<<

Mill Springs Academy Handbook and Calendar 2018 - 2019

Success in School ... Success in Life

Mission Statement

Mill Springs Academy is a values-based educational community dedicated to the academic, physical and social growth of those students who have not realized their full potential in traditional classroom settings.

“...if a student can’t learn the way we teach ... we should teach the way a student can learn.” --Tweetie L. Moore, Founder

This publication is solely for communication of school related matters by and among members of the school community - students, parents and faculty. Its use for any other purpose is improper and unauthorized.

Mill Springs Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, or any other protected category in its admissions policy or in its employment decisions.

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 3 13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.millsprings.org 770-360-1336

2018-2019 Board of Trustees

Bruce Clayton - Chairperson Ed Coco Jim Hurtsellers Frances Connor Robert W. Moore, Headmaster Bill Harper Robert Slayden, MD

Ex-Officio Lavone Rippeon, Administrator

4 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Staff and Faculty STAFF HEADMASTER PROGRAM CONSULTANT ADMISSIONS Robert W. Moore Robert M. Slayden, MD Sheila FitzGerald - Co-Director Margaret Brito - Co-Director ADMINISTRATOR NURSE Lavone R. Rippeon Ann Hartin, RN DEVELOPMENT Mary Ramirez - Director ASST. BUSINESS OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS Leila Smith - Assistant Patsy Beckwith Cheri Harwood - Director

FACULTY LOWER SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL PREUPPER SCHOOL Laurie Jones - Principal William Turner - Principal Susan Sanders - Principal/Academic Dean Jodi Easter-Smith Katie Aiello Nina King - Asst. Principal Branigan Hughes LaToyia Armstead Michael Griffeth Carissa Nelson Gretchen Beck Kris Hawksworth Kaylee Simmons Josh Hersko UPPER SCHOOL Karen Kaiser COMMUNICATION ARTS SCHOOL Cynthia Traylor - Principal Martha Muir Chelsea Michelson - Principal Jaime Gutierrez - Asst. Principal Bryan Sellers Taniah Jones - Asst. Principal Hayley Adams Courtney Smith Michael Adams Troy Blume Bonnie Bergstresser Greg Bodeep MEDIA CENTER Jay Hudson Astrid Cortes Brittany Emge - Coordinator Erin Muehlhausen Jennie Donaldson Maria Gonzalez FINE ARTS COUNSELING Lisa Imsand Janet Ford - Director Susan Day - Director Nellie Jackson Eva Butcher Angela Davis Shilpee Kathuria Jamie Fambrough Brandi Smallwood Eric Khong Kate McElliott Kathy Muma - Psychometrist Chas MacNeill Elizabeth Regas Judy Norris Patrick Rose PHYSICAL EDUCATION Vaidehi Rallapalli Brenda Smith Katy “KK” Kane - PE Coordinator Tracy Schutz James Sampson - Athletic Director Elke Silva TECHNOLOGY Phil Hanson - Basketball Coach Brad Smallwood Thomas Berg - Director John Hanrahan - Wrestling Coach Michael Smith Jason Mack Angela White Cindy Thorne MAINTENANCE Roberto Tijerina - Coordinator

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 5 Parent Volunteer Association

Our school is unique in that we are serving a community with a larger range of learning challenges than most schools. We also serve a community made up of over 50 zip codes. This is one of the many reasons, the Parent Volunteer Association (PVA) is a vital part of our school. It consists of parents, like you, who volunteer and commit their time to improving the educational experience of OUR students. All money raised by the PVA support MSA school programs, classroom enhancement, and teacher/staff appreciation events.

The Parent Volunteer Association strives to help everyone feel like MSA is an inviting community for you and your child to learn, grow, and feel understood. We want parents to feel that not only their child will receive support, but they will too.

The PVA hosts many events and activities for our students, parents, and staff. Those events are sprinkled throughout the school calendar. PVA activities and events are open to the MSA community and their friends and families. We hope you will join us for our main fundraising event - Winter Auction & Dinner - to be held in February. Please watch for additional information on this event in the coming weeks.

We do need everyone’s help in putting all these activities together. Please consider joining the PVA and volunteering to help with any event sponsored by the PVA.

Feel free to contact any of the PVA parent volunteers on the Contact List to the right. We are here to help! Also, please visit the Parent Volunteer Association on the web at www.millsprings.org/pva or email us at [email protected].

Please visit the Parent Volunteer Association on our website at www.millsprings.org/PVA. If you are interested in getting involved go to the volunteer page of the website at www.millsprings.org/Volunteer.

Get involved today and make a difference in your child’s community!

6 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Parent Volunteer Association Contact List President Rose Hale [email protected] 678-431-1893 Vice President Meggie Velasco [email protected] 865-599-3172 Secretary Renada Ogryzek [email protected] 630-853-0397 Treasurer Leslie Gersack [email protected] 404-932-9456

PVA COMMITTEES Beautification Days Co-chair Stephanie Price-David [email protected] 770-310-3270 Beautification Days Co-chair OPEN Chick-fil-A Lunch Kode & Susan Kaufman [email protected] 404-406-9099 Chick-fil-A Lunch Rose Hale [email protected] 678-431-1893 Communication/Social Media Stormy White [email protected] 404-314-7011 Community Fun Night Lauren Stormont [email protected] 678-525-1566 Free Money Programs Lesly Huffman [email protected] 319-594-0104 Holiday Market Lori McCullers [email protected] 678-566-2844 Staff Appreciation Debbie Drew [email protected] 678-234-6445 Used Uniform Shop Chrissie Reed [email protected] 678-624-1998 Winter Auction Beth Hellriegel [email protected] 678-491-4737

PVA SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES Lower School Rep Laura Johnson [email protected] 404-455-4504 Middle School Rep Marianne Borden [email protected] 404-557-2244 PreUpper School Rep Beth Hellriegel [email protected] 678-491-4737 CommArts School Reps Chrissie Reed [email protected] 678-624-1998 Debbie Drew [email protected] 678-234-6445 Upper School Reps Laura Losson [email protected] 813-777-6779 Karen Adair [email protected] 770-289-6774

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 7 Program Description Mill Springs Academy bases learning strategies on Academic Plans (AP) developed for each student by our multidisciplinary staff. Learning strategies are generated from psycho-educational evaluations, previous school records, diagnostic skills assessment, observations, communication with other professionals involved with the student, and our continuing experiences with the student. Mill Springs Academy is committed to a comprehensive multifaceted program designed to meet the needs of your student.

Mill Springs Academy provides a carefully structured environment within a warm, supportive atmosphere. Our structural approach is an environment that involves our Community Structure, daily values groups, individualized contracts, and Life Space Interview (LSI) techniques. Conferences with parents are scheduled throughout the term and others are based on the immediate needs of the student as defined by the student, family, or school.

Our Community Structure is a school-wide, reality-based structure that clearly defines the responsibilities and privileges associated with each level of responsibility. The system allows the student to make fully informed choices resulting in privileges or consequences. It allows staff members to function as facilitators. Community meetings are led by the principal of each school component and involve both staff and peer feedback.

The community monitors the interactions of its members and enforces the Community Structure while academic expectations and interventions are individualized. Interactive expectations are the same for all students - to respect oneself and all others of the community. When students accomplish this major goal with the help of the MSA Community, they will have acquired sound social problem-solving skills, as well as, joy and self-satisfaction in their interactions with others.

School Components Lower School grades 1-4 Middle School grades 5-6 PreUpper School grades 7-8 Communication Arts School grades 7-12 Upper School grades 9-12

We allow some flexibility for transitioning from each component based on the student’s specific needs.

Principals serve as liaisons between our program and other professionals involved with the student and their parents. Principals supervise all aspects of their School and report to the headmaster and the program consultant.

Technology for Learning Mill Springs was the first in the area to enact a 1-to-1 laptop program, beginning with Toshiba laptops in 1998. Today, students in grades 7 through 12 use Lenovo ThinkPad laptops to help bridge any gaps that may exist, allowing our students to produce written work they are proud of, many for the first time. The student laptop comes equipped with the latest version of Microsoft Office, as well as several assistive technology programs that display and read student textbooks, fiction books, and teacher-created assignments. Students use their laptops and the to expand available resources beyond the textbook, to create innovative presentations and artwork, to view grades, assignments, and teacher notes anytime, anyplace, and to communicate with their teachers. Mill Springs has on-site technical and educational support to ensure the student’s experience with technology is as stress-free and productive as possible. Students in grades 1 through 6 will utilize Chromebooks as an assistive learning tool with similar programs.

8 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Extra-Curricular Activities Afternoon (PM) Program at Mill Springs Academy provides students with a supervised environment where they will use their socialization skills, motor skills, and have an appreciation of activities that require the rules of good sportsmanship. Appropriate group interactions are encouraged and directed by the staff. The PM Program operates Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Students must be picked up no later than 5:00pm. Please be prompt. After 5:15pm late fees will apply.

Athletic Programs at Mill Springs Academy have the goal of assisting students in establishing a healthy life style and developing an interest in at least one activity that will provide life-long positive experiences. Currently some of our team sport offerings for 5th through 12th graders include cross country, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, swimming, tennis, wrestling, varsity baseball, track, cheer, and varsity girls and boys basketball.

Parent Ambassador Program In 2017 we established the Parent Ambassador program to assist with the recruitment of new students and making sure our existing students/parents can clearly describe the mission of our school. All parents are welcome to join and may serve in a variety of roles based upon their time and talents. You can talk to prospective families, attend recruitment events, be a social media advocate or join the External Marketing committee. We would love to have you. No one understands our school better than the parents of our school, and they are usually our best “cheerleaders”. This is a way to better organize this process so the community at large can understand what makes Mill Springs Academy so special!

If you are interested, please contact Margaret Brito ([email protected]).

Summer Programs The Mark Trail Camp serves students that are between the ages of 6 and 14 who are looking for an activity- based camp program. You can choose morning, afternoon or full-day activities, all of which will have a focus on socialization.

The High School Summer School program serves young people in grades 9 - 12 who lack necessary credits or who choose to accelerate their progression through secondary school. The program is also for students who require structure in order to fulfill appropriate academic goals, develop study and organizational skills. The Forward Thinking piece of the program brings certain electives to the Summer School package.

Our Sport Camps are specific skills development opportunities during the summer which are led in conjunction with an MSA Coach or other athletic professionals. Basketball, soccer, strength and conditioning, wrestling, lacrosse, volleyball, cheer, baseball, and tennis camps might all be a part of the available offerings.

All summer programs are available to Mill Springs Academy students, but are also open to students from outside of the MSA community.

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 9 Save the Date

• New Student/Parent Orientation/Tech Day (8/8/18) - New students have the opportunity to meet their principal, teachers, and one another. It is also the chance to learn procedures for arrival, departure, rules, and special events. For parents they will be able to see the student classrooms and materials. Your student’s principal will discuss particulars of the program. School administration will be present to discuss policies and procedures of the program. This is for parents, guardians and caretakers, etc. This is the day for you to ask questions. New devices will also be distributed to new students and rising fifth grade students. There will be a brief introduction to the parts of the laptop/Chromebook, do’s and don’ts, and general troubleshooting tips. MSA’s Technology Policy, covering appropriate use of the Internet and e-mail, will also be explained. • Founder’s Day Family Picnic (10/13/18) - This is a special day for Mill Springs Academy. We celebrate our founding and our Founder, Tweetie L. Moore. The agenda includes a report on the school and campaign goals. The Annual Campaign is traditionally kicked off on Founder’s Day and staff awards are given. Brothers, sisters, and grandparents are all welcome to attend the Founder’s Day activities, as well. • Fathers’ Night with Robert (10/25/18) - Our Headmaster, Robert, hosts this opportunity for our Fathers to meet together and learn more about their children. • Grandparents’ Day (11/16/18) - Grandparents are invited to this well attended event to visit and learn about their grandchildren’s school and progress. • Donuts for Dads (1/25/19) - Lower and Middle School Dads are invited to join their student for doughnuts and to learn about their student’s progress and the projects they are working on. • Muffins for Moms - Lower (5/10/19) and Middle (3/1/19) School Moms are invited to join their student for muffins and to learn about their student’s progress and the projects that are taking place. • Senior Baccalaureate (5/10/19) - A service honoring our graduating Seniors’ achievements. • Graduation (5/11/19) - All parents, especially those with Upper School students are invited. For our graduating seniors, this is THE most important event of the year. • Honors Day (5/24/19) - For our students this is one of the most important and meaningful days of the year. We have a wonderful time too! On this day any awards earned by the student are given out, as well as any specific school scholarships. It is the time for closure with pride in the year’s accomplishments.

Students are expected to wear uniforms to ANY event they attend on campus (unless otherwise advised).

10 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Credentials/Accreditation

Mill Springs Academy holds dual accreditation with the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) (AdvancED).

Mill Springs Academy is a member of the following organizations:

• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) • Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) • Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS) • Georgia Association of Independent Schools (GISA) • Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) • International Dyslexia Association (IDA) • Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children (GAPSEC) • Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia (LDAG) • Atlanta Athletic Conference (AAC) • Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ChADD) • Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

All faculty are members of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 11 School Policies

Arrival and Departure Times - Students should arrive at 8:00am. If your student will arrive before 8:00am, please see your principal to make special arrangements. DO NOT DROP STUDENTS OFF before 8:00am unless prior arrangements have been made. Dismissal/carpool time is 2:45pm for the Lower School, 3:00pm for the Middle School and 3:15pm for the PreUpper, Communications Arts, and Upper Schools. will leave campus at 3:30pm.

Absences - Parents are requested to call the school office between8:00-8:20am to notify the principal that their student will not be in school that day. Every effort should be made to have them in school each day. Personal illness or serious illness in the student’s immediate family will be excused absences.

If a student must be absent more than 2 days, make up work should be arranged. When students are excused for family trips, etc. all work that would be missed should be made up, submitted and feedback received BEFORE the student leaves for the excused trip. Please call your student’s principal to make arrangements a week ahead of time.

Dismissal During the School Day - Try to schedule appointments with doctors and dentists at some time other than school hours whenever possible. If you must take your student out of school, send a note with the student the morning of the day they are to be excused stating the time you will arrive at school. You must come to the principal’s office to get your student.

Carpool - Please follow the established carpool procedures. Do NOT pass vehicles and/or buses that are in the carpool line, this creates a dangerous situation.

Bus Transportation - Five routes are available. If your student rides the bus, please arrive at least 10 minutes before the times listed on the Transportation Schedule (times listed are departure times).

When a student is unable to meet or maintain the responsibilities necessary to ride the school bus, the Principal or Headmaster will determine if the privilege will be suspended. This may be an inconvenience to the family, which we regret. Families should be prepared to make arrangements for transportation in the event that the student is unable to meet or maintain the responsibilities necessary for these privileges.

For students who need to ride the bus occasionally, a $20/ride fee is charged. Please call the Assistant Business Officer to make arrangements to pay the fee. Notify your student’s principal as early as possible to ensure your student gets on the bus. Questions regarding bus transportation should be directed to your principal.

Change in Transportation - If your student is going home with another student or if they will be picked up by someone other than the usual driver, please send a written note to your principal, byNOON the day of the change. We will not allow a student to go in another without written permission from the custodial parent(s) or guardian.

Early Dismissal - Note there are Early Dismissal days on the calendar. Unless otherwise noted, the standard early carpool times on those days are: Lower/Middle at 12:15pm; PreUpper, Communication Arts, and Upper at 12:30pm. The buses will depart campus at approximately 12:45pm on early dismissal days.

Upper Student Carpool - 3:15pm - Students and their parents must adhere to our Student Driving Contract. All drivers are supervised by their principal and the headmaster. If your student has driving privileges and they drive other students, all students involved in that carpool must have written permission from their parents. For carpool purposes this is a one-time note unless arrangements change. If you are contemplating a student carpool, please discuss it with the Upper School principal.

Lunches - Chick-fil-A Day is sponsored by our PVA every Monday. The student should be responsible for making their own lunches Tuesday through Friday. Any student who forgets their lunch can eat whatever friends wish to share. Please do not bring your student’s lunch to school.

12 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org School Policies - Con’t

Emergency School Closing - In case severe winter weather forces us to close the school, such notices will be given via ParentAlert messages, school voice mail system, from Facebook or Twitter, via your homeroom advisor and on the following TV stations:

WSB-TV Channel 2 WXIA-TV Channel 11 Alive FOX 5 Atlanta CBS 46 WGCL-TV Atlanta

If for some reason there is a delayed opening of school, the bus service will be delayed the same amount of time.

Friday Reports - Friday Reports are comprised of the student’s grade as of Friday afternoon and a personalized comment from the teacher for each class. The reports are e-mailed each Friday afternoon and are also available on RenWeb under Student Information/Report Card. The reports remain online until the following Wednesday morning, and then are archived on the school network. For past reports, please contact Thomas Berg at [email protected].

Medication - During the school day, all medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) will be administered by the school nurse or a member of the school staff. All medication must be delivered in a pharmacy or manufacturer’s labeled container. The prescription bottle must bear the original pharmacy label showing the prescription number, medication name, date filled, physician’s name, child’s name, and directions for administration. All medication should be given to the school nurse by the parent. In order for the school nurse to dispense ANY prescribed medication to your student you must have an Authorization for Prescription Medication form on file.

You must turn in the Emergency Treatment Release Form before your student may start school, regardless of whether the student needs medication at school, at home, or at all. This form is necessary before any student is allowed to go off campus for ANY activity, or for the school nurse to provide ANY treatment to a student. As required by state law, the Immunization Record on the state approved form must also be on file before a student may begin our program.

Refunds - The school has many expenses of a continuing nature, such as faculty salaries and plant maintenance. In order to plan and maintain these services over the entire year, it is essential that the annual income from fees be ensured. For this reason it is understood that students are enrolled for the entire year. Therefore, no reduction or remission of fees can be allowed by the school for absence or withdrawal. Obligation to pay the fees for the academic year is unconditional and no portion of fees paid or outstanding will be refunded or cancelled.

Exceptions to the above policy are as follows: • In the case of a transfer or move from the metro area, provided written notice is received prior to August 1 of the school term, payment made after the initial deposit for enrollment will be refunded. • In the case of dismissal of a student by Mill Springs Academy fees will be prorated as follows: 1. If a student is dismissed during the first quarter, 50% of the total tuition will be refunded. 2. If a student is dismissed during the second quarter, 25% of the total tuition will be refunded. 3. If a student is dismissed during the third quarter, there will be no refund. • Grades/credits will not be given nor permanent records released until the student’s bills with the Business Office have been settled. • No student will be considered as an applicant for graduation until all his indebtedness to the school has been settled with the Business Office. • Failure to adhere to the payment schedule will result in dismissal of the student and initiation of collection for any unpaid fees, the parents and/or guardian shall pay an additional amount equal to fifteen (15%) percent of the total unpaid fees as attorney fees. Past due accounts accrue at an interest rate of 1% per month.

Financial Aid - The application deadline for financial aid is the first business day after Tax Day (on or around April 15) prior to the fall term for which you are applying. Financial Aid applications must be submitted online via TADS. All completed applications submitted by the deadline are considered for Financial Aid.

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 13 School Policies - Con’t Teacher Work Days - Please note these special days on the school calendar and make any necessary arrangements.

Level S and 1-1 Supervision - At any time, a student may require maximum, short-term supervision and support. This may happen because of a Levels issue, or recommended at any time by the principal and headmaster, for academic reasons or by student request. The cost is $75.00 per day to arrange for 1:1 supervision. The cost is at the student and/ or parents’ expense. Level S students who successfully complete 1:1 within the 5-day period return to their communities on Level C. A student who is unsuccessful in a 1:1 supervision experience may need a more structured environment and may be asked to leave the program.

Honor Roll Criteria (M/PU/CA/U) Gold Mustang - a student who obtains all A’s in a semester is a Gold Mustang. Silver Mustang - a student who obtains all A’s and B’s, must have at least one “A” in a core class, is a Silver Mustang.

Personal Grooming and Dress - We expect students’ dress and grooming to promote positive student morale, school spirit and be demonstrative of the high personal standards we expect from our students. We all must learn to dress appropriately for whatever the occasion, as part of our social development. We want our students to learn to use good judgment in matters of dress and grooming. Our school uniform should be worn for all school functions including Honors Day and Founder’s Day (unless otherwise advised).

Conferences - Conferences are routinely scheduled on a semester basis and when requested by a parent, student, principal, or the headmaster. Please don’t hesitate to call your student’s principal if you feel a conference is needed. We welcome the opportunity to resolve problems as they arise.

Release Forms - Release forms for all the professionals involved with your student must be signed before they may begin our program.

Policy Regarding Substance Use - The PreUpper, Communication Arts, and Upper School students all receive and sign the Policy Regarding Substance Use with their parents/guardians on an annual basis. The health and well-being of our students is important to their success and academic, social and character development. You can review this policy on page 15 and the policy can be signed at www.millsprings.org/genpolicy.

Laptop Technology Policy - This policy is signed by all members of the PreUpper, CommArts, and Upper School communities annually - students (grades 7-12), faculty, administration, and parents/guardians. It indicates the accepted use of computers both in and away from school. Violation of this policy is considered an issue of trust and will be handled by the students’ Honor Council and the headmaster. You can review this policy on page 16 and the policy can be signed at www.millsprings.org/techpolicy.

Chromebook Technology Policy - This policy is similar in nature to the Laptop Technology Policy, but relates to the use of the Chromebooks in grades 1-6. The policy will be signed annually by all members of the Lower and Middle School communities: students, their parents/guardians, faculty, and administration. You can review this policy on page 17 and the policy can be signed at www.millsprings.org/techpolicy.

ADDITIONAL POLICY INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR STUDENT’S COMMUNITY STRUCTURE.

14 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org POLICY REGARDING SUBSTANCE USE Policy must be signed by Student and Parent/Guardian

The PreUpper, Communication Arts and Upper Schools promote each student’s academic, social and character develop- ment. We encourage the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and a sense of responsibility. By enrolling students in the PreUpper, Communication Arts, and Upper Schools, parents accept the enforcement of this policy.

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES: Alcohol, street drugs, and prescription drugs not prescribed to that student, prescription drugs that are prescribed for the student, but not handled according to the Student Handbook Policy on Medication, and over the counter drugs/products known to be abused by young people (including but not limited to synthetic drugs, tobacco products, vaporizers, sedatives, opioids, etc.).

Use of prohibited substances is against school policy, and poses a health risk to the student and to our community.

1. SEARCH: Parent/Guardian and student acknowledge that the school administration may search a student, his/her belongings, computer, email, the content of other electronic or digital media in a student’s possession, and his/her vehicle (where applicable) should a student exhibit behavior that leads a staff member, Principal, or Headmaster to suspect that the student has used a prohibited substance or is in possession of a prohibited substance or suspected of distributing such a substance. Mill Springs Academy retains an independent company to conduct periodic canine campus-wide sweeps for prohibited substances and explosives. 2. DRUG SCREEN: Parent/Guardian and student acknowledge that the school nurse may collect a urine specimen for a drug screen at the parents’ expense should a staff member, Principal, Assistant Principal, or Headmaster feel that the student is exhibiting behaviors that indicate he/she may have used a prohibited substance. We will notify the student’s parent/guardian when a urine specimen is collected. A positive drug screen proving use of a prohibited substance or student admission of such use will result in an automatic drop to Level S and the student will be placed on probation. At the required parent conference options of expulsion, random screens, evaluation, and optional placement in a treatment program may be discussed. Each case will be dealt with individually by the Headmaster and the Principal and/or Assistant Principal. 3. POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES: (See definition above) The Fulton County Police Department will be called. Parents will be notified as soon as possible.

VIOLATION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY: A parent conference will be required following admitted use or a positive screen. At the required parentEXAMPLE conference, options of expulsion, random screens, evaluation, and optional placement in a treatment program may be discussed. Each case will be dealt with individually by the Headmaster and the Principal and/or Assistant Principal, and the student’s Advisor.

My parent/guardian(s) and I have read and understand the above stated policies. We agree to abide by these policies and those in the Mill Springs Academy Handbook in accordance with the Headmaster and Staff at Mill Springs Academy.

Headmaster Student

Parent/Guardian Date

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 15 Laptop Technology Policy 7th – 12th Grade Students Policy must be signed by student and parent/guardian

The student, faculty, administration, and parents/guardians of Mill Springs Academy agree to abide by the following Technology Policy, which sets forth the accepted use of computers both in and away from school. The student deserves to be given flexibility and respect in using computer technology as a learning tool. However, flexibility should not allow the use of technology to infringe on others’ privacy, nor allow access to inappropriate information.

VIOLATIONS OF THE MSA TECHNOLOGY POLICY ARE A SERIOUS BREACH OF TRUST AND MAY BE HANDLED BY THE STUDENTS’ HONOR COUNCIL, THE PRINCIPAL, OR THE COMMUNITY. THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT WILL VERBALLY NOTIFY THE PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF EXCESSIVE AND/OR INAPPROPRIATE USAGE.

SECURITY 1. I agree to provide any passwords I have set to protect files on my computer to appropriate MSA Staff, if requested. 2. I will make no attempt to access secure school information. It is possible for those actions to result in criminal charges. 3. I will not download or install antivirus or security software without approval from the Technology Department. Part of the standard computer image includes anti-virus, web filtering, and other security software which additional or different anti-virus could potentially render useless. 4. I take responsibility for securing and maintaining my laptop computer, both physically and digitally. 5. Any laptop device to be used within the MSA secure network must be joined to the MSA domain and will be subject to all security policies of the network. Otherwise the device will be provided access to the guest network and will be unable to utilize or access any school information or data. USE OF THE MSA NETWORK 1. I will use the internet at MSA only for school-related research and approved surfing. 2. I will not try to circumvent the school firewall and content filtering system or use internet proxy software. 3. I will not seek, use, download, or store inappropriate information (pornographic, vulgar, gambling, militant/extremist, etc.) on my laptop or any other electronic storage medium. 4. I will not download non-school related music or video files through the school network. This includes using peer-to-peer networking software or any torrent medium on the MSA Network. 5. I will not use electronic media devices (e.g. iPod, iTouch, MP3 Player, iPad) while in school unless approved by a teacher. 6. I will not use IM (electronic communication) or social networks (Facebook, etc.) during class hours without my teacher’s or principal’s permission. 7. I understand information, including images, found on the internet is generally copyright protected and I will make every effort to correctly attribute anything I use for school papers and projects from the internet. 8. I will only play educational games on my laptop or over the internet while at school with my teacher’s or principal’s permission. The laptops are not game machines, they are learning tools. As such, any changes to configuration of the laptop, or programs beyond the installed learning software that is in our standard computer image can require the machine to be re-imaged, i.e.: restored to the default configuration. User data will be preserved, but any non-standard programs, games, or settings will be removed. E-MAIL 1. I will use email in a mannerEXAMPLE consistent with the MSA Community Structure and the Three C’s: Courteous, Considerate, & Cooperative. 2. I will make no attempt to read or forward anyone else’s email without their permission. 3. I understand my MSA email account is to be used only for school-related communication. SOCIAL MEDIA 1. I will never use social media to harass, embarrass, bully, or otherwise harm another student. 2. I will not attempt to gain or use the credentials of any other student’s internet-based accounts on social media websites.

As a student enrolled at Mill Springs Academy, I agree to abide by the above Technology Policy.

Print Student Name Student Signature Date

As a parent/guardian, I agree to support my child in complying with the Technology Policy.

Print Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date

16 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Chromebook Technology Policy 1st – 6th Grade Students Policy must be signed by student and parent/guardian

The student, faculty, administration, and parents/guardians of Mill Springs Academy agree to abide by the following Technology Policy, which sets forth the accepted use of computers both in and away from school. The student deserves to be given flexibility and respect in using various computing technologies and software solutions as learning tools.

VIOLATIONS OF THE MSA TECHNOLOGY POLICY ARE A SERIOUS BREACH OF TRUST AND MAY BE HANDLED BY THE STUDENTS’ HONOR COUNCIL, THE PRINCIPAL OR THE COMMUNITY. THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT WILL VERBALLY NOTIFY THE PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF EXCESSIVE AND/OR INAPPROPRIATE USAGE.

SECURITY 1. I agree to provide any passwords I have set to protect files on my computer to appropriate MSA Staff, if requested. 2. I will make no attempt to access secure school information. It is possible for those actions to result in criminal charges. 3. I take responsibility for securing and maintaining my device, both physically and digitally. USE OF THE MSA NETWORK 1. I will use the internet at MSA only for school-related research and class assignments. 2. I will not try to circumvent the school firewall and content filtering system or use internet proxy software. 3. I will not seek, use, download, or store inappropriate information (pornographic, vulgar, gambling, militant/extremist, etc.) on my device or any other electronic storage medium. 4. I will not download non-school related music or video files through the school network. This includes using peer-to-peer networking software or any torrent medium on the MSA Network. 5. I will not use electronic media devices (e.g. iPod, iTouch, MP3 Player, iPad) while in school unless approved by a teacher. 6. I will not use IM (electronic communication) or social networks (Facebook, etc.) during school hours. 7. I understand information, including images, found on the internet is generally copyright protected and I will make every effort to correctly attribute anything I use for school papers and projects from the internet. 8. I will only play educational games on my computing device or over the internet while at school with my teacher’s or principal’s permission. The Chromebooks are not game machines, they are learning tools. E-MAIL 1. I will use email in a manner consistent with the MSA Community Structure and the Three C’s: Courteous, Considerate, & Cooperative. 2. I will make no attempt to read or forward anyone else’s email without their permission. 3. I understand my MSA email account is to be used only for school-related communication. SOCIAL MEDIA 1. I will never use social media to harass, embarrass, bully, or otherwise harm another student. 2. I will not attempt to gain or use the credentials of any other student’s internet-based accounts on social media websites.

As a student enrolled at Mill Springs Academy, I agree to abide by the above Technology Policy.

Print Student Name EXAMPLE Student Signature Date

As a parent/guardian, I agree to support my child in complying with the Technology Policy.

Print Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 17 Uniform Requirements

We expect students to dress in a way that promotes positive student morale, school spirit, and is demonstrative of the high personal standards we expect from our students. We all must learn to dress appropriately for whatever the occasion, as part of our social development. We want our students to learn to use good judgment in matters of dress. School is considered a student’s primary occupation or work; therefore, torn clothing, extreme attire or hairstyles, short skirts, and sloppy clothing are considered inappropriate for work or school. Clothing should fit the student. Large shirts, short skirts, and baggy pants are not allowed. The uniform or dress code also applies to all school functions unless otherwise specified. This policy is one we think is in keeping with our high expectations of conduct and quality performance.

The principal of each school has the final say on any questions of dress and we expect parents and students to heed the advice of their respective principal. If a student is unable to dress appropriately, parents will be expected to bring a change of clothes to the school. Repeated refusal to follow the uniform policy is a Levels issue.

UNIFORMS MUST BE PURCHASED AT EDUCATIONAL OUTFITTERS, UNIFORM SOURCE, LANDS’ END, OR THE MSA “GENTLY USED” UNIFORM STORE ON CAMPUS.

Uniforms should be the correct size; no oversize uniforms. Slacks should be appropriately hemmed and fitted. Skirts, jumpers or skort hem bottoms must be no shorter than top of the knee. All logos are embroidered.

Girls (Lower School) Jumper/Dress Plaid or khaki jumper #174 and #192; Navy or hunter green, short sleeve Knit Shirt Dress with logo; (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Blouses White or blue, short or long-sleeve, Peter Pan blouse (worn under jumper) with logo; White 3/4 sleeve Princess overblouse with logo; White or blue, short or long sleeve Oxford cloth blouse with logo Shirts White or navy, short or long-sleeve knit overblouse with logo; White turtleneck; White, navy, or dark green, short or long-sleeve knit shirt or Fashion Fit polo with logo Undershirt Solid white only, short sleeve Shorts Khaki or navy, poly/cotton, pleated or Fashion Fit shorts with logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Slacks Khaki or navy, poly/cotton, pleated or Fashion Fit slacks with logo Skort Khaki or navy, wrap skort with logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Sweater/Vest Navy or hunter green, crew or v-neck, cardigan or pullover, with logo Sweatshirts Navy or hunter green, crew or hooded pullover sweatshirt with logo Jackets Hunter green nylon (Ripstop or Navigator) with logo Navy or hunter green, full or 1/2 zip fleece with logo Belts Solid khaki or navy stretch belt; Leather or braided belt in brown or black Socks/Tights/Leggings Solid white, navy, hunter green, black, or gray footie, crew or knee socks, tights or ankle length leggings Shoes Tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers, or Oxfords are all appropriate. Open-toed sandals and flip-flop type footwear are NOT acceptable. Hair Bands Plaid Headband (style #80), Scrunchie, or Bow on Barrette (optional)

18 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Boys (Lower School) Shirts White or blue, short or long-sleeve Oxford cloth shirt with logo White, navy or dark green, short or long-sleeve knit shirt with logo White turtleneck Undershirt Solid white only, short sleeve Shorts Khaki or navy, pleated or flat front, poly/cotton slacks with logo Slacks Khaki or navy, pleated or flat front, poly/cotton slacks with logo Sweater/Vest Navy or hunter green, crew or v-neck, cardigan or pullover, with logo Sweatshirts Navy or hunter green, crew or hooded pullover sweatshirt with logo Jackets Hunter green nylon (Ripstop or Navigator) with logo Navy or hunter green, full or 1/2 zip fleece with logo Belts Solid khaki or navy stretch belt; Leather or braided belt in brown or black Socks Solid white, navy, hunter green, black, or gray footie, crew or knee socks Shoes Tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers, or Oxfords are all appropriate. Open-toed sandals and flip-flop type footwear are NOT acceptable.

Girls (Middle School) Jumper/Dress Plaid jumper (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Blouses/Shirts White or blue, short or long-sleeve Oxford cloth blouse with logo; White 3/4 sleeve Princess overblouse with logo; White, navy or dark green, short or long-sleeve knit shirt or Fashion Fit polo with logo; White, navy, or hunter green, short or long-sleeve knit overblouse with logo; White or hunter green turtleneck Undershirt Solid white only, short sleeve Skirts laid (style #134, color #80), khaki or navy skirt (style #143) with embroidered logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee); Long khaki skirt (style #1442) with embroidered logo. Shorts Khaki or navy, poly/cotton, pleated or Fashion Fit shorts with logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Slacks Khaki or navy, poly/cotton, pleated or Fashion Fit slacks with logo Skort Khaki or navy, wrap skort with logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Sweater/Vest Navy or hunter green, crew or v-neck, cardigan or pullover, with logo Sweatshirts Navy or hunter green, crew or hooded pullover sweatshirt with logo Jackets Hunter green nylon (Ripstop or Navigator) with logo Navy or hunter green, full or 1/2 zip fleece with logo Belts Solid khaki or navy stretch belt; Leather or braided belt in brown or black Socks/Tights/Leggings Solid white, navy, hunter green, black, or gray footie, crew or knee socks, tights or ankle length leggings Shoes Tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers, or Oxfords are all appropriate. Open-toed sandals and flip-flop type footwear are NOT acceptable. Hair Bands Plaid Headband (style #80), Scrunchie, or Bow on Barrette (optional)

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 19 Boys (Middle School) Shirts White or blue, short or long-sleeve Oxford cloth shirt with logo White, navy or dark green, short or long-sleeve knit shirt with logo White turtleneck Undershirt Solid white only, short sleeve Shorts Khaki or navy, pleated or flat front, poly/cotton slacks with logo Slacks Khaki or navy, pleated or flat front, poly/cotton slacks with logo Sweater/Vest Navy or hunter green, crew or v-neck, cardigan or pullover, with logo Sweatshirts Navy or hunter green, crew or hooded pullover sweatshirt with logo Jackets Hunter green nylon (Ripstop or Navigator) with logo Navy or hunter green, full or 1/2 zip fleece with logo Belts Solid khaki or navy stretch belt; Leather or braided belt in brown or black Socks Solid white, navy, hunter green, black, or gray footie, crew or knee socks Shoes Tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers, or Oxfords are all appropriate. Open-toed sandals and flip-flop type footwear are NOT acceptable.

Girls (PreUpper, CommArts, Upper School) Skirt Plaid (style #134, color #80), khaki or navy skirt (style #143) with embroidered logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee); Long khaki skirt (style #1442) with embroidered logo. Shirts White or blue, short or long-sleeve Oxford cloth shirt with embroidered logo White, navy or hunter green, short or long-sleeve knit shirt with embroidered logo White or hunter green turtleneck Undershirt Solid white only, short sleeve Shorts Khaki or navy, poly/cotton, pleated or Fashion Fit shorts with logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Slacks Khaki or navy, poly/cotton, pleated, flat, or Fashion Fit slacks with logo Skorts Khaki or navy, poly/cotton double wrap with embroidered logo (bottom of hem no shorter than top of knee) Sweater/Vest Navy or hunter green, crew or v-neck, cardigan or pullover, with logo Sweatshirt Navy or hunter green, crew or hooded pullover sweatshirt with logo Jacket Hunter green nylon (Ripstop or Navigator) with logo Navy or hunter green, full or 1/2 zip fleece with logo Belt Solid khaki or navy stretch belt; Leather or braided belt in brown or black Socks/Tights/Leggings Solid white, navy, hunter green, black, or gray footie, crew or knee socks, tights or ankle length leggings Shoes Running and tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers, or Oxfords are all appropriate. Open-toed sandals and flip-flop type footwear are NOT acceptable. Hair Bands Plaid Headband (style #80), Scrunchie, or Bow on Barrette (optional)

20 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Boys (PreUpper, CommArts, Upper School) Shirts White or blue, short or long-sleeve Oxford Cloth shirt with logo; White or green turtleneck; White, navy or hunter green, short or long-sleeve knit shirt with logo Undershirt Solid white only, short sleeve Shorts Khaki or navy, pleated or flat front, poly/cotton slacks with logo Slacks Khaki or navy, pleated or flat front, poly/cotton slacks with logo Sweater/Vest Navy or hunter green, crew or v-neck, cardigan or pullover, with logo Sweatshirts Navy or hunter green, crew or hooded pullover sweatshirt with logo Jackets Hunter green nylon (Ripstop or Navigator) with logo Navy or hunter green, full or 1/2 zip fleece with logo Belts Solid khaki or navy stretch belt; Leather or braided belt in brown or black Socks Solid white, navy, hunter green, black, or gray footie, crew or knee socks Shoes Running and tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers, or Oxfords are all appropriate. Open-toed sandals and flip-flop type footwear are NOT acceptable.

Booster Club or Fine Arts hooded sweatshirt in hunter green or Navy and the Mustang Drifit polo in white are also acceptable as uniform items for all students; these are purchased through the Booster Club or Fine Arts department.

PE uniforms are optional for both boys and girls - White t-shirt with logo, hunter green mesh or knit shorts with logo.

Coats, gloves, headgear - Coats and gloves are to be worn outside in times of inclement weather. Hats/Hoods may be worn outside the buildings only. Bandanas are not permitted.

Jewelry - Jewelry should be modest and in good taste. Students who participate in sports should not wear jewelry (i.e.: expensive gold chains) on practice/game days. Girls may wear matching earrings of a reasonable size; not more than two pairs. Boys may not wear earrings. Other body piercings are not allowed.

Hairstyle and facial hair - Clean, neatly trimmed and modestly styled. Boy’s hair should not exceed collar length or cover the eyes. Extreme hairstyles and coloring are not appropriate for school.

Uniform Supplier Contact Information Lands’ End School Uniforms Uniform Source Educational Outfitters www.landsend.com/uniforms www.uniform-source.com atlanta.educationaloutfitters. com/find-my-school/ Or order from the kiosk in any 2141 Cobb Parkway NW mill-springs-academy/ Sears store that has a Lands’ End Kennesaw, GA 30152 dept. 5290 Roswell Road Phone: 770-919-9967 Sandy Springs, GA 30342 Phone: 800-963-4816 Phone: 770-702-0837

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 21 ParentsWeb Information RenWeb School Management Software is our school’s information database. ParentsWeb is how you and your student access this database. ParentsWeb is a private and secure portal allowing parents and students to view information specific to their family, while protecting their children’s information from others. You will find grades and attendance in ParentsWeb, all you need is an Internet-capable computer. To access our easy-to-use RenWeb ParentsWeb: • Go to the Mill Springs Academy website at www.millsprings.org • Click on “Quicklinks” at the top right of the screen • Select the RenWeb logo. You will be taken to the login site. • Log in as follows: 1. If you have not logged in to RenWeb before, click on the “Create New ParentsWeb Account” link. If you have, skip to Step 4. 2. Enter the e-mail address you provided to the school as your contact e-mail (It should already indicate the District Code as MS-GA, if not you can add it). 3. Click the “Create Account” button. You will receive an e-mail containing your password within 3 minutes to the e-mail address you entered and previously provided the school as your contact e-mail. 4. Click the “Parents” tab. 5. Enter your password (if new to RenWeb, it was assigned in the e-mail you received) 6. Click the “Parent Login” button. Students will log in the same way, but will use their school issued e-mail address.

Directory - With the implementation of RenWeb, you can obtain student contact information directly out of the ParentsWeb portal. Within ParentsWeb select “School Information” from the menu on the left hand side of the screen. Next select “Direc- tory” from the list. You will see the list of students populate in the large window on the right. Now you are able to: • Sort - click on the gray headers or use the filter fields, • Search - using the Search Bar above the large window of names, • View - click on any student and their details appear in the bottom half of the window, including a picture if we have one. If you click on the “School Staff” tab, you will find contact information for staff and faculty and they can be searched, sorted, and viewed in the same ways above.

Learning Management System (LMS) - MUSTANG MUSTANG stands for Multi-User Scholastic Tool and Networking Groups. This is where parents can view assignments and see the calendar for each of their student’s classes. Students will find assignment details, quizzes, and information from their teachers/school, as well as the class calendar. Parents and students have different logins. The Activity Stream will show the latest information and the robust calendar will allow filtering to show everything that affects your student, or just one aspect of their school life like their drama or sport practice schedules. You will find announcements, as well as news items in MUSTANG. To access MUSTANG, follow these steps: • Go to the Mill Springs Academy website at www.millsprings.org • Click on “Login” at the top right of the screen (Some instructional info is on the login screen to help) • Use the same login credentials that you use for ParentsWeb above (parents & students have different logins) It is important to point out that MUSTANG may be used for online learning purposes during an extended winter emergency. That way if Mill Springs Academy’s campus is closed due to a weather event, learning can continue. If that becomes the case, you will be advised in the ParentAlert message you receive about the weather related closure.

22 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org Mill Springs Academy Learner Profile

Mission

Mill Springs Academy is a values-based educational community dedicated to the academic, physical, and social growth of those students who have not realized their full potential in traditional classroom settings.

“I’ve always believed that if a student can’t learn the way we teach, we should teach the way a student can learn.” Tweetie L. Moore, Founder

Core Values - “The Three C’s”

Courteous We value relationships that are based on attentive communication. We expect that all members of the community practice open, honest communication and do so in a mannerly and supportive way.

Considerate We value relationships that are based on showing others respect and dignity. We want all students, teachers, and parents to be aware and considerate of one another’s differences. Through words, actions, and expectations, the community acknowledges and accepts all members.

Cooperative We value a community that is collaborative and responsive to the needs of its members and of the larger world. The collective group of students, teachers, and parents respond/react to individuals and groups with a shared interest in determining the best course of action to meet academic, social, emotional and/or physical needs.

Learner Goals

Mill Springs Academy learners strive to be:

• Complex and creativethinkers , who explore their own curiosity and use creativity in all forms of expression. Thinkers who can listen, reason, reflect, make decisions, innovate and solve problems, and can organize, support, and defend their solutions. • Independent, self-directed learners, who can advocate for themselves, set and prioritize goals, monitor and evaluate progress, use information resources and emerging technologies, and adapt to change by developing strategies to deal with the unexpected. • Effective and creativecommunicators who use a variety of skills and methods to express concepts and ideas. • Informed and responsible citizens who can contribute to their community, their country, and their world. • Collaborative workers who can demonstrate cooperation and leadership within groups to accomplish a common goal. • Quality producers whose work reflects high standards, originality, and unique abilities. • Community members who are responsible, positive, and productive participants of their communities. Our Community Structure exists to help our students discover their strengths and challenges, support academic achievement, and promote independence, personal responsibility, and community involvement.

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 23 July 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 2 3 4

No Summer Programs 9:00-10:00a Used Uniform Independence Day this Week Shop Open

SCHOOL CLOSED

8 9 10 11 Mark Trail Camp continues 9:00-10:00a Used Uniform Shop Open Summer School Program II begins

15 16 17 18 9:00-10:00a Used Uniform Shop Open

22 23 24 25 9:00-10:00a Used Uniform Shop Open

29 30 31 9:00-10:00a Used Uniform Shop Open

24 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org July 2018 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 5 6 7

12 13 14

19 20 21 Mark Trail Camp ends

Legend 26 27 28 L - Lower School M - Middle School Summer School Program II PU - PreUpper School ends CA - Communication Arts U - Upper School

WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 25 August 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1

5 6 7 8 9:00-10:00a Used Uniform 9:00 New Family Orientation Shop Open

Teacher In-Service

12 13 14 15 First Day of School

Fall PM Program begins

19 20 21 22 Chick-fil-A Day 12:30-1:15p One Act Play Auditions 12:30-1:15p One Act Play Auditions

26 27 28 29

Lower School Portraits Middle School Portraits PreUpper School Portraits

Chick-fil-A Day

26 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org August 2018 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 2 3 4

New Faculty Training

Principal Planning

9 10 11

Teacher In-Service

16 17 18 7:00p Performing Arts 12:30p Senior Leadership Meeting (PU/CA/U) - Lunch - U Grt Rm Theater

Legend 23 24 25 L - Lower School M - Middle School 6:00p International Thespian SAT Testing PU - PreUpper School Society Induction - SAC CA - Communication Arts U - Upper School

WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program 30 31

CommArts School Portraits Upper School Portraits

7:00-8:30p L/M Parent Booster Club Pizza Friday Curriculum Night

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 27 September 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

2 3 4 5

Labor Day ThesCon Deposit Due

SCHOOL CLOSED 9 10 11 12 Fine Arts Creativity Week Chick-fil-A Day Rosh Hashanah ends at 9:00a Public Open House - Sundown SAC Rosh Hashanah begins at ACT Testing Window - Sundown through 9/28

16 17 18 19

Chick-fil-A Day Yom Kippur begins at Sundown 7:00p Board Meeting

23 24 25 26

Chick-fil-A Day 6:30-7:30p Parent Workshop: Financial Aid for 30 College - CA Grt Rm

28 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org September 2018 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1

6 7 8

Portrait Make-Up/Retakes 8:30-10:00a Symphonic and Group Photos Day Band Rehearsal

3:30-5:00p Mustang Mania

13 14 15

8:15a-1:00p Mini Day at MSA - PU/CA/U

Legend L - Lower School M - Middle School PU - PreUpper School CA - Communication Arts 20 21 22 U - Upper School Yom Kippur ends at International Appreciation WLP - Winter Learning Pgm Sundown Day - U SAC - Student Activity Ctr Flex Friday - PU/CA/U PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

ThesCon - Georgia Thespian Conference 27 28 29

Fall Sports Portraits Booster Club Pizza Friday

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 29 October 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 2 3 Chick-fil-A Day

7 8 9 10 Columbus Day Canned Food Drive begins Testing for 9-11th Grades

Senior Leadership Trip

SCHOOL CLOSED 14 15 16 17 Chick-fil-A Day 9:00a Public Open House - SAC

21 22 23 24 Chick-fil-A Day

28 29 30 31

Chick-fil-A Day 3:30-5:00p Spring Musical Halloween Party - All Schools Auditions ACT Testing Window - through 11/16

30 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org October 2018 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 4 5 6

8:30-10:00a Concert Band Rehearsal

Early Dismissal - Teacher Work Day 12:15p L/M carpool 12:30p PU/CA/U Carpool 12:45p Bus Departs

11 12 13 NO CLASSES - L/M NO CLASSES - L/M/CA/U Founder’s Day Conferences Conferences Family Picnic 11:30a - 1:00p

18 19 20 NO CLASSES - PU NO CLASSES - PU/CA/U IDA- GA Dyslexia Dash Conferences Conferences

Legend 25 26 27 L - Lower School M - Middle School 6:30p Senior Info Night - U Booster Club Pizza Friday PU - PreUpper School Grt Rm CA - Communication Arts U - Upper School 7:00p Fathers’ Night with Robert - M Grt Rm WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 31 November 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

4 5 6 7 Daylight Saving Time ends GISA Annual Meeting 9:00a Public Open House - Set clocks back one hour SAC Teacher Work Day

NO CLASSES 11 12 13 14 Veterans Day Chick-fil-A Day Thanksgiving Feast - All Schools Book Fair begins

7:00p Board Meeting

18 19 20 21

Thanksgiving Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED 25 26 27 28

Chick-fil-A Day PoCC/SDL Conference Trip departs Canned Food Drive ends CommArts Festival - U Grt Rm

32 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org November 2018 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1 2 3 ACT Testing Window - FLEX FRIDAY PU/CA/U through 11/16 10:30a-12:00p College Day 3:30-5:00p Spring Musical - Gym Auditions

8 9 10 6:00p Spring Musical Cast & 8:30 - 10:00a All Band 8:00a-1:00p HamJam 2018 - Parent Dinner Meeting - SAC Rehearsal U Grt Rm

15 16 17

9:00-10:00a Student Workshop: 9:00a - Grandparents’ Day - SAC Life After the 8th Grade - U Grt Rm Book Fair ends Legend Early Dismissal 12:30-1:15p All Band Rehearsal L - Lower School 12:15p L/M Carpool 12:30p PU/CA/U Carpool M - Middle School 1:15-3:00p JTF/Chorus 12:45p Bus Departs PU - PreUpper School Rehearsal CA - Communication Arts 22 23 24 U - Upper School WLP - Winter Learning Pgm Thanksgiving Day SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

PoCC/SDL - People of Thanksgiving Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED Color Conference/Student Diversity Leadership 29 30

Booster Club Pizza Friday

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 33 December 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

In case of inclement weather, please check your local TV station. See Handbook for listings.

2 3 4 5

Hanukkah Begins at Holiday GIft Shop Holiday Gift Shop Holiday Gift Shop Sundown Chick-fil-A Day 1:15p Student Audience for ThesCon Final Payment Due Band/Chorus Concert L/M/PU 3:30-6:30p Band Final Exam Exam Review Day - PU/CA/U 7:00p Winter Band/Chorus Concert 1:15p Student Audience for Band/Chorus Concert CA/U 9 10 11 12 Exam Review Day - PU/CA/U 1st Period Exam (10:30a 2nd Period Exam (10:30a Chick-fil-A Day Dismissal) PU/CA/U Dismissal) PU/CA/U

12:15-1:15p Band Party 8:30a-Noon Rising 9th Grade ACT Testing Window - through Parent Breakfast/Transition - 12/18 U Grt Rm Hanukkah Ends at Sundown 16 17 18 19 5th Period Exam (10:30a 6th Period Exam (10:30a Early Dismissal Dismissal) PU/CA/U Dismissal) PU/CA/U 12:15p L/M Carpool 12:30p PU/CA/U Carpool Chick-fil-A Day (L/M Only) 11:30a-1:30p Faculty 12:45p Bus Departs Holiday Luncheon

Fall PM Program ends 23 24 25 26

Christmas Day

30 31 New Year’s Eve

Winter Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

34 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org December 2018 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1

PoCC/SDL Conference Trip returns

6 7 8

Exam Review Day - PU/CA/U Exam Review Day - PU/CA/U

WLP Prep - PU/CA/U

Booster Club Pizza Friday

Volunteer Service Hours Due - M/ PU/CA/U

13 14 15 Legend 3rd Period Exam (10:30a 4th Period Exam (10:30a Alumni Holiday Party L - Lower School Dismissal) PU/CA/U Dismissal) PU/CA/U M - Middle School PU - PreUpper School 9:00-10:30a-Rising CA 7th CA - Communication Arts Grade Parent Breakfast/ U - Upper School Transition WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr 20 21 22 PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

PoCC/SDL - People of Color Conference/Student Diver- sity Leadership

Winter Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED ThesCon - Georgia Thespian Conference 27 28 29

Winter Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 35 January 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 2

In case of inclement New Year’s Day weather, please check your local TV station. See Handbook for listings. Winter Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

6 7 8 9

Classes Resume - L/M

Chick-fil-A Day L/M Only

Winter Learning begins - PU/ CA/U

Spring PM Program begins 13 14 15 16

Chick-fil-A Day L/M Only 7:00p JTF Performance - Parent Audience 7:00p Board Meeting

20 21 22 23 Junior Theater Festival Martin Luther King, Jr. Spring Semester begins PU/ 9:00a Public Open House - Holiday CA/U SAC

SCHOOL CLOSED

27 28 29 30

Chick-fil-A Day Transition Day - Rising 5th Homecoming Week Grade Students

36 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org January 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 3 4 5

Winter Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

10 11 12

17 18 19 Winter Learning ends Junior Theater Festival

Legend 24 25 26 L - Lower School M - Middle School Re-enrollment Contracts 8:00a Donuts for Dads - L/M PU - PreUpper School Mailed Out CA - Communication Arts Booster Club Pizza Friday U - Upper School Winter Sports Portraits WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program 31

Fine Arts Portraits

Transition Day - Rising 7th & 9th Grade Students

7:00-8:30p Transition Night - Parents of Rising 5th & PU 7th Grade Students

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 37 February 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

In case of inclement weather, please check your local TV station. See Handbook for listings.

3 4 5 6 Chick-fil-A Day

10 11 12 13

Chick-fil-A Day 12:10 New Teacher 9:00a Public Open House - Luncheon SAC ACT Testing Window - through 3/1

17 18 19 20 Presidents’ Day

SCHOOL CLOSED

24 25 26 27 Chick-fil-A Day

38 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org February 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1 2 8:30-10:00a Symphonic Band Rehearsal

Booster Club Pizza Friday

HOMECOMING

7 8 9

NO CLASSES - L/M NO CLASSES - L/M ThesCon 2019 Trip returns Parent Conferences Parent Conferences

ThesCon 2019 Trip departs

14 15 16

NO CLASSES - PU/CA/U Student Conferences Valentine’s Day Legend L - Lower School M - Middle School PU - PreUpper School CA - Communication Arts 21 22 23 U - Upper School 2019-2020 Re-enrollment NO CLASSES - PU/CA/U Contracts Due Student Conferences WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

ThesCon - Georgia Thespian Conference 28 Spring Sports/Coaches and Senior Group Portraits

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 39 March 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

In case of inclement weather, please check your local TV station. See Handbook for listings.

3 4 5 6 Chick-fil-A Day Celebration of Differences Ash Wednesday

10 11 12 13 Daylight Saving Time begins 9:00a Public Open House - Set clocks forward one hour Mid-Winter Break SAC

SCHOOL CLOSED

17 18 19 20 St. Patrick’s Day Chick-fil-A Day Sr. Presentation Rehearsals Sr. Presentation Rehearsals

7:00p Board Meeting 1:30p Lower School Performance - Student Audience M

24 25 26 27

Spring Fling begins - M Senior Presentations Senior Presentations

Senior Presentations

31 Chick-fil-A Day

40 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org March 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1 2

Book Character Dress Up Day - L

8:00a Muffins for Moms - M Only

6:00p Studio Arts Gallery & Reception - Theater 7 8 9 SAT Testing Mid-Winter Break

SCHOOL CLOSED

14 15 16

8:30-10:00a Concert Band Rehearsal

Legend 21 22 23 L - Lower School M - Middle School Sr. Presentation Rehearsals FLEX FRIDAY - PU/CA/U PU - PreUpper School CA - Communication Arts 1:30p Lower School Booster Club Pizza Friday U - Upper School Performance - Parent Audience WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program 28 29 30

Spring Fling ends Early Dismissal 12:15p L/M Carpool 12:30p PU/CA/U Carpool 12:45p Bus Departs

Spring Break begins

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 41 April 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 2 3

Spring Break - SCHOOL CLOSED

7 8 9 10 Chick-fil-A Day 9:00a Public Open House - SAC

14 15 16 17 Chick-fil-A Day Rising 7th Grade Girls Luncheon ACT Testing Window - through 5/3

21 22 23 24 Easter Chick-fil-A Day Teacher Appreciation 10:00a Spring Musical Luncheon Student Audience L/M/PU

28 29 30 2:00p Spring Musical Strike Tee-Off for Technology 1:15p Student Audience for Golf Tournament - White Band Concert L/M/PU Columns CC 7:00p Spring Band Concert Chick-fil-A Day

3:30-6:00p Band Final Exam

42 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org April 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 4 5 6

Spring Break - SCHOOL CLOSED

11 12 13 12:15p National Art Honor 8:30-10:00a All Band Society - SAC Rehearsal

18 19 20

Early Dismissal Good Friday 12:15p L/M Carpool 12:30p PU/CA/U Carpool Passover Begins at Sundown 12:45p Bus Departs

7:00-11:00p Prom SCHOOL CLOSED Legend 25 26 27 L - Lower School M - Middle School 10:00a Spring Musical Booster Club Pizza Friday 7:00p Spring Musical - SAC PU - PreUpper School Student Audience CA/U CA - Communication Arts 7:00p Spring Musical - SAC Passover Ends at Sundown U - Upper School

WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 43 May 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 ACT Testing Window - through 5/3

1:15p Student Audience for Band Concert CA/U

5 6 7 8

9:00a Senior Honors Day - U 6:30p Sports Reception 9:00a Public Open House - 8th Grade Week Grt Rm SAC

Chick-fil-A Day 10:00a Baccalaureate Practice

12 13 14 15 Mother’s Day Chick-fil-A Day Exam Review Day - PU/CA/U Exam Review Day - PU/CA/U

7:00p Fine Arts Showcase 12:15-1:30p Band Party

19 20 21 22 Chick-fil-A Day (L/M Only) 4th Period Exam (10:30a 5th Period Exam (10:30a Dismissal) PU/CA/U Dismissal) PU/CA/U 3rd Period Exam (10:30a Dismissal) PU/CA/U

7:00 Board Meeting

26 27 28 29 Memorial Day Teacher Work Day Teacher Work Day

SCHOOL CLOSED

44 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org May 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 2 3 4 8th Grade Trip departs - PU 8th Grade Trip returns

1:30p Pet Day - L

9 10 11

8:30a Graduation Practice 8:00a Muffins for Moms - L ONLY 10:00a Graduation - SAC

Booster Club Pizza Friday 12:00p Senior Lunch Volunteer Service Hours Due - M/ PU/CA/U

7:00p Baccalaureate

16 17 18 1st Period Exam (10:30a 2nd Period Exam (10:30a Dismissal) PU/CA/U Dismissal) PU/CA/U

6:30p 6th Grade Banquet End of the Year Party - L/M

Legend 23 24 25 L - Lower School M - Middle School 6th Period Exam (10:30a Honors Day PU - PreUpper School Dismissal) PU/CA/U CA - Communication Arts Early Dismissal U - Upper School Spring PM Program ends 11:00a - Carpool Dismissal 11:15a - Buses Depart WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr Last Day of School PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program 30 31 Principals’ Workshop Principals’ Workshop

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 45 June 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

2 3 4 5

9 10 11 12 Mark Trail Camp begins

Summer School begins

ACT Testing Window - through 6/28

16 17 18 19

Father’s Day

23 24 25 26

30

46 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org June 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1 Principals’ Workshop

6 7 8

13 14 15 Flag Day

Legend 20 21 22 L - Lower School M - Middle School PU - PreUpper School CA - Communication Arts U - Upper School

WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program 27 28 29 Summer School ends

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 47 July 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 2 3

No Summer Programs this Week

7 8 9 10 Mark Trail Camp continues

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

28 29 30 31

48 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org July 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 4 5 6 Independence Day

SCHOOL CLOSED

11 12 13

18 19 20 Mark Trail Camp ends

Legend 25 26 27 L - Lower School M - Middle School PU - PreUpper School CA - Communication Arts U - Upper School

WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 49 August 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

4 5 6 7

Teacher In-Service

11 12 13 14 First Day of School (tentative)

18 19 20 21

25 26 27 28

50 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org August 2019 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOTES 1 2 3

Principal Planning

8 9 10

Teacher In-Service

15 16 17

Legend 22 23 24 L - Lower School M - Middle School PU - PreUpper School CA - Communication Arts U - Upper School

WLP - Winter Learning Pgm SAC - Student Activity Ctr PVA - Parent Volunteer Assc PM - After School Program 29 30 31

Success in School ... Success in Life | Mill Springs Academy Handbook 51 Notes

52 Mill Springs Academy Handbook | www.millsprings.org

13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.millsprings.org ph: 770-360-1336 f: 770-360-1341

Go Mustangs!

“if a student can’t learn the way we teach ... we should teach the way a student can learn.” --Tweetie L. Moore, Founder

Mill Springs Academy

@MillSpringsAcad MillSpringsAcademy

MillSprings MillSpringsAcademy

#SuccessInSchoolSuccessInLife