Table of Contents
FOREWORD
1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9
MISSION STATEMENT STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
CODE OF ETHICS
Pillow Academy Board Members Pillow Academy Administration
Administrative Staff
Pillow Academy Admission Policy PURPOSES OF PA KINDERGARTEN GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES
S CHOOL H OURS B ELL S CHEDULE
L ATE S TART M ORNINGS H OT L UNCH O RDERS
C ONFERENCES
G RIEVANCE P ROCEDURE
P ARENT V ISITATION AND W AITING A REA
T EACHERS ’ L OUNGE
S TUDENT C ELL P HONES AND E LECTRONIC D EVICES
D ELIVERY OF P ERSONAL I TEMS U SE OF THE O FFICE T ELEPHONE C LASS P ARTIES /C ELEBRATIONS Birthday Guidelines
10 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 2
“S HOWAND T ELL ” AND B RINGING T OYS TO S CHOOL
C HILD C USTODY M EDICAL F ORM
T OILET H ABITS
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE POLICIES
T RAFFIC AND C ARPOOL S AFETY P RECAUTIONS AND C OURTESIES
E ARLY A RRIVALS
A RRIVAL FOR ONLYK INDERGARTEN A RRIVAL FOR ONLYG RADES 1- 5
A RRIVAL FOR K INDERGARTEN AND E LEMENTARY P ICK -U P P ROCEDURES FOR ONLYK INDERGARTEN P ICK -U P P ROCEDURES FOR G RADES 1 – 5ONLY P ICK -U P P ROCEDURES FOR E LEMENTARY AND K INDERGARTEN P ICK -U P P ROCEDURES FOR E LEMENTARY AND J UNIOR H IGH
L ATE P ICK -U P
15 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 3
S IGN -O UT P ROCEDURES S IGN -I N P ROCEDURES
C HANGE OF R IDES
ATTENDANCE
T ARDIES
A BSENCES
M AKE -U P T ESTS P OLICY AND T IME P ERIOD
P LANNED A BSENCES
M EDICAL A PPOINTMENTS
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
A CADEMIC G RADING S CALE C ITIZENSHIP G RADING S CALE R EPORTING OF K INDERGARTEN S TUDENT P ROGRESS K INDERGARTEN D EVELOPMENTAL /S KILLS T ESTING R EPORTING OF S TUDENT P ROGRESS G RADES 1 – 5
T AKE -H OME T UESDAY
H OMEWORK A SSIGNMENTS
H OMEWORK
S CHOLASTIC R ECOGNITION
Assigned Major Test Dates
PAPACE P ERSONALIZED A CHIEVEMENT IN A C LASSROOM E NVIRONMENT
E SSENTIAL L EARNING S YSTEMS (ELS)
P ROMOTION AND R ETENTION
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE P HILOSOPHY OF D ISCIPLINE T YPES OF D ISCIPLINARY A CTION
B ASIC K INDERGARTEN G UIDELINES -G OOD C ITIZEN R ULES
K INDERGARTEN C ONSEQUENCES
B ITING
K INDERGARTEN P LAYGROUND R ULES
C ONSEQUENCES OF D ISOBEYING C LASSROOM R ULES AND R EGULATIONS
G RADES 1- 5
G ENERAL P OLICIES
S EVERE D ISRUPTIONS AND B EHAVIORS
G UM
C HEATING
A THLETIC E VENTS
A SSEMBLIES ( IN CRAIG,M EDIA R OOM , AND L IBRARY ) T OBACCOAND S MOKELESS T OBACCO (V APING )
D RUGS AND A LCOHOL
B REAK -I NS , D EFACEMENTS OR V ANDALISM
29 29 29 30 30 30 31 32 34 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 40 40 40 40 40 41 41 41 41 42 42 42 42 43 43 43 43 44 49 49 50 50 50 51 4
T HEFT
W EAPONS AND T HREATS
B ULLYING (H ARASSMENT , H AZING , AND / OR I NTIMIDATION ):
D ISRESPECT
S OCIAL M EDIA P OLICY
C ITIZENSHIP G RADES M USTANG C OURTESIES (B EHAVIOR G UIDELINES )
DRESSCODE
D RESS C ODE FOR ALLG RADES K4 – 5
ALL B OYS ALLG IRLS
D RESS C ODE A DDITIONS FOR K4 AND K5O NLY D RESS C ODE A DDITIONS FOR G RADES 1 - 5G IRLS D RESS C ODE A DDITIONS FOR G RADES 1 - 5B OYS S PECIAL T HEMED D RESS -U P /D RESS -D OWN D AYS
ILLNESSES
G ENERAL H EALTH G UIDELINES I LLNESS DURING THE S CHOOL D AY R EQUEST TO STAY I NSIDE AT R ECESS
P INK E YE F IRST A ID H EAD L ICE
F EVER AND O THER S YMPTOMS
C ONTROL OF C OMMUNICABLE D ISEASES A DMINISTERING M EDICATION TO S TUDENTS
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
I MMUNIZATION
F IELD T RIPS
D ELIVERY OF G IFTS TO S TUDENTS
D AILY D EVOTIONAL AND P LEDGE OF A LLEGIANCE
U NSCHEDULED S CHOOL C LOSINGS
N ATIONAL E LEMENTARY H ONOR S OCIETY (NEHS)
T ECHNOLOGY
P ENALTIES
A CCELERATED R EADER (AR)
FACTS SIS
P URCHASING L UNCH
K INDERGARTEN L UNCH AT S CHOOL
P ILLOW A CADEMY . COM
P ILLOW A CADEMY P ARENTS ’ A SSOCIATION (PAPA) C HANGE IN P ARENT N OTIFICATION I NFORMATION
51 51 52 52 52 53 53 53 53
Kindergarten Recommendations
Non-Discriminatory Policy
Asbestos Statement
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
F IRE
Tornado L OCKDOWN
APPENDIX
1
5
FOREWORD This handbook has been prepared for your convenience and guidance. Please consult it often. In it you will find outlined most of the school’s policies and regulations. Your parents, too, will find it helpful and informative. When policies, rules, and regulations are adopted, the first consideration is the welfare of the students. We believe the handbook we have set up will promote that welfare. You are asked to follow the rules as stated. Please do not ask for exceptions to be made. While many areas have been addressed, there is little doubt that issues and circumstances could arise that are not covered in this handbook. The administration of Pillow Academy reserves the right to modify any handbook policy throughout the school year in order to address any new or changing circumstances. All problems involving interpretation of and enforcement of these policies and rules are the responsibility of the administration. If you do not find herein the information desired within this handbook, please ask your principal or teacher.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 …..
1
MISSION STATEMENT Pillow Academy's mission, as a college preparatory school, is to educate the whole child in an environment of academic excellence and Christian values, so that each child is challenged to grow and mature in knowledge, wisdom, and service.
STATEMENT OF BELIEFS ● Our students are educated in an environment of Christian values and academic excellence that challenges each student to grow and to mature in knowledge, wisdom, and service
● Our curriculum should incorporate a variety of learning activities and multiple teaching strategies to provide an equal opportunity for all students to learn.
● Education of all children academically, physically, spiritually, and artistically in a safe and physically comfortable environment is a priority.
● Students learn best when they actively engage in the learning process
● Teachers, administrators, students, and the board of directors share the responsibility for creating the proper learning environment within our school.
● Student performance is enhanced by mutual respect between students and staff when high expectations for learning are maintained.
● Parental and community support and involvement are necessary to motivate students for optimum success in education.
● The school community should focus on a shared mission, vision, goals, and actions to provide the highest quality education.
● An ongoing process to evaluate, update, and improve the school should continue to be a priority to ensure that our students receive the highest quality education possible.
2
CODE OF ETHICS
P ride in school and self I mprovement L ove of country L ove of teachers and fellow students O penminded W illingness to participate A cademic excellence
C ourage A thletics D evotion to duty E arn respect M anners Y oung in spirit
H ave a system in all work I can succeed G ainful work H elpful to others
S portsmanship above victory C ourtesy to students and teachers H onesty always O bedience to teachers and supervisors O rderly in appearance and work L oyalty
3
Pillow Academy Board Members Mr. Jonathan Mills Mrs. Beth Williams Mr. Richard Brown Mr. Clint Dunn Mrs. Crystal Downing Mr. Ryan Strawbridge
Pillow Academy Administration Head of School
Mr. Barrett Donahoe
Associate Head of School
Mrs. Sulee Blansett
Assistant Secondary Principal
Mr. Steve Gleason
Head of Curriculum Instruction
Dr. Natalie McLellan
Elementary Principal
Mrs. Mary Courtney Wilson
Athletic Director
Mr. Bruce Branch
Director of Student Life
Mr. Wes Prather
Administrative Staff
Business Manager
Mrs. Jamie Bledsoe
Guidance Counselor
Dr. Natalie McLellan
Computer Operations
Mrs. Holly Ann Singh
Admission Director
Mrs. Catherine Fisher
School Information Systems
Mrs. Holly Ann Singh
Campus Maintenance Director
Mr. Jeff Jones
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Angela Fancher
Elementary Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Charlotte Mims
Receptionist
Mrs. Brandee Holly
Bookkeeper/Payroll Manager
Mrs. Kathy Woodson
Development Director
Mrs. Shawna Young
4
Pillow Academy Admission Policy
Criteria for admission:
● Families enrolling at Pillow Academy must provide the following: o Registration Fee of $225 for new families o Completed Admission Application o Completed Financial Agreement Contract o Payment of Tuition and Fees o A copy of student’s transcript (if applicable)
o Most recent report card (if applicable) o Achievement test scores (if applicable) o A copy of the student’s Social Security Card o A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate – to remain on file at Pillow Academy o A Mississippi Immunization Certificate o Contact information from previous school for character reference(s) ● Student must have grades from former school that indicate probable success at Pillow Academy. ● Student must receive a favorable background report as stated by former school officials (including behavior and proper actions). ● All students entering grades K5-12 must take an admission test administered by a school official. ● Any student entering grades 6-12 that was not enrolled at Pillow Academy the previous year, must complete and pass a drug test screening process prior to acceptance at Pillow Academy. Thisscreeningwillbeattheparent’sexpense. ● To be eligible to graduate from Pillow Academy, a student must complete a minimum of 3 consecutive semesters at Pillow Academy. These semesters must include 2nd semester of Junior year (11th grade) and both semesters of Senior year (12th grade). ● Final admission will be determined by a student’s past record and results on the admission test. ● All admissions are subject to approval by the Board of Directors. ● Pillow Academy will use a student’s biological gender, per issued birth certificate, to determine sports participation and use of facilities within the school.
Pillow Academy admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, and athletic or other school administered programs
5
PURPOSES OF PA KINDERGARTEN ● To introduce school as a worthwhile and pleasant experience for the child ● To keep the child ever aware of God’s love and His purpose in our lives ● To make the child appreciate his or her own abilities and encourage their desire for learning ● To encourage the child to respect other people and himself or herself ● To help each child learn to listen and follow directions ● To teach the child to use his or her time productively, to make wise decisions, and to assume responsibility for his or her actions ● To teach the social values of courtesy, sharing, and manners ● To help the child learn to work both independently and cooperatively with others ● To introduce the child to basic reading, math, writing, language, social studies, and science concepts ● To offer creative and artistic experiences ● To provide an atmosphere that will inspire each child to look forward to future years in school with happy anticipation and enthusiasm
6
GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES
School Hours
Kindergarten School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for students unless parents are notified of changes. Elementary school hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for students unless parents are notified of changes. Teachers are on duty from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Bell Schedule
8:00a.m.
TardyBell
10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch Rotations
2:20 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Kindergarten Dismissal
2:40 p.m.
Elementary Dismissal
Late Start Mornings
Periodically throughout the school year, Pillow Academy will have “Late-Start” mornings. On these days, the academic day will NOT begin until 10:00 AM. Students are not required to be at school until 10:00 a.m. Some staff members will be on duty these mornings at 7:40 a.m. to supervise students that need to arrive at the regular school day time. PA faculty and staff members will use this time for meetings and staff development. Detailed information will be posted before these dates. … ………………………
Hot Lunch Orders
Teachers are required to turn in all hot lunch orders before 8:30 a.m. each morning. If your child must come to school after that time for any reason, please be sure to send his or her lunch from home.
7
Conferences
The classroom teacher is the person to talk with FIRST about your child’s progress. Conferences with teachers should be arranged by emailing the teacher or through the secretary by calling 662-453-3600. Please schedule school conferences or telephone conferences during the teacher’s daily conference period or after school. Conferences are best held at school where all materials are readily available for reference. We respect the right of privacy for each child and parent and request that you do also. The principal is the person to talk with if you wish to discuss the administration of the school’s policies or rules, or if you have a matter of concern that affects the larger school community. Conferences with the principal may be scheduled at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on school days. Except in cases of emergency, conferences should be by appointment. Call the school secretary at 662-453-3600 to arrange a conference with the principal. K4 and K5 parents will be contacted regarding required parent-teacher conferences scheduled at the end of the first nine weeks grading period.
Grievance Procedure
If a parent has a complaint about a teacher, school policy, or another student, the following procedure must be followed 1. Contact the teacher involved to schedule a private conference. 2. If not satisfied with the result of the teacher conference, schedule an appointment to discuss the matter with the principal. 3. If still not satisfied, make an appointment to discuss the matter with the Head of School. Parent Visitation and Waiting Area In order to ensure the safest possible environment for Pillow students and staff, all parents and visitors must check in at the elementary office. Please press the Intercom button outside of the main office door to identify yourself to the main office secretary or principal before entering the building. DO NOT GO TO YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM . If you are picking your child up early, please sign your student out and wait for him or her in the designated parent waiting area just inside the front door. This will eliminate unnecessary disturbances in the classrooms.
8
Teachers’ Lounge
The teachers’ lounge is designed for the teachers to have a place to relax during their break time. Students are NOT allowed in the teacher’s lounge. Please respect their privacy and use the waiting area in the hallway.
Student Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Cell phones, Apple watches, IPods, Mp3 players, iPads, Kindles, tablets, iWatches, etc. can be a distraction in the classroom and a disruption to the learning process when used inappropriately or without teacher permission. Students caught using devices without permission or for nonacademic approved purposes will suffer the following consequences: First offense – Recess detention and the device will remain in the principal’s care until a parent picks it up. Second offense – the device will remain in the principal’s care until the student, parent, teacher, and principal have a principal-parent-teacher-student conference. In addition, the student will attend in-school suspension (ISS) for one day, with the parent paying the cost for a substitute ($65). Additional offenses - the device will remain in the principal’s care until the student, parent, teacher, and principal have a principal-parent-teacher-student conference. In addition, the student will attend in-school suspension for one day, with the parent paying the cost for a substitute ($65).
Delivery of Personal Items
The office staff will deliver any necessities that are brought to a student such as lunch or a backpack. DO NOT GO TO YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM. Pillow Academy will not accept delivery of flowers, balloons, or other favors. Such deliveries should be made to the student’s home.
Use of the Office Telephone
Students should never use the office telephone to make a call without permission from the secretary, principal, or a teacher. Students receiving calls will not be taken out of class unless there is an emergency.
9
Class Parties/Celebrations
Flowers, balloons, or other favors may not be delivered to the student at school. Kindergarten classes have several parties and celebrations during the school year. Parents are asked to volunteer to assist with at least two or three of these events. Party favors are NOT allowed. Snacks are sufficient. Please keep arrangements as simple as possible. Please do not bring any other siblings to classroom parties or field trips in which you are involved.
Birthday Guidelines
Birthdays are special celebrations at kindergarten. Invitations may be given out at school if you invite every child in the classroom or all the boys or all of the girls. We will not allow a child to give out “select” invitations. The following guidelines should be followed in exchanging social invitations: ● All boys in a particular class or grade will receive invitations (Boy Party). ● All girls in a particular class or grade will receive invitations (Girl Party). ● All children in a particular class or grade will receive invitations (Boy and Girl Party). ● Invitations are never to be passed out to a few children in another classroom. Please mail these invitations. ● Cupcakes or other simple treats that require no teacher preparation may be sent to school on the student’s birthday. Please give the teacher advance notice of your plans.Party favors are NOT allowed. Snacks are sufficient. Please keep arrangements as simple as possible. ● Children with summer birthdays may adopt a day in May for their early birthday celebration. ● Limousine pick-ups are not allowed at school. ● Group pick-ups are not allowed. All groups must meet off campus for an after school event. PA does not allow “select” group pick-ups. Group pick-ups for the entire class or grade may be scheduled with the principal.
“Show and Tell” and Bringing Toys to School
Teachers may declare specific days as “Show and Tell Day.” If a “Show and Tell Day” is scheduled for the class, the classroom teacher will send notification. At no time should toys be brought to school unless they relate to the teacher’s assignment. Expensive toys should never be brought to school for any reason.
10
Child Custody
If you have a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or visitation, please bring a copy to the elementary office. Unless your court order is on file with the school, we must provide parental rights allowed by law concerning records, visitation, and information about thechild.
Medical Form
A medical form will be issued for each student. Parents must get the form notarized and returned to the elementary office before ANY medication will be administered at school. This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs from home. The form will be kept in the student’s cumulative folder. This is a one-time requirement for students in grades K4-5.
Toilet Habits
All children in our K4-K5 program must be able to take care of their own bodily functions. After your child goes to the bathroom, he or she must flush the toilet, clean him or herself, and wash his or her hands. We also expect the child to leave the bathroom clean. Please see that your child can accomplish these skills before he or she starts our program. If there is a major accident, the teacher or assistant will call you at home or at work to come to school, clean your child, and provide clean clothes. Our teachers cannot leave their class to tend to these needs on a regular basis. Children who have frequent accidents will be asked to leave the program until training is completed. We realize that accidents will occasionally occur, and we will be very sensitive with these.
11
ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE POLICIES
Traffic and Carpool Safety Precautions and Courtesies
1. Always drive carefully and follow the flow of traffic requested by school officials. 2. Have your child’s name tag visible in the front window of your vehicle. If you need more than one name tag, please notify the office. 3. Encourage your child to watch for his or her ride in the afternoon. If he or she rides in a daycare van, help your child learn to identify the van and the name of the driver. 4. If your child rides a van regularly, but for some reason is not going to ride on a particular afternoon, please notify the child’s teacher in writing or email the school office (cmims@pak12.com or mcwilson@pak12.com) and explain what the change will be. This is most important and should be done before 2:00 p.m. if at all possible. 5. A child must go home his or her usual way unless the office is notified by email (cmims@pak12.com or mcwilson@pak12.com). 6. Children who ride in cars are dismissed at 2:40 p.m. You are requested to come for your child or carpool group promptly. Teachers are off-duty at 3:00 p.m. 7. For the safety of our students and teachers on duty, PLEASE put your car in “PARK” when you pick-up students and DO NOT USE CELL PHONES. Your full attention should be directed toward the actions of our students. 8. Always be courteous to others when waiting in the carpool line. Every day there are “first-timers” or visitors who have the misfortune of arriving during carpool time while attempting to get to campus sports events, meetings, etc.
Early Arrivals
Please make arrangements for your child to arrive at school after 7:30 a.m. when a teacher will be on duty. School doors will remain locked until 7:30 a.m. It is extremely dangerous to leave your child in an unsupervised situation.
Arrival for ONLY Kindergarten
The kindergarten building is located on the west side of the elementary building. Please enter through the left fork of the road unless you are also dropping off elementary students. The kindergarten building will open at 7:30 a.m. For your child’s safety, we ask that you wait for the teacher on duty to assist your child from the vehicle.
12
For safety reasons, please place your vehicle in PARK and do not use cell phones during carpool time . AFTER THE FIRST DAY, PLEASE LET YOUR CHILD ENTER THE BUILDING WITHOUT YOUR ASSISTANCE. If parents need to enter the building during morning arrival time, please park in the parking lot nearest the cafeteria. Any time you are inside the kindergarten building, please make sure your vehicle’s engine is turned OFF and keys are removed from the ignition.
Arrival for ONLY Grades 1- 5
● When you bring your student each morning, please enter through the right fork of the road. For safety purposes, your child should exit from the right side of the vehicle. Do not get out of your vehicle. ● The right fork of the road is for elementary carpool traffic. ● After 7:40 a.m., please pull to the end of the designated unloading zone before unloading so the carpool line will move quickly. ● Children should always get in and out of vehicles on the right side of the car next to the elementary building. ● If it is necessary to come for a child during school hours, park directly in front of the building. Be sure your engine is turned off and keys are removed from your car. ● If you have scheduled a conference, please park in a designated visitor’s parking space by the triangle area. Please do not block or park in the teachers’ parking spaces as all spaces are assigned and needed. ● Morning carpool is a single line of traffic. ● Please remain in line until the vehicles in front of you move. There is no passing during carpool.
Arrival for Kindergarten and Elementary
● When you bring your student each morning, please enter through the left fork of the road. Elementary students can exit the vehicle with your kindergarten student. The side door will be open for elementary students to enter. ● The right fork of the road is for elementary carpool traffic. ● After 7:40 a.m., please pull to the end of the designated unloading zone before unloading so the carpool line will move quickly. 13
● Children should always get in and out of vehicles on the right side of the car next to the elementary building. ● If it is necessary to come for a child during school hours, park directly in front of the building. Be sure your engine is turned off and keys are removed from your car. ● If you have scheduled a conference, please park in a designated visitor’s parking space by the triangle area. Please do not block or park in the teachers’ parking spaces as all spaces are assigned and needed. ● Morning carpool is a single line of traffic. ● Please remain in line until the vehicles in front of you move. There is no passing during carpool.
Pick-Up Procedures for ONLY Kindergarten
● In order to make carpool dismissal more efficient, kindergarten departure time is from 2:20-2:40 p.m. It is very important that the kindergarten carpool be completed before the elementary carpool begins at 2:40 p.m. ● Please remain in line until the vehicles in front of you move. There is no passing during carpool. ● Parents who pick-up only kindergarten students may enter through the left fork of the road and proceed to the kindergarten building. A teacher will bring your child to your vehicle. ● If your child is to ride home with anyone other than the regular carpool or daycare van, please send a note to your child’s teacher or email the elementary office cmims@pak12.com or mcwilson@pak12.com) before 2:00 p.m. so the message can be delivered to the teacher before dismissal begins. It is the parent’s responsibility to inform anyone who may pick-up their student(s) of these guidelines.
Pick-Up Procedures for Grades 1 – 5 ONLY
Stay in a single lane of traffic until the 2:40 p.m. bell rings. Then cars nearest the front may begin to form a double line. Cars in back should follow. ● Do NOT form a double line until you pass the intersection inside the gate . This intersection needs to be open for cars leaving campus. ● If you are to pick-up at the elementary only, you may use either line. ● Teachers’ signals will control the traffic and student flow.
14
● Drivers should pull up to the STOP sign. When all vehicles in place are full, vehicles will be allowed to move, and the procedure will be repeated. ● Keep your car pulled up to the last teacher on duty or the car directly in front of you to improve traffic flow. ● Stay in your car and wait for your child with your vehicle in “PARK”. ● Please discontinue cell phone usage when the line begins to move. ● If you are to pick-up children at both the elementary AND junior high buildings, use the right laneonly.
Pick-Up Procedures for Elementary and Kindergarten
● Kindergarten students should be picked up by 2:40 p.m. You may park in the elementary line and walk to the kindergarten building to get your child, OR you may pick-up your child in the kindergarten carpool line and drive back around the campus to enter the elementary line. ● Elementary pick-up line enters through the right fork of the road. ● At the 2:40 p.m. bell (NOT BEFORE), cars near the front should form two lines of traffic. ● Please follow procedures outlined above in ELEMENTARY pick-up only.
Pick-Up Procedures for Elementary and Junior High
● Enter the line through the right fork and proceed to the elementary building. ● Please follow procedures outlined in the elementary section above. ● After picking up students, stay in the right lane; proceed to the Jr. High carpool line. ● Please discontinue cell phone usage when the line begins to move.
Late Pick-Up
Please make arrangements to be here before teachers go off duty at 3:00 p.m. If your work prohibits you from being here at 3:00 p.m., please make other arrangements. Students not picked up on time will be taken to Homework Express and appropriate late pick-up fees will be assessed. Homework Express is located in a classroom at the end of the junior high hall and supervised by teachers. In order to avoid confusion, please make sure your child knows how he or she will go home in the afternoon before they leave home every morning.
15
Sign-Out Procedures
Parents who come to school to pick-up their student must come by the elementary office to sign him or her out and request that the office staff page the child. Parents are not to go to the classrooms. We pride ourselves in taking every precaution for the safety of our children. Children will not be sent outside to wait for a parent.
Sign-In Procedures
If a student arrives at school at any time after 8:00 a.m., they are considered tardy and a parent must sign the student in with the secretary so they will not be counted as an absentee. They will be given an admittance slip to present to their teacher. Any student leaving during the day and returning must also be signed back by a parent through the office.
Change of Rides
Please notify the teacher or the office by 2:00 p.m. if there is a change in your child’s ride. Otherwise, your child must go home his or her usual way. If there is any change in the way your child is going home, please remember to notify the driver of the carpool or daycare.
ATTENDANCE Your child’s success in school depends on having a solid educational background – one that can be attained only through regular school attendance . Children can copy notes and make up assignments, but they can never get back one of the most important aspects of learning: the discussions, the questions, the explanations by the teacher and the thinking that makes learning come alive. Therefore, regular attendance and punctuality is expected of all students. Teachers and students have the right not to have their instruction time interrupted by students who are tardy. Attendance and tardies can be checked on FACTS SIS.
Tardies
Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must report to the office to get a tardy pass before going into the classroom. Students arriving more than 20 minutes late will be automatically counted absent. On the 4th tardy, a student’s citizenship grade will be lowered by 1 letter in each class.
16
Absences
Parents should call the Elementary Office before 8:30 a.m. stating the reason for your child’s absence that day. All missed class work must be made up. If you would like to pick-up your child’s work, you must request it at the time you call about the absence and the assignments and books will be ready for pick-up after 12:00 p.m. If you do not request the assignments and books, they will not be on the table. Teachers complete these tasks during their planning time and may not be available to prepare this information for you until school is out. Make-up work should be completed within the time frame of one day for each day missed. In accordance with MAIS requirements, no student shall be promoted to the next grade whose absences exceed twenty (20) days during the school year unless the absences result from unusual circumstances or extended illness. Extended illness must be officially documented by a physician.
Make-Up Tests Policy and Time Period
A student is allowed numerous opportunities on 3 consecutive days to make up tests, beginning the day that he/she returns to school. Tests may be made up during activity time, recess, study hall or after school. Tests may not be made up during instructional time. Failure to take the assigned test in this time frame will result in a grade of zero (0). For special circumstances, permission must be received from the principal to make up a test after the allotted time.
Planned Absences
School vacations are planned at appropriate intervals throughout the school year and parents should strive to make family plans accordingly. It should be realized that teachers cannot realistically provide work in advance of planned absences that will adequately make up for the missed classroom instruction. Therefore, teachers will use their discretion in the matter of providing work requested by the parent to be completed during the period of absence. Parents who voluntarily take their children out of school have the responsibility to see that the student has completed ALL make-up assignments before returning to the classroom. 1. Written requests for a planned absence must be given to the principal or teacher at least one week before the date of the planned absence . This gives teachers an opportunity to prepare make-up work as early as possible. 2. On the day your child returns to school, he or she is responsible for turning in ALL assignments given during the planned absence. 3. Teachers will schedule make-up tests once your child has returned to school. 4. The principal may make an exception to the above requirement in case of emergency.
17
Medical Appointments
It is highly recommended that all medical appointments be verified with written doctor’s excuses.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic Grading Scale
Citizenship Grading Scale
A = 90 and above
A = Outstanding
B=80 to89
B = Satisfactory
C=70 to79
C = Needs Improvement
F =Below70
D = Unsatisfactory F = Unacceptable
Reporting of Kindergarten Student Progress
Required parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled with all kindergarten parents at the end of the first nine-week grading period. Additional conferences may be scheduled at any time throughout the school year if the teacher or parent has a concern. Please check your child’s school work folder on a regular basis to monitor strengths and weaknesses. Your child’s success at school is largely dependent on the parent-teacher “teamwork” that occurs throughout the school year.
Kindergarten Developmental/Skills Testing
A Readiness Test is administered at the teacher’s request to kindergarten students during the spring semester. Parents will receive a copy of test results and will be given a chance to schedule a conference if desired. Promotion to the next grade level is based on teacher recommendation, principal recommendation, and skills/developmental tests results.
Reporting of Student Progress Grades 1 – 5
1. Your child’s grades may be viewed at any time on FACTS SIS. Please check regularly. 2. Report cards are emailed at the end of each nine-week grading period. Numerical subject area grades will be recorded on report cards and permanent records. 18
3. Signed papers will be sent home weekly for students in grades 1-3 (see Take-Home Tuesday). 4. Teachers will contact you for a conference if they feel it is necessary. Parents are encouraged to call and schedule a conference with their child’s teacher if they have a concern. 5. The 4 th and 5 th graders will take comprehensive semester exams. They will count as 20% of the student’s grade. 6. Grading periods are divided into Nine-Weeks. Each nine-week average will be determined from grades earned through daily tests, quizzes, class work, homework, chapter tests, unit tests, book reports, memorization work, assigned projects, and comprehensive tests. 7. Occasionally, the teacher or principal may feel it necessary to send home a hard copy of grades for a parent’s signature. The signature will be required to let us know that you have seen the grade report. 8. Hard copies of report cards will be sent home to parents who either have no access to a computer at home or work. These may be requested through the secretary.
Take-Home Tuesday
Graded class work and test papers will be sent home with students in grades 1 st -3 rd on “Take-Home Tuesday” each week. Parents should sign the student’s papers and RETURN THEM TO SCHOOL BY THURSDAY! These papers are sent home for the specific purpose of providing parents with an indicator of your child’s classroom performance. This procedure also allows the parent to identify particular areas in which your child may require extra help at home. By sending the papers back, it allows the teacher to know that parents have seen their child’s performance in the classroom. If papers do not come back to school 3 separate times, then it is up to the parent to contact the teacher for a meeting before papers will be sent home again. Any questions on student work should be written on a sheet of paper and placed on top of the papers. This will allow teachers to see immediately that a parent has a question about a specific problem. 4 th and 5 th grade papers will be sent home by parent request. If you would like to receive weekly papers from the 4 th and5 th grade team, please email the teachers.
Homework Assignments
ALL students are required to complete their daily homework assignments in order to reinforce the objectives and skills being taught in the classroom. It is imperative that students come to class prepared to learn. Homework is a vital part of that readiness. Teachers check and sometimes give 19
grades on homework. Parents are strongly encouraged to check their child’s homework assignments. Parents should require their child to correct any mistakes before turning in the assignment. This is a powerful teaching strategy that parents can use to greatly benefit their child’s learning experience.
Homework
Each teacher will post Homework Assignments on FACTS SIS or in Google Classroom. These assignments are used as a general guide to help each student prepare for class. Dates and assignments are subject to change. Students are ultimately responsible for announcements and assignments given each day. K4 Written Homework 5 minutes K5
Written Homework 5 minutes Reading Homework 5 minutes 1 st grade Written Homework 5-10 minutes Reading/Study Work 15 minutes 2 nd grade Written Homework 10 minutes Reading/Study Work 15-20 minutes 3 rd grade Written Homework 15 minutes Reading/Study Work 25-30 minutes 4 th grade Written Homework 15-20 minutes Reading/Study Work 30 minutes
5 th grade Written Homework 25-30 minutes with a 40 minute study hall Reading/Study Work 30-40 minutes
Scholastic Recognition
Headmaster’s List The Headmaster’s List consists of students who have a 90 average or above in each academic class for the grading period. Students may not have a citizenship grade below a “B”. Students cannot be on the Headmaster’s List if any grade average falls below 90 for the grading period.
20
Principal’s List The Principal’s List consists of students who have an 80 overall academic average or above for the grading period. Students may not have a citizenship grade below a “B”. Students cannot be on the Principal’s List if any class average falls below 80 for the grading period.
Assigned Major Test Dates
Monday
Reading, Vocabulary
Tuesday
English,, Computer
Wednesday
Science
Thursday
Social Studies, Languages
Friday
Math, Spelling
Daily quizzes may be assigned any day of the week.
PAPACE Personalized Achievement in a Classroom Environment
Pillow Academy’s PACE program is designed to create a partnership with families to facilitate successful learning experiences for Pillow students with learning differences. The PACE program offers these students support to reach the educational goals for success in a college preparatory school.
● The PACE program is available for students in grades 1-12. ● There is a yearly fee in addition to regular tuition.
21
● Students must have the cognitive ability to succeed in Pillow Academy’s General College Track. o The PACE program is designed only to assist students in meeting Pillow Academy’s educational goals. ● Students with written documentation of learning differences from a licensed psychologist or psychometrist is required.
o This documentation must be current at the time of enrollment. o This documentation must be updated to meet ACT guidelines.
Essential Learning Systems (ELS)
ELS is a program that uses computer technology to help students develop the skills that are necessary for learning. A multi-sensory, interactive system rewards the student with positive feedback that has been studied and shown to promote learning. ELS is also a therapeutic program much like physical therapy for the brain. These exercises have been developed to strengthen the weak processing areas of the brain. The main objective of ELS is to help students become independent learners. Although ELS targets reading and reading comprehension, it addresses many other facets of learning. Some areas of improvement that ELS may help are organizational skills, ordering of thoughts, sequencing, focusing, staying on task, verbalizing, handwriting, short-term memory, long-term memory, and the building of self-confidence. ELS is not a program that labels students as “different”; it is not just for our lowest functioning students; it is not limited to students with learning disabilities. Many ELS students are extremely bright with high I.Q.s and good grades. There is an additional charge for the ELS program. Both kindergarten and elementary students may enroll.
Promotion and Retention
The following policies will apply for promotion and retention in grades 1-5: ● Each student in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 must pass reading to be promoted. ● Each student in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 must pass math to be promoted. ● Each student in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 must pass language to be promoted. ● Promotion and retention will be based on yearly averages in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and5.
22
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Philosophy of Discipline
We believe that discipline is the basis of learning. Discipline is necessary to create and preserve the safe and orderly conditions essential for every student’s educational success. Children learn and grow best in a safe and cooperative environment. The administration expects all students to conduct themselves in accordance with accepted standards of behavior in order to create the best possible learning environment. As representatives of our school, we believe that Pillow Academy students are responsible for exhibiting self-discipline in all situations. They are expected to conduct themselves at school and at all school functions in ways befitting a school seeking to establish Christian standards of learning and living. Our students’ actions should reflect favorably on our school at all times. Academic honesty as well as moral integrity is expected of every student at Pillow Academy. We believe children must learn to take responsibility for their actions and all of us together – parents, teachers, and staff – have the responsibility to teach students to be accountable for their actions. Your support and encouragement at home will be of great benefit to your child’s progress in this area.
Types of Disciplinary Action
At the beginning of the school year and throughout the year, teachers will thoroughly discuss and model all classroom expectations. Teachers will implement and enforce all classroom and school rules and regulations on a consistent basis using the appropriate disciplinary action(s) below. Any time a student chooses to disobey rules and regulations, there will be consequences imposed according to the seriousness of the problem in order to teach responsibility. If a student demonstrates continual noncompliance or violates policy that calls for expulsion, final approval of the expulsion will rest with the Pillow Academy Board of Directors. Disciplinary actions below will apply to any student who is on school property, in attendance at school, at any school-sponsored activity, or involved in any conduct at any other time or place that has a negative effect on maintaining school order and discipline, protecting the safety and welfare of others, or damaging the reputation of our school. These actions are listed in no specific order: ● Student-Teacher Conferences. ● Walking Recess-student will not participate in recess, but will walk and think about his or her actions that were inappropriate.
23
● Suspension from Recess, Extracurricular Classes, or Other Special Activities (such as special events on campus, including but not limited to pep rallies, special class parties earned by the class for good behavior, movies earned by the class for good behavior, etc.). ● Work detail. In lieu of recess suspension, In School Suspension, or Out of School Suspension, a studentmaybeassignedworkdetailforinappropriatebehaviorordisciplineissues. The number of hours of work detail assigned will depend on the nature and severity of the violation. Workdetailwillbecompletedfrom7:00A.M.until7:55A.Monassigneddates. ● Field Trip Restrictions.
● Student-Administrative Conferences. ● Parent-Administrative Conferences. ● Administrative-Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
● In-School Suspension (ISS) – the student will be allowed to complete all work during the period of suspension but will be penalized at the end of the nine-week grading period at the rate of one point per subject for the first day of suspension and one point per subject for each consecutive day. Parents will pay the current cost of a substitute (approximately $65 per day). A Student will lose extracurricular privileges during the suspension period. Each student will receive a “D” for all Citizenship grades.
o 1 Point Deduction per day from the nine-week average in each class. o Students receiving ISS will receive a “D” in citizenship in each class.
● Out of School Suspension (OSS) – the student will be allowed to complete all work at home during the period of suspension but will be penalized at the end of the nine-week grading period at the rate of two points per subject for the first day of suspension and one point per subject for each additional day. Each student will receive an “F” for all Citizenship grades. o 2 Point Deduction per day from the nine-week average in each class. o 1 Point Deduction for each additional day from the nine-week average in each class. o Students receiving OSS will receive an “F” in citizenship. ● Permanent Expulsion from School
Basic Kindergarten Guidelines - Good Citizen Rules
There are five basic “Good Citizen” rules of behavior that are emphasized in the kindergarten classroom: 1. Follow directions the first time. 2. Raise your hand and be recognized before speaking. 3. Listen when others speak.
24
4. Stay in your assigned area or seat. 5. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Kindergarten Consequences
If a child chooses to disobey a “Good Citizen” rule, the consequences are as follows: 1 st offense Verbal Warning and teacher reminds student of classroom rule. 2 nd offense Brief “time out” period and discussion of expectation 3 rd offense Time Out, work detail, walking recess, Private Student-Teacher Conference, note/call to parent, or parent-teacher-student conference
Teacher submitted discipline report via email to principal, Emailed discipline report to parents from principal (to be signed by parent) and/or in school suspension
4 th offense
Second discipline report emailed; student-principal conference
5 th offense Third discipline report sent home; conference with student, teacher, principal, and parents; further punishment from principal is possible Administration reserves the right to skip steps based on the nature of the offense.
Biting
Biting is absolutely not permitted. When the first offense occurs, the child will be placed in “Time Out” isolation and the parents will be contacted. If a biting incident is repeated, parents will be asked to come to school and take their child home.
Kindergarten Playground Rules
Please discuss the following rules with your student. 1. Never put rocks into your nose, mouth, ears, etc. or into anyone else’s. Rocks are not to be thrown or put into pockets. 25
2. Sit on swing seats. Never stand on, lie across, twist, or jump out of the swings. 3. Do not walk near someone swinging. 4. On the big playground set, do not jump off, climb up the slide, sit on the side of the bridge, or jump on top of the bridge area.
Consequences of Disobeying Classroom Rules and Regulations
Grades 1- 5
● First Offense: Verbal Warning and retaught expectation.
● Second Offense: Time Out, walking recess, work detail, private Student-Teacher Conference, note/call to parent, or parent-teacher-student conference.
● Third Offense: Teacher submitted discipline report via email to principal, Emailed discipline report to parents from principal (to be signed by parent) and/or in school suspension.
● Fourth Offense: Parent-Teacher Conference, Out of School Suspension (OSS). Teacher submitted discipline report via email to principal, Emailed discipline report to parents from principal (to be signed by parent) ● Additional offenses: Parent-Teacher-Student-Administrative Conference, consequences left to the discretion of the administration based on the nature of the offense the teacher will use this discipline report as a reference to assist in making judgments regarding conduct and citizenship grades.
PA Administration reserves the right to skip steps based on the nature of the offense.
26
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online