Mater Academy of Nevada 1

Mater Academy

Of Nevada Bonanza

Broncos

Student & Parent

Handbook 2018-2019

Mater Mini Mater Mater Academy of Nevada 2

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter ...... 3 Preschool Mission Statement……………...... ……………………………………….5 Philosophy……………………………………………………………………………………..5 Curriculum ...... 5 Student Portfolios .………………………………….………………………………………….6 Enrollment...…….. ………………………………….………………………………………... 6 Attendance…..….. ………………………………….………………………………………... 6 Accreditation ...... 7 Safe Mustangs………………………...... ……………………………………………………..8 Drop off/Pick up Procedures…………………………………………………………………..8 School Calendar.....……………………………………………………………….…….……..9 Uniform Policy…….……………………………………………………………………………10 Student Parent Expectations/Procedures……………..…………………………………… 11 Personal Belongings...... ………………………… ….11 Behavior Plan………………………..………………………………………...... ……… ..11 Celebrations……..….…………………..……………………….………………………… 11 Volunteer………………………………………………………..…………………………...12 First Aid/ Health Procedures ...... 12 Harassment Policy ……………………………………………………………………..………14 Parent Reminder……… …………………………………………………………….…………14 Nevada Code of Respect………………..………………………………………………………15 Charter School Offenses ………………………………….……………………………………16 Criminal Offenses………………………………………………………………………………17 Signature Page…………………………………………………………………………………19

Mater Academy of Nevada 3

Mater Academy of Nevada Bonanza Campus 4760 East bonanza Road Las Vegas, NV 89110 702-431-6260

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year at Mater Academy of Nevada! We are delighted to have your child in the classrooms this year, and we look forward to sharing the upcoming school year with you and your child. As educators, we will strive to create an educational partnership with you and your child, in order to instill and foster courage, determination, and a lifelong passion for knowledge. In addition to this, our commitment as educators will be to provide your child with a safe, nurturing, and challenging educational environment that will work to ensure their academic success in Preschool. It’s about the children, their families and dedicated staff. Mater Academy staff members, in partnership with you, are committed to ensuring that your child is engaged in extraordinary learning opportunities that stir creativity, cultivate thinking, enhance physical and mental well being and optimize his/her whole learning experience. Enrolling a child in a new school can be overwhelming, but we hope to ease the transition. We hope that you have a smooth transition into our school and we wish you positive experiences here at Mater Academy as we strive for every child to be successful.

Sincerely, Pre K Team

Mater Academy of Nevada Pre K Staff

Director Special Education Amy Rivera Kimberly Gluckler [email protected] [email protected]

Lead Teacher Lead Teacher Taylor Nelson Vanessa Parrales [email protected] [email protected]

Lead Teacher Lead Teacher Ashley Miller [email protected]

*Communication can also be made through Class Dojo to each teacher.

Mater Academy of Nevada 4

What is a charter School? More As defined by the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools (www.publiccharters.org): Charter schools are independent public schools allowed Academics freedom to be more innovative, while being held accountable for improved student achievement. They foster a partnership between parents, teachers, and students to create an environment in which parents To can be more involved, teachers are given the freedom to innovate and students are provided the structure they need to learn, with all three held accountable for improved student achievement. Excel and Mater’s Vision: Rise Our vision of Mater Academy of Nevada is to st develop successful scholars with 21 century Student Motto: I am… skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Students will be college Motivated and career ready with cross cultural competence. Mater’s Mission Statement: Unique The mission of Mater Academy of Nevada is to provide an innovative, challenging, multi-cultural education, preparing students to be global citizens Strong and have a competitive edge in the 21st century workforce. Mater Academy of Nevada aspires to have students to obtain a thirst for knowledge and belief in the Talented students’ self-efficacy.

We strive to have the Mater Academy of Nevada Active community to be actively involved in the learning of its students. Noble

Grateful

Successful

Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 5

Preschool Philosophy We are a preschool program in Mater Academy of Nevada. It is a charter school dedicated to providing high quality education to its students and to give them the skills needed to have a successful future. Our school is also devoted to helping build a better community and providing resources for its families.

Our Mater Academy preschool program is a lottery based, state funded educational program for families who qualify based on income eligibility. Families of current Mater students will be given priority. Income qualification is listed on the application provided in the link below. Families who do not qualify will be removed from the list and another lottery will be ran.

In our program we acknowledge each student as an individual and differentiate our curriculum to meet each of their needs. We engage and teach our students through creativity, play, and developmentally appropriate practices. We create an environment where children are encouraged to explore and discover their surroundings and are given opportunities to have real world experiences. Here students will be taught skills needed to be ready for kindergarten, which will become the foundation for a love of learning.

The collaboration between specialists and pre-k teachers promotes a partnership that will provide the most beneficial outcome for your child. Upon registration we will identify students who have previously needed student support services. If services are established, parents and families are encouraged to provide Mater Academy Pre K with their child’s written Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students will be assessed and monitored for response to Intervention (RTI) or referred to the school psychologist. All Pre K staff will be trained in how to observe, assess and document students who exhibit the lack of progress and report their findings to the RTI team. Students may be referred to any other outside agency to obtain additional resources and services to support children’s development.

Preschool Mission Statement We are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential to become a well-rounded individual. Providing each child with a safe environment of engaging new learning experiences. We strive to help children grow in all areas of development, and become self-motivated learners. We offer a child center program that implements the play based learning inspired by Creative Curriculum.

Curriculum Creative Curriculum focuses on creating a learning environment that allows children to learn by actively exploring the classroom and engaging in hands on experiences. Teachers can plan and teach to individual student’s needs and interests. It covers all content areas for kindergarten readiness while integrating the real world experiences as a way of learning.

The Nevada Pre-Kindergarten Standards are implemented throughout the program. The standards have been developed based on research that supports the significance of the early learning years in future student achievement and can be used as a guide for child outcomes in preschool. The standards are descriptions of what most children should know and be able to do before they enter kindergarten. This will be focused on the following six areas: Creative Arts, Language/Literacy, Math, Physical Development/Health, and Social Studies/Social Emotional. For additional information you may visit the link http://www.nevadaregistry.org/department-of-education-office-of-early-learning-and- development/pre-k-standards.html

Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 6

Student Portfolios The preschool staff uses student portfolios to document the on-going progress of each child’s development. A student portfolio is a collection of student work that illustrates the student’s interests, skills and changes over time. The portfolios may contain informal and formal assessments, work samples, and reflections of social development of the child. It may be reviewed by staff and parents at any time throughout the school year.

Enrollment Application is available online at : www.materacademynv.org

Acceptance: The program is a weighted lottery. Children must be 4 by September 30th of the entering school year in order to be accepted into the program. The program is a lottery based, state funded educational program for families who qualify based on income eligibility. Families of current Mater Academy students will be given additional weight in the lottery. The first lottery will take place on May 15th, but will not determine if your child has been approved. Families must meet the income eligibility guidelines to be approved. Income qualifications is listed on the application found in the above link. Families who do not qualify will be removed from the list and the next eligible family will be contacted. Once a family has been notified of acceptance they have 10 days to bring in required documentation. If child is a no show for the first three days of school their seat will be given to the next eligible family.

Attendance Regular attendance in the preschool program is very important for the child to become comfortable with a regular and consistent schedule. In case of a communicable disease, such as chicken pox, measles, etc., it is extremely important that parents notify the preschool teacher immediately so that proper notification can be given to all families participating in the program.

Attendance Procedures for Pre K Students: In order to provide services to families who have the greatest need and who may be on the waiting list, services to families may be discontinued based upon the following guidelines: Excused Absences 1. Illness or quarantine of child, parent, or sibling (Illness lasting more than ten (10) consecutive days must be verified by a medical doctor) 2. Medical appointment of child or other family member 3. Family emergency (may include car accident, lack of transportation, death of family member, catastrophe) 4. Sever weather conditions that prohibit travel to and from school 5. Official or legal agency appointments (immigration, court appearance, etc.) 6. Court-ordered visitation 7. Religious/Cultural Celebrations Absences that are in the Best interest of the Child (Limited to 10 days per fiscal year) 1. Non-court ordered visitation with non-custodial parent 2. Special Day with Parent 3. Vacation 4. Work/School Holiday for parent scheduled on a day, which differs from the center’s observance Unexcused Absences (Limited to 10 per fiscal year) 1. Illnesses lasting more than ten (10) consecutive days, which have not been verified by a medical doctor Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 7

2. Preschool child did not want to go to school 3. Parent/Child overslept 4. Any absence for which a specific reason is not given

More than ten (10) days of unexcused absences in a fiscal year could subject the family to termination of services

Accreditation Mater Academy of Nevada is an accredited institution. What does that mean for you? Accreditation is a voluntary method of quality assurance developed more than 100 years ago by American Universities and secondary schools, designed primarily to distinguish schools adhering to a set of educational standards. The accreditation process is also known in terms of its ability to effectively drive student performance and continuous improvement in education. But such definition, though accurate, are incomplete.

While accreditation is a set of rigorous protocols and research-based processes for evaluating an institution’s organizational effectiveness, it is far more than that. Today accreditation examines the whole institution—the programs, the cultural context, the community of stakeholders—to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of students.

For many, accreditation is both a significant achievement pronouncing an institution’s quality of education, as well as remarkably enriching process for the institutions recognizing the tremendous competitive and performance gains it affords. Sadly, some schools approach accreditation as necessary imposition which they must endure to secure the seal of accreditation, and the quicker they satisfy the requirements, the sooner they can return their attention to running their institutions. Nevertheless it is those schools and school systems that see the untapped transformative power in the process of accreditation that are able to build true capacity to improve student learning and make continuous school improvement a distinctive reality.

It is the process of accreditation that yields the greatest continuing return for institutions. When approached properly, the internal self-assessment an institution conducts against a set of research-based quality standards can produce a wealth of galvanizing insights. Honest self-evaluation is unparalleled in its ability to uncover and bring into sharp focus special challenges for an institution that may not have been fully understood. The external review is the hallmark of the accreditation process, and like the internal self- assessment, it energizes and equips the leadership and stakeholders of an institution of school system to tackle those areas that may be thwarting desire performance levels. o Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Schools o School Districts/Systems (Mater Academy, Inc.) o Postsecondary Schools o Educational Corporations o Distance Learning Organizations o Educational Service Agencies o Pre-K Institutions Accreditation is inextricably linked to institution and educational system improvement. The accreditation process asks institutions and systems to critically evaluate their vision, strategies, priorities, leadership, and programs and resources. The process of earning and maintaining accreditation provides institutions and educational systems with clear and compelling direction for implementing changes to move toward excellence. Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 8

Safe Mustangs Students that need before or after school care must be enrolled in the Safe Key Program. You can access the enrollment forms on the Mater Academy School website. Rates/Fees Weekly Sessions (5 and 4 day weeks) Pay in advance by the Wednesday before your child is to attend $20 per week per 1st child/ $10 per week for additional siblings Daily Rates (3 days or less) $5 per day for 1st child/ $3 per day for additional siblings Note: All rates include am/pm sessions. Whether a child stays for just am or pm, one flat rate. The AM Session will be 7:00- 8:00am and the PM Session will be 2:30- 3:30pm Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am-2:30pm Gates open at 7:55am and close at 8:05 for Arrival Gates open at 2:30pm and close at 2:40pm for Dismissal Arrival Pre K gates will be open at 7:55am am and close at 8:05am. Parents will walk their child to the Pre-K gate and sign their child in with their Teacher at the gate. After signing in,children will go with Teacher Aides to their classrooms. Parents will not be allowed past the Pre-K gate. If you arrive past 8:05am, you will have to enter through the front office and receive a visitors pass. *Anyone who is signing in their child must be over the age of 18* Dismissal Dismissal will be done at the Pre-K Gate. Gates will open at 2:30pm and close at 2:40pm. Parents will walk to gate and sign out your child with the Teachers. Always make sure that you or whoever will be picking up your child has their ID ready to show to the teachers. * Anyone who is not on the child’s Emergency Pick Up List will not be able to sign them out for the day. They must also be 18 and over* Late Arrival/Pick Up If you arrive to the school past 8:05am you will have to bring your child in through the front door of the school. You will need to get a Pass from the front desk and then drop off your child in their classroom. If arriving past 2:40 parents must come through the front door of the school and receive a Pass from the Front Desk. Any children who are not picked up by 2:40 will be taken to Safe Key and parents will be charged the daily rate of $5 per day. Safe Key Hours Safe Key will be provided to Pre-K Students from 730am-800am and also 240pm-330pm. *All Pre-K students must be picked up by 3:30pm daily. * Pick up During School Hours Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 9

Students who need to be released from school during school hours will be released by our receptionist near our front entrance. Students will ONLY be released to the parent, guardian, or other person(s) 18 year or older listed on the Authorized Pick-Up Form. Please be prepared to show proper identification each time.

*Transportation is not provided by Mater Academy of Nevada. It is the parent’s/guardians responsibility to provide all transportation for their children.

Calendar 2018-2019

2018 Friday, August 14 Classes Begin for K-8 Monday, August 20 Classes Begin for Pre-k Monday, September 3 Labor Day (No School) Friday, September 14 Professional Development Day (No School) Wednesday, October 10 Data Day (Early Release) Friday, October 26 Nevada Day Observed (No School) Thursday, November 1 Parent Teacher Conference Day (No School) Friday, November 2 Professional Development Day (No School) Friday, November 12 Veterans Day Observed (No School) Monday-Friday, November 19-23 Fall Break (No School) Monday, November 26 Classes Resume Friday, December 21 Data Day (Early Release) December 24-January 4 Winter Break

2019 Monday, January 7 Classes Resume Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observed (No School) Friday, February 15 Professional Development Day (No School) Monday, February 18 Presidents’ Day Observed (No School) Friday, March 15 Data Day (Early Release) Wednesday, March 27 Data Day (Early Release) Monday-Friday, April 15-19 Spring Break (No School) Tuesday, April 23 Classes Resume Friday, April 26 Professional Development Day (PREK ONLY) Friday, May 17 Last Day of School for Prek Students Friday, May 24 Last Day of School For K-8 Students Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Observed May 28,29,30 Contingency days if needed

Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 10 Uniform Policy **Proof of understanding this policy will be signed electronically during registration** Mater Academy of Nevada will be following a policy of standard student attire. By wearing school uniforms, students will become part of a team. It is this team effort and sense of belonging that will help students experience a greater sense of identify and promote academic excellence. The following uniform policy is endorsed by the school and our charter school board. Students are required to follow this policy, and failure to do so will result in a parent conference with administration immediately to resolve any conflicts with this policy. We are committed to keeping the cost of uniforms as low as possible for our families. Our uniform vendor, Anything Inked, is committed to keeping the cost of uniforms as low as possible for our families. To order Mater logo shirts and other attire, log on to http://aimorders.com. Shirts: Uniform shirts must be purchased from Anything Inked. Navy blue, royal blue, black, orange, and gray with the Mater logo as found on the vendor website Bottoms: Navy blue, khaki, and black. Please refer to our vendor’s website. Skorts/ shorts must be fingertip length, no sweat, yoga or cargo pants. Pants must be Dickies or Dockers style. Sagging or oversized pants are not allowed. Jumpers must display logo. Please make sure to follow the uniform guidelines if you choose to purchase your bottoms elsewhere. Shoes or Sneakers: Shoes/sneakers must fit securely on the foot. Flip flops and heelies are not allowed. Sandals may be worn provided that they don’t interfere with the safety and welfare of the student. Students taking the science lab class may have to wear closed toed shoes. The teacher will provide additional information. Outerwear: Outerwear must be of school uniform colors or be removed upon entering the building, unless it displays the Mater logo (Monogramed outerwear is available through our vendor website). During cooler weather, long-sleeved t-shirts that match the color of the shirt or a plain white t-shirt may be worn underneath polo shirts. Sweatshirts, hooded or not, fit in the outerwear policy. As a general rule, non-hooded sweatshirts create less classroom distractions. Belts: Belts must be worn at all times; these belts must be in neutral colors. Accessories: Socks, tights, stockings and hair accessories must be school colors (no mismatches). Jewelry should be limited due to distractions and physical activity during P.E. and recess. Spirit Day: Friday is our “Spirit day”. Children are allowed to wear their Mater Academy spirit T-shirt or their uniform polo with denim blue jeans, both shirts can be purchased from our vendor. Grooming: Good grooming of hair, skin, and fingernails is expected. Uniforms should be clean and pressed. Hair style and color should not present distractions. All headgear such as hats, scarves, bandanas, etc., is forbidden on campus. If students are walking to school and need to wear a hat it should be removed immediately upon entering the building. Backpacks: Rolling backpacks are not allowed. ANY STUDENT NOT WEARING A COMPLETE SCHOOL UNIFORM AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. WILL BE ISSUED THE FOLLOWING CONSEQUENCES: o 1ST Offense=Verbal warning o 2nd Offence=Parent contact & parent will have until 10:00 am to bring school uniform in order for student to change. o 3rd Offense=Parent conference will be scheduled with administration. Student-Parent Expectations/Procedures Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 11 Manners MAT(t)ER Three basic expectations for all students, parents, and staff members of Mater Academy of Nevada are as follows:

1. Safety Keep hands and feet to self/no fighting, no bullying will be tolerated Walk in the building, do not run/skip 2. Respect Treat others as you wish to be treated Be prepared Be courteous Use appropriate language Listen to each other Remember that you represent yourself, your family, and your community 3. Responsibility Try your best at all times Follow directions Complete your school work If you make a mess, help clean it up If you make a mistake, be honest Take care of your equipment/school property Be on time Come to school prepared

Personal Belongings

Backpacks are optional here at Pre K. A complete change of clothes (not shoes) should be provided by the family in a gallon size zip lock bag to be kept at school as an extra change of clothes. Each item should be labeled with first and last name. Toys and other items must be left at home. Mater Academy will not be responsible for electronic devices or any other personal items not issued by the school. Guidance Policy

Mater Academy of Nevada Pre K shall enhance a child’s behavior through positive guidance and redirection. Guiding children’s behavior is something that is done throughout the day, not just when a child acts in a way that is unsafe or unacceptable. We will guide behavior by establishing predictable routines, setting clear expectations with the children, and modeling kindness and respect. We will also be aware of what will be happening in the classroom and be attentive to all the children’s needs. Together, through these actions, we will help each child feel noticed, confident and secure while here at Mater Academy. Children will be part of our positive guidance curriculum known as Second Step. Second Step has been carefully designed to help you guide children to learn, practice, and apply skills for self-regulation and social emotional competence. If behavioral concerns arise the teacher will communicate the concerns with the parent/guardian. If it is a consistent concern and does not resolve with teacher support, then a parent teacher conference will be scheduled at the school. Teachers will partner with families and consult with specialist as needed. We will make every effort to work with behavior and the social/emotional needs of every child to ensure the child’s successful participation in the program. However, where there is a determination of a serious safety threat that may result in harm to the majority of students, this could result in expulsion.

Celebrations Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 12 School Parties & Gifts School parties may be held to recognize special holidays/events that are related appropriately to instruction. Details of celebrations will be announced during the school year. Parents may be asked to assist teachers with special preparations. If parents wish to send a small treat with their child for the class to share, the teacher must be notified ahead of time. Birthdays Your child’s birthday will be recognized throughout the day in the classroom. If you want to bring a treat, it will be done at the last 10 minutes of the day from 2:20-2:30. Summer birthdays will be recognized at the end of the school year. Due to health and safety concerns, only store bought items in their original packaging are allowed. We are a Nut Free School. Family Involvement

Parent and Teacher Meetings Parent and teacher meetings will be held two times per year to review on-going progress and to set student goals. If additional conferences are needed please contact the teacher to schedule a meeting for before or after school. We especially encourage this when you have questions about your child’s progress, class work or school policies. * Please do not interrupt the classroom during instructional times or interfere with arrival/dismissal procedures to conference with the teacher. Volunteering Families have the right and are welcome to observe the program before enrollment and at any time after enrollment. Please be advised that non-program children are not allowed into the classrooms during the school day. All visitors/volunteers are required to check in at the office for a visitors pass. We will also be having Parent Nights throughout the school year to enhance the children’s development. All volunteers are required to complete a Confidentiality Form (Background Check) if in the classroom more than 15 hours a week. Volunteers are prohibited from taking photos or videotaping during class time. If you need to use your phone, please step out of the classroom. Please refer to the Parent Involvement Form for more details. First Aid

First Aid/Health Office The health office is not staffed with a licensed medical professional. Our Health Aide runs the office and is trained in emergency interventions; however, parents are expected to address serious health issues with their family doctors. Accident and Illness Every accident or injury occurring during school hours and any injury occurring during a school- sponsored event must be reported immediately to the adult in charge and/or the school Health Aide. A student who is too ill to remain in class should report to the Health Office so that parents may be notified. State law does not allow school health personnel to diagnose illness or injury. Parents should check with their family physician if they have a question about their child’s health.

Medication Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 13 If a child under physician’s care is well enough to be in school but requires prescription medication during the school day, parents must contact the Health Office and ensure all required forms are completed and signed, by both parent and physician if necessary. A copy of the prescription is requested along with the medication. Medications must be in the original prescribed container and must be kept in the health office. This policy also applies to long-term medications such as inhalers. Smoking Policy Smoking and the use of tobacco products are not permitted on or around the premises of the facility or at any school function. Health Procedures CPR All staff is CPR and first aid certified and must be renewed every other year. Medical Care We understand that it is not always convenient to take time off of your job. However, as a facility that cares for children, it is our responsibility to take all children’s health into consideration. If a child becomes ill or seriously injured at school, the child will be taken to the nurses office to determine the next step. If the parent/guardian is notified, they must pick up their child from school for the day. Before returning to school, the child must be symptom/illness free for 24 hours. If a child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, the nurse will be notified and sent home if 101 or higher. Nutrition One healthy snack is offered during class period. We strive to serve your child fruits, vegetables, and whole grain snacks throughout the week. Water will be also be available during indoor and outdoor activities as needed. Allergies and other Health Concerns Please notify staff in writing on the child enrollment form if your child has any food allergies. We will accommodate, to the best of our ability an environment that is safe for all children. Physical Activity Statement Physical activity is a large part of our daily schedule. Children are taken outdoors 60 minutes throughout the whole day (weather permitting). Directory of Emergency Health Services Our staff may also contact the following: 911 Emergency Poison Control (702) 732-4989 Clark County Health Department (702) 759-1000 or (702) 759-0588

Safety Procedures Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 14 Fire Drill Fire drills will occur at regular intervals and are required by law as an important safety precaution. Exit routes are posted in every classroom. Students must promptly obey teacher or other Mater Academy staff instructions in the event of a fire drill and clear the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible. Students are to remain orderly away from the building with their teacher/class until given permission to return to the building. Shelter in Place NRS.392.450, section 2, requires three (3) Shelter-in-Place Drills conducted by the fire department during the school year to instruct pupils on appropriate procedures in the event of a chemical release incident or other related emergency. The drill essentially consists of securing the school facility to trap breathable air and protect against an external toxic gas release. Shelter-in-Place is also utilized if danger is posed within close proximity of the school. Harassment Policy

Mater Academy of Nevada will absolutely NOT TOLERATE bullying or harassment of any kind. The administration at Mater Academy takes an extremely hard stance against students who are bullying, threatening, and discouraging other students. Bullying (cyber, texting, and email) have all become a national safety issue and Mater Academy is committed to providing a safe and orderly environment where students, staff, and parents are treated with courtesy and respect. Harassment is any verbal, visual, or physical conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that adversely affects, or has the purpose of logical consequences of interfering with the student’s education program or creates intimidating, hostile, or offensive school atmosphere. Harassment, whether it is by students, staff, or third parties in the school community, is strictly prohibited, and will be subject the perpetrator to disciplinary action. Harassment, regardless or its basis is prohibited. Student harassment, physical and verbal abuse, including any racially or sexually derogatory statements/actions made by one person to another is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. This may occur in person and or/social media. The law is clear and will not tolerate texting/email threats, harassment, or bullying. Parent Reminder

Mater Academy supports the belief that education is important. Our focus is on learning, which requires everyone to plan ahead. We want your student to be college and career ready by the time they graduate. Please do not ask us to interrupt class to deliver things to your student. Please plan ahead carefully to ensure your student takes everything he/she needs to school. With this in mind, please be aware that we are unable to deliver messages or forgotten items (lunches, money, cell phones, supplies, homework, etc.). Please support us in our endeavor to limit classroom disruption by reminding students to bring all necessary materials with them to school. Your support and cooperation is greatly appreciated. Moreover, there would be no way to verify the legal parent/guardian leaving the message, which is possibly a violation of the Family Rights and Privacy Act. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please see the principal.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 15

According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), school records of students are confidential. FERPA allows school officials to provide what is called “directory information” without parental consent. However, public notice must be made before directory information may be made available. Directory information includes student name, address, grade level, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height, if a member of an athletic team, years of attendance, degrees and awards received, and schools attended. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories-names, addresses and telephone listings-unless parents have advised the school that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. Information other than directory information is not released without the written consent of the parent/guardian, eligible student or by court order. Parents or guardians also have a right to review educational records kept by the school. To inspect these records, parents/guardians should contact the principal to schedule a records review. In addition, parents may by written request, to the principal of the school, challenge the contents of the student records that they believe are inaccurate. School personnel are to respond to all requests within a reasonable length of time not to exceed ten (10) school days from the date of receipt of the request. Nevada Code of Respect

A code of respect is set in place to ensure the safety of students and staff and create an environment conducive to learning. General guidelines and expectations are as follows:

A. Be Safe Students should not throw objects at others, push, hit, hurt, kick, or act in any other manner that may cause harm to another individual. B. Be Respectful Students are to behave in a manner that enhances their and others opportunities to learn. Students are to avoid using profanity or other inappropriate language. Students are to behave in the cafeteria in a manner that allows others a pleasant atmosphere in which to eat. C. Be Responsible Students are to follow the school’s student standard attire. Students are to attend school regularly. Cell phones should be in the “Off” position during the school day. There are situations of more dangerous and illegal nature that require immediate attention. Certain violations may require a more severe consequence which includes but is not limited to:

Parent Conference Development of Behavior Plan Short-term Suspension Permanent Suspension and Revocation of Enrollment Law Enforcement Involvement

Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 16 As a parent, I understand the importance of the Mater Academy Charter School Student/Parent Handbook and have explained it to my child/children in detail. My child/children and I agree to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Student/Parent Handbook. I understand that failure to follow school regulations and policies, will jeopardize my child/children’s eligibility to register for the following academic year, or perhaps will result in dismissal form Mater Academy Charter School by the Governing Body of this institution

Charter School Offenses The following non-criminal activities may also lead to disciplinary action. Generally, these are acts that disrupt and interfere with the educational process or with the rights of other members of the educational community. 1. ALCHOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Being on campus, on school-sponsored transportation or at a school-sponsored activity after having consumed an alcoholic beverage. 2. 2. DISOBEDIENCE, INSOLENCE AND INSUBORDINATION: Students must obey the instructions of school personnel. 3. DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT: Conduct that interferes with educational process. Serious situation may be handled under criminal sanctions. 4. FIGHTING 5. FORGING OR USING FORGED PASSES, EXCUESE OR OTHER DOCUMENTS. 6. GUM CHEWING AND EATING FOOD AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES OR IN INAPPORPRIATE PLACES AS DETERMINED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR 7. HAZING: Any act that forces another student to undergo a humiliating or abusive ordeal, as in initiations. 8. ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE: Being on campus, on school-sponsored transportation or at a school sponsored activity after having used an illegal substance. 9. INAPPROPRIATE DRESS AND APPEARANCE: Dress and appearance must not present potential health or safety problems or cause disruptions. 10. MISCONDUCT ON SCHOOL VEHICLES: Any action that creates a safety hazard or distracts the attention of the driver. 11. PLAGARISM AND CHEATING: 12. POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO, CIGARETTES, CHEW, ETC., ON SCHOOL PROPERTY OR AT A SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITY. 13. CELLULAR PHONES: students may possess or used electronic signaling devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones or texting devices provided that the use of such devices is before and/or after school hours. Inside school buildings and during the school day, electronic signaling devices shall be in the “off/silent” position at all times. 14. SEXUAL HARASSMENT: A student should not be sexually harassed, discriminated against, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in any charter school educational program or activity as guaranteed by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Sexual harassment is defined as the verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, imposed on the basis of sex, by an employee or agent of the school. No student shall be denied or limited to the provision of the aid, benefits, services or treatment protected under Title IX. 15. SPREADING FALSE OR UNSUBSTAINED INFORMATION IN WRITING OR VERBALLY ABUSING A PERSON AND HARMING HIS/HER REPUTATION. 16. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. 17. TRUANCY: Being absent from school without a valid excuse acceptable to the administrator.

Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 17 Criminal Offenses Committing, participating in or unlawfully attempting any of the following activities or acts in school buildings or on school property is prohibited and may constitute cause for disciplinary action. In addition, students at school-sponsored, off campus events and those using charter school sponsored transportation shall be governed by the policies, rules, regulations, and procedures established in this manual. Any criminal act shall be reported at once to the local police or sheriff’s office. The student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) shall also be notified, if possible. The school will take disciplinary action, whether or not criminal charges result. Criminal Offenses (as defined in applicable statutes or ordinances): 1. ALCOHOL: The possession of, sales, and furnishing alcoholic beverages. 2. ARSON: The intentional setting of fire. 3. ASSAULT: Physical or verbal threats with the intent and ability to carry through with harm. 4. BATTERY: An unconsented-to touching or application of force to another person. 5. BOMB THREAT/FALSE: Willfully conveying by mail, written notes, telephone, telegraph, radio or any other means of communication, any threat knowing it to be false. 6. BURGLARY: Illegal entry with the intent to commit a crime. 7. DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY: Willfully and maliciously destroying or injuring real or personal property of another. 8. DISTURBING THE PEACE: Maliciously and willfully disturbing the peace of any person; maliciously and willfully interfering with or disturbing persons in the school. 9. EXPLOSIVE DEVICES: The possession of explosive or incendiary devices. 10. FALSE FIRE ALARMS: False reporting of, or transmission of, signal knowing same to be false. 11. FIREWORKS: The possession of, sales, furnishing, use or discharge of fireworks. 12. INDECENT EXPOSURE: An open indecent or obscene exposure of his person or the person of another. 13. LARCENY: Stealing, taking, carrying away property of another. 14. LIBEL: A malicious defamation expressed to impeach a person’s honesty, integrity, virtue or reputation. 15. MARIJUANA: The possession of, sales or furnishing marijuana. 16. NARCOTICS: The possession of, sales, furnishing a controlled substance. 17. NARCOTICS PARAPHERNALIA: The possession of, sales, furnishing or use of. 18. PROFANITY: Use of vile or indecent language. 19. RESISTING OFFICER: Willfully resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer in the performance of duty. 20. ROBBERY: The unlawful taking of personal property from the person of another or in his/her presence, against his/her will, by means of force or violence of fear or injury. 21. ROUT/RIOT: Two or more persons meeting to do an unlawful act/two or more persons actually doing an unlawful act with or without a common cause of quarrel. 22. STOLEN PROPERTY: Receiving or possessing property of another, knowing or under such circumstances as would cause a reasonable person to know they were so obtained. Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 18 23. TAMPERING WITH MOTER VEHICLES: Willfully break, injure, tamper, remove parts, deface a vehicle; without consent of owner, climb into or upon a vehicle with intent to injure; to manipulate any levers while vehicle is at rest or unattended or to set vehicle in motion. 24. THROWING SUBSTANCE AT VEHICLE: To throw any stone, rock, missile or any substance at any motorbus, truck or other motor vehicle. 25. TRESPASS: To be upon property of another without permission of the owner and to stay upon same after warning. To be on school property or at school function while under suspension from school. 26. WEAPONS: Brandishing any knife, blackjack, slingshot, billy, sand club, sandbag, metal knuckles, explosive substance, dirk, dagger, pistol, revolver or other firearm, or other deadly weapon in a rude, angry or threatening manner or to use same in any fight or quarrel.

Concealed-it is unlawful for any person to carry any weapon commonly known as a knife, blackjack, slingshot, billy, sand club, sandbag, metal knuckles, explosive substance, dirk dagger, pistol, revolver or other firearm, or other dangerous weapon. For the purpose of this section, nunchuks are included herein.

Possession-It is unlawful for any person to possess any weapon commonly known as a knife, blackjack, slingshot, billy, sand club, sandbag, metal knuckles, explosive substance, dirk, dagger, pistol, revolver or other firearm, o other dangerous weapon. 27. Violation of other federal or state criminal laws or local ordinances at school, at school- sponsored activities or on school-sponsored transportation is prohibited.

Mater Academy of Nevada-Parent/Student Handbook 19 Signature Page

This handbook was developed as a guide for families and to answer commonly asked questions that come up during the course of a school year. Our goal is to create a positive educational atmosphere of learning where rules are enforced firmly, fairly, and consistently to all students.

We ask that you familiarize with this handbook by reading it and ask that you sign this page as evidence that you are aware of our policies and procedures. This form is part of the student registration process at Mater Academy of Nevada Preschool and must be returned as a condition of enrollment.

Signing below is evidence that parents/guardians/staff understand the handbook is on www.materacademynv.org for reference and if requested, a printed copy will be given.

Students Name: ______

Parent/Guardians Signature: ______

Date: ______

Staff’s Name: ______

Staff’s Signature: ______

Date: ______