The Soulsville Charter School

TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolStudent-Parent Handbook

2019-2020 “AsaCOMMUNITYweRISE”

School’sPhoneNumber901-261-6366

Websitewww.soulsvillecharterschool.org

School’sFaxNumber901.261-6398

Thomas Upchurch Middle School Director

Nadia Barnard Dean of Students

Kalli Harrell Dean of Curriculum

George Parker Dean of Students

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ThisSoulsvilleCharterSchool

Parent-StudentHandbookisthepropertyof:

______________________________________________________ Student’sNamePrinted

______________________________________________________ Student’sSignature

______________________________________________________ Parent’s/GuardianNamePrinted

______________________________________________________ Parent’s/GuardianSignature

ThecontentsofthishandbookwillbeusedasaguideforunderstandingSoulsvilleCharterSchool’scommitmenttoyouandyourstudent.Italsoexplainstherulesandproceduresthatwillbefollowedbyyouandyourchildto

showyourcommitmenttoexcellenceandtoourmission.

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Disclaimer:TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolreservestherighttochangeanyofthecontentscontainedinthishandbook.

TableofContents

I.COMMITMENTTOEXCELLENCEAGREEMENT2018-2019……………………………………………………………….…4

II.LETTERFROMSOULSVILLE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

III.MISSIONSTATEMENTANDCOREVALUES……………………………………………………………………………………...6➔ MissionStatement –p.6➔ CoreValues –p.6➔ StanceofDiversity,Tolerance,andCommunity –p.6➔ SoulsvilleCreed –p.6➔ OurNickname:TheSoulsvilleRevolution –p.6➔ OurMascot:TheTornado –p.6

IV.ACADEMICS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....7 ➔ GradingPeriods2019-2020 –p.7 ➔ Promotion/Retention –p.7 ➔ Grades –p.7 ➔ CalculatingYourGradePointAverage(GPA) –p.7 ➔ Principal’sList,Dean’sList,HonorRoll,andPerfectAttendance –p.8 ➔ WeeklyReports,ProgressReportsandReportCards –p.8 ➔ StudyRequirements –p.8 ➔ GradeLevelStateAssessments –p.8 ➔ Tutoring –p.9 ➔ HomeworkPolicyandInterventions –p.9

V.ACADEMICCONDUCT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10➔ Plagiarism –p.10 ➔ Cheating –p.10 ➔ HonorCode –p.11 ➔ AcademicReferrals –p.11

VI.CODEOFCONDUCT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 ➔ Grammys –p.12 ➔ GoldandPlatinumStudents –p.13 ➔ WeeklyGrammy&AcademicReport –p.13 ➔ GeneralBehavioralExpectations –p.14 ➔ Rewards –p.17 ➔ ReferralProcess –p.18 ➔ Detention –p.18 ➔ Suspensions –p.19 ➔ Harassment,Intimidation,BullyingorCyber-bullying –p.20 ➔ ReportinganIncident –p.20

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➔ Zero-ToleranceIssues –p.23 ➔ RandomStudentSearches –p.23 ➔ UsingCampusPhones/MainOfficeAccess –p.23 ➔ StudentProtocolTipsforHandlingProblems –p.23

VII.ATTENDANCEANDTARDYPOLICY………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25 ➔ Attendance –p.25 ➔ Absences –p.25 ➔ AbsenceExcuseNotes –p.25 ➔ Tardiness –p.26 ➔ OfficeProcedurewhenTardyorAbsent –p.26 ➔ CheckingStudentsOut –p.26

VIII.UNIFORMS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….27 ➔ MiddleSchoolUniformPolicy–p.28 ➔ UniformViolations –p.29 ➔ SpecialEventsDressCode –p.29

IX.CELLPHONEPOLICY……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….30 X.STUDENTMATERIALSANDRESOURCES………………………………………………………………………………………………….31

➔ TSCSBinders –p.31 ➔ ComputersandElectronicDevices –p.31 ➔ LibraryExpectations –p.31 ➔ Lockers –p.31

XI.SOCIALNETWORKING……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………32 XII.FOODITEMS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………33 XIII.SOULSVILLEPASSPORT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..34 XIV.STUDENTDAILYCHECKLIST………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….35

➔ ArrivalProcedures –p.35 ➔ DismissalProcedures –p.35 ➔ AfterCareProgram –p.37

XV.INCLEMENTWEATHERPOLICY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………38 XVI.PARENT’SCORNER………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………39

● FamilyEngagementPlan –p.39 ● KeepingupwithyourStudent’sGrades –p.40 ● TipsforhowtoSupportyourChild’sEducation –p.40 ● ConversationStarters–p.41

XVII.FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONSANDANSWERS……………………………………………………………………………….42 XVIII.TSCSMIDDLESCHOOLSTAFFDIRECTORY…………………………………………………………………………………………..43

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XIV.REASONFORABSENCEFORMS……………………………………………………………………………………………………..44-45

I.THESOULSVILLECHARTERSCHOOL

COMMITMENTTOEXCELLENCEAGREEMENT2019-2020SchoolYear

STUDENT’SCOMMITMENT:IfullycommittoTheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolinthefollowingways: IwillarriveatschoolpreparedtolearneverydayandbeseatedinCommunityBase(CB)by7:40a.m.(Mon.–Fri.). Iwillremainatschooleverydayuntil3:00p.m.(Mon.–Thurs.),2:15p.m.(Fri.). Iwillseekoutandattendtutoringsessionswhenneeded. IwillcompletemyrequiredSummerGrowthExperience(SGE). Iwillalwayswork,think,andbehaveinthebestwayIknowhowbecauseIknowthathardworkandpersonaldisciplineleadtosuccess. IwillaskmyteachersforhelpifIamunsureoftheproperwaytohandleasituation. IwillalwayslistentoothersandgivethemmyrespectasIexpectthemtorespectme. IwillfollowTheSoulsvilleCharterSchooldresscode. Iamresponsibleformyownbehavior.FailuretoadheretothesecommitmentscancausemetolosevariousprivilegesandcanleadtomyremovalfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

X________________________________________X________________________________________ Parent’s/Guardian’sSignature Parent’s/Guardian’sSignature

PARENTS’/GUARDIANS’COMMITMENT:WefullycommittoTheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolinthefollowingways: WewillmakesureourchildarrivesatschoolpreparedtolearneverydayandbeseatedinCommunityBase(CB)by7:40a.m.(Mon.-Fri.). Wewillmakearrangementsforourchildtoremainatschooleverydayuntil3:00p.m.(Mon.–Thurs.),2:15p.m.(Fri.). Wewillensurethatourchildseeksoutandattendstutoringwhenneeded. Wewillmakesurethatourchildsuccessfullyfulfillshis/herSummerGrowthExperience(SGE). Wewillalwaysbecommittedtoourchild’seducationandhelphim/herinanywaypossible.Thismeansthatwewillmakesureourchildreads everynightandcompletesallassignedhomework. Wewillengageinrespectfuldialoguewithourchild’steachersandschooldirector.

Wewillallowourchildtogoonschoolfieldtrips. WewillmakesureourchildfollowsTheSoulsvilleCharterSchooldresscode. Weareresponsibleformakingsurethatourchildfollowsschoolrulessoastorespecttherightsofallstudentstolearn. Wewillnotifytheschoolifouraddressand/ortelephonenumberchanges.Failuretoadheretothesecommitmentscancausemychildtolosevariousprivilegesandcanleadtomychild’sremovalfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

X________________________________________X________________________________________ Parent’s/Guardian’sSignature Parent’s/Guardian’sSignature

THESOULSVILLECHARTERSCHOOL’SCOMMITMENT:TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolstaffcommittothefollowing: Wewillprovidearigorouscollegepreparatorycurriculumwithinahighlystructuredlearningenvironment. Wewillprovidelearningexperiencesofthehighestqualityeveryday. Wewillenthusiasticallyprovideextendeddayandextendedyearlearningopportunitiesforourstudents. Wewillprovideconsistentaccesstotutoring. Wewillmodelhardworkandpersonaldisciplineandwillexpectthesamefromourstudents. Wewillalwaysbeopentorespectfuldialoguewithstudents,parents,andcommunitymembers. Wewillholdparentandteacherconferencesatleastannuallytodiscusstheschool-parentcompactasitrelatestoyourchild’sachievement. Wewillgivefrequentstudentprogressreportstotheparents. Wewillgiveparentsreasonableaccesstostaffandtovolunteer,participate,andobserveintheirchild’sclass.

Wewillalwaysprotectthesafety,interestsandrightsofallstudents.

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Wewillsupporttheacademicandsocialgrowthofallstudents.FailuretoadheretothesecommitmentscanleadtoremovalofstafffromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

II.LETTERFROMSOULSVILLE DearParents/GuardiansandStudents,ItgivesusgreatpleasuretowelcomeyouintotheSoulsvillefamily.Notonlyhaveyoujoinedanextendedfamily,youhavejoinedaCOMMUNITYofsupporterswhobelieveinyoureducationandyoursuccess.Weareconfidentthatyouwillleavethisschoolequippedwithastrongeducationthatwillallowyoutogoontoandgraduatefromcompetitivecollegesandbesuccessfulinlife.Youwillalsobeequippedwithawealthofresourcesthatwillhelpyoutothriveinanyprofessionalenvironment.Thenumberonegoalofourschoolisacademicexcellence.TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolisfoundeduponthenotionofhighstandards,highquality,andhighexpectations.Wewantstudentstocometoschoolwithanunquenchablethirstforknowledgeandself-improvement,aloveoflearning,andthehearttonotonlylead,butalsoserve.IfwesupporteachotherthroughRESPECT,INTEGRITY,SCHOLARSHIP,andEMPATHY,thereisnolimittowhatourCOMMUNITYcando.Althoughweareasmallschool,wearedoingsomeveryBIGthings.Someofthesehighlightsinclude:

➢ Partnershipswithprestigiouscity-wideorganizations:

○ MemphisChallenge,TopTeensofAmerica,MemphisAmbassadors,BridgeBuilders,PeerPower,MemphisPrep

Program,GirlsConfidenceCoalition,FutureBuilders,LeadershipMemphis,StaxMusicAcademy,MemphisSymphony

Orchestra,MemphisGrizzlies,ROX,andFacingHistoryandOurselves,CrosstownArts,andMemphisAthletic

Ministries(MAM).

➢ 100%Collegeacceptanceto2-and4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2012withatotalof3.8millioningrantsand

scholarships

➢ 100%Collegeacceptanceto4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2013withatotalof9.6millioningrantsand

scholarships

➢ 100%Collegeacceptanceto4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2014withatotalof$10.4millioningrantsand

scholarships

➢ 100%Collegeacceptanceto2-and4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2015withatotalof$30millioningrants

andscholarships

➢ 100%collegeacceptanceto4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2016withatotalof12milliondollarsingrantsand

scholarships.

➢ 100%acceptanceto2-and4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheclassof2017withatotalof11.8milliondollarsingrantsand

scholarships.

➢ 100%collegeacceptanceto4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2018withatotalof11.8milliondollarsingrantsandscholarships.

➢ 100%collegeacceptanceto4-yearcollegesanduniversitiesfortheClassof2019withatotalof4,340,316milliondollarsingrantsandscholarships.

➢ InSpringof2015,TSCSwasrecognizedasoneofthe“BestHighSchools”inthecountrybyUSNewsandWorldReport➢ TSCSstudentsperformedformusiclegendslikeStevieWonderandJohnLegend

➢ TSCSwasfeaturedontheTODAYShow,MSNBC’s“MorningJoe,”andotherbroadcasts

➢ TSCSMiddleSchoolwastheonlyMSinMemphistobevisitedbytheC-Spanbus

➢ InSpringof2015,TSCSwasawardedfirstplaceforMiddleSchoolsinWestTennesseeforGainsinAchievement

➢ InFallof2015TSCSwontheSCOREprize,recognizingusasthetopHighSchoolinthestate

➢ Variouscommunityserviceprojects

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Withyourcommitmenttotheschool’smissionwecanaccomplishevenmore.Thereisnodoubtthatwearegoingtohaveanawesomeyear!

~TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolFamily

III.MISSIONSTATEMENTANDCOREVALUES THESOULSVILLECHARTERSCHOOL’SMISSIONSTATEMENT TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolwillpreparestudentsforsuccessincollegeandlifeinanacademicallyrigorous,music-richenvironment. COREVALUESOFTSCS ThecorevaluesarethevalueswewantallstudentstoembodyastheyseeksuccessattheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.Webelievethesecorevaluesarethekeyingredientsforsuccessinacademicsandinlife. OurcorevaluesareCommunity,Respect,Integrity,Scholarship,andEmpathy.Webelieve,“AsaCommunity,weRISE”(Respect,Integrity,Scholarship,andEmpathy). Thisphraseispowerfulbecauseitsymbolizeswhatourstudentswilldoastheygothroughtheirjourneyhere.Theywill…

● RISEtoanychallengetheyface. ● RISEabovenegativityandbadinfluences. ● RISEasgraduatesofhighschoolandcollege. ● RISEasleadersintheirschool,community,andsociety. ● RISEasanewgenerationofmoralindividualswhowanttoimprovelifeforothers. ● RISEastherolemodelstowhomotherscanaspire.

STANCEONDIVERSITY,TOLERANCE,ANDCOMMUNITY TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolrespectsallaspectsofanindividualincludingrace,ethnicity,genderexpression,sexualorientation,socio-economicbackground,age,religion,andability.Wevaluediversityandwelcomedifferences.AsaCommunity,wewillrespectandprotecttherightsofallstudentstolearnandtofeelsafe.Bullying,harassment,intimidation,andanyotheractivitiesthatmakemembersofourCommunityfeelunsafeorunwelcome,willnotbetolerated.

SOULSVILLECREED ThefollowingisourSoulsvilleCreed.ItisrecitedeverymorningintheCommunityBasetoshowourprideinourschool. AsaCommunity,weRISE. WeareaCOMMUNITYbecauseweneedeachother. WeshowRESPECTbecauseweholdothersinhighregard. WehaveINTEGRITYbecauseit’sright. WeareSCHOLARSbecauseourfuturedependsonit. WehaveEMPATHYbecausewecarehowothersfeel. AsaCommunity,weRISE. OURNICKNAME:THESOULSVILLEREVOLUTION WeareaforcerisingupagainstordinaryexpectationsandthestatusquoofpubliceducationinMemphis.

OURMASCOT:THETORNADO WewillpositivelydestroyanybarriersthatstandinthewayofoursuccessincollegeandlifebyRISE-ingasaCommunityandovercomingadversity.

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IV.ACADEMICS

GRADINGPERIODS2018-2019

GradingPeriod ReportCardIssued ● Quarter1:August12-October11 ● Friday,October25,2019

● Quarter2:October21-December20 ● Friday,January10,2020

● Quarter3:January6-March13 ● Friday,March27,2020

● Quarter4:March23-May22 ● Friday,May29,2020

PROMOTION/RETENTION Promotionshallbebasedonsuccessfulcompletionofcoreacademicclasses,aswellasskillmastery.Itshallbeconsideredonthebasisofwhatisbestforthechildintermsofschoolsuccess. Retentionisusedtohelpstudentsimprovetheirknowledgebasebyprovidinganadditionalyearofinstructiontoaddressinadequateskillsmastery.Retentionwillbeconsideredonanindividualbasis.Deficienciesinseveralofthefactorstobeconsideredindecidingwhatisbestforthestudentthatarelistedaboveindicatethatretentionshallbeconsidered.

GRADES Gradesareaveryimportantaspectofacademicexcellence.Bothstudentsandparentsshouldconstantlybeawareofgradesineachsubjectandlookforwaystoimprove.

GradingScale NumericalValuefor

GPA GPAPoints

A 93-100 4B 85-92 3C 75-84 2D 65-75 1F 0-64 0

CALCULATINGYOURGRADEPOINTAVERAGE(GPA) 1. Giveeachofyourfinalcoursegradesanumericalvalueaccordingtothetableonthepreviouspage.2. Taketheaverageofthesenumericalvalues.Forexample,ifyoutookfivecourses,youshouldaddallofthevalues

togetheranddividebyfive.➔ Example:

NumericalGrade LetterGrade GPAPoints Average=FinalGPA

76 C 2.33 2.33+4.33+3.67+4+2 5

=3.27

95 A 4.33

88 B+ 3.67

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93 A- 4

72 C- 2

PRINCIPAL’SLIST,DEAN’SLIST,HONORROLL,ANDPERFECTATTENDANCE Inordertogetthesehonors,studentsmusthaveallE’sandS’sinconductandmeetthefollowingcriteria:

● ExecutiveAward-AllA’sandPerfectAttendancefortheentireschoolyear

● Principal's’List-AllA’s

● Dean’sList-TwoB’sorfewer(therestofthegradesmustbeA’s)

● HonorRoll-A’sandB’s(morethantwoB’s,andtherestA’s)

● PerfectAttendance–Mustbepresentandontimeeverydayinanacademicterm

WEEKLYREPORTS,PROGRESSREPORTS,ANDREPORTCARDS WeeklyReports(academicsandconduct)aresenthomeeachMonday.TheWeeklyReflectionsheet,shouldbecompletedbythestudentandsignedbytheparent.ThissheetisduebackonTuesdaymorninginCommunityBaseandisworth2Grammys.Thesereportsarefilledwithvitalinformationaboutyourstudent’sprogress.Eachweek,youshouldexpecttoreceiveastapledpacketcontainingyourstudent’sgrades,missingwork,behavior,readingprogress,andtheWeeklyReflection.YourstudentisrequiredtocompletethisWeeklyReflection,haveitreviewedandsignedbyaparent,andreturnittoschoolthenextmorning.TheWeeklyReflectionistheonlypageyouneedtoreturn. ExamplesoftheWeeklyReportareincludedatthebackofthishandbook.Asareminder,theWeeklyReflection,whichisthefirstpageofthereport,istheonlyportionthatneedstobesignedandreturnedonTuesdays. QuarterlyProgressReportsaresenthomewithstudentsmid-Quarter. ReportCardsareavailableforpickupattheendofeachquarter.Inordertogetthestudent’sreportcards,parentsMUSTcometotheschoolonReportCarddaystopickthemup.Pleaseseetheschoolcalendarforthesedates.OnReportCarddays,parentswillgetadditionalreportsofstudentprogressonpractice-standardizedtests.Thelastreportcardwillbemailedhome.Alloutstandingfeeswillneedtobepaidbeforereportcardsarereleased.

STUDYREQUIREMENTS Inordertobeacademicallystrong,goodstudentsmustdevotetimetolearningandstudyingatschoolandathome.

GradeLevel MinimumStudyHoursandHomeworkTimeRequired 6thgrade 1hourpernight 7thgrade 1.5hourspernight 8thgrade 1.5hourspernight

GRADELEVELSTATEASSESSMENTS Allmiddleschoolstudents,grades6-8,takeTNReadyassessmentsinmath,English-LanguageArts,socialstudies,andscience.ResultsofstatetestingarecommunicatedviathestateofTennessee.TopreparefortheseassessmentsallstudentstakeSoulsvilleScholarInterimAssessments(SSIAs)threetimesayear.SoulsvillewillcommunicateresultsofSSIAstofamiliesinWeeklyReports. StudentsalsotakeNWEAreadingassessmentsatvariouspointsthroughouttheyearinordertogaugeprogressinindividualreadinglevels.SoulsvillewillcommunicateNWEAreadingassessmentdatathroughouttheyearinWeeklyReports.

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TUTORING

Teachersscheduletimeoutsideofclasstomeetwithstudents.Thesearecalledtutoring.Tutoringhoursaretimeswhenastudentcanmeetwiththeirteachertodiscussthematerialbeingpresentedinclass.Course-relateddiscussionsincludeaskingforextrahelp,seekingclarificationofmaterialpresentedinclassandfollowinguponaspectsoftheclassyoufindcompelling.

Mostteachersdonotrequirethatstudentsattendtutoringsessions.Theyexpectstudentstodecideforthemselveswhentheyneedorwanttoparticipate.Teachersusuallyannouncetheirtutoringsessionsonthefirstdayofclassand/orprintthemontheircoursesyllabus

Mostteachersdonothavelessonsplannedfortutoringsessions.Theyexpectstudentsto“drive”thesemeetingswiththeirquestionsandtheirthoughts.Agoodwaytopreparefortutoringsessionsistoattemptyourhomeworkandreviewyournotesfromclassandfromreadingsandidentifyasclearlyasyoucanwhatyoudonotunderstand.

Donotbesurprisedwhentheteachersrepliestoyourquestionswithquestionsoftheirown.Theyareworkingwithyoutouncoverthesourceofyourquestions.Oftentheywillaskstudentstoshowthemtheirworkandwheretheygotstuck.Theymayaskyoutoexplainwhatyouwerethinkingasyoumovedfromsteptostep.Theymayaskyoutogeneratealternativewaystosolveaproblem.Hopefullytheywillhelpyouchangehowyouthinkaboutthematerialsothatyoucananswermanydifferentkindsofquestionsaboutit-notjustaquestiononthehomeworkthatisstumpingyou.Don’tbesurprisediftheyaskyoutosolveanotherproblembeforeyouleavetheoffice.

HOMEWORKPOLICYANDINTERVENTIONS Studentsareexpectedtocompleteassignedhomeworkeachnight.Teacherswillcommunicatespecificexpectationsforturninginhomework.Teacherswillalsoassign10%deductionswhenassignmentsareturnedinlate,andnolateassignmentswillbeacceptedafter2weeksfromtheoriginalduedate. Allhomeworkassignedbyteacherswillbeplacedinthestudent’shomeworkfolder.Oncecollecteditwillbegradedbasedonaccuracyand/orcompletion.Assignmentsthatdonotmeettheseexpectationswillbesubjecttoavarietyofinterventionsincluding,butnotlimitedto,teachersindividualtutoringsession,afterschooldetentions,and/oraCommitmenttoExcellencereviewmeeting.

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V.ACADEMICCONDUCT

PLAGIARISM Manypeoplethinkofplagiarismascopyinganother'swork,orborrowingsomeoneelse'soriginalideas.Buttermslike"copying"and"borrowing"candisguisetheseriousnessoftheoffense:

AccordingtotheMerriam-WebsterOnlineDictionary,to"plagiarize"means

● tostealandpassoff(theideasorwordsofanother)asone'sown

● touse(another'sproduction)withoutcreditingthesource

● tocommitliterarytheft

● topresentasnewandoriginalanideaorproductderivedfromanexistingsource.

Inotherwords,plagiarismisanactoffraud.Itinvolvesbothstealingsomeoneelse'sworkandlyingaboutitafterward.

Butcanwordsandideasreallybestolen?

AccordingtoU.S.law,theanswerisyes.Theexpressionoforiginalideasisconsideredintellectualproperty,andisprotectedbycopyrightlaws,justlikeoriginalinventions.Almostallformsofexpressionfallundercopyrightprotectionaslongastheyarerecordedinsomeway(suchasabookoracomputerfile).

Allofthefollowingareconsideredplagiarism:

● turninginsomeoneelse'sworkasyourown

● copyingwordsorideasfromsomeoneelsewithoutgivingcredit

● failingtoputaquotationinquotationmarks

● givingincorrectinformationaboutthesourceofaquotation

● changingwordsbutcopyingthesentencestructureofasourcewithoutgivingcredit

● copyingsomanywordsorideasfromasourcethatitmakesupthemajorityofyourwork,whetheryougivecredit

ornot

Mostcasesofplagiarismcanbeavoided,however,bycitingsources.Simplyacknowledgingthatcertainmaterialhasbeenborrowed,andprovidingyouraudiencewiththeinformationnecessarytofindthatsource,isusuallyenoughtopreventplagiarism.

***TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolusedthewebsite“Plagiarism.org”toprovidethisinformation.(Citationbelow)

“WhatisPlagiarism?”(n.d.)Retrievedfromhttp://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_isplagiarism.html

CHEATING Cheatingofanykindandonanyassignmentisunacceptable.ThispracticewillnotbetoleratedattheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.Notonlyisitsomethingthatcouldresultinastudent’sexpulsionfromanycollegeoruniversity,butitalsoviolatesourschool’shonorcode.Disciplinaryconsequencesincludeavarietyofactions,includingthepossibilityofremovalfromtheschool.(PleaseseethepolicyforAcademicReferrals.)

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HONORCODE Soulsvillestudentswillbeinstructedtowritethisstatementonsomemajorassignmentstoshowtheirdedicationtotheschoolhonorcode,toshowtheywillnotcheat,andtoshowtheywillnotplagiarizework.

“Onmyhonor,Ihaveneithergivennorreceivedassistanceonthisassignment.” ACADEMICREFERRALS

Astudentwillreceiveanacademicreferralforcheatingorplagiarizing.AllAcademicReferralsgointothestudent’spermanentSoulsvillerecord.ConsequencesforAcademicReferralscanincludeanyofthefollowing:

-Assignmentsrelatedtoreflectinguponandcorrectingtheproblem-MandatoryconferencewithparentandDeanofStudents-StudentisplacedonAcademicAlertafter1AcademicReferral-MandatoryconferencewithparentandSchoolDirector-Homesuspension-DisenrollmentfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool

Repeatedinfractionswillresultinincreasinglysevereconsequences,althoughitispossiblethatasingleincidentcouldwarrantthemostsevereconsequence.

*Whenwritingcollegerecommendations,teachersandstaffshouldalwaysconsultthestudent’Sacademicfileintheoffice,whichwillhavearecordofAcademicReferrals.

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VI.CODEOFCONDUCT

GRAMMYS AGrammyisanincentivepointthatisawardedtostudentswhosupportthemissionoftheschoolandwhohonorthecorevaluesofTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.EachdaystudentwillstartthedaywithacertainnumberofGrammys. Thisnumbercanchange.StudentswhosupporttheCoreValuesbydisplayingRespect,Integrity,Scholarship,Empathy,andCommunityinsomewaythroughoutthedaycanearnextraGrammysbasedonthe24CharacterStrengths.StudentscanalsoearnGrammysbydisplayingoneofthe24CharacterStrengths(seelistbelow).IfastudentdisruptsthelearningenvironmentordisplaysbehaviorthatDOESNOTalignwiththecorevaluesandmission,heorshewillhaveaGrammydeducted. Grammytotalswillbeusedtodeterminewhetherstudentsearnweekly,quarterly,andendofyearrewards. CHARACTERSTRENGTHS

CharacterStrength Definition

AppreciationofBeautyandExcellence

Appreciatingbeauty,excellence,and/orskilledperformanceinvariousdomainsoflife

Bravery Notrunningfromthreat,challenge,orpain;speakingupforwhat’sright

Citizenship Workingwellasamemberofagrouporteam;beingloyaltothegroup

Creativity Comingupwithnewandproductivewaystothinkaboutanddothings

Curiosity Takinganinterestinexperienceforitsownsake;findingthingsfascinating

Fairness Treatingallpeoplethesame;givingeveryoneafairchance

Forgiveness Forgivingthosewhohavedonewrong;acceptingpeople’sshortcomings

Gratitude Beingawareofandthankfulforthegoodthingsthathappen

Grit Finishingwhatyoustarted;completingsomethingdespiteobstacles

Honesty Speakingthetruth;presentingoneselfinagenuineandsincereway;beingwhoyouareandbeingresponsibleforyouractionsandfeelings

Hope Expectingthebestandworkingtoachieveit.

Humor Likingtolaugh;bringingsmilestootherpeople;seeingalightside

Kindness Doingfavorsandgooddeedsforothers;helpingthem;takingcareofthem

Leadership Encouragingagroupofwhichyouareavaluedmembertoaccomplishgoodthings

LoveofLearning Masteringnewskillsandtopicsonone’sownorinschool

Love Valuingcloserelationshipswithothers;beingclosetopeople

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Modesty Lettingone’svictoriesspeakforthemselves;notseekingthespotlight

Open-mindedness Examiningthingsfromallsidesandnotjumpingtoconclusions

Prudence Beingcarefulaboutyourchoices;nottakingunwiserisks

Purpose Havingbeliefsaboutahigherpurpose

Self-control Regulatingwhatonefeelsanddoes;beingdisciplined

SocialIntelligence Beingawareofmotivesandfeelingsofotherpeopleandoneself

Wisdom Beingabletoprovidegoodadvicetoothers

Zest Approachinglifewithexcitementandenergy;feelingaliveandactivated

GOLDANDPLATINUMSTUDENTS ● GoldandPlatinumstudentsarethosewhohaveearnedanexceptionalnumberofGrammys.

● MiddleSchoolstudentsareexpectedtomeetspecificbenchmarksforGoldandPlatinumstatusandforspecialuniformprivileges.ToearnGold,studentsmustearnatleast55Grammysperweek.ToearnPlatinum,studentsmustearnatleast60Grammysperweek.SpecialexceptionswillbeprintedonweeklyGrammyreports.

● MiddleSchoolstudentswhoearnGoldorPlatinumstatuswillreceiveanotificationdetailingtheirearningstatusintheirMondayweeklyreport.

● EachweekstudentswillhaveanewopportunitytoearnGoldorPlatinumstatus.

WEEKLYGRAMMYANDACADEMICREPORT ● EveryMondaystudentswillreceiveaWeeklyReport,whichiscomprisedof4parts:WeeklyReflection,Report,

AcademicReport,andGrammyReport. ● TheWeeklyReflectionrequiresyourstudenttostopandreflectonhisorherownacademicprogressandcharacter,

andtothensetgoalsforthecomingweek. ● TheRevolutionaryReadersReportwillreflectpointsforthebooksyourstudenthasread. ● TheAcademicreportwillgiveaweeklyupdateofthestudent’scurrentgradesandalistofmissingassignmentsfor

eachclass. ● TheGrammyReportwilldisplaythestudents’Grammytotalsfortheweek.ItwillidentifyCoreValueGrammys

earnedandbehavioralpatternsthatneedimprovement.Teachersandadministratorswillalsoincludespecialnotesthatwillbeviewedbyparentsandstudents.

● ThereportwillcoverthedaysfromMondaythroughFriday.

TheWeeklyReflectionpagemustbecompletedbythestudent,signedbytheparentandreturnedTUESDAYmorningduringCommunityBase.Completeandon-timereflectionsheetswillearnstudents2Grammys.Reflectionsthatdonot

meettheserequirementswillresultinadeductionof2Grammys.Familiesshouldkeeptheremainingpagesoftheweeklyreportfortheirownrecords.

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GENERALBEHAVIORALEXPECTATIONS ● CommunityBase(CB)

● CommunityBasewilltakeplacefrom7:40-7:50a.m. ● IfstudentsarenotseatedinCBby7:40AMtheyareconsideredtardytoschoolandwillneedtofollowthe

protocolfortardystudents.(SeeAttendanceandTardyPolicy) ● Duringthistime,studentswillhearmorningannouncements,writeupcomingeventsintheiragendabook,

andpreparefortheday. ● CommunityBasewillendwithstudentsrisingtosaytheSoulsvilleCreed.

● Sitting

● Studentsalwayssitupstraightintheirseats.Bothfeetshouldbeonthefloor(notonthedeskinfrontofthem,noronanypartoftheirowndesk).

● StorageofMaterials

● Materialsarealwaysstoredneatlyunderneaththedesk.Backpacksarenotpermittedintheclassroom.Theymuststayinlockers.

● Tracking ● Whensomeoneistalking,studentsshouldgivethatpersontheirundividedattention.Theyshowthisby

“tracking.”Trackingmeansthatyouareactivelylooking,listening,andeventurningyourbodytomakesureyoureyesarefollowingthespeaker.

● SpeakinginClass

● Studentsareonlyallowedtospeakinclasswhentheteacherhasgiventhemexplicitpermissiontodoso.Whenstudentsareexpectedtobetalking,theteacherwilltellthemtheyareonCodeYellow.CodeYellowisslightlyaboveawhisper.It’sjustloudenoughforsomeoneveryclosetohearwhatyouhavetosay.

● Whentheteachergivesadirectionfortheretobeaswitchinvoicecodes,studentsshoulddoitimmediately!Ifastudentdoesnotdoitimmediately,itwillbemarkedasaninfraction.ThiswillnegativelyimpacttheirGrammyscore.

● Hallway

● MiddleSchool–StudentsareonCODEREDinthehallway.Theywalkinstraightlineswiththeirclassontheright-handsideofthehallwayandstandablockawayfromthescholarinfrontofthem.

● Teacher/Administrator/StaffDirections

● WhenastudentisgivenadirectionbyanymemberoftheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolstaff,theyshoulddoitquickly.Theyshouldnotquestiontheauthorityoftheteacherormakeanydisrespectfulgestures(eyerolling,lipsmacking,suckingteeth,disrespectfulresponsesorgestures,etc.).

● RespondingtoAdults

● Studentsshouldmakeeyecontactwiththeadult. ● Theyshoulduseaclearandaudiblevoicewhenansweringtheadult ● Allinteractionsshouldberespectful.

● Grammar

● Studentsareexpectedtousecorrectgrammaratalltimes. ● Usingslangtermsintheclassroomorinthehallwayisnotallowed. ● Ifastudentusesincorrectgrammar,theywillbeaskedtorepeattheirstatementusingcorrectgrammar.

● VoiceCodes

● Inordertoensurethatthelearningenvironmentisneverdisturbed,TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolhascreatedvoicecodes:CodeRed,CodeYellow,andCodeGreen.

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● CodeRed-Thiscodeismostcommonlyusedintheclassroomduringinstructionaltime,duringassemblies,whenguestspeakerscometotheschool,togettheattentionofalargegroupofstudentsquickly,orinthehallwaysoftheMiddleSchool.

▪ WhenstudentsareonCodeRed,theymustbeabsolutelysilentandhavenocommunication.The

onlyexceptiontocommunicatingonCodeRedincludescommoncourtesies.Someoftheseexamplesinclude:saying“excuseme”whenyouaretryingtopassbyorwhenyoubumpintosomeoneaccidentally;saying“blessyou”whensomeonesneezes,orsaying“thankyou”whensomeonegivesyousomething.Eventheseexpressionsshouldbesaidinatonethatisnotdistracting.

● CodeYellow–Thiscodeiscommonlyusedintheclassroomwhenstudentsareworkingongroupworkor

playinganinstructionalgameintheclassroom.Thisisaconversationaltone.However,itshouldbejustaboveawhisperorjustloudenoughtogetthejobdone.Studentswillcommunicatetostudentsnearby,notacrosstheroom.Studentsmaynotgoonthiscodewithoutexplicitpermissionfromateacheroradministrator.

● CodeGreen–Thiscodeisusuallyusedwhenstudentsarebeingdismissedafterschool.Itisslightlyabove

codeyellow.Sincethiscodeisgenerallyusedonlyafterschool,studentsdonotneedateacheroradministrator’spermissiontotransitiontothiscode.

● Whenstudentsareaskedtoansweraquestioninclass,theyareexpectedtoanswerconfidentlyandclearly

totheteacher.Mumblingisnotallowed.

● ShakingHands ● ShakinghandsisaprofessionalgreetingstudentswilluseoftenatTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.Theywill

beallowedtogreetstaffandstudentsinthisway.

● Whenshakinghands,studentsshouldlookatthepersonintheeye,andgivethepersonafirm(nottight)handshake.

● Shakinghandsshouldbeusedforthefollowing:introductiontosomeone(studentsshouldintroduce

themselves,andfollowwithaquestion:Howareyoudoing?MayIhelpyou?WhatbringsyoutoSoulsville?);closuretoaconversation,orwhentheywanttoshowappreciationforsomething.

● PublicDisplaysofAffection

● TSCSisaschoolthatrespectsstudents’relationshipswitheachother;however,appropriatedisplaysofaffectionrequiregoodjudgmentandconsiderationofallparties.Extensivedisplaysofaffectionarenotpermittedonschoolgroundsoratschoolevents.

● Someexamplesofinappropriatedisplaysofaffectionthatarenotpermittedinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

o Sittingonstudents’laps o Hitting,kicking,leering,pinching,patting o Otherformsofunwantedtouching o Kissingorhand-holding o Frontalhugs

● Pencils

● StudentsareonlyallowedtousemechanicalpencilsattheSoulsvilleCharterSchool. ● Woodenpencilsarenotpermittedbecausetheyneedconstantsharpening,whichcausesdisruptions. ● Inordertobeprepared,studentsshouldhaveatleast2mechanicalpencilsandplentyoflead.

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● Office ● Studentswillnotbeallowedtogototheofficeduringclassunlesstheybecomeseriouslyill. ● Whenastudentarrivestardytoschool,heorshemustreporttotheDeanofStudentsOfficeandreceivea

tardypassinordertobeadmittedtoclass. ● Sincestudentsmaynotuseclassroomphonesduringclassortransitiontimes,theymayonlyusetheoffice

telephonetocallhomeincaseofabsoluteemergencies.StudentsMUSThaveapasssignedfromanadministratorthatstatestheyareallowedtousetheofficephoneandthereasonforusingit.

● Ifstudentsdonotusethephonecallfortheintendedreasonthatisstatedonthepass,studentsmaylosetheirofficephoneprivilegesand/orreceiveotherconsequences.

● TurninginAssignments ● Allassignmentsmustbeneatandlegible! ● Eachassignmentshouldhavetheproperheadings. ● MiddleSchoolstudentsturninassignmentsinaccordancetotheirgradeleveldesignatedlocations(referto

page11).Anythingturnedinafter7:40amwillbeconsideredlate.

● CallingTeacherCellPhones ● Studentscancallteachercellphonesforhomeworkandotherhelp. ● Whenthestudentcallsabouthomework,theyshouldsaythefollowing:“Hello,mynameis(firstandlast

name).Ihaveaproblemwithmy(subject)homework.Idonotunderstand(giveaspecificsituationorproblem).

● Ifastudentcannotreachateacher,theyshouldleaveamessagewiththefollowinginformation:”Hello,mynameis(firstandlast).Myphonenumberis(yourphonenumber).Ihaveaproblemwith(giveaspecificsituationorproblemwithasubject).Pleasegivemeacallatyourearliestconvenience.Again,thisis(firstandlastname).”

● Ifastudentcannotgetintouchwithateacher,theyshouldwaitatleastanhourbeforetheycontacttheteacheragain.

***Teachersmayormaynotgiveouttheircellphonenumber.Teacherswhowanttogiveouttheircellphonenumber

willhaveitprintedontheirclasssyllabus.Ifitdoesnotappearontheclasssyllabus,thencontacttheteacherthroughtheirschoolemail.

● StudentAgendas

● Wheneverstudentsreceiveahomeworkassignmentorareremindedofanimportantdate,theyMUSTautomaticallyrecordthemintheirTSCSagendabook.

● Oncetheygetouttheiragendabook,theymustrecordallassignmentsandimportantdates. ● Parentsandstudentsshouldreviewtheagendabookanditsremindersonadailybasistogether.

● Breakfast

● BreakfastwillbeintheMultipurposeBuilding. ● Breakfastwillbeservedfrom7:00-7:20a.m. ● Studentshaveuntil7:25a.m.tofinisheating,andshouldnottakefoodfromtheMultipurposeBuilding.

● IndependentReadingMaterial

● StudentsatTheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolareencouragedtoreadasmuchaspossible. ● MiddleSchoolstudentsmusthaveanindependentreadingbookatalltimes. ● Magazinesdonotcountasindependentreadingmaterial.Theschoolreservestherighttodetermine

whetheramagazineisacademicallyappropriateornot. ● Readingmaterialmustbeage-appropriate. ● Inappropriatereadingmaterialthathasexplicitsexualcontentorinappropriatelanguageisnotpermitted. ● Theschoolreservestherighttodeterminewhetherreadingmaterialisappropriateornot.

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REWARDS ● WeeklyRewards:

● ReptheRevolution–AllMiddleSchoolstudentswillbeeligibletowearacolleget-shirtorSoulsvillet-shirtoftheirchoice.Clothingmustbeofappropriatefitandmaynothavewritingoralterations(e.g.tearsorholes).TSCSreservestherighttodeterminewhetheranarticleofclothingisappropriate.TherestoftheuniformwillfollowtheTSCSuniformpolicy.ThiswilltakeplaceonFridays.

● StudentswhoearnatleastfiftyGrammysfortheweekwillearnadditionalrewardsfortheirconduct.

● StudentswhohaveearnedGoldstatus(atleast50Grammys)fortheweekcanwearclosed-toeshoesand/orsocksoftheirchoiceonFridays.

● StudentswhohaveearnedPlatinumstatus(atleast55Grammys)fortheweekcanwearclosed-toeshoesandsocksoftheirchoicealongwithjeansorjoggersonFridays.Clothingmustbeofappropriatefitandmaynothavewritingoralterations(e.g.tearsorholes).Joggersmaynothaveanyholes,designs,patterns,oralterations.TSCSreservestherighttodeterminewhetheranarticleofclothingisappropriate.

● QuarterlyAcademicRecognition: ● MiddleSchoolstudentswhoexperienceacademicsuccess--Principal’sList,Dean’sList,andHonorRoll--will

beawarded.

● StudentoftheQuarter○ Twostudents(onemaleandonefemale)arenominatedbyteachersfortheaward.Thesetwostudents

representcontinuouslyexhibitthequalitiesthatarerecognizedinourschoolcreed(Respect,Integrity,Scholarship,Empathy.

● EndofYearRewards:

● StudentswhoearnacertainnumberofGrammys,honortheCoreValueswellthroughouttheyear,andhaveshownacademicgrowthandahighlevelofacademicdedicationwillhavetheopportunitytoearnEndofYearRewards.Studentswhohaveearnedoneormoresuspensionsduringtheschoolyearwillnotbeeligibletoearn.EndofYearRewardsmaybelocaloroutoftown,andoftenincludevisitstocollegecampuses,recreationalactivities,restaurants,andtimetojusthavefuntogether.

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REFERRALPROCESS

● BehaviorNotifications: ● Unlessanactishighlydisruptive,disrespectful,vulgar,orviolentoffense,beforewritingareferralfor

repeatedoffenses,studentswillbenotifiedthattheyareclosetoreceivingareferralbyreceivingaBehaviorNotificationfromastaffmember.

● Afterastudenthascommittedtworeferableoffenses,thestudentshouldreceiveabehaviornotificationthatalertsthemthatthenextstepwillbeabehaviorreferral,whichmeanstheywillhavetoleavetheclassroomsetting.

● StudentsshouldnotargueordebateaboutthereceivalofaBehaviorNotification,norshouldtheydestroy,crumble,orhideit.Ifastudenthassomethinghe/shewouldliketoinformtheteacherregardingtheincident,he/shehastheopportunitytowriteanon-offensiveandappropriatenoteorquestiontotheteacherinthespaceprovidedontheBehaviorNotification,andthenshouldcontinuefollowingtheinstructionsoftheteacher.

● Referrals: ● Whenastudentisnotfollowingschoolrules,theteachercorrectsthatstudent.Eachcorrectionresultin

thelossofaGrammyfortheday.Thiswilldirectlyaffectthestudent’sGrammytotalfortheweekandcouldresultinalossofrewards.

● Behaviorsthataredisruptiveordisrespectfultothelearningenvironmentareconsideredreferral-worthy.Thisincludesthecontinuationofanybehaviortheteacherhasalreadycorrected.

● Whenastudentaccumulatesthreereferral-worthybehaviorswithinaclass,heorshewillearnareferral.

● Ifastudentcommitsasingleoffensethatishighlydisruptive,severelydisrespectful,involvesprofanity,isviolent,orifthestudenthasacellphoneinclass,heorshewillreceiveanAutomaticDisciplinaryReferral.

● UponreceivinganyDisciplinaryReferral,thestudentmustreportimmediatelytotheOfficeoftheAssociateDeanofStudents.Thestudentwillcompleteseveralassignmentsbeforereturningtoclass.FailuretoreportimmediatelytotheAssociateDeanofStudentswillresultinfurtherdisciplinaryconsequences.

● DisciplinaryReferrals,alongwiththebehaviorsthatcausedthem,willbereflectedonWeeklyreports.

● Studentswhoearnmultiplereferralswillbesubjecttoadditionalconsequences,includingpossibleremovalfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

DETENTION Studentswhohaveexcessivemissingassignments,excessivetardyarrivalsand/orabsences,orexcessivedisciplinaryissues,mayberequiredtoremainafterschooluntil3:45p.m.onThursdayafternoons.Studentswillreceivewrittennoticeatleastonedaybeforetheassigneddetentionandacallwillbesenttoparents/guardians.

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SUSPENSIONS Therearethree(3)formsofsuspensionthatweuse:

● In-schoolsuspensions:Thestudent isallowedtoremainatschool,but isnotallowedtoparticipate inclassuntilcompletingallassignments.Thestudentwillcompletetheassignmentsinanisolatedlocationandreturntoclassesafter clearing the In-School Suspension with a School Administrator. Parents will be notified when a studentreceivesanIn-SchoolSuspension.

● Overnightsuspensions:Thissuspensionisusuallyissuedwhenthenatureoftheinfractionisseriousenoughthatameetingmusttakeplacebetweenthestudent,theparent(s)andaSchoolAdministrator,butnotsoseriousthatthestudent cannotbeallowed toattend classes.Overnight Suspensionsusually includeanassignment thatmustbecompletedbeforethestudentreturnswithhisorherparenttoclearthesuspension.Beforethemeetingbegins,theSchoolAdministratorwillconfirmthatthestudenthascompletedtheassignmentsatisfactorily.Thestudentisnotallowedtoreturntoclassuntilanadministratorhasmetwithaparentorguardian.Usually,thestudentdoesnotmissmuchclasstimebecausethemeetingshappenearlythefollowingmorning.

● Out-of-schoolsuspensions:Thestudentisnotallowedtocometoschoolandwillserve1-10daysoutofclass.Thestudent’s work is considered unexcused while on the suspension. The student will not be allowed to return toclasses until completing the assignment and clearing the suspension in a meeting between the student, theparent(s)andaSchoolAdministrator.Thismeetingcannothappensoonerthanthedateandtimeprintedonthesuspensionletter.Out-of-schoolSuspensionsareissuedformajorinfractionsandforrepeatedminorinfractions.

SuspensionLogistics:

● Theschoolwillcontactaparent/guardiantopickuptheirchildassoonaspossible.

● Whena student is issueda suspension, heor shewill receive the appropriatepaperworkexplaining: the reasonhe/shehasbeen suspended, the typeand lengthof the suspension, thedate the student and theparent are toclearthesuspension,andtheassignmentthestudentmustcomplete.

● Ifastudentreceivesanovernightsuspensionoranout-of-schoolsuspension,thestudentandparentarerequiredtoreporttoasuspensionclearancemeetingnosoonerthanthedatespecifiedonthesuspensionpaperwork.

● If a student receives an in-school suspension, the student remains at school and spends aperiodof timeoutofclass.AschoolAdministratorwillholdasuspensionclearancemeetingwiththestudent.ParentsarenotrequiredtoattendthesemeetingsforIn-SchoolSuspensions,buttheywillbenotifiedviawrittendocumentation.

● When a student is serving an out-of-school suspension, the student will receive a reflection assignment tocomplete.Iftheassignmentisnotcompletedbythedatethatthesuspensionistobecleared,thesuspensionwillnotbeclearedatthattime.

● Ifthesuspendedstudenthasnotcompletedtheassignment(s)oriftheyarenotsatisfactory,themeetingwillnotproceedand theparentwill have toescort the studentoff campusandmakearrangements to returnwhen theassignment(s)areready.

● Insomecases,studentswillreceiveactionstepsbeforereturningtoclassinordertopreventthenegativebehaviorfromoccurringagain.

● Afterastudent’ssuspensioniscleared,thestudentisallowedtogobacktoclass.

● Allsuspensionsareaddedtothestudent’spermanentbehaviorfile.

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HARASSMENT,INTIMIDATION,BULLYING,ORCYBER-BULLYING Studentharassment,intimidation,bullyingorcyber-bullyingwillnotbetoleratedatTSCS.ThefollowingpolicyandapproachisthesameasofShelbyCountySchooldistrict.Tennesseelawdefines“harassment,intimidation,bullyingorcyberbullying”asactsthatsubstantiallyinterferewithastudent'seducationalbenefits,educationalopportunities,oreducationalperformance,and: A. Iftheacttakesplaceonschoolgrounds,atanyschool-sponsoredactivity,onschool-providedequipmentor

transportation,oratanyofficialschoolbusstop,theacthastheeffectof:1. Physicallyharmingastudentordamagingastudent'sproperty;2. Knowinglyplacingastudentinreasonablefearofphysicalharmtothestudentordamagetothestudent's

property;or3. Creatingahostileeducationalenvironment.

B. Iftheacttakesplaceoffschoolpropertyoroutsideofaschool-sponsoredactivity,itisdirectedspecificallyata

studentorstudentsandhastheeffectofcreatingahostileeducationalenvironmentorotherwisecreatingasubstantialdisruptiontotheeducationalenvironmentorlearningprocess.

Studentswhoareharassed/intimidated/bulliedorwhoareawitnesstothesebehaviorsshouldreportthesituationtoschooladministrationimmediately.Anyreportsmadetoteachersandstaffshouldbeforwardedtoanadministratorimmediately,andnolaterthan24hoursaftertheexpressedconcern.Anonymousreportsmaybemade,however,disciplinaryactionmaynotbebasedsolelyonananonymousreport.

Harassingbehaviorissubjecttodisciplinaryconsequencesuptoandincludingexpulsion.Inmoreextremecases,theauthoritiesmaybenotified.

*Harassment is conduct or speech that is unwelcome, intimidating, derogatory, hostile, and/or offensive, and has thepurposeofinterferingwithastudent’sabilitytolearnorastaffmember’sabilitytodowork.

**Sexual harassment is harassmentof a sexual nature,which can include a rangeof behaviors likeunwanted/offensivetouching,off-colorjokes,pressureforsexualactivity,sexuallymotivatedtouching,pinching,pattingorintentionalbrushingagainst, repeatedverbalharassmentorabuse, repeatedremarksorgesturesofa sexualnaturewhensuchactivity takesplaceduringschoolhoursoronschool-relatedtransportationor trips,orat school sponsoredactivities regardlessof thetimeofday.

***Cyberbullyingmeansbullyingundertaken through theuseofelectronicdevices. “Electronicdevices” include,butarenot limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants,computers,electronicmail,instantmessaging,textmessagingandwebsites.

REPORTINGANINCIDENT

Allegedvictimsofharassment,intimidation,bullying,ortheirparentsorguardiansshallreporttheseincidentsimmediatelytoschooladministration.Anyreportsmadetoteachersandstaffshouldbeforwardedtoanadministratorimmediately,“butnolaterthan24hours”oftheexpressedconcern.Anonymousreportsmaybemade,however,disciplinaryactionmaynotbebasedsolelyonananonymousreport.TSCSadministrationcommitstorespondingtotheseincidentswithallduecaretobothallegedvictim(s)andallegedaccused.

TSCS’sprotocolforreportingincidentsofbullying/harassment:

1. Reporting.

Studentswithacomplaintofbullyingand/orharassmentmaycompletetheTSCS-adopted“ShelbyCountySchoolsComplainantStatement”.CopiesofthisformcanbefoundintheMainOffice,officesoftheDeansofStudentsandonpage35ofthishandbook.

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Anycomplaintsofharassment,intimidationorbullyingshouldincludethefollowinginformation:

● Identityoftheallegedvictimandthepersonaccused; ● Location,date,timeandcircumstancessurroundingtheallegedincident; ● Descriptionofwhathappened; ● Identityofwitnesses;and ● Anyotherevidenceavailable

1. Investigating.

a) Ifthecomplainantisnottheparentorguardian,theparents/guardiansoftheallegedvictimshallbenotifiedofthereportedconductbyphoneorinpersonpriortotheendoftheschooldayuponwhichtheconductwasreported.

b) TheHSDirectororDeanofStudentswillpromptlyandfullyinvestigateallegationsofharassment,intimidation,bullying/cyberbullying.TheHSDirectororDeanofStudentswillrevisitstatementsandevidencepresentedregardingtheincidentandallfollow-upeffortsconductedwillbeappropriatelydocumented.

c) Afteracompleteinvestigation,iftheallegationsareconfirmed,immediateandappropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbeissuedtotheaccusedstudent.Asubstantiatedchargeagainstanemployeemaysubjectsuchemployeetodisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingtermination.

1. Follow-up.

TheHSDirectorand/orDeanofStudentswillmeetwithandadvisethecomplainantandtheirparent/guardianregardingthefindings,andwhethercorrectivemeasures,and/ordisciplinaryactionsweretaken.Theinvestigationandresponsetothecomplainantwillbecompletedwithintwenty(20)schooldays.Asubstantiatedchargeagainstastudentmayresultincorrectiveordisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingexpulsion.Additionally,understatelaw,behaviorconstitutingcyber-bullyingmaybeprosecutedasadelinquentact.

*Studentsandfamiliesshouldbeawarethatanystudent,whetherallegedaccusedorallegedvictim,foundtobeinvolvedinanincidentofharassmentorbullying,whetheractiveorassociated,willreceiveconsequencesappropriatetotheirlevelof

involvementincludingbutnotlimitedtoexpulsion.

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ZERO-TOLERANCEISSUES Studentsmaybeautomaticallyexpelledfromschoolforthefollowing:

● possessionofaweapon ● possessionofanillegaldrugorunauthorizedprescriptiondrug ● batteryagainstschoolpersonnel ● gangactivityofanykind(verbal,written,orphysical) ● otherseriousbehaviorinfractions

RANDOMSTUDENTSEARCHES Studentbelongingswillberandomlysearchedaccordingtothefollowingguidelines:

1. Periodically,TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolwillconductrandomsearchesofstudentsandtheirbelongings.2. Campussafetypersonnelwillbenotifiedofthetimeandlocationforthesearches.3. Teachersand/oradministratorswillconductthesearchesalongwithcampussafetypersonnel.4. Allstudentssubjectedtoasearchwillbetreatedwithrespectandcarefortheirpersonalsafety.5. Ifabanneditemisconfiscated(e.g.acellphone,weapon,orillegaldrugs),thestudentwillbereferredtothe

appropriateauthority(e.g.thedeanofstudents,theschooldirector,or,ifnecessary,lawenforcement).

USINGCAMPUSPHONES/OFFICEUSAGE

Staffdonotallowstudentstousetheclassroomtelephonesduringtheschoolday.Foremergencyphonecalls(e.g.beingsick,needingmedication,etc.)only,studentsmaybegivenapasstotheofficetomakeaphonecall.TheofficewillnotallowstudentstomakeacalluntilthepasshasbeensignedbyaMiddleSchooladministrator.

STUDENTPROTOCOLTIPSFORHANDLINGPROBLEMS ProblemswithStudents:

● Step1–Donotreacttooquickly.Holdyouranger.Thinkaboutwhatthestudenthasdoneorsaid. ● Step2–Makeadecisionbasedonthequestionsbelow.Choosewhichsituationmostappliestoyourproblemand

chooseanoption.

● Situation#1:Didyoustartthedisagreement?Didyousayordosomethingthatmighthavemadethestudentreacttoyounegatively?Isthestudentconfusedaboutsomethingyoudid?

➔ Solution#1:Ifyouthinkthatthestudentmighthavemisunderstoodsomethingyoudidorsaid,

explainyourstatementoractioninmoresimpleandrespectfulterms.Apologizeforthemisunderstanding. Ifyoudidsomethingmeanordisrespectfulonpurpose,andthestudentreactednegatively,youshouldapologize.RemembertheCoreValues–Respect,Integrity,Scholarship,Empathy,andCommunity.RISEabovethis.WeareaCommunity.

● Situation#2:Didthestudentaskyoutodosomethingthatyoudidn’twanttodo?Didthestudentaskyou

aquestionthatoffendedyou?Didthestudentaskyouaquestionthatmadeyoufeelthreatened?

➔ Solution#2:Keepasofttone.Donotgetangry.Simplyrespondtothequestioninawaythatissimpleandthatletsthepersonknowwhatyouransweriswithoutbeingdisrespectful.Ifthestudentcontinueswiththistypeofquestioningafteryourresponse,tellateacherimmediately.

➔ RemembertheCoreValues–Respect,Integrity,Scholarship,Empathy,andCommunity.RISEabovethis.WeareaCommunity.

● Situation#3:Didthestudentthreatenyoursafety?Didthestudent“check”you?Didthestudentcause

youtobephysicallyhurt?Isthestudentfollowingyouaroundwithoutyourpermission?Isthestudenttalkingnegativelytoyouaboutothers?

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➔ Solution#3:Donotgetangryorreactnegatively.Lettheteacherknowimmediately!

➔ RemembertheCoreValues–Respect,Integrity,Scholarship,Empathy,andCommunity.RISEabovethis.WeareaCommunity.

● Step3:Donotcontinuetogossiportalkabouttheincidenttoothers.Ifyouhaveresolvedthesituation

successfullywithoutbeingdisrespectfultoanyone,theissueisover.Continuetotreattheclassmatewithrespectandletthepastgo.Iftheteacherhasalreadyhandledthesituation,thereisnoreasontokeeponbringingupthesituation.Letitgo.Ifthesituationrepeatsitself,continuetotellyourteacher,parent,andanadministrator.

(Ifyouarenotsurehowtofixaproblem,orifyouareindoubtaboutsomething,Letateacherknow!)

ProblemswithaTeacher:

● Step1:Ifyouhaveaproblemwithateacher,donottalkbackorreactinanangrymanner.

● Step2:Stoptothinkaboutthesituation.Donottrytohandlethesituationduringclass.Thisisabsolutelythewrongtimetohandlethings.Ifyoumusttalktotheteacher,waituntilafterschoolorbeforeCommunityMeetingstarts.Makesurethattheconversationisnotpublic.

● Situation#1:Whenyouwereinclass,didtheteacherdeductGrammysorgiveyouacorrectionthatyou

feelyoudidn’tdeserve?

➔ Solution#1:Askyourselfsomequestions.Honestlyanswer.Admittoyourselfifyoudidsomethingwrong.Iftheteacherwasnotunfairandcorrectedyouforabehaviorthatyoushouldnothavebeendisplaying,acceptit.Gobacktoschoolwithapositiveattitudeandgivetheclassyourbesteffortsandbestbehaviorthenextday.Ifyoudon’tthinkthedeductionisfair,talkwiththeteacherprivatelybeforeorafterschool.Startwithacalmandquiettone.Starttheconversationbyreferringtothetimeandclassperiodthatthesituationoccurred.Next,refertowhatwassaidordonethatmadeyouupset.Waitfortheteachertorespond.Listencarefullytowhattheyhavetosay.Keepconversationrespectful.Aftertheconversation,asktheteacherforwaysthatyoucanimprove.Takethesuggestionsseriouslyandapplythem.

● Situation#2:Didyougetalowergradeonaproject,essay,ormajorassignmentwhenyouwereexpecting

ahighergrade?Haveyoucheckedtherubricandre-checkedyourworkandstilldon’tknowhowyougotthegrade?

➔ Solution#2:Talkwiththeteacherafterschoolorbeforeschoolprivately.Bringacopyofthe

assignmentthatyoumadethelowscoreon.Asktheteacheriftheycangiveyouextrafeedbackastowhyyoumadethegrade.Thanktheteacherfortheirtimeandaskfortipsonhowtoimprovefornexttime.Possiblysetuptutoringwiththeteacheraswell.

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VII.ATTENDANCEANDTARDYPOLICY

ATTENDANCE ● Studentsareexpectedtocometoschooleveryday!Inordertoexcelacademically,itisHIGHLYIMPORTANTthat

studentsNEVERmissclass.

● StudentswillnotbeabletoearnGrammysiftheymissclass.

● StudentsmissimportantinstructionandassessmentsandthreatentheirchancetoperformatthehighestlevelsonTennesseemandatedtests.

● Ifastudentreceivesareferral,theywillnotreturntoclassuntiltheirreferraliscleared.Theywillbeconsideredabsentinthoseclassesforthatday.

● RegulardailyattendanceisacommitmentmadebytheparentandstudentonthesignedCommitmenttoExcellenceAgreement.Bothstudentandparenthavegiventheirwordtobeatschooleveryday.

ABSENCES ● Greatschoolattendanceiscrucialforstudentlearning!Nostudentshouldbeallowedtomissschoolunless

ABSOLUTELYNECESSARY.AccordingtoTennesseelaw,timely,regularattendanceisrequired.TSCSParents/Guardiansmustensurechildrenareinschool,asoutlinedintheCommitmenttoExcellence.

● Studentswillbeallowed5absencesfortheschoolyear.Excusedabsencesmaybegrantedforthefollowingreasons:personalillness,death/seriousillnessintheimmediatefamily,court,religiousholiday,unusualcause(decidedbyprincipal),deploymentofguardian/parent,orvisitwithparentsonmilitaryrestandrecuperation.(Seenextsection:“AbsenceExcuseNotes”)

● Afterfiveexcusedabsenceshavebeenused,allfutureabsenceswillbecountedas“unexcused,”regardlessofthereasonfortheabsence.(Exceptionsforrare,seriousillnessesmaybegrantedonacase-by-casebasis.)

● Ifstudentsshowapatternofexcessiveabsences,itwilljeopardizetheircontinuedenrollmentatTSCS.

● Studentsareconsideredtruantafterfive“unexcused”absences.WeadheretotheSCSPolicy6016todealwithtruantstudents.

ABSENCEEXCUSENOTES Ifyourchildmustmissadayofschoolforaseriousillnessorpersonalmatter(forexample,adeathinthefamily),Soulsvillerequiresdocumentationtoexcusetheabsence.Youmayusetheformsthatareattachedattheendofthehandbooklabeled“ReasonforAbsence.”Allotherexcusenotesmustbeprovidedbyadoctor,doctor’soffice,orhospital. Typically,ifastudentmissesanentiredayofschoolforasingleappointment(adoctor’sexcuseforanhourlongappointmentforateethcleaning)thatdocumentationwillnotbeacceptedtoexcusetheentireschoolday.ExcusenotesshouldbesubmittedtotheMainOfficethedaythechildreturnstoschool.Pleasekeepinmindthatlateexcusednotescanaffectweeklyattendancereports. Pleaseensurethatanydocumentsubmittedasanexcusenotecontainstheinformationlistedbelow.Wehaveprovided“ReasonforAbsence”formsattheendoftheHandbook.Provideddocumentsthatdonotcontainthenecessaryinformationwillnotbeaccepted(theymaybesubmitted,buttheywillnotbeacceptedasanappropriateexcusenote): ·Child’sFullName(firstandlast) ·Grade ·DateofSchoolAbsence ·ReasonforAbsence ·Parent/GuardiansFullName(firstandlast)

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TARDINESS(AFTER7:40A.M.)● Studentsareexpectedtobeatschooleverydayontime.

● Studentsarealsoexpectedtoarriveateachclassthroughoutthedayontime.

● Studentswhoaretardyinthemorning(after7:40a.m.)haveGrammysdeductedandtheirhomeworkisconsidered“late”whentheyturnitinforthemorning.

● Studentswhowalkthroughthemaindoorsatorafter7:40amaretardytoschoolandmustbeaccompaniedbyaparentorguardian.Theparentorguardianmustsign-inthestudentorthestudentwillnotbeallowedtoreporttoclass.

● Studentsthataretardytoclass--meaningtheyhaveenteredtheschoolbuilding’smaindoorsbeforethebellrings,buthavenotenteredthethresholdoftheirclassroomdoorbeforethetardybellrings--mustreporttotheDeanofStudentsofficetoreceiveatardytoclasspass.

● Intheeventthatasevereaccidentimpactsahighwayorsevereweatherimpactstransportation,theTSCSLeadershipTeamhastherighttomakeacallthattardieswillnotbecountedasusual.

● Tardinesstoschoolwillbecloselymonitoredbytheschooladministration.Astudenttardywithoutparentsign-inwillreceiveawrittenwarningletterthefirsttimewithinaquarter.Secondandsubsequenttimeswithinaquarterwillresultinovernightsuspensionsfollowedbymandatoryparentmeetings.

● Accumulationoftardyarrivalsmayresultinmandatoryafter-schooldetention,requiredparentmeetings,CommitmenttoExcellenceMeetings,andcanultimatelyresultintheremovalofastudentfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

OFFICEPROCEDUREWHENTARDYORABSENT ● Studentswhowalkthroughthemaindoorsatorafter7:40ammustbeaccompaniedbyaparentor

guardian.Theparentorguardianmustsign-inthestudentorthestudentwillnotbeallowedtoreporttoclass.

● Intheeventthatasevereaccidentimpactsahighwayorsevereweatherimpactstransportation,theTSCSLeadershipTeamhastherighttomakeacallthattardieswillnotbecountedasusual.

● Whenastudentisabsentfromschool,theparentmustcompleteanexcusenoteorcompleteandsubmitthe‘ReasonforAbsence’form,availableatthebackofthispacket,andintheMainOffice.TheSchoolDirectorwilldeterminewhetheranabsenceisexcusedornot.

CHECKINGSTUDENTSOUT ● Checkingstudentsoutofschoolearlyisdetrimentaltotheiracademicsuccessandisstronglydiscouraged.

● Anytimeastudentisgoingtobecheckedoutofschoolearly,theparent/guardianshouldinformtheschoolpriortotheoccurrence.Excusedcheck-outswillbegrantedbasedonthefollowing:doctor’sappointment,death/seriousillnessintheimmediatefamily,court,unusualcause(decidedbytheschooldirector),deploymentofguardian/parent,orvisitwithparentsonmilitaryrestandrecuperation.

● Ifstudentsshowanexcessivepatternofcheckingoutearly,theywillhavetoattendaCommitmenttoExcellenceReviewwithparents.Continuingtocheckoutfornon-emergenciesmayresultinastudentbeingexpelledfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

● ForstudentswhoareassignedtoattendAssignedMandatoryTutoring,earlycheckoutsduringAssignedMandatoryTutoringtimewillbetreatedthesameasmissinganyotherclass.

● Nocheck-outswillbepermittedwithinthirtyminutespriortodismissal.Forexample,MondaythroughThursday,nocheck-outswillbepermittedbetween2:30and3:00p.m.,andonFridays,nocheck-outswillbepermittedbetween1:45and2:15p.m.

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VIII.UNIFORMS Whydowehaveuniforms? ● Uniformsuniteusasacommunity.WhenyoulookatTSCSshirts,itisapowerfulvisualstatementtoourcommunity.

StudentsmakeacommitmenttothevaluesatTSCSwhentheyputontheTSCSuniform.

● Uniformsreducedistractionsandclothingcompetition.Oftenstudentsspendmoretimediscussingandevaluatingwhatothersarewearingornotwearingthantheyspendfocusingonlearning.Wearinguniformseliminatesthisdistraction.

● Uniformsmakeusallequal.Whetherfamilieshavehighincomesorlowincomes,thestudentscometoschoollookingthesameway.Nooneismadetofeelbadabouttheclothestheyhaveordon’thave.

● Uniformslookprofessional.Studentslookneatwhentheyarrivetoschoolwithshirtstuckedintotheirpants.Thestudentscomementallypreparedand“dressedforwork.”

Note: Students who take advantage of uniform privileges will face appropriate consequences, including the possibility ofsuspension.

UniformsOuruniformpolicyisprovidedbelowforyourreference.OuruniformproviderisMissionwearSchoolApparel.Uniformshirtswillbeavailableforpurchaseduringstudentregistration,Thursday,July26,2018.Theywillbeavailablefrequentlythroughouttheyearforpurchasesatschool.TheywillalsoofferanoptionalTSCSsweater,whichwillbeavailablesoon.Allotheruniformitemsmaybepurchasedatthevendorofyourchoice.Shirts:

● Officialpurpleorwhitepoloorbutton-downcollaredshirtswithTSCSlogo.Studentshavetheoptiontoleaveonlythetopbuttonunbuttoned.

● Undershirtsmustbeblack,white,orgray.Whenwearingshortsleeves,thesleevesmustbehiddenundertheTSCSshirt.UndershirtswornunderwhiteTSCSshirtsshouldnothaveanywritingordesign.Studentsmayalsowearblack,whiteorgraylongsleeveshirts.Theseshirtsshouldalsonothaveanywritingordesign.

● Undershirtsmustbeblack,whiteorgray.UndershirtswornunderwhiteTSCSshirtsshouldnothaveanywritingordesign.Studentsmayalsowearblack,whiteorgraylongsleeveshirts.Theseshirtsshouldalsonothaveanywritingordesign.

● Shirtsmustbetuckedinatalltimesandbeofappropriatelengthandfit.Shirtsshouldfitlooselyenoughthatbuttonsdonotpull.

● FridaysOnly:Officialpurpleorwhitepoloorbutton-downcollaredshirtswithTSCSlogo.Studentshavetheoptiontoleaveonlythetopbuttonunbuttoned.StudentsmayalsowearotherSoulsvilleorCollegethemedshirts.Thisincludesclassshirts,SPYMorSPYWshirts,orothercollegeshirts.Studentsmaynotaltershirtsinanyway.Allshirtsmustbeofappropriatelengthandfit.

● Undergarmentsshouldneverbevisible. Sweaters:

● Graysweatervest,cardiganorlong-sleevedsweater● Soulsvilleshirtsmustbetuckedinundersweaters.● Wearingasweatervest,sweatercardigan,orlong-sleevedsweaterisoptional,butonlyTSCSsweatersmaybeworn.

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Shoes/Socks:● Closed-toed,plainblackshoes.Solidcolor(nowhitetrim,markingsordecorations)● Boots,ifworn,mustbeplainblackwithnofurorembellishments.Atnotimeshouldthetopofbootscomeabovethe

studentskneecap..Bootsshouldnotbewornwithskorts.● Socksmustbeplainwhite,black,purple,gray,silverorapattern/combinationofthesecolors.Norufflespermitted.● Tights/hosemustbeplainblackwithnomarkingsordesigns.Nocroppedleggings(leggingsmusthavefeet).

Pants:

● Plainblackpantswithnomarkings.Nocargopants,skinnylegpants,excessivelytightpants.Pantsshouldbewornonhipsatalltimes.Undergarmentsshouldneverbevisible.

Skorts(optional):

● Youngladiesmaywearaplain,solid-blackskorts(shortswithaflapoverthefront).Theymustbewornnomorethan1inchabovethebackoftheknee.TSCSreservestherighttodeterminewhetheraclothingitemisofappropriatefit.Skirtsarenotpermitted.

Belt:● Youngmenmustwearblackorbrownbeltswithnoembellishments.Youngladieshavetheoptiontowearablackor

brownbeltembellishmentsifdesired.● Beltsmustbeplainblackorbrown.Nofancyorlargebuckles,markings,extraholes,ordesigns.● Shirtsmustbetuckedinatalltimes;belts/beltloopsmustbevisible.

Jackets/Outerwear:

●Theseitemsarenotpartoftheschooluniform.Studentsmusttakethemoffbeforeenteringclass.Ifastudentiscold,werecommendthepurchaseofaTSCScrewneck,vest,sweater,cardigan,orfleece.

● Jacketsmaynothaveanyinappropriatedesignsorlabels(designsandlogosshouldnotbeassociatedwithanythingsexualorinappropriate).Jacketswithinappropriatedesignsorlogoswillbeconfiscatedandwillbekeptuntilaparentorguardianisabletopickitup.

Jewelry/Accessories:

●Onesimplewatchandonesimplenecklacethatistuckedintotheirshirtispermitted,butnosmartwatches,braceletsorrings.Pleasenote:ifastudentchoosestowearthepermitteditems,he/sheiswearingthemattheirownrisk.InotherwordsTSCSadminwillnotinvestigatelostorstolenitems.Smartwatchesofanykindarenotpermitted,includingbutnotlimitedtoAppleWatch,MichaelKors,Fitbit,andFossil.

●Girlsmaywearsmallearrings.Earjewelrymustbenolargerthanaquarterandcolorscanbemetallic(gold,silver,rose-colored,platinum)oruniformcolors(purple,white,black).Stud-styleearringsshouldnotbelargerthan10millimeters(thesizeofaneraseronapencil)andhoop-styleearringsshouldnotbelargerthanaquarter.

●Boysmaynotwearearringsofanykind.Note:Ifyougetapiercing,youwillnotbeallowedtowearanythinginit(e.g.postsor

straws),ortowearanythingtocoverit(e.g.band-aid),atschool.●Facial/tongue/bodypiercingscannotbewornatschool.●Hairaccessoriesshouldmatchtheuniform(purple,silver,gray,white).●Purseswillneedtobestoreduponenteringthebuilding.Youngladieswillbeallowedtogototheirlockers,ifneeded.

Headwear/Hairstyle:

●Nohats,headscarves,“dorags”,bandanas,skullcaps,etc.Youngladiesmaywearnon-religiousheadwrapsthatareschoolcolorsandthatareprofessionaltiedinstyle.Modestheaddecorationsinschoolcolors(e.g.asmallpurplebow)maybeworn.

● Studentinviolationofthiswillhavetheiritemsconfiscated.Itemswillnotbegivenbackuntilitispicked-upbyaparent/guardian.

●Noletters,words,orimagesmaybecutintohair,eyebrows,orfacialhair.Studentswhoarriveatschoolwithanyhairviolationsmentionedaboveintheirhairwillnotbeallowedtoattendclasses.Theirparentswillbecontactedtopick

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themupandchangethehairstylesothatthedesignisnolongervisible.●Naturalhaircolorsonly;nobrightcolors(nomatterhowsmall).Redand“Soulsvillepurple”haircolorareallowed.

Note:Wereservetherighttodeterminewhetherornotanypartofauniformisappropriate.

UNIFORMVIOLATIONS ● Ifstudentsviolatetheuniformpolicy,theywillreceiveauniformviolationsheetandaretoreporttotheStudent

SupportSpecialist.

● Out-of-uniformitemswillresultinGrammydeductions.Dependingonthemissingitem,thestudentmaybesuppliedtheitem.Someitems,suchasshirts,willneedtobereturnedattheendoftheday.Beltsandsockswillbepurchasedbystudents,andwillnotneedtobereturnedattheendoftheday.

● Socksandbeltsmustbepurchased.Thecostofapairofsocksis$1.00andthecostofauniformbeltis$5.00.TheuniformitempurchaserecordwillbemaintainedintheMainOffice,andtheparentwillberequiredtopayanybalancebeforepickingupeachreportcard.

● Studentswhoarenotadmittedtoclassduetouniformitemsthatcannotberentedorpurchased(forexample,wearingnon-uniformshoestoschoolorwearingGold/Platinumattirewithoutearningprivileges),willloseGrammysforthoseoutofuniformitemsandwillhavetowaitfortheitemtobebroughttoschool.

● Thefirstuniformviolationofanacademicquarterwillresultinaverbalwarning.Secondviolationswillresultinawrittenwarning.ThirdviolationswillresultinanautomaticIn-SchoolSuspension.FourormoreuniformviolationsinanacademicquarterwillresultinautomaticOvernightSuspensions.

SPECIALEVENTSDRESSCODE

AtSchool(professionaldressday,otherhomecomingevents,etc.) ● Whenstudentsareallowedtowearjeans,theyshouldnotbewearingtight,taperedpants.Jeansshouldalsonotbe

tornorrippedexposingskin.

EOYTrips&OtherOff-campusevents

● Dresses,shorts,andpantsshouldnotbeexcessivelytight ● Shortsanddressesshouldbelongerthanmiddlefingerswhenarmsareattheirsides ● Nobackless,seethroughshirtsordressesallowed. ● Nocleavageshowing.

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IX.CELLPHONEPOLICY ● StudentswillnotbeallowedtohavecellphonesonSoulsvilleproperty,unlesstheSchoolDirectorhasapproved

theCellPhonepermissionform,completedbytheparentandstudentduringregistration.

● Studentswhoaregrantedpermissiontobringtheirphonetoschoolwillbegivenanadhesivelabelwhichmustbe

affixedtothephone.Thosestudentsarerequiredtoturnthephoneinatthecollectionpointeachmorning,andto

pickitupeachafternoonatdismissal.Theyarenotpermittedtohavethephoneoutatanytime,unlesstheyhave

beengivenexplicitpermissionfromateacher,inwhichcasetheymuststandwiththatteacheruntiltheyfinish

usingthephone.Failuretoadheretotheseexpectationswillresultinconfiscationofthephoneandrevocationof

thepermissiontobringittoschool.

● Studentswhodonothavedocumentedpermissionfromtheschooltobringtheircellphonesarenotpermittedto

havethemoncampusatall.Phoneswillbeconfiscated.Failuretoadheretotheseexpectationswillcausethese

studentstobeineligibletogetpermission,shouldtheywanttobringtheirphoneinthefuture.

● Atnotimeshouldastudenthaveacellphoneinclass.Ifthishappens,TSCSwillconfiscatethecellphone,andthe

studentwillreceiveanAutomaticDisciplinaryReferral.Thecellphonewillnotbereturnedtothestudentforany

reason,andmayonlybepickedupbytheparent,inaccordancewiththepick-uppolicy,below.

● Allconfiscatedphones,regardlessofthereasonforconfiscation,andregardlessofpermissionstatus,mayonlybe

pickedupbythestudent’sparentonaMonday,nolessthantwenty-fourhoursafterthephonewasconfiscated.

ThismeansphonesconfiscatedonaMondaycannotbepickedupuntilthefollowingMonday.

● Studentswhorefusetohandoveraphone(orotherprohibiteditem)willbesubjecttoadditionaldisciplinary

consequences.

● Ifastaffmemberasksforastudent’sphone,refusaltohandoverthephonewillresultinimmediateonedayhome

suspension.

● Anyvaluables,includingcellphones,arebroughttocampusatyourownrisk.

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X.STUDENTMATERIALSANDRESOURCES TSCSBINDERS Allstudentsarerequiredtohavea3inchwhitethree-ringbinderatschool.Abinder,dividers,ahomeworkfolder,andhomeworkagendaareprovidedduringthefirstweekofschool.Studentsincurafeeof$10fortheseitems.IfatanytimetheTSCSbinderbecomesdamagedorbrokenareplacementcanbepurchasedintheMainOfficefor$5.Studentsareencouragedtokeeptheirbindersorganizedandtocareforthemgently.Teachersperiodicallyleadstudentsthroughbinderclean-outsoverthecourseoftheyearinordertomanagebinderorganization. ArrivingtoschoolwithouttheTSCSbinderwillresultinauniformviolationandGrammydeductions.SeetheUniformViolationsandRentalFeessectionformoredetailsaboutuniformviolations.

COMPUTERSANDELECTRONICDEVICES StudentsmaynotbringelectronicdevicessuchasMP3players,cameras,laptops,tablets,iPods,andcellphones(seecellphonepolicy).Iftheseitemsarefound,theywillbeconfiscatedbyteachersandmustbepickedupbytheparent.

Anyconfiscatedelectronicscanbepickedupbythestudent’sparentonthefollowingMonday,nolessthantwenty-fourhoursaftertheitemwasconfiscated.ThismeansitemsthatwereconfiscatedonaMondaycannotbepickedupuntilthefollowingMonday.

Anyandallelectronicsbroughttocampusareboughtatyourownrisk.

LIBRARYEXPECTATIONS TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolisfortunatetohaveaccesstoavarietyofmediaforstudentresearchandproductivity.Wehavetotakespecialcareofthesefacilities.BeforestudentsvisittheTSCSlibrary,theirteacherwilllayoutspecificexpectationsforhandlinganduseofmaterialsandtechnology.Failuretoadheretotheseexpectationswillresultinlosingtheprivilegetousethefacilities,andmayalsoresultindisciplinaryconsequencesandmonetaryfees,ifnecessary.

OnthenextpageistheLibraryContractthateveryTSCSstudentsignedwhenregisteringfor

the2019-2020schoolyear.

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LOCKERS Eachstudentwillbeassignedalockerfortheschoolyear.Theonlyitemstobestoredinlockerseachdayarejackets/coats,purses(ifneeded),andbackpacks.Nofooditemsaretobestoredinlockers(seeFoodandSnackTimeforlunchboxprocedures).CombinationlocksarenotusedatSoulsville.

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XI.SOCIALNETWORKING(FACEBOOK,SNAPCHAT,ETC.) TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolpridesitselfonprovidingasafelearningenvironmentforitsstudents.Weworkrelentlesslyto

buildacommunityofscholarswhosupporteachother.

AnemergingnationalconcernistheinappropriateuseoftheInternetbystudents.Thisproblemhasthepotentialtobe

harmfultostudentsandtotheschool,andweaskyoursupportinassistinguswiththischallenge.

Acrossthenation,schoolshaveseenanincreaseinnegativestudentbehaviorasaresultofmessageswrittenusing

electronictechnology,postedtopopularsocialnetworkingwebsiteslikeFacebook,Kik,Snapchat,andTwitter.Manysites

containinstantmessagingcomponentsthatallowstudentstochatwithotherstudentsandtopoststatementsthat

ordinarilywouldnotbesaidinaface-to-faceconversation.

ParentsneedtobeawareofwhattheirchildrenarewritingontheInternetandwhatothersarepostinginreply.Although

mostofwhatiswrittenisnotimmoral,offensive,illegal,orbullying,someofitis.Ifyouchoosetodoso,youmay

investigatethissitebypersonallyloggingontothesite.Theservicesarefree,andusersmayregisterandjointhesiteby

usinganemailaddress.Onceyouhaveregistered,youcansearchbynameandemailaddresstoseeifyourchildis

registered.Youwillbeabletoviewthekindsofpersonalinformation,messages,diaries,andphotographsthatstudents

posttothiswebsite,andweencourageyoutodoso.

AsitstatesinTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool’sParent-Studenthandbook,“Cyber-bullyingormakingderogatorycomments

aboutstudentsandstaffthroughsocialmediaisunacceptableandwillnotbetoleratedatTheSoulsvilleCharter

School.”Pleaseknowthatstudentswhoengageinnegativebehavioronsocialmediasitesandbringthoseissuesto

schoolmayputindangertheirpositionatTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool.

Note:Mostsocialnetworkingsiteshaveaminimumageof13forparticipation.Pleasemonitoryourchildtoensure

appropriateuseof,andconductonthesesites.

OnthenextpageisthesocialmediacontractthateveryTSCSstudentsignedwhenregistering

forthe2019-2020schoolyear.

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XII.FOODITEMSBreakfast

● Breakfastisprovidedeachmorningforanystudentwhoarrivesintimetogetit(between7:00amand7:20am).

Studentsarenotpermittedtoeatanyoutsidefoodduringbreakfasttime.

Lunch

● Lunchwillbeprovidedforstudentseachday;studentswhobringtheirlunchesmustkeepthemstoredinaclosed

lunchbox(nogrocery/plasticbags)andstoredappropriatelyinlunchcartsuntillunchtime.Studentswillnotbe

allowedtoheatuptheirlunchesoreatmicrowaveablelunches;therefore,theyshouldnotaskstafftoheatup

lunchesforthem.Studentsmayonlybringindividualportionsandmaynotsharefood.Teachersreservetheright

todeterminetheappropriatenessofany“junk”food.Nofooditemsmaybestoredinlockersduetoissuesof

attractinginsectsandthepotentialformesses.

Candy

● Candyisnotallowedoncampus,withtheexceptionofanindividualportion,storedinastudent’slunch,andeaten

onlyduringlunchtime.Theschoolreservestherighttodeterminewhatasensibleindividualportionis.During

school-approvedfundraisers,studentsmaynotsellcandyatanytimeduringtheschoolday.

Waterbottles

● WaterbottlesareallowedforMiddleSchool.Waterbottlesmustbeclear(notintedbottlesallowed)andarefor

wateronly.Pleasenote,coffeemugsandthermosesareprohibited.

Sellingfood/otheritemsoncampus

● Studentsareprohibitedfromsellinganyitemsatschool.Exceptionsmaybemadeforcertainschool-sponsored

fundraisers,butyouwillreceivenotificationifthisisthecase.Anyfoodorotheritemsthatarebeingsoldor

distributedwillbeconfiscatedandtheissuewillbereportedtoanadministrator.

Foodfromhome

● Studentscanbringtheirownlunch,buttheyshouldonlybringsensibleportionsfortheirownconsumptiononthat

day.FoodfromhomemustbekeptontheMSlunchcartandshouldbeinsideofthestudent’spersonallunchbox

(noplasticorpaperbags).Studentsarenotpermittedtosharefoodduringlunchoratothertimesduringtheday

becauseitviolateshealthcodes.Thisisalsoanissueofhealthyeating.Sensibleportionsareimportanttoachild’s

health,areessentialforhavingagoodafternoon,andtheschoolreservestherighttodeterminewhatis

appropriateandsensible.

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XIII.SOULSVILLEPASSPORT Every4-6weeksstudentswillreceiveaprintedsheetcalledtheSoulsvillePassport.Itwillhaveimportantinformationaboutindividualtutoringschedules,extracurricularactivities,dismissalprocedures,etc.Eachstudentisrequiredtokeepthemostrecentversionofthisdocumentundertheplasticonthefrontofhisorherbinderatalltimes.

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XIV.STUDENTDAILYCHECKLIST

BEFORELEAVINGHOME ➔ MakesureyouwakeupearlyenoughtogettoschoolONTIME!(ThismeansinyourseatinCommunity

Basebeforethelatebellringsat7:40a.m.) ➔ Checkyourclothingtobesureyouareinproperuniformfromheadtotoe. ➔ GETYOURBINDER!Openthebinderandturntoyouragendabook.Checkforeventsortasksthatmustbe

completedthatday. ➔ Placeyourhomeworkinthepocketsofthehomeworkfolder. ➔ Organizeyourbinderandcheckforneatness. ➔ OnMondays,makesurethatyourWeeklyReporthasbeenreviewedandsignedbyyourparent. ➔ Checkbackpacktomakesureitonlyhasitemsthatareallowedatschool. ➔ Makesurelunchisinalunchbox(nogrocery/plasticbagsallowed). ➔ Leaveyourhomewithplentyoftimetogettoschool.

ARRIVALTOSCHOOL(SCHOOLSTARTSAT7:40a.m.) ➔ Beforegettingoutofthecar,checktomakesurethatyouhavenoelectronicdevices.Thesewillbe

confiscated(exceptcellphonesforthosewhohavewrittenpermissionfromtheschool-seeCellPhonePolicy).

➔ Checkyourbackpackagaintomakesureyouonlyhaveacceptableitemsplacedinit. ➔ Beforegoingintothebuilding,checkyouruniformandgetoutyourhomeworkforyourclasses. ➔ BreakfastisservedintheMultipurposeBuildingeachdayfrom7:10am-7:25am. ➔ Allstudentswhoarrivetocampusbefore7:30amwillreporttotheMultipurposeBuilding. ➔ Allstudentsmusthavetheiritemsstoredandbeseatedinclassby7:40am.Ifyourchildisdroppedoffafter

7:35am,heorsheislikelynottomakeittoclassontime. ➔ At7:40CommunityBasebegins!Prepareforawonderfulday! ➔ Studentsshouldnotbedroppedoffbefore7:00am.

DISMISSALPROCEDURES

Notetoparentsandfamilies:Wehavedevelopedthefollowingdismissalprocedurestominimizetrafficcongestionattheendoftheday,andmoreimportantly,tominimizedangeroussituationsourstudentsmightfacewithoutacontrolleddismissal.Weunderstandthatmanyoftheseproceduresarenew,andthattheyrequiremorecoordinationthaninthepast.Weaskforyourpatienceandthankyouforhelpingtomakethiswork.Wewelcomeparentswhoareinterestedinvolunteeringtohelpwithdismissalintheafternoons.

BusRidersandWalkers ● Studentswhoridethebusorwalkhomewillonlybeallowedtodosooncetheirparenthascompletedthe

appropriatepermissionformandithasbeenapprovedbytheSchoolDirector(Seebelow).AftertheformhasbeenapprovedbytheSchoolDirector,thestudent’sdismissalstatuswillbeincludedonhisorherPassport.StudentswhodonothavethispermissiondocumentedontheirPassportwillnotbeallowedtoleavethemainpickupareaatdismissal.Parentscancompletetherequestforpermissionduringregistration.YoucanalsoobtainacopyofthisfromtheMainOffice.

● Busridersandwalkerswilldismissat3:00p.m.(2:15p.m.onFridays).

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CarRiderswithHighSchoolSiblings ● Middleschoolstudentswithhighschoolsiblingswilldismisslikeothercarridersinthemiddleschool.Rides

shouldcomethroughthemiddleschoollinewithadismissalnumbervisible.OncethenumberhasbeenrelayedtotheMainBuildingthestudentwillbedismissed.Highschoolsiblingswillalreadybepresentoutsidetolookfortheirrideinthemiddleschooldismissalline.

CarRiderswhoDONOThave

● MiddleSchoolstudentswhodonotattendanindividualteacher’stutoringsessionwilldismissasearlyas3:00p.m.(M-Th)and2:15p.m.onFridays.

● MiddleSchoolStudentswillnotdismissuntiltheirridehaschecked-inattheappropriatelocationintheparkinglot.Whenschoolendsat3:00,theyremainintheirclassroomuntiltheyarecalled.

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● Duringregistration,familieswillreceivethreecopiesofalaminateddashboardplacard.Thisplacardmustbeclearlydisplayedinthepassenger-sidedashboardofthevehiclepickingthestudentup.Forsafetyandprivacy,weusenumbersinsteadofstudentnames.

● Eachvehicledrivespastthedesignatedcheck-in,whereschoolpersonnellookforthenumberdisplayedinthedashboardandrelayittoteachersinthebuilding.

● Afterpassingthedesignatedcheck-in,thevehiclepullsuptothenextopenspotintheparkinglot. ● Oncethenumberhasbeenrelayed,yourchildiscalledtoexitthebuilding. ● Ifastudent’sridearriveswithouttheschool-issuedplacard,thepersonpickingthatstudentupwillbe

requiredtocheckthestudentoutfromtheoffice.

CarRiderswhoareattendingindividualteacherstutoringsessions● MiddleSchoolstudentswhoareattendingindividualteacher’stutoringsessionswilldismissat3:45p.m.

(M-Th).TherearenoscheduledtutoringsessionsonFriday.● Thesestudentswilldismissdirectlyfromindividualteacher’stutoringsessiontothefrontofthebuilding,

wheretheywillwaitfortheirrides.

Studentsparticipatinginextracurricularactivities ● MiddleSchoolstudentswhoparticipateextracurricularactivitiesremainintheirclassroomuntil3:15p.m.,

atwhichtimetheymustreportdirectlytotheircoachorsupervisor.

● Thesestudentsdismissatthediscretionoftheadultwhoiscoachingorsupervisingtheactivity.Studentswhoarewaitingtobepickedupfollowinganextracurricularactivityareheldtothesamebehavioralexpectationsasusual.

● Followinganextracurricularactivity,studentsmustbepickedupinatimelymanner(within15minutesof

theendtimecommunicatedbythecoachorsupervisor)andintheparkinglotinfrontoftheMainBuilding.

● Studentswhofailtomeetbehavioralexpectations,orwhorepeatedlyremainafterthefifteenminutewindowfortimelypick-up,maynotbeallowedtocontinuetheactivity.

OtherDismissalExpectations

● NostudentsshouldbedroppedofforpickeduponMcLemoreAve.oronCollegeSt. ▪ Ifstudentsarecaughtinviolationofthisexpectationsdisciplinaryconsequencewillbeissued.

● Onceastudentleavescampus,heorshewillnotbeallowedtoreturn. ● Nostudentwillbeallowedtoleavethemainpick-upareawithoutwrittenpermissionfromtheSchool

Director. ● Studentswhohaveabus-riderpasswillbeexpectedtowalktoandwaitatthebusstopimmediatelyupon

dismissal. ● Studentswhohaveawalkingpasswillbeexpectedtowalktothedesignatedlocationimmediatelyupon

dismissal. ● Note:Allparents/guardiansareresponsibleforarrangingaridetoandfromschoolandforcommunicating

thistotheirchildrenbeforetheschooldaybegins.Asstatedpreviously,Monday-Thursdayallstudentsdismissingat3:00p.m.areexpectedtobepickednolaterthan3:30p.m.Allstudentsdismissingat3:45p.m.duetoattendingindividualteacher’stutoringsessionshouldbepickedupnolaterthan4:15p.m.OnFridays,studentsdismissingat2:15p.m.shouldbepickedupnolaterthan2:45p.m.StudentswhoareassignedtoThursdaydetention(whichendsat3:00p.m.)mustbepickedupnolaterthan3:15p.m.StudentswhoarenotpickedupontimewillgotoAfterCare.[seeAfterCareProgram]

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AFTERCAREPROGRAM Inordertomakesurethatstudentsaresafeeveniftheirparent/guardiancannotpickthemupuntilafter3:30p.m.,TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolhasanAfterCareprogram.Theprogramrunsfrom3:30p.m.-6:00p.m.(Monday-Thursday)andfrom2:45p.m.-4:30p.m.onFridays.Eventhoughnotenrolledinaftercare,childrenwhoseparents/guardianshavenotpickedthemupby3:30p.m.forfirstdismissal,4:15p.m.forseconddismissal(Monday–Thursday)andby2:45p.m.(Fridays)willautomaticallybesignedintoAfterCareandchargedanAfterCarefee.Studentswillnotbeallowedtoremainoncampuswithoutdirectstaffsupervision.

● Studentsshouldbepickedupattheirdismissaltime.TheabsolutelatesttimeastudentcanbepickedupwithoutincurringanAfterCarefee,iswithinthirtyminutesof3:00/2:15dismissal,andwithinfifteenminutesof4:00dismissal.

● Studentswhoarenotpickedupfromextracurricularactivitieswithinfifteenminutesoftheofficialend,maynotbeallowedtocontinuetoparticipate.Theteacherwhosponsorstheextracurricularactivityreservestherighttodisqualifystudentswhoarenotpickedupontime.

● Studentswillhavehomeworktime,asnack,andinteractivetime.

● SchoolrulesandtheCommitmenttoExcellenceAgreementwillstillapply.

● StudentswhofailtomeetexpectationswillbeatriskofbeingdisenrolledfromTheSoulsvilleCharterSchool’sAfterCareProgram.

● Theprogramwillcost$25perweek–OR—$5perday(forthosewhoneeditsomedaysandnotothers),andpaymentforthefollowingweek(orcertaindayswithinthefollowingweek)willbeduebyWednesdayoftheweekbeforetotheschoolofficeandwillbenonrefundable.

Example1:Aparentwhowanted5daysofAfterCarethefollowingweekwouldpay$25byWednesdayoftheweekbefore.Example2:Aparentwhowanted3daysofAfterCarewouldpay$15byWednesdayoftheweekbefore.

*StudentsbroughttoAftercareduetocancelledtutoringorathleticpracticeswillnotbecharged.

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XV.INCLEMENTWEATHERPOLICY DuringtheSchoolWeek: The Soulsville Charter School will be closed (Monday-Friday) when Shelby County Schools closes. We will not make aseparate announcement for The Soulsville Charter School forMonday-Friday. Announcements regarding Shelby CountySchools’closingscanbefoundonallofthemajortelevisionnetworks.Parents,pleasebesuretoviewtheannouncementsclosely.IfShelbyCountySchoolsareinsession,thenwewillbeinsession. If there isaneed forearlydismissal,anannouncementwillbemadeonallmajor televisionnetworks,TeacherEase,andParentLink.Studentswillalsobeallowedtomakeparent/guardianphonecallstoinformyouofthedismissaltime.

(Pleasenote:Sometelevisionstationspostannouncementsmorequicklythanothers.Pleasewatchallofthemajorstations.Wearenotabletocontrolhowquicklyatelevisionstationpostsanannouncement.)

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XVI.PARENT’SCORNER

SETTINGUPPARENT-TEACHERANDPARENT-ADMINISTRATORMEETINGS

● Wewelcomerespectfulcommunicationandmeetings. ● Pleasenotethatparentsandguardiansshouldnotexpectameetingrightawayiftheychoosetoarrivetocampus

withoutascheduledmeeting. ● Teacherswillneverbepulledoutofclasstoholdparentmeetings. ● Administratorsplantheirdaystightlyinordertoservetheschoolwell,sotheymayormaynotbeavailabletomeet

uponimmediaterequest. ● Pleasesendanemailtotheteacherortheadministratoryouwouldliketomeetwithandameetingwillbeableto

bescheduledwithinafewdays.Or,youmaydecidethataphoneconversationisabetterstep. ● Youmayalsocalltheofficetorequestameetingwithateacheroradministratorandtheofficestaffwillsendan

emailtotheteacherand/oradministratorrequestingameeting.

BRINGINGSTUDENTSLUNCH

Ifaparentorfamilymemberbringslunchforastudent,lunchmustarrivebeforethatstudent’slunchperiodbegins.Iflunchisbroughtafterastudent’slunchperiodbeginsthelunchwillnotbedeliveredtothestudent.

FAMILYENGAGEMENTPLAN 2019-2020SchoolYear

ThefollowingfamilyengagementplanhasbeenjointlydevelopedandagreeduponbytheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolparents,students,andschoolstaff:

ParentInvolvementPlan:

AttheSoulsvilleCharterSchool,webelievethatparentalsupportisvitalfortheacademicandsocialgrowthofourstudents,andwewantparentstobeinvolvedinanorganized,ongoing,andtimelyway.Therefore,wewillmakeallappropriateeffortstoincludeparentsinthelifeoftheschoolandwillencourageparentstosupportoureffortsathome.

InvolvementStrategies:

1.Justbeforeenrollment,allstudentsarerequiredtoattendamandatoryindividualmeeting.Thismeetingwillincludetheparent,student,principal,andpossiblyafacultymember.

2.SignedHome/SchoolCompactagreement.

3.Parentalsupportwithhomework.

4.Multipleparentmeetingsareplannedfortheyear.Anyparentinformationalmeetingswillbeheldatregularandflexiblemeetingtimes.Parentsmayalsorequestmeetingsasneeded.

5.ParentswillbeinvitedtoanannualTitle1meetingtoprovidethemwithinformationconcerningtheirrightstobeinvolvedintheschool,Title1requirements,andtheSoulsvilleCharterSchool’sparticipationinTitle1.

6.ParentswillbeinvolvedinthedevelopmentoftheHome-SchoolCompact.

7.Appropriatedocumentsandinformationwillbedistributedtoparentsinatimelymanner(i.e.viamonthlynewsletters,weeklyprogressreports,andquarterlyconferences).

8.Parentswillbeprovidedinformationregardingcurriculum,academicassessments,andthestudentproficiencygoals.Parentswillbeprovidedwithweeklyupdatesonstudentprogressasmonitoredbyclassroomteachers.

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9.Parentswillbeaskedtoassistduringotherschoolrelatedeventsandactivities.

10.Specialaccommodationstoassistwithreasonableparentinvolvementwillbeprovidedasrequestedbytheparent.

KEEPINGUPWITHYOURSTUDENT’SGRADES TeacherEase Thisweb-basedprogramallowsparentstoaccessinformationfortheirchildregardingtheiracademicperformanceforeachsubject.Teacherswillbeabletoupdateassignments,quizgrades,andtestgrades. Regularlyaccessingthisinformationwillallowparentstomonitorstudents’progressthroughouttheschoolyear.Parentscanalsocommunicatewithteachersonaregularbasisbyusingthewebsite’semailingsystem. Parentscangainaccesstogetthisinformationbyusingthefollowingsteps:

● Step1:Theofficewillgiveyouaninformationsheet. ● Step2:Fillouttheinformationsheetbyprovidingyourstudent’snameandemailaddress,andparent’snameand

emailaddress ● Step3:Returnthisformtotheoffice. ● Step4:Theofficewillthenemailyoualoginnameandapassword.Youmaygetstartedimmediatelyafter

receivingthis.

TIPSFORHOWTOSUPPORTYOURCHILD’SEDUCATION ● TeacherEase

o Maintainregularcontactwithyourstudent’steachersthroughTeacherEase.Emailthemthroughthesystem.SetupanaccountonTeacherEaseassoonaspossibleandlookforteacherupdates,assignmentlists,andpostings.

● WeeklyReport

o ReviewandSIGNyourstudent’sweeklyreports.ItwillbegivenouteveryMonday!ItmustbesignedandreturnedTuesdayduringCommunityBase.

o Discussthisreportwithyourstudent.Praisestudentsforperformingwellbehaviorallyandacademically.Identifyareasforgrowthanddiscusswaystheycanimprove.

● OpenDoorPolicy

o TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolhasanopendoorpolicy.Thismeansthatparentsareallowedtosilentlyobservetheirchildinclass.Inordertocheck-inorcometoobserveaclass,YOUMUSTSIGN-INandfollowthesecurityprocedures,whichareoutlinedatthesecuritydesk.Afterwhich,youmaycheck-intothemainoffice.Theofficewillcontacttheclassroomtoletthemknowavisitorisontheway.

o Whensigningin,pleasewriteyourname,date,time-in,time-out,andreasonforvisit.Beforegoingtoclass,youmustwearobservationidentificationprovidedbytheschooloffice.Ifanyoftheinformationyourecordandprovideatthefrontdeskisfalse,securitywillbealertedtoescortyouout,areportwillbefiled,andyourstudentwillbeatriskofbeingdisenrolledatTSCS.Thesafetyofourstudentsisatoppriority.

o Whenenteringtheclassroom,pleasebeasdiscreetaspossible.Wedoourbesttoavoiddisruptinglearningforstudents.Thereisusuallyspaceintherearoftheclassroomforyoutositorstand.Pleasedonotcommunicatewiththeteacheroranystudents,butsilentlyobserveandtakenotesasneeded.

o Parentsshouldalwayscommunicatetheirconcernsandthoughtswiththeirchild’steachersandschooldirectorinarespectful,appropriate,andprofessionalmanner.

● TeacherSuggestions

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● Reviewtheteachersyllabusforeachsubject. ● Askindividualteachersfortipsonhowtosupportyourchildinaparticularsubjectarea. ● Usewebsitessuggestedbyteacherstoreinforcelearningforyourstudents. ● UsetheTeacherEaseemailsystemandtheKickboardParentPortaltokeepincontactwithteachers

regardingyourchild’sprogress. ● Parentsshouldnotcallteachersoradministratorsbefore7:00amorafter8:00pm.

● UseaMorning,Afternoon,andEveningChecklist(seeDailyChecklist)

CONVERSATIONSTARTERS ● Tellme5thingsthatyoulearnedineachclass… ● Whatwasyourbiggestaccomplishmenttoday?Whatwasyourbiggeststruggle? ● Whatareyourgoalsfortheweek? ● Whichprojectsormajorassignmentsarecomingup?Tellmeaboutthem. ● Let’sstudyfortheupcomingquiz.I’llaskyousomequestions(usethisquestiontoreviewforthingslike

multiplication/addition/subtractionquizzes,spellingquizzes,capitalsofstatesandcountriesquizzes,etc). ● Whoisyourfavoriteteacher? ● Whoisyourleastfavoriteteacher?Why?Whatdoyouthinkyoucandotoimprovethatrelationship? ● Whatarethenamesofyourclosestfriendsatschool?Whatclassesdoyoutaketogether? ● Whichsubjectdoyouperformbestin? ● HowcanIhelpyouwithyourhomeworktonight? ● Whatwasyourdaylike?

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XVII.FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONSANDANSWERS 1.Whatkindsofextracurricularactivitiesareavailable?Howdoesmystudentjoin?

● TSCShasbasketball(MSandHS),track(MSandHS),volleyball(MSandHS),Cheerleading(MSandHS),Rugby(MSandHS),ROXclimbingteam(MSandHS),Tap(MS),Football(HS)andgolf(HS).Eachyear,thereisthepossibilityofaddingnewsportsandactivities.Ifastudentisinterestedinanintramuralsport,theyshouldaskateachertosponsorit.Therearealsoseveralclubsatourschool.Ifastudentwouldliketostartanotherclubthatisnotoffered,theyshouldfindasponsor,andsubmitawrittenproposaltotheSchoolDirector.Adecisionwillbemadefollowingthesubmission.

2.CanItakemychildoutofacertainteacher’sclass?

● Weareasmallschoolandtraditionallyhaveonegradelevelteacherpersubject.Ifthereisaconcernforyourstudent’sacademicgrowthinaclass,pleasesetupaparent-teacherconferenceoraconferencewithanadministrator.Together,youcanformaplanforhowtohelpyourchildcontinuetogrowandhavesuccessinhis/herteachers’classes.

3.DoHighSchoolandMiddleSchooltakeclassestogether?

● No,HighSchoolandMiddleSchoolwillsharebuildingspace,buttheywillnothavescheduledclassestogether.

4.Willtextbooksbesupplied,orwilltheyhaveatake-homebook?

● Allrequiredclassroomtextbookswillbesupplied,butnotallbookswillbeusedathome.Theywillnotneedtobringtextbookstoschooleveryday.

5.Canmychildbeputintotheirrightgradeiftheycomehere?

● TSCSbelievesinsupportingtheeducationalneedsofallchildren.Studentswillbeassignedtogradelevelsbasedontheskillsettheyhavemasteredfrompreviousgrades.Wealsoadheretoalllegalandstatemandatedproceduresfortheplacementofstudents.

● Wedonotguaranteeanyonetherighttobe“pushedup”tothegradethattheydesiretobeinwithoutfollowingseveralstepsandregulations.TheSoulsvilleCharterSchoolreservestherighttomakethefinaldecision.

6.DoesTSCShavebusing?

● No,wedonothaveaschoolbussystemthatbringsstudentstoourschool.Parentsareresponsibleforgettingtheirchildtoschoolontimeeveryday.Parentswillchoosethemodeoftransportationfordoingthis.

7.Whatisacharterschool?

● Acharterschoolisapublicschoolthathasaspecialcontractthatdetailshowthatschoolwilloperate(i.e.,itsmission,goals,academicobjectives,andexpectationsofhighperformance).

● Charterschoolsaredifferentfromtraditionalpublicschoolsbecausetheyhaveahigherlevelofindependenceasitpertainstodesigningrulesandsettingacademicgoals.Thereisalsoahigherlevelofaccountabilityforproducingresultsinstudentgrowth.

8.Doallstudentshavetoplayaninstrument?

● AtTSCS,allHSstudentsmustfulfillafineartscreditthatwillinvolveatleastoneyearofhighschoolorchestra,band,orchoir.AllMSstudentstakeamusicelectivedaily.Previousmusicaltrainingisnotrequired,butisvalued.

9.DoIhavetobuyorrentamusicalinstrument?

● No,theschoolprovidesstudentswithamusicalinstrumenttoplayandpracticeonduringclass.StudentswillonlybeallowedtotakeinstrumentshomeiftheyhavepermissionfromtheOrchestraDirector.

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XVIII.TSCSSTAFFDIRECTORY

First Last Role or Subject Area Email

NIna Hefner 6thEnglish/LanguageArts [email protected]

Sanam Cotton 6thEnglish/LanguageArts [email protected]

Elizabeth Olvey 6thgradeMath [email protected]

Taylor White 6thgradeMath [email protected]

Alyssa Gurreri 6thgradeScienceandTeamLeader [email protected]

Anna Handley 6thgradeSocialStudies [email protected]

Ashleigh Tate 7thEnglish/LanguageArts [email protected]

Jarmeisha Gladney 7thEnglish/LanguageArtsteamleader [email protected]

Lynell Gladney 7thgradeMath [email protected]

April Wilson 7thgradeScience [email protected]

Lauren McCleary 7thgradeSocialStudies [email protected]

Becca Faber 8thEnglish/LanguageArts [email protected]

Tenille Franklin 8thEnglish/LanguageArts [email protected]

Tatiyanna Webb 8thgradeMathandTeamLeader [email protected]

Nura Muhammad 8thgradeScience [email protected]

Lawrence Overton 8thGradeSocialStudies [email protected]

Shaman McGowen MSandHSBand [email protected]

Demetrius Robinson MSandHSChoir [email protected]

Heather Trussell MSandHSOrchestra [email protected]

Kalli Harrell MSDeanofCurriculumandInstruction [email protected]

Nadia Barnard MSDeanofStudents [email protected]

Parker George MSDeanofStudentsandAthleticDirector [email protected]

Thomas Upchurch MSDirector [email protected]

Christy Askew SpecialEducation [email protected]

Whitney Solorzano SpecialEducation [email protected]

TSCSWholeSchoolLeadershipTeam

NeShante Brown Executive Director [email protected]

LaMonn Daniels Director of Operations [email protected]

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XIV.REASONFORABSENCEFORMS

(copiesarealsoavailableintheMainOffice)

ReasonforAbsence

ThismustbecompletedbytheparentandsubmittedtotheSchoolDirector,whowilldeterminewhethertheabsenceisexcusedornot.

StudentName: _________________________________________________________________________

Grade: _________________________________________________________________________

Date(s)absent: _________________________________________________________________________

Reasonforabsence: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________ _________________ ______________________

ParentSignature Date Phone

(Pleasestapleanyrelateddocumentationtothissheet)

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(copiesarealsoavailableintheMainOffice)

ReasonforAbsence

ThismustbecompletedbytheparentandsubmittedtotheSchoolDirector,whowilldeterminewhethertheabsenceisexcusedornot.

StudentName: _________________________________________________________________________

Grade: _________________________________________________________________________

Date(s)absent: _________________________________________________________________________

Reasonforabsence: _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________ _________________ ______________________

ParentSignature Date Phone

(Pleasestapleanyrelateddocumentationtothissheet)

The Soulsville Charter School

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