable pens (red & black) 6 packs of loose-leaf paper 2 packs of colored pencils 2 packs of crayons (24 ct.) Seventh Grade 3 packs of pencils (#2 24 ct.) 1 protractor 5 two-pocket folders 1 chapter book (to read during DEAR) 12 composition books 1 ruler (centimeters and inches only) 6 one-subject spiral notebooks 1 pair of scissors 1 pack of dry erase markers 2 bottles of hand sanitizer (w/pump) 2 highlighters (yellow) 4 packs of sticky notes 1 pack of disinfecting wipes 2 packs of cap erasers 4 glue sticks 2 large erasers 1 box of zipper bags (gallon size) 1 hardcover binder (2-inch) 1 box of zipper bags (sandwich/qt) 2 packs of erasable pens (red & black) 1 clipboard 2 packs of colored pencils 4 boxes of tissue 2 packs of crayons (24 ct.) 6 packs of loose-leaf paper Eighth Grade Agenda Book Highlighters (yellow preferred) Lined paper (4 packs) Protractor Disinfecting wipes Ruler Erasers 3 boxes of tissue Blue, purple, or green pens Hand Sanitizer Dry erase markers 3 rolls of paper towels Sticky notes Sandwich Bags (large and small) Index cards (small, lined) USB Flash Drive Scissors Colored Pencils 3 packs of #2 pencils (no mechanical) 8 Composition Books (Black & White no spiral) Binder (1½-2 inch with dividers and pencil case) 22

23 Medication HEALTH SERVICES Students are only permitted to take medication during the school day when it is prescribed by their physician. This can only occur under the supervision of school system personnel. A Physician s Medication Authorization for Prescription and Nonprescription Medication Form, PS-51, Parent s/guardian s Acute Allergic Reaction, Form PS-51EPIPEN, or a Physician s Authorization for Medication by Inhaler/Mechanical Device Form, PS-51/INH must be on file for each medication. Students who are ill should remain at home rather than attend school and possibly risk infecting other students. In the event that a student becomes ill or is in need of first aid, the school nurse will be available during school hours. In all non-emergency situations, a student will be allowed to go to the Health Office after he/she has been excused from the scheduled class or activity and has received a pass. If the student is too ill to continue with the normal day, a parent or guardian will be contacted and arrangements will have to be made for the student to go home. In all other cases, the student will be expected to return to class directly after being seen by the nurse. Physical and Dental Examination Requirements The law requires that students attending public schools within 150 days before the beginning of the school year receive a: Physical examination, including a TB screening, and Dental examination Generally, a child will be enrolled if a physical examination was held between April 15th and the first day of school. Parents/guardians must have a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner and a licensed dentist complete, sign and date the School Health Certificate and Dental Appraisal Form to show that the examinations were completed within the specified time. Additional information is available from the Health Office at the School. Information regarding Community Health Clinics and Department of Health clinics that provide free physical and dental examinations or immunizations is available from the Health Office. Immunizations All children entering and attending school in Prince Georges County, are required to show documented proof of complete, current, correctly spaced immunizations, or proof of medical or religious exemption (Immunization of School Students Act of 1979 ). Likewise, parents/guardians must have a licensed physician or certified nurse sign and date all Immunization, Tuberculosis and Lead Screening Forms. Special Note: Varicella (chicken pox vaccine) is required for all students (pre-k through 3rd grades). Kindergarten students must receive 2 doses of the Varicella vaccine. Students enrolling in 7 th grade are required to receive TDaP and Meningococcal (Meningitis) vaccine. Hepatitis B series is required for all students in all grades. 23

24 IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who have not been properly immunized according to state requirements and/or who have not provided the proper documentation will be sent home and excluded from school until proof of current immunizations is provided. Administration of Medicine TPA Leadership discourages the administration of medication in the school setting and request that, whenever possible, medications be administered by the parent/guardian during non-school hours. If your child requires medication while in school, the parent/guardian will need to fill out the Parent/Guardian Authorization Form. Additional information is available from the Health Office. Authorization for Medical Procedures If your son/daughter needs to receive any medical procedure, (for example, nebulizer treatment), please inform the Health Office prior to the beginning of the school year. The Parent/Guardian Consent Form/Physician s Medical Procedure Order must be filled out in order to provide the procedure. Additional information is available from the Health Office. Failure to Provide Immunization, Dental and/or Physical Documentation Students who do not have the necessary health documents will be excluded from school until the required documents are presented. Parents are expected to comply with the necessary health regulations before the beginning of each school year. OBLIGATIONS Payments for fees, dues, damages, or restitution must be cleared by the end of the marking period to receive a report card. Payments for any obligation or financial debt must be made with a money order, cashier s check, or cash. No Personal Checks will be accepted. Parent Teacher Organization The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a vital part of our school. We encourage parents to become active members. A successful school needs the services of its parents. Personal Property Students should take care with their property and personal possessions. Do not leave them unattended. Clearly mark and label all personal items. The school assumes no responsibility or liability for any lost or stolen items. 24

25 SCHOOL HOURS Our school hours are 8:00am to 3:00pm for students. Office hours are from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Adult supervision will not be provided before 7:45 a.m. Emergency School Cancellation/Early Dismissal & Weather Related Closings In the event of inclement weather, Turning Point Academy Public Charter School will decide whether it is best to cancel school or open late based on the severity of the condition and the risk it poses to students, parents, and staff. We follow the closings of Prince Georges County Public Schools. On days that there is No School, or Late Opening, announcements will be made on the following television stations: NBC News 4 ABC News 7 News Channel 8 FOX5 CBS News 9 In the event of inclement weather prior to the start of school, we will also leave a message on the School Office line indicating our school status for the day. In such cases, please call the Office line at (301) and listen to the message. In the event of early closings due to inclement weather, TPA School usually adheres to decisions made by Prince Georges County Public Schools. If TPA School decides it is necessary to dismiss students early due to bad weather, all efforts will be made to notify parents so that they can make the appropriate arrangements. Since it is possible that school could be cancelled or students dismissed early due to heat or inclement weather, it is a good idea from the beginning of the school year to have a plan developed with your child so he/she will know what to do in the event of an early closing. Telephones Calls for students will not be accepted during school hours unless there is an emergency. Cell phones are allowed in school but they must be turned completely off (not on silent or vibrate mode) during the school day and on the bus. If a parent wants his/her child to carry a cell phone, the request must be made in writing. If a cell phone is turned on during the school day, it will be confiscated by administration or security until a parent picks it up. Continued violations of this policy will result in further disciplinary actions. Visitors Because the school staff is responsible for all students in the school, all visitors must report to the main office immediately upon entering the building and show proper identification. All visitors must wear a visitor s pass while in the building. 25