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Download Family Handbook (Requires Adobe Reader to view)
A family handbook is provided to all students. Parents are requested to review the handbook with their children, and then sign a form, included in the back, to indicate they understand and agree to abide by the Millennium Charter Academy’s guidelines, policies, and the intent of those as outlined in the Family Handbook. Students third grade and up are also expected to sign.
 The book is provided online here for quick reference.
Foundational Information
Board Members
Mission and Focus
Educational Goals
Administrative and Operational Information
Age Requirements
Immunization Requirements
Medication
School Day
Student Attendance
Absences and Tardies
Early Pick-Up
Family Trips
Visitors
School Organizations
School Services
Inclement Weather
Property, Search & Seizure
Privacy Rights
AHERA
Academic and Educational Information
Report Cards and Grading, Conferences, Habits
Communication to Parents
Student Promotion and Retention
State Proficiencey Guidelines
Homework
Formal Assessments and Academic Assistance
Character Issues
Behavior, Discipline, and Expectations
General Rules of Conduct
Student Dress Code
Bomb Threat or Hoax
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
Prohibited Substances
Appendix
Tips for Good Study Habits
Reading Tips
BOARD MEMBERS
Ken Gwyn, Chairman
Hugh Campbell Marty Danley
Renee Francis David Hiatt
Greg Marshall Erik Moledor
Susie Shipley Ed Woltz
HEADMASTER
Kirby R. McCrary
OFFICE MANAGER
Shanda Lawson
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OUR MISSION
Millennium Charter Academy is a public school whose classroom is the community, which invites parents, teachers, students, and the community to collectively challenge each child to achieve superior academic standards and to develop the highest moral character. We will expand educational choice with an innovative, student-centered environment producing life-long learners equipped knowledge and critical-thinking skills necessary to become leaders in the 21st Century.
OUR FOCUS
Millennium Charter Academy will create a climate of high expectations for success by establishing an authentic partnership based on trust and communication between teachers and parents that allows for the implementation of strategies that assure all students learn, and that the academy as an entire organization reflects these high expectations. This will be accomplished by balancing higher level learning with the basic skills that are prerequisite to its mastery. [To Top]
OUR EDUCATIONAL GOALS
Scholarship
1.To inspire students so that they leave MCA loving to learn.
2.To foster the values and benefits of reading.
3.To teach children to think analytically in the upper level thinking skills, such as generalizing, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating.
4.To teach children to act and think independently and to make sound evaluations of situations, information, and ideas.
5.To follow a child’s progress through teacher observation, communicating well with parents.
6.To deliver well the entire NC Standard Course of Study and Core Knowledge curriculum to every child.
7.To maximize instructional time during the school day.
8. To utilize small group instruction.
Character
9.To develop within each student a solid moral character.
10.To respect the child, to discipline wisely, and to teach the child how to live under authority.
11.To develop leaders.
Community
12.To utilize the community as an educational resource.
13.To assist and uphold parents in their responsibility to educate their children.
14.To encourage and provide opportunities for parents and other people in the community to share their unique gifts and talents with Millennium Charter Academy.
15.To foster appreciation for our country. [To Top]
ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Age Requirements
Children may attend kindergarten if they are five years old on or before October 16 of the present school year. Valid birth certificates are required. Kindergarteners must also have completed their immunizations and have a physical examination by the thirtieth day of the school year. Your child’s birth certificate must be seen by the director. The form for the required health assessment for the child is available at the school. [To Top]
Immunization Requirements
Those who do not have both the immunizations and examination completed by the thirtieth day of school will be suspended from school until they have been completed unless the child is exempted by North Carolina law. (G.S. 115C-364)
The following are required immunizations:
* Five DPT/DT Shots (if 4th dose is after 4th birthday, 5th dose is not required)
* Four Oral Polio Vaccine Doses (if 3rd dose is after 4th birthday, 4th dose is not required)
* One Hib (One Hib on/after 15 months and before 5 years of age. Not required after age five.)
* Two MMR Doses (First dose on/after 1st birthday, 2nd dose on/after 4th birthday) [To Top]
Medication
School employees are allowed to administer medications prescribed by a doctor upon written request of the student's parents or guardians. The medication used at the school must be in its original container with the child’s name, the dosage information, the drug, and physician’s name printed on it.
If medication has to be administered by school personnel, you must provide a doctor’s signed authorization with the prescribed medicine in its original container. In addition, the student’s parents or guardians must provide written directions with the student’s name, name of the medicine, time and method of administration, dosage, possible side effects and the termination date for administering the medicine. For safety reasons , the school will not accept telephoned permission.
You, the parent/guardian, are responsible for supplying and retrieving the medication.
As parent/guardian you may pick up a form on which to record the information for administration of medication from the school office. The school retains the right to reject the request for administration of medicine. [To Top]
School Day
The school day is from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Children may be dropped off after 7:45am. From 7:45-7:55 they will be seated and supervised by a teacher assistant. They will be released to the classrooms about 7:55. Do not drop off children before 7:45 because school employees cannot be responsible for children until that time. A child must be in attendance one-half of the school day to constitute being present for school. Eleven-thirty am is considered the half-day point.
It is extremely important for your child to be on time every day! Class instruction begins promptly at 8:00 am! Children who are tardy miss part of the instructional day and this has an impact on what is learned. Students are tardy at 8:10 am in the elementary school, and 8:01 in the middle school.
Students should leave the campus upon school dismissal unless they are participating in a school activity, in which case they should leave immediately upon completion of that activity. Parents who come into the building to pick up children after school should wait for them in the school’s lobby until the bell rings at 2:30 pm.
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Student Attendance
The Compulsory Attendance Law, NC General Statute 115C-378 , states that a student under sixteen must attend school regularly while school is in session. The school will report unlawful absences to proper authorities.
When a student misses class or parts of class, he or she does not have the benefit of discussions, demonstrations, experiments, or instruction which have a tremendous bearing on learning and grades. Repeated absence defeats the purpose of school and jeopardizes the student’s progress and chances of promotion. It is the responsibility of the family (parent and child) to make sure the student attends school unless the child must be absent for one of the following reasons:
1) Illness or Injury - when the absence results from illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school.
2) Quarantine - when isolation of the student is ordered by the local health officer or by the State Board of Health.
3) Death in the Immediate Family - when the absence results from the death of a member of the immediate family of the student (For the purpose of this regulation, the immediate family).
4) Medical or Dental Appointment - when the absence results from a medical or dental appointment for a student.
5) Court or Administrative Proceedings - when the absence results from the attendance of a student at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the student is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness.
6) Religious Observance - if the tenets of a religion to which a student or his/her parent adheres require or suggest observance of a religious event - The approval of such absences is within the discretion of the local board of education, but approval should be granted unless the religious observance, or the cumulative effect of religious observance is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the student.
7) Educational Opportunity - when it is demonstrated that the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity such as travel - Approval for such an absence must be granted by the director or designee prior to the absence.
All other absences are unlawful. After three unexcused absences, the required state procedure will be followed. [To Top]
Absences and Tardies
Students must have a written excuse from a parent/guardian for any and all absences from school. This note must be given to the teacher no later than two days after the child returns to school following an absence, or the absence will be reported as unlawful. This is required of all parents. (GS 115C-379)
Students who accumulate ten days of excused or unexcused absences are required to bring a doctor’s excuse for any further absence from school. If the doctor’s excuse is not provided, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. The director may grant exceptions.
All attendance records at Millennium Charter Academy are now kept on a computerized system, the Student Information Management System (SIMS). It is efficient, but demands complete accuracy. A parent must sign the child in at the school office after 8:00 am. This is recorded as a tardy. The school office will write an excuse for admittance to class. [To Top]
Early Pick-Up
You are discouraged from picking up your child from school early. If, however, it is absolutely necessary, pick up your child in the office. Do not go to the classroom. If someone other than yourself picks up your child, you must send a dated, written note stating that person’s name, and the time he/she will arrive for your child. A phone call does not replace the written permission. You must provide the same written permission for your child to go home with someone, stay after school, or leave with anyone other than you, the parent or legal guardian. Students must be signed out on the appropriate form in the school office. [To Top]
Family Trips
Before a student may be excused from school for a family trip, you must make written arrangements with the director three days prior to the trip. Students will be excused for up to 5 days per year for family travel. All students who leave school for an extended trip will be coded in the following manner: excused the first five days and all additional absences are unexcused. The student is responsible for obtaining and completing all class work. Avoid absences during End of Grade testing at all costs!
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Visitors
We welcome visitors to Millennium Charter Academy. Whenever you come into the building, please check in at the school office first and let the administrative assistant know the purpose of your visit. You are especially encouraged to volunteer and to share your experiences and expertise that fit within the broad goals of the school. You are welcome to eat lunch with your child, too.
Schedule in advance conferences with teachers or the director. Please schedule time to talk with a teacher during her/his planning time or after school, so as not to disrupt the teaching environment.
Pre-school age children must remain in your company at all times.
Because MCA realizes the importance of community, we recognize volunteers, parents, and business partners are helpful in a successful educational program. We encourage you to consider being a grade parent, field trip driver, tutor, a mentor, lunch buddy, speaker, project judge, clerical helper, or any other asset to the school. Please call the office or talk with your child’s teacher if you wish to volunteer. In order minimize distractions, other children may not accompany you to school when you volunteer. [To Top]
School Organizations
MCA is an independent public school and is governed by the Board of Directors. Our school also has a very active parent-teacher organization, Millenium Parents and Concerned Teachers (MPACT). Please become a member and show support for MCA by attending meetings and sponsored events. As you show that you value school, your child will more fully realize its importance.
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School Services
Lunch. Lunch is offered by various vendors, or students can bring their own bag lunches. All students will receive forms for their parents to apply for free lunch. If during the school year you feel you may qualify for this program, contact the school office and request another application.
Pictures. Millennium Charter Academy will arrange for students pictures to be taken in the fall and in the spring as a service to parents. Contact the office for the guidelines on prepayment, proofs, etc.
Yearbook. The school yearbook is usually reserved in the fall and distributed before the last day of school.
Fees. MCA charges a required annual fee to help offset the high cost the school incurs for the quality of education provided. Students may also purchase a yearbook and school pictures.
Damaged or Lost School Books. To avoid a misunderstanding about damaged, lost or stolen books, the following is offered for your information. Students who attend North Carolina public schools are issued textbooks free of charge. This means the students have borrowed the books for use during the year. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to take care of them. If a book is damaged, the student who is issued the book will pay for the damage. In case a book is stolen or lost, the student is required to pay for the book.
Use of Telephone. Students cannot make telephone calls during the school day except in cases of emergency. Students are not called from class to the phone except in cases of real emergency.
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Inclement Weather
The primary concern when inclement weather strikes is the safety of students and staff when traveling on county roads and entering the building.
In the event of inclement weather, parents are advised to listen to radio stations, WTQR, WSYD, WPAQ, and television station, WXII, for information regarding closings. After 6:30 pm, parents may also call the school office where the announcement is posted on the voice mail, as soon as a decision is made. That number is 789-7570, extension 4.
If no announcement of delay or cancellation of school is heard, you should assume school is scheduled as normal.
In some cases, school may be cancelled after students arrive. This will also be announced on the same radio and television stations. You need to make arrangements beforehand concerning where your child is to go if school is dismissed. (Note: Child care will also be closed when school is delayed or closes early due to inclement weather.) Make sure your child knows your “emergency bad weather plan” before inclement weather arrives!
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Property
All educational materials and furniture, including desks and lockers, remain the property of the school. Students are responsible for the care of their books. Any book is damaged beyond normal wear will be charged to the student on a pro-rated value.
Search and Seizure
Searches are conducted according to the Fourth Amendment. When there is “reasonable suspicion” that a particular student has violated school rules or a law, a search of a student’s person or property can be initiated. Only administrators or their designees may conduct searches. [To Top]
Privacy Rights
According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions: school officials with legitimate educational interest; other schools to which a student is transferring; specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school; accrediting organizations; to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and state and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
MCA may disclose, without written consent, appropriately designated “directory information,” including student’s name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, address, weight and height of members of athletic teams, telephone listing, degrees, honors, and awards received, photograph, and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school to include this type of information from your child’s educational records in certain publications. Directory information is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. If you do not want MCA to disclose directory information, please notify the Academy in writing. [To Top]
AHERA
In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), this notice serves to inform you that no known asbestos containing materials were used in the construction of this facility. You are welcome to view MCA’s management plan, which are housed in the school office. [To Top]
PPRA
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. §1232h, requires MCA to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information
for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys’), and certain physical exams and
screenings.
Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment And Bullying
The Board of Directors of Millennium Charter Academy (MCA) believes that all employees and students should be free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and bullying as a part of a safe, orderly, caring and inviting working and learning environment. The Board commits itself to nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The Board expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment or bullying, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, religion, age or disability.
The Board also prohibits retaliation against an employee or student who has exercised any rights made available through state or federal law, including prohibiting retaliation for reporting violations of this policy. Any violation of this policy is considered a serious violation and appropriate action will be taken in response to a violation, including the possibility of suspension or expulsion.
A. APPLICATION OF POLICY
All persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. Visitors also are expected to comply with applicable laws, including the prohibition against harassment and bullying of students or harassment of employees. MCA is also sensitive to the needs of children who come from homes where domestic violence is present.
This policy will apply in the following circumstances:
1. while in any school building or on any school premises before, during or after school hours;
2. while on any bus or other vehicle as part of any school activity;
3. during any school function, extracurricular activity or other activity or event;
4. when subject to the authority of school personnel; and
5. any time or place when the behavior has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the school.
B. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions will apply.
1. Discrimination means any act that unreasonably and unfavorably differentiates treatment of others based solely on their membership in a
socially distinct group or category, such as race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, or disability. Discrimination may be intentional or unintentional.
2. Harassment can be a type of unlawful discrimination. Harassment is unwanted, unwelcomed and uninvited behavior that demeans, threatens or
offends the victim and results in a hostile environment for the victim. The hostile environment can be created through pervasive or persistent
misbehavior or a single incident, if sufficiently severe. Harassing behavior may include but is not limited to epithets, derogatory comments
or slurs and lewd propositions, assault, impeding or blocking movement,offensive touching or any physical interference with normal work or
movement, and visual insults, such as derogatory posters or cartoons. Legitimate age-appropriate pedagogical techniques are not considered
harassing behavior. It is possible for harassment to occur at various levels; between fellow students or co-workers, between supervisors and subordinates, between employees and students, or imposed by non-employees, including visitors,on employees and/or students.
3. Bullying may take several forms in the effort to harass, intimidate, or discriminate against others. It is a form of harassment. Bullying means
the repeated intimidation of others by the real or threatened infliction of physical, verbal, written, electronically transmitted or emotional abuse or
through attacks on the property of another. Bullying may include, but is not limited to, verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, extortion of
money or possessions, implied or stated threats, and exclusion from peer groups. More specifically:
Physical Bullying – punching, hitting, poking, kicking, strangling, hair pulling, beating, biting, excessive tickling, pushing
Verbal Bullying – name-calling, teasing, gossip, starting/spreading rumors, taunting, threatening
Emotional Bullying – rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, intentionally excluding, defaming, humiliating, blackmailing, rating/ranking of personal
characteristics such as race, disability, ethnicity, or perceived sexual orientation, manipulating friendships/relationships, isolating, ostracizing,
peer pressure
Sexual Bullying – includes many actions listed previously, as well as voyeurism, exhibitionism, sexual propositioning, sexual harassment, abuse
involving actual physical contact, sexual assault
(Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Schools and Communities. US Department of Education: March 2003)
C. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Students, parents, and MCA employees are encouraged to submit any complaints of discrimination, harassment or bullying through the complaint procedure established by MCA’s Board of Directors. For purposes of investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment or bullying, the terms “discrimination,” “harassment” or “bullying” will be substituted for the term “sexual harassment,” as appropriate.
D. NON-RETALIATION
The Board prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of discrimination, harassment or bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the principal, after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local laws, policies and regulations.
E. TRAINING AND PROGRAMS
The Headmaster shall designate an employee(s) to participate in training by the Department of Public Instruction pertaining to anti-discrimination, antiharassment and anti- bullying. The designee will provide leadership and training in the school district regarding this policy and state requirements. As funds are available, the Board will provide additional training for students and staff regarding the Board’s policy on discrimination, harassment and bullying and will create programs to address these issues. The Headmaster will ensure that any training or programs provided will include identifying groups that may be the target of discrimination, harassment or bullying; identifying places at which such behavior may occur including within school buildings, via the Internet, etc.; and providing clear examples of behavior that constitutes discrimination, harassment
or bullying.
F. NOTICE
The Headmaster is responsible for providing effective notice to students, parents and employees of the procedures for reporting and investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying. MCA will investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying and will take reasonable steps to eliminate the discrimination, harassment or bullying.
G. HEADMASTER
To register a complaint, contact the Academy’s Headmaster. The Headmaster either must (1) implement a resolution to a discrimination, harassment or bullying complaint, to the extent a resolution can be reached and the Headmaster has the authority to implement corrective action or (2) notify other school officials that intervention is required to resolve the situation.
H. RECORDS AND REPORTING
The Headmaster or his or her designee shall maintain confidential records of complaints or reports of discrimination that identify the names of any individuals accused of discrimination and the resolution of such reports or complaints. The Headmaster also shall maintain records of training, corrective action or other steps taken by the district to help provide an environment free of discrimination, harassment and bullying. The Headmaster shall report to the State Board of Education all verified cases of discrimination, harassment or bullying. The report will be made through the Discipline Data Collection Report or through other means required by the State Board.
I. DIVERSITY PROGRAMS
The Board is committed to promoting the worth and dignity of all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age or
disability. The Board directs the Headmaster to foster such an environment of understanding and respect for all individuals.
J. EVALUATION
The Headmaster is required to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to correct or prevent discrimination, harassment, and bullying and will share these evaluations periodically with the Board. Solicitation and Distribution For the safety, convenience, and protection of all employees, MCA has adopted thefollowing rules concerning solicitation and the distribution of materials:
The Academy does not advertise items for sale, unless generated by the school’s parent organization, Millennium Education Foundation, Inc., the Academy itself, or a school affiliated organization, such as the Booster Club, the Fine Arts Team, MPACT, or thelike. The Academy does not announce or advertise any item or program in competition or conflict with the school’s mission, philosophy, or programs as determined by the
headmaster. If no such conflict exists, the headmaster may allow the display of or distribution of information to the appropriate segment of students, as the party requesting distribution provides sufficient copies. Community-wide events may be distributed to a larger portion of the student body than activities generated on a smaller level.
Tobacco Free Campus Policy
Pursuant to SL2007-236 1086, Millennium Charter Academy prohibits the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, at facilities owned by Millennium Education Foundation, Inc., and at all school-sponsored events.
Moment of Silence
To afford students and teachers a moment of quiet reflection at the beginning of each day in the public schools, to create a boundary between school time and nonschool time, and to set a tone of decorum in the classroom that will be conducive to discipline and learning, the MCA Board of Directors authorizes the observance of a moment of silence at the commencement of the first class of each day in all grades. The school shall
observe a period of silence, not to exceed one minute in duration, and that during that period silence shall be maintained and no one may engage in any other activities. Such period of silence shall be totally and completely unstructured and free of guidance or influence of any kind from any sources.
Hygiene & Infection Control
MCA promotes hygienic practices and the prevention of the spread of infections. The Academy has a duty of care to ensure that all persons are provided with a high level of protection during the hours of operation. It should be understood by faculty, staff, children, and families that there is a shared responsibility between MCA and other stakeholders to accept and implement the Hygiene and Infection Control Guidelines.
Please see the Hygiene & Infection Control Guidelines for additional information on rationale, strategies and practices, guideline review, procedures, and measuring tools.
ACADEMIC AND EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
Report Cards
Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester, i.e. twelve week period. Measurement of academic growth and development are based on periodic assessments using various methods and strategies. Parents must note by signature that they have reviewed their child’s report card. [To Top]
Grading Scales:
For grades K-2, the scale is as follows:
4 - Excellent Mastery
Demonstrates & applies knowledge & strategies beyond grade level expectations
3 - Proficient Mastery
Consistently demonstrates & applies knowledge and strategies on grade level
2 - Slow Mastery
Inconsistently demonstrates and applies knowledge & strategies; requires frequent assistance
1 - Insufficient Mastery
Rarely demonstrates or applies knowledge or strategies; needs assistance & modified curriculum
For grades 3-8, the scale is as follows:
A - Excellent Mastery (93-100)
B - Very Good Mastery (85-92)
C - Satisfactory Mastery (77-84)
D - Slow Mastery (70-76)
F - Unsatisfactory Progress (0-69)
Portfolio Conferences/Teacher Conference.
Teachers schedule a planned portfolio conference or parent/teacher conference once a year and at other times as needed.
“Habits”
Classroom teachers assess ten Habits: obedience, courtesy, truthfulness, integrity, service, awareness, thinking, excellence, perseverance and leading. These are evaluated on a scale of “rarely,’ “sometimes,” “often,” and “consistently.” Students maybe excluded from special school events such as field trips and assemblies due to their comportment.
Communication to Parents
To serve you, our students and parents, we strive to maintain good communication. The information below outlines our guidelines for communication.
A Monthly Newsletter that gives a brief overview of the material to be covered for the upcoming month, highlights events, special activities, and an occasional human interest story about students.
A Monthly Calendar that dates special days, “major” assignments, tests & quizzes, projects, field trips, interim due dates for long assignments, and other significant events.
An online reporting system where parents may view student's assignments and grades at all times. This may be acccessed at www.jupitergrades.com
A Monday memo sent by email each week by middle school teachers.
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Student Promotion and Retention.
The decision to promote or retain is made carefully. Consideration includes input from educators, parents/guardians, and the student. The final decision rests with the director.
Kindergarten is a readiness time. Retention in kindergarten is based on the developmental level of the child measured by progress reports, screenings, holistic assessments, and/or readiness tests.
Before a second retention in K-5, careful consideration will be given to numerous factors, including chronological age, maturity, self-image, and academic growth. Social promotion and/or transferring of students to another grade should not occur in the primary grades (K-3), except in cases of second-time retention or grossly extenuating circumstances.
By the end of January, the teacher submits to the director an initial list of students whose promotion is in question ,with a brief explanation of the reasons. The director reviews all necessary records and observes the student in the classroom. The director and teacher conference as soon as possible after the director’s visitation. By the middle of March, you will be notified and invited to a conference in the event that retention is a possibility. Teachers file documented records of their efforts to contact and involve parents/guardians.
During the last grading period, grade level conferences will be held to discuss possible retainees. By the end of the eighth school month, a final decision will be made by the director. If the decision is to retain, the school will conference with you prior to the end of the school year.
Promotion/retention of students who transfer during the school year is made after all the student’s records are reviewed.
Your input is valuable when considering promotion and retention, but the director makes the final decision. (G.S. 115-228)
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State Proficiency Guidelines
Students scoring below state proficiency guidelines receive remedial interventions and/or are retained in the same grade. If a student with disabilities is being considered for retention, the director makes the decision in consultation with the Student Services Team. If the student is making satisfactory progress toward the achievement of the educational goals in the IEP, the student is promoted. If the student is retained, the student’s IEP will include a notation indicating the reason for retention and changes in the IEP. [To Top]
Classwork/Assignments
Student work is due on the date assigned. In grades three-five, ten points are deducted per day for late work. In keeping with the Academy's expectations and hopes for all MCA students, all assignments in the Middle School are due on the assigned dates. Should a student hand in an assignment late, he/she will receive a zero. However, shoulda student need an extension, he/she may submit a formal “Due Date Extension Request” to the teacher to whom the assignment is due. That teacher will consider the merit of the request and make a determination. If permission is granted, no points are deducted for a late submission. It is, furthermore, highly recommended that a student make this formal request as soon as he/she anticipates the need for the extra time. This student appeals process is intended to promote personal integrity, including responsibility, time
management, diligence, obedience, attention to detail, courtesy, and excellence in everything.
Family Night
The first Tuesday of each month is designated as a “no homework night,” to provide a margin in families’ lives so that quality time can be spent together.
Parent Involvement
Parents are expected to monitor their child’s progress and make sure that homework is completed and delivered on time. Parents provide a consistent time and place for their child to work on their assignments. This is a place where the child can concentrate, free from unnecessary distractions. Parents should also encourage children to correct their own mistakes. In other words, parents should come along side, leading and encouraging the child to think for him/herself.
Structure
Homework can be hands-on projects, research work, worksheets, etc. Most, if not every, day there will be reading assignments. On the rare occasion when a group project is assigned, special care will be taken to prevent difficulties in transportation and scheduling.
Making Up Homework
Students are expected to have homework completed to the best of their ability and turned in on time. Students are not allowed to call home for forgotten homework. Should a student be out because of illness, the teacher will decide a reasonable time for the
work to be made up.
Ultimately it is the students’ responsibility to secure his/her make-up work from individual teachers. This is particularly true for 4th-8th grade students.
Should a student have an excused absence on the day of an announced test or quiz, the teacher will administer the test or quiz on the day the child returns to class. Pop quizzes or unannounced quizzes will be made up at the discretion of the teacher.
Students absent due to school-related activities (field trips, athletics, robotics, chorus, rehearsals, etc.) must contact each teacher prior to the scheduled event to submit assignments due, schedule make-up tests, and gather any special instructions.
For unexcused absences, a student will complete all missed work and his/her grade will be lowered one letter grade for each day late.
While parents are encouraged to provide enriching experiences for their children, families must weigh the value of taking children out of school. If the child is absent by parental choice for such reasons as vacation or the family’s personal needs, the parents are required to inform the teacher at least three days in advance. The teacher will provide topics and reading assignments that will be covered during the student’s upcoming absence. The teacher is not expected to provide worksheets as a substitute or a detailed lesson plan. The parents are expected to work with their child, so that their child will not be behind when he/she returns.
Should a student be delinquent in completing assignments, the student will complete the homework for the following day, unless this is a repeating pattern of late assignments, in which case the student will do the work during the school day, e.g., during recess or media. Either way the student’s grade will be lowered one letter grade for each day late. [To Top]
Formal assessments
EOG Pretest for Grade 3
NC Writing Assessment for Grade 4
The Cognitive Abilities Test for Grade 3
NWEA MAP© testing for grades 3-8
EOG Test Grades 3, 4, 5
End of Grade (EOG) Testing is one important factor in determining how much a child has progressed during the year. It is imperative that your child be in attendance for the testing in May.
Academic Assistance
Each grade level provides tutorials one day each week immediately after school. Your child’s teacher may contact you or you may contact him/her, if you believe a tutorial would be of value to your child.
Field Trips
Field trips are fundamentally educational and must fit within the stated mission, focus, and curricular goals of the school. They are one form of experiential education. Classes are encouraged to take one field trip per month.
Students are responsible for making up any work missed due to field trips. More specifics are given under “Homework.”
Parents generally bear the costs of field trips. MCA also requires written parental consent for a child to participate.
Safety and decorum is of the utmost concern when off campus! Students are to comport themselves honorably and responsibly. Their behavior and chaperones’ standards should match the high expectations of MCA. Parents that volunteer to drive must follow the established school protocol.
Each school year, parent drivers must sign two forms (“Driver Qualifications for Field Trips” and “Policy Disclosure and Agreement”) and submit a photocopy of their drivers license before transporting students to any destination.
Summer Reading
Reading high quality literature has a high value at MCA. Reading can feed the mind with worthwhile information, encouraging creativity and thinking. Every student is expected to complete the assigned summer reading and to be prepared to work with it, at his/her appropriate grade level, on the first day of school.
College Scholarship
The Millennium Charter Academy College Scholarship, endowed through the Winston-Salem Foundation, Inc., is given annually to that applicant that best exemplifies noteworthy academic success, strong moral character, and a keen sense of community. That student must be currently enrolling- for the first time- in a four-year institution of higher education and have attended MCA in grades six-eight. The MCA Scholarship is
given in order to foster and acknowledge the embodiment of the Academy’s solid commitment to scholarship, character, and community and may be used for all educational costs including tuition, books, student fees and expenses associated with oncampus room and board. After reviewing all applicants, the Scholarship Committee will select those applicants it wishes to proceed to the second and final round, during which
the Scholarship Committee will interview candidates. Contributions to this fund are tax deductible.
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CHARACTER ISSUES
Honor Codes
MCA is built on three pillars, scholarship, character, and community. To promote, instill, and maintain the highest levels of each of these concepts, we have high expectations of all our students. We, therefore, have established an Honor Code for students and a corollary Honor Code for parents. An atmosphere of challenge, love, and respect is essential to reach our goals and sustain our integrity. Every student in grade five and above will
write the honor pledge and sign their names on all tests and assignments submitted for grading. All parents and students are required annually to sign their respective Honor Codes. These are located at the end of this Handbook.
For the benefit of all those associated with MCA, it is everyone’s responsibility to uphold the Honor Code and to report violations. Fulfilling these expectations strengthens the individual character of all those involved, as well as the environment that we all enjoy. Should someone observe a violation, it is appropriate to lovingly speak with the offender, allow him/her to verbally process the incident and suggest that the offender talk with a
teacher, an administrator, or a parent. The ultimate decision of innocence, guilt, discipline, and counsel rests with the school’s Headmaster or his designee.
Expectations & Guidelines for Student Discipline
In general, student discipline is the responsibility of the classroom teacher. Nevertheless, with faculty and staff serving en loco parentis, every member of the faculty and staff shares the responsibility for the nurture and discipline of every student anywhere in the school.
Discipline should be fair, consistent, and administered in love. Teachers will discuss a student’s personal problems privately with the student.
Corporal Punishment
Although Millennium Charter Academy is not opposed to corporal punishment and may encourage parents to spank in certain circumstances, employees of Millennium Education Foundation will not employ corporal punishment. This is left to the discretion of the students’ parents.
Behavior
Behavior is always a reflection of what a child believes about him/herself, others, and life in general. In other words, behavior belies the fundamental nature of a person and is, therefore, a window into the character of an individual. The goal of every instance of discipline is to form within the student solid, moral fiber. According to the mission statement, moral development is one of the three highest goals of Millennium Charter
Academy.
Authority
Standing in the place of parents, teachers tell the students what is expected. These expectations hold true whether or not an adult is with them. With grace and humility, teachers stand confidently in authority and do not expect or accept less than a good attitude and obedience the first time. The children, of course, must understand and be able to comply with the expectations.
To continually reinforce our expectations and habits, MCA employs principle-based strategies drawn from the Time to Teach® program. Once students have been taught and have practiced the expected behaviors, they are then held accountable for those behaviors without repeated warnings from teachers. Students who do not meet an expectation in some way will be asked to Refocus®. Filling out a Refocus® sheet is a non-punitive opportunity for a student to reflect on his/her behavior and make the necessary adjustments. This practice takes a student out of class for just a few moments, after which he or she is invited back into the flow of classroom instruction. The teacher will then decide if further action is warranted. Refocus® sheets are kept by homeroom teachers/advisors, and should a pattern of misbehavior become apparent, parents are contacted. Refocus is intended to eliminate low-level distractions in the classroom, giving teachers more time for instruction. More serious misbehaviors will be addressed differently, as outlined below. In some cases, several steps may be followed simultaneously.
Procedural Steps
1. Ask student to refocus.
2. Talk/ conference with the student, i.e., appeal to his/her conscience through
- encouragement- to inspire and fill with hope and courage,
- correction- remedies something wrong,
- rebuke- censures behavior,
- entreaty- involves, soliciting, urging,
- instruction- the process of providing a lesson, a precept, or information that will help your student understand their world,
- warning- informs of probable danger,
- teaching- process of imparting knowledge
3. Use natural/logical consequence, such as, but not limited to
- removal from the activity
- time in the office
- prohibition from participating in a similar future activity
- fixing up/ cleaning up the physical damage
- completing work at less desirable time (recess, center time, at home)
- stopping the activity
- losing privileges
- asking forgiveness , offering apology (public or private; only as appropriate and truly heartfelt)
- restitution
Note: Teachers will tailor the disciplinary action to the offense and will attempt to be as consistent as possible. Teachers will not use schoolwork as punishment (assigning additional homework, for example). Teachers will not punish the entire class for the actions of a few nor will they use isolation as a punishment.
4. Send note home to parents. If age appropriate, the child writes the note, explaining what he/she did. The note must request a response from the parents.
5. Call home. Should the severity of the issue warrant, this step might supersede a note home.
6. Involve the Headmaster or Dean of Students (middle school). If the severity of the issue warrants, the Headmaster may be involved at the outset of a situation.
In summary, when discipline is necessary
1.Talk/Conference
2.Use natural/logical consequences
3.Record the offense
4.Send note home
5.Call home
6.Involve Headmaster
Suspension
For repeated or serious infractions, the Headmaster may impose an in-school or out-ofschool suspension. The timeframe of the student’s suspension shall be established at the onset of the suspension. A parent may appeal a student’s out of school suspension if made in writing and within twenty-four hours of notice to parent of the suspension. Appeal shall be made to the Headmaster and a meeting scheduled on the next school day. The Headmaster shall consistently enforce school policy and shall have complete discretion to uphold the suspension or, for good cause, defer, or reverse the suspension. For an in-school suspension, the student will be supervised and will complete a “days worth of work.” During the period of an out-of-school suspension, the student must complete all assignments, but does not receive any numeric credit toward his/her academic grade. He/she may not participate in any school related activities during the period of suspension. All suspensions are part of a child’s permanent record.
Rewards
Rewards do not make deep, lasting changes because they are aimed at affecting only what we do. We also believe they typically have adverse affects on fundamental character issues. Because rewards do not promote virtuous, lasting changes in behavior or character, the faculty and staff refrain from using rewards/bribes to manipulate behavior or promote character development. Special treats may be provided as an honest attempt to celebrate a particular milestone or accomplishment by an individual student or a class.
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General Rules of Conduct
Each student has a right to attend public school and must accept the consequences for his/her actions. Each student is responsible for knowing all rules, regulations, and policies which affect him/her. Students share with school personnel the responsibility of maintaining order at school through compliance with all ethical directions of the director, teachers, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, and other personnel authorized to give direction. Students must refrain from:
• disruptive behavior, profanity, open defiance of authority, willful disobedience,
• fighting, stealing, gambling, plagiarizing,
• disrespect shown to any school personnel,
• bringing or possessing any object that has little or no educational pupose and that
may distract from teaching and learning. (All items will be confiscated.)
• damaging or defacing school property,
• eating and drinking in the gymnasium,
• purchasing soft drinks from the drink machine during school hours,
• with the exception of the gym, running inside any school building,
• threats or physical harm to students or staff,
• inappropriate behavior on trips or during school activities, and
• claiming to have possession of a weapon or actual possession of a weapon on school
property
Any violation of these rules could result in suspension from school from one to ten days, depending on the infraction and may require reporting to appropriate law enforcement personnel. The type of punishment is determined by the offense and the past behavior record of the student.
Furthermore, to reinforce responsible behavior, all students are expected to abide by the following:
• Students are not permitted to chew gum on campus.
• Students may not bring toys, CD players, radios, etc. with which to play.
• Students may not gamble on campus or on school-sponsored events.
• Hats are not to be worn inside school buildings.
• Students are expected to be attentive and courteous at all times and use appropriate
manners.
• Students will refrain from entering school utility rooms, staff work rooms, or
lounges.
• Students are not permitted to sell items on school grounds.
• Students are to dress appropriately each day.
• On school sponsored field trips students may be asked to wear specified attire.
• Students should bring specified money for the field trip expenses.
It is the student’s responsibility to follow all school-related rules.
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Student Dress Code
Our dress code establishes an atmosphere of pride and dignity in the school and a seriousness about the important work in which students engage themselves. If your child’s clothing does not adhere to the intent of the dress code, you may be called.
Students may not wear:
* Sunglasses
* Tank Tops
* Muscle Shirts
* Hats (inside the building)
* Pagers
* Cell Phones
* See-through or skin tight clothing
* Facial and/or body ornaments (i.e. tongue rings, eye studs, belly studs, etc.) Girls may wear earrings.
* Symbols that may disrupt the orderly operation of the school and/or activities including racial and gang-related clothing.
* Any article of clothing which advertises alcohol, drugs, sex or which contains inflammatory, vulgar, lewd or suggestive writing, pictures or emblems.
* Any object that is distracting or is capable of being used as a weapon.
Pants/Jeans/Slacks
Pants, jeans, and slacks must be properly fitted, no extremely loose, baggy, or tight fitting pants. Pants are to be worn at the natural waistline. The cuff or end of the pant leg shall be such length that it cannot be walked upon by the wearer, creating a slip and fall hazard.
Skirts/Skorts
Girls may wear skirts mid thigh length or longer. Splits or slits may be no higher than mid thigh, as well.
Shirts and Blouses
Undershirts, customarily worn as undergarments, may not be worn without shirts or blouses. Clothing must not show skin of the mid section during normal activities of the school day. Students may not wear backless or spaghetti strap tops. Girls should not show cleavage.
Shorts
Students in grades K-5 may wear shorts, either athletic or walking-type shorts, such as “cargo,” plaid, khaki, denim, or twill shorts. Students in grades 6-8 may wear the same walking-type shorts; however, middle school students may wear athletic shorts only during a team practice, a physical education class, or an activity period. Regardless of age, shorts should be mid-thigh or longer in length. Cut offs may not be worn.
Undergarments
Items traditionally worn as undergarments, including but not limited to briefs, boxer shorts, undershirts, slips, camisoles, panties, brassieres, and other intimate apparel shall be concealed beneath outerwear and not visible during normal activities of the school day.
Shoes
Shoes designed for laces must have laces and be fully tied. Students must wear tennis
Hair
Hair must be neat, clean, and well groomed.
Electronic Items
All electronic devises, including but not limited to m3p players, cell phone, and pagers
must be out of sight and turned off while at school.shoes on scheduled P.E. day.
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Bomb Threat or Hoax
No student shall communicate or publish in any manner whatsoever any report, threat, or other statement, knowing the same to be false, that presently located or to be placed on any school property is a device designed to cause damage, destruction, or injury by explosion, blasting, or combustion.
No student shall place or display on any school premises with or without the intent of perpetuating a hoax, any device which would appear to a reasonable person to be an explosive device or similar instrument capable of causing injury or damage.
Any such statement or statement will be deemed factual and will constitute a clear and present danger to individuals and property. Law enforcement will be notified immediately and criminal process will be initiated against the persons whether minor or adult, responsible for such conduct. [To Top]
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
No student shall knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any weapon as defined by North Carolina General Statute 14-269.2 or other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument.
The first violation of this policy during a school year by a student may result in a suspension for the student from the Academy for a designated period of time up to and including long-term suspension.
The second violation of this policy during a school year by a student shall result in expulsion from the Academy for the remainder of the school year.
If the first violation of this policy involves the possession of a pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, handgun, a facsimile of any gun, any other firearm, or an explosive device, the student shall receive a long-term suspension from the Academy for one year. An official complaint will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency. However, the Headmaster may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Parents are reminded that North Carolina G.S. 14-269.2 amended by Chapter 558 (H 1008) in 1993, makes it a Class I felony, or a misdemeanor under some circumstances, for any person to possess or carry a firearm or explosive onto educational property. That includes a hunting rifle in a vehicle. It is a misdemeanor for any person to possess orcarry on school grounds any BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger,
slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razor and razor blades, and any sharp-pointed or edged instrument, except instructional supplies.
“Educational property” includes any public school building; any property owned, used, or operated by Millennium Charter Academy.
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Prohibited Substances
The possession, use, sale, exchange, or distribution of any prohibited substance on educational property will not be tolerated. “Prohibited Substances” include, but are not limited to, the following: tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and controlled substances, medicines for which your child does not have a valid prescription, and any substance which reasonably appears to be a counterfeit or facsimile of any prohibited substance. “Possession” includes in a locker, book-bag, desk, vehicle, or on a student’s person at school or any school-related activity.
The first violation of this policy during a school year will result in notification of parents/guardians and the appropriate law enforcement agency; out-of-school suspension of at least five days. The student and parent will be required to obtain an alcohol and drug assessment provided by Surry-Yadkin Mental Health or similar agency and comply with a specific number of treatments or educational sessions; and the student may be prosecuted under applicable juvenile or criminal law.
The second violation of this policy during a school year will involve the same notification of parent/guardians and the appropriate law enforcement agency; the student will be suspended out-of-school for ten days and a recommendation will be made that the student be suspended for the remainder of the school year, the student may be prosecuted under the applicable juvenile or criminal law; and the student will be encouraged to seek substance abuse treatment services. [To Top]
APPENDIX
Tips for Good Study Habits
1) Keep an assignment notebook. List the assignment, when it’s due, and estimate how long it will take to do. Tip: Don’t leave assignments until the last minute.
2) Make a place to study. Face away from distractions like windows or televisions. Keep regular study hours. Have good light, a comfortable place to sit, and a place to write, and have what you need to work right there.
3) Develop your skills. Read your directions carefully. Learn how to take notes, use the media center at school for resources you need, and learn how to write papers and take tests. Your teachers will help you. Review and practice are important.
4) Stay well. Every day get plenty of sleep, exercise, take time to have fun, and eat good, nutritious meals. Make sure you can see well, so get your eyes checked.
Reading Tips
Reading is a joy and a key to success. We use it not only at school, but at work, at home, while we shop and go from place to place. It is one of the best ways to gain information or develop new ideas. Children become better readers when they read with a parent.
How can you help your children become interested in reading and enjoy doing it? Here are some suggestions:
* Give books as gifts. Show them you think books are important.
* Set an example. Your children will model what you do. Read!
* Show your children everyday examples of why reading is important. Look up names in the phone book, read traffic signs, follow recipes, or read maps and the newspaper. Ask them for reading help sometimes, too, so they can practice their skills.
* Limit TV time very day.
* Set aside time when your whole family reads.
* Read aloud to your children. For new readers, point to words as you read. Choose books you’ll both enjoy.
* Because most children are proud of their reading skills, have them read to you. Don’t focus on mistakes and offer lots of praise.
* Encourage your child to keep learning new words. Set a goal of one new word a day. Make flash cards with new or “difficult” words for your children and make it a game.
* Make regular visits to the libraries in your area. Check out books for yourself while you’re there.
* Reading is a skill which gets better with practice.
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