Academic Excellence with an Artistic Edge

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

2016-2017

BRANDON HOUSE, SCHOOL LEADER

1407 Virgil Street

Gretna, Louisiana www.yacharterschool.org

Office Telephone 504-304-6332 Office Fax 504-267-2667

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Table of Contents Board of Directors, Administration, Front Office Staff ...................................................... 3 Parent Letter ...................................................................................................................... 4 Charter Association ............................................................................................................ 5 Admissions .......................................................................................................................... 5 School Hours ...................................................................................................................... 5 Visitors ................................................................................................................................ 5 Arrival .................................................................................................................................. 5 Breakfast ............................................................................................................................. 6 Dismissal .......................................................................................................................... 6-7 School Bus Conduct.......................................................................................................... 7-8 Changes to Transportation ................................................................................................. 8 Attendance (Tardy Policy, Absences) .............................................................................. 8-9 School Closure and Emergency Plan ................................................................................... 9 Respect for School Property ............................................................................................... 9 Textbook Policy ................................................................................................................. 10 Lost & Found and Valuable Items .................................................................................... 10 Change of Address ........................................................................................................... 10 Withdrawal from School .................................................................................................. 10 Uniform Guidelines ...................................................................................................... 11-12 Health Policies .................................................................................................................. 13 Emergency Telephone Numbers....................................................................................... 14 Parties, Field Trips ............................................................................................................. 14 Payments........................................................................................................................... 14 Grading ............................................................................................................................. 15 Parent Conferences .......................................................................................................... 15 Promotional Policies ........................................................................................................ 15 6th Grade Electives ........................................................................................................... 15 Appointments and Messages............................................................................................ 16 Weekly Communication ................................................................................................... 16 Problem/Solution Protocol .............................................................................................. 16 Volunteers ........................................................................................................................ 16 Bullying Policy .................................................................................................................. 17 Behavior Expectations ................................................................................................. 18-19 Disciplinary Policy ....................................................................................................... 20-22 YACS Traditions, Events, and Signature Programs ........................................................... 23 Technology Acceptable Use Agreement .......................................................................... 24 School-Family Contract .................................................................................................... 25

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YOUNG AUDIENCES CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Saundra Levy, Chair Edna Moore, Vice Chair Charles Gaspard, Treasurer Erica Seemann, Secretary Mary Nass, Immediate Past Chair Tamer Acikalin Arnold Baker Marla Donovan Christine Guillory Claude Williams James Benedict, National YA Advisor Beverly Matheney, YALA Board Liaison Rickie Nutik, YALA Executive Director & School Founder

YOUNG AUDIENCES CHARTER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

School Leader .............................................................................................. Brandon House

Assistant School Leader ............................................................................. Brionne Stewart

Operations Manager ................................................................................ Brandy Alexander

Director of Arts Integration ..................................................................... Roscoe Reddix, Jr.

FRONT OFFICE STAFF Communications Coordinator ..................................................................... Amanda Morlas Data Manager ............................................................................................... Damein Sayles Assistant to School Leader .................................................................... Melissa Blacaneaux Young Audiences Charter School Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education or providing access to benefits of education services, activities, and programs, in accordance with Title Vi of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Dear Parents and Students: This Family Handbook contains most of the general information you will need to know about Young Audiences Charter School at Kate Middleton. We hope that you find it to be a useful resource that will answer most of the questions that you have about the school.

School Mission: Young Audiences Charter School at Kate Middleton’s (YACS) mission is to successfully prepare students for high school as well as to lay the foundation for lifelong learning. We do this by providing an innovative academic environment that emphasizes a rigorously integrated curriculum with differentiated instruction in and through the arts.

Core Values:

TEAMWORK: We are one team and all of us will learn. We help other creative learners to be successful

and accept their help when we need it. DISCIPLINE: We respect ourselves. We respect others. We follow directions and cooperate with others. CREATIVITY: We enjoy the arts and participate in all artistic opportunities. We use our creativity to solve

problems and to innovate. PASSION: Learning is exciting to us. We embrace challenges any always do our best.

Habits of Mind

GRIT: We set goals and achieve them. We never give up even when things are difficult.

SELF-CONTROL: We are in control of our body, mind, and actions. We respect other people’s space.

COMMUNICATION: We are always truthful. We express ourselves using complete sentences and good

grammar. CURIOUS MINDS: We ask questions about the world around us. We seek information and deeper

knowledge. We read to expand our horizons. INNOVATIVE THINKERS: We allow ourselves to think creatively and inventively. We are all leaders; we

are all part of a team. We can all make a difference in a positive way.

Our Core Beliefs:

We will provide a safe, supportive, and challenging environment that encourages creative learners to maximize their learning and explore their interests.

We embrace and value development of the whole child. We will deepen our curriculum to prepare our creative learners to be global learners and

leaders. Arts integration provides our creative learners with opportunities to express their knowledge

and understanding of a specific topic or content area, and to develop artistic habits of mind that span academic disciplines.

The use of technology is essential for engaging students and for preparing them to be successful individuals in the 21st century environment.

Our school community fosters life-long learners. Our creative learners and faculty think critically and creatively; they appreciate and learn from others’ talents.

*Young Audiences Charter School at Kate Middleton operates under the authorization of Jefferson Parish Public School System

(JPPSS). Any item not specifically addressed herein may be subject to the guidelines set forth in the JPPSS 2015-16 Procedures and Policies for Students and Families found at: http://jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2015-2016-JPPSS-Policies-Procedures-Manual-web.pdf

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Young Audiences Charter Association Young Audiences Charter Association (YACA) is the non-profit charter organization that oversees the workings of the school. It is governed by a board of directors. If you are interested in attending a board meeting, they are open to the public and take place the last Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm. The location of the board meetings is generally at the school but the board schedule is always posted in the front office.

Student Admission Process

YACS is an open enrollment school in Jefferson Parish. The only requirement is that the student resides in Jefferson Parish. The admission process is designed to ensure equal access for all students regardless of intellectual ability, race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, or identification as an exceptional child. Applications are available at the front office or on the school’s website.

School Hours

The School Office is open from 7:30am until 3:45pm Monday through Friday. The School Day begins promptly at 8:00am and ends at 3:15pm. No students will be allowed into the building prior to 7:30 a.m.

Visitors All parents and visitors are required to register in the front office with office staff and indicate the reason for visiting the campus as well as sign-in. A valid picture ID will be required prior to signing in. All parents and visitors are also required to sign out prior to leaving the campus. Upon sign-in, parents and visitors must also obtain a visitor’s badge before entering the security door. If a parent or guardian wishes to visit his/her child's classroom or teacher, the teacher must be contacted in advance at least 24 hours in advance so that the visit may be scheduled and the front office is notified.

Arrival The Carpool Lane will open every morning at 7:30am. There will be no supervision before 7:30 a.m. Please refrain from parking on the side of the street. All students must be released in front of the school by a staff member. All students not eating breakfast must report directly to their classroom. Parents are allowed to escort their child to the classroom for the first day of their child attending YACS. All remaining days, staff members will supervise creative learners going to their homeroom. The following is the morning carpool route parents should take to drop off their students:

1. Take Whitney to Romain St. 2. Turn right on Romain and follow until O’Connor. 3. Turn right on O’Connor and follow until Virgil St. 4. Turn right onto Virgil.

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Additionally, for the safety of your child, we are asking that you keep your child in the car until a staff member opens your car door at the front of the school.

Breakfast

Breakfast will begin promptly at 7:30am. The last breakfast will be served at 7:55am. Please be sure your creative learner is in line in the cafeteria no later than 7:55am or he/she will not be served.

Dismissal Early Check Out Whenever possible, parents should make any necessary appointments for students after school ends for the day. Students may not be signed out between 2:45pm and 3:15pm as teachers prepare for dismissal – NO EXCEPTIONS. Checkouts are made from the office. Anyone checking out a creative learner must be a designee on the student emergency record and must present a picture ID for verification before the student will be released. Unexcused early check outs will count against student’s attendance record, and can add up to an absence. Carpool Dismissal begins at 3:15pm every school day. If parents would like for their creative learner to be a Walk Up, parents must sign in at the front office before 3:10 p.m. After 3:10 parents must participate in the carpool lane. Anyone who comes to pick up a car rider MUST have a carpool tag with that child’s name listed in order to pick them up. Otherwise, it will be assumed that he/she has not been designated by a parent or guardian and will have to report to the front office with an ID to confirm that he/she is authorized to have the student released to his/her care. Students who are not picked up by 3:30 will be taken to “After Care” and charged a $10 Drop-In Fee.

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Walkers Young Audiences Charter School does not allow any creative learner to walk home without an accompanying adult to their residence. Bus/Van Beginning at 3:10 bus and van riders will be dismissed. Bus and van riders who enter the hallway at this time will be escorted to the bus dock. Creative learners who miss their bus or van, will be sent to the office and a parent will be called. Children who are not picked up at their designated bus stop will be brought back to school. Parents/guardians will be billed the $10 Drop-In Fee for the Young Audiences After-School Program, which ends each day at 5:00pm. School Bus Conduct A school bus with undisciplined passengers is a hazardous bus. Any misbehavior of riders can lead to accidents. The driver must concentrate on the task at hand and cannot be expected to constantly discipline the riders while the bus is in motion. Therefore, for the safe operation of the school bus, creative learners should be aware of and obey the following safety rules.

1. Cooperate with the driver; your safety depends on it. 2. Be on time; the bus will not wait. 3. Cross the road cautiously under the direction of the driver when boarding and leaving the

bus. 4. Follow the driver’s instructions when loading/unloading. Load/unload the bus in a single

file line. 5. No pushing or shoving. 6. Speak quietly enough not to distract the driver. 7. Remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion. 8. Keep arms, head and other objects inside the bus.

Creative learners must comply with the YACS Code of Conduct while traveling on a school bus to and from their homes or school-sponsored activities. If a creative learner commits an infraction covered in the Creative Learner Code of Conduct on a school bus, the school bus driver/monitor will complete the “School Bus Behavior Report” and give a copy of the form to the Dean of Culture and the creative learner to remit to his/her parent or legal guardian. If the Dean of Culture decides a conference is necessary, she will notify the parent/legal guardian the same day or the following school day. The parent conference will be held in person or by phone before the creative learner is allowed to ride the bus again. A school bus suspension does not necessarily mean a suspension from school. If a child is suspended from the school bus, it is the parent/legal guardian’s responsibility to ensure that the child gets to school on time. If a creative learner misbehaves on the bus: 1st offense – The creative learner will receive a verbal warning. 2nd offense – A parent/guardian will be notified and the creative learner’s seat assignment will be changed.

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3rd offense – A behavior report will be given to the school. Following two (2) behavior reports, the creative learner will lose bus privileges for 2 days. If the problem persists, the creative learner will lose bus privileges for an extended period of time. Depending on the severity of the offense a creative learner may permanently lose bus privileges for the school year.

If a parent/legal guardian fails to pick up a creative learner from a bus stop: 1st offense – The parent/legal guardian will receive a verbal warning and pay a $10 aftercare drop-in fee. 2nd offense – The parent/legal guardian will receive a completed “Bus Behavior Report” to serve as a second and written notice that his/her child is at risk of losing bus privileges.

3rd offense – The creative learner will lose bus privileges for two (2) days. 4th offense – The creative learner will no longer have bus privileges.

5th offense – The creative learner will permanently lose bus privileges for the duration of the school year.

Changes to Transportation Temporary changes can be made to your creative learner’s transportation no later 12:00pm each day. All requests must be in writing and turned in to the front office. Please indicate the new method of transportation and how long the change will be in effect. For the safety of your child, the front office staff will not make any changes to transportation via telephone requests. If you would like to start/stop/or make changes to Bus or Van services, please come in to the front office to make that adjustment.

Attendance

Tardy Policy Any creative learner who cannot get to his/her classroom by 8:00AM is tardy. He/she must then:

Report to office, with parent/guardian to sign in at which time the Creative Learner will be given pass. No students will be given a pass to enter into his/her classroom without a parent or legal guardian present to sign him/her in.

Creative learners who are tardy may not be escorted by a parent to their classroom. 10 tardies equals 1 day of absence.

Repeated offenses may result in a conference and referral to Jefferson Parish Truancy Assessment and Services Center (TASC). Disciplinary action may include suspension.

Absences By Louisiana State law, children must attend school 167 days of the 178-day school year in order to be considered for promotion to the next grade.

If a child has more than 11 unexcused absences, he/she will be retained, regardless of grades.

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An absence is considered excused when it is due to the child’s illness, an immediate family member’s illness, death in the family, and absences due to observance of faith-based holidays.

Whenever possible the school should be notified of an absence before it occurs. Whenever a child is absent, the parent or guardian should send a written excuse with

him/her upon return to school. The excuse can be a physician’s statement or a personal note from parent or guardian

explaining specific reasons for the absence, the date of the absence(s) This should be done for each absence and submitted within 5 days of the child’s absence. Excessive absences may result in a conference and referral to the Jefferson Parish Truancy

Assessment Services Center (TASC).

School Closure YACS follows all emergency protocols of the Jefferson Parish School District. The decision to close a school comes only from the School Leader, in accordance with District recommendations. Announcements to parents and to the general public will be made on the radio and television. If parents are not home during regular school hours, arrangements must be made with relatives or neighbors to take care of the child in the event of an emergency dismissal. The child should be instructed about these plans by parents at the beginning of the school year and then reminded periodically throughout the year.

Emergency Plan The Jefferson Parish Public School System official channel for Emergency Broadcasts is WWL News Radio 870, or Channel 4. School closings will be announced on WWL. Parents/guardians are asked to keep abreast of the weather in the area. The JPPSS has a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan that provides guidelines for holding students in school or dismissing students during local emergencies. YACS follow all protocols recommended by the district. The JPPSS Emergency Management Plan can be found on the district’s website: www.jpschools.org . A major school crisis is defined as a fire, tornado, chemical leak in the area, an intruder on campus, but is not limited to these events. Stay tuned to WWL for Official Announcements. Attempting to come to the school may keep emergency vehicles and essential personnel from gaining access to the school site. When an emergency exists in the immediate vicinity of the school, the School Leader or Designee will exercise best judgment to ensure minimal risk to the students and staff until the crisis has ended. Accurate working phone numbers are essential in a school crisis situation.

Respect for School Property All desks, books, and other school materials are the property of YACS. Students are expected to be respectful of all.

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Textbook Policy Textbooks need to last through the 6-year adoption cycle. Creative learners are responsible for replacing lost or damaged books. Parents are encouraged to cover the books in an effort to prevent damage. Writing or drawing on the covers or inside pages of textbooks is not permitted. Books with writing or drawing will be considered damaged. If a textbook is lost or damaged, notify your child’s teacher as quickly as possible. New books will be issued when arrangements for payment have been satisfied. Books must be returned by the end of the school year. If a book is lost or severely damaged while in a creative learner’s possession the fees are as follows: Kindergarten - $12 per textbook First Grade - $35 per textbook Second Grade - $50 per textbook Third Grade - $50 per textbook Fourth Grade - $35 per textbook Fifth Grade - $35 per textbook Sixth Grade - $35 per textbook

Lost and Found Lost items will be placed in the Lost and Found Box in the gym. Creative learners should have their names on all clothing, books, and personal items. Items not claimed will be donated to charity monthly throughout the school year.

Valuable Items Creative learners should not bring large amounts of money or expensive items, such as jewelry, cameras, watches, electronics, etc to school. Young Audiences Charter School is not responsible for personal items. Inappropriate items or items that interrupt learning will be collected by school personnel and parents/guardians will be contacted to retrieve the item(s).

Change of Address Parents must notify the school when the child’s address is changed. Two current proofs of residence are required.

Withdrawal from School If for any reason a creative learner must withdraw from school, the parent must notify the school so a withdrawal form can be completed. This form shall be signed by the School Leader or Designee. Before any records are released and final clearance granted, all school property must be returned.

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Uniforms Guidelines:

Young Audiences Charter School requires that all creative learners wear the school uniform and

enforces a dress code policy. All creative learners are expected to adhere to the dress code at

any time they are on school grounds or at any school function. Young Audiences Charter School

administrators and staff ask parents to support all decisions by school staff regarding whether or

not clothing is appropriate or inappropriate for school.

Uniforms All creative learners will be required to wear a collared YACS embroidered shirt

Monday – Thursday. “Sunburst T-Shirts” will only be permitted on Fridays.

Shirts must be worn tucked in at all times, with belt around waist.

Shorts should be mid-thigh in length. Shorts shorter than mid-thigh are not permitted.

Pants/Shorts worn below the waist are not permitted.

Sunburst Sweatshirt must be worn with collared exposed, underneath sweatshirt.

K-5 BOYS:

Baby Blue Collared Shirt (short & long Sleeve)

Baby Blue Sunburst T-Shirt

Navy Blue Sunburst Sweatshirt

Navy Blue Khaki Shorts

Navy Blue Khaki Pants

K-5 GIRLS:

Baby Blue Collared Shirt (short & long sleeve)

Baby Blue Sunburst T-Shirt

Navy Blue Sun Burst Sweatshirt

Navy Blue Khaki Shorts

Navy Blue Khaki Pants

Navy Blue Khaki Skirt

Navy Blue Khaki Jumper – Must be worn with collared shirt.

6th Grade Boys ONLY:

Yellow or Baby Blue Collared Shirt (short & long Sleeve)

Yellow Button Down Shirt

Baby Blue Sunburst T-Shirt

Navy Blue Sunburst Sweatshirt

Navy Blue Khaki Shorts

Navy Blue Khaki Pants

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6th Grade Girls ONLY:

Yellow or Baby Blue Collared Shirt (short & long sleeve)

Baby Blue Sunburst T-Shirt

Navy Blue Sun Burst Sweatshirt

Blue Plaid Pants or Navy Blue Khaki Shorts

Blue Plaid Pants or Navy Blue Khaki Pants

Blue Plaid Skirt or Navy Blue Khaki Skirt

Headwear/Hair

No head covering is allowed unless it is due to religious or weather purposes.

Caps, hats and hoods are not to be worn inside the buildings.

Hair styles that are extreme or unnatural that disrupt the educational process as

deemed by school administration are not permitted.

Accessories

Accessories with words, phrases, symbols, and/or pictures or signs which use indecent,

profane, suggestive or any inappropriate words are not permitted.

Accessories that are alcohol or drug related are not permitted.

Students are not to wear sunglasses in the building unless a doctor’s permit indicating

medical need is on file in office.

Grooming

Parents should encourage students to maintain proper hygiene and appropriate dress

(combing hair, brushing teeth, wearing deodorant, taking a bath and clean clothing)

daily.

Students are not allowed to wear false fingernails.

Uniform Violation A creative learner who violates the dress code will be sent to the nurse’s office for a change of

clothing and a parent/guardian will be contacted. The parent/guardian must provide

replacement attire if immediate attire is not available before the creative learner can return to

the classroom. Creative learners who repeatedly violate the dress code policy will receive a

letter indicating consistent disregard of dress code policy with specific consequences. If

excessive, disciplinary action will be taken by YACS Dean of Culture.

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Health Policies Illness & Medication The school adheres to strict regulations regarding medicine. The guidelines are as follows:

All medication in the school setting must be ordered by a physician or dentist licensed in Louisiana. Medication must be in a container acceptable by pharmacy standards. Clear instructions for the administration of medication must be provided.

All medication which is to be administered routinely at school must be brought to the school office by a parent.

Forms must be filled out by both the parent and the doctor each year and a medication plan must be developed with the school nurse. Students may not carry their own medication.

The family of any child who is required to carry an asthma inhaler on his/her person must provide a Medication Administration form specifying that the child needs to carry the inhaler with him/her. The family must also provide a second inhaler to be kept in the nurse’s office.

Antibiotics, cough drops, cough medicines, lotions, aspirin, etc., are not permitted. However, parents or designees may come to administer such medicines. Creative learners will be called out of class to the office for a parent to administer the medicine. All medications must be stored in the office. This is for the safety of all creative learners. In the event of a short term illness, you should keep your child at home or plan to come to school to administer necessary medication to your child. Any questions on these policies should be directed to the school nurse.

Creative learners suspected by the school of having a communicable and or contagious disease will be excluded from the school until a written statement from a private physician or the Health Department certifies that the child is free of the suspected disease.

In compliance with Act No. 624 in Senate Bill No. 119 YACS school nurse and/or trained school employees are allowed to administer an auto-injectable epinephrine to respond to a child’s anaphylactic reaction.

Serious Injuries The School Nurse’s station is open from 7:30am- 3:15pm. Creative learners with serious injuries are taken to the hospital for emergency medical care and the family is notified immediately. Parents of children with moderate to severe injuries (major cuts, bruises, etc.) will receive notification via phone and an Incident Report Form. Lice Students must be lice/nit free to attend school. The School Nurse performs periodic lice checks, and you will be notified if necessary. If your child is sent home with head lice, your child must be declared lice/nit free by the nurse before returning to the classroom. If you have any questions concerning treatment, the office has information available. Frequent and regular examination as well as immediate treatment at home is the best prevention for outbreaks.

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Emergency Telephone Numbers It is essential that YACS has at least two telephone numbers where the parents, a relative, or a designee of the parent can be reached in case of illness or accident. The school must be notified in writing when a telephone number or an address changes.

School Parties School parties are limited and can only be held after lunch so that there will be minimal interference with the instructional program at YACS. Seasonal parties are held on the last school day prior to the start of the holiday period. Treats must be minimal and within teacher guidelines.

Birthday Parties Treats (simple birthday cake or cupcakes, for example) for birthdays may be brought to school and served at the end of the day. The child's parents/guardians are also invited to take part by joining the children and teacher for the celebration at the end of the day. Arrangements must be made in advance with the teacher. Invitations to private parties may not be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited.

Field Trips Field Trips are a valuable part of the school curriculum and arrangement for such trips are made by teachers well in advance. Parents will be notified of the date, time, destination and cost, and they will receive a permission slip to sign and return to school by a specified date. If the field trip permission slip is not signed and returned to the teacher, the student will not be allowed to attend the field trip. Parents may email or fax permission. Verbal permission will not be accepted. Only teacher, adult chaperones & YACS creative learners for whom the field the trip is planned may attend the school sponsored field trips. In the event the creative learner has paid to attend a field trip and for some reason cannot attend, money can be refunded only if the school has not yet paid for the cost of the activity. Parent chaperones may ride on buses if space permits. In the event that a creative learner’s behavior causes concern for his/her own safety or the safety of others on a field trip, the creative learner will only be allowed to attend with an accompanying parent/guardian.

Payments Parents may send payment for any school expense with their creative learner in a sealed envelope with the creative learner's name. Creative learners must present the envelope to homeroom teacher. In return, teachers will send a receipt acknowledging the payment. All payments must be filled out to Young Audiences Charter School.

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Grading All instruction at YACS is based on standards: the Common Core State Standards for Math and English Language Arts, as well as other national and state standards for additional subjects. Achievement grades are determined by the demonstration of proficiency of standards taught. Grading Scale Quarterly grades are obtained by averaging: A = 90- 100% 10% Daily in-class assignments B = 80-89% 20% Quizzes C = 70-79% 35% Performance Tasks/ Products D = 60-69% 35% Tests U =59% and below Note: If there is no grade, the standard was not assessed. Graded papers will be sent home biweekly in Wednesday Folders. If you do not receive Wednesday folders regularly, please discuss this first with the teacher directly. If attempts for resolution with the teacher fail, then please notify administration. Grading Calendar 1st Quarter- Aug 11th – October 13thth 2nd Quarter -October 14th – Dec 21st 3rd Quarter - Jan 4th – March 15th 4th Quarter - March 16th – May 25th

Progress Reports Progress reports are issued every 5th week for each grade level.

Parent Conferences Parent conferences can be scheduled upon request with at least 24 hours’ notice. Two mandatory Parent Teacher conferences are required each year. YACS will provide two opportunities for selecting a time when parents and teach can meet.

Promotional Policy A failing grade in both math and reading for two grading periods or more will result in automatic retention. Creative learners who fail in one subject for two grading periods or more will have the opportunity to make up that work in an approved summer school program in order to be promoted.

6th Grade Electives Sixth (6th) grade creative learners may choose from 3 electives for the academic year. Elective options include: Media Arts, Instrumental Music, and Spanish. Creative learners and parents will receive a sign-up sheet for prioritizing electives. Creative learners will be assigned 2 out of the 3 electives for the academic year. Administration will try to ensure that all creative learners receive the electives that were prioritized. Please note that spots will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis.

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Appointments and Messages Parents who wish to visit their child’s classroom may do so by appointment. An appointment must be made with the teacher with 24-hour notice. At no time will teachers interrupt instructional time to take an unscheduled appointment. Appointments should be made directly with your creative learner’s classroom teacher via email. It is the expectation that he or she will return your call within 24 hours. Only messages of vital importance will be relayed to creative learners during class time. Instructional time cannot be interrupted except in extreme emergencies. When a parent comes to deliver a message, the parent must deliver the message through the office.

Weekly Communication The Wednesday folder, which is issued to each creative learner, will be sent home weekly to keep parents informed of events going on at YACS. Parents are asked to review the folder, sign it, and have their child return it to YACS on Thursday. Please be sure to check your creative learner’s “Wednesday Folder” every week. We want to ensure that communication with parents is consistent and timely, so we’ve added another way to stay informed and touch base with us: our yacharterschool app! Once you download it from your phone’s app store, make sure you ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS so that messages can appear on your phone. You will be able to check upcoming events, view cafeteria menus, review school forms, report bullying, send a message to the school leader, and access kickboard. Our website (www.yacharterschool.org), our facebook page, and twitter accounts are also great sources to connect with us.

Problem/ Solution Protocol If a parent has a concern or issue, the following procedures should be followed:

1. If the concern/issue concerns a creative learner, call the school or contact the teacher to schedule a meeting.

2. If the concern/issue is about a school issue, please contact the Communications Coordinator.

3. If the concern or issue is not satisfied, please schedule an appointment with the School Leader.

Volunteers in Classroom

All adults working directly with children, whether in the school or at school functions, must have a background check on file in the school office. All adults who wish to help in the classroom, chaperone field trips or participate in school sponsored extracurricular activities must submit a validated criminal background check to the office. Background checks on file with the office must be renewed every three (3) years. The processing fee for each background check depends on the Parish/County in which the individual resides. Background forms are available in the office for Orleans Parish residents only. Residents of other parishes or counties must obtain forms from those respective offices.

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Bullying Policy We pride ourselves in the ability of our school leaders and faculty to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children to grow academically and socially. Students, parents, teachers, and school leaders must all work together to prevent bullying. “Bullying” means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more creative learners or employees. It is further defined as: unwanted purposeful written, verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior, including but not limited to any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that has the potential to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment or cause long term damage; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation, and is carried out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power. Bullying may involve, but is not limited to:

unwanted teasing

threatening harm

intimidating

stalking

cyber stalking

cyber bullying

physical violence

theft

sexual, religious or racial harassment

public humiliation

destruction of school or personal property

social exclusion, including incitement and/or coercion

rumor or spreading of falsehoods Bullying is NOT peer conflict, horseplay, or fighting. Bullying is considered to be a form of abuse. Conflict where both parties participate equally is not considered bullying. If a creative learner or parent needs to report a case of bullying, the parent or creative learner should first contact the teacher and concurrently fill out the Bullying Report Form attached to the back of this handbook. Parents can also fill out this form through the YAC’s Smartphone app. Teachers or other school personnel who receive a complaint about bullying must verbally notify the Dean of Culture and School Leader on the day of incident and in writing within two days of the incident. The Dean of Culture or School Leader must notify parents and launch an investigation on the day of the incident. The investigation must be completed within ten days. Notification will be sent home to all parties involved verifying whether a bullying incident has taken place and their child was identified in the investigation process as either the victim or perpetrator. Appropriate consequences specific to the incident will be implemented and appropriate parties will be notified.

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Behavior Expectations: Learner Rights and Responsibilities 1. A Safe and Productive Learning Environment

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To attend school in a positive educational environment.

To only engage in behaviors which support a positive educational environment.

To have educationally and emotionally supportive teachers and school staff.

Be willing to express needs and concerns appropriately.

To feel safe from crime, violence, intimidation, harassment, racism, bullying and otherwise

detrimental discrimination at school.

To understand and follow school behavior expectations and to report instances of

mistreatment of peers to teachers and/or staff members.

To receive a quality education that cultivates lifelong learning, creativity, and appropriate

social skills.

To enter YACS each day with a desire to grow, learn, and to willingly participate in those

processes.

2. Attendance

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To be informed of school policies and rules about absences, tardies, and truancy.

To attend school and class daily and to be on time, prepared to learn.

To arrange to make up classwork and/or tests for credit within five (5) days of returning from an

absence.

To provide documentation of the reason for an absence, and to request make-up work, and arrange to complete it within five (5) days of

returning to school.

3. School Counseling Services

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To be informed about available school guidance services and resources.

To utilize guidance services for educational improvement.

To have access to school counselors and social workers, and to request counseling when

needed.

To respect school counselors and social workers, as well as the time(s) they have set aside for appointments with learners, teachers, and

parents.

4. Free Speech and Expression

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To express views (in both visual and verbal form) without being obscene, disruptive,

discriminatory, or provocative.

To respect others' right to express their views.

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To choose to participate in patriotic observances, such as the Pledge of Allegiance.

To behave respectfully during patriotic observances.

To have religious beliefs respected, or the absence of religious beliefs respected.

To respect the religious beliefs (or non-beliefs) of others and to refrain from activities that hold

religious beliefs up to ridicule.

To be protected from bullying, intimidation, threats, harassment, racism, and otherwise

detrimental discrimination.

To refrain from bullying, intimidating, and threatening conduct.

5. Privacy and Property Rights

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To have personal possessions remain private unless school staff have reason to believe that a

learner is in possession of items prohibited by school policy, or local or federal laws.

To keep prohibited items away from school and school functions.

To have personal property respected. To respect the property of others.

6. Fulfillment of School Expectations/Execution of School Consequences

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To have explained the behavior expectations at YACS, and any infractions of school expectations,

and the consequences that follow.

To be in attendance during morning meeting and other times at which expectations are expressed

and modeled.

To informally and respectfully appeal the decision of a teacher or administrator to execute a

consequence, in order to agree upon a fitting consequence.

To practice self-control and show respect when questioning consequences.

7. Positive Interaction with Peers, Teachers, Parents, and Other School Professionals

Learner Rights Learner Responsibilities

To be addressed in a respectful tone and manner. To address others in a respectful tone and manner.

To be forgiven for mistakes. To make efforts toward making positive choices, and to forgive others when they make mistakes.

To negotiate with peers, teachers, parents, and other school professionals to reach positive

outcomes.

To be respectful during these negotiations, and allow yourself to be open to negotiations and

suggestions from others.

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Disciplinary Policy YACS discipline policy encourages positive behavior for our creative learners, emphasizes cooperation between home and school, and ensures that our school culture is not compromised by misbehaviors. Creative learners are treated fairly and equitably. Discipline is based on a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. The following are considered:

Seriousness of the offense Frequency of misconduct Effect of the misconduct on the school environment Special needs Extenuating Circumstances

Learners are held responsible for their own behavior, and parents are strongly encouraged to explain the school expectations to their children. Positive parent/teacher/learner cooperation results in the best possible learning environment for all learners at YACS. Disciplinary offenses result in consequences subject to the discretion of the School Leader and/or Dean of Culture, and may include detention, school service, loss of school privileges, in-school suspension, out-of school suspension, and/or expulsion. The list of offenses and consequences in the tables below are not exhaustive, but provide examples of prohibited conduct and possible consequences.

Infractions Behavior levels

Level 1:

Teasing Intentionally distracting Out of seat Insubordination (refusing to follow

directions, refusal to do work) Disrespecting others Unprepared for class Tardiness

Level 1: Redirection- At level one, the teacher is responsible for implementing classroom consequences. After several redirections the creative learner should be sent to the reflection area in class, the creative learner should complete a “reflection sheet.” The teacher should begin completing the level form at this point.

Level 2: Repeated disrespect of others Repeated intentional distraction of

others Repeated refusal to follow teacher’s

directions Any repeated Level 1 offenses

Level 2: Reflection again and parent notification- At this point the teacher will call the parent/guardian and inform them their child has been sent to the reflection chair twice and is off track. The creative learner may also be sent to a buddy room within the same grade level to complete a reflection. Creative learners should stay there no longer than the completion of one lesson.

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Level 3: Intentional minor physical harm to

peers Bullying-refer to Bullying addendum Threats to cause minor harm (kick,

punch, hit, slap) Leaving class/teacher without

permission Gross insubordination / Blatant

defiance (habitual violations of rules, willful disobedience, profane/obscene language towards a student/teacher)

Level 3: Sent to Dean’s office- Following time in the reflection chair and a phone call to parent/guardian by the teacher, if the creative learner continues to have behavior infractions, he/she should be sent to the Dean’s office with class work along with behavior referral. The Dean will issue a consequence and notify the teacher of the decision. The Dean will contact the parent/guardian at this point. After his/her time in the Dean’s office, the student will be escorted back to class by the Dean.

Level 4: Violent acts against teachers/staff Possession of illegal substances,

explosives, firearms, knives, or any other potentially hazardous tool or weapon on school property

Possession of prohibited, profane, or pornographic items or substances on school property

Threats to cause major harm to others (bomb, stab, shoot, kill, etc)

Theft Destruction of property Intentional indecent exposure Cheating/plagiarism Fighting Unauthorized usage of electronic

devices

Level 4: Sent to Dean’s office and School Leader is contacted- If the creative learner has reached level 4, the Dean will review the behavior referral and will contact the School Leader to determine next steps. The School Leader will decide whether the creative learner receives an in-school suspension or an out of school suspension. The teacher is responsible for providing school work for the creative learner to remain on task.

Following an out of school suspension, a

meeting will be set with the parent/guardian with the School Leader before the creative leader can return to

school.

Description of Disciplinary Actions

The following is a list of possible disciplinary actions. Please note that this list is not exhaustive but highlights the major consequences implemented at YACS. In School Suspension

1. Creative learners will report to detention room at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Attendance will be taken

and submitted to the Data Manager. Creative learners will be released no later than 3:05.

Creative learners are not allowed to mingle or converse with their peers throughout the day.

Quick bathroom breaks are allowed before and after school.

2. Creative learners will stay awake, alert, and on task in ISS while completing independent

grade level work. (Team Leads will provide grade level packets for the Dean to duplicate

unless additional materials are provided).

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3. Creative learners are given two bathroom breaks during the day at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

(unless otherwise noted).

4. Creative learners are expected to stay in their seats and isolated from peers.

5. Creative learners are not allowed to eat or drink while in ISS unless otherwise noted.

6. All creative learners will report to the cafeteria at 11:00 for lunch. They will retrieve their

lunches and return to the ISS room to eat silently.

7. During ISS, every creative learner is expected to complete his/her reflection sheet and re-

entry plan.

YACS Shine B.R.I.G.H.T plan should be reviewed and reflected upon.

Out of School Suspension

1. Creative learners will be responsible for completing any assigned schoolwork, reflection

sheet, and reentry plan during the OSS.

2. Upon return to school, the School Leader and parent will meet to discuss the reentry plan.

YACS Shine BRIGHT Class

1. Creative learners will be given after-school detention to focus on a specific behavior aligned

to YACS shine B.R.I.G.H.T.

2. An activity will be assigned to them according the behavioral focus.

3. Upon dismissal, creative learners will report to the Dean’s office by 3:10.

4. Creative learners will be allowed a bathroom break before the class begins.

5. YACS Shine BRIGHT Class will occur twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays).

6. Class will begin at 3:20 and end at 4:20pm.

7. Creative learners will stay awake, alert, and on task while completing the assignment.

Practice Academy

1. In addition to other disciplinary actions, creative learners who have received 2 referrals will

participate in Practice Academy.

2. Practice Academy will be a set period of time during lunch and recess where creative learners

practice desired behaviors.

3. The duration of Practice Academy for each creative learner will be at the discretion of the

Dean.

Check-in/Check-Out Program

1. A report will be filled out daily by the teacher(s) and the coordinator will review the report at

check-in/out time. Parents will also review and sign the daily report each night and return it

to YACS. The creative learner will earn incentives and rewards for appropriate behavior.

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YACS Traditions, Events, and Signature Programs

Creative learners shine B.R.I.G.H.T.

B - BE safe

R - RESPECT

I - INTEGRITY

G - GAIN knowledge

H - HARD work

T - TEAM work

Colors

Sky blue and yellow

Mascot

Sonny the Yak

Motto

Academic Excellence with an Artistic Edge

YACS Fest

YACS Fest is an annual event featuring arts, performances, food, and games, is a great opportunity for the YACS community to come together at a festival true to New Orleans traditions.

Friday Performances

Friday performances provide an opportunity for creative learners to practice audience etiquette and enjoy professional performances by talented local artists.

YACS Olympics The YACS Olympics are the culminating event for staff, students and parents that celebrate world cultures promote teamwork and respect, two of our core value.

Celebrations of Learning

Celebrations of Learning are opportunities for creative learners to show what they have learned in various modalities. Students, parents, and staff come together to celebrate the learning that has taken place throughout the grading periods.

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Technology Acceptable Use Agreement

School Year 2016-2017

As a part of my schoolwork, my school gives me the use of computers or iPads. My behavior and

language are to follow the same rules I follow in my class and in my school. To help myself and others, I

agree to the following promises:

1. I will use the computers only to do school work, and not for any other reason. I will not store

material that is not related to my schoolwork.

2. I will use Chromebooks, iPads, or other devices only with my teacher's permission.

3. I will NOT give my password to anyone else, and I will not ask for or use anyone else’s password.

4. I will NOT put on the computer my name, address, or telephone number, or any other personal

information about myself or anyone else.

5. I will NOT upload, link, or embed an image of myself or others without my teacher’s permission.

6. I will NOT play games that a teacher has not approved.

7. I will be polite and considerate when I use the computer; I will NOT use it to annoy, be mean to,

frighten, threaten, tease, bully, or poke fun at anyone; I will NOT use swear words or any other rude

language.

8. I will NOT try to see, send, or upload anything that says and/or shows bad or mean things about

anyone's race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

9. I will NOT damage the computer or anyone else's work.

10. I will NOT take credit for other people’s work.

11. If I see something inappropriate, I will shut off my screen and tell the teacher.

12. I will NOT block or interfere with school or school system communications.

13. My teacher may look at my screen and my work at any time to be sure that I am following these

rules, and if I am not, there will be consequences.

Print Creative Learner’s Name:________________________________________________________ Grade: __________

Creative Learner’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Parents: I have read and discussed with my child the Acceptable Use Agreement, and I give permission for his or

her use of the resources. I understand that computer access is conditional upon adherence to the agreement.

Although creative learners are supervised using computers, and their use is electronically monitored, I am aware

of the possibility that my child may gain access to material that school officials and I may consider inappropriate

or not of educational value.

Print Parent’s Name:___________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________ * CREATIVE LEARNERS MAY NOT USE COMPUTERS UNLESS THIS AGREEMENT IS SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE TEACHER.

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Young Audiences Charter School Creative Learner, Parent, and School Contract 2016-2017

YACS Commitment: We fully commit to Young Audiences Charter School in the following ways: We will provide high quality instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that

promotes achievement for our creative learners.

We will teach and live the values of Teamwork, Discipline, Creativity, and Passion.

We will provide interventions to help creative learners who are struggling academically and behaviorally.

We will communicate openly with parents/guardians and be accessible to their phone calls.

We will hold report card conferences and Celebrations of Learning (open houses) to maintain our parents/YACS partnership.

We will provide parents/guardians with reports on their child’s progress, as well as opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s school experience.

Parent/Guardians Commitment: We fully commit to Young Audiences Charter School in the following ways: We will make sure our child arrives at YACS every day by 8:00am.

We will make arrangements so our child can remain at YACS until the end of each school day.

We will check and sign our child’s homework every night.

We will read carefully all the papers that YACS send home to us.

We will attend parent conferences, Celebrations of Learning, Open Houses, and other YACS events to maintain our parent/YACS partnership.

We will allow our child to go on YACS field trips and will complete all paperwork in a timely manner.

We will always make ourselves available to our children, YACS, and any concerns they might have. This also means that if our child is going to miss school, we will notify the teacher as soon as possible.

We will support the values of Teamwork, Creativity, Discipline, and Passion.

We will make sure our child follows the uniform policy.

We will accept responsibility for the replacement of lost or stolen textbooks.

We understand that our child must follow the Young Audiences Charter School rules to protect the safety, interests, and rights of everyone in the classroom.

Creative Learner Commitment I fully commit to Young Audiences Charter School in the following ways; I will arrive at YACS every day by 8:00am ready to learn and will complete all homework every night.

I will always make myself available to parents/guardians, teachers and any concerns they might have. If I make a mistake, this means I will tell the truth to my teachers and accept responsibility for my actions.

I will live the values of Teamwork, Creativity, Discipline, and Passion.

I will always behave so as to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom. This also means that I will always listen to all my classmates and give everyone respect.

I will follow the YACS uniform policy.

I am responsible for my own behavior and I will follow the teachers’ directions.

I am responsible for taking care of my text books and will replace them if they are lost or stolen.

I will show grit and perseverance when challenges arise.

____________________________________ ____________________________________________ _______________________________________ Brandon House, School Leader Creative Learner Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PAGE MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL.