Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Dear Alma del Mar Parent, Welcome to the Alma del Mar Family! We are honored and humbled by your decision to enroll your scholar at Alma del Mar Charter School. In making this decision, you have taken an important step on the path to your scholars college graduation. We promise to do everything in our power to make sure your child does the hard work necessary for him or her to be on a college trajectory. As a member of the Alma del Mar family, you are making a commitment to service. That commitment means you will help to support our school community in whatever ways you are able. In addition to advocating for your childs education, we ask that you also advocate for the education of every scholar in our building. We have no doubt that, with your support, every single one of our scholars will achieve at the highest levels. Please spend some time reviewing this handbook at the start of the school year, and be sure to call or email us with questions regarding any of our policies. Before school starts, we ask that you read through the first 32 pages of this handbook. We look forward to getting to know you and your scholar(s) as we challenge them to do their best work every day of this school year. In Service, Will Gardner, Executive Director Rolandria Justice, Principal Meredith Segal, Director of Scholar and Family Services
Page 1 of 71
Table
of
Contents
Section
I:
Our
Mission
.........................................................................................................................
5
Section
II:
Board
of
Trustees
............................................................................................................
7
Section
III:
Faculty
and
Staff
...........................................................................................................
10
Section
IV:
Whom
to
Contact
When
..........................................................................................
12
Section
V:
Family
Engagement
.......................................................................................................
13
1.
Phone
and
e-mail
communication
................................................................................................
14
2.
Weekly
Updates
..................................................................................................................................
14
3.
Initial
Home
Visits
.............................................................................................................................
15
4.
Parent
Teacher
Conferences
.......................................................................................................
15
5.
Family
Days
of
Service
......................................................................................................................
15
6.
Expedition
Nights
...............................................................................................................................
15
7.
Open
Houses
........................................................................................................................................
15
8.
Parent
Councils
...................................................................................................................................
15
A.
Schoolwide
Parent
Council
......................................................................................................................
16
B.
Special
Education
Parent
Advisory
Council
.....................................................................................
16
C.
English
Language
Learner
(ELL)
Parent
Advisory
Council
.......................................................
16
9.
Volunteer
Opportunities
.................................................................................................................
17
10.
School
Visits
........................................................................................................................................
17
11.
Town
Hall
.............................................................................................................................................
18
12.
Birthday
Celebrations
......................................................................................................................
18
Section
VI:
Academic
Program
.......................................................................................................
19
1.
Academic
Subjects
.............................................................................................................................
20
A.
Literacy
............................................................................................................................................................
20
B.
Mathematics
...................................................................................................................................................
20
C.
Science/Social
Studies
...............................................................................................................................
20
D.
Co-Curriculars
...............................................................................................................................................
20
E.
Sample
Daily
Schedule
...............................................................................................................................
22
2.
Expeditionary
Learning
...................................................................................................................
23
3.
School
supplies
...................................................................................................................................
23
4.
Homework
............................................................................................................................................
23
5.
Grading
policies
..................................................................................................................................
24
A.
Progress
Reports
.........................................................................................................................................
24
B.
Report
Cards
..................................................................................................................................................
25
C.
Conferences
....................................................................................................................................................
25
6.
Promotion/Retention
Policies
.......................................................................................................
25
7.
Assessments
.........................................................................................................................................
26
A.
Massachusetts
Comprehensive
Assessment
System
(MCAS)
..................................................
26
B.
Terra
Nova
......................................................................................................................................................
26
C.
Math
Benchmark
Tests
..............................................................................................................................
26
D.
Fountas
&
Pinnell
Reading
Assessments
..........................................................................................
26
E.
Teacher
Created
Tests
and
Quizzes
.....................................................................................................
26
Section
VII:
Code
of
Conduct
...........................................................................................................
27
1.
Five
Commitments
.............................................................................................................................
28
A.
Service
..............................................................................................................................................................
28
B.
Quality
..............................................................................................................................................................
28
Alma
del
Mar
Family
Handbook
Page
2
of
71
2011-2012
School
Year
2.
3.
4. 5. 6. 7.
C. Integrity ........................................................................................................................................................... 29 D. Accountability ............................................................................................................................................... 29 E. Persistence ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Consequences for Failure to Adhere to Behavioral Expectations ..................................... 30 A. Classroom Consequences ......................................................................................................................... 30 B. Office-Level Consequences ...................................................................................................................... 31 C. Suspension and Expulsion ....................................................................................................................... 31 Attendance ........................................................................................................................................... 32 A. Excused Absences ....................................................................................................................................... 32 B. Unexcused Absences .................................................................................................................................. 32 C. Punctuality ...................................................................................................................................................... 33 Cell Phones, Electronics, and Toys ............................................................................................... 33 Gum, Candy, and Caffeine ................................................................................................................ 33 Tobacco Products ............................................................................................................................... 34 Application of Policies to Scholars with Special Needs ......................................................... 34
Section
VIII:
Dress
Code
...................................................................................................................
35
1.
Uniform
Options
for
Girls
................................................................................................................
36
2.
Uniform
Options
for
Boys
................................................................................................................
37
3.
Additional
Specifications
for
Boys
and
Girls
.............................................................................
38
4.
Obtaining
Dress
Code
Items
...........................................................................................................
38
A.
Ordering
Information
................................................................................................................................
38
B.
Financial
Assistance
...................................................................................................................................
39
C.
Donation
of
Used
Uniforms
.....................................................................................................................
39
5.
Dress
Code
Enforcement
..................................................................................................................
39
Section
IX:
Afterschool
Program
...................................................................................................
40
1.
Enrollment
............................................................................................................................................
41
2.
Cost
..........................................................................................................................................................
41
3.
Transportation
....................................................................................................................................
41
Section
X:
Educating
All
Scholars
..................................................................................................
42
1.
Evaluations
for
Special
Education
................................................................................................
43
2.
Eligibility
for
Special
Education
....................................................................................................
43
3.
Individualized
Education
Plan
.......................................................................................................
43
4.
504
Accommodation
Plan
...............................................................................................................
44
5.
Counseling
............................................................................................................................................
44
6.
Homeless
Education
Act
..................................................................................................................
44
7.
English
Language
Learners
.............................................................................................................
44
Section
XI:
School
Breakfast
and
Lunch
......................................................................................
45
1.
Free
and
Reduced
Breakfast
and
Lunch
.....................................................................................
46
A.
Eligibility
.........................................................................................................................................................
46
B.
Enrollment
......................................................................................................................................................
46
2.
Meal
Prices
...........................................................................................................................................
46
3.
Ordering
Meals
...................................................................................................................................
47
A.
Online
Ordering
............................................................................................................................................
47
B.
Paper
Ordering
.............................................................................................................................................
47
4.
Meals
from
Home
...............................................................................................................................
48
Section
XII:
Health
..............................................................................................................................
49
1.
Screenings
............................................................................................................................................
50
2.
Administration
of
Medication
in
School
.....................................................................................
50
Alma
del
Mar
Family
Handbook
Page
3
of
71
2011-2012
School
Year
A. Pain Killers ..................................................................................................................................................... 50 B. Asthma Inhalers ........................................................................................................................................... 51 C. EpiPens ............................................................................................................................................................. 51 3. First Aid and Medical Emergencies .............................................................................................. 51 4. Medical Exclusion .............................................................................................................................. 51 5. Medical Records ................................................................................................................................. 52 A. Massachusetts School Health Record ................................................................................................. 52 B. Emergency Card ........................................................................................................................................... 52 C. Authorization for Dispensing Medication in School Form ......................................................... 53
Section XIII: Safety and Security .................................................................................................... 54 1. Weather Closures ............................................................................................................................... 55 2. Visitor Protocols ................................................................................................................................. 55 3. Scholar Property ................................................................................................................................ 55 A. Scholar Storage Space ................................................................................................................................ 55 B. Prohibited Items .......................................................................................................................................... 55 C. Lost & Found .................................................................................................................................................. 56 D. Scholar Searches .......................................................................................................................................... 56 4. Restraining Orders ............................................................................................................................ 56 5. Evacuation Procedures .................................................................................................................... 56 Section XIV: Transportation ........................................................................................................... 58 1. School Buses ........................................................................................................................................ 59 A. Eligibility for Bus Transportation ........................................................................................................ 59 B. Location of Bus Pickup and Drop-off .................................................................................................. 59 C. Behavior on the Bus .................................................................................................................................... 59 2. Drop off and Pickup at School ........................................................................................................ 60 3. Walkers and Bikers ........................................................................................................................... 61 Section XV: Bullying Policy .............................................................................................................. 62 1. Bullying Prevention Efforts ............................................................................................................ 63 2. Collaboration with Families ........................................................................................................... 63 A. In-Person Report to Staff Member ....................................................................................................... 63 B. Written Incident Reporting Form ........................................................................................................ 63 C. Phone Message. ............................................................................................................................................. 63 3. Responses to Reports of Bullying ................................................................................................. 64 A. Safety ................................................................................................................................................................ 64 B. Investigation .................................................................................................................................................. 64 C. Determinations ............................................................................................................................................. 64 4. Responses to Confirmed Bullying Incidents ............................................................................. 64 A. Promoting Safety for the Target and Others .................................................................................... 64 B. Efforts to Prevent Future Incidents ..................................................................................................... 64 C. Disciplinary Action ...................................................................................................................................... 64 5. Access to Resources and Support Services ................................................................................ 64 Appendices ........................................................................................................................................... 66 Appendix 1: School Calendar .................................................................................................................. 66 Appendix 2: Alma del Mar Pledge ......................................................................................................... 68 Appendix 3: Suspension & Expulsion Policies .................................................................................. 69
Page 4 of 71
Page 5 of 71
Alma del Mar is an inclusive Expeditionary Learning school that puts New Bedford scholars on a college trajectory and challenges them to be service-oriented leaders. By engaging in a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on meaningful work, our scholars will master essential skills and content, take ownership of their learning and think boldly while addressing complex academic and community issues. Alma del Mar is a charter school. Charter schools were introduced in Massachusetts via the 1993 Education Reform Act passed by the Legislature. Charter schools are independently managed public schools that operate under a five-year charter granted by the Massachusetts Board of Education. Charter schools have the freedom to organize around a core mission, curriculum, theme, or teaching method, and are allowed to control their own budgets and hire (and fire) teachers and staff. In return for this freedom, a charter school must demonstrate strong academic results and organizational viability or the charter will be revoked. Parents choose to send their children to charter schools; scholars are selected by random public lottery when demand exceeds the number of seats available. Charter schools are public schools embodying freedom, choice, and accountability. Our Five Commitments: Service I will actively contribute to my school and larger community with a spirit of cooperation, volunteering my time and talents to help others. Quality I will do my best work every day and reach for high standards of academic achievement and character. Integrity I will be truthful and respect myself and others through my actions and my words. Accountability I will take responsibility for my conduct and actions, always striving to hold myself to high standards and encouraging those around me to do the same. Persistence I will not give up when faced with challenges. I will ask for help when I need it. I recognize that real learning takes time and effort.
Page 6 of 71
Page 7 of 71
The
individuals
listed
below
comprise
Alma
del
Mars
founding
Board
of
Trustees.
They
are
responsible
for
overseeing
the
governance
of
the
school
and
ensuring
that
the
school
is
fulfilling
its
mission.
David
Cabral,
MBA,
is
a
Principal
at
Five
Star
Surgical
and
Five
Star
Manufacturing,
growing
businesses
that
make
and
refurbish
surgical
devices.
David
grew
up
in
the
New
Bedford
area
and
serves
on
the
Boards
of
the
Greater
New
Bedford
Industrial
Foundation
and
the
Greater
New
Bedford
Workforce
Investment
Board.
Karyn
Campbell,
CFA,
is
the
former
managing
director
of
Capital
Advisors
Group,
Inc.
and
serves
on
the
national
board
of
directors
for
Citizen
Schools.
Through
her
work,
she
has
expanded
Citizen
Schools
from
a
three-site
program
with
a
two
million
dollar
budget
to
a
national
network
including
programs
in
more
than
20
cities
with
a
twenty-three
million
dollar
budget.
Having
grown
up
with
dyslexia,
Karyn
attributes
her
success
to
experiential
learning
opportunities,
and
she
is
committed
to
opening
such
opportunities
to
underprivileged
children
in
New
Bedford.
Jean
Fox,
MBA,
has
worked
with
the
Greater
New
Bedford
Workforce
Initiative
for
the
last
three
years.
As
the
organizations
Youth
Council
Director,
she
has
designed
and
implemented
federally
funded
programs
for
at-risk
youth
in
New
Bedford.
Through
People,
Incorporated
and
The
Opportunity
Center,
Jean
has
created
job
training
and
placement
programs
for
young
people
and
for
adults
with
disabilities.
Jean
is
a
member
of
the
New
Bedford
Early
Literacy
Consortium.
Amanda
Glinski,
JD,
is
a
current
resident
of
New
Bedford.
Amanda
is
an
estates
planning
lawyer
in
New
Bedford
with
experience
in
other
areas
such
as
real
estate,
general
corporate
representation,
business
litigation
and
trademark
applications.
Guillermo
Gonzalez,
MD,
Vice-Chair
is
a
native
of
Puerto
Rico
and
a
current
resident
of
New
Bedford
with
over
30
years
of
experience
as
a
psychiatrist.
He
currently
runs
a
private
practice
in
New
Bedford
and
has
served
on
the
Education
Committee
for
New
Bedfords
Master
Plan
and
as
a
board
member
for
the
Community
Health
Foundation
of
Greater
New
Bedford.
Martha
Kay,
M.Ed.,
has
served
as
an
administrator
in
New
Bedford
Public
Schools
for
the
past
20
years.
Most
recently,
she
has
served
as
the
Principal
of
Gomes
Elementary
School,
which
was
designated
as
a
Commendation
School
for
its
work
closing
the
achievement
gap
for
English
language
learners
and
low-income
scholars.
Martha
brings
a
passion
for
improving
educational
outcomes
for
scholars
in
New
Bedford,
expertise
in
federal
grant- writing
and
significant
experience
with
serving
English
language
learners.
Judith
Li
is
a
Director
of
Strategy
at
Teach
For
America,
focusing
on
the
organizations
near-
and
long-term
strategic
planning.
Prior
to
joining
Teach
for
America,
Judith
was
a
management
consultant
at
McKinsey
and
Company,
where
she
spent
several
years
working
on
strategic
business
planning
and
organizational
structure/development
for
a
wide
span
of
different
private
sector
organizations.
Alma
del
Mar
Family
Handbook
Page
8
of
71
2011-2012
School
Year
David M. Prentiss, JD, Chairman is the CEO of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra as well as a lecturer in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. He has served as the Executive Director of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society as well as the Acting Dean of the Southern New England School of Law. Mark Rasmussen, MPP, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, headquartered in New Bedford, since 1998. He is a graduate of Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government with a Masters in Public Administration and is a lifelong resident of Greater New Bedford.
Page 9 of 71
Page 10 of 71
Board of Trustees
Executive Director
Plant Manager
Principal
Lead Teachers
Associate Teachers
Co-curricular Teachers
SPED Interventionist
Nurse
Ofjice Manager
Name Will Gardner Rolandria Justice Meredith Segal Lourdes Gonzalez Rebecca Cotugno Becky Jones Grahm Wiley-Camacho Faustina De Pina Courtney Murtz Nettell Kyla Spindler Nathalie Conception Joseph Almeida Emily Sassola Elizabeth Leiwant Sarah Doyle Bethany Brown Amanda Harris Josh Daponte John Veenstra
Position Executive Director Principal Director of Scholar & Family Services Office Manager Kindergarten Lead Teacher Kindergarten Lead Teacher Kindergarten Associate Teacher Kindergarten Associate Teacher First Grade Lead Teacher First Grade Lead Teacher First Grade Associate Teacher Second Grade Lead Teacher Second Grade Lead Teacher Second Grade Associate Teacher Special Education Interventionist Physical Education Teacher Art Teacher Music Teacher Plant Manager
E-mail willgardner@almadelmar.org rolandriajustice@almadelmar.org meredithsegal@almadelmar.org lourdesgonzalez @almadelmar.org rebeccacotugno@almadelmar.org beckyjones@almadelmar.org grahmwileycamacho@almadelmar.org faustinadepina@almadelmar.org courtneynettell@almadelmar.org kylaspindler@almadelmar.org nathalieconception@almadelmar.org josephalmeida@almadelmar.org emilysassola@almadelmar.org elizabethleiwant@almadelmar.org sarahdoyle@almadelmar.org bethanybrown@almadelmar.org amandaharris@almadelmar.org joshdaponte@almadelmar.org johnveenstra@almadelmar.org
Page 11 of 71
Staff
Member
Your
scholars
teacher
Your
scholars
teacher
Your
scholars
teacher
School
Nurse
School
Nurse
School
Nurse
Rolandria
Justice
Rolandria
Justice
Rolandria
Justice
Rolandria
Justice
Lourdes
Gonzalez
Lourdes
Gonzalez
Lourdes
Gonzalez
Lourdes
Gonzalez
Lourdes
Gonzalez
Meredith
Segal
Meredith
Segal
Meredith
Segal
Meredith
Segal
Meredith
Segal
Meredith
Segal
Elizabeth
Leiwant
Will
Gardner
Will
Gardner
All members of the Alma del Mar staff will respond to phone calls and e-mails with in 24 hours or one business day. Please never hesitate to be in touch with questions, concerns, or suggestions
Page 12 of 71
Page 13 of 71
Alma del Mar believes strongly that scholars succeed when the adults in their school and their home are working together. Alma del Mar expects that all parents and guardians will take an active role in the education of their scholars. Alma del Mar is committed to doing whatever it takes to overcome barriers to engagement and to ensure that all parents and guardians have the opportunity to be part of the school community. Alma del Mar also strongly encourages the engagement of extended family members. In order to allow for communication, it is critical that the school have updated contact information for all parents and guardians. Anytime a phone number or e-mail address changes, please contact the Office Manager within 24 hours to provide updated information.
Alma del Mar is committed to doing whatever it takes to overcome barriers to engagement and to ensure that all parents and guardians have the opportunity to be part of the school community.
1.
All parents will be provided with the cell phone number and e- mail address for their childs teacher and for other staff members. Scholars and parents should feel free to call, text, or e- mail any time that they have a question, concern, or suggestion. All Alma del Mar staff members will respond within 24 hours or 1 business day. Teachers and other staff members will contact parents to share both positive and negative developments in areas including academic performance and behavior. Alma del Mar expects all parents to respond to phone calls, texts, and e-mails regarding their scholar within 24 hours or 1 business day. If communications are not returned, staff members may conduct a home visit to discuss the matter. Alma del Mar also utilizes an automated communication system to distribute important information to parents. Parents will receive automated calls, text messages, and e-mails regarding upcoming events, professional days, and other matters. In addition, all families will receive automated phone calls and text messages in the case of school closure due to weather, early dismissal due to weather, or another emergency situation. If parents are not receiving these communications, please contact the Office Manager.
Anytime a phone number, address, or e-mail address changes, please notify the Main Office immediately.
2.
Weekly Updates
Each Friday afternoon, scholars will bring home a double-sided paper containing important updates for families. One side of this paper will contain a summary of the topics covered by the class during the week as well as a brief progress report regarding the performance of the individual scholar. The other side will contain information about the upcoming week.
Page 14 of 71
3.
4.
5.
Family Days of Service offer the opportunity for scholars and their family members to demonstrate their commitment to service by participating in community service projects. Extended family members are welcome to attend Days of Service. At least four Family Days of Service will be held each year. These events are not mandatory, but participation is strongly encouraged.
6.
Expedition Nights
Twice a year, Alma del Mar will host Expedition Nights. Expedition Nights will offer scholars the opportunity to showcase their work and to teach parents and community members about what they have The Schoolwide Parent learned. Scholar participation in these evenings is required, Council, SPED Parent and family members are strongly encouraged to attend.
7.
Open Houses
Four
times
a
year,
Alma
del
Mar
will
host
Open
Houses.
The
September
and
October
Open
Houses
will
give
families
the
opportunity
to
learn
about
in
school
culture,
visit
classrooms,
and
speak
with
staff
members.
The
Open
House
in
January
will
offer
prospective
families
the
chance
to
learn
about
the
school
from
current
parents
and
scholars,
and
the
April
Open
House
will
welcome
newly
accepted
families
for
the
2012- 2013
school
year
to
the
school
community.
Council, and ELL Parent Council will work together to ensure that the needs of all scholars are addressed. All parents are encouraged to participate in all parent councils.
8.
Parent Councils
The
Alma
del
Mar
Parent
Councils
will
engage
parents
in
shaping
the
school
and
developing
programming
that
will
advance
the
mission
of
the
school.
Alma
del
Mar
will
operate
three
Parent
Councils:
Alma
del
Mar
Family
Handbook
Page
15
of
71
The
Schoolwide
Parent
Council
will
meet
on
the
second
Tuesday
of
each
month
at
6:00
PM.
2011-2012
School
Year
A.
B.
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council will promote The Special parent engagement in the development and modification of programs serving scholars with special needs. Education Parent Council will meet In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, duties of the on the first Special Education Advisory Council will include, but not be Wednesday of limited to, advising the school on matters pertaining to the every other month education and safety of scholars with special needs and at 6:00 PM. meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the schools special education programs. The Special Education Parent Advisory Council will also offer workshops and educational programming of interest to parents of children with special needs and will play an active role in recruiting scholars with special needs to enter the lottery. The Special Education Parent Council will meet on the first Wednesday of every other month at 6:00 PM. During the first meeting of the year, the bylaws will be finalized, and officers will be elected. All parents are encouraged to participate.
C.
The English Language Learner Parent Council will engage parents in developing programming for children who speak a language other than English at home and for the parents of such scholars. Potential programming includes ESL classes for adults. The English Language Learner Parent Council will also support the school in ensuring that all materials are available to parents in their home language. The ELL Parent Council will meet The English Language Learner Parent Council will meet on on the last the last Tuesday of alternate months at 6:00 PM. During the Tuesday of every first meeting of the year, the bylaws will be finalized, and other month at officers will be elected. All parents are encouraged to 6:00 PM. participate.
Page 16 of 71
9.
Volunteer Opportunities
Alma
del
Mar
encourages
all
parents
to
volunteer
and
will
take
all
reasonable
steps
to
ensure
that
every
parent
has
the
opportunity
to
do
so
in
a
way
that
accommodates
his
or
her
schedule.
Volunteer
opportunities
include
the
following:
Classroom
tasks
tutoring
scholars,
assisting
teachers
with
reviewing
scholar;
assisting
teachers
with
organizing
classrooms.
Office
tasks
filing
papers,
making
photocopies,
covering
the
front
desk
during
staff
breaks.
Library
tasks
organizing
books,
returning
books
to
shelves,
assisting
scholars
in
library
use.
Enrichment
activities
leading
or
helping
to
lead
dance,
music,
or
sports
classes
Field
trips
chaperoning
scholars
during
field
trips.
In
accordance
with
school
policy,
parent
volunteers
will
be
required
to
complete
a
background
check
prior
to
engaging
in
any
volunteer
activities
that
could
involve
direct
and
unsupervised
contact
with
scholars.
A
notary
public
will
be
available
at
parent
orientation
to
complete
background
check
forms
with
parents.
Prior
to
volunteering
for
the
first
time,
parents
will
meet
with
the
Director
of
Scholar
and
Family
Services
to
review
protocols
for
volunteer
activities.
Volunteers
will
log
all
of
their
hours
to
allow
for
recognition
of
their
service.
Alma
del
Mar
maintains
an
open
policy
in
regard
to
visitors.
Parents
and
other
individuals
involved
in
a
scholars
life
are
encouraged
to
visit
classrooms
at
any
time.
In
order
to
support
the
learning
of
all
scholars,
visitors
are
asked
to
abide
by
the
following
policies:
Please
turn
all
cell
phone
ringers
off
prior
to
entering
a
classroom.
Please
check
in
at
the
Main
Office
as
soon
as
you
arrive.
At
that
time,
you
will
receive
a
nametag.
You
are
required
to
display
this
nametag
throughout
your
visit.
Unless
otherwise
instructed
by
the
teacher,
please
remain
in
the
back
of
the
classroom
to
avoid
distracting
our
scholars.
Please
do
not
disrupt
classroom
activities.
Parents
wishing
to
speak
with
teachers
may
schedule
a
meeting
when
the
teacher
is
available.
Except
in
special
cases,
we
ask
that
parents
refrain
from
visiting
during
the
first
three
weeks
of
school
in
order
to
allow
us
to
build
strong
school
culture.
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Alma del Mar reserves the right to request a visitor to leave at any time if that visitor is disrupting school activities or making any member of the school community uncomfortable.
11.
Town Hall
Every Friday afternoon, the Alma del Mar community comes together to recognize outstanding scholar achievement in the domains of academics, behavior, and character. Parents are welcome to attend this community gathering.
12.
Birthday Celebrations
Because our scholars need every possible minute to do the work that will put them on the path to college, we do not allow birthday celebrations during the school day. Parents may send a birthday treat to be consumed during afternoon snack time. If parents are sending a treat, please follow the guidelines listed below: Send enough treats for each child in the classroom to have one. Healthy treats such as fruit salads or muffins are encouraged. Please check with your scholars teachers as to whether any scholar in the class has an allergy. In the case of an allergy, please select a treat that is safe for all scholars. Invitations to birthday parties may not be distributed at school unless every child in the class is invited.
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Alma del Mar was founded on the belief that all scholars can achieve at high levels. As such, Alma del Mars educational program is designed to cultivate the knowledge and skills in scholars that will put them on the path to college and enable them to be service-oriented leaders. Alma scholars will attend a school that provides data-driven individualized scholar support, an emphasis on service leadership, and a rigorous curriculum that builds core background knowledge starting in the early grades.
1.
B.
Mathematics
The Alma mathematics standards come from the 2011 Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks recently adopted as a result of the Common Core Standards. Using the Singapore Math Curriculum, we seek to develop not only conceptual mastery of mathematical topics but also the processes that each scholar must demonstrate in order to become mathematically numerate. The mathematical processes are common in every grade in order to improve our scholars understanding of the mathematics and to encourage communication of mathematical ideas and models.
C.
Science/Social Studies
Science and Social Studies instruction will be taught through interdisciplinary learning expeditions planned in conjunction with Massachusetts Science and Social Studies Frameworks. These expeditions are designed to make the standards come alive through long-term, comprehensive investigations that include case studies, projects, fieldwork, experts and service learning.
D.
Co-Curriculars
Scholars
will
participate
in
physical
education,
art,
and
music
three
days
a
week.
All
lessons
are
planned
in
accordance
to
the
Massachusetts
Curriculum
Frameworks
for
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Visual
Arts,
Physical
Education
and
Music
and
designed
in
accordance
with
scholars
developmental
needs.
Additionally,
our
co-curricular
teachers
will
ensure
that
that
these
standards
are
integrated,
when
appropriate,
into
classroom
studies
of
other
disciplines.
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E.
Math
Literacy
Literacy
11:10
Literacy
Math Art
11:55 Lunch 12:40 Art 1:25 Physical Education Music Lunch Lunch
1:55
Nonfiction
Nonfiction
Reflection Dismissal
Reflection Dismissal
Reflection Dismissal
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2.
Expeditionary Learning
Alma del Mar partners Expeditionary Learning, a national network of over 160 schools that has demonstrated strong results working with scholars from all backgrounds, especially scholars from low-income households, English language learners and scholars with special learning needs. In Expeditionary Learning Schools, the core practices implemented will create school environments that promote deep engagement in learning that allows scholars to achieve at high levels.
President Barack Obama said of Expeditionary Learning schools: This kind of innovative schools an example of how all our schools should be.
3.
School supplies
While individual grade level school supply lists will be sent home for parents and guardians to reference, it is important that scholars have necessary supplies at home to successfully complete homework. Alma del Mar recommends that scholars have access to the following supplies: Lots of pencils Erasers Pencil sharpener Crayons and markers Lined paper Glue sticks and scissors Pocket folders Additionally, scholars must be prepared each day with their required supplies, including but not limited to, writing utensils, homework assignments, and independent reading books.
4.
Homework
Homework
serves
multiple
purposes,
including
reinforcing
the
ideas
and
concepts
taught
throughout
the
day,
helping
teachers
to
determine
whether
a
child
has
mastered
the
concepts,
keeping
parents
connected
to
the
school,
and
showing
families
what
their
scholar
is
learning.
Homework
also
teaches
scholars
responsibility
and
accountability.
Alma
del
Mar
scholars
are
expected
to
complete
high
quality
homework
each
night
and
each
weekend.
That
homework
will
be
collected
by
teachers
and
be
used
to
plan
instruction,
determine
grades
and
make
recommendations
for
individual
scholar
support
if
needed.
Families
are
required
to
review
your
scholars
homework
for
quality
and
completion.
The
following
rubric
offers
guidance
as
to
what
parents
should
look
for
when
reviewing
homework:
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Quality * Did he write in complete sentences? * Is the homework legible? * Does the homework include the correct heading, including first and last name?
* Is this his best work? If a scholar needs support with a homework assignment, the following steps should be taken (in the order listed). 1) Ask a parent or other family member for assistance. 2) Check the school website (almadelmar.org) for any additional homework information. 3) Call a classmate or homework buddy. 4) Call your teacher by 8:00 PM and ask for help. If you cannot reach your teacher, leave a detailed message explaining what you need help with. 5) Try your hardest! Not getting in touch with someone is not an excuse for incomplete homework. Scholars who do not turn in quality homework assignments may be required to complete that work during the school day or after school until homework completion meets Alma standards. The office will contact parents to inform them if their child is required to stay after school.
Completion * Did he attempt to answer all of the problems, even the most difficult? * Did she do the correct assignments? * Did he put their work in the proper place after completion to ensure it returns to school on time?
5.
Grading policies
Alma del Mar scholars will be evaluated in all subject areas using a common set of performance standards. These standards, based on a four-point scale (1-4) commonly used in college, will define mastery for scholars, parents, and teachers. They provide clear, ambitious goals for learning. Scholars report cards will be based on their academic standing with a separate report being offered for performance in the areas of the Five Commitments. The following tools will be used to share information regarding the progress of scholars:
A.
Progress Reports
In the middle of each quarter, classroom teachers will send home a progress report, which outlines scholar progress.
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B.
Report Cards
At the end of each term, parents and guardians will receive a more detailed picture of their childs progress on a report card. The report card outlines scholar performance in all of the areas taught.
C.
Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of quarters 1 and 3. During parent conferences, teachers will use examples of scholar work to show parents and guardians evidence of their childrens progress. In addition, parents will participate in scholar-led parent conferences at the end of quarter 2. Conferences at the end of quarter 4 will be held if necessary to address individual concerns. At this time, scholars will present a portfolio of their work and discuss their progress towards meeting academic and non-academic goals. Our goal is for 100% of our parents and guardians to attend all conferences.
6.
Promotion/Retention Policies
Alma
del
Mars
promotion
and
retention
policy
reflects
our
commitment
to
accountability
and
qualitywe
take
the
responsibility
of
putting
our
scholars
on
the
path
to
college
seriously
and
will
promote
them
only
when
they
are
truly
ready
to
begin
the
next
level
of
work.
Promotion
to
the
next
grade
is
earned
by
demonstrating
mastery
of
the
rigorous
academic
standards
and
the
responsibility
necessary
to
come
to
school
on
time
every
day
and
demonstrate
behaviors
that
show
the
schools
values.
Promotional
Criteria:
Scholars
may
be
retained
in
their
current
grade
level
or
recommended
for
summer
work
for
the
following
reasons:
Failure
to
demonstrate
proficiency
(level
3
or
4)
in
75%
of
the
essential
standards
for
each
subject
Reading
significantly
below
grade
level,
as
indicated
by
the
Fountas
and
Pinnell
assessment
Failure
to
earn
a
3
or
4
on
the
state
exams
in
Math
and
ELA
More
than
13
absences
during
the
school
year
or
more
than
25
tardies
Poor
performance
in
any
or
all
areas
of
the
Five
Commitments,
as
measured
by
the
weekly
Commitment
card,
behavior
referrals,
and
teacher
observations
Alma
del
Mar
recognizes
that
retention
can
be
difficult
for
scholars
and
parents
and
will
work
aggressively
and
proactively
both
to
notify
parents
of
concerns
and
to
support
struggling
scholars
at
risk
for
retention.
Scholars
with
IEPs
will
be
promoted
to
the
next
grade
based
on
successful
accomplishment
of
the
goals
of
the
IEP.
The
school
will
hold
all
scholars
including
those
with
IEPs
to
the
same
rigorous
academic
and
behavioral
standards.
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7.
Assessments
Various
assessment
tools
will
be
used
throughout
the
year
to
evaluate
the
progress
of
Alma
del
Mar
scholars.
A.
B.
Terra Nova
In order to make sure that our scholars are viable to compete with scholars across the nation, Alma del Mar will administer the Terra Nova test. This is a nationally recognized, norm-referenced test based on specific objectives to be mastered by scholars at particular grade levels. The Terra Nova results indicate scholar performance and mastery of specific content objectives as compared to scholars of their own age and grade level across the nation. It allows us to compare how scholars are performing both within the school and against the national average.
C.
These assessments are quarterly measures of scholars mastery of the standards created by teachers using various Singapore Math materials and resources. Alma staff use the data collected by the benchmark tests to help determine scholars grades for report cards, to assess which standards to reteach, and to guide school- wide modifications in curriculum and instruction.
D.
Fountas & Pinnell reading assessments include a series of texts used to identify a scholars current reading level and progress along a gradient of text levels over time. They are also useful in determining a scholars independent and instructional reading level, identifying scholars who need literacy intervention, and establishing reading instruction groups.
E.
Alma teachers provide scholars with many opportunities to show what they know. Teacher-created assessments may be used at the beginning of a unit of study to guide planning or at the middle or end of a unit to check progress of scholars learning.
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Alma del Mar strives to create a safe, welcoming and orderly environment in which every scholar can achieve his or her highest potential. Scholars will be expected to make appropriate choices regarding their personal conduct on a daily basis and will be supported in their efforts to practice their best behavior. In both the classroom and the school as a whole, explicit rules and fair consequences will govern scholar conduct.
1.
Five Commitments
At Alma del Mar, discipline is defined as the set of habits, routines and beliefs that scholars must develop in order to do great work and be successful. A scholar who demonstrates the commitments to Service, Quality, Integrity, Accountability and Persistence exhibits discipline. It is the responsibility of both the school and the family to teach and reinforce these commitments and to cultivate in all scholars the drive to live them every day. Alma del Mar scholars practice the following Commitments:
A.
Service
I will actively contribute to my school and the larger community with a spirit of cooperation, volunteering my time and talents to help others. What service looks like at Alma del Mar: I look for opportunities to be of service, from holding the door open for someone to organizing a coat drive for the homeless during the winter. I am aware of how my actions affect others (e.g. voices in hallways, silence during independent reading time, etc.). I take joy in the happiness and success of others. I am flexible and able to work with others who may or may not be like me. I show gratitude for what I have and always use kind words such as please and thank you. I take pride in making others feel welcome and a part of the community. I greet my classmates, teachers and visitors with a smile.
B.
Quality
I
will
do
my
best
work
every
day
and
reach
for
high
standards
of
academic
achievement
and
character.
What
quality
looks
like
at
Alma
del
Mar:
I
do
my
absolute
best
work
each
day.
I
ask
for
help
from
my
teacher
and
fellow
scholars
in
order
to
make
my
work
even
better.
I
do
as
many
drafts
or
rehearsals
as
necessary
to
create
amazing
work.
I
bring
my
completed
homework
to
school
every
day,
and
it
is
always
my
best
work.
I
am
organized
and
keep
everything
in
its
proper
place.
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I show pride in my appearance by keeping a clean, neat uniform, showing proper body language (e.g. no slouching) and looking like a scholar. I show pride in my ideas and who I am by using appropriate language, making eye contact, connecting with my audience, and using a loud and proud voice when I speak.
C.
Integrity
I will be truthful and respect others and myself through my actions and words. What integrity looks like at Alma del Mar: I do the right thing even when no one is watching. I am aware of how my actions impact others, and I only want to have a positive impact. I am honest, even when my honesty may lead to my facing a negative consequence. I show respect for our learning environment by speaking at an appropriate volume and keeping my school clean and free of graffiti. I treat others the way I want to be treated. I practice academic honesty and do my best work on my own. I let an adult know if I hear of or witness a situation I cant deal with on my own. I dont scapegoat or bully others, or tolerate these behaviors in my school.
D.
Accountability
I will take responsibility for my conduct and actions, always striving to hold myself to high standards and encouraging those around me to do the same. What accountability looks like at Alma del Mar: I listen and follow directions the first time they are given. I come to school every day on time with everything I need to learn and do my best work. I focus on what I am supposed to be focusing on, making sure not to break group concentration. I set goals for myself and work hard to achieve them. I represent the Alma community well, whether in school or outside of it. I respectfully speak with my peers if I notice them do something that is not supportive of our learning environment. I give and receive constructive feedback. I show self-control and think before I act. I show that every minute that I am in school matters to me.
E.
Persistence
I
will
not
give
up
when
faced
with
challenges.
I
will
ask
for
help
when
I
need
it.
I
know
that
real
learning
takes
time
and
effort.
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What persistence looks like at Alma del Mar: I know that, when I work hard, I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Instead of I cant and Ill try, I always say I can and I will. I know that things dont come easily. If I am given work that is too easy, I ask the teacher for something more challenging. When I come to a challenge, I work harder. I never give up. I know that it is okay to make mistakes, and I want to take good chances. If another scholar makes a mistake or gets a wrong answer, I encourage him or her to keep working hard until he or she succeeds.
2.
Alma del Mars goal is to create a school culture in which scholars want to follow the schools behavioral expectations. Behaviors that interfere with the safety and well-being of the school population or interfere with the teaching or learning processes will not be tolerated. Such behaviors will lead to consequences aimed at modifying the inappropriate behaviors and investing scholars in changing their behavior.
A.
Classroom Consequences
Alma
del
Mar
teachers
use
low-level
interventions
to
diffuse
situations
and
prevent
behaviors
from
escalating.
These
low
level
interventions
are
logical
and
minimize
the
time
scholars
are
out
of
the
classroom.
Some examples of these interventions include changing a scholars seat in the classroom; private, one-on-one conversations; requesting the scholar to write a reflection or apology letter for his or her behavior; and time off of lunch and/or recess. Alma teachers understand the importance of consistency and use the following guiding principles when administering consequences: They anticipate behavior before it happens and address it proactively. They accentuate positive scholar behavior and draw as little attention as possible to negative behaviors. They respect the dignity of individual scholars and never intentionally shame them. They issue logical consequences when possible and deliver them with empathy. They issue consequences as soon as possible after the offense has occurred.
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B.
Office-Level Consequences
Referrals
to
the
Office
will
only
be
made
if
there
is
a
severe
behavior
incident
or
if
there
are
recurring
behavior
problems.
Reserving
the
Office
for
these
higher-level
concerns
preserves
the
teachers
authority
in
the
classroom
and
ensures
that
scholars
understand
that
being
sent
to
the
Office
is
serious
and
should
not
happen
often.
While
this
list
is
not
comprehensive,
the
following
are
examples
of
behaviors
that
would
warrant
an
immediate
removal
from
class
and
referral
to
the
Office:
Any
type
of
physical
altercation
Theft
Possession
of
a
weapon
or
weapon-like
object
Scholars who are sent to the Office will meet with an administrator and will be asked to reflect on how they can improve their behavior. The scholars will be responsible for making up any work missed due to their behavior, and their parents/guardians will be notified regarding the incident. Scholars whose choices have caused them to miss significant time in class on a particular day may be required to stay for Homework Club that day or the next day to make up lost learning time. Should this occur, parents and guardians will receive timely notification and will be responsible for arranging a later pickup of their child.
C.
Actions
that
may
warrant
a
suspension
include,
but
are
not
limited
to:
Vandalism
Pulling
the
fire
alarm
Endangering
the
safety
of
oneself
or
others
Possession
or
use
of
tobacco,
alcohol,
or
any
other
drugs
Possession
of
a
weapon
or
weapon-like
object
Physical
violence
or
threats
towards
scholars
or
staff,
including
bullying
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The issuance of a criminal complaint charging a scholar with a felony, or the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a scholar
The Principal may suspend a scholar for a period of time determined appropriate by the Principal if, after providing the scholar with a) notice of the violation, b) an explanation of the evidence, and c) an opportunity to provide his or her explanation of events to the Principal, the Principal determines that the scholars continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. If a scholar is suspended, a phone call and letter will be sent home explaining the incident in detail and the length of the suspension. A parent or guardian will be expected to meet with a school administrator before before the child returns to school to discuss the incident and determine ways to prevent another suspension from occurring in the future. A record of all suspendable offenses committed by a given scholar will be kept by the school. Further details regarding suspension and expulsion policies are available in Appendix 4.
3.
Attendance
There is no time to waste in developing the habits of scholarship, leadership and service that every scholar needs to be successful in climbing the high mountain to college. Good attendance and timely arrival to school and class are necessary and are expected of all scholars. It is impossible to make up everything that is missed during a school day. Valuable learning opportunities such as Scholars must be in group work, discussions, and peer interactions cannot be school every day recreated and are vital to a scholars education.
A.
Excused Absences
The only excusable absences from school are those that result from illness or other serious medical events, required court attendance, death in the immediate family, or observation of religious holidays. In order for these school absences to be considered excused, appropriate documentation must be provided to the office. Required documentation may include, but is not limited to, doctors notes, parent/guardian notes, and travel records.
unless they have a contagious illness, another serious medical condition, or a religious conflict. Vacations and family plans are not an excuse to miss school.
Parents should schedule all non-emergency dentist, doctor and other appointments such that they do not require scholars to miss school. Appointments may be scheduled for Monday through Thursday after 3:30 PM, Friday after 2:00 PM, professional days, or vacations.
B.
Unexcused Absences
Any
absence
that
is
not
properly
documented
or
that
is
not
included
in
the
above
will
be
considered
unexcused.
Scholars
who
are
absent
more
than
13
days
over
the
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course of the year may be required to attend summer school and are at risk of being retained the following year.
C.
Punctuality
All scholars are expected to be at school by 7:30 AM every day. Any scholar arriving after 7:30 AM without meeting the criteria for an excused absence is considered late. If a scholar is late three times during a given quarter, all future late arrivals that quarter will result in a call home and may lead the scholar to be required to stay after school for Homework Club. A tardy becomes an unexcused absence if the scholar arrives after 10:00 AM without appropriate documentation for the lateness. Scholars who are tardy more than 25 times or absent (excused or unexcused) for more than 13 days over the course of the year may be required to attend summer school and are at risk of being retained the following year. Days served on suspension are included in a scholars total absences.
If
a
scholar
is
late
more
than
25
times
or
absent
more
than
13
times,
he
or
she
may
be
required
to
repeat
the
grade.
4.
Alma del Mar scholars come to school every day to learn. As such, scholars are not allowed to bring objects to school, or to any school-related activities (such as field trips), which will interfere with their spending their time learning and which have the potential to distract their peers. Examples of these objects include, but are not limited to, cell phones, cameras, game systems, and toys. If a staff member sees or hears one of these objects, he or she will confiscate it, and a parent or guardian will have to come to the Main Office to retrieve the item. Please note that, while Alma del Mar staff will take reasonable precautions to keep these objects safe, Alma del Mar is not responsible for these items after they have been confiscated. It is the parent and scholars responsibility to keep personal belongings safe by keeping them at home.
5.
Scholars may not, at any time, be in possession of chewing gum, candy, or caffeinated beverages while at school or at school-sponsored events. Scholars found in possession of these items will be issued a consequence. Scholars who continue to disregard this policy will face increasingly severe consequences including possible loss of privileges.
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6.
Tobacco Products
Pursuant
to
M.G.L.
c.
71,
37H,
the
use
of
tobacco
products
is
prohibited
within
school
buildings
or
school
facilities,
on
school
grounds,
and
on
school
buses.
7.
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1.
Girls are required to wear one of the following items every day:
(permitted
in
warm
weather
only)
French
Toast
khaki
shorts
(must
be
worn
with
belt)
French
Toast
khaki
jumper
with
Alma
logo
French
Toast
khaki
scooter
French
Toast
khaki
pants
(must
be
worn
with
belt)
Girls may wear either of the below sweaters (optional). No other sweaters or sweatshirts are permitted.
French Toast navy cardigan sweater with Alma logo Alma del Mar Family Handbook Page 36 of 71
French Toast navy vest with Alma logo 2011-2012 School Year
2.
Boys are required to wear one of the following items every day:
Boys may wear either of the below sweaters (optional). No other sweaters or sweatshirts are permitted.
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3.
Shirts: Belts:
Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Scholars are required to wear a solid black belt with all pants and shorts. Socks or tights must be worn at all times. All socks and tights must be solid white with no pattern. All shoes must be solid black. Shoes must be close-toed and have a rubber sole. No logos, wheels, or lights are permitted. Boots may be worn to and from school only. No distracting jewelry is permitted. Stud earrings are the only permissible earrings. Bracelets (other than watches) are not permitted. Necklaces must be tucked in and not visible. Silly bandz are not permitted. No hats, bandanas, or caps are permitted indoors. Religious items are permitted. Hair must be neat at all times. If a hairstyle is distracting from instruction, that style will not be permitted. Fake nails are not permitted. No colored nail polish is permitted. Clear nail polish is permitted.
Tights/socks: Shoes:
Jewelry:
4.
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B.
Financial Assistance
Alma
del
Mar
is
committed
to
ensuring
that
the
cost
of
uniforms
is
not
a
barrier
for
any
scholar.
If
families
feel
that
the
cost
of
uniforms
would
pose
a
significant
financial
hardship,
they
may
contact
the
Director
of
Scholar
and
Family
Services
to
request
a
starter
kit
containing
all
uniform
items
that
a
scholar
needs
to
begin
school.
C.
At the end of the year, families are encouraged to donate uniform items in good condition that no longer fit their scholars. These items will be made available to families at no cost.
5.
All scholars are expected to be in dress code at all times during the school day and during the afterschool program. Every morning, a uniform check will be performed as scholars enter the building. If a scholar is found to be out of compliance, the scholar will be required to report to the Main Office. When the scholar arrives in the Main Office, the scholar will be provided with the necessary items to get into dress code. Clothing items that do not comply with dress code will be held in the Main Office and may be picked up by a parent or guardian only. At the time of pick up, the parent or guardian must return the borrowed uniform items. Repeated dress code violations will lead to consequences for scholars.
Scholars may not enter their classrooms until they are in dress code.
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Alma del Mar offers a structured afterschool enrichment program on Monday through Thursday afternoons. The program will operate from 3:30 PM until 5:00 PM. From 3:30 until 4:00 PM, the program will be focused on academics and will include the opportunity for scholars to complete homework and receive one-on-one academic support. From 4:00 until 5:00 PM, scholars will participate in a variety of activities including athletics, music, dance, and community service. During this time, scholars will also meet with mentors. The afterschool program will begin on October 3 and will follow the school calendar.
1.
Enrollment
Families wishing to guarantee a slot for their son or daughter must enroll by September 2. Scholars may be able to join the program thereafter as space allows. Due to the nature of the afterschool program, participants must commit to attending for the full duration of the program Monday through Thursday. Scholars who repeatedly leave early or regularly miss the program will be required to withdraw for the remainder of the quarter. The only exceptions to this policy are in the case of medical appointments or religious conflicts.
Scholars participating in the afterschool program must attend every day and must remain for the full duration of the program.
2.
Cost
Scholars who receive free or reduced price lunch will have the opportunity to participate at no cost. There will be a fee for full-price families. Families may pay online on a monthly basis.
3.
Transportation
Families are responsible for ensuring that scholars are picked up at 5:00 PM. If a scholar is not picked up by 5:10 PM more than three times during a quarter, the scholar will be required to withdraw from the program for the remainder of the quarter. All policies surrounding release of scholars at the end of the school day apply at the end of the afterschool program; only individuals listed on the Emergency Card will be permitted to pick up a scholar.
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Alma del Mar is committed to ensuring that all scholars have the resources that they need to be on the pathway to college and success in life. Thus, Alma del Mar offers a full array of evaluation and support services including the following: Speech therapy Occupational therapy Physical therapy Counseling (provided onsite through a partnership with Child and Family)
1.
2.
In order to be eligible for special education services, a scholar must meet all of the following criteria: A. The scholar has a disability B. The disability is leading the scholar not to make progress in the general education program C. The scholar requires specifically designed instruction or related services (examples include occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical therapy)
3.
4.
Upon completion of an evaluation, the IEP team will meet and may recommend that a 504 Accommodation Plan be written. A 504 Plan is a legal document, which is primarily a classroom accommodation plan. It is not an IEP. In order to be eligible for a 504 plan, a scholar must have a disability which substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning. The scholar may still be making effective progress in the general education curriculum.
5.
Counseling
Alma del Mar partners with Child and Family to offer counseling services to scholars onsite. Any parent may request an evaluation of a scholar at any time. Parents must provide written consent prior to an evaluation. If a scholar is eligible for services, MassHealth or private insurance will be billed. Families will incur no fees for services.
6.
7.
Alma del Mar will work with families to ensure that all scholars, regardless of their home language, develop English proficiency, content knowledge, and academic language skills to prepare them for success in mainstream classes. Scholars who speak languages other than English at home will be evaluated when they begin at Alma del Mar to determine their level of English fluency. Massachusetts State Law requires that all English Language Learners receive Sheltered English Immersion unless the parent signs a waiver. Sheltered English Immersion involves English language development taught by an ESL-certified teacher and sheltered content courses taught by a teacher with a background in Sheltered English Immersion. Scholars whose primary language is not English have equal rights of access to all academic and non-academic components of the Alma del Mar experience. Alma del Mar will ensure that all parents receive written and oral communication from the school in their home language if they are not comfortable with communication in English.
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In order to maximize academic success, all scholars must have a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Alma del Mar is partnering with Sidekim Foods to provide healthful and well- balanced meals for scholars.
1.
A.
Eligibility
All
families
who
participate
in
SNAP
(food
stamps)
are
automatically
eligible
for
free
meals.
Families
who
do
not
participate
in
SNAP
are
eligible
for
free
or
reduced
meals
if
their
income
is
less
than
the
cutoffs
listed
below:
FEDERAL
ELIGIBILITY
INCOME
CHART
For
School
Year
2011-2012
Household
size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Each
additional
person:
Yearly
20,147
27,214
34,281
41,348
48,415
55,482
62,549
69,616
7,067
Monthly
1,679
2,268
2,857
3,446
4,035
4,624
5,213
5,802
589
Weekly
388
524
660
796
932
1,067
1,203
1,339
136
B.
Enrollment
During the initial home visit, all families receive the application materials for Free and Reduced Lunch. These materials should be submitted at Parent Orientation to ensure that scholars receive free or reduced lunch beginning on the first day of school. Families may also obtain an application form at any time from the Main Office or from the Alma del Mar website. Eligible families will begin receiving free or reduced pricing within five business days of the submission of a complete application.
2.
Meal Prices
The
following
chart
lists
the
price
of
breakfast,
lunch,
and
milk
for
scholars:
Breakfast
Lunch
Milk
Only
Full-price
$1.50
$2.75
$0.40
Reduced
price
$0.30
$0.40
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
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If a scholar paying full-price has not ordered lunch for a given day and forgets lunch, the scholar will be provided with lunch at a cost of $4.00 for that day.
3.
Ordering Meals
Given
that
Alma
del
Mars
meals
are
prepared
off-site,
families
must
order
meals
in
advance
so
that
the
school
has
an
accurate
count
of
the
number
of
meals
required.
Alma
del
Mar
is
a
cash-free
school;
all
meals
must
be
paid
for
online
using
a
credit
card
or
at
the
Main
Office
using
a
check
or
money
order.
A.
Online Ordering
Alma Del Mar Charter School partners with orderlunches.com to provide a secure, fast and easy-to-use online ordering system that allows Alma Del Mar Charter School parents to view our school lunch menu, order, prepay and manage scholar lunches on the web. To enroll in the system, please do the following: To sign up for online lunch ordering, please visit Go to almadelmar.orderlunches.com almadelmar.orderlunches.com Click on register in the upper corner School password: alma177 Enter alma177 for school password Follow the prompts to create an account for your scholar You may order meals for the month beginning one week prior to the start of the month. All meals must be ordered 48 hours in advance. All online orders for full or reduced price lunch must be paid for using a check or credit card. Families eligible for free lunch will not be asked for a payment method.
Computers will be available at Alma del Mar for families without Internet access at home. If you require support with using the online ordering system, please contact orderlunches.com directly at 800-381-6511.
B.
Paper Ordering
If you are not comfortable using the online ordering system, you may order using paper ordering forms. These forms will be sent home with the monthly menu a week prior the start of the month and must be returned with check or money order at least 48 hours prior the start of the new month. Families using paper order forms must order lunches for the full month in advance.
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4.
If any of the above listed items is brought to school, it will be confiscated and discarded. Scholars will have access to water at all times. Due to allergy concerns, scholars not prohibited to share foods or beverages brought from home. Alma del Mar reserves the right to prohibit additional food items as allergy needs necessitate.
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Alma del Mar is committed to supporting the health and well-being of all scholars. The school staff includes a part-time Registered Nurse. She is able to provide basic first aid, care for ill scholars, administer medication to scholars who require it during the school day, and provide counseling on health-related issues to scholars and their families. In addition, the school has a relationship with a local pediatrician who advises the school with regard to health-related matters.
1.
Screenings
Scholars
in
all
grades
will
undergo
annual
vision
and
hearing
screenings.
In
addition,
scholars
in
first
grade
will
undergo
BMI
screenings.
The
school
nurse
will
contact
the
family
if
screenings
results
indicate
a
need
for
follow-up.
It
is
the
parent
or
guardians
responsibility
to
ensure
that
identified
needs
are
addressed.
The
school
will
provide
referrals
for
appropriate
services
at
the
request
of
a
family.
2.
If a scholar requires medication while in school, the school must have on file an Authorization to Dispense Medication form, filled out by the scholars physician. No scholar is allowed to possess medication while at school. Parents who have provided the school with medication dispensation authorization forms should bring the medication to the school on the first day and give the No scholar will be medication to the nurse, or contact the nurse to make other permitted to take any arrangements. medication (prescription or non- While the school nurse is responsible for supervising the prescription) without schools prescription medication administration program, the written authorization school has registered with the Department of Public Health a Board-approved plan that allows the delegation of the from a doctor. All administration of medication to unlicensed school personnel medications must be under certain circumstances. stored with the
school nurse.
A.
Pain Killers
Medication policies apply to all medication, including pain killers (Tylenol, aspirin, etc.). If a scholar needs to take Tylenol or aspirin during the school day, the scholar must have on file the authorization signed by his or her physician and a parent or guardian, giving the school permission to administer the medication as needed during the school year. In addition, each day the scholar needs the medication, he or she must bring the medication and a note from a parent or guardian. This note must state the following information: the school is authorized to administer the Tylenol or aspirin on that day the time when the child was last given the Tylenol or aspirin
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If such authorization is not provided, the parent or guardian of the scholar must come to the school to administer the medication directly.
B.
Asthma Inhalers
If a scholar needs to have an asthma inhaler with him or her at school, the parent must provide the school nurse with the order from a doctor stating that the scholar needs to carry the inhaler. The order must also be signed by a parent or guardian, and the parent or guardian must provide the nurse with a second inhaler that will be kept in the nurses office.
C.
EpiPens
If a scholar has a serious allergy to a food, Alma del Mar strongly encourages parents or guardians to bring an EpiPen to school on the first day of school. As with other prescription medications, the EpiPen must be accompanied by a medication authorization form from the prescribing pediatrician. EpiPens will be administered in case of a possible allergic reaction in accordance with best medical practices. If an EpiPen is administered, the parent will be contacted immediately. If the parent is not able to transport the scholar to a medical treatment facility, the school will have the scholar transported via ambulance.
3.
Minor accidents, cuts, scrapes, and bruises will generally be treated at the school by the school nurse or by selected teachers and administrators. The school is not equipped to provide medical services beyond basic first aid. In the event that a child requires emergency medical care, a parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible. If a parent, guardian, or other emergency contact cannot be reached, the school may need to arrange for the scholar to be transported via ambulance to the nearest hospital. It is essential that we have on file each scholars Office/Health If parents are having Emergency Card, which provides up-to-date contact information difficulty deciding for parents and guardians, and which gives the school whether to keep a authorization to begin medical treatment.
4.
Medical Exclusion
In
the
interest
of
protecting
the
health
of
all
scholars,
please
DO
NOT
send
a
scholar
to
school
in
the
case
of
any
one
of
the
following:
A
fever
of
over
100
degrees
within
the
past
24
hours
An
undiagnosed
skin
rash
Vomiting
or
diarrhea
within
the
past
24
hours
Untreated
conjunctivitis
(scholars
may
return
24
hours
after
beginning
treatment)
Untreated
head
lice
Diagnosed
contagious
illness
such
as
strep
throat
or
mononucleosis
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scholar home for medical reasons, call the school nurse or the Director of Scholar and Family Services in the morning for guidance.
If scholars in school are observed to have any of the above conditions, they will be sent home. If a scholar is diagnosed with a contagious illness, please contact the school nurse immediately so that she may monitor the spread of disease. Scholars should come to school when they have routine sore throats, aches and pains, headaches, or other minor medical concerns. Absences due to these issues are unnecessary and interfere with a scholars education. Such absences will be considered unexcused.
5.
Medical Records
Massachusetts state law requires all scholars enrolling in a new school to have a physical examination before entering the school. Before a scholar can enroll in the school, the school must have on file the following forms:
A.
i.
Immunizations
Alma del Mar enforces the School Immunization Law. According to Massachusetts General Laws, scholars will not be permitted to attend school without a physicians certification of immunization against diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, and other such diseases as specified by the Department of Public Health unless one of the following conditions applies: A doctor provides written documentation that immunization would endanger the health of a scholar or a parent or guardian provides written documentation that immunization conflicts with his or her sincere religious beliefs. Documentation will be required at the start of each school year. Scholars lacking immunizations may be excluded from school during disease outbreaks in order to protect their health and that of the school community at large.
B.
Emergency Card
This
form
contains
information
about
a
scholars
allergies,
health
conditions,
physician,
dentist,
and
health
insurance.
The
form
also
authorizes
Alma
del
Mar
to
act
in
case
of
a
medical
emergency.
No
scholar
will
be
allowed
to
enter
school
without
having
this
form
on
file.
Alma
del
Mar
expects
families
to
update
medical
records
throughout
the
school
year.
Parents
should
provide
the
school
with
a
copy
of
each
physical
that
the
scholar
has.
In
addition,
parents
should
provide
the
school
with
documentation
anytime
a
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scholar visits the emergency room, undergoes surgery, or is diagnosed with a health condition.
C.
If a child must receive medication during the school day, this form must contain the instructions and signature of the physician who ordered the medication and be signed by a parent or guardian.
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Alma del Mar will make every effort to ensure that scholars remain safe throughout the school day.
1.
Weather Closures
If the weather conditions are such that travel to and from school would be extremely hazardous, Alma del Mar will be closed. Please note that Alma del Mar does NOT follow the school cancellation schedule of the New Bedford School District. If there is a closure or delayed opening due to weather, all parents and guardians will receive a phone call and e-mail message between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM on the day of the cancellation. In addition, cancellation information will be available through local television and radio stations. All school days missed due to weather will be made up during the week of June 25.
Alma del Mar snow cancellations are NOT always the same as New Bedford cancellations. Unless you receive a phone call stating otherwise, school will be open as scheduled.
2.
Visitor Protocols
Alma del Mar welcomes and encourages visitors, both from within and outside our school community. In order to ensure the safety and well-being all scholars and staff, the front door will remain locked at all times (other than during scholar drop-off and pick-up). When a visitor arrives, he or she should ring the bell at the main entrance and then proceed immediately to the Main Office. Visitors are required to wear an Alma del Mar visitor nametag at all times. Alma del Mar reserves the right to request that any visitor leave the building at any time.
3.
Scholar Property
Scholars
should
not
bring
anything
to
school
other
than
a
backpack,
seasonal
outerwear,
lunch
(optional),
and
academic
materials.
Alma
del
Mar
is
not
able
to
guarantee
the
safety
or
security
of
any
items
brought
to
school.
A.
B.
Prohibited Items
If
a
scholar
is
found
in
possession
of
a
cell
phone,
toy,
or
other
prohibited
item,
the
item
will
be
confiscated
by
a
teacher
or
an
administrator.
The
item
will
only
be
returned
to
a
parent
or
guardian.
The
parent
or
guardian
may
come
to
the
Main
Office
between
7:00
AM
and
5:00
PM
to
pick
up
the
item.
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2011-2012
School
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C.
D.
Scholar Searches
In
order
to
maintain
the
security
of
all
its
scholars,
Alma
del
Mar
reserves
the
right
to
conduct
searches
of
its
scholars
and
their
property.
If
searches
are
conducted,
the
school
will
ensure
that
the
privacy
of
the
scholars
is
respected
to
the
extent
possible
and
that
scholars
and
their
families
are
informed
of
the
circumstances
surrounding
and
results
of
the
search.
School
cubbies
and
desks,
which
are
assigned
to
scholars
for
their
use,
remain
the
property
of
Alma
del
Mar.
Scholars
should,
therefore,
have
no
expectation
of
privacy
in
these
areas.
Such
areas
are
subject
to
random
searches
by
school
officials
at
any
time.
4.
Restraining Orders
If
there
is
a
restraining
order
involving
any
scholar,
parents
or
guardians
must
inform
the
Director
of
Scholar
and
Family
Services
immediately
and
must
provide
a
copy
of
the
Restraining
Order
as
well
as
a
physical
description
of
the
individual
against
whom
the
order
exists.
It
is
the
responsibility
of
the
parent
or
guardian
to
ensure
that
the
school
has
a
current
copy
of
all
court
documents.
If
an
individual
against
whom
there
is
a
restraining
order
enters
the
building,
the
scholar
will
be
held
in
a
secure
location,
and
the
parent
or
guardian
will
be
contacted
immediately.
5.
Evacuation Procedures
In
case
of
a
fire
emergency
(if
a
scholar
or
staff
member
sees
fire
or
smells
smoke),
he
or
she
should
close
the
door
and
pull
the
fire
alarm.
Upon
hearing
the
alarm,
school
staff
will
assemble
scholars
in
their
rooms
and
proceed
out
of
the
building
according
to
the
fire
evacuation
plan
posted
in
each
room.
Scholars
should
follow
the
direction
of
staff
members
who
will
verify
the
safety
of
the
stairwells
and
lead
scholars
outside
the
building
to
the
rear
parking
lot,
where
school
staff
will
line
up
scholars
by
class
and
take
attendance.
During
the
first
week
of
school,
and
then
throughout
the
school
year,
scholars
and
staff
will
participate
in
fire
drills
to
ensure
that
the
entire
school
community
is
familiar
with
the
appropriate
responses
in
the
event
of
an
emergency.
In
case
of
a
more
serious
emergency,
school
staff
and
scholars
will
assemble
at
the
Immaculate
Conception
Church,
located
at
136
Earle
St.
in
New
Bedford.
Should
this
location
not
be
appropriate
given
the
nature
of
the
emergency,
scholars
will
assemble
at
New
Bedford
High
School,
located
on
Hathaway
Blvd.
in
New
Bedford.
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In the event that the school day will end early due to an emergency, all parents and guardians will be contacted and provided the option to pick up their scholar. No scholar will be dismissed without permission from an administrator. Parents will be required to sign the scholar out. Scholars will also have the option to remain at the Church until normal dismissal time and to take the bus home from the Church.
Alma del Mars emergency evacuation location is the Immaculate Conception Church, located at 136 Earle St. in New Bedford.
The school will conduct two evacuation drills per year. Drills entail staff and scholars following the procedures outlined in our Evacuation Plans, with staff lining up scholars on the sidewalks outside of the Immaculate Conception Church. After staff takes attendance, all staff and scholars will promptly return to school. A copy of the complete Evacuation Plan is available from the Office Manager upon request.
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1.
School Buses
Alma del Mar provides school bus transportation to and from school. The morning bus will ensure that scholars arrive at Alma del Mar by 7:30 AM. The afternoon bus will leave Alma del Mar at 3:35 PM on Mondays through Thursdays and at 2:35 PM on Fridays. If a scholar remains at Alma del Mar for the afterschool program, parents are responsible for arranging transportation such that the scholar is picked up at 5:00 PM. Scholars who participate in the afterschool program may take the bus on Friday afternoons when there is no afterschool program.
A.
All scholars who live outside the walk zone will have the option of taking a bus to and from school.
B.
For most scholars, bus stops will be at a corner near their home. Scholars whose IEPs call for door-to-door transportation will be picked up and dropped off at their homes. Families wishing for their scholar to be picked up or dropped off near an address other than their home must complete an Alternate Transportation Form. Scholars will only be picked up and dropped off at alternate locations within New Bedford. Alma del Mar requests that scholars be picked up at the same location each day and be dropped off at the same location each day. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on an individual basis.
Families may not change the location of pickup and drop-off more than once per year. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on an individual basis. All families will receive notification of the time and location of bus stops prior to the start of school.
C.
Alma
del
Mar
considers
the
school
bus
to
be
an
extension
of
the
classroom,
and
the
Code
of
Conduct
applies
to
behavior
on
the
bus.
While
riding
the
bus,
all
scholars
are
expected
to
adhere
to
the
following
behavioral
standards:
Remain
in
the
seat
Keep
hands,
feet,
and
head,
and
all
belongings
within
the
bus
Treat
bus
equipment
with
respect
Keep
the
bus
safe
and
clean
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Alma
del
Mar
considers
the
school
bus
to
be
an
extension
of
the
classroom,
and
the
Code
of
Conduct
applies
to
behavior
on
the
bus.
2011-2012
School
Year
Be courteous to other scholars and to the bus driver Not engage in harassing behavior, hazing, or disorderly conduct Not eat or drink
Scholars who fail to adhere to these standards will face consequences at school, and parents will be notified. Alma del Mar reserves the right to deny transportation to scholars who repeatedly engage in disruptive or unsafe behaviors.
2.
Parents may drop off and pickup their scholars at school or may Scholars being arrange for another adult to do so. Scholars who are being dropped off at school brought to school must be dropped off between 7:15 AM and 7:30 AM. Due to the lack of supervision, scholars will not be must be dropped off permitted to enter the building prior to 7:15 AM, and scholars between will be marked tardy if they arrive after 7:30 AM. 7:15 AM and 7:30 AM. Scholars should be dropped in front of the main entrance. Due to the heavy traffic at drop-off time, parents are encouraged not to leave their cars. Drop-off time is not an appropriate time to Scholars being picked meet with teachers or other school staff. Parents wishing to up at school must be walk their scholar to the front door must park in the rear lot. picked up between 3:30 PM and 3:45 PM Scholars may be picked up in the Main Office between 3:30 PM (2:00 PM and 2:15 and 3:45 PM Mondays through Thursdays and between 2:00 PM PM on Fridays). and 2:15 PM on Fridays. Scholars will not be permitted to leave class early if a parent arrives before the end of the day except in case of emergency. Adults picking up a scholar must sign him or her out in the Main Office. In order to pick up a Scholars will only be released to individuals listed on the scholar, an individual Emergency Card. Parents or guardians may add or remove MUST be listed on the people on this list by coming to the Main Office at any time. Emergency Card. The individual must bring The first time that an individual picks up a scholar, that a photo ID the first individual must bring a Photo ID. This ID will be copied and placed in the scholars file. time he or she picks up the scholar. Individuals without Photo IDs: If a parent or guardian wishes to authorize pickup by an individual who does not have a photo ID, the parent must accompany the individual the first time they come to the school. At that time, a photograph of the individual will be taken and will be signed by the parent.
Page 60 of 71
3.
Kindergarteners and first graders will not be allowed to leave biking home must the school grounds without an adult. With written parental have written parental permission, second graders may walk or bike home. Such scholars must check out in the Main Office prior to leaving school. permission and must Failure to do so will be considered a serious violation of the Code sign out each day in of Conduct and will result in the loss of walking and biking the Main Office. privileges.
Scholars walking or
Page 61 of 71
Page 62 of 71
Alma del Mar will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related activities. Alma del Mar will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the targets sense of safety. Alma del Mar will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community. Below is a summary of Alma del Mars bullying policies. The Bullying Prevention Plan, Harassment Plan, and Non-Discrimination Plan are available on the website and upon request from the Main Office.
1.
Alma del Mar will utilize research-based approaches to prevent bullying within the school community. Approaches will be implemented within individual classrooms, within grade- level meetings, and within whole-school gatherings.
2.
Alma del Mar expects scholars, parents/guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of bullying or retaliation involving a scholar to report it. Reports may be oral or written. Reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Reports may be made in any of the following ways:
A.
An oral report may be made in person or by phone to any Alma del Mar staff member. All staff members will document oral reports in writing within 24 hours and will share the reports with the appropriate personnel.
B.
Blank forms in English, Spanish, and Portuguese will always be available on the Alma del Mar website and in the Main Office, the nurses office, and the counseling office, and completed forms may be mailed to the school or deposited in the clearly labeled locked box located in the Main Office. Forms may be completed anonymously.
C.
Phone Message.
All scholars and parents will be provided with a designated phone number where messages may be left detailing incidents. Messages left in languages other than English will be translated and acted upon in a timely fashion. All messages will be transcribed.
Page 63 of 71
3.
B.
Investigation
The School Leadership Team will investigate promptly all reports of bullying or retaliation and, in doing so, will consider all available information, including the nature of the allegation(s) and the ages of the scholars involved.
C.
Determinations
The School Leadership Team will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances. If, after investigation, bullying or retaliation is substantiated, the School Leadership Team will take steps reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and to protect the target.
Alma del Mar will work with families and community partners to ensure that all aggressors and targets have access to appropriate services at Alma del Mar and within the community.
4.
Responses to Confirmed Bullying Incidents A. Promoting Safety for the Target and Others
The
School
Leadership
Team
will
consider
what
adjustments,
if
any,
are
needed
in
the
school
environment
to
enhance
the
target's
sense
of
safety
and
that
of
others
as
well.
B.
C.
Disciplinary Action
If
the
School
Leadership
Team
decides
that
disciplinary
action
is
appropriate,
the
disciplinary
action
will
be
determined
on
the
basis
of
facts
found
by
the
School
Leadership
Team.
5.
Alma
del
Mar
will
offer
multiple
levels
of
intervention
both
for
aggressors
and
for
targets.
Teachers
and
school-based
personnel
will
implement
behavior
plans
with
scholars
and
will
provide
support
as
needed
to
all
scholars.
In
the
case
that
scholars
have
needs
that
cannot
be
met
by
school
staff,
Alma
del
Mar
will
work
in
partnership
with
other
organizations.
Alma
del
Mar
Family
Handbook
Page
64
of
71
2011-2012
School
Year
Page 65 of 71
Appendices
Page 66 of 71
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
8 15 22 29
9 16 23 30
7 14 21 28
8 15 22 29
9 16 23 30
10 17 24 31
11 18 25
12 19 26
13 20 27
8/2 Parent Orientation 8/6 Parent Orientation 8/11 Parent Orientation (Please select one session to attend) 8/8 8/19 Staff Training Institute 8/22 First Day of School for Scholars 8/26 Seaside Cookout for Families
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
8 15 22 29
9 16 23 30
10 17 24
9/5 Labor Day, No School 9/7 SPED Parent Council Meeting 9/8 Open House 9/13 Parent Council Meeting 9/27 ELL Parent Council Meeting
Su 2 9 16 23 30
M 3 10 17 24 31
October 2011 T W Th 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27
F 7 14 21 28
Sa 1 8 15 22 29
Su 6 13 20 27
M 7 14 21 28
November 2011 T W Th 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30
F 4 11 18 25
Sa 5 12 19 26
10/10 Columbus Day; No School 10/11 Parent Council Meeting 10/26 Open House 10/31 Professional Day; No School
11/1 Start of Second Quarter 11/2 SPED Parent Council Meeting 11/4 Parent Teacher Conferences (afternoon) 11/8 Parent Council Meeting 11/11 Veterans Day; No School 11/17 Harvest Feast for Families 11/23 11/25 Thanksgiving Break; No School 11/28 Professional Day; No School 11/29 ELL Parent Council Meeting
Su 4 11 18 25
M 5 12 19 26
December 2011 T W Th 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
F 2 9 16 23 30
Sa 3 10 17 24 31
12/8 Expedition Night 12/13 Parent Council Meeting 12/17 Family Day of Service 12/22 12/30 Holiday Vacation; No School
Su 1 8 15 22 29
M 2 9 16 23 30
January 2012 T W Th 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31
F 6 13 20 27
Sa 7 14 21 28
Su 5 12 19 26
M 6 13 20 27
February 2012 T W Th 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29
F 3 10 17 24
Sa 4 11 18 25
Su 4 11 18 25 M 5 12 19 26
March 2012 T W Th 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
F 2 9 16 23 30
Sa 3 10 17 24 31
1/2
Professional
Day;
No
School
1/4
SPED
Parent
Council
1/10
Parent
Council
Meeting
1/16
Martin
Luther
King
Jr.
Day;
1/19
Open
House
1/27
Professional
Day;
No
School
1/31
ELL
Parent
Council
Meeting
2/3 Parent Teacher Conferences (afternoon) 2/14 Parent Council Meeting 2/20 2/24 February Vacation; No School 2/27 Professional Day; No School
3/7 SPED Parent Council 3/13 Parent Council Meeting 3/27 ELL Parent Council Meeting
Su 1 8 15 22 29
M 2 9 16 23 30
April 2012 T W Th 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26
F 6 13 20 27
Sa 7 14 21 28
Su 6 13 20 27
M 7 14 21 28
May 2012 T W Th 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31
F 4 11 18 25
Sa 5 12 19 26
Su 3 10 17 24
M 4 11 18 25
June 2012 T W Th 5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28
F 1 8 15 22 29
Sa 2 9 16 23 30
4/4 Open House 4/10 Parent Council Meeting 4/16 4/20 April Vacation; No School 4/23 Professional Day; No School 4/24 Start of Fourth Quarter 4/27 Parent Teacher Conferences (afternoon) 4/28 Day of Service
5/2 SPED Parent Council 5/8 Parent Council Meeting 5/28 Memorial Day; No School 5/29 ELL Parent Council Meeting
6/12
Parent
Council
Meeting
6/14
Expedition
Night
6/22
Family
Cookout
Last
day
of
school
(snow
makeup
days
will
be
added
on
June
25-28)
Vacation;
No
School
State
Testing
Page 67 of 71
The
success
of
Alma
del
Mar
depends
on
the
full
support
of
each
member
of
the
schools
community.
Working
together,
the
administration,
faculty,
staff,
parents,
and
scholars
will
set
scholars
on
a
college
trajectory
and
challenge
them
to
become
service-oriented
leaders.
As
an
Alma
del
Mar
teacher,
I
commit
to
serve
the
Alma
del
Mar
community.
I
pledge
that:
I
will
arrive
on
time
to
work
every
day
and
will
remain
at
work
until
4:30
PM.
I
will
model
appropriate
behavior
for
scholars
by
treating
everyone
with
respect
and
embodying
Alma
del
Mars
Five
Commitments
at
all
times.
I
will
help
scholars
cultivate
self-discipline
by
using
appropriate
rewards
and
consequences
to
manage
behavior.
I
will
respond
to
all
parent
inquiries
within
one
business
day
and
will
proactively
reach
out
to
families.
I
will
learn
and
grow
as
a
professional
so
that
I
am
continuously
striving
to
be
the
best
teacher
I
can
be.
I
will
help
create
and
maintain
a
school
environment
where
scholars
feel
safe,
welcome,
and
respected.
As
an
Alma
del
Mar
scholar,
I
commit
to
serve
the
Alma
del
Mar
community.
I
pledge
that:
I will come to school on time each day. I will always wear the proper school uniform. I will follow the Five Commitments so that I can help myself and everyone around me to learn. I will complete all homework and class work assignments. I will always do my best work. I will ask my teacher or family for help when I need it. I will participate in lessons, asking questions when I do not understand. I will be a leader in my school and community.
As
an
Alma
del
Mar
parent/guardian,
I
commit
to
serve
the
Alma
del
Mar
community.
I
pledge
that:
I will get my child to school on time every day and ensure he or she is able to remain at school throughout the learning day. I will see that my child is picked up from school on time each day. I will hold my child to the highest expectations. I will ensure that my child is in proper uniform each day so that he or she may always remain part of the community, avoid distractions, and miss no learning time. I will demonstrate consistent interest in my childs progress, including, but not limited to, reaching out to teachers, checking in with my child about what he or she learns each day, and participating in school events. I will monitor the completion of all homework assignments and support my child in contacting the teacher if there are any questions. I will communicate regularly with my childs teachers. Means of communication include phone calls, e-mails, meetings, progress reports, and report cards. I will support disciplinary actions as outlined in the Code of Conduct. I will communicate with staff if there are any concerns.
Page 69 of 71
Any
scholar
who
is
charged
with
a
violation
of
either
paragraph
1)
or
2)
shall
be
notified
in
writing
of
an
opportunity
for
a
hearing
before
the
Principal;
provided,
however,
that
the
scholar
may
have
representation,
along
with
the
opportunity
to
present
evidence
and
witnesses
at
said
hearing
before
the
Principal.
After
said
hearing,
the
Principal
may,
in
his
or
her
discretion,
decide
to
suspend
rather
than
expel
a
scholar
who
has
been
determined
by
the
Principal
to
have
violated
either
paragraph
1)
or
2).
A
decision
to
expel
the
scholar
shall
be
provided
by
the
school
to
the
scholars
parent(s)
or
guardian(s)
in
writing.
Any
scholar
who
has
been
expelled
from
the
school
pursuant
to
a
violation
of
either
paragraph
1)
or
2)
shall
have
the
right
to
appeal
to
the
Board
of
Trustees
(Board).
The
expelled
scholar
shall
have
ten
days
from
the
date
of
the
expulsion
in
which
to
notify
the
Chairperson
of
the
Board
of
Trustees
in
writing
of
the
decision
to
appeal.
A
scholar
who
has
elected
to
appeal
shall
be
entitled
to
a
hearing
before
the
Board,
and
has
the
right
to
counsel
at
said
hearing.
The
subject
matter
of
the
appeal
shall
not
be
limited
solely
to
a
factual
determination
of
whether
the
scholar
has
violated
any
provisions
of
this
section.
The
Boards
ruling
on
the
appeal
shall
be
provided
to
the
scholars
parent(s)
or
guardian(s)
in
writing.
Pursuant
to
M.G.L.
c.
71,
37H,
upon
a
scholar
being
convicted
of
a
felony
or
upon
an
adjudication
or
admission
in
court
of
guilt
with
respect
to
such
a
felony
or
felony
delinquency,
the
Principal
may
expel
said
scholar
if
the
Principal
determines
that
the
scholars
continued
presence
in
school
would
have
a
substantial
detrimental
effect
on
the
general
welfare
of
the
school.
The
scholar
shall
receive
written
notification
of
the
charges
and
reasons
for
such
expulsion
prior
to
such
expulsion
taking
effect.
The
scholar
shall
also
receive
written
notification
of
his
right
to
appeal
and
the
process
for
appealing
such
expulsion;
provided,
however,
that
the
expulsion
shall
remain
in
effect
prior
to
any
appeal
hearing
conducted
by
the
Board.
The
scholar
shall
have
the
right
to
appeal
the
expulsion
to
the
Board.
The
scholar
shall
notify
the
Chairperson
of
the
Board,
in
writing,
of
his
request
for
an
appeal
no
later
than
five
calendar
days
following
the
effective
date
of
the
expulsion.
The
Board
shall
hold
a
hearing
with
the
scholar
and
the
scholars
parent
or
guardian
within
three
calendar
days
of
the
expulsion.
At
the
hearing,
the
scholar
shall
have
the
right
to
present
oral
and
written
testimony
on
his
behalf,
and
shall
have
the
right
to
counsel.
The
Board
shall
have
the
authority
to
overturn
or
alter
the
decision
of
the
Principal,
including
recommending
an
alternate
educational
program
for
the
scholar.
The
Board
shall
render
a
decision
on
the
appeal
within
five
calendar
days
of
the
hearing.
Such
decision
shall
be
the
final
decision
of
the
School
with
regard
to
the
expulsion.
When
a
scholar
is
expelled
under
the
above
provisions,
no
school
or
school
district
within
the
Commonwealth
shall
be
required
to
admit
such
scholar
or
to
provide
educational
services
to
said
scholar.
If
said
scholar
does
apply
for
admission
to
another
school
or
school
district,
the
superintendent
of
the
school
district
to
which
the
application
is
made
may
request
and
shall
receive
from
the
Executive
Director
a
written
statement
of
the
reasons
for
said
expulsion.
Alma
del
Mar
Family
Handbook
Page
70
of
71
2011-2012
School
Year
In addition to the categories provided by M.G.L. c. 94C and M.G.L. c. 71, 37H, a scholar may face expulsion by the Board, after being provided with the opportunity for a hearing pursuant to M.G.L. c. 76, 17, as a result of the following infractions: Repeated or excessive out-of-school suspensions Possession of alcohol or tobacco products on school premises or at a school sponsored event. Possession or use of a weapon or weapon-like object Destruction or attempted destruction of property including arson, or bomb threat Endangering the safety of scholars such as pulling the fire alarm, or an assault on another
Page 71 of 71