Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Sidener Academy for High Ability Students
Student / Parent Handbook
2017 – 2018
IPS Mission The mission of the Indianapolis Public Schools is to prepare and empower all students for life. IPS Vision IPS will be the flagship in innovative urban education, preparing all students to be successful in the global economy. IPS Core Values Excellence: Superior performance, outstanding quality, academic excellence Scholarship: A desire for knowledge and learning;; the character, qualities, or attainment of a scholar. Respect: A high level of regard and consideration for oneself and others;; i.e. in conduct, dress, communication and deference. Courage: Mental and moral strength, in the face of danger and difficult situations. IPS Cultural Imperatives
• Children come first!
• All employees are accountable for student achievement that meets or exceeds state standards.
• All employees will demonstrate professionalism and integrity.
• Student success is the only option.
• Potential is discovered and nurtured.
• Academic rigor is the norm.
• Communication is clear, open and timely.
• Students, parents, families and community members are essential partners.
• Diversity is valued as demonstrated by culturally competent practices.
2017-2018 IPS Calendar
Dates in the following calendar may be changed if necessary to schedule makeup days, for days lost to emergency school closings, in order to meet the minimum number of student instructional days.
Sidener Academy for High Ability Students Mission Sidener Academy’s mission is to serve the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of high ability students from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. We are committed to developing independent, self-directed learners and believes that its administration, faculty, staff, and the community at large must share responsibility for meeting these needs.
Sidener Academy’s Goals In support of our mission, the administration, faculty, and staff of Sidener Academy for High Ability Students are bonded together in our commitment to accomplish the following goals:
• To provide a learning community for high ability students that is nurturing, safe, supportive, and maintains as its core values excellence, scholarship, respect, and courage.
• To provide a learning experience for students that differs from the regular classroom in depth, complexity, and acceleration commensurate with the needs of high ability students.
• To provide a differentiated curriculum that utilizes problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills, and integrated thematic instruction.
Program Overview
The Sidener Academy for High Ability Students is a school designed to meet the unique needs of students who are academically advanced by offering a program that is qualitatively different from the basic curriculum provided in a traditional setting. High Ability students need an appropriately differentiated curriculum designed to address their individual characteristics, needs, abilities, and interests. Teachers who will provide the curriculum for the high ability students at Sidener are credentialed in the area of gifted education and are prepared to deliver the types of learning experiences that will allow these students to develop to their fullest potential. Students are selected to attend Sidener Academy based on an identification process that includes a Terra Nova, Co GAT (Cognitive abilities Test), and SIGS (Scales of Identifying Gifted Students.) Distinctive Learning Experiences • More complex, abstract, and in-depth curriculum design.
• Instructional strategies geared specifically to high ability students.
• Accelerated pace.
• Frequent assessment of student knowledge.
• Variety of student choices within the classroom.
• Opportunities for independent research.
• Talent growth opportunities.
Mission Statement Sidener Academy’s mission is to serve the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of high ability students from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. We are committed to developing independent, self-directed learners and believes that its administration, faculty, staff, and the community at large must share responsibility for meeting these needs. Objectives:
• 100% of our students will meet or exceed the standards according to local, state, and national assessments
• 100% of our students will exhibit effective problem solving skills in their academic and social interactions
• 100% of our students will identify and pursue individual goals and aspirations Beliefs:
• We will develop and implement learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom that will allow all students to reach their highest levels of achievement.
• We will involve all stakeholders in full support of our mission and objectives.
• We will acquire and retain superior staff and administration who will embrace, facilitate, and celebrate our mission and objectives.
• We will develop the character of all students with an emphasis on having PRIDE - Positive, Respectful, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.
Curriculum Description High Ability students often possess characteristics that necessitate qualitatively different instruction. Our program provides an atmosphere for stimulating the high ability student by engaging students in a curriculum design that will emphasize higher level thinking skills in all subject areas. Each subject area will be studied in greater depth and breadth and often instruction will be above grade level. The curriculum will be responsive to the special needs of the gifted student by allowing hands-on experiences, flexible grouping, acceleration as needed, pre-assessment of foundational student knowledge prior to teaching of instructional units, and numerous opportunities for students to explore their individual interests. Students will receive instruction in a foreign language at all grade levels. A strong arts program will provide students with instruction in vocal and instrumental music and visual arts. Thematic instruction will connect the individual subjects;; bring meaning and relevance to the concepts being taught;; and, provide the real world applications that gifted students need. Technology will be appropriately integrated in all subject areas. Sidener Academy sets high standards for age-appropriate social and emotional development as well as academic performance for its students. Students are expected to contribute to their own learning, to be committed to finishing, to the best of their ability, each and every assigned task, to cultivate independent learning/ thinking skills, to give and expect mutual respect, and to foster self-discipline as they strive to be the best they can be.
More information regarding curriculum can be found at: IPS Academics
Faculty and Staff Roster
Staff Member
Position
Room Number
Troy Nolan-Watkins Principal Main Office Cathryn Drummer Administrative Associate Main Office Heather Varno School Guidance 616 Clint Newlin School Social Worker 614
Emanuel Wilson Behavior Specialist/Athletic Director 615 Megan Federer Parent Information Educator 618 Carlee Robbins Literacy Coach 114 Vicki Lenz Psychologist 615
Tiffany Schutt Speech Language Pathologist 604 T.B.D. Head Custodian
Sheleatha McCoy Custodian
Sidener Elementary Staff
Melinda Johnson 2nd Grade – Self-Contained 138 Nick Lawson 2nd Grade – Self-Contained 136 Maura Mundell 3rd Grade – Self-Contained 141 Susan Murphy 3rd Grade – Self-Contained 139 Barbara Burdge 4th Grade - Humanities 134 Lucy Bailey 4th Grade – STEM 137
Angela Mitchell 5th Grade – Humanities 132 Brenda Williams 5th Grade - STEM 130 Josh Henney Special Education 612
Sidener Middle School
Xinqin Kang Science 113
Casey McNealy Social Studies 105 Angelica Merrick Spanish 112 Ana Oliveira Mathematics 106 Julie Opal English Language Arts 101
Chelsea Carman Special Education 104
Sidener Unified Arts
Sheryl Hughes Music 129 Patrick Lauer Art 123 Janie Hizer Media Specialist 128 - Library Ted Scheck Physical Education 620 - Gym Matthew Acton Elementary Spanish 116 Tavis Hampton Technology Integrationist 120 – Computer Lab
School Board Policies
You may access all IPS School Board Policies using this link: IPS School Board Policies
Arrival Procedures Students will begin arriving to school as early as 8:45 a.m. Duty personnel will be assigned to supervise and assist students safely and efficiently into the building. After 8:45 a.m., all students are to report to the cafeteria for breakfast or to the classroom for morning work. While assigned personnel will be in the hallways to monitor student traffic flow, teachers should stand in their respective doorways to greet students and actively assist with supervision. Students are considered tardy at 9:05 a.m.
Afternoon Dismissal Homeroom teachers are responsible for walking student to the buses at dismissal time. Parents are strongly encouraged not to make transportation or pick-up changes after 3:00 p.m. IPS Bus Transportation will no longer allow students who do not normally ride a bus to ride the bus home with a friend, nor will they allow students to ride a different bus with or without a note from a parent.
Before/After School Care Sidener has an AYS (At Your School) after care program. If you are interested please call the AYS program for more information on the program and how to enroll, 283-3817.
Bullying Bullying will not be tolerated and is subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion. The Board of School Commissioners defines Bullying as overt, repeated acts or gestures by a student or group of students with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate or harm another student or group of students. Bullying can take the form of spoken words, written or electronic communications, physical acts, or any other type of behavior that fits the definition above. The Superintendent shall issue the necessary regulations and guide- lines to give principals direction in implementing this policy.
Parents or students, who suspect bullying has, or is taking place, should report the matter to the Principal immediately. After a thorough investigation, consequences will be applied as appropriate and consistent with the Board Policy. Everyone in our building should enjoy our school equally, feel safe and secure, and be accepted regardless of color, race, gender, popularity, athletic ability, intelligence, religion, or nationality. Bullying is never justified or excusable as “kids being kids”, “just teasing”, or “just playing.” Parents and students are expected to sign and return the bullying pledge form contained in the opening of school packet. Bullying Behavior Chart Bullying is defined as deliberate, repeated acts or gestures by a student or group of students with the intent to harass, humiliate, intimidate or harm another student or group of students.
• Physical Bullying o Harm to someone’s body or property
• Emotional Bullying o Harm to someone’s feeling of safety or self-esteem
• Social Bullying o Harm to someone’s group acceptance
CATEGORY ONE § Expressing physical superiority § Blaming the targeted individual for starting the conflict § Making threatening gestures § Defacing property § Pushing/shoving § Taking small items from others § Making insulting comments § Calling names § Teasing about clothes, physical appearance,
possessions, etc. § Giving dirty looks § Rolling eyes § Holding nose or other insulting gestures § Writing derogatory notes to the targeted individual § Starting and/or spreading rumors § Gossiping § Teasing publicly about looks, clothes, relationships
with boys/ girls, etc. § Ignoring someone and/or excluding them from a group § Writing derogatory notes to others about the targeted
individual
CATEGORY TWO § Threatening Physical Harm § Instigating conflict § Assaulting (hitting, kicking, slapping, grabbing, etc.) § Damaging personal property § Stealing § Starting Fights § Scratching or Biting § Tripping or causing a fall § Harassing with phone calls § Insulting family
§ Insulting an individual’s race, religion, ethnicity, color, size, disability, intelligence, athletic ability, gender, or sexual orientation
§ Sending electronic messages (email, text messages, instant messages, etc.) of insulting nature
§ Defacing school work or other personal property (such as books, lockers, or clothing)
§ Making sexually explicit comments about targeted individual in front of others
§ Playing mean tricks to embarrass someone § Ostracizing using notes, email, text messages, instant
messages, etc. § Posting slander in public places (such as derogatory
comments about someone on a restroom wall
CATEGORY THREE (most of these behaviors are against the law) § Threatening to keep someone silent: “Don’t tell anyone
or it will be a lot worse!” § Making repeated and/or graphic threats § Practicing extortion (such as taking lunch money) § Acting in a physically cruel manner § Destroying property § Acting repeatedly in a violent, threatening manner § Setting fires § Assaulting with a weapon § Harassing an individual because of bias against race,
religion, ethnicity, color, disability, gender, or sexual orientation
§ Destroying personal property (such as books, clothing, jewelry)
§ Enforcing total group exclusion against someone by threatening others if they don’t comply
§ Arranging public humiliation
Paula Peterson, 2012
IPS School Board Policy - Bullying
Classrooms Environment
Rituals and Routines are practiced the first full week of school to ensure all procedures are in place and all students know expectations. Rituals and routines are reviewed throughout the school year and especially after returning from longer student breaks. All classroom procedures should be explained, rehearsed, and reinforced. The goal is to have the procedure to become a routine. This will maximize time for teaching and learning. The rehearsal piece is critical. All procedures must be repeated until they become a routine. Effective teachers allow the students to see, feel, and experience each procedure by pointing out when it looks right. It is imperative that teachers communicate to students when they have the rituals, procedures, and routines correct.
Classroom Instructional and Organizational Expectations
Instruction is intentional, not accidental. Instruction is standards driven, not text driven
Objectives must be posted for every content area taught in the front of the room where students can see them. Objectives must be written in a student friendly language. Objectives should be feasible, ambitious, specific, aligned, and measureable during the time frame of the lesson. Objectives will be posted in the same place every day. Sidener teachers should develop a routine for reviewing/reading objectives with students at the beginning, throughout, and at the end of each lesson. Students should be able to communicate what they are learning and why it is important.
Students can be assigned homework, which is the extension of what was learned in school that day, however, homework should not be a factor when figuring grades. Sidener teachers may incorporate homework into a participation grade.
Communication
Perhaps one of the greatest keys to the efficient operation of the Academy is effective, timely, positive communication. We have very clear protocols regarding our lines of communication. If you have a concern or question regarding your individual child in a particular room with a particular teacher, please contact that teacher directly. Any and all other issues, questions, or concerns should be brought to administration.
School events and information are communicated in different ways. Parents can check the school website and sign up for notifications from the areas of Sidener that are important to them. The school will use the Blackboard Connect 5 Messaging system to connect with parents through phone, text, email, and Facebook. It is important that all families ensure the school is able to reach out to families so families should keep their contact phone and email addresses up to date in eSchool by calling Mrs. Drummer to makeany changes.
Confidentiality
If a confidential matter arises concerning a student, the teacher should bring the matter to the attention of an administrator, social worker, or guidance counselor. Together, they will make the decision about how to proceed. The teacher should handle the confidential situation as opposed to designating someone else to share this information with an administrator. As a protection of the student’s rights, confidentiality must be adhered to in regards to not sharing the confidential information with anyone other than those persons identified by the administrator.
IPS School Board - Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality
Counseling Programs
The counseling program at Sidener Academy provides services to students, faculty, staff, and parents. Classroom guidance, groups, and individual sessions are scheduled as needed throughout the year. Counselors provide support to the entire staff for enhancing the school environment as well as consult with the teachers concerning student-related problems. Teachers may request the counselor to participate in parent conferences for support. The student, teacher, staff or parent may make referrals to the counselor. Any concern that would affect the life of a child may be referred to the school counselor. The counselor works closely with the school social worker and other services to provide additional support to our students and their families.
IPS School Board Policy - Guidance and Counseling
Discipline
Sidener Academy Teachers assume responsibility for appropriate classroom management. Procedures and routines help the staff establish the desired classroom atmosphere. The purpose of school wide expectations is to make a positive impact on student behavior. It is NOT to exact punishment or to prove a point to students for breaking a rule. Sidener staff will not engage in battling against a student or parent as it is not productive. Maintaining an environment that is conducive to classroom learning includes insuring appropriate classroom behavior and is the first the responsibility of the classroom teacher. Having clearly defined and understood classroom procedures will eliminate most potential discipline situations. Teachers are expected to establish high expectations regarding appropriate student behavior at the start of the school year. Teacher should consistently reinforce the desired behavioral expectations.
IPS School Board Policy - Student Discipline
Dress Code
IPS School Board Policy - Dress Code
Please review the Dress Code that clearly describes the uniform dress code for males in grades K-8 and females in grades K-8.
Any student granted a dress code waiver must provide the Principal with the proper written approval information.
RESTRICTED ATTIRE
The following articles of clothing or styles of dress are strictly for- bidden while in IPS schools, or while attending athletic events or other school-sponsored activities during school hours:
• No hats worn in building during the school day
• No denim pants, shirts, shorts, skirts, skorts, capris, jumpers or jackets
• No over-sized pants or shirts • No pants worn below the waist or
“sagging” • No overalls or coveralls • No sweatpants/sweat suits, jogging
pants/suits, warm-up pants/suits, athletic pants/shorts
• No knit, nylon, spandex, biking or gym shorts or pants • No spandex, nylon or knit tightly fitted clothes• No skin tight dresses or tops
• No tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, mesh tops, midriff tops, spaghetti strap tops
• No sleeveless tops • No shirts with ruffles • No shirts made of shiny materials • No t-shirts or tall tees • No hooded jackets, hooded sweaters,
hooded shirts • No sunglasses • No pajama tops or bottoms • No thongs/slippers/sandals/bare
feet/exposed toes • No “heelies” or “wheelies” (i.e. athletic
shoes with skates) • No clothing or other item with offensive,
lewd, vulgar, obscene or hate language, slogans or pictures
• No coats worn in the school building during the regular school day unless principals waive the rule because of cold temperatures in the building.
• No buttons, jewelry or other accessories containing lewd, vulgar, obscene, hate or offensive messages or pictures or which advocate or advertise the use of drugs or alcohol
• No secret society, fraternity or sorority symbols or lettering
• No hair rollers, combs, picks, or cosmetology clamps
• No scarves, head rags, doo rags, bandanas, sweatbands, hats, caps or other head coverings
• (Note: Approval for certain religious customs are permitted by approval of the school administration, i.e. Muslim female head coverings, Jewish male head covering)
• No visible underpants, thongs, bras, camisoles or other clothing items considered by the principal to be undergarments.
• No clothing altered by cuts, slits or holes or that in any way exposes the skin
• No detachable gold teeth or fangs (unless required by a dentist with written documentation on file) No grills!
• Anything else the principal or designee deems inappropriate or disruptive to the educational environment will be prohibited.
Early Release Students must be signed out of the building in the main office before leaving. Parent, guardian and the designated emergency contact information for those adults able to take your child from the school must be listed on the Medical Emergency Form. Students will not be released to anyone other than the parent/guardian unless confirmation (written or by telephone) has been received from the parent/guardian prior to the time to release the child. Students will be called from their classrooms to meet their parent/ guardian/designee in the main office. Early release should be limited as it directly impacts classroom instruction.
Emergency Procedures
Sidener staff may experience an emergency situation. If a child is injured, is in need help, has a seizure, faints, and/or other emergency situations arise, call the office immediately. No written explanation is necessary. The principal or others will respond. In the principal’s absence, the administrative intern or guidance counselor will respond. Fire, tornado, lock down, and earthquake procedures must be discussed during the first week of school. Each teacher is responsible for following the emergency procedures posted.
IPS School Board Policy - Emergency Medical Authorization
IPS School Board Policy - Use of Medications
IPS School Board Policy – Self-Administered Medication
Required Drills and Expectations
Fire Drill Expectations As a safety precaution, fire drills will be held periodically throughout the school year. When the signal sounds, teachers should instruct students to leave by the appropriate exits. (See map in room.) Make sure all windows are closed, and take the grade book to check the roll of students once outside of the building. Be calm, walk in line to the building exit, and move a good distance away from the building. When attendance has been checked hold up the green card, if all students are in attendance. If a student is missing hold up the red card and someone on the administrative team will find the student. Tornado Drill Building Expectations As a safety precaution, tornado disaster drills will be held periodically throughout the school year. When the signal sounds, teachers should instruct students to move to the long corridor outside the classroom.
When children are assembled in the building’s long corridor, they should be instructed to respond to a specific command to assume protective postures while facing the interior walls. Such a command might be: “Everybody down! Crouch with chest on legs! Hands over the back of your head!” It is essential that this command be instantly understood and obeyed. Students are not to be positioned in front of doorways or windows. Be sure that all windows and doors are closed. Earthquake Safety Plan Procedures should be initiated at the first sign of the earth shaking. School-wide simulation drills will commence at prescribed times and with the teachers’ first commands. There will be no warning bells. STAY CALM AND STAY PUT. IF YOU ARE INDOORS, STAY INSIDE. Teaches will immediately instruct students to “TAKE COVER” under tables or desks or in doorways. (Anticipate that doors may slam shut during an earthquake.) In halls, or other areas where no cover is available, students will move to an interior wall. Staff will Instruct students to “TURN AWAY” from windows, kneel alongside the wall, bend head close to knees, cover sides of head with elbows, and clasp hands firmly behind the neck. If notebooks or jackets are handy, Sidener staff will have students hold these over their heads for added protection from flying glass and ceiling debris. The expectation is to keep students and staff away from windows, bookshelves, display cases, and cabinets. In the library, move immediately from where books and bookshelves may fall. IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS, STAY OUTSIDE. Staff will move students immediately to an open space away from buildings, trees, and overhead power lines. They will instruct students to “LIE DOWN!” or “CROUCH LOW TO THE GROUND!” (Legs will not be steady). Teachers are responsible to keep looking around to be aware of dangers that may demand movement. If on the playground, move students to an open space and have them lie down or crouch low to the ground. After an earthquake, Sidener Staff see that students remain in sheltered positions for at least one minute. They will remind students to remain quiet and attentive to directions. Faculty and Staff will talk calmly to students. The staff is to check first for injuries, and to stop any bleeding injuries by applying direct pressure to the wound. (First aid kits are located in a visible area, near the door of each room.) Injured persons should be covered with coats or whatever is available
Emergency School Closings Snow, ice, or frigid temperatures may interfere with the safe transportation to school or the operation of school. Follow IPSSchools on Twitter or check for school closures on local television and radio stations.
Field Trips Field Trips are highly recommended as means of enhancing curriculum and instruction. All field trips are to be based upon and correlated to standards being taught in the classroom. Field trips should be planned to add value to your classroom. Discussions and writing activities should be planned before, during, and after a field trip. This will ensure that students benefit educationally and will make connections to the subject area curriculum. It is our intention to provide numerous educational field trips for our students throughout the year. On occasion, there may be fees associated with the trip. Parents are asked to donate this fee but no child will be denied participation for lack of payment. Parents/ guardians wishing to chaperone or assist on a field trip must have completed an IPS volunteer application form and the criminal his- tory check form. Parents/guardians must receive security clearance from the District and the school must have that clearance in writing.
IPS School Board Policy - Field Trips and Extended Learning Excursions
FORBIDDING SEX DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT TITLE IX POLICY
Policy against sex discrimination
In accordance with applicable law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Indiana Civil Rights Law, it is the policy of Indianapolis Public Schools that no student will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any education program or activity on the basis of sex. A student may not, on the basis of sex, be limited in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity, including courses, extracurricular activities, benefits, and facilities.
Prohibition against sexual harassment
The policy against sex discrimination includes a prohibitionagainst sexual harassment. Sexual harassment consists of sexual advances, sexual gestures, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and that limits or denies, on the basis of sex, a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the education program. This policy prohibits sexual harassment by an employee or agent of IPS, by another student, and by third parties who come in contact with students at school or at school-related activities. This policy also prohibits any employee from being in a locked room with a student.
IPS School Board Policy - Title IX and Sex Discrimination
Grading / Late Work Policy In an effort to ensure thorough communication between schooland home, Sidener teachers follow the same guidelines for collecting and grading homework. All homework assigned is due by Friday of the week the work is assigned (unless otherwise indicated by the classroom teacher). All work for the previous week is graded by Monday and appropriate grades are entered into IPS Online by Wednesday of each week. Parents can check IPS Online each Wednesday night to find out how their children are doing in class.
Classwork and homework that is assigned is for the benefit of student learning, therefore, work should be completed in a timely manner for the full benefit of the students. Late work is accepted up to one week (5 school days) after the original due date with a penalty. Students in Grades 2-5 will lose 25% of the original available credit for the assignment.
Guest Speakers
Teachers are encouraged to look for opportunities to connect grade-level content with the surrounding community. Qualified guest speakers are highly recommended and should be scheduled so that the content of their presentation coincides with curriculum being studied.
Homework
Homework is an essential element in providing practice in the skills taught that day. Students should have a regular expectation for homework to be assigned. Homework should be a realistic application of the day’s lessons. Homework should include material that is considered to be drill, practice, or application or a previously taught skill.
IPS School Board Policy – Homework
Immunizations
According to Indiana law, students are not permitted to attend school without proof of proper immunization. Please check with the main office if you have any doubts about your child’s immunizations being up to date or that we have an official record on file indicating same. If your child does not receive immunizations due to medical concerns, we need a doctor’s statement. If your child does not receive immunizations due to religious reasons, a written statement must be submitted to the principal each year.
• DTP – 4 doses are acceptable only if 4th dose was administrated after child 4th birthday.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella are the same as MMR on immunization record.
• Varicella (chickenpox vaccine) – Grades 6-12 must have two doses or history of disease.
• Tdap – 1 dose given on or after age 10.
• Meningitis – Grades 6-12 must have 1 dose of vaccine.
IPS School Board Policy - Immunizations
Injuries / Illness If your child is injured or becomes ill at school, he/she will be sent to the office for evaluation. Parents/guardians will be called and if necessary asked to come pick up the child. If we cannot reach the parent/guardian, we will contact the next person listed on the medical emergency form and proceed from there.
It is extremely critical that current home, work, cell, and any other emergency numbers be available to us. If those numbers change, please notify the main office immediately. Please be sure to complete the line on the medical emergency form that indicates which hospital you would want your child transported to if necessary.
The school’s administrative associate keeps a record of when students are visiting the office and the reason for their visit. If parents have questions about the frequency of visits to the office, please call the office.
Lockers Students will be provided lockers to store the coats, sack lunch, shoes, book bags, and school supplies. Students in grades two through five will have lockers without combination locks. Stu- dents in grades six through eight will have lockers with combination locks. Students may not bring their own locking device. Locker use is a privilege not a right and this privilege may be revoked if a student gives his/her combination to another student, uses another student’s locker instead of their own, or displays/ stores inappropriate items in their locker. Stickers should not be placed inside or outside of locker.
Lost/Found Lost items will be placed in the main office. Any items unclaimed at the end of each nine week grading period will be donated to a charitable organization. Clearly labeling all items belonging to your child may greatly decrease the number of “lost” items.
Meals
All students receive a free breakfast and a free lunch.
Students may bring sack lunches and purchase milk or juice. Students may not bring sodas or candy. If chips or similar items are brought in the sack lunch, they should be of the appropriate (single serving) quantity and should accompany a nutritious, well- balanced meal.
Students should not share or trade items brought from home. It is preferred that lunch not be brought in for an individual student from a local restaurant to the cafeteria. If students are purchasing a school lunch, they should not bring additional items from home.
Cafeteria menus will be provided.
Media Events From time to time, local reporters from television stations, radio stations or newspapers may come to the Academy to film, photo- graph, and in some cases interview students. If for any reason you do not want your child filmed, photographed or interviewed please complete the form sent home at the beginning of the year and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher. If we do not have the form on file, we will presume that you do not object.
Medication All student medication will be locked in a cabinet in the health clinic located in the main office. A “Permit to Administer Medication” form must be signed by the parent or guardian before medicine can be administered at school by authorized personnel in the main office clinic. All medicine must be in the original prescription box/container with detailed instructions on the administration of the medication. Additionally, the prescription medicines must be in the container that indicates the child’s name, physician’s name, and the dosage instructions. Students are not allowed to carry medicines on their person. All medicines are locked up in the office for safety reasons. No medications (OTC or prescriptions) will be given at school without written permission from the parent/guardian. PARENTS MUST PROVIDE THE MEDICINE.
IPS School Board Policy - Use of Medications
IPS School Board Policy - Self-Administered Medication
IPS School Board Policy - Emergency Medical Authorization
Sidener School/Parent Compact Sidener Academy’s mission is to serve the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of high ability students from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Sidener’s administration, faculty, staff, and the community are committed to developing independent, self-directed learners by modeling perseverance, flexible thinking, and active listening. This school-parent compact is in effect during school year 2017 - 2018. School Responsibilities Sidener Academy will: • Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction
in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables all students to meet and/or exceed the State’s student academic achievement standard, which include the Indiana High Ability Standards;;
• Provide an opportunity for families to visit and participate in their child’s classrooms to help build partnerships between families and educators;;
• Provide a safe, secure, well-managed, positive learning environment where all children are treated with respect in a fair and consistent manner (Responsive Classroom and PBIS);;
• Provide an open and timely line of communication with families that encourages their participation and support in helping their child achieve his/her educational goals, which may include performance on the NWEA Assessments and personal goals within the instructional setting;;
• Review the compact with students at the beginning of the school year and periodically throughout the year;;
• Provide access to assignment, feedback, and grades via Schoology in a timely manner;;
• Model respect for teachers, staff, parents and students;;
• Educate Sidener Staff, with the assistance of Sidener’s parents, the value and effectiveness of parents being an equal partner in their child’s school experience, which should include how to reach out, communicate, and collaborate with parents to build strong parent programming.
• Participate in meaningful staff development to implement best practices in support of the mission and vision of Sidener Academy;; and
• Support and abide by the Code of Conduct policy by not participating in, condoning, or ignoring bullying and reporting concerns directly to school administration.
Family Responsibilities
We, as parents/guardians, will support our children’s learning in the following ways: • Review the compact with our child at the
beginning of the school year and periodically throughout the year;;
• Support the mission and vision of Sidener Academy;;
• Support our child in completing homework assignments, per the homework policy, as listed on Schoology or other forms of communication;;
• Guarantee that our child attends school daily and on time, per the Sidener Tardy Policy, with all materials necessary for learning;;
• Provide an appropriate time and place for my child to complete his or her homework and projects;;
• Attend and actively participate in school events such as the Open House, Parent In-Touch Day, school activities, and conference opportunities;;
• Provide support of the IPS Code of Conduct and Dress code in school, on the bus, and at extra-curricular activities;;
• Model respect for teachers, staff, parents and other students;;
• Hold our child accountable for his or her own scholarship and actions by monitoring progress academically, behaviorally, and socially;;
• Actively participate in the educational process as a partnership between student, family, and school;; and
• Support and abide by the Anti-Bullying policy by not participating in, condoning, or ignoring bullying and reporting concerns directly to school administration.
Student Responsibilities
I, as a student of Sidener Academy, have the responsibility to improve my academic achievement and to do my personal best academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Specifically, I will: • Attend school regularly and be on time each
day;; • Come to school prepared with completed
homework and all necessary learning materials;;
• Turn in assignments on time and agree to make up any missing work posted on Schoology;;
• Follow the IPS Code of Conduct and Dress Code in school, on the bus, and at extra-curricular activities;;
• Respect the personal rights, opinions, beliefs, and property of others through careful monitoring of my words and actions;;
• Actively participate in my classroom, exhibiting good work habits and giving my personal best each day;;
• Be responsible for my own learning and ask family members or my teachers for help if I am having trouble understanding or completing assigned work;;
• Refrain from any conduct that may be considered bullying, such as deliberate, repeated acts or gestures by a student or a group with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate or harm another student or group of students either verbally, in writing, electronically, physically, emotionally, or socially, and I will report such acts if I observe them;;
• Discuss school activities, homework, and grades with my parents/guardians on a regular basis and provide them with all communication sent from school;; and
• Care for my school provided technology with respect as an essential learning tool that allows for access to real-world resources.
Family Involvement Policy
Sidener Academy will create a partnership with families in the following ways: • Hold informational meetings posted on school
calendar to inform families of annual Title I meetings;;
• Provide a Sidener Family Boot Camp where parents will attend in-depth sessions with staff members that will provide information on curriculum, social, wellness, technology, community partners, and student support as it relates to students;;
• Provide a Back to School Night where families will learn about classroom expectations and procedures as it relates to academics and behavior;;
• Hold Principal “Chat” sessions each month to involve families in the school-based decision-making process, which is a means to provide parents the opportunity for to offer suggestions, to participate in the decision making processes, and to hear any action taken as a result of the process;;
• Provide a Magnet Coordinator contact who will help ease transitions into and out of Sidener;;
• Provide workshops and informational opportunities to assist families in understanding the unique educational, social, and emotional needs of the high ability student;;
• Provide consistent communication to students and families via print and electronic mean;;
• Provide a Parent Involvement Educator who will facilitate communication between home and school and who will conduct workshops that provide continuing education for families;;
• Provide a family resource center with unique resources on the educational, social, and emotional needs of Sidener students;;
• Provide an up to date calendar of all school activities on the school’s website;; and
• If parents are not satisfied with this policy, they can submit comments to the school/district.
(Revised May 2017)
Parent Volunteers It is the policy of the Indianapolis Public Schools to require volunteers who have sustained direct contact with students, or serve as representatives of the schools, to be fingerprinted for a background check alongside completing a volunteer application. Such positions include but are not limited to: volunteer coaches, unpaid club sponsors, unsupervised overnight volunteers who are responsible for large sums of moneys collected on behalf of the organizations and schools and parent chaperones. At the discretions of the Superintendent, other volunteers may be fingerprinted upon receipt of a written request from the building principal stating the reason for conducting a background check. Individuals interested in volunteering should contact the school.
Parties in the Classroom Other individual celebrations are not allowed throughout the year. Parents are asked not send balloons or other items to school to celebrate a student’s birthday. In our continuing effort to maximize instructional time, birthday parties should NOT be planned during the school day and birthday treats should not be brought to school.
Special gifts such as flowers or balloons should not be delivered to the school.
Special events within the classroom are organized by the classroom teachers, please contact them for more information. Elementary classrooms are encouraged to organize a quarterly party to celebrate the student birthdays.
Personal Student Items
Student are encouraged to keep all personal valuables at home. The school cannot be responsible for any items that are stolen or damaged at school.
Phone Calls
Call to parents will be made during the teacher’s planning period, before or after school. The telephone in the classroom should be used for emergency purposes ONLY during the instructional day. The office will get phone messages to teachers as quickly as possible. Messages will be placed in teacher mail boxes. The office will interrupt a class ONLY in case of an emergency.
Professional Development Every staff member in the building is expected to seek opportunities for professional learning. All certified teachers are expected to have their Gifted Endorsement or be working on obtaining the endorsement.
Promotion/Retention Due to the high ability nature of Sidener’s program, we do not al- low students to repeat a grade at Sidener. Should the need arise students in jeopardy of being retained will be placed in the exit process. Parents should monitor student grades on IPS Online.
IPS School Board Policy - Academic Performance: Grading, Promotion, and Retention
PTA One of the keys to a child’s success in school is active parental involvement. The PTA exists to establish and maintain a working relationship between parents, the school and the community. The PTA aims to support the educational and extracurricular activities of the school, encourage parental involvement, and support teachers and students. PTA news is shared through group emails and their Facebook site. The Principal also updates PTA Facebook page with school news and events. PTA meetings are generally the 2nd Tuesday of each month and are held in the Media Center starting at 6:30 p.m.
IPS School Board Policy on Parent Organizations
Recess Students in grades 2-8 will have recess period daily. Sidener Staff will make every attempt to go outside each day so our students are given the opportunity for physical exercise. Because the weather varies, students will participate in outdoor recess if properly dressed for the weather, at the discretion of the staff on duty.
IPS School Board Policy - Wellness
Safety Plan In collaboration with the IPS Safety Office, the Indiana Department of Education, and the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy, Sidener has in place a detailed emergency preparedness plan. The plan includes the following: an incident command system;; chain of command;; CPR and EMS responders, evacuation routes;; utility shut off locations;; and protocols for incidents of violence, natural emergencies, man-made emergencies, and other crises or emergencies. The protocols focus on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
All exterior doors are to be secured during the school day. “Secure the Building” The purpose of a “Secure the Building” is to secure the school building in instances of emergencies such as the drug dog is on school grounds, a locker sweep is taking place, an injured person is being treated by medical personnel, etc. When a “Secure the Building” is initiated, the Principal or Administrative Associate will state the following message on the intercom:
“This is a Secure the Building, repeat this is a Secure the Building. Please follow procedure until farther notice!”
Teachers will lock their doors immediately but will continue to instruct students. Students are not allowed to go into the hallway for ANY reason until an announcement is made by the office that the lock down has ended. The following message will be made from the Main Office: “The Secure the Building is complete, repeat, the Secure the Building is complete.” When a Secure the Building is issued and there are students outside, teacher will escort those students to the nearest classroom. “Lockdown” The purpose of an internal mass emergency plan is to prevent members of the school district from being placed in danger as a result of a community event or an unauthorized intruder. An immediate Lockdown will take place when the following announcement is made:
“Teachers this is a lockdown, repeat this a lockdown!” Teachers will:
• Secure and lock classroom doors and windows
• Shut off lights
• Close blinds/shades
• Have students sit on the floor away from view of doors and windows
• NO ONE is permitted to leave the room
• Restroom breaks are not allowed (in the case of an emergency contact the principal’s office for an escort).
• Retake attendance to ensure that all students are accounted for
• If you have students in the bathroom check hallway and if not there call office for assistance (do not leave or send anyone to get them).
The expectation is for Sidener Staff to maintain order and await further directions.
DO NOT leave secured areas until an Administrator or Law Enforcement Official unlocks your classroom door. If an intruder alert is given during the lunch hour, the teachers will make sure all students are moved to the nearest rooms and doors are locked and windows secured. If an intruder alert is given while students are outside during recess or P.E., or outside for any other event, students will be instructed to lie down on the ground so as to not be a standing target.
Sidener Programming Exit Procedures The mission of Sidener Academy is to serve the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of high ability students from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The Academy recognizes, however, that there may be situations in which an eligible student does not succeed in the high ability environment based on reasons related to their academic performance, motivation, behavior, or an external factor. At each Mid Term and Report Card period, any student that has more than one D or F on their report will be referred to the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) team. The parent will be notified and the team will convene to look for reasons that the student is struggling. The team will develop interventions that will be implemented to support the student. The interventions will be implemented for a 9-week period. The MTSS team will meet every three weeks to monitor the effectiveness of the interventions. If at the end of the 9-week period, the strategies have supported the student to bring up the grades, then the student will be released from participating in the MTSS team. If the interventions are not successful, then the student may be placed on an exit plan.
In the event that a student who is participating in the program repeatedly fails to meet expectations as outlined in the Parent/ Student/Staff Compact, the Student/Parent Handbook, and the Code of Conduct or if a teacher has documented evidence that indicates a student is likely to fail at the Academy, the following process will be initiated:
1. After a student has been at the Academy for at least one grading period, if a teacher, administrator, parent/guardian, or the student, has any reason to be concerned about the student’s imminent success, that party should submit a referral form to the Principal. Within five (5) days of receiving the referral, the Principal will initiate an investigative process as follows:
a. Notify the parent/guardian, the school social worker/ counselor, the student’s teacher(s), and the Elementary Director or Academic Improvement Officer;;
b. Contact the student’s teacher(s) to solicit documented evidence of the child’s academic progress, behavioral concerns, and the parental communication;;
c. Contact the school social worker/counselor to solicit any documented evidence of interactions with the child, issues or concerns;;
d. Interview the student to ascertain his/her perspectives, concerns, frustrations, and or fears.
2. The Principal will schedule and facilitate a conference involving the parent(s)/guardian(s), the student’s classroom teacher(s), school counselor/social worker, the Elementary Director and/or the Academic Improvement Officer and the student for the purposes of:
a. Describing the student’s academic, social, and behavioral status;; b. Defining the problems that are keeping the student from experiencing success;; c. Identifying appropriate support systems and or strategies and determining who (parents, school
staff) is responsible for providing same;; d. Establishing expectations (goals) and a reasonable timeframe as a probationary period. The
probationary timeframe may be no less that twenty (20) school days – four (4) school weeks;; Establishing a date and time at the end of the probationary period to reconvene and review the student’s progress or lack thereof. (Throughout the probationary period, in the time before the reconvene date, the Principal will provide at least weekly written feedback to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), and the Elementary Director/Academic Improvement Officer. Written confirmation of receipt of the feedback by the parents must be provided to the Principal within two (2) days of the feedback being sent home.)
3. At the reconvene conference the Principal will present a detailed, written record of all goals and
strategies/interventions, implemented to address the area(s) of concern. Copies of this record will be given to all parties.
4. After thorough discussion and evaluation of the information presented, the Principal will make one of the following recommendations regarding the student’s placement:
a. The student may continue in the program without any further probationary oversight.
b. The probationary period may be extended to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate increased progress.
c. Recommend to the Magnet Academic Improvement Officer that an alternative placement be sought.
d. The Magnet Academic Improvement Officer may make another determination as he/she deems appropriate.
Any and all decisions will be based on what is the best educational placement for the student.
Sibling Policy Each student must meet specific standards to be considered for admission to Sidener Academy;; siblings do not automatically qualify to attend Sidener. Sidener will honor the sibling preference policy afforded to all IPS Magnet programs, provided that the sibling meets the qualification process.
Student Attendance
Attendance has a direct relationship to grades and performance. We have a goal to maintain better than a 97% student attendance ratio. An automated attendance system will call the homes of all absentees each day to confirm reported absences.
Absences If a student is going to be absent from school, the parent/guardian is asked to contact the school office (226-4259) and give the reason. Students who are tardy must be accompanied by an adult to the main office to sign in.
Excused—State law provides that a student may be excused for any of the following: illness, health care or social service appointments, religious instruction, service as a page in the Indiana General assembly, participation in Election Day activities, being subpoenaed as a witness,
death in the immediate family, suspension from school, and juvenile or criminal justice detention. The school office will need a written letter from any institution for the above to be excused.
Unexcused—A student’s absence is considered unexcused if it is not for one of the reasons listed under state law. The principal may exercise his/her judgment regarding extenuating circumstances. Personal appointments scheduled during normal school hours are considered unexcused. Should personal appointment be absolutely required, please schedule these as close to the beginning or end of the school day as possible.
Student Tardiness Tardiness is a problem that the entire faculty must address. Classes will commence promptly at 9:05 a.m. when classroom doors shall be closed and locked. Students arriving after the door closes will come to the front office for a tardy pass.
This chart shows the number of instructional hours missed for each day a child is absent. This is a powerful talking point for families.
IPS School Board Policy - Student Attendance
IPS School Board Policy – Attendance and Truancy
Student Code of Conduct
IPS School Board Approved Student Code of Conduct
IPS School Board Policy – Use of Force
IPS School Board Policy – Use of Seclusion and Restraint with Students
IPS School Board Policy – Suspension and Expulsion
Section 504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Congress’s directive to schools receiving any federal funding to eliminate discrimination based on disability from all aspects of school operation. It states: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Since the Indianapolis Public School District is a recipient of federal dollars, we are required to provide eligible disabled students with equal access (both physical and academic) to services, programs, and activities offered by our schools. Section 504 is a civil rights statute and not a special education statute. Therefore, it is the responsibility of regular education staff and administration to implement those practices and procedures necessary for a school to fulfill this law’s requirements. It is also important to understand that schools receive no additional funding to implement Section 504 accommodations. At each school, the responsibility for ensuring Section 504 compliance rests with the Building Principal and/or his designee.
Days Absent Hours Of Missed Instruction 1 7 hours 2 14 hours 3 21 hours 4 28 hours 5 35 hours 6 42 hours 7 49 hours
Student Records / FERPA / PPRA Annual Notice to Parents and Eligible Students As a parent of a student enrolled in the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) District, you have certain rights concerning the education records that the school district maintains. These rights are afforded by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other legal requirements. For students on an IEP, parents maintain rights equal to those of the student through the period of the student's special education eligibility. To summarize, you have the following rights:
a. To a list of the types of locations of student education records maintained by the School District and the titles and addresses of the school officials responsible for those records.
b. To inspect and review your education records within a reasonable time after such a request (no more than 45 days after the request is made, and before any IEP meeting or hearing related to the identification, evaluation, or placement of a student with a disability). This includes the right to:
1. a response to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the education records.
2. to have a representative of your choice (i.e. an advocate, relative, etc.) to inspect and review the records on your child’s behalf.
3. a copy of any of your child’s education records if failure to provide a copy effectively prevents you from exercising your right to inspect and review the records.
c. To seek the correction of your education records through a request to amend them, or through a hearing procedure provided for by law. To review the access log (record of disclosure of personally identifiable information) from your child’s record.
d. To examine and receive a copy of any policies or procedures of the IPS District regarding education records by contacting the principal of the school.
e. To receive this notice in your home language, if it is other than English, or by any other primary mode of communication that you use unless it is clearly not feasible for the school district to do so.
f. To file complaints, regarding the IPS District's failure to grant these rights by writing to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4665.
g. To have information from your education records withheld from disclosure to third parties without your prior written consent, except:
1. to school officials with legitimate educational interests.
2. to officials of another school or school system in which you (your student) seek(s) or intend(s) to enroll.
3. to federal or state government officials and other authorities, as provided by law.
4. to appropriate individuals in health and safety emergencies.
5. to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
6. for directory information* (at the instructional leader's discretion) which includes student's name, address, telephone number, current grade enrolled in, dates of attendance and most recent previous education agency or institution attended, date and place of birth.
*You have the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all these categories as directory information for your child by contacting the Instructional Leader of your school in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of this notice.”
When asked, teachers may provide a directory which will only include the student’s name, current grade and teacher’s name.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) PPRA applies to the programs and activities of a State educational agency (SEA), local educational agency (LEA), or other recipient of funds under any program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It governs the administration to students of a survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight protected areas: 1. political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;; 2. mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;; 3. sex behavior or attitudes;; 4. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;; 5. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;; 6. legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;; 7. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;; or, 8. income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial
assistance under such program). PPRA also concerns marketing surveys and other areas of student privacy, parental access to information, and the administration of certain physical examinations to minors. The rights under PPRA transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law. LEAs must provide parents and eligible students effective notice of their rights under PPRA. The notice must explain that an LEA is required to obtain prior written consent from parents before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the eight protected areas listed above, if the survey is funded in whole or in part by Department funds. For surveys that contain questions from one or more of the eight protected areas that are not funded in whole or in part with Department funds, LEAs must notify a parent at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate date(s) of the survey and provide the parent with an opportunity to opt his or her child out of participating. LEAs must also notify parents that they have the right to review, upon request, any instructional materials used in connection with any survey that concerns one or more of the eight protected areas and those used as part of the educational curriculum. PPRA requires LEAs to work with parents to develop and adopt policies on the following items, unless the LEA or SEA had established comparable policies on or before January 8, 2002: • The right of parents to inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or
distributed by a school to students and the procedure for granting a request by a parent for such access;; • Arrangements to protect student privacy that are provided by the LEA in the event of the administration of a survey to
students containing one or more of the eight protected items of information noted above (including the right of parents to inspect, upon request, a survey that concerns one or more of the eight protected items of information);;
• The right of parents to inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for students, and the procedure for granting a request by a parent for such access;;
• Administration of physical exams or screenings of students;; • The collection, disclosure, or use of personal information (including items such as a student’s or parent’s first and last
name, address, telephone number or social security number) collected from students for marketing purposes, or to sell or otherwise provide the information to others for marketing purposes, including the LEA’s arrangements for protecting student privacy in the event of collection, disclosure, or use of information for these purposes;; and
• The right of parents to inspect, upon request, any instrument used in the collection of personal information for marketing or sales purposes before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student and the LEA’s procedure for granting a parent’s request for such access.
LEAs must notify parents of their rights under PPRA and of these policies at least annually at the beginning of the school year. LEAs must also notify parents within a reasonable period of time if any substantive change is made to the policies. (This notification requirement may be included in the general notification of rights under PPRA.) An LEA is not required to develop and adopt new policies if the SEA or LEA had in place on January 8, 2002, policies covering the requirements set forth in this law. However, the LEA must still provide annual notice of these policies to parents.
IPS School Board Policy - Protection, Correction, Dissemination, and Disclosure of Student Records
Student Supplies Classroom supply lists will be provided by July 1 of each year on the school website and Facebook page. There may be additional items asked for by teachers as the year progresses. If furnishing supplies is a problem please contact your child’s teacher.
Technology
Sidener Academy parents have the ability to access student lesson plans, communicate with teachers, track student progress and so much more through technology. In order to access the technology and tools, parents must have valid email addresses. Please provide your current email address to the registrar at your school. Parents that do not have an email address can access www.gmail.com, www.yahoo.com, or other email providers for free or low cost email access. myIPS technology is...
• Student-focused
• Cost-effective
• Results oriented
• Secure
• Equitable
• Personalized
• Collaborative
• Accessible The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any items brought to school with or without permission.
IPS School Board Policy - Personal Technology Devices
Telephones/Electronic Devices Per IPS policy, electronic devices of any type are not permitted in school—cell phones, pagers, iPods, games of any sort, toys, etc. Devises brought will be confiscated and parents will need to come to the school to pick-up those items. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any items brought to school with or without per- mission.
Instructional time for students is protected and communication that interrupts instructional time is limited to emergencies only.
IPS School Board Policy - Personal Technology Devices
Textbook Rental
Textbook rental is due the first week of school and is considered delinquent after September 15, 2017.
Parents/Guardians/Families needing assistance with paying the textbook rental, please complete a Meal and Textbook Assistance form.
Unpaid rental fees are given to a collections agency at the end of October.
IPS School Board Policy - Textbook Rental
Transportation
General Information—If a bus does not pick your child up at the appointed time or is late bringing your child home, call 226-4500. If your child does not return home and you cannot reach transportation, call IPS Police at 226-4633. Buses will pick up and drop off your child only at his/her approved locations. Students should be at their assigned pick up location ten minutes prior to the designated time and be prepared to wait ten minutes after their designated pick up time.
Route/Stop Changes—The school does not have the authority to add, delete, or change assigned bus routes or stops. Proof of a change of address is required to change your address in the sys- tem. A proof of address consists of bill or lease with a current date. If you need assistance, please call the school at 226-4259, Office of Student Assignment at 226-4415 or IPS transportation at 226-4500.
If your child is going to be changing his/her normal transportation procedure (riding another bus home, going home by car) you must send a written request to the main office the morning of the de- sired change. We will verify the request and issue a one-day change order. If something should occur during the school day to necessitate such a change, the main office must be informed before 3:00 p.m. of that same day. If there is no written or verbal information provided to us so that we may determine the authenticity in a timely fashion, we will expect your child to use his/her normal mode of transportation.
Behavior Guidelines— Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. Proper behavior is expected at all times. This privilege will be temporarily or permanently denied if your child’s behavior endangers his/her safety or the safety of others.
Boarding the bus—Be at your assigned stop ten minutes before the assigned pick up time and maintain proper behavior at all times.
While on the bus—Follow all driver instructions. Sit quietly in- side your seat and stay seated at all times while the bus is moving. IPS Policy prohibits the use of electronic devices on the bus.
Exiting the bus—remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop;; follow the directions of the driver;; exit in a quiet, orderly manner;; never walk behind the bus or attempt to retrieve something from under the bus;; if you have to cross the street before getting on the bus in the morning, look both ways before doing so.
Parent Responsibilities—Review the rules and regulations with your child for the safety and supervision of your
child. Children should be at the stop 10 minutes prior to the appointed time and notify the school at least five days before moving so that proper transportation arrangements can be made.
Car Riders
Car riders should not be dropped off before 8:45 a.m. and should be picked up no earlier than 3:55 p.m. and no later than 4:00 p.m.
If students are picked up after 4:00 pm, students will have to be signed out from the office. After a student has been picked up after 4:00 pm for the 3rd time, a parent conference will be required with Administration. All car riders for Grades 2-5 should use Door 10 (end of Elementary hall) for drop off and pick up. All car riders for Grades 6-8 should use Door 3 (end of Middle School hall).
Students ARE NOT allowed to use Door 1 or 2 for drop off or pick up.
Families with students in both Elementary and Middle School should use Door 10 for drop off and dismissal (end of Elementary hall). For morning drop off, cars should maintain a single file line closest to the sidewalk. Cars should not park against the sidewalk and parents should not exit the vehicle at this time.
For afternoon pick up, drivers can make two parallel lines to pick up. Two Sidener Staff members will be out to assist with students walking out to vehicles. For student safety, drivers should never attempt to pass a car in front. If you need to enter the building for any reason, you need to find a designated parking space before leaving your vehicle.
Vehicles cannot stop or park so as to inhibit entry/exit routes.
IPS School Board Policy - Transportation
Withdrawal/Exiting the Program
If you decide to withdraw/transfer your child from the Academy, please stop by our main office and complete and sign the withdrawal form. Please notify the secretary of the intended withdrawal date and the school that your child will be attending. Completing these two tasks will help us forward your child’s records to the appropriate location. Before leaving the building, please make sure all personal items are removed and all text/library materials have been returned to your child’s homeroom teacher. Parents will be held responsible for lost or damaged text/library materials
Video Clips and Movies Video clips can be used during instruction provided they are directly related to instruction and the curriculum. The video clip will only be a brief portion of the lesson. Classroom movies are not permitted unless the teacher has permission of the administrator at least three days in advance. An acceptable use of a movie would be a culminating activity after studying a specific topic or reading a novel to the students. (Teacher reads Charlotte’s Webb to the students and then shows the movie) All movies need to be approved by administration before playing. Teachers are expected to submit a request to show a movie during the school day. Teachers will provide the principal with a brief description of activities leading up to the movie, standards that align to the movie, the length of the movie, and a written purpose for showing the movie.
Visitors For the protection of the students, all visitors are required to check in at the office. It is suggested that an appointment be made before coming to school to meet with Sidener Staff. Regular school instruction will not be interrupted during the school day. For parents who want to discuss their child’s academic / behavioral performance will be directed to contact the desired staff member to schedule a conference during a non-instructional time. Family members are welcome to volunteer, assist in classrooms, observe their child, or speak with a staff member or administrator. However, it is critical that we do not interrupt the instructional process for our students. Forms are online, or at the Sidener office. Parents should call or email a staff member to set up a time / date that is convenient to discuss student progress.
To further protect the safety of our students and staff and to keep accurate visitor records, you are asked to check in at the main office upon arrival.
We will ask you to sign in and a visitor pass will be issued. Please wear the pass for the duration of your visit. Upon completion of your visit, please turn in your pass and sign out in the main office.
IPS School Board Policy - School Visitors
Volunteer Opportunities Sidener Academy welcomes parent and community volunteers. Teachers are expected to solicit a parent from their ‘homeroom’ to serve as a room parent. Each room parent can assist the classroom teacher with communication and assist teachers in making volunteer opportunities available in every class.
IPS School Board Policy - Volunteer Participation Procedures
HEALTHY ATTENDANCE When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whether their absences are due to illness or another reason, the end result for the student is the same – learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, but we want to work with you on minimizing the number of days your student misses school.
Missed Days Add Up Quickly!
Both excused and unexcused absences will make it more difficult for your child to keep up with other students, especially in math and reading.
Kindergarten and first grade are critical for your child. Missing school during these early years makes it more difficult for children to learn in later years and they often have trouble reading by the end of the third grade.
Work with Your Child and Your School:
Keep an open line of communication with school staff, teachers and school nurse. The more the school knows about your child’s health, the better prepared everyone will be to work together for your child.
If your child has a chronic disease/illness, make sure that the school nurse and school staff are aware of your child’s medical condition so they can assist him/her when sick. The chronic disease/illness information should be noted on the school emergency/healthcare plan.
Ask for a note from your child’s healthcare provider to present to the school staff when he/she is seen for an illness.
Helpful Suggestions:
Make appointments with the doctor or dentist before or after school hours so that your child misses as little school as possible.
If your child must miss school, make sure you get his or her homework assignments and follow up to see if the work is completed and turned in to the teachers.
Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell the school staff why your child will be out and for how long.
Please inform teachers of any changes in home or work telephone numbers. If you are not able to pick up your child, list another adult as an emergency contact for the times when your child is sick or injured at school.
Your cooperation with these guidelines will help us to keep a healthier school environment for all children and reduce lost learning time for your child.
Indianapolis Public Schools | 120 E. Walnut St. | Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 | www.myips.org
