2017-2018

3824 AUSTIN PEAY HIGHWAY

MEMPHIS, TN 38128

PHONE: 901-800-1209

FAX: 888-627-6081

www.gtwacademy.com

“All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.”

Martin H. Fish

 

TableofContents  

WelcometoourFamily

MessagefromthePrincipal

Vision,Mission&GTWPledge

VisitorPolicy

MasterSchoolCalendar

CurricularOverview

AttendancePolicy/WithdrawalPolicy

GradingPolicy

Promotion,RetentionPolicy

CodeofConduct

BullyingPolicy

CellPhonePolicy

UniformPolicy

PhysicalEducationProcedures

FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct

SchoolSurveys

Family/StudentCommitment

StudentAccessRelease&AuthorizationForm

Email&InternetAcceptableUseAgreement/GTWNetworkRules

GTWQuestionsandAnswers

AcknowledgementofReceiptofFamilyHandbook

 

WelcometoOurFamily  

DearStudents,ParentsandGuardians:  

GranvilleT.WoodsAcademyofInnovationopeneditsdoorsforthefirsttimetoourparents,studentsandcommunitywiththeexpectationandchallengetosuccessfullyeducateallwhoenter.AtGTWwewantallstudentstoreachtheirpotentialandtheirgoalincollegeortheircareer.Webelieveina“GrowthMindset”,thatallstudentscanlearnanddevelopapositiveattitudetowardlearninganything.Itmeansthe“NotYetorYesYet”attitudeistheonlywaytogrow.  

Weneedyourinvolvementintheprogramsandactivitiesthatsupportyourchild’seducation.Accordingly,wewillprovideyouwithvaluableinformationandtrainingtoassistyouthroughouttheschoolyear.PleasereadthisGTWFamilyHandbookandbecomefamiliarwithGTW’spoliciesandprocedures.Discusswithyourchildtheimportanceofgrades,doinghomework,reading,attendingschoolontime,beingpreparedandproperlydressedinuniformeveryday.  

OurfocusonSTEM(Science,Technology,EngineeringandMath)promoteshighexpectationsforallstudentstousehigherorderthinkingskills,problembasedlearningandself‐regulationastheyintegrateSTEMactivitiesinallcontentareas.ThisyearwillbethefirstyearforTNReady,implementingthenewstatestandardsandcomputerbasedassessment.WemusthaveYOUtomakeitallhappen.IencourageyoutobeactiveandstayinformedaswecommunicateregularlyviaourParentPortalandemails. Bienvenidos,andwelcometoa21stCenturyeducationalenvironmentwhereour“Innovators”aremotivatedtoachieve.  

TheGTWAdministrativeTeam 

EffieJenkins‐SmithChiefAcademicOfficer

 

MessageFromthePrincipal

AsIbeginthisschoolyearasPrincipalofGranvilleT.WoodsAcademyofInnovation,Iamenergizedanddeeplycommittedtomakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesofyourchildren.GTWstrivestoprovideforahighlyeffective,engaging,anddifferentiatededucationtoeverysinglestudent.Webelieveinteachingstudentstheacademiccontentthattheywillneedtobesuccessfulonstateassessments,however,thatisjustonesmallpieceoftheteachingandlearningpuzzle.GTWInnovatorsareexpectedtocontinuetoshowgrowthsociallyandemotionallyaswellasdemonstratinggrowthintheiracademiclives.Asstudentsprogressthroughthegradelevelstheyareexpectedtotakeonmoreandmoreoftheresponsibilityfortheirlearning.Webelievethatthissetsthefoundationforourstudentstogoonandbecomeexcellentmiddle,highschool,andcollegestudents,andeventuallyproductive,responsiblecitizensinwhathasbecomeaglobalizedworldeconomy.Theworldthatourstudentsaregrowingupinisfundamentallydifferentthanwhatweknewaschildren.Becauseoftherapidevolutionofthetechnologythatourstudentsknowanddependon,wearebeginningtoknowaworldthattrulyhasnoborders.ItisforthisworldthatwestrivetoprepareourstudentsthroughourSTEMcurriculum.Itiswiththisinmindthatwesetouttobeginbuildingthattypeofstudentthroughhighlyeffectivetargetedinstruction.Thisissomethingthatwetakeveryseriously,andisataskthatcannotbedonealone.Youhaveprobablyheardthesaying,"Ittakesavillagetoraiseachild."Thisisastruenowasithaseverbeen.Parentandcommunityinvolvementinourschoolsisvitaltooursuccess.Pleasestopinregularly.Contactyourchild’steacher.Seeiftherearewaysthatyoucangetinvolvedinhisorherclassroomortheschoolasawhole.Wewelcomeyou,andweneedyou.Everyonebenefitsfromtheinvolvementofparentsandcommunitymembers.Finally,weareoftenasked,"WhatcanIdothatwillbeofthegreatestbenefittomychild?"Theanswertothatis:Sitdowntogether,andreadwithyourchildreneverysinglenight.Manygreatthingswillcomefromthoseexperiences.Ilookforwardtoworkingwithyouandyourchildorchildrenanddoinggreatthings.

WayneO.Woodard, Principal

 

VisionStatement  

“Tocreate,enhanceandsustainopportunitiesforthechildrenandfamiliesofMemphisthroughthecollaborativedesign,implementation,andintegrationofqualityeducationalexperiences,careerawarenessandsupportservicesthatleadtoacademicsuccess,familypreservation,andcommunityprosperity.” 

MissionStatement 

● Memphisstudentsdeveloptheknowledgeandskillstopursuepost‐secondaryeducationandenterSTEMcareers. 

● Anenvironmentwhereallmembersoftheeducationalcommunityarecommittedtocontinuousgrowthanddevelopmenttowardhighacademicstandardsisfostered. 

● Allcommunitystakeholdersaregiventheopportunitytobecomepartnersinbuildingapositive,collaborativeandnurturingeducationalenterprisethatisengrainedinthecommunityhopesanddreamsforchildandyouthdevelopment. 

Goal1:Toensuresuccessforeverystudent  

Goal2:Todeliveraneffectiveinstructionalprogram  

Goal3:Tobuildanurturingworkenvironmentinaself‐renewing organizationAllstudentswillstandforthe“PledgeofAllegiance”andthe”GTWPledge”.Theymayoptoutoftherecitation;howevertheymuststand.

GTWSchoolPledge

“AtGranvilleT.WoodsAcademyofInnovation,weputforthourbestefforts,embracechallengesandnevergiveup!Weareincontrolofourselves.Today,wearereadytoGrow,TrustandWorkHard!”

 

GTWVisitorPolicy  

AllvisitorsmustreporttotheReceptionDesktoconductanyschoolbusiness.Exceptonoccasionssuchasschoolprograms,openhouse,orgradelevelpresentationsandsimilareventsatwhichthegeneralpublicisinvited,allpersonswiththeexceptionofschoolpersonnelandstudentsenteringthebuildingsorschoolgroundsatwhichtheyareenrolledareprohibitedfromenteringtheschoolorgroundsunlesstheyhavefirstreportedtothereceptiondeskandhavebeengrantedpermissiontoentertheschoolpremises.Theywillbeissuedapasstovisitotherareasoftheschool.Theprincipalorhis/herdesigneehastheauthoritytoexcludefromtheschoolpremisesanypersonsdisruptingtheeducationalprogramsintheclassroomorintheschooldisruptingthestafforstudentsonthepremises,orthepremisesforthepurposeofcommittinganillegalact.  

 

GRANVILLE T. WOODS ACADEMY OF INNOVATION 

Master School Calendar 

       Note:  Please see current school calendar on our website. 

 

CurricularOverview

TheacademicfocusforourschoolisScience,Technology,EngineeringandMathematics(STEM)disciplines,astheschoolwillchannelitsresourcesandprioritiestowardpreparingstudentsthathavethemotivationandacademiccompetenciesforthrivinginthesedisciplines.GTWwillintegratethesedisciplinesusingappliedlearningthroughacurriculumthatintegratesSTEMwithproblembasedlearning.TheschoolisnamedforGranvilleT.Woodswhoisknownasthe“BlackEdison.GranvilleT.Woodsinventedmorethanadozendevicestoimproveelectricrailwaycarsandmanymoreforcontrollingtheflowofelectricity.Hismostnotedinventionwasasystemforlettingtheengineerofatrainknowhowclosehistrainwastoothers.HisinnovativespiritandsuccessasaninventorandhisplaceinhistoryasoneofthefirstAfricanAmericanengineersintheUnitedStatesembodiesthehopeforourstudents‐childrentobecomegreatthinkers,innovators,andproblemsolvers,andcontributorstofindingsolutionstooursocietalproblems.

 

Attendance

Researchprovidesevidencethatscholarswithgoodattendancealsoperformwellinschool.Goodattendancealsoincludespunctuality.Studentsshouldbepresentandpreparedforlearningeachday.Ascholar’sabsencemaybeexcusedforthefollowingreasons:

1. Personalillnessofstudent2. Deathorseriousillnessintheimmediatefamily3. Recognizedreligiousholidays4. Subpoenaforcourtappearance5. Approvedschoolsponsoredactivities6.

Awrittennoticeexplainingtheabsenceisrequiredwhenastudentreturnstoschool.

DaysAbsent ResponseandAction2+absences Awrittenletterbyparentorguardian3+absencesconsecutive

Anofficialdoctor’snotice

5+absences Anofficialdoctor’snoticeandmeetingwithadministration.10+absences Anofficialdoctor’snotice,meetingwithadministration,andtruancy

reportsenttoauthorities.PossibleremovalfromGTW.20+absences RemovalfromGTWschool

 

UnexcusedAbsenceProcedures&LawEnforcement

Ifastudentisabsentwithoutanexcuse,theschoolwillattempttocommunicatewithparentsviaphoneandinwritingtoascertainthereasonsanddevelopaplantoensurestudentattendance.Ataminimum,thefollowingattendanceproceduresshallbeimplementeduponthefifth(5th)unexcusedabsence:

1. Formalwrittencommunicationfromtheschooltoparents/guardiansinformingthemoftheirnoncompliancewithcompulsoryattendancelaws,theconsequencesforfailingtocomply,andarequesttoparticipateinaschool‐levelmeetingtodevelopaplantosupportthestudent’sregularattendance.Theplanshallbesignedbythestudent,parent/guardianandprincipalandmaintainedonfile.

2. Thestudent’struancywillbereportedtotheTNDepartmentofEducationviatheschool’sweeklyEIStransmissiononstudentattendance,includingtherequiredtransmissiononstudenttruancythatexceedsfiveunexcusedabsences.

3. Allotherformsofcommunicationfromtheschooltoparents/guardiansregardingstudenttruancymaybeconveyedintheform(s)thatbestmeetstudentandschoolneeds.Documentationofcommunicationattemptsandoutcomesmustbekeptin

 

thestudent’sfile,accessiblebyauthorizeddistrict,state,communityagencyandlawenforcementofficials,uponrequest.

GTWwillalsoinformtheparent/guardianthatiftheparentfailstotakeappropriateactionwithinthree(3)daysofnoticeofnoncompliance,theCourt,DistrictAttorneyGeneral’sOffice,and/orDepartmentofChildren’sServicesmaybenotifiedforappropriatelegalaction,andthestudentmaybewithdrawnfromschool.Thedistrictrequiresthatparentsbenotifiedthatanystudentwhoaccumulatesfive(5)ormoredaysofunexcusedabsenceswithinaschoolyearmay,iftheparentfailstotakeappropriateactionwithinthree(3)daysofnoticeofnoncompliance,bereferredtooneofthegovernmentalentitiesjustmentionedforappropriatelegalaction.However,everyattemptshallbemadetointervenetosupportstudentsandmembersoftheIEPteamshallreviewallrelevantinformationtodetermine:

a.iftheconductwasadirectresultofthedistrict’sfailuretoimplementtheIEP;and/or

b.iftheconductinquestionwascausedby,orhadadirectandsubstantialrelationshipto,

thechild’sdisability.

Serioussafetyissuesinvolvingweapons,drugs,orinflictingseriousbodilyinjuryupon

anotherpersonwhileatschool,onschoolpremises,orataschoolfunctionwillresultin

removalforuptoforty‐fiveschooldays.Incasesofexpulsions(suspensionslongerthan10

days),thechildmustcontinuetoreceiveeducationalservices.Regulareducationstudents

mayinvokerightsunderspecialeducationlawsundercertainconditions,includingifthe

parenthasexpressedconcerninwritingtosupervisoryoradministrativepersonnelofthe

district,orthechild’steacher,thatthechildisinneedofspecialeducationandrelated

services.TheschooldistrictmustalsocontacttheEducationSpecialistattheDepartmentof

Children’sServicesifafosterchild(withorwithoutanidentifieddisability)hasallegedly

committedanoffensethatmayresultinasuspensionof10ormoredaysorhashada

petitionfiledagainsthim/herbytheschool.

StudentCodeofConduct(OffensesandPenaltiesbyCategory)

InfractionsofGranvilleT.WoodsAcademyofInnovationcodesofdisciplinelistedbelowaregroupedinto6categories,accordingtotheseriousnessoftheoffense.Thislistisnotintendedtobeexclusiveorallinclusive.

 

Forinfractionsnotspecificallylistedbelow,schoolprincipalsshallassigndisciplineinaccordancewiththecategorythatappearstobecomparabletotheoffensesspecificallylistedinthecategory.CategoryA–StateZeroToleranceOffenses1.AggravatedAssaultresultinginseriousbodilyinjuryuponanyteacher,principal,administrator,schoolresourceofficer,oranyotherschoolemployee;2.Unlawfulpossession,sale,orevidenceofuseofdrugs/narcoticsatschoolorataschool‐sponsoredactivity;3.Unauthorizedpossessionofafirearmonschoolpropertyorataschoolsponsoredactivity.PenaltyforCategoryAOffensesExpulsion/Suspensionfor180daysNotificationwillbemadetolawenforcementauthorities.aAnymodificationofthispenaltycanonlybemadebytheSuperintendent.CategoryB1.Possessionofaknifeoranypotentiallylethalweapon,taser,orexplosiveonschoolpropertyorataschool‐sponsoredactivity;2.Evidenceofdrinkingorpossessionofalcoholicbeveragesinschoolorataschoolsponsoredactivity;3.Off‐campuscriminalbehaviorresultinginafelonycharge,whenthebehaviorposesadangertopersonsorpropertyordisruptstheeducationalprocess;4.Gangactivities‐Activitythatisthreateningand/orintimidating,harassinginnatureorrecruiting;gangnotebookswithgangpledges,codesandsymbolsthatareusedincommunicationsuchasthreatsandwarningsandrecruiting;gangrelatedfights,andalltypesofviolentacts;ganggraffitiespeciallydrawnonschoolproperty(bathrooms,lockersandhallwalls);electronicdevicessuchascellphoneswithrecognizedgangtext,withgangsymbols,signsandlanguagethatisthreateningand/orintimidating;5.Evidenceofuseorpossessionofdrugparaphernalia,substancesforhuffing,anysubstanceunderguiseofitbeingacontrolledsubstanceorprescriptiondrug,and/ormedicalpreparationswithoutpropermedicalauthorization.6.Possession,useordistributionofcounterfeitmoneyonschoolpropertyoratanyschoolsponsoredactivity.7.Assaultuponanystudent,teacher,principal,administrator,schoolresourceofficer,oranyotherschoolemployee.8.Continuousand/orsevereCategoryCOffensesPenaltyforCategoryBOffensesOutof‐SchoolSuspensionorExpulsion(11‐180day)Whenappropriate,notificationwillbemadetolawenforcementauthorities.ModificationofthispenaltycanbemadebytheExecutiveDirectorortheDisciplinaryHearingAuthority.CategoryC1.Threateningbodilyharmtoschoolpersonnel,includingtransmittingbyanelectronic

 

deviceanycommunicationcontainingacrediblethreattocausebodilyinjuryordeathtoaschoolemployeeandthetransmissionofsuchthreatcreatesactualdisruptiveactivityattheschoolthatrequiresadministrativeintervention;2.Makingathreat,includingafalsereport,touseabomb,dynamite,anyotherdeadlyexplosiveordestructivedevice,includingchemicalweapons,onschoolpropertyorataschool‐sponsoredevent;3.Smokingand/orthepossessionoftobaccoproductsbystudentswhileinoronschool,propertiesorunderschool’sjurisdictionduringschoolhoursorwhileparticipatinginaschool‐sponsoredevent;4.Gangactivities‐anygangrelatedactivitynotspecifiedinCategoryB;5.One(1)ormorestudentsinitiatingaphysicalattackoranindividualstudentonschoolpropertyorataschool‐sponsoredactivity;6.Maliciousdestructionofordamagetoschoolproperty,includingelectronicmedia,orthepropertyofanypersonattendingorassignedtotheschool;7.Stealingormisappropriationofschoolorpersonalproperty(regardlessofintenttoreturn);8.Immoralordisreputableconduct;9.Continuousand/orsevereCategoryDOffensesPenaltyforCategoryCOffensesIn‐SchoolSuspensionorOut‐ofSchoolSuspensionWhenappropriate,notificationwillbemadetolawenforcementauthoritiesCategoryD1.Openorcontinueddefiantattitudeorwillfuldisobediencetowardamemberofschoolstaff;2.Vulgar,profane,immoral/disreputableorruderemarksornon‐verbalactiontostaffmemberorfellowstudent;3.Physicalorverbalintimidationorthreatstootherstudents,includinghazing;4.Threateningbodilyharmtoanotherstudent,includingtransmittingbyanelectronicdeviceanycommunicationcontainingacrediblethreattocausebodilyinjuryor8deathtoastudentandthetransmissionofsuchthreatcreatesactualdisruptiveactivityattheschoolthatrequiresadministrativeintervention;5.Fightinginoronschoolpropertyunless,inaccordancewithstatelaw,theprincipalrecommendsnodisciplinaryactionforastudentwhoisdeemedtohaveactedinself‐defenseordefenseofanother;6.Possessionofmaceordisablingsprays;7.Inappropriateuseofelectronicmedia,including,butnotlimitedto,allcalls(landline,cellularorcomputergenerated),instantmessaging,textmessaging,audiorecordingdevices,IPods,MP3soranytypeofelectronicmusicorentertainmentdevice,andcamerasandcameraphones;8.Sexual,racial,ethnic,orreligiousharassment/discrimination;9.Bullying,intimidation,andharassment10.Refusaltoproduceanobjectidentifiedbymetaldetectors;11.Inciting,advisingorcounselingofotherstoengageinanyactsinCategoriesA,B,orC12.Continuousand/orsevereCategoryEOffenses

 

PenaltyforCategoryDOffensesParent‐PrincipalConference,Before/AfterSchoolDetention/SaturdaySchool,In‐SchoolSuspension,orOut‐ofSchoolSuspension.CategoryE1.Habitualand/orexcessivetardiness;2.Classcutting;3.Intentionaldisturbanceofclass,cafeteriaorschoolactivities;4.Leavingschoolgroundswithoutpermission;5.Beinginanunauthorizedareawithpermission;6.Tamperingwithgradesorreportcards;7.Possessionoflightersormatches;8.Unauthorizeduseofbeepers,cellularphonesorotherelectroniccommunicationdevicesduringschoolhours.9.Inciting,advisingorcounselingotherstoengageinanyactsinCategoryD;10.Dresscodeviolation,includingwearing,whileonschoolgroundsduringtheregularschoolday,clothingthatexposesunderwearorbodypartsinanindecentmannerthatdisruptsthelearningenvironment.PenaltyforCategoryEOffensesParent‐PrincipalConference,Before/AfterSchoolDetention/SaturdaySchool,orIn‐SchoolSuspensionADDITIONALGUIDELINES1.Astudentshallnotbesuspendedsolelybecausechargesarependingagainsthim/herinjuvenileorothercourt.2.Aprincipalshallnotimposesuccessiveshorttermsuspensionsthatcumulativelyexceedten(10)daysforthesameoffense.3.Ateacherorotherschoolofficialshallnotreduceorauthorizethereductionofastudent’sgradebecauseofdisciplineproblemsexceptindeportmentorcitizenship.school‐sponsoredevent;

Bullying,Cyber‐Bullying,StudentDiscrimination,Harassment,andIntimidation

GranvilleT.WoodsSTEMAcademyhasdeterminedthatasafe,civilandsupportiveenvironmentinschoolisnecessaryforstudentstolearnandachievehighacademicstandards.Inordertomaintainthatenvironment,actsofbullying,cyber‐bullying,

 

discrimination,harassment,hazingoranyothervictimizationofstudents,basedonanyactualorperceivedtraitsorcharacteristics,areprohibited.Thispolicyshallbedisseminatedannuallytoallschoolstaff,students,andparents.Thispolicyshallcoveremployees,employees'behaviors,studentsandstudents'behaviorswhileonschoolproperty,atanyschool‐sponsoredactivity,onschool‐providedequipmentortransportation,oratanyofficialschoolbusstop.Iftheacttakesplaceoffschoolpropertyoroutsideofaschool‐sponsoredactivity,thispolicyisineffectiftheconductisdirectedspecificallyatastudentorstudentsandhastheeffectofcreatingahostileeducationalenvironmentorotherwisecreatingasubstantialdisruptiontotheeducationenvironmentorlearningprocess.Buildingadministratorsareresponsibleforeducatingandtrainingtheirrespectivestaffandstudentsastothedefinitionandrecognitionofdiscrimination/harassment.DEFINITIONSBullying/Intimidation/Harassment‐Anactthatsubstantiallyinterfereswithastudent’seducationalbenefits,opportunities,orperformance,andtheacthastheeffectof:1.Physicallyharmingastudentordamagingastudent’sproperty;2.Knowinglyplacingastudentorstudentsinreasonablefearofphysicalharmtothestudentordamagetothestudent’sproperty;3.Causingemotionaldistresstoastudentorstudents;or4.Creatingahostileeducationalenvironment.Bullying,intimidation,orharassmentmayalsobeunwelcomeconductbasedonaprotectedclass(race,nationality,origin,color,gender,age,disability,religion)thatissevere,pervasive,orpersistentandcreatesahostileenvironment.Cyber‐bullying‐Aformofbullyingundertakenthroughtheuseofelectronicdevices.Electronicdevicesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,telephones,cellularphonesorotherwirelesstelecommunicationdevices,textmessaging,emails,socialnetworkingsites,instantmessaging,videos,web‐sitesorfakeprofiles.Hazing‐Anintentionalorrecklessactbyastudentorgroupofstudentsthatisdirectedagainstanyotherstudent(s)thatendangersthementalorphysicalhealthorsafetyofthestudent(s)orthatinducesorcoercesastudenttoendangerhis/hermentalorphysicalhealthorsafety.Coachesandotheremployeesoftheschooldistrictshallnotencourage,permit,condoneortoleratehazingactivities.“Hazing”doesnotincludecustomaryathleticeventsorsimilarcontestorcompetitionsandislimitedtothoseactionstakenandsituationscreatedinconnectionwithinitiationintooraffiliationwithanyorganization.COMPLAINTSANDINVESTIGATIONS:Allegedvictimsoftheabove‐referencedoffensesshallreporttheseincidentsimmediatelytoateacher,counselororbuildingadministrator.Allschoolemployeesarerequiredtoreportallegedviolationsofthispolicytotheprincipal/designee.Allothermembersoftheschoolcommunity,includingstudents,parents,volunteers,andvisitors,areencouragedtoreportanyactthatmaybeaviolationofthispolicy.Whilereportsmaybemadeanonymously,anindividual'sneedforconfidentialitymustbebalancedwithobligationsto

 

cooperatewithpoliceinvestigationsorlegalproceedings,toprovidedueprocesstotheaccused,toconductathoroughinvestigationortotakenecessaryactionstoresolveacomplaint,andtheidentityofpartiesandwitnessesmaybedisclosedinappropriatecircumstancestoindividualswithaneedtoknow.Theprincipal/designeeateachschoolshallberesponsibleforinvestigatingandresolvingcomplaints.Theprincipal/designeeisresponsiblefordeterminingwhetheranallegedactconstitutesaviolationofthispolicy,andsuchactshallbeheldtoviolatethispolicy whenitmeetsoneofthefollowingconditions:1.Itplacesthestudentinreasonablefearorharmforthestudent’spersonorproperty;2.Ithasasubstantiallydetrimentaleffectonthestudent’sphysicalormentalhealth;3.Ithastheeffectofsubstantiallyinterferingwiththestudent’sacademicperformance;or4.Ithastheeffectofsubstantiallyinterferingwiththestudent’sabilitytoparticipateinorbenefitfromtheservices,activities,orprivilegesprovidedbyaschool.Uponthedeterminationofaviolation,theprincipal/designeeshallconductaprompt,thorough,andcompleteinvestigationofeachallegedincident.Withintheparameters31ofthefederalFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)at20U.S.C.§1232g,awrittenreportontheinvestigationwillbedeliveredtotheparentsofthecomplainant,parentsoftheaccusedstudentsandtotheExecutiveDirectorRESPONSEANDPREVENTIONSchooladministratorsshallconsiderthenatureandcircumstancesoftheincident,theageoftheviolator,thedegreeofharm,previousincidenceorpatternsofbehavior,oranyotherfactors,asappropriatetoproperlyrespondtoeachsituation.Asubstantiatedchargeagainstanemployeeshallresultindisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingtermination.Asubstantiatedchargeagainstastudentmayresultincorrectiveordisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingsuspension.AnemployeedisciplinedforviolationofthispolicymayappealthedecisionbycontactingtheExecutiveDirector.Anystudentdisciplinedforviolationofthispolicymayappealthedecisioninaccordancewithdisciplinarypolicies6andprocedures.REPORTSWhenacomplaintisfiledallegingaviolationofthispolicywherethereisphysicalharmorthethreatofphysicalharmtoastudentorastudent'sproperty,theprincipal/designeeofeachschool,shallreportthefindingsandanydisciplinaryactionstakentotheExecutiveDirectorandtheBoardChairman.ByJuly1ofeachyear,theExecutiveDirectororhis/herdesigneeshallprepareareportofallofthebullyingcasesbroughttotheattentionofschoolofficialsduringtheprioracademicyear.Thereportshallalsoindicatehowthecaseswereresolvedand/orthereasonstheyarestillpending.ThisreportshallbepresentedtotheBoardatitsregularJulymeeting,anditshallbesubmittedtotheStateDepartmentofEducationbyAugust1.RETALIATIONANDFALSEACCUSATIONSRetaliationagainstanypersonwhoreportsorassistsinanyinvestigationofanactallegedinthispolicyisprohibited.Theconsequencesandappropriateremedialactionforaperson

 

whoengagesinretaliationshallbedeterminedbytheadministratorafterconsiderationofthenature,severity,andcircumstancesoftheact.Falseaccusationsaccusinganotherpersonofhavingcommittedanactprohibitedunderthispolicyareprohibited.Theconsequencesandappropriateremedialactionforapersonfoundtohavefalselyaccusedanothermayrangefrompositivebehavioralinterventionsuptoandincludingsuspensionandexpulsion.

CellPhones/PersonalCellPhones/Personal

CommunicationsDevices Theincreaseinuseofcellphonesandpersonalcommunicationdevicesbystudentsduringtheschooldayhasbecomefarmorethanadistractionintheschoolenvironment.Thesedevicesarebeingusedbystudentsasameansofcheatingontests,takinginappropriatepicturesandvideoofstudentsandstaffforsharingandpostingacrosstheinternet,threateningand/orbullyingotherstudents,andengaginginanexcessiveamountofsocialinteractionduringinstructionaltime.Therefore,allstudentsarebannedfrompossessinganytypeofphoneorpersonalcommunicationdeviceforuseatanytimeduringtheregularschoolday.Forthepurposeofthispolicy,possessionmeansbeingfoundinanyarticleofclothing,purse,bookbag,carrybag,orinanylocationonschoolproperty.Forthepurposeofthispolicytheschooldayincludestheentiredayfromtheschoolstarttimeuntilthefinaldismissaltimeoftheschoolday.Ifacellphoneisdeemedanecessityforthepurposeofafterschooluse,allcellphonesordevicesmustbeturnedintoGTWStaffuponarrivaltotheschool.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttoturninthephonetostaff.Thephonewillbereturnedtothestudentattheconclusionoftheschoolday.Electronicdevicesmaybedefinedasaninstrumentordeviceusedforthepurposeofpersonalentertainment.Electronicdevicesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:DVDPlayers,MP3Players,IPODS,CDPlayers,GameBoys,etc.Allcellphoneorelectronicdevicesnotturnedintotheappropriateschoolofficialandfoundoncampuswillbeconfiscatedandwillnotbereturnedearlierthan1monthafterthedateitisconfiscatedforafirstoffense.Asecondoffensewillresultinthephonenotbeingreturneduntiltheendofthesemester.NOEXCEPTIONS**.

 

GTWdoesnottakeresponsibilityforconfiscateditemsandwillnotcompensatetheownerforanylost,stolen,ordamagedconfiscateditemswhileinthecustodyofGTWasthiswasaclearviolationofGTWpolicy.

UniformPolicy

STUDENTUNIFORMANDDRESSCODE

Appropriatedressistheprimaryresponsibilityofthestudentandhis/herparentorguardian.Inordertopromotesafety,personalhygiene,academicwell‐being,andmoraldevelopment,studentsshallbeexpectedtocomplywithreasonablerequirementsrelatingtodress,groomingandpersonalappearance.Studentsareexpectedtocometoschooldressedappropriatelywithproperattentionhavingbeengiventopersonalcleanliness,grooming,andneatnessofdress.MorespecificguidelinesappropriateforGTWAcademyshallbedevelopedbythePrincipalandExecutiveDirector.

Thedresscodepolicyappliesfromthetimethestudentarrivesoncampusuntiltheendoftheschooldayandatallschoolactivitiesduringtheschoolday.Exceptionsmaybemadebytheprincipalforfieldtripsorotherspecialactivities.

Anystudentnotattiredinaccordancewiththepolicyshallbedirectedtocorrecttheviolationorspendtheremainderofthedayinin‐schoolsuspension(ISS).Repeatoffendersshallbesubjecttoadditionalmeasureswhichincludeparentconferences,in‐schoolsuspension,andout‐of‐schoolsuspensionsasdescribedinthestudentcodeofconduct.

Tops:

1.ApprovedPolo/golfshirtwithcollarandbuttons

2.Collareddressshirtwithtie.

Bottoms:

•Beltsmustbeworn

 

•Beltsmustbetraditionalandmustbeworninloops,andpantsshallbeunaltered.

•BottomsaregreyslackstoaccompanytheWhiteshirtandtie.

BottomsareKhakitoaccompanyschoolpolotypeshirtwithlogofordressdowndays

•Bottomsmustbeappropriatelyfittedandseatedatthewaist

Otherpants,suchasjeans,tight‐fittingorbaggypants,areNOTacceptable.Pantscannotsag.Shoes:

Shoesshouldnothavehighheelsandshouldbenohigherthananinchandahalf.Allshoesmusthavesupportforsafelytravelinginthebuilding.

BlackathleticortennisshoesareacceptableonP.E.days,oraretoaccompanykhakibottomsandpolotypeshirtondressdownFridays.Shoestringsmustbethesamecolorasshoes.NOSANDALS,FLIPFLOPS,SHOWERSHOES,OPENTOE,SLIDES,ORSLINGBACKS.Socks:Socksmustbewornwithshoes.

1. K‐2girlswearwhite“Bobbie”socksorkneehighs,tights2. 3‐8girlswearblacksocks,tights,stockings

HeadApparel:

Headapparel(suchashoods,hats,etc.)mustnotbeworninsidetheschoolbuilding,exceptforreligiousormedicalreasons.

Accessories

● Earringsarepermissibleforourfemalestudents.Earringsmustnot“dangle”orcauseadistractiontootherstudents 

● Hairaccessories,suchasbarrettes,beads,etc….mustbeuniformcolors(purple,yellow,white,black)andnotcauseadistractiontootherstudents. 

Theschooladministrationreservestherighttodeterminewhetherastudent’sattireandappearancearewithinthelimitsofdecency,modesty,andsafety.Inmattersofopinion,thejudgmentofthePrincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallprevail.ThePrincipalmayallowexceptionsforschool‐wideprogramsorspecialclassroomactivities.

 

PhysicalEducationProcedures

ParticipationinPhysicalEducationshallrequireclothingappropriatetotheactivity,suchas,tennisshoes,shorts,t‐shirtsandsweatpants.NoVolleyballshortsortights.Allclothesmustbeloosefittingattire.MoststudentswillonlyweargymattireonMondaysorWednesdays.Thispromotesfreedomofmovement,safeparticipation,andbuildsagoodhygienicpractice.Shouldastudenthaveanyspecialneeds,theyshouldseetheircoachtomakearrangements.

PhysicalEducationDressCode

K‐2ndGymAttire

● OfficialGymUniform 

● BlackTennisShoes. 

3rd‐8thGymAttire

● OfficialGymUniform 

● BlackTennisShoes

Do’s&Don’ts

2.Pants:Allshortswillbewornatthewaist.Allgymshortsmusthavepullstringinside.Boyswhosepantsfallbelowthewaistduetoabigsizewillbeissuedapairofsuspendersortapetoholdthepantsatthewaist.Ladies,yourshortswillneedtobeatkneelength.Nohip‐huggerstylesareallowed.Spandex,elastic,ortightstretchpantsareNOTallowed.Elastic,leggings,tightstretch,orspandexareNOTallowedforallgradelevels.3.Shoes:Flipflops,crocs,sandals/clogs,highheelsandwedgeshighheelsareNOTallowed.No"Heely"typeshoesthathavewheelsattachedarepermitted.StudentswillneedtowearblackorwhitesockswithBlacktennisshoes.

4.Jewelry/Etc:Longordanglingearringsandbraceletsarenottobeworningymclass.

Studentswhodonotparticipateinphysicaleducationactivitieswilllosetheirpointsforthatday.CompleterefusalofparticipationwillresultinfailureofPhysicalEducation.

Absences

 

IfyouareabsentfromPE,youwillneedtodomake‐upworkformissingthedaytoreceivepointsforthatday.Youneedtofindanarticleaboutsports,nutrition,healthorfitnessfromanewspaper,magazine,online,etc,readitandwriteoneparagraph(atleast5sentences)summarizingwhatyouhavelearnedfromthearticle.Youwillreceivefullcreditonceyouturninyoursummaryandthearticletothephysicaleducationteacher.Thisistobedoneforeachdayabsence(i.e.ifyouareabsentfor3daysthenyouneedtodo3articles).

Ifastudentneedstobeexcusedfromparticipating,he/shemustdothefollowing:

● Bringasignedanddatedwrittennotefromaparentorguardianwithavalidreason(illness/injury). 

● Ifthestudenthasaseriousillnessorinjurythatwillkeepthestudentfromparticipatingformorethanthreedays,adoctor’snotewillberequired.ThePEInstructorwillthenassignalternativework. 

AllgradeswillfollowtheGranvilleT.WoodsAcademyofInnovationgradingscalebasedonstandards:Mastery,Proficient,Satisfactory,Developing

Studentswillbeabletoearnupto25pointseachday:15pointsforparticipationinclassandsportsmanship(respectforcoachesandclassmates)and10pointsfordressingoutintheappropriategymattire.YoucanmonitoryourgradesinPEandallyourotherclassesbyloggingintoPowerSchool.

BehavioralExpectations

GymandFields

Youaretobeinthegym,seatedforattendance,whentheclassstartsoryouwillbetardy.Theconsequencesforbeingtardywillfollowtheschool‐widetardypolicy.Dressoutquicklyandwaittobedismissedtogoouttotheactivity.Allclothes,booksandvaluablesshouldbeputup.Wearenotresponsibleforyourbelongings.

Anyonecaughtwithanyschoolpropertywillbedealtwithbyadministration.

1. Running,profanity,foolingaroundandscreamingarenotallowed.2. DonotentertheCoach’sofficewithoutpermission.3. Youwillbedismissedattheendofclassbythecoach.Donotgooutsideofthe

gymroomuntilyouaredismissed.4. Donottouchanybody’spersonalitemsunlessitisyourown.5. Donotsharepersonalinformationwithanyone.Example:Don’ttellyour

friendsaboutmoney,phonesoranyexpensiveitems.6. Noeatingwillbepermittedinthegymroom.

 

Ifanyoneiscaughtintentionallydamaginganypartofthephysicaleducationfacilitiesorequipment,theywillberestrictedfromuseandwillbeexpectedtopayforthedamages.

*ThePEInstructorhastherighttorevisetheabovesyllabusasneededatanytime.

FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct

FERPAandTNLaw

FERPAstandsfortheFamilyEducationalRights&PrivacyAct.FERPAisadministeredbytheUSDepartmentofEducation.FERPAguaranteescertainrightstofamilieswithrespecttotheirchildren’seducationrecords.Tennessee’slawsregardingopenrecords,containedinT.C.A.§10‐7‐504,furtherrefinetherequirementsforhandlingstudentrecordsandinformation.Educationrecordsincludeanythingthatcontainsinformationdirectlytiedtoastudent(i.e.personallyidentifiable)andismaintainedbyaschooloreducationorganization.Theserecordsspanformatsandincludebothprintandelectronicinformation.Thelawdistinguishesbetween“educationrecords”anddirectoryinformation.Schoolsarerequiredtonotifyparentsofwhatinformationtheydesignateasdirectoryinformation.Directoryinformationincludesthingsthatwouldgenerallynotbeconsideredharmfuloraninvasionofprivacy,ifdisclosed.ForLibertas,directoryinformationisdefinedasfollows:name,address,phonenumber,dateofbirth/age,gradelevel,gender,participationinofficiallyrecognizedactivities,weightandheightofathletes,datesofattendanceandphotographs.UnderTennesseelaw,directoryinformationmaynotincludethingssuchasastudent’ssocialsecuritynumber,gradesorotheracademicachievementindicators;therefore,schoolscannotposthonorrollorotheracademicinformationwithoutconsent.Havingbeendesignated,directoryinformationcanbedisclosedtoanyone.However,parentshavetherightto‘optout’ofhavingtheirchild’sinformationreleasedbyobjectinginwritingwithintwoweeksofenrollment.

 

Annualnotification

UnderFERPA,aschoolmustannuallynotifyparentsoftheirrights.Theannualnotificationmustincludeinformationregardingaparent'srighttoinspectandreviewhisorherchild'seducationrecords,therighttoseektoamendtherecords,therighttoconsenttodisclosureofpersonallyidentifiableinformationfromtherecords(exceptincertaincircumstances),andtherighttofileacomplaintwiththeDoEregardinganallegedfailurebyaschooltocomplywithFERPA.FERPAexemptsdisclosureofrecordstoschoolofficialswithalegitimateeducationalinterestfromparentalconsent.Therefore,theschoolmustalsonotifyparentsofitsdefinitionsoftheterms"schoolofficial"and"legitimateeducationalinterest."ForLibertas,thesearedefinedbelow.TheannualnotificationforFERPAanddirectoryinformationforLibertasshallbeconsideredpublishedbythishandbook,whichmayalsobeavailableatannualregistration,inaletter/noticetoparents,orontheschool'swebsite.Parentswishingtoreviewrecordsorexerciseanyoftheotherrightsmentionedshouldpleasecontacttheheadofschoolorschoolofficestaff,whointurnwillscheduletimeaccordinglyasperbelow.  

ParentAccess 

UnderFERPA,aschoolmustprovideaparentwithanopportunitytoinspectandreviewhisorherchild'seducationrecordswithin45daysfollowingthereceiptofawrittenrequest.Aschoolisrequiredtoprovideaparentwithcopiesofeducationrecords,ormakeotherarrangementsifnecessary(e.g.iftheparentcannottraveltotheschooltoviewtherecord).UnderFERPA,aschoolisnotrequiredtoprovideinformationthatisnotroutinelymaintainedortocreateneweducationrecordsinresponsetoaparent'srequest.Accordingly,aschoolisnotrequiredtoprovideaparentwithspecialupdatesonhisorherchild'sprogressinschoolunlesssuchinformationalreadyexistsinaneducationrecord. 

Amendment 

UnderFERPA,aparenthastherighttorequestthatinaccurateormisleadinginformationinhisorherchild'seducationrecordsbeamended.Whileaschoolisnotrequiredtoamendeducationrecords,itmustconsiderallrequests.Iftheschooldecidesnottoamendarecordinaccordancewithaparent'srequest,theschoolmustinformtheparentofhisorherrighttoahearingonthematter.If,asaresultofthehearing,theschoolstilldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparenthastherighttoinsertastatementintherecordsettingforthhisorherviews.Thatstatementmustremainwiththecontestedpartofthestudent'srecordforaslongastherecordismaintained.TheFERPAamendmentprocedureexiststochallengefactsthatareinaccuratelyrecorded.Itmaynotbeusedtochallengeagrade,anopinion,orasubstantivedecisionmadebyaschoolaboutastudent.FERPAwasintendedtorequirethatschoolskeepfairrecords,nottooverridethestandardsandproceduresformakingacademicassessments,disciplinaryrulings,orplacementdeterminations.  

Confidentiality 

UnderFERPA,aschoolcannotdisclosepersonallyidentifiableinformationfromastudent'seducationrecordsunlessthestudent'sparenthasprovidedwrittenconsent.However,thereareafewimportantexceptionstothatrule: 

 

 

● FERPAallows"schoolofficials"toaccesspersonallyidentifiableinformationcontainedineducationrecordsprovidedtheschoolhasdeterminedthattheyhave"legitimateeducationalinterest"intheinformation.Schoolofficialscaninclude:teachers,administrators,supportstaff,nurse/healthstaff,educationalserviceprovidersandconsultants,andofficialsdesignatedbytheAchievementSchoolDistrict.Aschoolofficialgenerallyhasalegitimateeducationalinterestiftheofficialneedstoreviewaneducationrecordinordertofulfillhisorherprofessionalresponsibilities. 

● Anotherexceptionpermitsaschooltodisclosepersonallyidentifiableinformationfromastudent'seducationrecords,withoutconsent,toanotherschoolordistrictinwhichthestudentseeksorintendstoenroll.ThesendingschoolmaymakethedisclosureifithasincludedastatementthatitforwardseducationrecordsinsuchcircumstancesinitsannualnotificationofFERPArights,forwhichthishandbookisconsideredasdocumentationthereto. 

● Forstudentswhoareinstatecustody(includingfostercare),theTennesseeDepartmentofChildren'sServicesmayaccessastudent'seducationalrecordswithoutparentalconsent,andschooldistrictsarenotrequiredtonotifytheparentsofthechildbeforereleasingtheinformationpursuanttoacourtorder. 

● Authorizedschoolofficialsmayreleaseorpermitaccesstoastudent’seducationrecord,withoutconsent,inthefollowingcircumstances.Schoolordistrictofficialswillmakeareasonableefforttonotifythestudent’sparent(s)ortheeligiblestudentbeforemakingadisclosure; 

▪ Tocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena; ▪ Tocomplywiththerequirementsofchildabusereportstotheextentknown

bytheschoolofficialsincludingthename,address,andageofthechild;thenameandaddressofthepersonresponsibleforthecareofthechild,andthefactsrequiringthereport; 

▪ Whencertainfederalandstateofficialsneedinformationinordertoauditorenforcelegalconditionsrelatedtofederally‐supportededucationprogramsintheschoolsystem; 

▪ Whentheschoolsystemhasenteredintoacontractorwrittenagreementforanorganizationtoconductscientificresearchonthesystem’sbehalftodeveloptestsorimproveinstruction,providedthatthestudiesareconductedinamannerwhichwillnotpermitthepersonalidentificationofstudentsandtheirparentsbyindividualsotherthanrepresentativesoftheorganizationandtheinformationwillbedestroyedwhennolongerneededforthepurposeforwhichthestudywasconducted; 

▪ Toaccreditingorganizationstocarryouttheiraccreditingfunctions; ▪ Tofinancialinstitutionsorgovernmentagenciesthatprovideormay

providefinancialaidtoastudentinordertoestablisheligibility,todeterminetheamountoffinancialaid,toestablishconditionsforthereceiptoffinancialaid,andtoenforcefinancialaidagreements. Tomaketheneededdisclosureinahealthorsafetyemergencywhenwarrantedbytheseriousnessofthethreattothestudentorotherpersons,whentheinformationisnecessaryandneededtomeettheemergency,whentimeisanimportantandlimitingfactor,andwhenthepersonstowhomthe

 

informationistobedisclosedarequalifiedandinapositiontodealwiththeemergency. 

▪ TotheAttorneyGeneralorhisdesigneeforofficialpurposesrelatedtotheinvestigationorprosecutionofanactofdomesticorinternationalterrorism.Aneducationalagencythat,ingoodfaith,produceseducationrecordsinaccordancewithanorderissuedunderthisActshallnotbeliabletoanypersonforthatproduction. 

▪ Toanyagencycaseworkerorotherrepresentativeofastateorlocalchildwelfareagencyortribalorganizationauthorizedtoaccessthestudent'seducationalrecordswhensuchagenciesororganizationsarelegallyresponsibleforthecareandprotectionofthestudent. 

MedicalInformation:Theschoolmaydisclosepersonallyidentifiableinformationfromaneducationrecordtoappropriatepartiesinconnectionwithanemergencyifknowledgeoftheinformationisnecessarytoprotectthehealthorsafetyofthestudentorotherindividuals. 

Theschoolwillmaintainanaccuraterecordofallrequeststodiscloseinformationfromortopermitaccesstoastudent’seducationrecords.Suchrecordsshouldinclude:Whatinformationandaccesswererequested,andwhethertheinformationoraccesswasprovided;Thenameofthepersonoragencythatmakestherequest;Theinterestthepersonoragencyhasintheinformation;andthedatethepersonoragencymakestherequest.  

Theneedtomaintainconfidentialityimpliesthatrecordsshouldbestoredinasafeandsecurelocation.Studentrecordsarekeptinalockedfilecabinetoranotherlocationwithequivalentsecurity,suchaspassword‐protectedelectronicinformationsystem. 

Additionalquestionscanbeansweredatthefollowingweb‐sites. 

Pleaseconsultthefollowingresources: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/parents.htmlorhttp://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/sealea_overview.pdf  

FamilieshavetherighttofileacomplaintwiththeU.S.DepartmentofEducationconcerningallegedfailuresbytheAchievementSchoolDistricttocomplywiththerequirementsofFERPA.ThenameandaddressoftheOfficethatadministersFERPAare:FamilyPolicyComplianceOfficeU.S.DepartmentofEducation400MarylandAvenue,SWWashington,DC20202.

SchoolSurveys Schoolsadministertwosurveys: 

1. SchoolCultureandStudentSafetySurvey:threetimesperyear,duringtheNWEAMAPassessmentwindow

2. ParentSatisfaction/SchoolPerceptionSurvey:Libertasselectsthesurveycontent,butitalsoincludesthestandardASDquestion,“Overall,whatgradewouldyougivethisschool?(choices—A,B,C,D,F)?”

 

Surveysforresearchpurposesshallbepermittedwhentheprojectisviewedascontributingtogreaterunderstandingoftheteachingandlearningprocess,theprojectdoesnotviolateourgoals,andthedisruptionoftheregularschoolprogramisminimal.Therequestsshalloutlinewhatistobedone,whoistobeinvolvedandhowtheresultswillbeusedanddistributed.Wewilldevelopadministrativeproceduresforapprovingrequestsofexternalpartiestoconductsurveysthatareconsistentwiththefollowingrequirements: 

1. Parentsshallhavetherighttoinspectallinstructionalmaterialthatwillbeusedforasurvey,analysisorevaluationaspartofafederalprogram.

2. Nostudentmay,withoutparentalconsent,takepartinasurvey,analysis,orevaluationthatrevealsinformationcovering:

a. Politicalaffiliationsorbeliefsofthestudentorthestudent'sparent;b. Mentalorpsychologicalproblemsofthestudentorthestudent'sfamily;c. Sexualbehaviororattitudes;d. Illegal,anti‐social,self‐incriminating,ordemeaningbehavior;e. Criticalappraisalsofotherindividualswithwhomrespondentshaveclosefamily

relationships;f. Legallyprivilegedrelationships;g. Religiouspractices,affiliationsorbeliefsofthestudentorthestudent'sparent;andh. Income.

 

  

 

 

Family/Student AgreementFamilyCommitment

I,___________________________________________,wantmychild,_______________________________________,tomeethis/herfullpotentialwhileastudentofGranvilleT.WoodsAcademy.Therefore,Iwillcommittothefollowing:

● Makesurethatmychildattendsschooleachday ● Sendmychildtoschoolontime,inuniform,andreadytolearn ● SupportandencouragetheSTEMfocusandcurriculumatschoolandhome ● Offerassistancewithschoolworkwhenneeded ● Communicateopenlywithmychild’steachers,andsharefeedbackwiththeschool ● Readallpapersfromschoolandsignandreturnpapersasneeded ● Committo40hoursofvolunteerhourstotheschool ● Attendschoolfunctions,supportschoolactivities,scheduleandgotofamily‐teacher

conferences. 

 

Parent/GuardianSignature:__________________________Date_________________

Ifextenuatingcircumstancespreventmefromafullcommitment,Iwillcollaboratewithanothercaringadultinvolvedinmychild’slifetohelpfulfillthisimportantcommitmenttomychild’seducation.

SchoolCommitment

TheGTWAcademywill:● Personalizelearningthroughtheblendedlearning(computerandclassinstruction)

method. ● Offerarich,liberalartscurriculum,usingTNReadyStandards,sothatourchildrenwill

study“thebestthathasbeenthoughtandsaid”. ● Encourageourstudentstodevelopasenseofdirectionandpurpose,andmoraland

intellectualvirtues. ● Havefamily‐teacherconferences/portfolioconferencestwiceayearandprovideparents

withfrequentreportsontheirchild’sprogress. ● Communicateopenlywithfamilies,askandanswerquestionsandgivehelpasneeded.We

willrespondinatimelyfashiontoparents’communications,generallywithin48hours. ● Providefamiliesopportunitiestovolunteerandparticipateinschoolactivitiesandgrow

andlearnwiththeirchildren. 

_________________________________________________________Student’sSignature Grade Date

(PleasereturnthispagetotheSchoolPrincipal)

StudentAccessReleaseandAuthorizationForm

Asaconditionofusing theGTWnetwork, Iagree tocomplywith theE‐mailand Internet Acceptable Use Agreement ("Agreement"). I have read and Iunderstand the Agreement. Should I commit any violation, my accessprivilegesmaybe revoked,anddisciplinaryactionmaybe taken, includingsuspension/expulsion.

IUNDERSTANDTHATMYGTWNETWORKACCOUNTISNOTPRIVATE.ICONSENTTOGTWMONITORINGALLMYACTIVITYONTHENETWORK,INCLUDINGE‐MAIL,INTERNETACTIVITYANDALLFILESANDDOCUMENTSSTOREDINTHEGTWNETWORK.

Student’sSignature:____________________________________________________________Astheparentorlegalguardianofthestudentsigningabove,Igrantpermissionforhim/hertoaccessnetworkedcomputerservicessuchase‐mailandtheInternet.I

 

understandthathe/sheisexpectedtousegoodjudgmentandfollowrulesandguidelinesinmakingcontactontheGTWnetwork,includingtherulesandguidelinessetforthintheAcceptableUseAgreement("Agreement").GTWcannotberesponsibleforthestudent'suseoftheGTWnetwork,includinganyideasandconceptsthathe/shemaygainbyhis/heruseoftheInternetorfortheactionshe/shetakesthroughuseoftheInternet.IreleaseGTW,theSchool,theirofficers,agentsandemployees,fromallcosts,claims,andliabilityresultingfromuseoftheGTWnetworkbythestudent.

IhavereadtheAgreementandaccepttherulesandconditionsintheAgreement.IreleaseGTW,theSchool,theirofficers,employeesandagentsfromanyclaimarisingoutofthestudent'suseoftheGTWnetwork.IagreetoindemnifyandtoholdharmlessGTW,theSchool,theirofficers,employeesandagentsfromanycosts,liability,orclaimsarisingfromthestudent'suseoftheGTWnetwork.

Parent/GuardianSignature:__________________________________Date______________

Student’sName:____________________________________________Grade____________

Student’sLast4ofSoc.Sec.#:____________________BirthDate____________________

HomeAddress&ZipCode:____________________________________________________

HomePhone:_________________________WorkPhone:___________________________

E-MAIL AND INTERNET 

ACCEPTABLE USE

AGREEMENT 

I. INTRODUCTION

1.The"GTWnetwork"isthesystemofcomputers,terminals,anddatabasesconnectedbytelecommunicationlinesownedorleasedbytheGranvilleTWoodsAcademy,includingthehardware,software,andothertechnologyattachedorconnectedto"installedin,orotherwiseusedinconnectionwiththesystem.

 

2.WhileourintentistomakeInternetaccessavailabletofurthereducationalandprofessionalgoalsandobjectives,studentsandemployeesmayfindwaystoaccessothermaterialsaswell,includingoffensive,illegal,anddangerousmaterials.Bysigningbelow,studentsandparentsacknowledgethatGTWcannotentirelypreventsuchaccess,andacceptsoleresponsibilityfortheconsequencesofsuchaccess.WebelievethatthebenefitsfromaccesstotheInternet,intheformofinformationresourcesandopportunitiesforcollaboration,exceedanypossibledisadvantages.Ultimately,parentsandguardiansareresponsibleforsettingandconveyingthestandardsthattheirchildrenshouldfollowontheuseoftheInternetjustastheydoontheuseofallmediainformationsourcessuchastelevision,telephones,movies,andradio.

3.Thiseducationalopportunityalsoentailsacertainamountofresponsibility.Itisimportantthatemployees,students,andparents/guardiansreadcarefullyandunderstandthisAcceptableUseAgreement("Agreement").

4.WhenaccesstotheInternetisgranted,itisextremelyimportantthattherulesinthisAgreementbefollowed.ViolationscouldresultintemporaryorpermanentlossofaccesstotheInternet.Violationsmayalsoresultindisciplinaryaction,includingsuspension/expulsionforstudentsandterminationofemploymentforemployees.Whenapplicable,lawenforcementagenciesmaybeinvolved.

5.GTWhastherighttorestrictorterminateanyuser'saccesstotheGTWnetworkatanytimeandforanyreason.

II.REVIEWANDMONITORINGBYGTW

1.GTWRESERVESTHERIGHTTOREVIEW,MONITOR,ANDRESTRICTATANYTIMEINFORMATIONSTOREDONORTRANSMITTEDVIATHEGTWNETWORKANDTOINVESTIGATESUSPECTEDINAPPROPRIATEUSEOFRESOURCES.

2.CORRESPONDENCEINTHEFORMOFELECTRONICMAILMAYBEAPUBLICRECORDUNDERTHESTATEOFTENNESSEE'SPUBLICRECORDSLAWANDMAYBESUBJECTTOPUBLICINSPECTION.

3.GTWMAYMONITORORREVIEWUSERS'INTERNETACTIVITYATANYTIME.USERSSHOULDHAVENOEXPECTATIONSOFPRIVACYINTHEIRINTERNETTRAFFICANDACTIVITIES.

III.STUDENTRESPONSIBILITIES

1.StudentsareresponsibleforgoodbehaviorontheGTWnetworkjustastheyareinaclassroomoraschoolhallway.CommunicationsontheGTWnetworkareoftenpublicinnature.Generalschoolrulesforbehaviorandcommunications

 

apply.AppropriateGTWpersonnelwilldeterminewhetherbehaviorandcommunicationsareappropriate,andthosedeterminationswillbefinal.

2.TheGTWnetworkisprovidedforstudentstoconductresearchandcommunicatewithothersforeducationalpurposes.Accesstonetworkservicesisprovidedtostudentswhoagreetoactinaconsiderateandresponsiblemanner.Astudent'ssignatureandparent/guardianpermissionarerequired.Accessisaprivilege,notaright,andentailsresponsibility.

3.IndividualusersoftheGTWnetworkareresponsiblefortheirbehaviorandcommunicationsoverthenetwork.ItispresumedthatuserswillcomplywithdistrictstandardsandwillhonortheAgreementtheyandtheirparents/guardianshavesigned.

4.Duringschool,teacherswillhelpguidestudentstowardappropriatematerials.Outsideschool,familiesbearresponsibilityforguidanceontheInternetjustastheydowithinformationsourcessuchastelevision,telephones,movies,radio,andotherpotentiallyoffensivemedia.

IV.EMPLOYEERESPONSIBILITIES

1.UseoftheGTWnetworkisaprivilege,notaright,andinappropriateusemayresultincancellationofthatprivilege.

2.Appropriateexecutivestaffmembersorschoolprincipalswilldeemwhatisinappropriateuse,andthatdecisionisfinal.EmployeeswhoaregrantedaccessmustrememberthattheyrepresentGTWandassuch,mustrespecttherightsofothers,protecttheintegrityoftheinformationtechnologyandobserveallrelevantlaws,regulations,andcontractsincludingsoftwarelicensingagreementsandcopyrightlaws.

GTWNetworkRules

GTWNetworkRules‐Students

1.Studentsshallnottransmitpersonallyidentifiableorpersonalcontactinformationaboutthemselvesorothers,excepttheuser'se‐mailaddress,withoutpriorconsentbytheparent

 

andtheteacher.Personallyidentifiableorpersonalcontactinformationincludesname,address,telephonenumber,photograph,socialsecuritynumber,schoolname,andclassroom.

2.Schoolwebsitescannotincludepicturesornamesofstudentswithoutpriorconsentoftheparentsandteacher.Allotherpersonallyidentifiableinformation(e.g.,addressandphonenumber)isstrictlyprohibitedonawebsite.

GTWNetworkRules‐AllUsersAllusers,includingstudents,employees,parents,contractors,andanyotherpersonaccessingtheGTWnetwork,shallcomplywiththefollowingrules:

1.TheGTWnetworkmaybeusedonlyforeducationalandprofessionalpurposesconsistentwithGTW'sgoals.Commercialuse(advertisements,businesslogos,etc.)oftheGTWnetworkisprohibited,unlessspecificallypermittedinwritingbytheDepartmentofCommunications.Alistofschooladoptersispermitted.2. Materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or that otherwise are intended toharassordemeanrecipientsmustnotbetransmitted,includingjokesthatareintendedtooffend,harassorintimidate.3.UsersmaynotusetheInternettoaccessinformationthatisobsceneorvulgar,thatadvocatesdangerousorillegalactsorthatadvocatesviolenceorhatredtowardanygroup.Writtenapprovalbytheteacherandtheparent/guardianisrequiredwhenastudentresearchprojectinvolvesaccessinginformationontheInternetrelatingtodangerousorillegalactsortoviolenceorhatredtowardagroup.4.PersonalemployeeinformationmustbegivenoutonlyinaninstructionalcontextorintheperformanceofGTWbusiness.5.Files,dataorinformationofothersmustnotbeimproperlyaccessedormisused.6.Plagiarizingisprohibited.Plagiarismmeanstostealandpassofftheideasorwordsofanotherasone'sown.Userscannotuseanother'sideasorwordswithoutcreditingtheauthor.7.Copyrightinfringementisaviolationoffederallaw.UsersshouldbeawarethatmostofwhatisontheInternetisprotectedbycopyright.Copyrightmaterialsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,writings,articles,webpages,designs,music,videos,software.Theillegalinstallation,use,ortransmissionofcopyrightedmaterialsisprohibited.8..WebsitescannotdisplayphotographsorvideosofemployeesorindividualsnotaffiliatedwithGTWwithouttheindividual'spriorconsent,unlesstheindividualisanhistoricfigureorapublicfigure.

ThefollowingactivitiesandusesofGTWnetworkareprohibited:

1.Downloading,installationoruseofprogramsthatinfiltratecomputingsystemsandordamagesoftwarecomponents,including"viruses"and"worms."

 

2.Downloading,installationoruseofanyprogramorsoftwarewithoutpriorwrittenauthorizationoftheDivisionofInformationTechnology.3. Intentionally disrupting network traffic, crashing the network, or gainingunauthorizedaccesstothefilesofanotheruser.4.UsinginappropriatelanguageinanytypeofcommunicationontheGTWnetwork.Inappropriatelanguageincludes,butisnotlimitedto,languagethatisvulgar,profane,abusiveandthreatening.5.UsingtheGTWnetworktopersonallyattack,harass,or threatenanotherpersonorintentionallyorrecklesslypublishfalseinformationaboutanotherperson.6. Forwarding messages without the knowledge and permission of the originaluser,exceptincircumstancesinwhichforwardingiscustomaryorexpected.7.Downloadingmusicandsoundrecordingswithoutpriorapproval.8.AnyactionwhichviolatesexistingBoardpolicy,local,stateorfederallaw.

DISCLAIMEROFLIABILITY

1.GTWmakesnowarrantiesofanykind,eitherexpressorimplied,thatthefunctionsorthe services provided by, or through, the GTW network will be error‐free or withoutdefect.GTWwillnotberesponsibleforanydamageusersmaysuffer,including,butnotlimitedto,lossofdataorinterruptionofservices.2.GTWisnotresponsiblefortheaccuracyorqualityofinformationobtained

throughorstoredontheGTWnetwork.GTWwillnotberesponsibleforthecontentofanyadviceorinformationreceivedbyauserfromasourceoutsideGTW,oranycostsincurredasaresultofsuchadvice.GTWwillmakereasonableeffortstosupervisestudents'Internetandemailuse,butwillnotberesponsibleforclaimsandliabilitiesarisingoutofsuchuse.

3. GTW will not be responsible for financial obligations incurred or arisingthroughtheuseofthesystem.4.GTWisnotresponsibleforthecommunicationsofindividualsutilizingthenetwork.GTWdoesnotassumeanyresponsibilityforthecontentofmaterialpublishedonschoolwebpages.5.Parentswillbeheldfinanciallyresponsibleforanyharmtothesystemasaresultofthestudent'sintentionalmisuse.  

GTWQuestionsandAnswers 

Where do I drop off/pick up my child(ren)? 

 

At the front of the school in the drop off/pick up area only. The drop off pick up area will be marked. You can park and walk you child to the entrance area also. Traffic must follow the arrows on the ground showing entrance and exit. If Parents want to pick up their child in person, they may park and go to security to have their child paged for pick up. School starts on August 1st at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.  

After the first day, Kindergarten and first grade will be dropped off at the front of the building.   

Can I enter the building at any time? To keep your child safe, parents will drop off students at the drop off /pick up area. Parents who need to come in the building must park first and then check in the office. All persons entering the building must check in the office.  

What time can I drop my student off for school? 7:30 a.m. If it is before 7:30 a.m they must attend before car,e which has a nominal fee and must be pre-paid. There is no supervision before 7:30 a.m. for students not in before-care. Students cannot be dropped off and left unattended. Parents who violate this will be given one warning and then they will be reported to the authorities.  

Who will be watching my child after I drop him/her off in the morning? Students will enter the building and go for breakfast. There will be supervision by the staff for breakfast and lunch.  

What time is breakfast? 7:30 a.m.  What time is breakfast over? All students will complete breakfast by 7:50 a.m. After 7:50 a.m., students will be escorted / report to homeroom.  

What time must my child report and when is my child late for school? 

 

Students are to report at 8:00 a.m. and are late at 8:10 a.m. They will report to the office when late. They will not get breakfast when they are late because the kitchen will be closed.  

What time can I pick up my child from school? School is over at 4:00 p.m. If you must pick your child up early, you must do so by 3:00 p.m. After 3:00 p.m., you will have to wait until 4:00 p.m. to pick up your child. Dismissal for Kindergarten and first grade is at 3:30 p.m. in Zone A.  

Kindergarten, First and Second grade will dismiss at 3:30 p.m.for early pick-up - optional Where ? Zone A 

Kindergarten, first and second grade will be dismissed at 3:30 p.m. at Zone A. Only for parents who want early dismissal. This will allow students and parents to avoid some of the traffic congestion at pick up time for younger students. If a kindergarten, first and second grade student has an older sibling they cannot leave for early dismissal. Older siblings must remain in class until 4:00 dismissal and then pick up their younger sibling on the way out of school. If your Kindergarten, First or second grade student is attending after care or riding a bus, they will be taken to that area at the correct time for pick up or aftercare. Students will be handed off to the appropriate next provider with a check-off roster.  

What if my child rides the bus? You must notify the school (front office) no later than 3:00 p.m.to ask that your child not take the bus. After that time we cannot guarantee everyone will be notified in time.  

Who can sign my child out of school early? For your safety, only you or your designee can pick up your child. The approved names must be in the school computer of approved names prior to pick up. A sibling at the school can be identified as a legal pick up that is on record. Ex: A fifth grade student can pick up a younger sibling from the pickup area.  

 

Can an older sibling request a younger sibling for early dismissal or pick up? Yes, if you give us permission and we have it in the computer. If not, you must come in to get your child.  

 

What shoes are allowed? Black shoes with a rubber sole that is a constructed shoe. Not a sneaker or ballet type shoe/sandal. Black shoes, not sandals are permitted. When do they wear sneakers? Students will wear sneakers on Physical Education days when the PE uniform is worn and dress down days. That is a total of two days a week.  

What type of socks are allowed? Girls in grades k-2 wear white knee socks or tights. Boys wear black socks. Girls in grades 3-8 wear black knee socks or tights and boys wear black trouser socks. All socks must be plain.  

Can bike shorts be worn under the skirts? Yes, black only and not visible. This is recommended for younger students.

What about hair accessories and jewelry? Students must wear hair accessories that are school colors only: purple, yellow, gold, black or white. No scarves or large accessories. Jewelry such as earrings for girls must be about the size of a quarter or studs. Boys cannot wear earrings during school. Other jewelry must be limited to 2 bracelets or rings. Hair must be a natural color and not pink or blue type colors.  

When do students wear sneakers? Sneakers can be worn on PE day with the uniform and dress down day only. When students have a second PE day of the week, they will not wear PE uniform and they will not wear sneakers either.  

When is dress down and what do they wear? Dress down day is on Friday. All students will wear the school purple polo and khaki pants. Boys must wear belts. Dress down days will be announced. 

 

 

Will GTW provide lunch? Yes, a menu will be sent home. Lunches are provided by the Shelby County School District. Lunch will be provided the first day of school. 

Can my child bring their lunch? Yes. If a student in your child’s class has an allergy, you will be asked not to bring that item.  

What can I bring for my child’s birthday? You may bring cupcakes only. They will be given out at lunch or the end of the day. No cakes or additional party items are allowed. Students may wear a tiara or birthday button only.  

Will my child need a book bag? Yes; however, many book bags will be donated to the community and the school. Keep checking. The book bags will be kept in the classroom with the student unless other acceptable areas are designated. Example: lockers, cubby area.  

What will the younger students use for their book bags? They may have cubbies to hang their outer garments and book bags. Teachers will designate areas for personal items.  

Are students going to have textbooks? Textbooks will be online and there will be classroom sets of textbooks for ELA, math and science; however, they will have a work text for math; the entire work textbook will not travel home and back daily. In most cases it will be the selected pages from the text or online. Most of the online information will be from approved sources.  How will students get homework? They will get it online through our learning management system (LMS) called “Alma”. Homework will be loaded on the LMS and most homework will be completed on the LMS. Parents and students will be trained on the system at various times during August and as needed. 

 

How often will homework be given? Daily, including Friday.  Are students allowed to bring the issued laptop home? No. students will be issued a laptop daily, but it will be turned in at the conclusion of each day.  Can students bring devices from home? No, only school issued devices can be used. All Parents must sign the Acceptable Use Policy before any student can use a device in school.  

When will I know my child’s teacher’s name and when will I meet him/her? We will try to provide a list of teachers’ names and grades before school starts. Teachers who have been assigned to your child will send a letter to all students and parents introducing themselves.       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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