STUDENT POLICIES

These policies set forth the guidelines for students of ACCLAIM Academy. They are to be read and interpreted in harmony with all applicable state and federal regulations and laws. To the extent, if any, these policies are inconsistent with applicable law, the law shall govern. All remaining policies shall continue in force and effect.

ATTENDANCE

State law mandates that schools record reasons for all student absences. Therefore, when a student is absent, it shall be necessary for the parent or guardian to call the School on or before the day of absence in order to advise the School as to the reason for the absence. When it is not possible to call on the day of the absence, the School must be notified at the beginning of the session on the day the student returns. The phone call must be made by the parent or guardian.

If a parent or guardian does not have access to a phone, either at home or at work, a note shall be accepted for verification purposes.

The School may require parent or guardian verification of an absence and/or absence notification. Parent or guardian verification must come no later than one (1) school day beyond the day of return. All absences not verified by that time shall remain unexcused.

For absences greater than one (1) day in length, the School shall be notified each day of the absence.

If a student is absent from school without proper notification or authorization by the parent or guardian, the School shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or guardian of the student's absence from school within two hours after the student is deemed absent.

Attendance Guidelines

Students are expected to be in attendance all class sessions. Therefore, if a student is absent or tardy five (5) days in a semester, a letter is sent to the parents notifying them of the potential consequences of continued absence. If a student is absent or tardy ten (10) days, a parent conference is required. If a student is absent or tardy twenty (20) days in the school year, they may be retained. All excessive absence cases shall be reviewed by the Director. An appeal process is available through the Board. Parents of students with excessive absences or tardies may be required to appear before the Governing Board to explain the reasons for the excessive absences or tardies and explain why the child should continue to be enrolled in ACCLAIM Academy.

Truancy

Unexcused or unauthorized absence from school is considered truancy and shall be treated as such. This includes unexcused or unauthorized absence from any class during the school day for which the student is scheduled. Disciplinary action shall be taken in such cases, beginning with notification of parents or guardians.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The School has the authority and responsibility to establish policies, rules, and regulations in order to create an educational and safe environment. However, the School also recognizes that students are afforded certain rights including equal access to educational programs, equal treatment, and due process. Recognition of these rights by students does not diminish the responsibilities of students including the recognition of others' rights, obedience to school rules, and proper response to school authorities.

ACCLAIM ACADEMY STUDENT DRESS CODE

RATIONALE: We believe that every student has intrinsic worth based upon who they are and not what they wear. We want to create an environment in which each student can develop these innate qualities, focus on learning, and contribute in a positive way to the community. We also believe that pressures related to clothing choice can distract students and undermine the school environment. The dress code, adopted by the ACCLAIM Governing Board on Thursday, April 1, 1999, encourages self-discipline and is simple to manage.

DRESS CODE: All clothes must be clean and neat. They cannot be torn, tattered, suggestive, nor interfere with the educational process nor present a safety hazard. *They cannot display logos, name brands, numbers, symbols, pictures, or icons.

STANDARD TOPS

• White, black, purple, or hunter green polo shirts, dress shirt, or collared blouse (long or short sleeved).

• Must be the student's size (not tight or baggy).

• Simple cotton polyester style, not satin, velvet, etc.

• No frilly or fancy lace, buttons or collars, etc.

• Must be tucked in at the waist at all times.

STANDARD BOTTOMS

• Khaki or black pants, shorts, skirts or skorts.

• No denim / jean, corduroy or stretchy material.

• No jumpers, capris, overalls or bibs.

• Must be belted, fit at the waist, and not sag or hang on the hips.

• Bottoms can be no shorter than the end of the longest fingertip when standing up straight, nor longer than the sole of the shoes.

• Shorts must be no longer than the knee.

OUTERWEAR

• They may be any color or design.

• If they are not solid and School colors they may not be worn inside the School building.

FOOTWEAR

• Footwear is required at all times.

• Shoes should be in basic colors, (black, and white, brown, tan), should be conservative in style, and have a closed toe and heel.

• Tennis shoes (plain white and / or black only) are acceptable for class.

• Socks must be worn with shoes.

• Socks must completely cover the ankle.

• They may be black, white, khaki, purple or teal.

• Socks cannot have logos, designs or frills.

HATS

• Hats may be worn outside but not inside the building.

JEWELRY

• Jewelry is to be simple, conservative, and kept to a minimum (one necklace, one bracelet, and one ring) with piercing allowed on the ears only.

• Earrings must be studs (not hoops, etc.), only one per ear, and only in the earlobe.

• Ankle bracelets are not allowed.

HAIR

• Hair is to be clean, neat, and conservative in style.

• Shaving of the head is not permitted.

• Coloring of the hair and glitter hair spray is not permitted.

MAKE-UP

• Make-up is not allowed for kindergartners through sixth-graders.

• For seventh and eighth graders make-up is to be kept to minimum and must be natural in appearance.

• Colored contact lenses are not permitted.

TATTOOS, BODY ART, MISCELLANEOUS

• Visible tattoos and any form of body art are prohibited.

• Laser pointing devices are prohibited.

P.E.

• All students, grades 6-8, are expected to change into T-shirts and gym shorts or sweats for physical education.

• They may be black, white, hunter green or purple and may not have logos, etc.

• Tennis shoes are required for P.E.

• Shoes for P.E. may have a logo

COMPLIANCE

Students who receive no Dress Code Notice in a given month earn the privilege to participate in Dress Up Day which is the last class day of each month.

• Clothes may have logos.

• They do not need to be school colors.

• They must be conservative, modest, and not distract students from the learning environment.

NONCOMPLIANCE

• First occurrence: Student will receive a Dress Code Notice and earn "0" points for that period (he/she will not Meet the Goal for the day). Parents must sign and return both the Dress Code Notice and the point sheet, and discuss dress code compliance with their children. Child will not be allowed to participate in Dress Up Day for that month.

• Second occurrence: Student will receive a second Dress Code Notice and have to call the parent. He will again earn "0" points for that period and not Meet the Goal for the day. Parents must sign and return both the Dress Code Notice and the point sheet, and discuss dress code compliance with their child.

• Third occurrence: Student will receive a third Dress Code Notice, have to call a parent, and may not return to class until the infraction is corrected. This will be considered an unexcused absence.

Any questions as to compliance will be referred to the administration which will make the final determination.

* Interference with the Educational Process or presenting a safety hazard will be determined solely by the administration at ACCLAIM.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Students at the School will be held to the highest standards of conduct in order to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment for everyone. Following the basic rule that “No one has the right to interfere with the learning or safety of others,” and the expectation to “Do what's expected, and do it the best you can,” students will take responsibility for their actions, and anyone who chooses to interfere with others’ learning will be held accountable. The support and involvement of parents is essential for the success of this program.

The rules of the School are founded upon the “D.O.V.E” (Developing Our Virtues Every day) program providing a simple and concrete listing of expected behaviors and consequences when certain behaviors are exhibited by students. This system encourages students to take responsibility for their own actions, including attendance and academic performance. Emphasis is placed on the importance of each student working to his/her own ability level. The program allows all students to make mistakes without cumulative, punitive action. It provides time for thought and direction. Effort is expected, rewarded, and there is frequent positive feedback. The foundation of the “D.O.V.E.” program is that all students are capable of success and that making appropriate choices at school will generate student success.

Expected Behaviors

1. Students will exhibit positive behaviors at all times by respecting the rights of others to learn in a safe environment.

2. Students will foster a safe environment by respecting school property and using it responsibly.

3. Students are expected to choose positive alternatives such as teacher assistance and/or avoidance of confrontations.

4. Students are expected to be in class on time and to make proper use of the instructional setting by assuming the responsibility of being on task and successfully completing all assignments.

5. Restroom breaks will be scheduled throughout the day. Use of the restrooms and visits to the nurse will be allowed when necessary.

Inappropriate Behaviors

The following is a listing of inappropriate behaviors as defined by the School:

1. Being disrespectful to an adult: using sarcasm or profanity, talking back, disregarding directions or instructions, etc.

2. Using inappropriate language: profanity, vulgarity.

3. Harassing, teasing, name calling, threatening another student.

4. Disrupting classroom instruction or discussions: calling out, making excessive noise, i.e. humming, whistling, tapping, etc., playing with objects, throwing objects, leaving one's seat without permission.

5. Leaning back in one's chair.

6. Placing feet on desktops, tabletops, other people and undesignated areas on the School grounds. Student desks are School property and remain at all times under the control of the School. Students are expected to assume full responsibility for the cleanliness and order of their desks. Inspection of desks may be conducted by school authorities at any time, for any reason, without notice, without student consent and without a search warrant.

7. Using aggressive behavior: pushing, shoving, tripping, spitting, kicking, etc.

8. Misusing playground equipment and/or disrupting another's play at recess.

a. Play-fighting.

b. Riding on the backs or shoulders of other students.

c. Throwing rocks, dirt clods, sand or other objects.

d. Games such as bulldog, tackle football, keep-away, etc.

9. No gum or candy eating unless authorized by the teacher.

10. Inappropriate behavior that interferes with others' learning or anyone's safety will be handled through steps. Other inappropriate behavior will be handled through unearned points.

11. Tardiness, unexcused absence.

12. Unprepared for class participation and work.

13. Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Each student is expected to take pride in the physical appearance of the School. Teachers and students should be observant at all times to prevent damage or destruction of School property. Any marking or marring of School property should be reported to the office at once.

Students and the parents of students will be held responsible for any damage to School property, including School equipment.

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL VEHICLES

Transportation in School vehicles is provided by the School as a privilege. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the rules of any classroom. This code of conduct also applies to students while waiting to board School vehicles and extends upon leaving the vehicle. Any student who fails to follow prescribed rules of the School while on a School vehicle shall be subject to serious disciplinary action, which may include suspending riding privileges.

The School vehicle driver shall have full authority over the students and will report to the Transportation Director any students who may be in violation of school rules.

WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

No student shall go onto any School premises with a firearm, explosive weapon, knife, or any other dangerous or illegal instrument or a simulated instrument (for example, a toy gun) displayed or represented by the student as a dangerous instrument. No student shall interfere with normal activities, occupancy, or use of any building or portion of the campus by exhibiting, using, or threatening to exhibit or use a firearm, explosive weapon, knife, other dangerous or illegal instrument, or any instrument or simulated instrument represented as a dangerous instrument.

Any School employee who observes any person on School grounds possessing a deadly weapon shall immediately report the matter to a peace officer.

For purposes of this policy, the term firearm means (a) any weapon (including a starter gun) that will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by any means, regardless of whether it contains any form of ammunition or projectile; (b) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (c) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (d) any destructive device.

The term destructive device means (a) any explosive, incendiary, poison gas, bomb, grenade; (b) any type of weapon by whatever name known that will, or that may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by any means, including a slingshot, bow, or crossbow when the person possessing it has access to an arrow or other projectile capable of being shot with the slingshot, bow, or crossbow; and (c) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described above and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. The term destructive device shall not include any device that is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon.

For purposes of this policy, the term knife shall include any type of knife regardless of size or function, if it is not being used for a bona fide school purpose, authorized by School personnel. This shall include any knife-like weapon, whether home-made or manufactured.

For purposes of this policy, School premises means the School, School grounds, School buses, or any premises, grounds, or vehicles used for School purposes, and includes premises where School-sponsored events (for example, athletic games and competitions, music competitions, etc.) are held away from property of the School.

Except as provided below, any student violating this policy shall be suspended for a period of not less than one year or expelled, with the expulsion extending not less than one year. This penalty may be modified for good cause. In determining whether there is good cause to modify the penalty, the Governing Board may take into consideration (a) the age of the student; (b) whether the student brought or used the firearm, explosive weapon, knife, or other dangerous or illegal instrument to harm, intimidate, or in any other manner jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of others or interfere with the educational process; or (c) other factors relevant to the issue of the penalty to be imposed. Whether the penalty is to be imposed or should be modified on the basis of these factors is left to the discretion of the Governing Board.

TOBACCO USE BY STUDENTS

The School does not condone the use of tobacco in any form and prohibits its possession or use in School buildings, on School grounds, in School vehicles, or at School sponsored events. For the purposes of this policy, the use of tobacco includes the smoking of cigars, cigarettes and pipes, as well as chewing tobacco and snuff.

The penalty for the possession and/or use of tobacco shall be determined by policies established under Student Discipline. A student may be recommended for suspension or expulsion.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS

The non-medical use, possession, or sale of drugs on School property or at School events is prohibited. Non-medical is defined as “a purpose other than the prevention, treatment, or cure of an illness or disabling condition” consistent with accepted practices of the medical profession.

Students who violate the provisions of this policy shall be subject to immediate removal from the campus or event and shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the law. For purposes of this policy, “drugs” shall include, but not be limited to:

• All dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law.

• All alcoholic beverages.

• Any prescription or over-the-counter drug, except those for which permission to use in School has been granted pursuant to Board policy.

• Hallucinogenic substances.

• Inhalants.

Any student who violates this policy may be subject to warning, reprimand, probation, suspension or expulsion, in addition to possible arrest.

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES

The administration reserves the right to search any student suspected of possessing drugs or a weapon on School grounds or at School functions. The administration may call in law enforcement authorities to conduct the search at their discretion.

Interrogations

The School has legal custody of students during the School day and during approved curricular and extracurricular activities. It is the responsibility of the School’s Director to make an effort to act on behalf of parents in their absence with respect to interrogations by law enforcement officials. A parent may, or the Director will, be present during these interrogations, except when interviews are conducted by a child protective services worker pursuant to A.R.S. §§8-244(B) and 8-546.01(C) (2).

When a student is taken into custody (arrested), the arresting officer shall be requested to notify the student's parents or guardian. The arresting officer will be asked to complete and sign a “Form for Signature of Arresting Officer.” School personnel shall make every reasonable effort to make sure personnel of the School shall cooperate fully with the police. When the arrest is formally made, the School and its employees no longer exercise jurisdiction over the student.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

A student may be removed from contact with other students as a temporary measure. The authority to place a student on suspension for up to 8 days, after an informal hearing is held, rests with the Director.If a danger to students or staff members is present, the Director may immediately remove the student from School, with prior contact with the parents and with a notice and hearing following as soon as practicable. Each suspension shall be reported to the Governing Board, within five days, by the Director.

In all cases, where a clear and present danger is not evident, the student shall remain in School until applicable due process procedures are instituted. In no instance shall students be released early from School unless parents have been notified.

COMMUNICABLE / INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Any student with, or recovering from, a communicable disease may be excluded from school until the period of contagion is passed or until a physician recommends a return, at the discretion of the Director.

Parents will be requested to provide a history of the communicable diseases for each student, and such records will be kept and maintained by the School.

A student suffering from a communicable disease shall be excluded from school to protect the student's own welfare and also to protect other students from illness. Early recognition of a communicable disease is of prime importance. The Director or county health director(s) shall make the decision for exclusion and readmission.

Students with pediculosis (lice infestation) shall be excluded from school until treatment specific for pediculosis has been initiated.

ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS

Under certain circumstances, when it is necessary for a student to take medicine during school hours, the School will cooperate with the family physician and the parents if the following requirements are met:

• There must be a written order from the physician stating the name of the medicine, the dosage, and the time it is to be given.

• There must be written permission from the parent to allow the School or the student to administer the medicine. Appropriate forms are available from the School office.

• The medicine must come to the School office in the prescription container or, if it is over-the-counter medication, in the original container with all warnings and directions intact.

The School reserves the right, in accordance with established procedures, to circumscribe or disallow the use or administration of any medication on School premises if the threat of abuse or misuse of the medicine may pose a risk of harm to a member or members of the student population.

STUDENT SAFETY

Teachers have the authority to prohibit the use of and/or to confiscate any article that is a hazard to a student or that may damage School property. In the case of an emergency, the teacher will seek help from the Director.