Approved 06/01/05

Mission

Philosophy

The mission of Freedom Academy is to provide an education that supplies the essential knowledge and skills for students to succeed in life’s pursuits and to become self-motivated, life-long learners and contributors. Freedom Academy will have a positive impact in the local community and beyond by providing an education of the highest quality to students who will go on to become leaders in their communities, business, and society.

Motto

Soar without limits.

School Colors

Red – White – Blue

Mascot

Bald Eagle

General Information

School Schedule

AM Kindergarten

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monday – Friday

Late Pick-Up Fees for AM Kindergarten

After 11:35 a.m.; there will be a $1.00 late fee charge.

After 11:40 a.m.; the late charge increases to $1.00 per minute.

PM Kindergarten

12:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

All day Kindergarten

8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

1^st – 8th Grade

8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Monday – Friday (students are tardy at 8:30)

Late Pick-Up Fees

After 3:30 p.m. students will be escorted to the after school daycare program. A late pick up fee will be charged.

Early Dismissal

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. After 12:45 a late fee pick up will be charged to parents.

Breakfast and lunch will be served on these days.

Parental Contact Information

Accurate parent contact information is crucial to student safety. Please always update the school with new contact information, including email addresses, which will facilitate better communication between the school and family.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

Student pickup is directed by trained personnel. Please be conscientious and courteous each day; the existing process is very effective if everyone participates correctly. Please do not ever park and leave your vehicle anywhere along the drop-off/pick-up path. Parents who need to enter the school must park their vehicles in the east parking lot.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures

· Students may be dropped off at the school no earlier than 8:15 a.m. unless they are enrolled in the before school child care program, or are eating school breakfast. No student supervision exists in the building or on the playground prior to this time by school personnel.

· If you intend to come into the school, please drop your student off first, and then park your vehicle before entering the school.

· Please follow all parking and traffic flow signs. Read the drop-off and pick up update fliers carefully. Please do not send your student across any part of the parking lot or drop-off area. Use all crosswalks.

· Drive your vehicle as far forward along the curb in front of the school ( to zones 5 & 6) each morning to allow as many cars as possible to pull into the school property.

· Never allow students to exit the vehicle on the driver’s side of the car! This creates dangerous and hazardous conditions for your child and other drivers. Exit only onto the sidewalk.

· All cars in the morning should approach the school from the east which alleviates the need to turn left into the school cutting in line with vehicles who have already been in the wait line.

· Following the above procedures eliminates the long line of cars on 900 North and diverts the majority of the traffic onto Freedom Academy property. This lessens the interference with morning neighborhood traffic and actually speeds up the entire drop-off process, especially if drivers pull as far forward as they can.

· All students are required to enter the building at the west doors. Please watch for the red and green flags designating inclement weather plans that direct students into the school at 8:15.

Consider the wait time as you arrive at the school each day. Perhaps it would help to leave your home ten minutes earlier, depending on the weather and driving conditions, to have your child arrive by 8:15 when the line-up bell rings. Teachers pick up students at 8:20 to be prepared for their classes which begin at 8:25. Students are marked tardy at 8:25! Teaching your child to be on time at this young age will create a life long habit and lead to success in the workforce.

Parents are asked to be alert, courteous and patient. Teachers and staff members are more than happy to assist with daily transportation routines. If by chance you have concerns or better ideas regarding the design of this school policy, please communicate with the administration via email. We value time, consideration and courtesy in partnering with us as we strive to make these moments of the school day less stressful on everyone’s part. Freedom Academy is striving to have the safest, most positive environment for everyone each day and throughout the year.

Pick-Up Instructions

· Pick-up officially begins at the end of the school day at 3:15. When cooperation and adherence to traffic plans and flow is working, pick-up is easily finished by 3:35-3:40. Under normal circumstances, please do not pick up your student before the end of the school day. This interferes with instructional time and interrupts procedures within the building.

· We deem it necessary to restrict students from being picked up on the street in front of the school or the parking lot directly in front of the Academy. These practices greatly impede the flow of the traffic plan and cars waiting in line for parent pick-up.

· Cars coming from the West will not be allowed to turn left on 900 north into the school property during pick-up or drop-off times, and must enter the waiting line moving from east to west from 1000 W., or other adjoining side streets.

· Students who walk to and from school will be directed to leave the school property via the farthest east and west sidewalks of school.

· Please display the correct colored zone card on the passenger side of the vehicle on the visor or between the dashboard and windshield of your vehicle. Make sure the card is easily visible. If you lose your card, please obtain a new one from the front desk.

· When you enter the parking lot to pick up your student, please pull in parallel to the curb – do not try to park your vehicle in the pick up zones.

· Students are not allowed to leave the curb unless they are entering a vehicle stopped adjacent to the curb or being escorted by an adult to a vehicle parked elsewhere in the parking lot. Please do not attempt to call your student to your vehicle from across the parking lot. Students should be accompanied by an adult during this time.

· Students must memorize their zone number and go directly there.

· No one other than a student’s parents or legal guardians may pick up a student from school unless written or verbal authorization is given by the parent.

· Carpools are strongly encouraged. This decreases traffic on neighborhood streets and wait time.

· The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited by drivers of cars upon school property! This distraction is hazardous to student, school personnel and parent safety.

Students

· Don’t leave the curb until your vehicle is stopped and ready for you to enter.

· Don’t leave your loading zone to play with or visit other students.

· Stay outside of the school building. Students may not re-enter the building once school has been dismissed without a parent.

Attendance

Being successful in school requires students to be in class every day on time. Tardiness disturbs classmates and interferes with learning. Freedom Academy expects all students to have a minimum of 95% attendance per year; this allows approximately 2 absences per quarter.

· Excused absences include illness and family emergencies. Please do not send sick children to school, e.g. those suffering from an undiagnosed rash, sore throat, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting within the last 24 hours. Please call or email (rcroshaw@pfa.cc) the school by 10 a.m. to notify of your student’s absence or send a note to the office with your student the day he or she returns. Extended illness (10+ missed school days) requires a doctor’s note.

· Students who have missed more than 10 days of school will be notified by mail of absenteeism concerns and parents will be required to appear before the administration to verify/justify absences. Exceeding 9 days absence per school year may be subject to truancy referral.

· Extended absences may include life-threatening illnesses, surgical procedures with extended recovery time, educational travel, or extracurricular experiences, and all require submission of a written proposal to the Academy Director before the absence occurs.

· Students are generally expected to complete class work and homework missed during an absence within a teacher-approved timeframe; 2 days make up for each day absent.

· Tardiness is defined as arriving at school after the school day has begun (8:30). Attendance is taken immediately upon arrival in the classroom. Students arriving at school after the 8:25 bell go directly to class and will be marked tardy by their teacher. Students must check-in at the front desk after 9:00 to obtain a tardy slip for admittance to class and give lunch count. 5 tardies equal 1 unexcused absence.

· The school is legally responsible for student safety during the school day. Parents needing to remove their student from school prior to the end of the school day must sign the student out at the front desk before leaving the school and must subsequently sign in the student upon his/her return.

· All students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the school day, except students participating in school sanctioned after-school activities. Students who are on campus after 3:30 p.m. will immediately be admitted into the on-site child care program at the parent’s expense. Parents will be required to sign the child out and pay the late pick-up fee at that time.

Volunteer Program & Visitors

Volunteerism is crucial to Freedom Academy’s ongoing success and develops a strong school-home-community partnership that results in quality education for children. Two-parent families are expected to contribute at least 40 hours of volunteer time per academic year. Single parents contribute at least 20 hours. All volunteers and visitors are required to sign in at the front desk and obtain and wear a visitors badge while at the school and to sign out before leaving the school.

Freedom Academy has myriad volunteer opportunities including, but not limited to:

· Assisting in classes under the direction of a teacher, e.g. art projects, guest speaking, reading stories, working one-on-one with students etc.

· Library help

· Lunch & Recess duty

· Drop-off & Pick-up duty

· Book lamination

· Front office

· Nursing help

· Extra-curricular classes

· Committee service

· PTO involvement

Enrollment

Freedom Academy is chartered to enroll up to 675 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Pursuant to Utah State law, students desirous to enroll at Freedom Academy must be at least five years old by midnight September 1st of a given academic school year. In accordance with Federal and State law, Freedom Academy does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, income, national origin or ability/disability status.

Enrollment Priorities

Currently Enrolled Students (those students who attended Freedom Academy the year immediately preceding the year for which enrollment is occurring) remain enrolled until graduated or officially withdrawn. Freedom Academy always enrolls Freedom Academy Founders’ children. As per state rule (08/07) children of teachers who are currently employed by Freedom Academy are exempt from the lottery. Enrollment preference for open spaces is given to the following groups, in the following order:

1. Siblings of Currently Enrolled Students

Siblings of currently enrolled students are given second priority with respect to enrollment. Siblings must have at least one parent in common. If there is a non biological child (i.e. relative, foster child) living in the home of a current student, the head of household must have legal guardianship for that child to be given second priority. In the event more siblings of currently enrolled students desire to enroll in a given grade than there are spaces, a lottery will be held to determine which children will be enrolled. Those not chosen in the lottery will be wait-listed for a particular grade pursuant to the order in which the student’s name was chosen.

2. Open Enrollment Applicants

Open Enrollment Applicants are given third priority with respect to enrollment. In the event more Open Enrollment Applicants desire to enroll in a given grade than there are spaces, a lottery will be held to determine which children will be enrolled. Those not chosen in the lottery will be wait-listed for a particular grade pursuant to the order in which the student’s name was chosen.

Enrollment begins with the youngest grade. In the event more children desire to enroll in any grade that there are spaces, a lottery will be held to determine which children will be enrolled. Those not chosen in the lottery will be wait-listed for that particular grade pursuant to the order in which the student’s name was chosen.

Sibling applicants of newly enrolled students are given priority for the lottery draws in an effort to keep school families together whenever possible.

Applications received after the Open Enrollment period will be added to the existing wait-list for each grade level in the order the applications are received. Students will be admitted to the school as openings occur through October 1^st. Lists of waiting students are dissolved on the last school day in September each year.

Freedom Academy will notify parents and students of enrollment results by sending an acceptance letter by USPS mail and by a posting at http://www.pfa.cc that they have been allotted a space for the school year. Parents have fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of postmark (the first of the fifteen calendar days begins the day following the date of the postmark) of the acceptance letter to claim the space for their student. If the fifteenth calendar day falls on a Sunday or USPS holiday, then the acceptance period shall extend to include the next normal USPS mail delivery day. Parents claim a space for their student by signing and returning the acceptance letter to the school by post or facsimile, as indicated thereon. Parents are urged to obtain a signed receipt from school personnel or send the acceptance letter via certified USPS mail.

If parents fail to claim the space, the acceptance letter will be void and their student will lose his or her allotted space. If parents thereafter desire to enroll their student at Freedom Academy, their application will be placed at the end of any existing wait-list for the grade in which the student desires to enroll.

Enrollment Procedures

Upon notification of student acceptance to Freedom Academy and prior to the first day of school, parents must:

1. Complete and sign the School Records Transfer Form that authorizes the transfer of school records from the student’s previous school to Freedom Academy, if transferring from another school. IEPs may require an additional permission form.

2. Provide a copy of a complete immunization record or a signed Immunization Waiver form.

3. Provide emergency contact details and an optional emergency kit.

4. Fill out Free/Reduced School Lunch form. If you are not eligible, complete identification information and write “Not Eligible” and return the form. If you are eligible, but do not wish to participate, please complete the form and write “Eligible but do not wish to participate”. This information allows the school to receive additional services and funding on behalf of students.

5. Provide a copy of the student’s birth certificate and social security card.

6. Complete a Freedom Academy student registration form.

7. Complete a home language survey.

By enrolling at Freedom Academy, students and parents are bound by and agree to abide by the provisions of this Handbook, which may be amended from time to time by the Freedom Academy Governing Board.

Freedom Academy offers enrollment for students in grades K-8. We comply with all federal and state laws relative to admission policies, which include an open admission, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, gender, handicap, or any other specification protected by law.

Withdrawal Procedures

Parents desirous to withdraw their student from Freedom Academy must complete a withdrawal form. Students who have been absent from school for more than 10 days, without notifying the school, will be considered withdrawn. Please ensure that library books, school textbooks and materials are returned on or before withdrawing from the school. Please come to the front office to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Disaster Plan

Each classroom is equipped with basic first aid supplies, emergency guidelines, and the specific health problems of the students. Parents are asked to provide a 12-hour emergency kit for each student attending Freedom Academy; details about kit contents will be provided by teachers. KSL (AM 1160) is our emergency radio station and they will indicate when schools are closed due to inclement weather or emergency. Freedom Academy will generally follow the Provo School District’s recommendations regarding emergency school closures.

In the event that conditions at the school make it unsafe for students to remain, the school will contact parents, using the information supplied on the enrollment form, of the need to pick up their children. Please make sure all contact information is current throughout the year.

In the event of a major disaster affecting the entire community, and if the building is still a safe refuge, students will be kept at school until released to a parent, family member or authorized adult.

Outdoor Playground

Students should always be dressed in weather-appropriate clothing. Outdoor recess may be suspended at the discretion of Academy Administration and/or teachers due to inclement weather, safety concerns, and unsuitable playground conditions.

Guidelines for snow day outside play and other inclement weather conditions follow:

Students will be allowed to play outside at the discretion of the administration on any given day. Decisions will be based on wetness of play area and rainfall, freezing temperatures, degree of wet snow falling and other pertinent conditions.

On a day when winter conditions are mild, students should have the following to play outside:

-coats

-shoes that can get wet or snowy

-gloves

-hats if temperatures are near freezing

If it is raining during morning drop-off, students will be allowed to enter the school, going directly to their classes not before 8:15 a.m.

When outside temperatures or wind and chill factors are below freezing, students will be admitted to classrooms not before 8:15 a.m.

Students should always wear appropriate outerwear for our Utah climate. Students are outside during drop-off, morning recess, lunch recess and pick up every day.

Snow boots should be removed upon arrival in the classroom and school shoes be put on.

Monitors will supervise students permitted to play outside.

At no time will snowballs be allowed on school property.

Suggested Supply List

· Pencils

· Erasers

· Pocketed folder

· 1 inch binder third grade and above

· Glue stick

· Dry erase marker and eraser (old socks work well)

Teachers may ask for individual donations of other supplies including scissors, rulers, colored pencils, washable markers, crayons, glue, paper and facial tissue, anti-bacterial supplies and other project-specific supplies.

Textbooks

Textbooks are an expensive and essential resource for successful education. Students are responsible to compensate the School for lost or damaged textbooks according to the following schedule, as solely determined by the school:

· Dirty Textbook – $3 to full replacement cost

· Writing, marks or scratches on cover edges of textbook – $3 to $5

· Bent, torn or missing textbook cover – $10 to full replacement cost

· Lost, stained, mildewed, burned – Full replacement cost

Money

Money sent to school should be sealed in an envelope with the student’s name, teacher, and purpose written thereon. Students should be instructed to take the envelope to the appropriate person and if unsure to give it to their teacher or to Academy Administration.

Computer and Network Resources

Freedom Academy Computer, Network and Data Resources (hereafter Resources) are provided to students solely to further the school’s educational mission.

Proscribed use of Resources includes, but is not limited to:

· Use of Resources to view, download, or otherwise access pornographic, sexually explicit, obscene, lewd, or otherwise inappropriate material, including websites.

· Use of Resources to view, download, or otherwise access material inconsistent with Freedom Academy policy and educational goals.

· Use of Resources for any form of direct or indirect activity for commercial or political purposes or to obtain financial gain.

· Using Resources for any illegal purpose.

· Using Resources to communicate obscene, offensive, vulgar or otherwise inappropriate language, either written or verbal.

· Using Resources to trespass into, view or change other users’ directories or files.

· Using Resources by supplying authentication credentials belonging to another person, or otherwise misrepresenting his or her identity.

· Damaging Resources, including creation and/or distribution of computer viruses.

· Using Resources to violate copyright law, including illegally copying software or other copyrighted works.

· Engaging in activity that adversely infringes on another person’s use of Resources or otherwise wasting Resource capacity.

· Modifying Resources in any way, including installation or un-installation of computer software or hardware, modification of any Resource configuration, or any other use of Resources other than that prescribed by authorized school staff.

· Using Resources without authorization from school staff.

Staff Contact Information

All Freedom Academy employees are allocated a school email account and a telephone extension with voicemail to aid in communicating with parents. Please feel free to contact your student’s teacher or Academy Administration by telephone, email or in person to discuss any questions you may have. Staff email addresses and telephone numbers are posted on the school website. Please note that teacher telephone extensions are configured to route all inbound calls originating from outside the school to voicemail during school hours; messages may be left throughout the school day, which will allow teachers to return phone calls during prep time or after school. Parents should not assume immediate contact with teacher during instructional hours. Teachers are obligated to respond within 24 hours, unless extenuating conditions exist. In the case of emergencies, parents may contact teachers via the front office. Please be respectful of teachers’ time during the school day so that instruction time is not disrupted.

Telephone

Students may use classroom or front office telephones for emergency purposes only with approval from their teacher or Academy Administration.

Celebration Procedures

We are always pleased with student growth and development. However, we feel strongly that birthday celebrations are most appropriately celebrated within the family rather than the school. Our constant goal is to provide curriculum focus and consistent instructional time during the school day. Hence, celebrations that are not tied in with these goals are discouraged. Please speak with your child’s teacher well in advance of such milestones for appropriate procedures. We recommend donating a book in your child’s name to either the classroom library or school library in celebration of a birthday.

Holidays

On occasion, holiday recognition may be part of a school day. All celebratory events will be merged with a curriculum focus, i.e. Halloween costumes and parties will be themed by individual classes or grade levels. Parents and student must adhere to all directions and plans for these events or risk being suspended for the day.

Science Fair

Participation in the annual science fair is required for all students in grades 4-8. All students are encouraged to participate. Awards and recognition will be presented at an evening event. K-3 students will participate either individually/teams or classes. See teacher information.

Food

All food will be in line with Freedom Academy’s Child Nutrition and Wellness Policy. Students are allowed to bring appropriate food to school for public consumption, for special occasions and class parties, with teacher permission. Please contact your student’s teacher for her preferences and to inquire about any food allergies other students in the class may have. A list of foods and snacks is available through the front office, website and teachers.

Students may bring closable water bottles to school to use throughout the day in the classroom. Water bottles weekly are also available through the school lunch program.

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found is located in Lincoln Lane (West main hallways). Every 3 months, unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. Suitable clothing items will be kept for the school clothing exchange and/or the nurse’s office emergency box. Parents and students are encouraged to check the lost and found weekly for missing items.

Communication

Communication between Freedom Academy, parents and students is vital to Freedom Academy’s ongoing success. Anything distributed on school property must be approved by Academy Administration. The school has established the following official means of communicating with parents and students:

· The school website – http://www.pfa.cc

· The school Student Information System (SIS) website –

https://freedom.usoe-dcs.org/Login/ – where parents and students can see grades, missing assignments, lunch account balances and messages from teachers. User name is student’s lunch number. The password is the first and last initial followed by their lunch number. For example, if your name was John Smith and your lunch number was 100 you would log in as follows:

username: 100

password: js100

· Beginning in 2009-2010 year Freedom Academy will begin moving to paperless communication. Folders will be occasional until phased out and Teacher and school newsletters will be found on the school website and UEN.

· Email Newsflashes – The school will periodically email a variety of notices to all persons who have joined our mailing list. Please contact Academy Administration to provide or update your email address.

· Phone Flashes – The school will periodically send out phone flashes about various school activities or announcements to your listed residential phone number. Please keep your phone number and information current with JoAnn or Roseann at the front desk. Email addresses: jgarlock@pfa.cc or rcroshaw@pfa.cc

Freedom Academy also requires teachers to regularly communicate with parents and students in accordance with the policy in the Freedom Academy Employee Handbook, as hereby quoted:

“Employees shall provide sufficient information to Academy Administration, parents, and students to make them aware of all classroom policies, procedures, schedules, and assignments before requiring completion of any assignment or adherence to any policy, procedure or schedule. Additionally, Employees shall send a weekly communiqué to parents, via email, which advises of upcoming assignments, missing assignments or other pertinent information. Employees shall ensure no method of communication is used that would preclude parents from reasonably receiving said communiqués, e.g. only sending email communiqués when some parents have no access to email.”

Health Services

Professional volunteers are monitoring Freedom Academy health services. There may be minimal care provided by the school secretary for minor cuts and injuries. Parents will be notified about all major injuries or accidents that occur at school.

· Students requiring medication during school hours must bring it in the original container, along with instructions governing its dispensation from a parent or health care practitioner. If the student is to take a prescription medication, the medication must be in the prescription bottle with the student’s name printed on it. Medication will be kept locked up at the School until dispensed. Academy Administration or their designees will dispense medication according to the dispensing instructions.

· Eye Screening is provided once an academic school year for kindergartners, and is conducted by volunteers under the supervision of a state trained employee. All incoming kindergarteners must have a vision screening test completed prior to the start of the academic school year as per state law.

· Freedom Academy provides an optional maturation course for 5^th grade boys and girls once per academic school year. The course subject matter is limited to body development and does not touch on topics of human sexuality. Parents may preview the course and must give permission prior to student viewing. Parents may attend the course with their student.

School Lunch/Breakfast

The school nutrition program is overseen by a registered dietitian and administered by paid staff and volunteers. Menus are posted on the website and lunches may be paid for on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Freedom Academy does participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, and therefore does provide free or reduced meals. If a student forgets to bring a lunch or money to purchase one to school, the school will provide a school lunch for the student, unless instructed by the parent not to do so. Parents are responsible to reimburse the school for the cost of the school lunch. The School provides a backup lunch as a courtesy to students and parents, though may, at its discretion, choose not to for students abuse of the courtesy. For K-6 lunch the cost is $2.25. For 7^th-8^th grade the cost is $2.50. For all non-students lunch costs $2.60 (adults and children). If you would like to purchase a lunch and eat with your student please call the front desk (437-3100) before 9:15 am so you will be included in the lunch count.

Library

The school library is open each school day, and is staffed by employees and volunteers. Each classroom has scheduled library time once a week. Books may be checked out from the library for a two week period once parents and students sign the Library Authorization Form. Books overdue at the end of each grading period are considered lost and must be paid for in full prior to release of quarterly student report cards. The Library always welcomes book donations in any quantity or condition (donated books can be traded to used bookstores for children’s books). All lost book fees must be paid during the year.

Parent Resource Library

To increase parent familiarity with school curricula, the Freedom Academy PTO sponsors a Parent Resource Library, located in the school library. This includes curricula, supplemental resources, parenting manuals, and other educational materials in its collection. Items from the collection are available to be checked out by parents for a two-week period.

Field Trips

Freedom Academy utilizes commercial buses and parent volunteers to transport students on school-sponsored field trips. Parents desirous of volunteering must provide the school with a legible copy of their driver’s license, current auto insurance information, including liability limits, and number of seatbelts in the vehicle. Information is kept on file in the office and must be filled out yearly. Parents are prohibited on buses. Only school employees may accompany students and teachers on the bus.

Extra-Curricular Classes

Freedom Academy allows various extra-curricular classes to operate on school property, though does not financially support any of them. Parents may also apply to create new extra-curricular classes by contacting Academy Administration. See front office for application packet.

Comportment Code

Behavior Expectations

Freedom Academy’s educational goals are most successfully attained in a structured, safe, and calm environment – one in which no student is allowed to disrupt the learning process of others. Freedom Academy expects students to develop self-control and personal responsibility as guiding principles in their lives.

General School Rules

· Respect others and their property.

· No bullying or any form of intimidation.

· No weapons, tobacco, alcohol, or drugs on school property.

· No chewing gum in school buildings.

· Be punctual to class and school activities.

· No fighting or threatening to fight.

· Use no obscene or profane language.

· Walk in an orderly and quiet manner in school buildings.

· Respect school property and grounds.

· Students may not bring electronic gadgets, games, pagers or mobile phones to school. If such items are brought to school, they will be confiscated and held for a parent to collect. Exceptions for phones include students with identified medical conditions that warrant emergency use.

· Students may only enter offices, teacher workrooms, closets and teacher’s lounge with permission from school employees.

· No cheating or plagiarizing.

· Be prepared for class and actively participate.

· Abide by the school dress code policy.

Cafeteria Rules

· Eat lunch in assigned areas.

· No yelling or loud voices.

· Keep floor and table areas neat and clean; properly dispose of food and trash after eating.

· Respect all cafeteria staff.

· Line up for pick-up immediately upon arrival of classroom teacher.

Restroom Rules

· Obtain a restroom pass from a teacher or staff member before going to the restroom.

· Keep restrooms neat and clean.

· Do not play in restrooms.

· Flush after using the toilet.

· Wash hands.

· Promptly return to the location from where you came when finished using the restroom.

· Students may not use bathrooms designated as Adult Bathrooms.

Assembly Rules

· Be respectful to assembly participants.

· Use appropriate applause.

· Do not “boo”, shout, whistle, or talk during the assembly.

· Sit in assigned areas.

· Disruptive students will be removed.

Recess Rules

· Play in the designated outdoor play area.

· Do not wander throughout the halls.

· Do not throw rocks, bark, snow, sticks or any other non-recreational object.

· No fighting or simulated fighting.

· No tackling, grabbing of clothing, tripping, or pushing.

· Use playground equipment as intended. Sitting on top of the bars is prohibited.

· Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

· No littering, spitting or inappropriate language.

Dress Code Policy

In an effort to promote neatness, modesty, good personal grooming habits and to better focus students’ energies on education Freedom Academy requires students to abide by the Dress Code Policy. Freedom Academy students wear approved clothing whilst on school property during normal school hours (8:00 am-4:00pm) and on school-sponsored outings. The approved clothing is worn throughout the academic school year. Please review the guidelines carefully with your child(ren) to ensure compliance with the Uniform Policy.

· Freedom Academy school colors are red, white , and navy blue.

· Students shall dress modestly, maintain a clean, orderly and neat appearance, and exercise good grooming and personal hygiene habits.

· All clothing items must be in good condition, e.g. clean, no holes, rips, or frayed edges and pressed

· Girls are permitted to wear a pair of shorts (similar to biker shorts) under their skirts or jumpers. Pants may not be worn under skirts or jumpers. Leggings are not allowed.

· Pants or shorts are to be appropriately sized and worn from the waist. Low-rise pants are not allowed. Shorts and or skirts may not be shorter than 2” above the knee cap.

· Jackets, hooded, (even on free dress day), sweatshirts, gloves, vests, hats, snow or otherwise pants or overalls, and sweatbands may be worn outdoors only.

· The only items that may be worn under blouses or shirts are plain white t-shirts or undershirts. All shirts must be tucked in.

· No undergarments, except white shirts, shall be visible at any time, other than at the neckline.

· No layering of clothing other than white undershirts under approved shirts or sweaters.

· Top two buttons on a shirt may remain opened. All other buttons must be fastened.

· Students may wear an authorized club uniform (e.g. Boy or Girl Scouts) on the day of their club meeting. Hats are not included.

· The school crest may be embroidered on any approved top, e.g. shirt, sweater, vest, or jacket.

· When free dress days occur, clothing may not contain vulgar, sexual, or profane words, phrases, pictures or other representations.

· Clothing may not contain words, phrases, pictures or other representations that refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and gangs.

· Tattoos are not allowed.

· Students are not required to purchase every item on the approved clothing list.

· Embellishments on clothing, such as zippers, ruffles, buttons, sequins, decorative stitching or cargo pockets are not allowed.

· All shirts must be worn tucked inside waistbands during all uniform days.

· All socks must be above the ankle.

Belts

Must be all black or brown in color with no added embellishments. Belts are required on all clothing with belt loops. Altering clothing to remove loops is unacceptable. Solid color suspenders may be worn, if desired.

Shoes

Shoes shall be kept in a clean, attractive condition and shall be completely black or completely brown in color with no additional embellishments. Shoe laces must match the shoes and must be tied. Flip-Flops, sandals, shoes with heels higher than 2 inches, platform heels, open toes, open heels and strap back heels are not permitted. White soles on shoes are not permitted.

Dress Boots

Boots must be all black or brown in color with no additional embellishments and must be below the knee. Heels must be lower than 2 inches.

Jewelry

Jewelry will only be worn in modest amounts. Nose, eyebrow, lip, or tongue jewelry is not permitted. For boys, earrings are not acceptable and neck jewelry will not be worn outside of clothing. Multi-strand necklaces on boys or girls are not acceptable. Single strand necklaces, not longer than 2 inches below base of neck are acceptable. Girls may not wear more than one pair of small (less than ½ inch, not dangling) earrings. Pierced jewelry in other body parts, e.g. nose, belly, lip, tongue, etc., is not permitted. A single bracelet may be worn. Ankle bracelets are not allowed.

Hair

Hair shall be neatly combed or brushed, trimmed and attractive in appearance. Bizarre, extreme or unusual hairstyles or unnatural coloring are not permitted. Bangs below the eyebrows are not permitted. For boys, hair must be trimmed above the collar and ears; ponytails, rattails, facial hair, or shaved heads are not permitted. Hair accessories should be small and within school colors. Hats and bandanas may not be worn in the school building. A letter from the school will be sent after one verbal reminder. Immediate compliance will be expected or will result in suspension.

Makeup

Students are not allowed to use any makeup that is visible with the exception of clear lip gloss. An adult employee will ask offenders to wash it off. Seventh and eighth grade girls may use light mascara, light clear lip gloss, light foundation, and blush. All make up should be subtle.

T-Shirt and Jean Day Policy

· T-Shirt and jean day is the first and third Friday of each month.

Students may wear a school t-shirt. This includes a classroom student council or Freedom Academy t-shirt. Blue denim jeans, blue denim jean shorts, and tennis shoes can be worn. No cargo pants/shorts are allowed. If a student does not have a school t-shirt they must wear a school uniform shirt with jeans and tennis shoes.

Dress Code Violations

· First offense - verbal warning and call to parent for missing uniform item

· Second offense - Level 1 Dress Code Violation ticket sent home

· Third offense - Level 2 Dress Code Violation ticket sent home along with a phone call to parent

· Fourth offense – Level 3 Dress Code Violation ticket plus a Level I write up for chronic behavior

· Fifth offense – Level III write up for chronic behavior plus conference with administration and possible suspension.

· Sixth offense – Suspension

· Seventh offense – Conference with Governing Board suspension up to one year.

The school crest may be embroidered on any uniform top (shirt, sweater, vest, or jacket), but is not required. Students should have a sufficient number of uniform items to provide for their weekly needs, but are no required to purchase every item on the uniform list. Items may be purchased through separate vendors as long as they meet the guidelines.

Girls’ Uniforms
	Item	Color	Details
Tops
	Blouse	Solid White	Long. ¾, or short sleeved with a collar; no embellishments, no colored piping.
	Polo Shirt	Solid red, white or navy blue	Long or short sleeved; approximately 4 buttons, no embellishments, pockets, ruffles, decorative stitching, etc…
	Turtleneck	Solid red, white, or navy blue	Long sleeved.
	Cardigan	Solid red, white or navy blue	Long sleeved, buttoned.
	Sweater vest	Solid red, white, or navy blue
	pullover sweater	Solid red, white, or navy blue	Long sleeved.
	Fleece Jacket or Pullover	Solid red or navy blue	Zippered or pullover; no hoods are allowed inside the building for school wear.
Bottoms
	Jumper	Navy blue, dark khaki or plaid (see each vendor below for approved plaids)	Drop waist, pleated, or A line, with no embellishments. Must be worn with an approved shirt. Must be no shorter than 2” above the knee cap.
	Polo Dress	Navy blue and red	Must be no shorter that 2” above the knee cap. Pleated or A-line with no embellishments, pockets, or decorative stitching.
	Long Skirt, culottes	Navy blue, dark khaki, or approved plaid in school colors	Mid-calf length, straight or pleated, no embellishments or cargo pockets.
	Skirt	Navy blue, dark khaki, or approved plaid in school colors	Pleated, A line or straight skirts, may be no shorter than 2” above the knee cap.
	Skort	Navy blue, dark khaki, or plaid in school colors	No embellishments; may be no shorter than 2” above knee cap.
	Shorts, pants, or capris	Navy or dark khaki	May be flat front or pleated, may be cuffed, but not rolled; no embellishments; may be no shorter than 2” above the knee. No outside cargo pockets.
Accessories
	Socks	Solid white, navy blue or khaki	Crew or knee socks; no show socks are not allowed.
	Tights	Solid white or navy blue	Tights should be in good repair absent of holes or runs. No leggings.
	Panty hose	Solid white, navy or skin tones	May be worn by 5^th-8^th grade girls.
	Belt	Solid Black, Brown	Belt may be leather or simulated, flat, braided or stretch but must be all black or all brown; belt must be worn with all belt loops.
	Shoes	Solid Black, Brown	All shoes (including athletic shoes) must be all black or all brown; shoes may not have open toes or an open heel and cannot have a heel higher than two inches.
	Neck tie/crossover tie	Solid red, solid navy blue or school plaid	Must be worn with a white oxford blouse. Tie knot must remain at the top of the blouse.

Boys’ Uniforms
	Item	Color	Details
Tops
	Oxford Shirt	Solid red, white or navy blue	Long or short sleeved, collared.
	Polo Shirt	Solid red, white or navy blue	Long or short sleeved; no more than four buttons.
	Turtleneck	Solid red, white or navy blue	Long sleeved.
	Sweater Vest	Solid red or navy blue
	Cardigan	Solid, red, white or navy blue	Long sleeved, buttoned.
	Pullover Sweater	Solid red, white or navy blue	Long sleeved.
	Polar fleece jacket or pullover	Solid red or navy blue	Zippered or pullover; no hoods on clothing inside building.
Bottoms
	Shorts or pants	Navy or dark khaki	May be flat front or pleated, may be cuffed, but not rolled; shorts may be no shorter than 2” above the knee cap; no embellishments or cargo outside pockets.
Accessories
	Tie	Solid red, solid navy blue or school plaid	May be worn with a white oxford shirt. Tie knot must remain at the top of the shirt.
	Socks	Navy blue, khaki, or white	No show socks are not allowed; socks must be above the ankle.
	Belt	Black, Brown	Belt may be leather or simulated, flat, braided or stretch but must be all black or all brown; belt must be worn with all belt loops.
	Shoes	Black, Brown	All shoes (including athletic shoes) must be all black or all brown; shoes may not have open toes or an open heel and cannot have a heel higher than two inches.

Sources of approved clothing

Approved clothing items may be purchased from any vendor as long as the items meet the Dress Code Policy. Following is a list of some vendors that sell items in compliance:

· Catch the Spirit (Marie at 801-636-3507 or Jennifer at 801-636-3508) crest embroidery available.

Elderwear – www.Elderwearwecare.com (approved plaid #37)

K-12 Gear

· Land’s End (landsend.com or 1-800-469-2222). The crest application price is approximately $5.50. Please use Preferred School Number 9000-9490-5, and Logo Number 0429926K at the time of ordering. When ordering plaids, use the following item descriptions and item codes; classic navy large plaid (YPR), classic navy/red plaid (YPS), and red plaid (RPL). Lands’ End will donate 3% of net sales back to Freedom Academy.

· French Toast (frenchtoast.com or 1-800-373-6248 or fax 1-888-296-4966). When ordering, use our school source code QS5DGMM. Navy and red plaid (NARP) is the approved plaid.

· Xpressions School uniforms (expressionsuniforms.com) – Crest embroidery available. You may view products from the website, but all purchasing in done through their Pleasant Grove store. (801-796-6700)

· Customschooluniforms.com – crest embroidery is available.

When buying from these vendors please make sure you only purchase clothing that is approved according to our dress code policy.

· Target (target.com-search for “school uniforms”)

· JC Penney (jcpenney.com – search for “school uniforms”)

· Wal-Mart (walmart.com- search for “school uniforms”)

· Sears (sears.com- search for “school uniform”)

· Old Navy (oldnavy.com- search for “school uniforms”)

· Gap (gap.com – search for “school uniforms)

· Amazon.com – search for “school uniforms”

· Let’s Logo – www.letslogo.net (Local supplier of polo shirts with crest) – Need to follow up to make sure logo is consistent with others. I checked on website and they are still in business.

Discipline

Freedom Academy students shall comply with the Comportment Code, though teachers may institute additional classroom policies and rules that are binding on students once they are in receipt of such. Teachers are generally responsible for classroom discipline, in accordance with their published policies, though may, at their sole discretion, refer any discipline matter to Academy Administration for resolution. Employees will fill out a student referral form indicating levels I, II, or III. Copies will be sent home with students and placed in student portfolios.

Freedom Academy shall generally discipline students according to the following steps, though the Academy Director may, at her sole discretion, implement other discipline measures, as appropriate, combine multiple steps for a single infraction, or escalate through steps for dissimilar infractions.

Step 1: Verbal warning – Teacher or Academy Administration shall verbally reprimand the student for the infraction and document the incident in the student’s file.

Step 2: Written warning/office referral – Teacher or Academy Administration shall verbally reprimand the student for the infraction, fill out school discipline referral form, contact/attempt to contact the student’s parents to discuss the incident within 24 hours and file documentation of incident in the student’s file. A level III incident will be dealt with by Academy Administration.

Step 3: Suspension – After three referrals during a school year or for any Level III incident, Academy Administration shall verbally reprimand the student for the infraction, contact the student’s parents to discuss the incident, suspend the student for up to five consecutive school days and document the incident in the student’s file. Suspension shall, at the sole discretion of Academy Administration, consist either of in-school suspension, where the student is removed from the classroom and confined to a designated room in which he/she works on assigned work, or out-of-school suspension, where the student is not allowed on school property or to attend any school activities during the duration of the suspension period. In the case of out-of-school suspension, the school shall prepare work for the student’s parents or designees to collect and which the student must complete during the suspension period.

Step 4: Long Term Suspension – Academy Administration shall verbally reprimand the student for the infraction, contact the student’s parents to discuss the incident, suspend the student from Freedom Academy and document the incident and suspension in the student’s file. Upon completion of suspension, student will appear before Governing Board. If suspension is through lottery process, student will have to reapply through the following years lottery.

Dispute Arbitration

When conflicts arise between individuals at the School, the following procedures shall be followed:

· The aggrieved individual shall attempt to resolve the conflict by communicating directly with the other individual involved in the conflict. This includes teacher/parent/staff. Parent conflicts with other parents shall be resolved off school site.

· If the conflict is not successfully resolved in the meeting between the individuals involved in the conflict, the aggrieved individual shall notify Academy Administration about the conflict, and Academy Administration shall conduct a meeting between the individuals involved in the conflict to attempt to resolve the conflict.

· If the conflict is not successfully resolved in the meeting with Academy Administration, the aggrieved individual shall put the details of the conflict in writing and send them to the Freedom Academy Governing Board. Upon receipt of the details, and after sufficient time to consider the matter, the Governing Board shall, in a timely manner, conduct an executive board meeting with the individuals involved in the conflict and Academy Administration to attempt to resolve the conflict.

Parent behavior expectations

Parents are expected to use decorum and courtesy when on school property. They will address all employees, other parents and all students with reserve and in a polite and professional manner. Raised voices, threats, interference with instruction or school activities will warrant removal from the school property by civil authorities. Severe problematic behavior incidents will result in restrictions from school property and possible expulsion of entire family.

Assessment

Late Policy for all student work – 2009-2010

The late policy for all school work is as follows:

Assignments handed in on time	Full Credit
One day late	10% reduction in score
Two days late	20% reduction in score
Three days late	30% reduction in score
Four days late	40% reduction in score
Five days late or more	Zero credit

Special Education

Parents concerned about their student’s academic abilities should confer with their student’s teacher to discuss the issue. Parents and teachers may request a formal academic assessment of the student to determine if Special Education services are needed.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Freedom Academy conducts a Meet-the-Teacher night just prior to the commencement of each school year where parents may meet teachers and introduce students. Curriculum Night is scheduled in September for parents to meet with teachers to review classroom procedures, policies, and curriculum. The school also schedules two Parent/Teacher conferences each school year, usually at the end of the first and third school quarters; specific details are posted on the School Calendar. Parents are expected to attend all conferences. Grade levels offer various formats for conferencing. Please check the website for times and options.

Appendix A: General Suggestions for Parents

· Be positive about school. Freedom Academy offers the best in educational opportunities.

· Acquire and use regularly the “What your ___ Grader Should Know” Core Knowledge Series for the appropriate grade level. Copies of this series are available through the Parent Resource Library but should be obtained by each family for use at home.

· Support the Love and Logic School program by using program strategies and language.

· Learn about the Core Curriculum and Character Ed programs and discuss them at home.

· Show your student how excited you are about the learning that is taking place at school by asking questions about the different subjects being studied.

· Compliment your student for using thinking skills, and convey how much you like learning things from your student.

· Praise your student’s EFFORTS. Stress the reward of learning, rather than recognition of achievements.

· Teach your student what school and education mean to a person’s future. Try to relate what your student is learning to the day-to-day lives of your student and your family.

· Help your student set short-term and long-term goals.

· Be available to help your student – recognize that this commitment may require a substantial amount of work, but that effort equals results.

· Make sure that you understand the teacher’s homework schedule. Check your student’s school bag every day for completed work and homework.

· Help your student follow through with homework assignments. Allow logical consequences and don’t do the homework for your child. Check teacher UEN pages daily for updates.

· See that your student has the proper materials, textbooks, etc. Some students need more parental guidance than others, at least until they become accustomed to the responsibility. Student accountability is expected on an increasing basis as they progress in age and grade.

· Help your student get settled and ready to work in an organized study area that is free from distractions. A specific, comfortable work space enhances work efforts.

· Sit down with your student, or set a time with an older student for reviewing homework. Parent signatures are often required. Be available when needed.

· Listen to your younger student read reading assignments aloud. Notice when your student misreads or mispronounces a word and help him/her sound it out. Ask your student questions to assess comprehension. Question your student’s understanding of new vocabulary. Stay in contact with teachers to monitor problems and concerns.

· Check for errors in completed assignments. Rather than giving away the correct answers, have your student rework incorrectly answered questions. This will help your student be more self-assured and confident at school. If your student seems to be having a lot of difficulty, contact the teacher so that your student’s needs can receive more careful attention.

· Help your student locate resource materials for reports or research projects either in your home or at the public library. Become familiar with the school library resources.

· Encourage your student to communicate with you and the teacher if there are particular difficulties with classmates and peers.

· Discuss local and world events with your student. Discuss the causes of such happenings. Discuss the effect of the events and how they relate to your student.

· Teach your student to be skeptical about things read, seen, and heard.

· Teach your student to have an open mind. Be willing to discuss issues.

· Teach your student to search for the truth and to determine personal values accordingly. Stand up for what you believe in. Be rational and reasonable in discussions. Strive to understand all points of view.

· Expect your student to be responsible at home. Encourage cleanliness and neatness.

· Have weekly and daily tasks that your student must accomplish. Praise and support their efforts. Encourage them to demonstrate those skills and responsibilities in a public setting that will be for the benefit and service of everyone.

· Model honesty, respect and responsibility on supporting and following Freedom Academy expectations everyday.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974

Summary of the Law

1. The law applies to all students in higher education, regardless of age, once they begin attending classes. The law continues to apply to students even after they have graduated, but ceases to apply upon the death of the student.

2. We may not disclose any information about students, other than directory information, to unauthorized persons or organizations, Non-disclosable information includes things like social security number, grades, academic standing, which classes a student is enrolled in, how many credit hours the student has earned, test scores, student disciplinary records and any other information considered an educational record.

3. Authorized persons and organizations are those who have a legitimate educational interest.

A. They include employees of SOU, OUS, the US Department of Education and other education authorities carrying out official duties, as well as financial aid lenders. Also included are organizations which SOU has contracted with; these organizations are agents of the university. An example is the National Student Loan Clearinghouse.

B. A legitimate educational interest means that the person or organization is required to perform certain duties and these duties involve the use of student data.

C. Further, a legitimate educational interest in one area does not constitute the right to access student data in other areas. For example, a faculty member must be able to access data about the students he or she is advising. However, this does not automatically give the faculty member the right to access data on students whom he or she is not advising or teaching, or to access data not related to the teaching function.

4. Directory information at SOU includes: name, local and permanent addresses and telephone numbers, date and place of birth, academic major, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, enrollment status, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous institution attended.

5. A student may declare him or herself to be “Confidential,” in which case we cannot release any information, even directory information. In fact, we do not even acknowledge that the student is at SOU. This is a very important provision given that some students may be victims of stalkers or simply wish to protect their privacy. Obviously, this restriction does not apply when providing information to those who have a legitimate educational interest.

6. Persons who are not authorized to receive student data, but who may apply a great deal of pressure include: parents, relatives, spouses and ex-spouses, employers or potential employers, attorneys and other representatives of law firms, and representatives of a variety of other types of organizations (e.g., collection agencies). To repeat, the only information we may give out to people like this is directory information. If you receive a phone call or a visit from someone like this, you should direct the call or person to the Registrar’s Office.

7. There are exceptions to the rule of non-disclosure which involve health and safety. This means that, to prevent sickness, injury or death, we may disclose information usually held to be protected. Also, an agent of the court with a properly issued court order or subpoena may also receive student data, though we must first attempt to notify the student before complying with the subpoena. Al cases like these should be referred to the Registrar’s Office, which, in turn, consults with legal counsel before complying.

8. Students have other rights under FERPA. These include:

A. To be informed of third parties seeking access to their records (e.g. a subpoena).

B. To view SOU’s written policy regarding their educational records.

C. To be assured their educational records will not be used for purposes other than those for which they were collected.

D. To inspect and review their educational records.

E. To challenge the contents of their educational records.

F. To have a hearing if the challenge to their educational records is unsuccessful

G. To file an explanation if the challenge is denied.

H. To file a compliant with the US Department of Education on alleged FERPA violations.

FERPA summary – Page 2

9. An educational record is one directly related to a student and maintained by the institution or a party acting for the institution. This definition covers many kinds of records kept at SOU. These include records kept in any of the following campus offices:

A. Admissions

B. Registrar

C. Financial Aid

D. Business Services

E. Academic advisor

F. Academic department

G. Career Placement

H. Student Counseling

I. SOU administrator

J. Student Services

(sole possession notes are exempt)

10. Non-educational records are:

A. Personal records kept by a staff member if kept in the sole possession of the one who made the record and never revealed to another individual.

B. Law enforcement records maintained solely for law enforcement purposes and revealed only to law enforcement agencies.

C. Employment records of those who employment is not contingent upon being a student.

D. Medical or psychiatric records maintained by SOU Health and Wellness Center and not revealed to those involved with such treatment.

E. Alumni records containing non-student data collected on students who no longer attend. This is data which has been collected after the last date of attendance or graduation.

11. Educational records which students cannot review:

A. Records which do not contain educational information or do not fall into the category of education records because of how they are maintained.

B. Financial records of parents.

C. Confidential records placed in education records prior to 1975 if they are used as intended.

D. Confidential recommendations or receipts of honors if the student has waived the right of access to such information.

E. Documents containing information on more than one student.

***Important Note:

Since September 11, 2001, the Congress passed new legislation which allows the Attorney General (or a designess) to present a subpoena for a student’s records where the student is a subject of interest related to enformcement of laws related to terrorism. The subpoena may require that the student expressly NOT be notified. SOU is required to respond to such a subpoena. If you are served with such a subpoena, you should refer the infividual to either the Registrar’s Office or the Provost’s Office.