Millennium Charter Academy - Family Handbook

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        Glenn Pfitzner
David Hiatt               Todd Surratt
Greg Marshall          Ed Woltz
Sandra Moore         Bob Worth

HEADMASTER
Kirby R. McCrary

OFFICE MANAGER
Beverly W. Jones

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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.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 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.
Students should leave the campus upon school dismissal unless they are participating in a school activity. 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 8:10 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, 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 lunch. 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. There are no required fees at Millennium Charter Academy. Students may 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 which 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]

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 after the first evaluating period.

“Habits”
Classroom teachers assess eight habits, four “Moral/Social Habits,” which are obedience, courtesy, truthfulness, and responsibility and four “Mental/Intellectual Habits,” which are attention, thinking, diligence, and excellence. 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. [To Top]

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.

Bi-Weekly Progress Reports that note academic growth and personal growth (social, emotional, and moral development). [To Top]

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]

Homework

Purpose
At Millennium Charter Academy we use homework to reinforce class work, practice skills introduced during the day, provide opportunities to problem solve, encourage creativity, and expound on topics already covered in the classroom. Homework also helps develop independent study habits and a sense of personal responsibility. Practice in reading develops fluency, comprehension, and increased content knowledge. It also has a positive impact on writing skills. Homework should always be clearly understood and have sufficient directions during class. Homework time is not viewed as an extension of school hours, but rather the opportunity for purpose-driven assignments, which cannot be reasonably completed during regular school hours. Most often, homework is the child’s work; however, it occasionally provides the vehicle through which families are involved in a joint venture.

Quantity
Believing that an essential part of growing up requires that children have time with their families and time to engage in non-academic activities, we endeavor to maintain high time on task here at school and then to send students home with minimal work. Because each student requires varying amounts of time for any given assignment, the following is only a general guideline.

Grade LevelsAmount of time per day
Kindergarten   0 - 15 minutes
                1, 2 0 - 30 minutes
                3, 4 0 - 45 minutes
                5, 6 0 - 60 minutes
                7, 8 0 - 2 hours

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.

At the same time 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
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills for Grades K-5
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.
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CHARACTER ISSUES

Behavior and Discipline
In general, student discipline is the responsibility of the classroom teacher. Nevertheless, every member of the faculty and staff shares the responsibility for our children’s nurture and discipline anywhere in the school. Parents are ultimately responsible for their own child’s care and discipline. Furthermore, students are accountable for their own behavior. 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 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.

Expectations
The school expects a high standard of behavior from all our students. Specifically, we expect students
* to obey promptly, cheerfully the first time
* to manifest good habits (such as obedience, courtesy, truthfulness, responsibility, attention, thinking, diligence, and excellence)
* to stay on task
* to be polite and mannerly, respecting others, and
* to do their best

Procedural Steps
1Talk/ 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

2.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. 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.

3.Record the offense. This is intended to point out patterns, clearly articulate the offense, and bring the student to acknowledge his/her error. The logbook is not punitive, in and of itself.
·Grades 3-5: Student signs the logbook, recording the date and the offense.
·Grades K-2: Teacher makes entry in non-public log that will be shared with the student in a private conversation.

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 may supercede a note home.

6.Involve the director. If the severity of the issue warrants, the director may be involved at the outset of a situation. For consistency, should the director conference with the student, remain with the child.

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 Director

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 refrains 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 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:
1) Disruptive behavior, profanity, open defiance of authority, willful disobedience.
2) Fighting, stealing, gambling.
3) Disrespect shown to any school personnel.
4) Damaging or defacing school property.
5) Eating and drinking in the gymnasium.
6) Purchasing soft drinks from the drink machine during school hours.
7) With the exception of the gym, running inside any school building.
8) Threats or physical harm to students or staff.
9) Inappropriate behavior on trips or during school activities.

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:
1) Students are not permitted to chew gum or bring toys or radios, etc. with which to play.
2) Hats are not be worn inside school buildings.
3) Students are expected to be attentive and courteous at all times and use appropriate manners.
4) Students will refrain from entering school utility rooms, staff work rooms, or lounges.
5) Students are not permitted to sell items on school grounds.
6) Students are to dress appropriately each day.
7) On school sponsored field trips students may be asked to wear specified attire.
8) 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 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.
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.
Shorts: Tailored shorts should be near mid-thigh length. Cut offs may not be worn.
Undergarments: Items traditionally worn as undergarments, including but not limited to briefs, boxer shorts, 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 should wear tennis shoes on scheduled P.E. day.
Hair: Hair must be neat, clean and well groomed.
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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, hand gun, 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 director 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 or carry 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 what, 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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