SOMERSET ACADEMY SKYWAY CAMPUS GRADES K - 5 2019 … Skyway... · SKYWAY CAMPUS 14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, Arizona 85338 Telephone: 623-208-4629 Jennifer Carmichael – Principal

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SOMERSET ACADEMY SKYWAY CAMPUS

GRADES K - 5

2019-2020 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

JENNIFER CARMICHAEL, PRINCIPAL

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SOMERSET ACADEMY SKYWAY CAMPUS

14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, Arizona 85338 Telephone: 623-208-4629

Jennifer Carmichael – Principal

Dear Families,

On behalf of the staff at Somerset Academy Skyway Campus, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school. We are excited to open the first ever Somerset Academy in Arizona. We are looking forward to wonderful year with your child. We take pride in providing an excellent educational program for your child. Our school emphasizes growth, both academically and socially, in a warm, caring, and stimulating environment.

To ensure a successful educational experience, it is important that you and your child are aware of the school’s expectations and procedures. This handbook includes a review of some of the policies, procedures, and guidelines that are a part of Somerset Academy. Please take a moment to review the contents of this handbook with your child. Your support and knowledge of the school’s procedures will help our school provide a productive experience for you and your child.

You are the first and most important teacher your child will have. Your support and belief in children and the educational system is what will help us be more successful as a team. If you have information related to your child that would help us, please communicate this information on a regular basis to your child’s teacher. Your comments and suggestions are important to us and are always welcome.

We look forward to sharing a successful and exciting school year with you! We invite you to visit our school, attend our programs, become a member of the school’s parent association, and participate in our school events and activities. We are happy and are honored to have your child as part of our school community.

Your partner in education,

Mrs. Jennifer Carmichael Jennifer Carmichael Principal

Somerset Academy Student Parent Handbook

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GENERAL INFORMATION Somerset Academy Skyway Campus- Building E 14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338 Telephone: 623.208.4629 Fax: 623.208.4630 Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.— 3:30 p.m. School Hours – Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am – 2:30 pm School Hours – Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Before Care (tuition-based): 6:30 am – 7:45 am After School Care (tuition-based): 2:30 pm – 5:55 pm OFFICE STAFF Jennifer Carmichael, Principal Elyssa Green, Office Manager CHARTER SCHOOL INFORMATION Charter schools are non-profit, self-managed, entities that enroll public school students. They must be approved and monitored by the state charter board, yet they are run independently. Charter schools are funded by state and local monies and are open to any student residing in districts within the west valley of Maricopa County who would otherwise qualify to attend a regular elementary in the west valley of Maricopa County, Arizona. As defined by the national alliance of Public Charter Schools (www.publiccharters.org): Charter schools are independent public schools allowed freedom to be more innovative, while being held accountable for improved student achievement. They foster a partnership between parents, teachers and students to create an environment in which parents can be more involved, teachers are given the freedom to innovate and students are provided the structure they need to learn, with all three held accountable for improved student achievement. VISION OF SOMERSET ACADEMY, INC. Empowering students to explore global learning opportunities to promote and enrich their communities and the communities we serve. PURPOSE OF SOMERSET ACADEMY, INC. Somerset Academy, Inc. promotes a transformational culture that maximizes student achievement and the development of accountable, global learners in a safe and enriching environment that fosters high-quality education. MISSION STATEMENT OF SOMERSET ACADEMY SKYWAY The mission of Somerset Academy Skyway is to maximize student achievement and foster the development of responsible, self-directed life-long learners in a safe and enriching learning environment, correlating with


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the vision to provide an equitable, high quality education for all students. Somerset Academy Skyway is dedicated to providing a well-rounded, academic curriculum in a ‘family-like’ environment that is rigorous, creatively stimulating, and nurturing. Somerset Academy Skyway will

1. provide opportunities for active involvement of students, families, and communities; 2. provide a rigorous college-preparatory program with emphasis on student-centered instruction; 3. enhance classroom studies with technology and robust extra-curricular programs; 4. provide a nurturing ‘family-like environment to foster successful life-long learning.

OUR VISION At Somerset we will strive to provide opportunities in all disciplines of the curriculum and empower every student with a sense of purpose, a belief in their own efficacy, and a commitment to foster successful life-long learning. SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Our school is a place where children will enjoy learning, teachers will enjoy teaching, and parents will be expected to be a key part of the educational process. Our Beliefs:

• Student learning is the primary focus of our school. • Students learn in a variety of ways and should be given the opportunity to learn with different

strategies and techniques. • Administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and community members agree to hold high goals and

standards to achieve success. • Parents and teachers are partners in the education process. • Our school community is committed to continuous improvement to enable our students to

become lifelong learners. SCHOOL CURRICULUM Somerset integrates the Arizona Education Standards and the curriculum reflects those standards and objectives. It encompasses the core subject areas of English Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. We offer Physical Education in addition to specials classes which may include Art, Music and Technology. STUDENT PLEDGE Somerset Skyway Broncos promise to be leaders in all aspects. We promise to Listen, Encourage, Achieve, be Dedicated, show Empathy and Respect. I am a leader when I am respectful, responsible, and safe. If it is to be, it starts with me. DAILY SCHEDULE 6:30 a.m. Fee-based before-school care begins 7:45 a.m. Campus opens to students 8:00 a.m. Classes begin in the building


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LUNCH TIMES

1st Lunch Grade Time Early Release

K 10:30-11:00 10:30-11:00 1 10:30-11:00 10:30-11:00

2nd Lunch 2/3 11:30-12:00 11:30-12:00 4/5 11:30-12:00 11:30-12:00

2:30 p.m. Dismissal 2:30 p.m. Fee-based after-school care begins 5:55 p.m. Fee-based after-school care ends ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL We ask that parents follow our designated traffic pattern of entering the Skyway parking lot from the south entrance and follow the signs for drop off and pick up. Please be advised: Somerset Academy is NOT responsible for students who arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of school, except for those who are enrolled in and pay fees to the before care program.


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Arrival Procedures

• Under no circumstances will parents be allowed to park or leave their vehicles unattended in the

drop off/pick up areas. • Parents will be permitted to park and walk students into the building August 5th and 6th by parking in

the parking spaces at the northeast-end of the drive. Starting August 7th, all students will be dropped off in the designated area of the car loop if they arrive before 8 a.m. Staff will be in the car loop to receive your children and ensure they get safely to their class.

• Students who arrive after school has started will require a parent/guardian to park, walk the student into the building and sign the student into the office. The student will be issued a tardy pass and sent to class.

• Please be advised: Somerset Academy is NOT responsible for students who arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of school, except for those who are enrolled in and pay fees to the before care program.

Dismissal Procedures

• Please be familiar with your child’s dismissal time. Students will remain with a faculty member for ten minutes after dismissal. Students not picked up within those ten minutes will be placed in the aftercare program and will be assessed $25 for after-care services.

• Please be aware that all charges must be resolved in full by the last day of school. • Parents are discouraged from picking up students enrolled in the after-care program during regular

dismissal times. Parents should not begin ‘staging’ for pick up until after 2:10 pm. Please display a sign in your front window with the teacher and child’s name of the youngest child in the carpool (see sample). Please use the colored cardstock provided by the school. Students will be escorted to your vehicle. If you choose to have your child meet you must park and check into the building or wait outside, you must notify your child’s teacher that you give permission for them to leave campus. This is for you and your child’s safety. In addition, for the safety of our students and staff, use of cell phones in the car line is prohibited.

*** School Hours*** Kindergarten – 5th Grade 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Students will be dismissed for early dismissal at 12:00 p.m. on Fridays.

If the youngest child in your carpool is in . . . Sample KINDERGARTEN: Turquoise Sign 1

st GRADE: Yellow Sign 2

nd GRADE: Green Sign 3

rd GRADE: Orange Sign 4

th GRADE: Pink Sign 5

th GRADE: Light Blue Sign

Mrs. Moore

Charlie Smith

TEACHER

Student’s Name


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FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM Our school will be participating in the National School Lunch Program, which will allow free and reduced priced school meals for families that qualify. All lunches meet the National School Lunch Program’s requirements. Applications are available on the school’s website or in the front office. We will utilize Better 4 You Meals as our caterer five days a week. One student lunch will cost $3.25 for paid students and $.40 for reduced. A lunch menu will be provided to the students as well as posted on the school’s website on the 5th of the month for the next month. Families will place lunch orders online no later than the 12th of the month for the next month. Payment will not be accepted in the lunchroom. Lunches are delivered daily by the caterer for the students who have placed an order in advance. Additional lunches will not be available. If students do not purchase a meal from the lunch vendor, they are expected to bring a lunch from home. Somerset Academy Skyway students eat in the cafeteria and are expected to stay in the designated lunch area for the entire lunch period (30 minutes). Parents/Guardians are responsible for meal payment for the food service program. It is requested that payments for meals are made in advance when a parent places their child’s lunch order through the school’s website. It is requested that online lunch orders and payment be made by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order.

Bringing lunch: Please make sure that all lunches are sent to school exactly as they are intended to be eaten. We do not heat up lunches or allow the students to microwave food. Please make sure to pack a nutritious lunch for your child including fruits and vegetables. We ask that you refrain from packing sodas, overly sugary foods, and candy. If sending cutlery, please send only forks or spoons.

Buying lunch: Please use our online system for lunch orders and payments. It is requested that orders be pre-ordered and paid in advanced. Menus will be posted on the school’s website around the 5th of the month for the following month. It is requested that online lunch orders and payment be made by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order. Meal Charge Policy: It is requested that lunches are ordered and prepaid online by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order. If a student has money to pay for that day’s meal, they will not be denied a lunch. The responsibility for meal payments to the school belongs to the parent/guardian. The complete Meal Charge Policy is available on our website under Food Services.

Full Pay Students will pay for meals at the published standard rate each day. It is requested that meals be ordered and paid for online by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order.

Reduced Meal Benefit Reduced status students will be allowed to receive a lunch for $0.40 each day. It is requested that the student pre-orders and pays for meals by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order.

Free Meal Benefit - Free status students will be allowed to receive one free lunch each day. It is requested that the student pre-orders meals by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order. Students approved for free meals will not be denied a meal.


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Parents/Guardians – The responsibility for meal payments to the school belongs to the parent/guardian. Lunches are to be prepaid online by the 12th of the month for the following month lunch order. All schools have systems in place that record all monies deposited and spent for each student. Wellness Policy: The Wellness Policy is a component of the National School Lunch Program and guides the school in establishing an environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. The Wellness Policy specifies the types and serving sizes of snacks and beverages. All snacks and beverages must meet the Smart Snack Nutrition Standards. The complete Wellness Policy is available on our website under Lunch. RAINY DAY SCHEDULE Please be patient and follow drop-off/pick-up procedures to ensure your child’s safety. The use of cell phones in the carline is prohibited. Your patience during rainy day dismissals is appreciated to ensure the safety of the students and staff. We will also keep students in the building and give students brain breaks or indoor recess to help them adjust to rainy day schedule. This schedule will have modified recesses and breaks to adjust to the weather. COURSE OF STUDY Students at Somerset Academy Skyway Campus will be required to take the following courses: Kindergarten – 5

th Grade: • Writing • Reading • Math • Science • Social Studies

Specials (Kindergarten- Grade 5): • Physical Education in addition to classes which may include

o Art o Music o Technology

ATTENDANCE We expect our students to demonstrate excellent attendance. Please make every effort to have your child attend school on time.


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ATTENDANCE POLICY Regular attendance in school leads to increased student achievement, and students benefit from the education opportunities provided by our dedicated staff. Absences and tardiness also cause disruptions in your child’s learning. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure student attendance. Absences should be reported by calling the school and/or emailing our office manager. Absences should be reported within two days to be excused. Absences reported after two days will remain as an unexcused absence. Students shall be allowed a minimum of three days to complete make-up work. Please be reminded that a student who exceeds eighteen (18) absences during the school year may be retained in the current grade. You will be asked to meet with the principal and sign retention paperwork if there is a concern regarding attendance after 18 absences. We expect all parents to make every effort to get their child to school accordingly. EXCUSED ABSENCES Parents are to contact the office if their child is going to be absent. On the day he or she returns to school, parents/guardians must send a handwritten note explaining the reason for their child’s absence, or a note from your child’s physician. Notes submitted more than 48 hours after your child’s return to school will not be accepted, and the absence(s) will be deemed unexcused. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES For every three unexcused absences, the student will receive a referral to speak with the principal. If absences exceed ten (10), a meeting will occur with the parent to address the attendance of the student. Make-up work and homework must be completed within 24 hours (per missed day) after returning to school. All assignments must be made-up, or the student will be issued an incomplete. Incomplete assignments may affect the student’s final grade. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the teacher regarding any missed assignments. If a student anticipates being absent for more than two consecutive days, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the school and pick-up any class work/homework from the teacher. TARDIES Arrival time for students is fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of school. Students must be in their seats at the commencement of homeroom in the morning. Any student arriving after the commencement of homeroom will receive a tardy pass. All tardies will be considered unexcused. An excused tardy will only be given if the child has a note. Please note that parents will NOT be allowed to walk their children to class. If your child arrives after the commencement of homeroom, you will need to escort them to the front office to sign them into school and receive a tardy pass. EARLY RELEASE DISMISSAL DAYS Students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. every Friday. Parents must arrange for transportation and/or child care. STUDENT EARLY SIGN OUT Students who are dismissed early (on a regular school day) must be signed out by a parent or guardian in the


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main office. Students will not be released early during the last 30 minutes of school. Students will not be released to persons whose names do not appear on the emergency contact card kept on file in the main office. A photo ID must be shown to release a student from the premises. In case of an emergency, if a person not listed on the emergency contact card must pick up a student, the parent must fax a signed statement with a copy of their driver’s license allowing that person to pick up their child on that specific day. It is the parent’s responsibility to come to the main office and add that person to the emergency contact card for subsequent days. Students will not be released to persons whose names do not appear on the emergency contact card kept on file in the main office. TRANSPORTATION Transportation must be provided or arranged by the parent or guardian. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with applicable law. Parents are encouraged, if possible, to transport their child to school. The school believes that the time a parent can spend daily transporting the student to school is a valuable opportunity for the parent and student to strengthen their bond and share information about the day’s activities and school events. BEFORE AND AFTER CARE Somerset has established fee-based before and after school care services to be available on campus. It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to contract and pay for such services. Please contact the school office for detailed information on how to register for the before and after school care program at our school.

Morning Care 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. After Care 2:30 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES Parental/Guardian involvement is a critical component of your child’s educational success. Somerset Academy prides itself on the success of our students and therefore requires that parents/guardians become active stakeholders in their child’s future. All Somerset Academy parents/guardians are asked to donate thirty (30) volunteer hours of their time, or the equivalent thereof, per child per academic year. Parental involvement enhances learning when a school encourages parents to stimulate their child’s intellectual development. Parental investment in a student’s education is crucial to a student’s success, as well as to the advancement of the School’s mission, vision, and purpose. Any parent/guardian volunteer who wishes to volunteer their time in the classroom, cafeteria, field trips, etc. must be fingerprinted (at his/her own expense) and submit their Fingerprint Clearance Card to the school office prior for clearance to volunteering. The school office can provide detailed instructions on the steps to take to become fingerprinted. All parent/guardian volunteer hours are asked to donate their volunteer time prior to the last day of school. Exceptions to this can be made as necessary. Parents may volunteer to complete hours by any of the following:


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• Assist the teacher • Be a guest speaker • Be a room parent • Chaperone field trips • Tutor students • Organize special events • Tell/read stories • Make educational games • Donate classroom supplies

DATA DAYS Data Days are scheduled throughout the year as a time for teachers to evaluate student assessment data. During that time, we determine which students are at risk of failure and in need of interventions in addition to students who are achieving above the standards. These days are minimum attendance days for students; therefore, students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm every Friday for Data Days. GRADE REPORTING Instructional staff uses evaluative devices and techniques as needed to report individual achievement in relation to school goals, acceptance norms, and student potential. Student grades, unsatisfactory work notices, parent reports on state assessment, and/or standardized testing, parent conferences, and adult/student conferences should serve as the primary means of communicating student progress and achievement of the standards for promotion. A student’s academic grade reflects the teacher’s most objective assessment of the student’s academic achievement. Students have the right to receive a conduct and an effort grade consistent with their overall behavior and effort. Student achievement levels will be reported on quarterly progress reports as well as through the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus. There is a link to this portal on the school’s website. Achievement for students in grades K – 5 for core subject areas (English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies) with Strands under ELA and Math reported as exceeds, meets, approaches, and emerging. The structure for ELA is as follows:

• Reading o Literature, Informational Text, and Foundational Skills

• Writing • Speaking & Listening

The structure for Mathematics is as follows: Mathematics

• Counting & Cardinality (Kindergarten only) • Operations & Algebraic Thinking (K-5) • Numbers & Operations in Base Ten (K-5) • Numbers & Operations – Fractions (3 – 5)


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• Measurement & Data (K – 5) • Geometry (K – 5)

Other content areas included in the Report of Progress: PE Specials Progress Report and Report Card Distribution Schedules:

Grading Period Progress Reports Report Cards (approximate)

1st Grading Period September 6, 2019 October 4, 2019 2nd Grading Period November 8, 2019 January 6, 2020 3rd Grading Period February 7, 2020 March 6, 2020 4th Grading Period April 17, 2020 May 22, 2020

Academic Grades: Academic grades are to reflect the student’s academic progress. The grade must provide for both students and parents a clear indication of each student’s academic performance as compared with norms that would be appropriate for the grade or subject. The academic grades of “4,” “3,” “2” “1,” or “0,” are not related to the student’s effort and conduct grades. The letter grade of “I” will be reserved for secondary use only. Grades in all subjects are to be based on the student’s degree of mastery of the instructional objectives and competencies for the subject. The determination of the specific grade a student receives must be based on a teacher’s careful consideration of all aspects of each student’s performance during a grading period. K GRADES

NUMERICAL VALUE

VERBAL INTERPRETATION

GRADE POINT VALUE

E 90-100% Outstanding progress 4

G 80-89% Above average progress 3

S 70-79% Average Progress 2 M 60-69% Lowest acceptable progress 1

U 0-59% Failure 0


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Specials and Habits for Success Grades The following indicators will be used for specials classes and habits for success grades. B – Beginning D- Developing P – Proficient Occasionally I do this. Sometimes I do this. Almost always I do this.

Effort Grades: Effort grades are utilized to convey both to students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s effort as related to the instructional program. These grades are independent of academic and conduct grades. In assigning an effort grade, the teacher must consider the student’s potential, study habits, and attitude. Kindergarten students do not receive effort grades. Three numerical grades are used to reflect effort in grades 1-5: →�An effort grade of “1” indicates outstanding effort on the part of the student. The student will, when

necessary, complete a task again in order to improve the results. The student consistently attends to assigned tasks until completed and generally exerts maximum effort on all tasks. The student consistently works to the best of his/her ability.

→�An effort grade of “2” indicates satisfactory effort on the part of the student. All work is approached

with an appropriate degree of seriousness. The student usually finishes assignments on time and usually stays on task. The student usually works at a level commensurate with his/her ability.

→�An effort grade of “3” reflects insufficient effort on the part of the student. Little attention is paid to

completing assignments well and/or on time or to completing them in a manner commensurate with the student’s ability.

Conduct Grades: The following rules, regulations and due process procedures are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and responsibilities. These rules apply to any student:

1. who is on the school property 2. who is in attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity 3. whose conduct at any time or in any place has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order

and discipline in the school

1st – 5th GRADES

NUMERICAL VALUE

VERBAL INTERPRETATION

GRADE POINT VALUE

4 90-100% Advanced 4

3 80-89% Meeting Standard 3

2 70-79% Approaching Standard 2 1 60-69% Not Meeting Standard 1

0 0-59% No Evidence 0 NA Not Assessed Not Assessed Yet NA


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Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to the following: • Classroom tardiness • Dishonesty • Acting in a manner that interferes with the education process • Abusive language between or among students • Failure to complete assignments or carry out instructions

Possible Sanctions:

• Verbal and Written Reprimand/ Referral/ Student Discipline Management Form • Contact with parent • Loss of privileges • Detention/Work duty on campus • In-school/Outdoor suspension

Code of Excellence We believe that a safe and orderly school is of primary importance. When children behave in a respectful, responsible, and safe manner, they learn more and develop into responsible children whose “character counts”. The Somerset Code of Excellence is a school wide plan, which clearly outlines student expectations. Proper behavior is recognized, and consequences are given for breaking our code. Each parent must take an active role in supporting this plan. We want our children to learn and to be responsible citizens. It is in the children’s best interest that parents and staff work together to ensure a happy, safe, and productive learning experience.

Glossary: Lunch Detention: eating alone Administrative Detention: being detained in the school office (time to be determined by the administrator) Teacher Detention: being detained by the teacher (time to be determined by the teacher) Out of School Suspension (OSS): to take away the privilege of attending school for a certain number of days, outside of school. In School Suspension (ISS): to take away the privilege of attending class (Student remains in school and may get credit for work completed during ISS.) Severe Clause: extremely disruptive behavior results in immediate removal from class to the principal’s office Referral: written warning given to students who have violated the code of conduct or school rule. Students who receive three referrals may be suspended for three days and will meet with the administration. * Students may be issued referrals for tardies, absences, and/or severe disruptive behavior. Referrals remain in a student’s permanent record.


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Consequences: a result of one’s actions Discipline: a set of rules that develops self-control and orderliness in students by providing logical consequences for both appropriate and inappropriate behavior; the goal being a safe and orderly environment for all students. Disrespect: to be rude or discourteous to another person Respect: to be courteous to those around you, to show consideration Somerset Code of Excellence

• Be honest • Be kind • Be respectful • Be patient • Be proud • Be courteous • Mistakes are okay, as long as you learn from them.

Students who break the code of conduct will receive the following consequences: Classroom Consequences:

• 1st consequence: Verbal Warning • 2nd consequence: Time out/ Loss of privilege • 3rd consequence: Parent contacted/ Referral note sent home

Administrative Consequences: • 4th consequence: Student is sent to the principal, parent is called, and Administrative Detention is

given. • 5th consequence: In School Suspension (ISS)/ Referral sent home.

Severe Clause: Fighting, Profanity, Disrespect, Sexually explicit behavior, Destruction of property may result in issuing a referral and an administrative review for possible immediate suspension from school (OSS). Parent will be called to pick up student from school. Somerset students are expected to show respect for themselves, for other students, and for their teachers. Students are expected to behave in ways that are acceptable to classmates and conducive to learning. Misbehavior on the part of students can be generally corrected when home and school work together. Teachers and students must foster a mutual respect for one another. Teachers will never use corporal punishment or offensive language toward a student. According to the Code of Student Conduct, methods of positive reinforcement/rewards and/or loss of privileges are utilized. Administration will make the final decision on disciplinary actions.


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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION It is extremely important for the school to have current home and emergency telephone numbers and your current address so that you may be notified in case of accident, illness, or emergency. If this information changes throughout the year, please inform the office or make changes by using your parent log in information on Infinite Campus. (You will not be allowed to make changes to Infinite Campus through student log in.) HOME LEARNING POLICY Our school’s policy is that homework will be assigned daily. Additional homework assignments may be assigned to meet student needs, focus on special projects, or complete make-up work. The purpose of homework is to practice and maintain previously learned skills from the classroom. Additionally, homework builds responsibility, develops study habits, and promotes adult involvement in the child’s education. Along with regular homework, your child should be reading at least 10 minutes or more per night and should go up as the grade level increases. Homework will be assigned to support academic progress. Please make every effort to ensure that your child completes his or her assigned homework. We also strongly encourage family field trips that can enhance the learning that takes place and supports what students do at school. IMMUNIZATION POLICY Somerset Academy will follow the State of Arizona Immunization policies. Please make sure that your child’s shot records are provided at that time of enrollment. We require shot records and/or a signature page if your child does not have immunizations. KINDERGARTEN POLICY Arizona law states that Kindergarteners can be accepted after the September 1 cutoff date of the current year with an assessment. Our board has an October 1 cut-off date so if your child qualifies, they will need board approval and a passing kindergarten assessment issued by the school. STUDENT ATTIRE AND DRESS CODE Somerset Academy Skyway Campus will be following a policy of standard student attire. Wearing standard student attire, students will become part of a team. It is this team effort and sense of belonging that will help students experience a greater sense of identify and promote academic excellence. We are committed to keeping the cost of uniforms as low as possible for our families. Dress Guidelines for all Students Pants cannot be rolled up at the waist to adjust the length. Pants MAY NOT be worn below the hips. All shirt tops must be tucked in. All tops must have the school logo on them. Students should have enough uniform tops and bottoms that laundry issues should not interfere with the uniform policy. ANY STUDENT NOT WEARING A COMPLETE SCHOOL UNIFORM, OR IN VIOLATION OF ONE OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED INFRACTIONS, WILL BE ISSUED A WARNING OR UNIFORM VIOLATION FORM AND PARENTS WILL BE CONTACTED TO BRING THE OFFICIAL UNIFORM. After 3 uniform violations, a referral will be issued. Please speak with your child/children regarding the importance of wearing a school uniform to avoid serious


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consequences. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation with our uniform policy and thank you for your assistance in helping your child/children comply with our rules. Uniforms must be worn on the first day of school. To order Somerset Logo shirts, log on to https://www.alluniformwear.com/ The direct link is https://store36.auwschools.net/ProductPage?brand=all&group=Somerset+Academy+Skyway+ Amusement=all&show=all&l=1 Shirts: Teal or grey (long or short sleeved) collared shirts with the Somerset logo. The Somerset logo must always be visible. Other colors will violate the school uniform code. Bottoms: Uniform styled Pants, Skirts, Shorts, Capris, Jumpers: Khaki (tan) or navy blue in color. Uniform pants must be the uniform style pant (Dockers’ style) and must be free of tears, rips, or holes. Please see the school website for pictures. Skirts/shorts and Jumpers must be fingertip length in solid school colors (no patterns, lace, sequins, etc.). Leggings must be solid school colors (khaki or navy blue in color) and worn under jumpers/skirts only. No cargo shorts, sweat suit pants, yoga pants, or leggings. Sagging and oversized pants are not allowed. No jeggings. No tears, rips, or holes. Shoes or Sneakers: Shoes/sneakers must be closed toe, have laces or Velcro, and fit securely on the foot. No Skate Sneakers (Heelys), or slip-on sneakers will be permitted. No sandals, “ballerinas”, open toe, or platform shoes will be permitted. Accessories: Tights and leggings to be worn in solid school colors (khaki or navy blue in color) and

worn under jumpers/skirts only. Belts must be worn through belt loops and must be in neutral colors (white, brown, black).

Hair: Hair must be neat, clean and away from the face. No hats may be worn. Hair: Hair color and

hair style must be a natural color. Hair style cannot draw attention or create distraction. Administration reserves the right to deem hair color or hair style a distraction to instruction.

Jewelry: Girls with pierced ears may wear modest simple earrings. More than one set of earrings on

girls, large hoops, long dangling earrings, large necklaces with charms, wristbands, earrings on boys or visible piercing of other body parts are unacceptable and will not be permitted.

Make-up: Make-up, tattoos, colored nail polish/acrylic nails, or glitter will not be permitted (at any age). Outerwear (Jackets, Sweaters, and Hooded Sweatshirts): Outerwear must match the school shirt colors (teal or grey). Outerwear must either have an embroidered Somerset logo or must be plain. Outerwear may not have


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another logo on it. Students may wear approved hoodie type sweatshirts but must remove the hood from their head when inside the building. Students may wear a long sleeve or hooded long sleeve in school colors (teal or grey) under their Somerset polo. These may not have any other logos. Students wearing outwear that does not meet the above requirements will be cited with: First offense: Student will be sent to the main office and a phone call will be made home. The outwear will be collected. At the end of the day, the student may pick it up. Second offense: Student will be sent to the main office and a phone call will be made home. The outwear will be collected. At the end of the day, the parent may pick it up. Third offense: Student will be sent to the main office and a phone call will be made home. The outwear will be collected. Parents will be required to attend a conference with administration. Ongoing offenses: Progressive discipline will continue. Spirit Days: The last day of each week (typically Friday unless it is a shortened week) will be our scheduled ’Spirit Days’. Students can wear their Somerset Academy School T- shirt on Spirit Days with blue jeans. Jeans must be free of tears, rips, or holes. This attire is only allowed on the last day of each week.

Please write student name on all clothing tags. *Students who are not dressed in the standard attire noted above will be sent to the main office to call home to ask parents to bring a change of clothes by 10 am. UNAUTHORIZED ITEMS POLICY Please note that students are not allowed to bring any toys, electronic devices, pets, or animals to school. Cellphones may not be turned on inside of the School building at any time. Cellphones may not be visible at any time during the School day, may not be displayed during School, and must be left in the Students bag. The School will confiscate any unauthorized items a student may bring to school. Confiscated items will only be returned to parents after 3:00 pm the following day, at which time a parent/student conference may be required. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the school may keep any such unauthorized items until the end of the school year. After three (3) violations of this policy, the student will be issued a referral form that will be placed in the student’s permanent record. While the School will take every measure to protect such items, however, the School shall not be responsible for loss or damage to any unauthorized items which have been confiscated. Any items not claimed by the last day of school shall be disposed of without further liability to the School. CLASSROOM PLACEMENT Somerset may consist of multi-age education. Be aware that students will be placed in a multi-age (mixed grade) classroom as determined by the administration of the school. PARENT TO SCHOOL COMMUNICATION A prime factor in our operation is the importance we place upon communication between home and school.


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The lines of communication must always be kept open so that we may be properly tuned into your child’s needs. Please notify us immediately if: 1. Your child has developed a communicable disease. 2. You will be out of town. 3. Your telephone number (cell, home or work) has changed. 4. You wish to change or add to the emergency contact numbers we are to use. 5. IF THERE IS ANY CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION. We will not allow a child to deviate from their regular departure routine without written or verbal verification. If there is a change in the person who is to pick up your child, we require the name of that person in writing. PARENT TO TEACHER COMMUNICATION Conferences with individual teachers must be arranged by contacting the teacher. Please make appointments for conferences before or after school hours. Teachers may also be available during their breaks; however, you must make an appointment during this time. PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE IN PARENT CONFERENCES DURING ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS, IN THE HALLWAYS OR DURING CLASSROOM TIME. Always attempt to resolve issues/conflicts with the teacher before coming to administration. Most issues can be resolved when you have open and honest communication with your child’s teacher. Order of contact to resolve an issue is: Teacher → Principal MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION Arizona School Board policy “prohibits school personnel from administering any prescribed medication without parental consent and a medication authorization form must be signed by the child’s physician and/or parent(s).” For medication to be administered to your child, we must have an Authorization for Medication Form. This form is available in the office and must be kept on record. These forms must be completed by a pediatrician or a family doctor. Medication must be in its original container labeled with the following information: the child’s name, dosage, name of the drug, physician’s name, and the name and phone number of the pharmacy that filled the prescription. Rigid guidelines are followed in administering medication. ACCIDENTS/ILLNESSES Parents will be notified immediately in case of illness or an accident. If a parent cannot be located, the person(s) named on the emergency contact cards will be contacted. It is your responsibility to make sure that these numbers are current and accurate. Please notify the office immediately of any accident or injury which occurred during arrival or departure from school. Children who are ill should remain at home to minimize the risk of passing the illness onto others. Please notify us of any contagious illness your child has so we may alert other parents. In addition, please notify the school of any chronic condition your child may have.


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FIELD TRIPS All trips planned by the school are for specific educational purposes. Participation in field trips requires the student to present a field trip form signed by the parent/guardian to his or her teacher in advance. Students going on a field trip must assume the responsibility for any necessary fee. Please keep in mind that once the field trip has been paid, the school will not issue a refund. If a hardship exists where a student cannot afford the cost of the field trip, please notify the teacher. Parent chaperones must not bring siblings along, as they are not covered by insurance. All parents attending field trips must have on file with the school office a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Students will not be released to anyone during a field trip for any reason. Authorized persons who wish to have a student released early must report to the main office to sign out the child and wait for the child to return with their class from the field trip. SCHOOL PROPERTY Somerset Academy Skyway would like to stress the importance of taking proper care of textbooks, library books, and school property with your child. Students are held responsible for the condition and proper usage of all textbooks and similarly related materials. All items must be paid for if lost, damaged, stolen, or defaced. Any student damaging school property is held responsible for any replacement or repairs needed. FEES Please be aware that all outstanding fees must be resolved in full by the last day of school. Fees may include but shall not be limited to lost books, lunch accounts, before/after care fees, and all fees which may accrue in the normal course. Financial obligation notices will be sent as reminders throughout the school year. INTERNET AND MEDIA USE No recording, either photographic or audio/visual in nature may be made on school property without the express authorization of the administration. No document or media existing now or in the future and which impacts the School and/or disrupts the learning environment, relating to the School, its staff or students, including but not limited to photographs, letters, yearbooks, and other material may be published in any public forum or media without the express authorization of the administration. Furthermore, the unauthorized use of the Somerset Academy, the school’s name and/or any of its logos is expressly prohibited. For purposes of this section, the term “public forum or media” includes but shall not be limited to publicly accessible websites and web forums, newspapers, print and other media sources. Access and use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and its use must support the educational objectives of the school. Students must always get permission from their teachers prior to using the Internet. In addition, the school prohibits the transmission of materials such as copyright material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret, which violate local, state, and federal law or regulation, as well as the use of the Internet for product advertisement, commercial activities, political campaigning or solicitation. LOST AND FOUND A lost and found area will be designated in the main office. To minimize the quality of lost and found articles, we ask that you please write your child’s name on everything he/she brings to school.


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USE OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS Photographs or video of classroom activities will be taken throughout the year and may be published on our website, public newspapers, and in any advertising the school may have. Please note that your child’s full name may be posted on such mediums when he/she is recognized for accomplishments or participation in events. If you object to this use, please contact the main office upon registration. ACADEMIC RECOVERY If the school identifies your student as requiring additional instruction and/or remediation including but not limited to mandatory tutoring, summer school, etc., attendance at and successful completion shall be required. TAX CREDIT DONATIONS A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the actual tax owed to the State of Arizona. It reduces your tax liability by the amount you donate, up to $400 for married couples and $200 for single or head of household. For example, if you donate $400 to a Liberty District school activity, you reduce your Arizona state tax bill by $400, or your tax refund will be increased by $400. Multiple tax credit donations can be made as long as the total sum of all donations do not exceed the limits of $200 for single and $400 for married couples. Tax credit donations are used to fund extra-curricular programs and activities. Families may take advantage of the Tax Credit option to help cover activity fees. It is a Win-Win opportunity for you, for kids, and for education!


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SOMERSET ACADEMY Skyway Campus

STUDENT INTERNET ACCESS AGREEMENT PARENT PERMISSION FORM

I am the parent/legal guardian of . In giving permission for my child to use the SOMERSET ACADEMY Network to access the internet, I understand and agree that: 1. I have reviewed the Rules of Acceptable Use on the reverse side, and my child will comply with these rules. 2. SOMERSET ACADEMY encourages use of the Internet’s valuable information and educational resources in an age-appropriate manner consistent with curriculum objectives. However, the Internet contains some materials that may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated or offensive to some individuals and that may be considered inappropriate for children. 3. SOMERSET ACADEMY, its employees and the Board of Directors is not liable for any direct or indirect, incidental or consequential damages due to information gained and/or obtained via use of internet access, including, without limitation, access to other networks. 4. SOMERSET ACADEMY does not warrant that the functions of the network or any of the networks accessible through SOMERSET ACADEMY access points will meet any of the specific requirements you may have, or that internet access will be error free or uninterrupted. SOMERSET ACADEMY will not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental or consequential damages (including lost data, information or profits) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation or inability to use internet access. 5. In consideration for the privilege of using SOMERSET ACADEMY network access and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release SOMERSET ACADEMY SKYWAY CAMPUS, SOMERSET ACADEMY ARIZONA, INC., SOMERSET ACADEMY, INC. and its staff, administrators, operators, Board of Directors and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, SOMERSET ACADEMY access, including, without limitation, the type of damages identified above. 6. If my child violates this agreement in any way, I understand that he/she may lose his/her Internet access privileges, temporarily or permanently. I may be held financially liable for any damage that my child causes to the computer hardware or software. Unlawful activities may result in criminal prosecution. I give permission for my child to have access to the SOMERSET ACADEMY Internet. I do not give permission for my child to have access to the SOMERSET ACADEMY Internet. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Home Phone Work or Cell Phone


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SOMERSET ACADEMY – Skyway Campus STUDENT INTERNET ACCESS AGREEMENT STUDENT RULES AND ACCEPTABLE USE FORM I understand that it is a privilege to use the SOMERSET ACADEMY network to access any public or other network, such as the Internet. I understand and agree with the following: 1. The privilege to use the SOMERSET ACADEMY network to access public and other networks may be revoked by SOMERSET ACADEMY at any time for abusive conduct or violation of the conditions of use below. This includes but is not limited to: (1) the placing, transmission or deliberate access of obscene, abusive or otherwise offensive or objectionable language in any form using SOMERSET ACADEMY access; (2) plagiarism; and (3) use of the internet to cyber bullying others. SOMERSET ACADEMY reserves the right to determine what constitutes abusive conduct or violation of SOMERSET ACADEMY policies. 2. SOMERSET ACADEMY has the right to review any material stored in SOMERSET ACADEMY files to which other SOMERSET ACADEMY users have access and to edit or remove any material which they, in their sole discretion, believe may be unlawful, obscene, abusive or otherwise objectionable. I hereby waive any right of privacy, which I may otherwise have in and to such material. 3. All information and services contained at Internet access points in SOMERSET ACADEMY are placed there for general informational purposes and are in no way intended to refer to or be applicable to any specific person, case or situation. 4. I am using this service at my own risk. SOMERSET ACADEMY is not able to monitor or control all information accessible through the internet and cannot be held responsible for all content. 5. Files downloaded from the internet may contain computer viruses. SOMERSET ACADEMY is not responsible for damage to my disk or computer or any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from my use of SOMERSET ACADEMY computers. 6. I will not attempt to modify or tamper with SOMERSET ACADEMY’s computer hardware or software, introduce viruses, or install or run any unauthorized programs. 7. I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to other computers or networks, violate the acceptable use policies or any network to which I connect, or improperly read, copy, misappropriate, alter, misuse or destroy any information or files on this or other computers. 8. I will not use this access for unlawful activities, including violations of copyright law or other rights of third parties, or transmission of obscene, threatening or harassing material. 9. I will not use this access to operate an on-line business, distribute commercial advertising or represent myself as another person. 10. If I violate this agreement in any way, I understand that I may lose my internet access privileges temporarily or permanently. I may be held financially liable for any damage that I cause to SOMERSET ACADEMY computer hardware or software. Unlawful activities may result in criminal prosecution. I have read the above Internet Rules and Acceptable Use and agree to abide by their provisions. I agree that violation of the agreement may result in the revocation of my public network access and related privileges. Student name (print) Grade Student signature Date


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Somerset Academy Skyway Campus

Student/Parent Handbook Acknowledgment

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM to your child’s teacher.

We have read the Somerset Academy Skyway Campus Student/Parent Handbook. My child/children and I understand and agree to cooperate with all the policies contained therein. As a parent, I understand the importance of the Somerset Academy Sky Way Campus Student/Parent Handbook and have explained it to my child/children in detail.

My child/children and I agree to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Student/Parent Handbook including the Student Code of Respect and the Parent Contract. I understand that failure to follow school regulations and policies will jeopardize my child/children’s eligibility to register for the following academic year, or perhaps will result in dismissal from Somerset Academy Skyway Campus by the Governing Body of this institution.

Student Signature

Parent Signature

Teacher’s Name

Grade

Sign and return this form to your homeroom teacher.


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Somerset Academy Skyway Campus

Student/Parent Handbook MEDIA RELEASE

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM to your child’s teacher.

I understand that my child may be photographed, videotaped or interviewed by the news media for informational and/or promotional purposes for Somerset Academy Skyway, or its affiliates. I understand that pictures and interviews may be used on the school’s website, in publications, external publications and electronic media as indicated below.

You Must Mark a Choice in Both Section A and Section B

(If no choice is marked in both sections, then the choice will default to Choice #1)

SectionA-ExternalOutlets/Media Please Check Choice #1 or Choice #2

1. ____ I WILL permit my child to be photographed, videotaped, and/or interviewed by the media when the news media has secured proper authorization from Somerset Academy Skyway.

2. ____ I WILL NOT permit my student to be photographed, videotaped, and/or interviewed by the media.

SectionB–SomersetAcademySkywayPlease Check Choice #1 or Choice #2

1. ____ I WILL permit my child to be photographed, videotaped, and/or interviewed for school publications, such as school yearbooks, school newspapers, class pictures, school websites, social media, or for other communication tools by Somerset Academy Skyway or its approved vendors. I understand Somerset Academy Skyway may be required to release this information if requested by the media or other members of the public (i.e., public records requests). Note: Your home address, phone number, email address, child’s name, teacher’s name and room number may be released in order to facilitate school-based publications.

2. _____ I WILL NOT permit my child to be photographed, videotaped, and/or interviewed for school publications, such as school yearbooks, school newspapers, class pictures, school and/or websites, social media, or for other communication tools by Somerset Academy Skyway or its approved vendors.

Student Signature Parent Signature Teacher’s Name Grade Date

Documents

SOMERSET ACADEMY SKYWAY CAMPUS GRADES K - 5 2019 … Skyway... · SKYWAY CAMPUS 14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, Arizona 85338 Telephone: 623-208-4629 Jennifer Carmichael – Principal