STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK for ACADEMIC & BEHAVIOR
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PEE DEE MATH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY 2020-2021 STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK for ACADEMIC & BEHAVIOR STANDARDS Pee Dee Math Science and Technology Academy does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender, race, religion, immigration status, national origin, disability or handicap in its educational programs. For questions pertaining to Section 504 or Title IV, contact the Special Education Coordinator or the Principal at 803-428-8400. Note: In this handbook the terms, “parent” or “parents” are used for simplified writing purpose, but also include the application of legal guardians. PDMSTA Student/Parent Handbook is revised by and approved by the Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology (PDMSTA) Board. All students and parents of students enrolled in PDMSTA must abide by all the procedures, requirements, and policies outlined therein. The PDMSTA Board may amend the Handbook as warranted. Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 1 Student-Parent Handbook Table of Contents Senior Team Leaders 9 Educational Administrative Goals and Guidelines 10 Commitment Statement 11 Board of Trustees 12 Academic Standards & Procedures 13 Educational Objectives 13 Admissions Policies 14 Fall Registration 16 Curriculum 16 Rewards & Recognition 18 Academic Review 19 Behavior Policy 19 Level 1 Offences 21 Level 2 Offenses 22 Level 3 Offense 23 Bullying Policy 29 Sexual Harassment 38 Lunch/Recess Assistance 38 Before or After School Assistance 38 Search and Seizure Guidelines 39 Code of Conduct 39 Classroom Behavior 40 Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 2 School Wide Mantra/Rules 40 School Mantra 40 Give Me Five 40 SLANT 40 Positive “School Wide Recognition” 41 Lines of Communication 41 IDEA 41 Promotion and Retention 41 Attendance and Tardy Procedures 42 Lawful and Unlawful Absences 42 II. Truancy 43 III. Tardy 43 Tardy Procedures: 43 Discipline Guidelines for Unlawful Absenteeism 44 Homework 46 My Knights (Homework/Take Home) Folder 46 Standards of Performance 46 Academic Records 47 General Policies and Schedules 48 School Hours 48 School Closures 48 School Calendar 48 Lost and Found 48 Health and Safety Policies 49 Immunizations 49 Illness and Communicable Disease Guidelines 49 Allergies and Other Dietary Restrictions 50 Guidelines for Managing Students with Severe Allergies or other Conditions 51 Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 3 Family Responsibility: 51 Students' Responsibilities: 51 Head Lice 52 Student Medication Administration 52 Emergency Policy 53 FERPA 53 EVACUATION 54 Fire and Earthquake Drills 55 Background Checks 55 Parental Guidelines 56 Conferences 56 Contacting Students During School Hours 56 Fifty-Hour Volunteer Guidelines 56 Campus Visitation Guidelines 57 Fund-raising 57 Transportation 58 Lunch Program 58 Dress Code Expectations and Other Policies 59 Shirts: 59 Pants: 59 Dresses, Skorts or Capris (for girls): 60 Sweatshirts or Fleece: 60 Sweaters: 60 Hair: 60 Piercing and Jewelry: 61 Belts: 61 Coats and Hats: 61 Shoes: 61 Enforcement of Student Dress Code 61 Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 4 Interpersonal Interactions 62 School Lockers 62 Field Trips 62 Phone Use 64 Cell phones and Gaming Devices 64 Minor Photo/Video/Audio Release 64 Lab Contract 65 Electronic Use Policy 66 SCHOOL VIDEO SURVEILLANCE POLICY 66 Late Pick-up Policy 68 Internet Usage and Permission Agreement 68 PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURES 69 Children’s Internet Protection Act 71 Courtesy Address of Staff 76 School Property Maintenance & Safety 77 Playground Rules 77 Clean Grounds and Recycling 78 Care of Textbooks and Library Books 78 Parental and Student Rights 79 Parental Responsible Conduct and Accountability 79 Family Loss Grievance Guidelines 80 Public Complaints--General 80 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION 81 PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION 81 RETURN-TO-SCHOOL GUIDELINES DOCUMENT Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 5 OVERVIEW 83 COMMUNICATIONS 84 Communication policy 84 Who to Contact 84 Guidelines for Parent Communication to Teachers & Staff 86 PREVENTION OF BULLYING & HARASSMENT 94 Families As Partners Guide 94 A Brief Overview of the Parent Meetings 95 Health & Safety 96 Purchase of PPE 96 Revamped Procedures 96 Facilities Use Plan 96 Review of Transportation Capacity 96 Building Considerations 97 Playgrounds and Recess 97 Classroom and Facility Reconfiguration and Safety Plans 97 Shared Spaces 97 Visitation Policies 97 Bus Policy 98 Addressing the Digital Divide 98 Supporting and Partnering with Educator Preparation Programs 98 Human Resources 98 Contingency Leadership Plan 99 Chain of Command 99 For Teacher Absences - PROTOCOL 99 Attendance Policy for Students 99 Staff Training 100 COVID trainings: 100 Transportation 100 Meal Service Protocol 100 Full Distance Learning (No One In The Building) 100 Hybrid Or “Traditional” Models Schedule 101 Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 6 Health Reporting Protocol, Student And Staff Health Protocols And Covid-19 Case On-Campus Protocol 101 Sick Day Guidelines 101 When to Visit Health Office While On Campus 103 Triaging and Isolation of Nurse Office 108 2020-2021 Instructional Plan 110 INSTRUCTION & STUDENT SERVICES 110 Student Attendance 110 How Attendance Participation May Look: 111 CONTENT DELIVERY 112 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT 113 Empowerment, Engagement and Efficacy 113 COMPLETION OF STUDENT EVALUATIONS 114 STUDENTS WITH IEPs, 504 PLANS, AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS 114 Individualized Learning Providers: 114 English Language Learners: 115 504 Students: 115 DISTANCE LEARNING CONTINGENCY PLAN 116 DIGITAL RESOURCES 116 Quizzes 116 Research Tools 116 Hippocampus 116 Shmoop 116 SCHEDULING MODELS FOR REOPENING 117 PDMSTA will implement Models 2 and 3. 117 MODEL 2: HYBRID SCHEDULING 117 Alternating days 117 MODEL 3: FULL DISTANCE LEARNING 117 As outlined in the section above. 117 Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 7 Welcome Letter Dear Parents, Welcome back to Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy for the 2020-2021 school year. We have planned an exciting year to maximize student achievement and growth. We are confronting unprecedented challenges but believe we have a community that is equipped to meet these challenges. This year we chose Pee Dee on MAX as our theme. The word MAX is an acronym-- Magnificent Attitudes of eXellence. Our theme represents our posture this year and the spirit we will continue to develop and cultivate to accomplish all of our goals. It is important for students, parents, faculty and staff to continue to be patient with us as we develop programs, protocols, and policies that will create a safe and unified campus. The COVID-19 virus and the racial tension in our country has placed this year like one we have not seen in a long time in our country. PDMSTA represents hope and the possibility of what communities can accomplish when they work together. In 2020-2021, it marks year eight for us-- yes, we are embarking on year 8! Eight in some circles is defined as a number representing “new beginnings.” We believe this year will be a new beginning for our campus with not just new challenges, but new opportunities, new accomplishments, new initiatives, new joys, new experiences, and more. Yes, as we are “Pee Dee On MAX”, we will not hold back our talents, gifts, or creativeness. Our PDMSTA community is unique and a special place of family and friends. Let us continue to be mindful of each other and protect what we have built. We have yet to tap into our full potential. This year we want to MAX our potential and stretch for greater by growing our teachers so they in turn can grow and develop our students. Students at PDMSTA will receive quality instruction throughout the year in love, care, and consistency virtually or in person. As you read through this document, you will see several things that are the same. You will also notice an addendum that addresses new protocols under COVID-19. Read each section carefully and offer any questions or comments to any member of our PDMSTA team. We appreciate each of our family members and believe in you. We have high hopes for the 2020-2021 school year and we are grateful for you being a part of this plan. In Success, Keith Bailey Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 8 Senior Team Leaders Mr. Bailey Executive Director, Head of School [email protected] Dr. Taylor Director Academics & Compliance/Chief of Curriculum & Instruction [email protected] Mr. Gammage Dean of Students, Director of Student Affairs [email protected] Dr. Young, Director of Guidance and Student Records, Lead Professional School Counselor [email protected] Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy Student-Parent Handbook Academic and Behavioral Standards 2020-2021 Current Revision 8/15/2020 9 SECTION I Educational Administrative Goals and Guidelines Mission Statement The mission is to develop innovative, confident and self-motivated citizens through a math, science and technology curriculum enhanced with collaborative community learning partnerships. This mission will be successfully accomplished by providing each child the opportunity to maximize their potential through an enhanced curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math. Vision Statement A community working together to prepare students for success in a global economy. Our Motto: Working together to make our world better: One Vision, One Voice! Educational Goals PDMSTA is a parent/teacher-involved school intent on developing and implementing programs that meet the needs of each child.