Lifelong Learning Academy

Parent/Student Policies and Procedures

2008-2009 School Year


Welcome

The Lifelong Learning Academy governing body, faculty, and staff welcome you
and your child to our school. We believe your child deserves the best
education possible. We are committed to instruction and programs designed
to meet this goal. We also believe the family plays a major role in the
child’s learning. We hope to include you as a partner in your child’s
school experiences and academic progress.

Mission Statement

* To acknowledge each student as a lifelong learner.
* To establish community involvement with after school programs.
* To foster healthy mental, emotional, social, and physical growth
during your child’s pursuit for mastery of Arizona essential skills.
* To support the student and family in the quest for lifelong
Learning habits.
* To capitalize on each child’s natural curiosity for learning basic
skills that augment the Arizona State Standards in Language Arts,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, Physical Education/Health,
Technology, Native and Foreign Language, and Workplace Skills in a safely
structured learning environment.

Public Notice
All staff members are required to hold a State of Arizona Department of
Public Safety Class One fingerprint clearance card. These cards are on file
& available at your request. Please see front office personnel to view the
staff clearance binder.

All employees who provide student instruction have resumes on file for
public viewing. Please see front office personnel if you are interested in
viewing these items.

Attendance
1. Regular attendance, punctuality, and success in school are closely
related. Patterns for good attendance are usually established early in the
school year. It is necessary for a parent/guardian to notify the school
whenever his/her child is absent Please call 219-4383 extension #1.
2. Arriving at school within the required time is important. A child
cannot begin acquiring the habit of punctuality too early. We ask for
parent/guardian cooperation in seeing that his/her child is not tardy to
school.
3. If a student is transferring from Lifelong Learning Academy, the
school should be notified a day or two in advance of school transfer so that
transfer or withdrawal papers can be prepared without interrupting teachers
in class.
4. Parents who wish to have students released from school prior to the
end of the academic day must provide to the classroom teacher with a note.
For emergencies, notify the office.

Child Custody

In the cases of divorce or separation, each parent should understand that
either parent has full access to the child enrolled in our school. If there
has been legal action that restricts one of the parents from access to the
child, a copy of such legal action must be on file with the principal. Such
document must be filed, stamped and signed by a judge. The custodial parent
is requested to present this document during a personal conference with the
principal.

Computer Usage
Our technology goals state specifically what we hope every student will
learn about computers by the time they have completed the fourth grade. In
order for these goals to be met, our students will have access to computers
daily.

All students will be instructed on appropriate use of the computers and
other software available. Computers and software are instructional tools
that will help our students to achieve and excel when they are used as
intended. As with all equipment and materials at our school, our students
will be expected to respect the computers and to use them in the manner for
which they are instructed. If students are to become comfortable with the
possibilities computers provide, they must have hands-on experiences with
computers. It is a goal of our instructional staff to provide our students
with those experiences as they relate to building academic skills.

Discipline Policy
The school will make available to all parents and guardians copies of
classroom rules, rewards, and consequences.

Emotional and Physical Health of Your Child
Please visit with your child’s teacher or the principal at Lifelong Learning
Academy if you have a concern about your child’s emotional or physical
health. The school may offer services that could be helpful for you and
your child. If you need services we cannot provide, we may be able to help
you find services in the community.

Field Trips
Field trips by classes may be taken throughout the year at the discretion of
each teacher. Parents may be asked to drive on field trips and each driver
must sign a form verifying adequate insurance coverage. Written parental
consent will be requested before students are released for field trips.

Health Services
Immediate first aide is provided in the event of injury at school. Parents
are contacted to assume responsibility in case of serious injury or illness.

Homework Policy
The practice of giving homework assignments is strongly supported and
encouraged by the Lifelong Learning Academy. In order for the practice to
be educationally sound, each individual classroom teacher has the
responsibility to determine the amount of homework assigned, taking into
consideration the individual differences among students. Homework
assignments should be meaningful and clear as to purpose. Everyday
Mathematics Home Links include an answer key for parent use as well as a
glossary of terms.

Immunization Certificate
Parents need to keep their children’s annual checkup and immunizations
current. State regulations require that we maintain a current record of
your child’s immunization record in our files. Xerox copies of these
immunizations are made and placed in your child’s file. Proof of
immunizations are required before a child can be enrolled.

Internet Use
Lifelong Learning Academy has provided their students with internet access.
The Internet is a constantly changing electronic world. We have the
privilege of using our computers to explore and learn using teacher
supervised Internet-based instruction. Exploring this new world gives all
of us the opportunity to learn more and learn with other people. Everyone
in our school community benefits from the privilege of using the Internet.

Instructional staff and the principal are responsible for keeping students
safe in the physical world and in the electronic world. Different classes
explore different places, just as different classes read different books.
Because we have the responsibility to keep students safe, instructional
staff and administrators can examine all computers and disks, just as they
can examine the inside of a desk and any student storage areas. No computer
storage should be considered private.

We meet lots of people on the Internet that we will never meet in real
life. We can communicate with them without giving them personal
information. Personal information also includes the school’s address or
phone number. It is not polite for us to ask someone on the Internet for
his or her name, address or phone number.

We have expectations in the Lifelong Learning Academy about language,
pictures and other things that are appropriate for our school. The same
expectations apply to the Internet.

Sometimes we might find something on the Internet we know is not
appropriate. We just don’t explore there. If we aren’t sure, we ask the
instructional staff.

Everyone in the Lifelong Learning Academy has the privilege of exploring and
learning on the Internet. We expect all students to follow our rules of
exploration so we can use the Internet to learn and to help others learn.

Kindergarten Orientation
Parents of prospective kindergartners are invited to an orientation. At
that time, the parents receive information and forms necessary for enrolling
a child in kindergarten. The Lifelong Learning Academy requires that a
child be five years on or before August 31st to be eligible for
kindergarten;

Some exceptions can be made. Parents are required to present a certified
birth certificate, health assessment and immunization records prior to the
first day of attendance. Student dental exams are recommended prior to
school entrance.

Loading and Unloading Students from Vehicles
Students riding to and from school are to be loaded and unloaded at the
front or west side of Lifelong Learning Academy. At no time should
students cross the street to or from cars!

Lost and Found
A lost and found is maintained in this school. Students who find articles
should turn them in at the office. Students and parents are asked to check
the lost and found for missing articles. Unclaimed items will be dispersed
after a reasonable length of time.

Lunch Procedures
Students will be under school supervision during the lunch period unless we
are notified otherwise by the parents or lawful guardians. Students may
bring a lunch or purchase a hot lunch. Milk may also be purchased.

Any student may eat hot school lunch. Children pay for each meal received.
Checks should be made out to Lifelong Learning Academy. Students may charge
only two meals. If a student has more than two meals charged, he/she will
be required to bring a sack lunch until the balance has been paid.

Parents or other adults may eat with their child at school anytime, for a
$3.00 charge for hot lunch or bring your own sack lunch, but the office must
be notified by 9:00 a.m. the day of the visit so an accurate number of
lunches can be prepared.

Your child’s lunch period will depend on his/her grade level assignment.
Parents will receive specific information concerning lunch times after class
assignments have been finalized.

Medication Procedures
The student’s parent or lawful guardian must complete a request and
permission form before any medicine will be administered to the student.
Medications needed for chronic conditions require the physician’s
signature. All medicines must be in a container clearly marked as to the
medication within that container. Prescription medicines must be in
original
container marked with the amount of a single dosage, name of physician, and
date. Non prescription medications will not be administered by LLA.

Money Sent to School
There are occasions when it is necessary for students to bring money to
school. Please send the money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name,
teacher’s name, purpose for the money, and amount of money written on the
front of the envelope.

Newsletters
A school newsletter will be published weekly. Please log onto
www.teacherweb.com and follow the on screen directions to School Information
Page. Click onto the Handbook icon. It is our intent to keep you informed
and involved with what goes on at Lifelong Learning Academy. Notes will be
coming home with important information besides what is published in the
newsletters. Please check you child’s book bag on a regular basis to avoid
missing out on any of the exciting things happening at our school.

Parent Teacher Stewardship Connection (PTSC)
The PTSC is dedicated to the primary mission of supporting activities, which
benefit students through the joint efforts of parents and school staff. If
you have a child at Lifelong Academy, you are automatically a member of the
PTSC. All parents are encouraged to attend PTSC meetings and share
opinions. You will be receiving information from the PTSC at various times
concerning events and activities that are to take place. Your involvement
is welcome and encouraged.

Parking
The parking lot is located in the front and on the west side of the
building. Please do not use the handicap parking places unless you have the
proper parking permits. The access to our parking lot, from Orange Grove
Road was designed by the county to discourage left turns from Orange Grove
as well as left turns onto Orange Grove. Those traveling west on Orange
Grove should turn left into the Circle K parking lot and use the cross
access. Those wishing to turn left onto Orange Grove may use the cross
access between the Circle k and Lifelong Learning Academy in order to gain
access to Camino de La Tierra for traffic light use.

Parent-Teacher Conference
Parent-teacher conferences are held as needed. Any parent wishing to have a
conference with the principal or a teacher should call the school office so
that the conference may be scheduled. The school office phone # is 219-4383
extension 100.

Personal Items Need to Stay Home
Students should not bring any radios, tape/CD players, games, pagers, cell
phones or toys to school. The school cannot be responsible for any lost or
stolen items. We cannot assure that jewelry will not be lost or broken.
Please discourage your child from wearing jewelry to school. To assure
the safety of you valued items, leave them at home.

Recess
At the Lifelong Learning Academy, we believe that fresh air and exercise are
good for the body and the mind. If for medical reasons, your child is
restricted from this play, a note should be sent. If the restricted period
is for more than one or two days, a note should be sent from the physician.

Reporting Pupil Progress
All students are issued report cards at the end of each nine-week grading
period. The report cards are sent home with the students. The fourth
quarter report cards will be sent home with the student on the final day
that school is in session. Teachers are asked to inform parents of students
who are performing less than satisfactorily (academically or socially) at
any time deemed necessary. Any student experiencing academic or social
difficulty that cannot be resolved in the classroom may be referred for
placement on a student improvement plan.

Room Assignment Responsibilities
The governing body and principal are responsible for assigning teachers to
specific grade levels and subsequently assigning students to a particular
teacher.

Room Visitation / Visitors
Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit their child’s classroom. Please
contact the school to make arrangements for visits. Parents and patrons are
welcome and encouraged to visit the school and their child’s classroom.
However, visitors are required to check in at the office upon arrival.

School Concerns
All school concerns should be dealt with at the level at which they occur.
If the concerns are not resolved at the teacher level, contact the
principal. If the concerns are not resolved at the principal level, contact
the governing body. ( A concern cannot go to the principal without first
being addressed by the teacher. Also, a concern cannot go to the governing
body without first being addressed by the principal).

School Dress
While this school does not have a formal dress code, we do have expectations
for appropriate school attire and cleanliness. Your child must wear clothes
that are easy to move in and must wear closed toe shoes with socks. Girls
may wear dresses to school; however, we encourage shorts or pants. No T-
shirts with questionable vocabulary will be allowed. No T-shirts depicting
drugs and/or violence will be allowed. All items brought to the center must
easily fit into the provided storage space or in a backpack. Jewelry worn by
students may present a choking hazard and we reserve the right to return all
such items to the family at the end of the school day. No perfume or cologne.

School Office Hours
School office hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.. Should you have questions or
concerns that need the attention of the principal or secretary, please call
during this time.

Special Education: IEP - Students with learning disabilities are identified through the child
find process. Students who are identified through child find will be evaluated according to the
guidelines provided by ADE.
The IEP Team includes the counselor, social worker, psychologist, school
nurse, speech pathologist, special education teacher, classroom teachers,
principal and other professional support staff. This team addresses school
wide issues that pertain to a student’s learning environment and manages
individual student IEPs.

School Outcomes
1. Elementary learners will develop and use essential skills as the
basis for lifelong learning.
2. Elementary learners will effectively communicate by speaking,
writing, listening, viewing and reading with diverse groups of people in an
appropriate manner.
3. Elementary learners will apply critical thinking skills to solve
problems using appropriate technology.
4. Elementary learners will function effectively as individuals and as
members of diverse groups.
5. Elementary learners will respect themselves and others.

School Hours
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Drop Off
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. School in session
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Snack
3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Club participation
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 4-H afer school

School Parties
Parties will be at the discretion of the principal. Birthdays are special
and we enjoy celebrating them with your child. All snacks/treats that are
brought into the school must be individually wrapped and purchased from a
store licensed by the Department of Health Services. Sorry, no home made
treats allowed.

Personal party invitations may be sent out from the school only if the
entire class is invited. Feelings may be hurt if a child is not invited to
the social gathering.

School Picture Information
Individual student pictures are taken during the first semester. Classroom
pictures are available. Appropriate information will be sent home with
students prior to picture day.

School Site Council
Every elementary school has established a school site advisory council. The
purpose of the school site advisory council is to participate in the school
improvement process by:

1. Providing advice and counsel to the school administrator in
evaluating state and school site performance goals and objectives.
2. Providing advice and counsel to the school administration in
determining the methods that should be employed at the school site to meet
these goals and objectives.

School site advisory councils are organized and function as determined by
each school administrator. Each school site council is formed in addition to
the PO. Parents who are interested in serving on the school site advisory
council are encouraged to call the administrator in the building.

Sexual Harassment
Students have the legal right to be protected from unwanted sexual comments
or actions. Therefore, sexual harassment will not be accepted or tolerated
in this school. Any employee or student who engages in sexual harassment of
any student will be subject to disciplinary measures.

Student Leaving School During School Hours
We would discourage you from taking your child out of school for any reason,
since every part of our school day is important. However, if it is necessary
for your child to leave during school hours for health-related appointments
or urgent personal reasons, please inform the teacher or office in advance.
All parents wishing to take their child out of school during the school day
will be required to come to the office to sign the child out. This is for
the safety of our students.

Student Records
Records and folders are maintained on each student enrolled at this school
and are kept in a secure location. Parents wishing to view their child’s
records may do so according to the policies set by the governing body.

Telephone and Address Change
Please notify the office when a phone number, home address, place of
employment, doctor, etc., has changed. The school must have complete and
current information about ach student. It is also important that we have the
name and phone number of someone who can take responsibility for your child
in case you cannot be reached.

Truancy
Parents must call the school before 8:30 a.m. if their child is going to be
absent from school. The school telephone number is 219-4383 ext 1. If a
family has no telephone, an effort should be made to call from work or send
a note with a brother, sister, or another student in the neighborhood. If
this is not possible, send a note with your child the day he/she returns to
school.

Use of Telephone
The telephone at school is available for school business and emergency use.
Students should make arrangements before leaving home for outside school
activities, permission to go home with other students, etc.

Telephone Messages
Every effort will be made to ensure phone messages are given to students
between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If a message is an emergency, students can
be called from their rooms.

Volunteer Programs
Parent participation is a vital part of our school program. Each time a
parent volunteer assumes a task, the academic world of our students is
enlarged because someone exhibited interest in what is happening to the
school. No special skills are necessary. If you have a desire to be
involved, you can BE A VOLUNTEER. Contact your child’s teacher of the school
office if you would like to be a part of the exciting things happening at
school this year.

Weapons Policy
A STUDENT MAY BE EXPELLED FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR THAT INCLUDES USE OR DISPLAY
OF A DANGEROUS INSTRUMENT OR DEADLY WEAPON. This includes all students
enrolled in special education programs.

Disciplinary Policy
The goal of disciplining students is to modify student behavior rather than
to punish children. The teacher is in charge of the classroom and is
responsible for all normal classroom discipline. Students will comply with
the established classroom behavioral expectations. If a problem in the
classroom continues, the teacher will contact the parent and/or refer the
student to the appropriate SIP team to solve the disruptive classroom
behavior. Behavior identified as extreme and disruptive or which threatens
safety or personal welfare of students or staff will be referred to the
office. The principal will resolve the problem through possible use of SIP
team action, detention, in-school suspension, or out of school suspension. A
conference with a parent is necessary to include the parent as a part of the
team working to help the student change undesirable behavior. A student may
be suspended from school for a period of one day up to, but not to exceed,
five days. If a student is suspended from school, he/she will not be allowed
to attend any school functions occurring during the suspension period. A
copy of our building wide discipline plan follows below. The following are
examples of behaviors that will not be tolerated at Lifelong Learning
Academy.

• Harassment/Intimidation
At Lifelong Learning Academy, we are all expected to treat one another with
respect and consideration. If a student is being harassed or intimidated,
that student needs to be responsible and report this incident to an adult.
• Foul Language
Inappropriate language, whether verbally expressed or written, has no place
at Lifelong Learning Academy. If this type of behavior is a persistent
problem for a student, that student may be suspended after a parent
conference.
• Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is defined as “sexually derogatory remarks, unwelcome
verbal sexual advances, request for sexual favors, unwelcome physical
contact, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” Any
student (or employee) who engages in sexual harassment of any kind will be
subject to disciplinary measures.
• Substance Abuse: Drugs, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol will not be
permitted at Lifelong Learning Academy. Students found in possession of or
under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be suspended and reported to
the
proper authorities.
• Fighting
Fighting is not tolerated at Lifelong Learning Academy. Students who are
subject to assault at school need to be responsible and get to the nearest
adult, without retaliation, toward the student who has assaulted them. If
students choose to hit back in retaliation, then there is no assault—there
is a fight, and all students involved will receive disciplinary measures.
• Weapons
A student may be expelled for violent behavior that includes use or display
of a dangerous instrument or a deadly weapon.

Discipline Policy
Lifelong Learning Academy had a Discipline Plan in place that is defined as
Level I, II, III or IV offenses. This plan was developed so that students
and their families have a common understanding of school rules. Students
engaged in acts of violence will be sent home immediately. A student that is
not picked up by a parent or guardian within 30 minutes will not be allowed
to attend class the following school day. Each level of offense and
accompanying actions are described in the following section:

Level I Offenses
Failure to comply with a reasonable request: willful disobedience of
a reasonable request or directive by school district staff.
Obscenity/Profanity: conduct or behavior offensive to accepted school
standards of decency or modesty/using or displaying abusive, vulgar or
degrading language or actions.

Arguing/Fighting: nonviolent, abusive, verbal or physical contact
with another person.

Discriminatory Remarks/Behavior: use of language or heritage, or
conduct that slurs another person’s religion, disability, gender, ethnic
heritage, or rage.

Excessive Tardiness: repeatedly arriving late to a scheduled class or
assigned appointment.

Level I offenses will be covered in the classroom management plan and
consequences will be handled according to those plans by the classroom
teacher.

Each classroom plan should use the following steps before a Discipline
Referral (DR) is written after “exhausting the classroom plan.”
• Warning: no consequences
• Visual cue—example: turn a card, name on board
• Short term time out
• Parent contact and/or loss of a privilege
• DR may be written

Students that have reached the “office level” on their classroom management
plan will be sent to the office with a Discipline Referral.
1st time: Conference with student.
Contact the parent by phone and/or send the parent a copy of
the
DR.
2 hour in-school suspension
2nd time: Conference with student.
Contact the parent by phone and/or send the parent copy of the
DR.
½ day in-school suspension
3rd time: Conference with student
Contact the parent by phone and/or send the parent a copy of the
DR
1 day in-school suspension
4th time: Conference with student
Contact the parent by phone and/or send the parent copy of the DR.
2 day in-school suspension
5th time: Conference with student
Contact the parent by phone and/or send the parent copy of the DR.
1 day out of school suspension

After the 5th time, all future DRs written for exhausting the classroom plan
will constitute one more day than the previous suspension out of school, not
to exceed 5 days.

Level II Offenses
Breaking of school rules: failure or repeated failure to comply with
the published rules of the school.
Intimidation: language or conduct that frightens, discourages, or
inhibits another person.
Open Defiance: resisting, challenging, or opposing a teacher,
administrator or other authorized school personnel in the performance of
their duty.
Possession or Use of Tobacco Products in Unauthorized places:
possession of tobacco products by students under 18 years of age or use of
tobacco products at school, on school property, or at a school-
sponsored/supervised activity.
Violent Act Against Student: fighting, involving two or more
participants: assault/battery against a nonparticipating victim; using a
weapon to threaten or injure another; or causing an injury requiring medical
treatment. Note: Absent clear and convincing evidence that a
participant in fight only defended her/himself without throwing a punch/kick
or without striking a blow, all participants in a violent fight will be
disciplined. This action is taken in order to encourage the avoidance of
fights.

Stealing: using or taking property of another person or school
district property without rightful ownership or permission.

Temper Tantrums: a disruptive fit of anger.

Threats (by Word or Deed): language or conduct which intends or
which, in fact, inflicts pain, injury, damage, or punishment upon another
person.

Unruly Conduct that Disrupts School: any behavior that disrupts the
normal operation of school or school activities.

Unruly Conduct on School transportation: any behavior that disrupts
the normal operation of a school bus or other school transportation; failure
to comply with authorized school transportation regulations..

Vandalism: intentional conduct resulting in the destruction of or
damange to school district property or the property of another person.

Sexual Harassment: unwanted or inappropriate sexual remarks,
requests for sexual contact or physical contact.

Failure to Serve Detention/ISS/Saturday School: refusal or failure
to serve detention, in-school suspension or Saturday School after being duly
notified that such discipline has been imposed.

Level II Offenses that will be handed in the office, rather than as a part
of the classroom management plan include the following:
• Possession, use, consumption or reasonable suspicion of being under
the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics or illegal drugs.
• Violent act against a student
• Stealing
• Threats (by word or deed)
• Vandalism
• Sexual Harassment

Other level II offenses will be incorporated into the classroom plan.

1st time Conference with student
Contact the parent
1 day out of school suspension
2nd time Conference with student
Contact the parent
2 days out of school suspension
Meeting with student/parent and designated staff
before student returns.
3rd time Conference with student
Contact the parent
3 days out of school suspension
Meeting with student/parent and designaated staff to
write a behavkor management plan.
4th time Conference with student
Contact the parent
5 day our of school suspension
Meeting with student/parent and designated staff
before student returns

After the 4th level II offense, all suspensions will follow the 4th time
procedures unless a team of staff determines it is necessary to amend this
step.

Level III Offenses
Extortion: obtaining or attempting to obtain money or property by
violence or threat of violence.

Possession, Distribution or Sale of Alcoholic Beverages:
distribution, sale or possession with the intent to distribute or sell
narcotics or drugs at school, on school property, or at any school
sponsored/supervised activity.

Possession or Use of Weapons (Board Definition): possessing, using,
or transmitting any device, object or substance that, in fact or under the
circumstances, can reasonably be considered sufficient to cause serious harm.

Possession of a Weapon (Federal Definition): possession of a weapon,
including firearms, as defined by federal and state law, at school, on any
school district property, or at any school activity.

Violent Act Against Staff: staff struck while breaking up a fight;
assault/battery against staff; use of a weapon to threaten or injure staff;
or cause of an injury to staff requiring medical treatment.

Any student committing a level III offense will be brought to
administration immediately.

Extended term suspension will be appropriate. This will be more than five
school days, but not more than 90 school days. Exceptions to the plan:

A student has not received a discipline referral for a month or more will be
considered for a lesser consequence if the administrator, staff that wrote
the DR and the classroom teacher agree.

The administration has the authority to administer alternate consequences in
an attempt to “work with a family.” This would only happen after a
conference with parents, staff and the administration.

Note: Students who are identified to have anger management concerns
will be referred to a program for controlling tempers.