libertytech.org · Web viewI. Introduction . Welcome . Vision and Mission . Liberty Tech Core Values . Expected Schoolwide Core Virtues . II. Daily Routine Expectations . Arrival

Liberty Tech Charter School

Student & Parent Compact

Table of ContentsI. Introduction

Welcome Vision and Mission Liberty Tech Core Values Expected Schoolwide Core Virtues

II. Daily Routine Expectations Arrival and Dismissal Early Dismissal Morning Activities Recess and Lunches

III. Practices, Policies and Procedures Attendance and Absence Care of School Property Communications Cultural Standards Dress Code Enrollment Enrollment Priorities Field TripsDance Policy Student Drivers Financial Obligations Grading Policies Student Support Services College and Career Counseling Health Services Holiday and Birthday Policy Homework Personal Property Progress Reports Visitors Volunteers

IV. School Discipline School Discipline Policy

Lower SchoolUpper School

V. Student and Parent Commitment to Excellence Compact ExplanationCode of ConductStudent Commitment to ExcellenceParent Commitment to Excellence

I . Introduction

Welcome to Liberty Tech! We are excited that you are part of what we believe is one of best educational programs in the country. The Liberty Tech academic program is committed to teaching virtues and providing a hybrid model of a strong classical education infused with STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) to create the next generation of leaders. In order to achieve this, we have developed a number of school policies and practices designed to help you succeed at Liberty Tech (LT). LT administration reserves the right to update the handbook, at any time, if necessary. Parents will be informed of updates to the handbook by school-wide email and a copy of the most recent handbook will be maintained on the school website. If, at any time, you have questions regarding these, please feel free to contact us.

VISION

Virtue + Knowledge = Wisdom

MISSIONThe mission of Liberty Tech is to engage students in a rigorous, relevant Classical/STEM based learning environment to foster the acquisition of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue to positively impact the world around them.

HONOR CODEAs a student at Liberty Tech,

I dedicate myself to the pursuit of virtue, knowledge, and wisdom.

On my honor I pledge to:

Exercise Prudence: That I will do what is right.

Commit to Justice: That I will treat others fairly.

Demonstrate Fortitude: That I will be strong in mind and body.

Respond with Temperance: That I will be responsible for my thoughts and actions.

In doing so, I will have integrity in my dealings and expect the same of those around me.

As a tiny spark can become a mighty blaze,

so too my adherence to these values can change the world around me for the better.

VALUES: In order to see that the school’s vision and mission are accomplished,

1. The Acquisition of Virtue: Virtue is more than a once a year event, it is an every day embodiment of manners, civility, respect, and the putting of others first.

2. Positive Student Relationships: Teachers and staff build positive, nurturing relationships with students to improve student achievement, involvement, conflict resolution, and life-long success.

3. Physical Fitness: It is the desire of LT to assist all students in discovering a life-long passion for some form of physical fitness. By offering daily PE and recess, the student improves in mind, body and spirit.

4. A Relevant and Rigorous Education: The purpose of LT is to prepare our students to become tomorrow’s leaders. That is impossible without an excellent education that promotes a mastery of core knowledge so that the student can then apply that knowledge to scenarios which require high levels of critical thinking.

5. Student Support: All students WILL learn, but they due so at different speeds and with different levels of support. LT staff are committed to student achievement and numerous opportunities are built into the week to make sure students will learn.

6. Community Involvement: It is the goal of LT to bring the community into our school and our school into the community. Service projects, mentors, subject experts, and involvement in community events are just some of the ways LT intends to weld an interest in those around us.

7. Strong LT Community: Families are central to the LT community and are active partners in the support of student achievement. It is the goal of LT to support families through communication, events, parenting classes, our K-12 model, and more.

8. Proactive LT Discipline: Student discipline is equitable and fair. The rules and expectations are laid out well before class begins. The family’s signature on the Code of Conduct for Parents, Students, and Teachers equates to an agreement between all stakeholders on rules and an acceptance of the consequences for breaking them.

9. Being Purposefully Reflective: LT will frequently to reflect back on the past for self-evaluation. Decisions made today must be made in light of the results of yesterday in order to better meet LT’s vision and mission. “We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.” G. Washington

10. Positive Change: Change for the sake of change is not enough. However, change for the sake of vision and mission fulfillment is accepted and welcome.

EXPECTED SCHOOLWIDE CORE VIRTUES:

I. Virtus (Virtue) - LT students are exemplary citizens who: A. Demonstrate standards of excellence in virtuous character, manners, and civility

B. Understand the principles of a democratic society, emphasizing American and Greco-Roman History

C. Exhibit responsible citizenship through the demonstration of learned virtues and ethical service instituted by classical academia

II. Disciplina (Discipline) - LT students are prudent individuals who: A. Make responsible decisions based on the study of classical human virtue

B. Use problem-solving techniques to evaluate concepts and principles

C. Exemplify perseverance in problem solving because they realize that failure is part of the path to success, not the roadblock preventing advancement.

III. Docere (Education) -LT students are analytical thinkers and problem solvers who: A. Acquire a classical foundation of core knowledge through absorption

B. Apply that core knowledge in a relevant, rigorous, integrated format.

B. Listen, read, write, speak, and do.

C. Recognize that technology is a tool in my tool chest to facilitate advancement

D. Employ ethical technology to communicate effectively to the global market

E. Research and apply the diverse implementation of technology via primary sources and rhetorical theory

I I . Dai ly Routine ExpectationsARRIVAL:Class begins for all K-12 students at 8:00 a.m. on Monday through Friday. School doors will open at 7:30; however, it is suggested that students arrive no later than 7:45. If students are not in their desks at 8:01, they are considered tardy. Please be aware that according to state law the only tardies which can be “excused” are doctor appointments or religious obligations.

DISMISSAL:Dismissal of grades K-12 begins at 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Teachers are available until 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays for Homework Helps.

- Siblings of students attending after school detentions or any after school activity may not be left at school to wait unsupervised.

- Parents may not presume the school will supervise their child(ren) after fifteen (15) minutes after dismissal.

- If a child in grades K-6 is not picked up within 15 minutes of the completion of dismissal, the child will be taken to the front office and the parent may be billed a drop-in after-school rate if it becomes a regular occurence. Refusal to pay drop-in child care fees will constitute a violation of the Terms and Condition of the LT Student and Family Compact and may result in disciplinary proceedings up to and including exclusion from LT.

- If a parent fails to pick-up their child(ren) of any age at the appropriate time on a regular basis (more than 5 times in a semester) parents will be contacted to discuss the issue.

- If a parent continues to be late, their child(ren) will be considered abandoned and the proper authorities will be contacted. In addition, the family will be subject to exclusion from LT pursuant to the Student Family Compact.

EARLY DISMISSAL: If it is necessary to have your child released early from school, please call the office at least one hour ahead of time. A pass will be issued and sent directly to your student(s) with the dismissal time you are requesting. If you do not call in ahead of time, we cannot guarantee that your student will be ready for dismissal at the desired time. Advance notice allows staff to locate a student and have them packed and ready to leave prior to your arrival. Students are not allowed to be checked-out for early dismissal after 3:15 in the afternoon. After five (5) personal notes written by the parent/guardian for early dismissal, the school administration may request appropriate medical documentation upon return to school for the purpose of validating the early releases.

MORNING ACTIVITIES:Welcome: At Liberty Tech, administrators or their designees greet students at school parking lot.

Flag Salute & Morning Announcements: Flag salute and morning announcements take place in the classroom after the morning bell.

RECESSES AND LUNCHES: Students will have a 25-minute lunch break daily. We do not offer food services for snacks. Students may bring a snack and lunch from home. Candy, sweets, caffeinated drinks, and sugary drinks are not allowed at school. Students may bring a small dessert to be eaten with their lunch. Lunches can be ordered on the school website from local vendors. A monthly menu will be posted. Purchases must be prepaid the week before delivery.

I I I . Practices, Pol ic ies, and ProceduresSCHOOL ATTENDANCECompulsory Education Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1) requires that every parent/guardian or other person who has control of any child between the ages of 6 and 16 shall enroll and send such child to school. All children enrolled for 20 calendar days or more in the public schools of this state prior to their seventh birthday shall become subject to the provisions of the compulsory school attendance law. Liberty Tech defines the calendar year as 210 days.

FULL DAY ATTENDANCEStudents are expected to be in attendance for the full school day. Students who check-in late or check-out early should submit a written note from their parent/guardian explaining their absence.

Disciplinary action may be taken against students not in attendance for the full school day for reasons that cannot be excused.

STUDENT ABSENCES:Whenever students are absent, for any reason, their parent/guardian must send a signed and dated written explanation of the absence to their child’s teacher no later than the Third Day following the students return to school after their absence. After five (5) personal notes written by the parent/guardian for excused absences, the school administration may request appropriate medical documentation upon return to school for the purpose of validating the absences.

All students are expected to attend daily unless they are ill or a family emergency occurs. A call to the office regarding an absence should be placed as soon as the parent is aware of the absence. The state does not provide funding for your child’s education when he or she is not in school for any reason including illness, religious purposes or health appointments. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to retrieve missed schoolwork upon their return to school. Please do not request homework on the day that your child is absent as it is very difficult for teachers to get together schoolwork the same day. The days allowed for makeup work for excused absences will equal the number of days absent. Work must be made up within that time period or the student will receive a zero, unless an extended due date is approved by the school principal.

If a student misses more than 20 days of school during the year, regardless of the semester in which the absences occur, his or her promotion for the next year may be questionable.

EXCUSED ABSENCES:As permitted under the state law and State Board of Education policies, students may be excused lawfully for the following reasons: illness, death in immediate family, religious holiday, and instances in which attendance could be hazardous, services as page in legislature, a court order, absence to vote in an election, and up to five (5) days excused absences per year to students where parents are in the military and are being deployed or are on leave.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:Unexcused absences will be subject to attendance investigation and can result in penalty as imposed by the Compulsory Education Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.1) and Student Attendance Protocol Committee Law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2);

A. Schools will notify by first class mail parents/guardians of students ages 6-16 who have accumulated five (5) unexcused absences per year and will include a copy of the summary of consequences.

B. School Operations will notify by letter parents/guardians of students ages 14-17 who have accumulated seven (7) unexcused absences per school year and will include a copy of (O.C.G.A. 40-4-22) the attendance-drivers license law and a summary of consequences.

C. School Operations will notify by letter parents/guardians of students ages 6-16 who have accumulated ten (10) unexcused absences per year and will report violations to the Student Attendance Protocol Committee to determine if court action will be pursued for formal intervention.

D. State law requires an unemancipated minor over sixteen (16) years of age must have written permission from his or her parent/guardian prior to withdrawing from school.

CONSEQUENCES FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:Any parent/guardian, or other person who has control of any child who on the tenth unexcused day of absence per school year, and after the child’s school system has notified the parent/guardian, or other person who has control of any child, of each day’s absence from school, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and court action may be pursued for formal intervention.

Penalties: 1) Fine – not less than $25 and not greater than $100.00 2) Imprisonment – not to exceed 30 days 3) Community Service, Or any combination of such penalties, at the discretion of the court.

TARDINESS:Students are expected to arrive at school on time. Students who are tardy for school must go to the school office to sign-in before going to class. Schools will notify by first class mail parents/guardians of students ages 6-16 who have accumulated six (6) unexcused tardies per semester.

Two (2) unexcused tardies is considered equivalent to one absence.

CULTURAL STANDARDS: Virtuous Behavior at all times and in all places:

1. Respect all others and respect their property. 2. Observe the dress code. 3. Come to class prepared. 4. Be attentive at all times. 5. No food or drink allowed in class (except water). No gum allowed on campus. 6. Remain seated during class time unless otherwise instructed.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY: Students are responsible for all textbooks, library and classroom books, athletic uniform and equipment, and all other school property issued to them during the school year. All lost or damaged books or other school property must be paid for replacement purposes. Student records will not be released until all outstanding fees are paid.

COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Libertytechcharter.org: LT maintains a website that allows parents and students to access daily information about school programs, events, policies, procedures, and various necessary documents. The calendar is intended for parents to keep apprised of school activities and events.

2. Student Information System: A web-based gradebook that gives daily updates about class homework and student grades.

3. E-Mail Blasts: Regular email blasts are sent to all parents or groups of parents regarding important updates, changes, and information about school events and activities. It is vital that the school has a current email address for each parent. Please ensure your email address is current.

4. Newsletter: School newsletters will be published throughout the school year and will be emailed to the parent email address provided in your registration paperwork. Both faculty and administration may report timely information about the school and upcoming events.

5. Parent-Teacher Conferences: If a parent wishes to communicate with a teacher, a parent may contact him/her by phone or e-mail. Make sure to include the student’s name and purpose for the contact. This allows the teacher to prepare any necessary information. The contact information will be provided by the faculty during Back to School Night.

6. Annual Parent-Teacher Conferences: Conferences will take place for grades K- 6 after the end of first semester. Conferences for 7th – 12th grade are scheduled on an as needed basis.

7. Teacher Accessibility: Teachers will be available for certain hours outside of school. They will post how they can be contacted.

DRESS CODE: LT is a school of choice. In order to facilitate and maintain an effective, healthy and safe learning environment, the principal, staff, and parents have developed this uniform dress code policy. The purpose of this dress code policy is to prepare students for the business world, and prevent distractions in class and on campus. All students are expected to wear clothes that comply with this uniform dress code policy to school each day, and on field lessons.

Students or parents requesting an exemption from any provision of this Uniform Dress Code policy for religious or other reasons should contact the School Principal directly.

Lower SchoolThe uniform at our Lower School consists of khaki or navy bottoms combined with a solid white, navy, or red (primary) polo (short or long-sleeved) or long-sleeved, button-down oxford shirt. This uniform should be worn every day Monday through Thursday. The dress code of this uniform includes the shirt being tucked into the bottoms, a belt, socks, and closed-toe shoes. The bottoms may include pants, shorts, or skorts. Skirts without the attached shorts underneath are not allowed in Lower School. Socks should be either solid white or blue in color. Shoes should be solid brown, black, white, or gray in color. For layering on cold days, students may wear a navy cardigan, sweater, or sweater vest. However, all other jackets worn to school will be kept in student cubbies throughout the school day. When students are attending off-campus events such as field lessons, they must wear the khaki bottom with white top dress code combination. On Fridays students may wear college themed shirts (no jerseys). Jeans passes can be earned for a variety of rewards.

Upper SchoolThe basic uniform combination is khaki or navy bottoms, the solid white, navy, or red (primary) polo or long-sleeved, button-down oxford shirt, belt, socks, and closed toe shoes. Bottoms include pants, shorts, or skirts. The shirt must remain tucked in at all times. In addition, students may choose to add a layer for cold weather days. In this case, students may wear the navy cardigan, sweater vest, or sweater. Students must wear a belt, socks, and either solid brown, black, white, or gray closed toe shoes. Students in 9th through 12th grades may bring a change of clothes for any physical education courses in which they are participating. While attending any off-campus events such as field lessons, students must wear the khaki bottoms and white top dress code combination. On Fridays students may wear college themed shirts (no jerseys). Jeans passes can be earned for a variety of rewards.

ENROLLMENT: Liberty Tech is a public charter school with both a Lower School (K-6th) and an Upper School (7th-12th). According to our charter, there is no academic requirement for admission. However, to ensure proper class placement, assessments may be administered to new students as applicable (grades 1-12) prior to the beginning of the school year. Continuing students shall have first priority for reenrollment and their siblings shall have preference. Enrollment for siblings depends on space availability.

ENROLLMENT PRIORITIES: A compact is a written agreement between a governing body and community sector. It commits those who are signing to a relationship built on trust by improving their mutual understanding of expectations. As each school year comes to a close, Liberty Tech will be reviewing the LT Student & Family Compact for families who have not complied with its requirements and expectations. Enrollment priorities are outlined below:

Priority 1: Currently enrolled LT students

Priority 2: Children of permanent staff and board members at LT

Priority 3: Siblings of currently enrolled LT students Priority 4: Residents of the state of Georgia

Priority 5: Currently enrolled LT families who did not fulfill their responsibilities per the Student-Family Compact

In the event that there are not enough openings to accommodate all of the priorities, a random selection process by category shall determine which students shall be enrolled for the following year. The first group to be pulled will be from Priority 2, then Priority 3, and so on. After the random selection process, a waiting list for future openings will be established generated recording students’ names in the same order in which they were drawn during the LT lottery. The LT lottery will take place in the month of April.

Parents will be notified by phone and email of their child’s admission and will be expected to make an appointment for a family interview within the month. The student’s teacher will also make an appointment to visit the family at the family home to verify residence and to have a short introductory visit with the student’s family. Students will also be required to attend the LT Week of Wow.

FIELD LESSONS: Whenever students are traveling away from school, they are subject to the same rules, regulations, and virtues observed on campus. As in the classrooms, the teacher(s) will judge what acceptable or unacceptable behavior is. While on field lessons, students are to wear the off-campus dress code combination of khaki bottoms and a white top. Please see the section on dress code for stipulations of the events uniform. The teacher will notify both parent and student which type of clothing is to be worn. They must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian to participate on the field lesson. Parents who are chaperoning must have completed a parent volunteer packet, obtained through the school and must be cleared to participate. The classroom teacher will assign the needed number of parent volunteers depending upon the needs of the class and restrictions from the venue.

DANCE POLICY: All Liberty Tech students in grades 7-12 are eligible to attend school dances for their specific grade level as long as they are in good standing with school policies. Students who attend a dance are expected to follow all school rules, dance behavior guidelines, and dance dress. No students will be admitted to the dance after the first hour. Once at the dance, all students must remain until the published time for the end of the dance. To ensure that students understand and comply with these rules, a “Dance Contract” will need to be signed by each student prior to the dance.

Dance Guest Pass All Upper School students who wish to attend a dance and bring a non-LT guest must abide by the following rules:

-Fill out and submit a guest pass form Note: All guests must be between the ages of 13 and 18 (no 6th -8th grade students). Guest cannot be older than 18, unless the guest is a TPS alumni from the previous year’s graduating class.

- All guest passes must be turned into the Principal for approval 7 days prior to the dance. Late guest passes will not be approved.

- Sponsors, sponsor’s parents, guest and guest’s parents will be held responsible for the behavior of the guest.

-Everyone must have a picture ID to get into the dance, with the exception of 9th grade LT students who attend a dance at the beginning of the school year. The school reserves the right to refuse entrance to the dance of any guest. Refunds will not be made. The dress code will be enforced and all attendees not dressed appropriately (excessive cleavage, slits, dresses with low backs, midriffs, below the belt line midriffs, gang related apparel, low riding pants) will be denied entrance. -No inappropriate dancing will be allowed as defined by the Dance Contract. Students will be asked to stop and then to leave if inappropriate behavior continues.

STUDENT DRIVERS: All student drivers must have a parking permit form registered with the school. A copy of the student’s driver’s license and insurance information must be provided as well. Rules regarding student driving are as follows:

1. All student vehicles on school grounds must be registered in the office. A LT parking permit must be visible in the window.

2. Students are to drive no faster than 5mph while on school property.

3. Students may not transport other students without written parental consent supplied to the School Office.

4. Students may not transport students other than siblings during the first year of driving.

5. Students may not go out to the parking lot during school hours ….the car is not a locker.

6. Student drivers may not drive other students to athletic activities without written parental consent supplied to the School Office.

Any violation of the above rules could result in the loss of driving privileges while on campus.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: Returned Checks: Any check returned for Non-Sufficient Funds, Stopped Payment, Account Closed or any other reason, will be assessed a fee of $25 in addition to the amount of the check. LT reserves the right to refuse checks from any family who has more than one check returned.

Release of Transcripts and Student Records: All financial obligations to the school must be met prior to the release of student records. The school will provide two (2) official transcripts per student at no charge. Additional copies of official transcripts will be assessed the actual cost of duplication, up to a maximum of $5. All unofficial copies are at no charge. Request for official copies will be made through and paid for via an online service.

DAMAGED OR LOST TEXTBOOKS/LIBRARY BOOKS: It is the responsibility of the student to keep textbooks and library books in good condition and to return them on time. Each student is responsible for returning the books originally issued to him/her with the exact matching barcodes listed on their computer check out records. Students must return and/or pay for overdue, damaged, stolen or lost textbooks and library books. In the case of accidental damage to a textbook or library book from moisture or rain in the lockers, the damaged book needs to be returned to the library immediately to be dried and repaired. If the book is not returned as soon as

the damage is discovered, the student will be financially responsible for replacement of that book. Once the replacement has been made, no refunds will be issued for books found later.

GRADING POLICY: Grades K-12: For all grades, students will be issued a modified standards based report card at the mid-point and end of each trimester.

Students will receive letter grades for all standards covered during that time frame. Those scores are then compiled into one final score for the subject area. The grading scale is:

90-100: A – Advanced Proficiency: Consistently and independently performs the standard

80-89: B – Proficiency: Routinely meets the standard and independently or with little assistance from the teacher

70-79: C - Partial Proficiency: Can meet the standard with teacher assistance/support BUT often does not meet the standard when working independently

69 and Below: F – Novice: Not yet meeting the standard

Effort grades “E”, “P”, “N”, “U” will be issued for support classes and work habit categories in grades K-6:

E Excellent

P Proficient

N Needs Improvement

U Unsatisfactory

For Upper School students, the letter grades also carry a point weight that is used to calculate their GPA. The point conversion is as follows:

A – 4.0

B – 3.0

C – 2.0

F – 1.0

PRINCIPAL’S LIST AND HONOR ROLL:Grades 3 - 6

Principal’s List – Student must achieve straight A’s in all subjects.

Honor Roll – Student must achieve all A’s or B’s in all subjects.

Grades 7 - 12 Principal’s List – Student must achieve a GPA of a 4.0

Honor Roll – Student must achieve a GPA between 3.5 to 3.9

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: LT provides special education programs utilizing a continuum of delivery models to all students who meet the eligibility requirements as mandated by federal and state laws.

LT serves students who are currently enrolled in the Special Education program and implements a process to ensure all pre-identified students receive services at the school as soon as possible. In addition, those students in need of RTI or SST interventions or psychological evaluations are provided with the necessary resources and support. As required, all students are provided with a free appropriate public education. Students are served based on their ability and in the least restrictive environment possible.

COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES: As our school expands into the later grades of Upper School (grades 10-12) we will be adding a full-time college counselor who will work closely with our students in facilitating the college acceptance process. In the meantime, a part-time college and career counselor who will provide career counseling services as required by the state of Georgia in order to meet CCRPI standards.

GIFTED SERVICES:LT’S emphasis on project-based learning benefits all students, including those identified as gifted. Problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills are emphasized in project-based learning, which are key components in gifted education. Students take responsibility for their own learning, increasing student motivation, which is an important goal in educating gifted children.

LT specifically meets the needs of identified gifted learners and high achievers in compliance with state law and regulations. Gifted education is provided through approved delivery models, including advanced content classes, core classes taught by gifted certified teachers and collaborative instruction and planning with gifted specialists, classroom teachers, and outside personnel.

ELL:The English Language Learner (ELL) program at LT attends to the needs of our ELL students as our program continues to grow. LT’S goal is to improve the academic achievement of all ELL learners. The ELL teacher provides language support for the student through push-in (in classroom) and pull-out (outside of the classroom) models. The ELL teacher works with the classroom teacher to help students become more successful in the classroom.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION:LT implements the Response to Intervention process to ensure that timely assistance is given to learners based on their needs. The RTI process is a multi-step approach to providing services and interventions to students who struggle with learning at increasing levels of intensity. The progress students make at each stage of intervention is closely monitored. Results of this monitoring are used to make decisions about the need for further research-based instruction and/or intervention in general education, in special education or both.

The RTI process has the potential to limit the amount of academic failure that any student experiences and to increase the accuracy of special education evaluations. Its use could also reduce the number of children who are mistakenly identified as having learning disabilities when their learning problems are actually due to cultural differences or lack of adequate instruction. Information and data gathered by an RTI process can lead to earlier identification of children who have true disabilities and are in need of special education services.

HEALTH SERVICES :If a student has a fever or displays other symptoms of illness, the parent/guardian will be notified. The student must then be picked up, as soon as possible, both for his/her protection as well as that of other students and staff.

Please note: - It is essential that home addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts be kept current. Please notify the office immediately of any changes.

- Medications are given only with written authorization from a physician. Forms are available in the office and must be filled out prior to the child needing the medication.

-Students who need to take prescribed medication, including inhalers, must have a “Medication Authorization” form signed by the parent and physician before the medication can be brought to school and administered to the student at school. The medication and form must be left in the health office and the original pharmacy label must be on the item. The school cannot administer medicine, including any over the counter medications without the aforementioned form being filled out.

- Students who will need the aid of orthopedic appliances or equipment (such as a cast, crutches, wheelchair, or sling) must provide a “Health Service Procedure” form completed by a physician and returned to the Health Office.

- Students may not carry medication or self-administer medication without a doctor’s note. This applies to over the counter medication as well.

-In following with state guidelines, LT is not allowed to administer any over-the-counter medications at any time without an authorization form from a physician. In the case where a student may need over-the-counter medication and does not have an authorization form, a guardian will be called to come provide the medication.

- If for any medical reason, a student needs special accommodations, please contact the office and provide a doctor’s note with the medical explanation.

If your child has any special health needs, please inform the office as soon as possible.

HOMEWORK:The amount of “homework” each student is expected to complete each evening varies according to grade level. The term “homework” refers to the following:

-any and all assignments - any and all project preparation -any and all pencil to paper work -any and all computer work

The term “homework” does not refer to any additional reading, reviewing, studying, and quiz/test preparation that students are assigned. Students should manage their after school time so that an appropriate amount of time is allotted for students to comfortably accomplish all work.

The following are general guidelines regarding the daily homework assignments:

The sum total of time students should be spending on “homework” is as follows:

Kindergarten:-Occasional and not to exceed 10 minutes/nightly reading of 15 minutes

1st Grade:-Nightly and not to exceed 10 minutes/nightly reading of 15 minutes

2nd Grade:-Nightly and not to exceed 15 minutes/nightly reading of 15 minutes

3rd Grade: -Nightly and not to exceed 25 minutes/nightly reading of 20 minutes

4th Grade::-Nightly and not to exceed 30 minutes/nightly reading of 25 minutes

5th Grade:-Nightly and not to exceed 40 minutes/nightly reading of 30 minutes

6th – 8th Grades:-Nightly and not to exceed 60 minutes/nightly reading of 30 minutes

9th – 12th Grades:: -Nightly, ranging 60 to 80 minutes/nightly reading of 30 minutes

It is the philosophy of Liberty Tech to require homework from students throughout the school year, at least five nights a week.

Teachers often assign homework to be completed over the course of several days or over a week. It is the school’s belief that this assists students with time management and planning. Parents are advised

to monitor assignments to prevent last-minute frustration. Providing a quiet environment and regular time for completing homework is essential. Reading is essential to learning and is not to be counted as part of the homework minutes.

No homework shall be assigned over the Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks or during Mini-Breaks unless approved by the Principal in advance.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Lost or Stolen Items: Liberty Tech is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items. Keep this in mind when assisting your child(ren) with the selection of personal property he or she chooses to bring to school and/or keep in their locker. Lockers are to be kept locked at all times.

Lost and Found: Please label everything that is sent to school. Unmarked items not claimed will be placed in lost and found for a short period of time.. If they are not claimed, they may be discarded, sold at campus “recycle” sales, or donated to charity.

Personal electronic devices such as laptops, iPads, tablets, Ereaders, and phones are not allowed in the classroom, except for specific reasons or events as teachers may indicate. This policy is put in place to protect the internet safety of all students. If these devices are brought to school (though highly unadvised with the exception of a phone), they must be turned off and kept in the student’s cubbie or locker the remainder of the school day. Devices found during the school day will be collected by the teacher. On the first two offenses the device will be returned at the end of the school day. Beyond that point, the device will be turned into the front office, and a parent/guardian will be required to come collect the device on their time.

VISITORS:For the protection of the students and the security of the school, visitors and parents on campus must check in with the school office first. For the purpose of campus wide security, visitors and parents who will be visiting any other part of the school will be given appropriate identification while on campus. It is against our school policy for visitors or parents to go directly to classrooms before, during, or after school without checking through the office first. PLEASE NOTE: There are no exceptions to this rule, including individuals on campus for volunteer service.

VOLUNTEERS: Liberty Tech encourages parents/guardians and other members within our school community to share their time, knowledge, and abilities with the school in line with our mission to provide an excellent education to our students. This can be done through our PTA.

LT recognizes that volunteers enrich the educational programs, enhance supervision of students, and contribute to school safety while strengthening the school’s relationships with parents and friends. LT also encourages parents and friends to serve as mentors in modeling virtuous behavior to help support and motivate our students in fulfilling the school’s mission.

In light of this desire to work with parents and staff members as volunteers, the school strongly encourages parents and staff member to become involved with the parent and teacher association. Please note that if you wish to volunteer on campus or volunteer on a field trip, that you must complete the volunteer application, which includes a background check.

Volunteer applications are located at our school offices.

SNACKS, CANDY, SWEETS, AND BIRTHDAYS:Students may bring a healthy snack to eat each day. Students will be allowed to eat the snack at specific times during the day. Other than those specific times, food or drink (exception is water) is not allowed in the classroom. Candy, sugary treats, sodas, energy drinks, and juices high in sugar do not constitute healthy snacks.

Candy and gum are not allowed in the school building at any time.

For student birthdays, we welcome parents to come eat lunch with their students; however, bringing sweets (cupcakes, etc.) and snacks for the class are not allowed. Many students may have allergies to various foods that may be present in those snacks. It is safer for our students to eat only those items that have been sent by their parents with their lunch or their parents have approved by purchasing a school lunch. For this reason, sharing food will also not be allowed. At LT we also want to foster healthy eating habits, so sweet items are generally not allowed at any times.

IV. School Discipl ineSCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY:The primary goal of Liberty Tech is to create a heritage of students who understand the need for virtue, are of discerning character, and possess the knowledge necessary to positively impact the world around them. Vital to the success of this goal, LT’s discipline policy has been designed to provide an atmosphere of civility in which due respect is given to teachers, staff, and individual students as well as institutional and private property. Thus, students are expected to adhere to the general rules of the school as well as those established by each teacher within his or her classroom.

When an infraction has occurred, the following procedures will be taken:

1. The Responsive Classroom System will be used to purposely emphasize, identify, and recognize students for their honorable character. By emphasizing positive behavior, discipline and training are both addressed by building honorable character and individual responsibility in children.

2. When determining consequences for behavior offenses, teachers and administration will use the Liberty Tech Accountability Plan in order to determine the appropriate consequence. The accountability plan provides a menu of consequences that staff can use to address different levels of behavior. This way consequences can be tailored to fit student needs.

3. Due Process – A student is afforded oral or written notice of the charges against him/her and is given an opportunity for a review, hearing or other procedural rights in accordance with state and federal laws.

4. LT Honor Board – Four major offenses, Liberty Tech may require the student to sit before our honor board. The Honor Board is a four to seven member panel composed of an administrator, teacher, counselor, school official, or elected Upper School students. The Honor Boards hears

evidence presented by the school system, the student, and parents when a student is referred by the local school principal or his/her designee. The Honor Board has the authority to make decisions ranging from returning the student to the local school to recommending permanent expulsion of the student.

5. Detention: Students may be placed in detention where they are instructed to sit for consistent classroom infractions. Detention can be during portions of the school day (i.e. lunch, recess, or class time). Students and the teacher are not allowed to speak to the offending student. During recess detention the student is allowed to be outside with his/her classmates, but will not be allowed to play with the other students. He may sit alone during lunch and may be given written assignments or physical tasks such as cleaning various parts of the school campus. During after school detention, students must stay after school until 4:30. During which time they will report to a classroom where they will not be allowed to socialize with other students. They will be allowed to work on homework or may be given other written assignments.

6. Suspension: temporary removal from the classroom either in or out of school; suspensions are reserved for serious offenses or consistent misbehavior; repeated violations or suspensions during a school year, may result in referral to the LT Honor Board for an exclusion hearing or to the LT Board of Directors for an expulsion hearing as set forth in the charter. Normally, the duration of a suspension is from one to five days long depending on the circumstances of the infraction.

7. Exclusion: If the LT Compact Panel finds a student/family is in violation of the compact agreement he/she/they have agreed to as part of being enrolled in Liberty Tech , a charter school or a school of choice, this may result in exclusion from consideration in current and/or future enrollment in LT.

8. Expulsions: Expulsion is an action taken by the LT Governing Board of Directors for severe or prolonged breaches of discipline by a student as set forth in the charter. Except for single acts of a grave nature, expulsion is used only when there is a history of misconduct, when other forms of discipline, including suspension, have failed to bring about proper conduct, or when the student's presence causes a continuing danger to him/herself or others.

Virtuous Behavior is expected at all times and in all places: 1. Respect all others and respect their property. 2. Observe the dress code. 3. Come to class prepared. 4. Come to school in uniform. 5. Be attentive at all times. 6. No food or drink allowed in class (except water). No gum allowed on campus. 7. Remain seated during class time.

The primary goal of LT is to leave a heritage of students who understand the need for virtue, have the wisdom to know when something is or is not virtuous, and have the knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. Our discipline policy was developed with this mission in mind. We seek to provide an atmosphere of civility; respect is given to teachers, staff, students, and property. Students are expected to adhere to all school and classroom rules. Good conduct is expected on and off campus.

It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher or staff member to handle any of the following minor infractions. The classroom teacher has the discretion to administer the discipline they deem appropriate.

Minor Infractions may include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Leave an assigned seat without permission 2. Speak without permission 3. Be disrespectful to an adult or child 4. Not following classroom rules and expectations5. Show public displays of affection6. Lie or other forms of deception 7. Chew gum on campus. 8. Dress Code violations

It is the responsibility of administration to handle any of the following major infractions:

Major Infractions: may include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Drug and alcohol involvement 2. Sexual misconduct 3. Fighting, physical harassment, threats, bullying, or “hazing” 4. Possession of a weapon of any kind 5. Extreme insubordination or continued minor infractions exhibiting insubordinate behavior 6. Smoking or possession of tobacco or other smoking paraphernalia 7. Stealing, cheating, plagiarizing, or any forms of academic dishonesty 8. Defiance 9. Vandalism or graffiti 10. Habitual cursing or use of other offensive language

When discipline is necessary for major infractions, the LT Code of Conduct will be enforced. Suspended students will be excluded from all school-related extracurricular activities during the period of suspension at a minimum and maybe longer depending on circumstances reviewed by administration. Any student excluded or expelled from the school will be excluded from all school-related activity.

When administration considers the need to issue a suspension or expulsion for any major infraction the student’s parents will be contacted by school administration to inform the parents that such action may take place.

Liberty Tech Accountability Plan:Discipline issues will be handled through the use of the Liberty Tech Accountability Plan. In this plan, behaviors are divided into major categories. Inside each category the behaviors are divided into three levels (level three being the severest). For each level of behaviors, a list of possible consequences are provided for the teacher or administrator to issue to the offending student. At LT, we believe that consequences alone do not change behavior. It is the combination of an appropriate consequence with the teaching and reflection on the behavior that allows students to make better choices in the future. Having options for consequences for each level, allows teachers and administration to select a consequences that best addresses individual student needs. A consequence that resonates with one student may have little impact on another.

The Accountability Plan follows:

Liberty Tech Charter SchoolAccountability Plan

Mission: The mission of Liberty Tech is to engage students in a rigorous, relevant Classical/STEM based learning environment to foster the acquisition of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue to positively impact the world around them.

Virtue + Knowledge = WisdomCore Virtues: Prudence (Wisdom) Temperance (Self-Control) Justice Fortitude (Courage)

Dishonesty

Core Values Addressed: Temperance, Justice, Fortitude

Behavior Possible Consequence(s)

Level One

Basic lying (dishonesty) • teacher/student conference• written reflection signed by parent• goal setting• apology letter

Level Two

• copying• cheating

• parent notification• zero for the assignment• re-doing the assignment alone• apology letter

Level Three

• repeated level two• theft• lying to hurt someone

else

• parent/teacher/child conference• conference with administration• behavior plan (action plan)• personal workplace• special seating arrangement• referral to counselor• loss of privilege• apology letter• during or after school detention• possible suspension• possible expulsion hearing

Destruction

Core Values Addressed: Temperance, Justice


Level One

• Destroying classroom materials that can be easily replaced

• Misuse of materials

• replace damaged materials• fix damaged materials• removal from activity• teacher/student conferences• written reflection signed by parent• goal setting

Level Two

• Damaging or defacing school or private property

• possible restriction of use• possible repair / replacement, if possible• school chore• removal from activity• written reflection signed by parent• during or after school detention

Level Three

• repeated level two• Destroying school

property

• parent/teacher/child conference• conference with administration• behavior plan (action plan)• personal workplace• special seating arrangement• referral to counselor or appropriate school

personnel• loss of privilege• school chore• loss of field lesson• repair, if possible• after school detention• possible suspension• possible expulsion hearing

Disruption of Learning Environment

Core Values Addressed: Prudence, Temperance


Level One

• disrupting or distracting others or yourself from learning

• calling out or speaking out of turn

• Wandering• not being prepared• off task behavior• toys

• removal from activity• teacher/student conference• written reflection signed by parent• goal setting• confiscation of non-instructional items• silent lunch• apology letter

Level Two • intentionally disrupting or distracting others or yourself from learning

• calling out or speaking out of turn

• Wandering• not being prepared• off task behavior• touching others• not respecting personal space• refusing to work by yourself or

others

• possible restriction of use• removal from class• confiscation of non-instructional items• parent contact• behavior or action plan• loss of privilege• loss of recess• practice of appropriate behavior• silent lunch• apology letter

• toys

Level Three

• repeated level two• severe, intentional disruption

(ie. throwing objects, tantrums)

• parent/teacher/child conference• conference with administration• behavior plan (action plan)• personal workplace• special seating arrangement• referral to counselor or appropriate

school personnel• loss of privilege• loss of recess• school chore• silent lunch• loss of field lesson• apology letter• after school detention• possible suspension• possible expulsion hearing

Verbal Harm

Core Values Addressed: Temperance, Justice, Fortitude


Level One• Playful Teasing • teacher/student/peer conferences (role play)

• written reflection signed by parent• goal setting

Level Two

• Taunting• Hurtful to Others• Repeated level one

behavior

• parent notification• removal from activity• written reflection• apology letter

Level Three

Obscene language• Inappropriate language

(racial, religious, sexual, ethnic)

• Harassment• Provoking• Threats• Repeated lvl 2

behaviors

• parent/teacher/child conference• conference with administration• behavior plan (action plan)• personal workplace• special seating arrangement• referral to counselor• loss of privilege• apology letter• after school detention• possible suspension• possible expulsion hearing

Defiance



Level One

• Moving Slowly, Isolated Impact

• Intentionally not working with others

• Intentional off-task behavior

• teacher/student conferences• written reflection signed by parent• time out of classroom• goal setting

Level Two

• Intentionally Moving Slowly, Classroom Impact

• Refusing to follow staff directions

• Repeated level one behaviors

• Arguing with staff or others

• parent/ teacher conference• written reflection signed by parent• time out of class• apology letter• loss of recess• referral to counselor

Level Three

• Disrespectful conduct towards staff members or officials

• Insubordination, disorderly conduct, disobeying school rules or regulations, and/or disobeying directives given by a staff member or school official

• parent/teacher/child conference• conference with administration• behavior plan (action plan)• referral to counselor• loss of privilege• loss of field lesson• apology letter• after school detention• possible suspension• possible expulsion hearing

Physical HarmTo student or staff member



Level One

• Unintentional physical harm

• teacher/student conferences• written reflection signed by parent• time out of classroom• goal setting• apology letter

Level Two • Rough housing or play fighting

• Repeating level one behavior

• parent/ teacher conference• written reflection signed by parent• goal setting contract• time out of class• conference with administration

• loss of privileges• silent lunch

Level Three

• Sexual harassment• Fighting• Hitting• Intentional physical

harm (i.e. throwing objects)

• Level 1 or 2 that results in injury

• parent/teacher/child conference• written reflection• conference with principal• behavior plan (action plan)• referral to counselor• loss of privilege• loss of field lesson• parent pick-up• after school detention• possible suspension• possible expulsion hearing

PLAGARISM, CHEATING, FALIFICATION:LT believes it is the role of administrators and faculty members to educate students on what constitutes cheating and plagiarism. LT also believes that there needs to be a clear policy for how these forms of academic dishonesty should be and will be addressed.

Practical examples of the three major forms of academic dishonesty are as follows:

Plagiarism: - Submission of someone else’s work as one’s own, whether the material is paraphrased or copied verbatim. - Improper acknowledgment of sources in essays or papers. -Submission of material that has been edited or revised by another person that results in substantive changes in content or style. -Unauthorized collaboration on a project, homework, or other assignments.

Cheating: -Use of any external assistance in the completion of an academic assignment and/or test or quiz (unless permitted by faculty). This includes communicating with fellow students, allowing another student to copy, possession or use of unauthorized notes, calculator, or other materials, and any instrument that can convey exam answers, such as cell phones. - Submission of altered work after grading, including changing answers after an exam or assignment has been graded and returned. - Obtaining for self or others a solution to homework or other assignments, or a copy of an exam or exam key without the expressed consent of the instructor. - Use of an essay, term paper, or project in more than one course without permission of the instructors of both courses. - Completion of any coursework for another student, or allowing another individual to complete one’s own coursework. -Allowing another student to see completed assignment prior to the due date and enabling the student to copy or cheat, even if unintentional.

Falsification:

Submitting material for lab assignments, class projects, or other assignments that is wholly or partially falsified or otherwise does not represent work undertaken by the student.

Procedures for addressing academic dishonesty: Final grades in any course are based on the faculty member’s evaluation of the student's achievement in the course. When a student is suspected of having engaged in any form of academic dishonesty, the suspected infraction is to be reported to the Principal immediately for consideration of disciplinary proceedings against the student. Until such proceedings, if any, have been completed, the grade I (Incomplete) shall be assigned for that assignment or course. If in such disciplinary proceedings it is determined that the student did engage in academic dishonesty the Principle shall report back to the faculty member of the course involved the nature of the dishonesty and the student shall receive an F (Fail) on the assignment. The faculty member will notify the student and parents stating the reasons for assigning the I (Incomplete) during the course of the investigation. The Principal will inform all parties of the outcome of the investigation.

PARTICIPATION PLEDGE:Participation in any extracurricular activity such as drama and athletic activities is a privilege. Students and parents must be in good standing with the school having fulfilled the obligations outlined in the student handbook and the family compact agreement.

V. Student and Parent Commitment to Excel lenceCOMPACT IMPORTANCE:

What is a Compact? It’s a very simple idea – a compact is a written agreement between a governing body and community sector. It commits those who are signing to a relationship built on trust by improving their mutual understanding of expectations. The most famous of these is the Mayflower Compact, the first governing document penned in the history of the United States.

Today, compacts are about the community working together to fulfill a common vision and mission. Compacts benefit both the community and the individual as they offer a clearer understanding of what is required by each to fulfill the community vision and mission, which, in turn, serves to benefit the individual. In addition, a compact represents a pledge by the community and individual to pursue and support the policies, procedures and practices of the community.

Why does LT require a Student and Family Compact? In order to understand the reason “why” LT requires a Student and Family Compact it is important to understand the history of the charter school movement.

The idea for American charter schools is credited to Professor Ray Budde from Amherst University. In 1988 the American Federation of Teachers trumped this idea in an effort to create reform in the public school sector. The federation called for the establishment of "charter schools"; also known as "schools

of choice". It is this term - “schools of choice” -that is key to understanding the compact. In short, a public charter school is a publicly funded school that has been granted a charter exempting it from selected state or local rules and regulations. In return for funding and autonomy, the charter schools must meet accountability standards. A school's charter is reviewed and can be revoked if guidelines established within the charter are not met.

This allows parents, educators and community representatives to create new schools based upon unique ideas, separate from the regular public schools, giving families a choice in education. In choosing to attend a charter school over their local area public school families are choosing a unique model of education with various prerequisites. In order to ensure that families understand such prerequisites, charter schools have designed compacts that are specific to their charter needs. In the case of LT the compact affirms various aspects of a classical education such as the student uniform policy, a strong call to virtuous behavior on behalf of students and parents, and a strong call to academic support by the parents for the students.

If families and students choose to attend LT they also choose to enter into the compact that supports the LT vision, mission, goals and objectives by pledging to abide by policies, procedures and practices that have been put in place to see the charter through to the end.

The choice of families and/or students to ignore their pledge as spelled out in the Student and Family Compact can lead to exclusion from LT. This, of course, does not prevent a student from attending their local area public school in any way, shape or form. However, it does protect the LT charter and those other students and families who have chosen to keep their pledge to the compact in support of the charter. In other words, LT is a “school of choice.”

HONOR BOARD:Students and/or families that fail to adhere to one or more items contained in the Liberty Tech Student & Family Compact Agreement may be summoned to appear before a LT Student & Family Honor Board meeting to address the failure of students and/or families to adhere to the LT Student & Family Compact Agreement. The board will be made up of current Liberty Tech Charter School staff members and elected Upper School students. Students and/or families will be notified by the principal and/or principal designee to set up the board meeting. Notification of students and/or families concerning the panel meeting can be made by, but is not limited to, the following:

Telephone call Facsimile Regular Mail Certified Mail E-mail In person

At the outset of the board meeting a brief synopsis of why the meeting has been called will be provided to the board by the principal or principal designee. The Student and/or family will also be given an opportunity to share their thoughts regarding the issue for which the board has been convened. In order to ascertain a complete set of facts the board members may ask questions of all parties present.

Once the meeting concludes the board may choose to do the following: 1. Render no decision 2. Support the mutually agreed upon decision that is made during the meeting 3. Go into closed session and render a decision to be announced at that time 4. Call the parties back for an additional meeting 5. Choose another form of support for the integrity of the student family compact

The decision of the LT Student Family Compact Honor Board is final and may include disciplinary measures up to school suspension and exclusion from the school. If one party wishes to appeal the panel’s decision they may do so by submitting a request in writing, to the school’s Governing Board President. The appeal must be received in writing by the Governing Board President no later than 5 school days after the board decision is made and shared with the student and/or family. The Chief Executive Officer will review the panel decision and either affirm the decision or send the decision back to the panel for review.

CODE OF CONDUCT:It is the responsibility of every LT parent and student to know the code of conduct and for students to follow this code. By doing so, students will be productive and successful members of the learning environment. Student behavior is expected to reflect the LT commitment to virtuous citizenship and wisdom. Students who choose to make wrong or poor decisions will be held accountable.

Important Note: This matrix lists the most common violations, but other forms of behavior may also result in discipline.

Georgia State law says that a student may be disciplined, suspended, or recommended for expulsion based on "reasonable cause", which includes on and off campus school related activities. Students with poor academic standing, disciplinary issues or unsettled attendance issues will be placed on a "NO ACTIVITIES ALLOWED LIST". Administration reserves the right to monitor student activity privileges.

Liberty Tech Charter School Code of ConductExpectations Based on Four Virtues

LT Code: Based on Parent and Student Compact and on Ga. Ed Code

First Consequence Second Consequence

Defiance

DRUGS & ALCOHOLImportant Note: Students confronted with any situation regarding drugs/alcohol are expected to walk away, and: 1) Report

the incident to an administrator; 2) Not accept any drugs, alcohol or dangerous objects; 3) Immediately report to administrator if something has been placed on person or in personal belongings.

Pursue Virtuous Behavior and make choices

based on wisdom by contributing to the well being of

the school community

Alcohol or illegal drugs are not

allowed on any part of campus

including parking lots or at any school related

activity regardless of location.

Students may not unlawfully

possess, use, sell or otherwise furnish or be

Up to five day suspension and

automatic referral to LT Compact

Panel for exclusion from school. If

sales, automatic referral to LT

Compact Panel for exclusion from

school, police or sheriff

involvement

Three to five day suspension and


Panel for expulsion from

school. For sales there is a no

allowance of a second offense.

under the influence of, or

unlawfully offer, arrange or

negotiate to sell, any controlled

substance, drug paraphernalia,

alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of

any kind. Nor can students sell,

deliver or otherwise furnish

to any person another liquid substance or material and represent the

liquid, substance or material as a

controlled substance,

alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.

SMOKING, POSSESSION OF TOBACCO OR SMOKING PARAPHERNALIAEngage in higher-level thinking and

make choices based on wisdom by contributing to

a clean school environment.

Students may not possess or use tobacco or any

product containing tobacco or

nicotine. Nor may students possess

or unlawfully offer, arrange or negotiate to sell

any smoking paraphernalia.

Up to five-day suspension and


Panel for exclusion from school,

police or sheriff involvement. If

sales, automatic referral to LT

Compact Panel for expulsion from

school, police or sheriff

involvement.




police or sheriff involvement. For sales there is no

allowance a second offense.

WEAPONSPursue virtuous

behavior and make choices

based on wisdom by contributing to the well-being of

the school

Use or possession of any dangerous

object is prohibited.

Students may not possess, sell or

otherwise furnish

One to five day suspension and



police or sheriff




police or sheriff

community by upholding a

culture of safety and respect for

others and contribute to a positive school

culture.

any firearm or knife, or any

explosive or other dangerous object. Nor may students

possess an imitation firearm, meaning a replica of a firearm that is

so substantially similar in physical properties to an

existing firearm as to lead a

reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a

firearm.

involvement. involvement.

FIGHTING / HARASSMENT / BULLY / HAZINGImportant Note: Students experiencing harassment or intimidation are expected to do the following to avoid an altercation

and disciplinary action: 1) Walk away; 2) Report the incident to a administrator; 3) Seek help from a teacher, campus security, counselor or administrator to resolve the situation.

Pursue virtuous behavior by treating others as you wish to

be treated, with respect, compassion and dignity; and do

everything possible to maintain peace.

Fighting, harassment, bullying or

intimidation are not tolerated. Students may not cause or

attempt to cause or threaten to cause physical injury to

another person or willfully use force or

violence upon the person of another. Students may not

harass, threaten or intimidate any

student who is a complaining witness

or a witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either

preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against

that student for being a witness, or both. Nor may students

engage or attempt to engage in any form of

hazing


possible referral to LT Compact Panel for

exclusion from school, and possible police or sheriff involvement.


referral to LT Compact Panel for exclusion from school, and possible police or

sheriff involvement.

LEWD CONDUCT / PORNOGRAPHYPursue virtuous

behavior and make Any display or any

form of lewd conduct One to five day suspension and


Pursue virtuous behavior and make

choices based on wisdom by modeling positive behavior and

act with personal integrity.

or possession or viewing of

pornography of any type will not be

tolerated. Students may not commit an

obscene act or engage in the use of profanity

or vulgarity, which includes cursing.





choices based on wisdom by modeling positive behavior and

act with personal integrity.

ROBBERY / THEFT / EXTORTIONPursue virtuous

behavior and make choices based on

wisdom by acting with personal integrity and

follow school behavioral

expectations and by treating others as you

wish to be treated.

Students may not commit or attempt to commit robbery, theft or extortion nor may

students steal or attempt to steal school or private

property.



exclusion from school, and police or sheriff

involvement




involvement.

Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on




wish to be treated.DAMAGED / STOLEN SCHOOL PROPERTY / PRIVATE PROPERTY





wish to be treated.

Students may not cause or attempt to cause damage, or

steal or attempt to steal, school or

private property. Restitution will be

required for all damaged/stolen

property and charges will be filed with the

sheriff or police department.




involvement




involvement.





wish to be treated.

THROWING FOOD / OBJECTSPursue virtuous


wisdom by contributing to a clean

and orderly school environment and

treating others with respect.

Students may not cause or attempt to

cause damage to school or private

property including throwing objects.







GAMBLINGPursue virtuous


wisdom by positively influencing others.

Student gambling in any form is not

permitted on campus and may result in

suspension.

Saturday School. One to three day suspension

Third offense and thereafter -

considered defiance.

DEFIANCEPursue virtue and

wisdom by thinking about character

before acting and making choices for the

future.

Students may not disrupt school

activities or otherwise willfully and

continually ignore the school’s compact or

Suspended one to five days, parent

conference, and possible referral to LT

Compact Panel for exclusion from school

Suspended three to five days, parent conference, and

referral to LT Compact Panel for exclusion

from school.

Zero tolerance for a third offense of

“defiance”.

defy the valid authority of

supervisors, teachers, administrators, school

officials or other school personnel engaged in the

performance of their duties.

TARDINESSPursue virtue and

wisdom by displaying a motivation for

learning and utilize effective work habits.

Timeliness to class is an essential aspect of

academic success. Students who are not in class when the bell

rings are deemed tardy. Students who

are more than 30 minutes late to any class are deemed

truant.

Grades K-2: 5 tardies = lunch detention

Grades 3-6: 5 tardies = after school detention Grades 7-12: Up to 5

period tardies = Saturday School

10 tardies = after school detention 10 tardies = Saturday School 10 period

tardies = Saturday School , Loss of privileges until

Saturday School is served

15 or more tardies = Saturday School,

parent conference, and referral to LT

Compact Panel. 15 or more tardies =

Saturday School, parent conference and referral to LT

Compact Panel. 15 period tardies = Saturday School,

parent conference and referral to LT Compact Panel.

TRUANCYPursue virtue and

wisdom and knowledge by

embracing a culture of excellence in

education.

Truancy is defined as: a student who is

found off campus, out of class or out of

bounds during the school day without a

hall pass

Saturday School and possible referral to

police

One to three day suspension and

possible referral to Saturday School.

Suspended three to five days, parent conference, and

referral to LT Compact Panel for exclusion

from school

ELECTRONIC DEVICESPursue virtue and

wisdom and knowledge by

engaging in classroom activities and utilizing effective work habits.

Students are discouraged from

bringing any type of CD, MP3, , iPods,

pagers, cameras etc. to school. When

found in use and/or disruptive to learning

environment, they will be confiscated and

turned in to an administrator. Please see the specific cell

phone / laptop / tablet policy in the Personal Property

section of the Handbook.

Warning. Device taken for 24 hours and given

to parents.

Detention. Device taken for 24 hours

and given to parents.

Third offense – considered defiance. Device taken for 24 hours and given to parents. Saturday

School

STUDENT PARKINGPursue virtuous


wisdom by

Student parking is a privilege, not a right. Students who drive and park on school

Detention and possible municipal

citation issued.

Saturday School and possible municipal

citation issued.

Parking permit revoked – privilege of

driving to and from school will be

contributing to a clean and orderly school environment and

treating others with respect.

property may only park in student

designated spaces. The entire behavior code applies to all

school property including the parking

lot. Students must follow vehicle code

guidelines to be parked safely.

repealed. Senior parking space revoked with no refund of fee.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTYPursue virtuous


wisdom by thinking about character

before acting and making choices for the

future.

Plagiarism, cheating or falsification will not

be tolerated by any teacher in any subject. For examples of each

of these see the LT Parent Student

Handbook regarding this particular issue.

The student will receive an F on the

assignment.

Student will fail the entire course, and further disciplinary action, to include

suspension or expulsion, may be

instituted. Strike Two

Zero tolerance for defiance

Student’s Commitment to Excellence

I fully commit to Liberty Tech Charter School by upholding the four cardinal virtues of our program as outlined below:

Prudence – I will exercise good judgment, being careful and wise in my approach to my studies. I will respect the rights and interests of all members of our school community. I will follow my teacher’s directions and the school rules. I will follow the dress code all times. I will not complain about things; instead I will look for solutions. I will be a good neighbor by participating in community service projects.

Temperance – I will execute self-control and self-restraint, making sure that I am respectful to those around me.

I will take charge of my own learning and growth as a student. I will be respectful towards all members of my school community at all times. I will be nice and bring a positive attitude. I will lift up, encourage, and celebrate the achievement of others. I will take responsibility for my actions. I will be present, on time, and prepared for school each day. I will leave spaces cleaner than I found them.

Justice – I will commit to being just and fair, and conform to moral rightness in action and attitude. I will be truthful and honest at all times. I will tell the truth even when I make a mistake. I will work, think, and behave in the best way that I know how. I will review and follow the compact agreement in its entirety.

Fortitude – I will execute mental and emotional strength when faced with adversity. I will never give up, no matter how difficult the challenge is ahead of me. I will take advantage of every moment to learn something new, constantly looking for ways

to challenge myself academically and behaviorally. I will commit to completing top quality work on all of my assignments. I will complete all of my homework each night. I will be strong in the face of temptation and not succumb to inappropriate peer pressure

and negative influences. I will appropriately stand up for and assist members of my community who are mistreated

by involving adults who can help. I will be a leader and set an example for others to follow.

Failure to adhere to these commitments could result in consequences, the loss of privileges, and/or being permanently dismissed from the Liberty Tech Charter School community.

X________________________________________ Date ________________

Printed Name ______________________________________

Parent’s Commitment to Excellence

I fully commit to Liberty Tech Charter School by upholding the four cardinal virtues of our program as outlined below:

Prudence – I will exercise good judgment, being careful and wise in my approach to my work. I will encourage my child to respect all members of our school community. I will not complain about things; instead I will be solutions oriented and give constructive

feedback in order to help find solutions to improve the school.

Temperance – I will execute self-control and self-restraint, making sure that I am respectful to those around me.

I will act in a professional manner when speaking with all people in our school community: staff members, fellow parents, and students.

I will model respectful behavior for my child by lifting up others and using words that are appropriate and respectful at all times.

I will be nice and bring a positive attitude. I will encourage my child to treat others with respect.

I will encourage my child to lift up, encourage, and celebrate the achievement of others. I will encourage my child to take responsibility for his or her actions. I will ensure that my child is present, on time, and prepared for school each day. I will leave spaces cleaner than I found them and teach my child to do the same.

Justice – I will commit to being just and fair, and conform to moral rightness in action and attitude. I will encourage my child to be truthful and honest at all times and will support the school in

holding him/her accountable if this is not the case. I will review the compact agreement with my child and encourage him/her to follow it at all

times. I will support the school in holding him/her accountable if this is not the case. Fortitude – I will execute mental and emotional strength when faced with adversity.

I will never give up in supporting my child’s education. I will help my child to take advantage of every moment to learn something new, constantly

looking for ways to challenge them academically and behaviorally. I will do my best to keep a consistent message and support the decisions of the school, even

when it gets hard. I will work with my child in the best way I know how, and I will do whatever it takes to help

him/her learn, including checking homework every night and reading and signing all the necessary paperwork that comes home.

I will encourage my child to participate in school activities and will do my part to make Liberty Tech a fun place to learn.

Failure to adhere to these commitments could result in consequences and/or being permanently dismissed from the Liberty Tech Charter School community.

X________________________________________ Date ________________

Printed Name ______________________________________

Documents

libertytech.org · Web viewI. Introduction . Welcome . Vision and Mission . Liberty Tech Core Values . Expected Schoolwide Core Virtues . II. Daily Routine Expectations . Arrival