- ADMISSION POLICY - TRANSFERS - IMMUNIZATION, PHYSICAL AND DENTAL EXAMS
- SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - ABSENCES - EXCUSED ABSENCE - TARDINESS - VISITORS
- SICKNESS OR INJURY - MEDICINE - COMMUNICABLE DISEASE - INABILITY TO USE STAIRS
- DISMISSAL RULES - RESPONSIBILITY - RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL - CUSTODY
- ALLERGIES & SPECIAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS - ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
- DRESS CODE - GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE - WARNINGS/FIRE & TORNADO
- REPORTS - TESTING - STUDENT RECORDS - GRADUATION POLICY - TRANSFERS
- DIRECTOR/TEACHER APPOINTMENTS/PHONE CALLS - SCHOOL/PERSONAL PROPERTY
- DISCIPLINE - DETENTION - CONTRABAND - FORGOTTEN ITEMS
- HOMEWORK - FIELD TRIP POLICIES - EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM - EVALUATION, TEST MATERIAL - CONFERENCES
- CERTIFICATE ON NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL RECOGNITION
- INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
- CALENDARS - SAFETY PATROL - AMENDMENTS
- COMPUTERS
- LUNCHES
- PARENT COMMUNICATOR
ADMISSION POLICY - TRANSFERS - IMMUNIZATION, PHYSICAL AND DENTAL EXAMS
ADMISSION POLICY/RE-ADMISSION/RE-ACCEPTANCE
For the admission of a First Year Student or a transferring
student, any grade parents should present:
1. Copy of child's birth certificate or verification of child's
age.
2. Record of compliance with health code.
3. Previous academic records (where applicable)
It is the policy of P.L.A.I.D. Academy that children be admitted
on a space available basis according to priorities of existing
families attending P.L.A.I.D. Academy and in order of the
existing waiting list.
TRANSFERING A STUDENT
Once a student has been transferred out of the school, he/she is
not eligible for re-admission unless such agreement was made
between the parents and the Directors at the time of the
transfer. Formal petition for re-admission is granted or
rejected by the Directors. All documentation must be in
writing. If a parent has paid tuition over and above the last
month of the child's attendance and transfers the child out of
the school, he/she will not be reimbursed for the amount of time
paid for but not in attendance (unless special arrangements had
been made prior thereto).
Books, bill, fees, etc must be paid in full before the beginning
of each school year. None of the monies charged for these items
shall be refunded if the child is transferred out any time after
the first day of the school year.
Students are re-accepted on an annual basis. Re-acceptance
requires cooperation of students and parents satisfactorily,
i.e., that the school is capable of meeting the needs of the
students; that all financial obligations have been paid (or
suitable arrangements have been made with the accountant); that
there is compliance with health code.
IMMUNIZATION, PHYSICAL AND DENTAL EXAMS
State law requires a health examination performed by a licensed
physician and within one year prior to entering preschool,
kindergarten or first grade and the fifth grade. Every child
must present proof of immunity as required by law. Forms must be
filled out and signed by a physician. Conscientious objectors
should provide a notarized letter for the school file. Health
forms are provided.
Dental examinations are required at the same time as physical
examinations.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - ABSENCES - EXCUSED ABSENCE - TARDINESS - VISITORS
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
The State of Illinois provides by the law for compulsory
attendance of all children between the ages of seven and sixteen
years. The responsibility for compliance of this law belongs to
the parents. However, if it is not complied with or if the
school has reason to suspect the validity of an excuse when the
child is absent, the Director will investigate the situation and
apply appropriate remedies. If all efforts fail to bring about
regular attendance, the case will be referred to the truant
officer of Cook County.
ABSENCES
Since even occasional absence constitutes a handicap to the pupil
in his/her progress, we know you will cooperate in keeping
absence to a minimum. When a student is absent from school, it
is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school between
8:00 and 9:00 A.M. Upon returning to school from an absence the
student must present a written note from parent/guardian stating
the name of the child and date of absence. This must be signed
by a parent or guardian. Homework and class work missed during
the absence must be completed within three days of a student's
return to school. Parents should make arrangements to pick-up
the make-up assignments with the appropriate Director.
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Absences due to medical appointments, injuries, illnesses, and
family deaths are considered excused absences carrying the
privilege of making up schoolwork. Please notify the child's
teacher in writing when it is necessary to keep a child from
school due to doctor or dental appointments. A child cannot be
excused during regular school hours without written notice. Then
a parent or guardian must come to school to pick up the student.
Parents are asked to consider carefully before taking his/her
child(ren) out of school for an extended vacation. Please notify
the Director at least one month before a vacation. Some of the
missed schoolwork can be made up after the child returns to
school, but is usually impossible to make up the class time that
is missed. It is the parent's responsibility to have the child
complete make-up work within three days following such vacations.
TARDINESS
A student who is not in their seat working at 8:30 A.M. is marked
tardy. As a means of monitoring tardiness, after the second
tardy per week, the student will serve a 1-hour detention and
this will be documented in the students file. (Gr. 5-8 only)
VISITORS
Parents of students are welcome to visit their child(ren)'s
classroom on any day of the school year. We ask that you give us
a day's notice, if possible, and keep in mind that the teacher
will be busy and unable to give parent conference time. Please
plan to visit once in the year. All visitors must stop in the
school office before being escorted to any area of the school.
SICKNESS OR INJURY - MEDICINE - COMMUNICABLE DISEASE - INABILITY TO USE STAIRS
SICKNESS OR INJURY
Parent or authorized person must pick the student up in the
school office and sign for the child's release. When your child
is ill, please make arrangements for homework to be picked up
daily by family or friends.
If a child becomes ill or is injured during the school day, a
parent or person authorized by the parent will be notified.
Records are kept in the school office of emergency numbers and
persons authorized by parents.
MEDICINE
No medicine will be dispensed. This includes aspirin and
prescription drugs. Parents will be responsible for coming to
school and dispensing any drug their child(ren) might need.
Exceptions to this policy are up to the discretion of the
Director and must include written permission from the
parent/guardian.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
In the event a child has a communicable disease, a release card
from Board of Health or a letter from the family physician
indicating that the Board of Health regulations have been met and
must be presented when the child returns to school.
INABILITY TO USE STAIRS
Any student, due to injury or any other reason, which has been
forbidden by a medical doctor to use stairs, even in an
emergency, will automatically be prevented from attending
school. This is due to Fire Department regulations in case of
fire or a fire drill. Therefore, the school cannot assume the
responsibility for the safety of such individual.
DISMISSAL RULES - RESPONSIBILITY - RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL - CUSTODY
DISMISSAL RULES
School gets out at 2:30 P.M. Students are sent outside to wait
for their rides. There is an adult present. This is not
playtime. Parents are asked to pick up their children and leave
the front of the school to allow for more parking spaces for
others picking up their children. If you are parked across the
street please cross over and get your child. We have no crossing
guards and are concerned for your child's safety. Please do not
double park and ask your children to run between two cars, this
is dangerous.
If your child forgets something he/she will not be allowed back
into school to pick it up until 2:45 P.M. At that time, they are
more than welcome to retrieve whatever they need.
Any student not picked up by 2:45 P.M. will be sent to PLAID PAD
(extended care). The price is whatever the current PLAID PAD fee
is and will be charged if you are there for 5 minutes or 1 hour.
If you are leaving your car in front for the day and taking the
train or attending a field trip, please park your car across the
street due to limited parking space.
If a student needs to be dismissed early, we ask the school be
notified in the morning. The student will be released from the
office to the authorized adult, picking up the student. This is
to ensure the safety of the student as no staff from P.L.A.I.D.
will be outside the building to monitor the child and we do not
allow our students outside unsupervised.
RESPONSIBILITY
The school cannot take responsibility for the student's route to
or from school. There will be no supervision before or after
school hours. The exception to this policy is if the child is
enrolled and attending P.L.A.I.D. PAD or an enrolled P.L.A.I.D.
after school program or activity.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL
No child may be released to anyone other than the parent/guardian
or listed persons on the emergency card during the school day.
Exceptions to this should be so stated in writing and also listed
on the school emergency card.
CUSTODY
If parents are divorced or separated, the school presumes that
both parents have access to the child(ren) unless the school has
a copy of a court order giving one parent exclusive custody.
ALLERGIES & SPECIAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS - ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
ALLERGIES & SPECIAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS
Although this information may be included on the emergency card
in the business office, it is still required of the parent to
send allergy/special medical problem information to the office
and to the individual teacher. Teachers should be notified at
the beginning of each school year and updated with any changes
throughout the school year.
ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (81-1077) requires
that school personnel, having reasonable cause to believe that a
child known to them in their professional capacity may be an
abused or neglected child, MUST report to the Illinois Dept. of
Children and Family Services. The one reporting need not
identify him or herself. Students are expected to come to school
CLEAN in body and clothing, fed and in a condition to learn
(rested). Bruises, etc. of an unexplainable nature are matters
of concern; equal in significance are inappropriate and bizarre
punishments.
DRESS CODE - GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE - WARNINGS/FIRE & TORNADO
DRESS CODE
All students are required to dress modestly for school. Hair,
bodies and clothing should be clean and neat at all times. No
make-up is allowed. Undergarments such as white undershirts,
boxers or pajama bottoms are not permitted as outerwear.
Dress code requires shirts/blouses with a collar and sleeves.
Pants with a modest fit and belt or skirts of modest length are
to be worn. Shorts are permitted June through October but must
not be too short. Clothing must cover students' chest, torso,
belly and bottom, and must not be dangerous to themselves or
distracting to others.
Swim/Gym Dress - Swimsuits should be 1-piece tank suits for
girls. T-shirts are permitted on swim/gym days ONLY. T-shirts
with rock bands, tobacco, alcohol or depicting violent, sexual,
or scary images are not permitted.
Students are required to wear PLAID uniform shirts on all field
trips
Sandals are NOT permitted, only tied, Velcro or secured shoes
with socks. Only flat shoes may be worn.
Students not in compliance with the dress code will be sent home
to change or given PLAID clothing to wear for the day, wash and
return. If loaned clothing is not washed and returned, the price
of the item will be added to your tuition.
Weather permitting; children will be going outside every day.
Once winter arrives, hats, mittens, snow pants and boots are a
necessity. Please identify clothing sent to school with
permanent marker.
GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Policy for Reconciling Problems: Always try to confine problems,
disputes or issues to the least number of people necessary.
Procedures for Reconciling Problems: (1) Address the individual
(s) with whom you have an issue. (2) If step one is
unsatisfactory, address the director of that area: Primary,
Intermediate, or Junion High Director. (3)
In the event of an unresolved issue with such director, please
direct complaint to the Administrative Director. (4) If the
complaint cannot be reconciled satisfactorily with the
Administrative Director, you may address your complaint, in
writing, to the Board of Directors. (5) If your issue is
financial, please address the Financial Director. If your issue
is in the academic area, address the Curriculum Director.
All concerns, complaints and issues brought before the Board of
Directors, in writing, will be addressed at the next scheduled
Board of Directors meeting. Any of the Directors can call an
emergency meeting, depending on the severity of the situation.
All written correspondence to the Board of Directors will be
responded to, in writing, in a timely manner, as to the outcome
of the finding. A request to appear before the Board is also
available, upon request.
WARNINGS: FIRE DRILLS/TORNADO DRILLS, SIGHTINGS
Fire drills will be held at regular intervals. Everyone,
including visitors, must evacuate the building immediately at the
sound of the alarm. The entire school, including the lunchroom,
is inspected regularly by the fire department. Tornado drills
are held periodically during springtime each year. In the event
of a tornado warning during the school day, children will not be
sent home. Once school has been dismissed at its regular time,
students will be released. If there is an actual tornado
sighting in the immediate area, the children will be kept in the
building until official safety has been declared.
REPORTS - TESTING - STUDENT RECORDS - GRADUATION POLICY - TRANSFERS
REPORTS
Report cards or evaluations will be sent home at the end of a
marking period. Mid-term reports may also be sent. The mid-term
progress report is not material for the student's permanent
record. It is simply to inform parents of progress between
report card time.
TESTING
Grades 3-8 are given standardized tests annually. The results
will be given to parents. These tests are given as a measure of
student and school strengths and weaknesses. We feel it is
important to help each student prepare for standardized testing
to help reduce anxiety and help students perform at their most
successful testing ability. This, however, is not the school's
main evaluation of the students.
STUDENT RECORDS
Parents have the right to inspect all of the child's educational
records they wish to see. Requests will be granted within a
reasonable time. In case of incomplete work, the consequence
will be the decision of the Unit Director. This decision will be
discussed with the student. If satisfactory completion of
assignments isnot met, the Unit director will contact parents.
GRADUATION POLICY
The Junior High Classroom promotes on quarters. Your child's
start in eight grade does not mandate an automatic diploma at the
end of the year. Your child must pass each quarter. The Junior
High Director will send each wtudent's parent/guardian a written
notification of all requirements needed to be fulfilled in order
to graduate by the end of the third quarter. This must be signed
and returned in order for your child to be considered for
graduation.
TRANSFERS
Once a student has been transferred out of the school, he/she is
not eligible for re-admission unless such agreement was made
between the parents and the Directors at the time of the
transfer. Formal petition for re-admission is granted or
rejected by the Directors. All documentation must be in
writing. If a parent has paid tuition over and above the last
month of the child's attendance and transfers the child out of
the school, he/she will not be reimbursed for the amount of time
paid for but not in attendance (unless special arrangements had
been made prior thereto).
Books, bills, fees, etc must be paid in full before the beginning
of each school year. None of the monies charged for these items
shall be refunded if the child is transferred out any time after
the first day of the school year.
Students are re-accepted on an annual basis. Re-acceptance
requires cooperation of student and parents satisfactorily, i.e.,
that the school is capable of meeting the needs of the students;
that all financial obligations have been paid (or suitable
arrangements have been made with the accountant); that there is
compliance with health code.
DIRECTOR/TEACHER APPOINTMENTS/PHONE CALLS - SCHOOL/PERSONAL PROPERTY
DIRECTOR/TEACHER APPOINTMENTS/PHONE CALLS
Any parent desiring an appointment with teacher/director, please
contact the school office. An appropriate time will be set up to
discuss the matter. Any concerns of a classroom matter, please
do not hesitate to contact a director to discuss the matter.
Open conversations and communications are imperative for the
successful student.
SCHOOL/PERSONAL PROPERTY
We reserve the right to inspect all school and/or personal
property of any student in our school. We also reserve the right
to seize articles that are inappropriate to the school setting or
that are not in keeping with the school philosophy. Certainly,
no weapons, knives, firearms, firecrackers, or anything that
could cause personnel injury can be allowed. A parent must pick
up anything confiscated from a student, i.e. cell phones, toys,
card collections, and headphones within two (2) weeks. A
Director reserves the right to restrict removable accessories:
purse, scarves, ties or things that can be played with in class.
DISCIPLINE - DETENTION - CONTRABAND - FORGOTTEN ITEMS
DISCIPLINE
In guiding the student’s growth in positive attitudes, we believe
it is to EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE RATHER THAN THE NEGATIVE. The
essence of positive discipline is SELF-DISCIPLINE. The child
should be guided in choosing one form of behavior over another
and in accepting the consequences of his/her behavior.
It is important that students show respect for himself/herself,
others, and school property, at all times. Each student is
expected to conduct himself/herself respectfully; follow the
Rules and Regulations; and fulfill his/her student obligations.
A student who follows this code of conduct is granted the
designation of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.(Rewards Earned and Special
Privileges for Exhibiting Continued Trust) Student and is
accorded special privileges and/or activities.
1. A R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Student contract is used to re-enforce
P.L.A.I.D.'s expectation of each student and record minor
infractions. A student is required to have his/her
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Student Contract at all times. If attempts to
enlist a student's cooperation have been unsuccessful, the
infraction will be noted on the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Student Contract.
Failure to have his/her contact is an automatic infraction. If
three infractions are recorded within a month, the R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Student Contract will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian
and the child will lose the privileges of a R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Student. This will communicate to the parent there is a
problem. If three R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Student Contracts are sent home
within a month, a conference is required with the child’s parent
(s)/guardian. The need for a Probation Contract will be
discussed during this conference. It is possible for more than
one R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Student Contract be sent home in a day.
In case of more serious misconduct, parents will be immediately
notified and established consequences will be agreed on.
2. PROBATION CONTRACT: In the supervision and evaluation of the
pupil's conduct for a specific period of time to ascertain
whether the student has overcome his/her problem or is in need of
further discipline.
3. SUSPENSION: Is the isolation of the pupil from some or all
school activities. This could range from a 1/2 day in-school
suspension, during which the student is required to continue
schoolwork on an independent basis, through a three-day at home
suspension. In the case of an at home suspension, all academic
work will receive a zero grade.
4. EXPULSION: Is the termination of the student's privilege to
attend P.L.A.I.D. Academy and will require the pupil to transfer
to another school. This is a drastic action and will be invoked
usually to prevent disruption of the school environment and/or
assist the pupil to overcome a disciplinary problem.
DETENTION
Detentions are only given to students in 5th - 8th grades.
Detention may be given for misconduct or for excessive
tardiness. The first step to rectify this problem will be during
wind-up time (8:00-8:30 A.M.) or wind-down time
(2:15-2:45 P.M.). The 2nd will be extra clean up time during
lunch or recess. The final step will be a detention served after
school. Parents will be notified of this and will be responsible
to pick up after the period of detention. If detention exceeds 5
hours and there appears to be no good faith in serving, a parent
will be required to supervise on a weekend.
CONTRABAND
Students bringing cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, weapons, gang
identification, or drugs to school are subject to suspension or
expulsion and possible legal ramifications.
FORGOTTEN ITEMS
Parents are encouraged NOT to bring forgotten items to school.
We want to develop a sense of responsibility for remembering
school materials. This is sometimes a tough lesson.
HOMEWORK - FIELD TRIP POLICIES - EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
HOMEWORK
Homework gives an opportunity to reinforce and practice concepts
taught in school. Parents are expected to take an interest in
their child(ren)'s homework. We highly recommend that parents
establish regular homework routine in a location, which makes
supervision and assistance possible.
We remind parents that satisfactory completion of homework
assignments affect a student's daily grade and ultimately the
report card marks.
• Primary Unit - 15 to 20 minutes of written work
• Intermediate - 30 to 60 minutes of written work
• Junior High - 60 to 90 minutes of written work
IN ADDITION, ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE READ TO OR READ A
MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES EACH DAY.
FIELD TRIP POLICIES
Field trips are an integral component of our curriculum and
considered an important day of instruction. Students are
expected to attend all field trips and should not consider them
optional unless specifically stated by the course description.
If, as in the case of illness or otherwise, a child is unable to
attend, he must fulfill that trip's goals within two weeks and
provide requirements as stated by trips goals.
Students are expected to be fully aware of P.L.A.I.D. Academy's
academic and behavioral expectations for excellence on all field
trips. Students who do not demonstrate the ability to
consistently maintain this high quality of excellence will not be
allowed to attend the field trip and are expected to be under
their own parental supervision for the entire day in question.
An assignment will be provided for that day and must be completed
prior to the student's return to school.
• Students must be with their assigned adult/chaperone
• Students must be respectful of themselves, other and
property.
• Students must have the capability to make responsible
decisions.
• Students must follow given directions.
• Students are expected to come to school clean, groomed
and wearing
P.L.A.I.D. Academy clothing in clean, good condition. Shirts are
provided each year for field trip purposes.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Requirements for participation in extra curricular activities, a
student is required to:
1. Under the invitation of the moderator.
2. Maintain a C average in all subject areas.
3. Be able to obtain signatures from his/her homeroom
teacher and another teacher at the school verifying that this
child is trustworthy, aware of the standards of behavior at
P.L.A.I.D. Academy and able to maintain these standards in and
out of the building on these school related activities.
4. Follow the rules and guidelines of the specific activity.
5. Suspension/Expulsion policies:
Minor: Minimum of 2-week removal from the activity
Major: Exclusion from the activity for the full length of
activity in one academic calendar year.
ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM - EVALUATION, TEST MATERIAL - CONFERENCES
ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM
Enrichment curriculum will foster appropriate intellectual,
cultural and social climate; promote growth in student leadership
and social interaction skills; encourage individual, group
special interest through a diversified and balanced program of
extra classroom activities.
EVALUATION, TEST MATERIAL
1. Evaluation and Test Materials:
a. Are provided and administer in the fairest means possible.
b. Have been validated for specific purpose for which they
are used.
c. Are administrated by competent personnel in conformance
with the instruction provided by their producer.
2. Tests and other evaluation materials include those tailored
to assess specific area of educational need and not merely those
which are designed to provide a single general intelligence
quotients.
3. When tests are administered to a child with impaired sensory,
motor or communication skills, tests shall be selected and
administered to ensure that the results accurately reflect the
child's aptitude or achievement level, rather than reflecting the
child's impaired sensory, motor or communication skills except
where those are the factors which the test purports to measure.
4. No single procedure will be used as the sole criterion for
determining an appropriate educational program for a child.
5. The team Directors, the student's regular teacher and support
teachers of the student will make a full evaluation. Present
must be a teacher qualified to teach a child his or her age and
Certified by the State of Illinois.
6. In instances in which a child has been evaluated by qualified
professional personnel outside the school, district or private
testing, that evaluation shall be considered and may be utilized
in determining eligibility and need for placement.
CONFERENCES
1. No less than two conferences per student shall be held in an
academic year. This may or may not be the conference that will
determine the student's individual goal setting and development
of academic program. If not, an additional meeting will be held
with the staff. Parents are expected to participate in these
meetings. The child may or may not include in the staffing.
a. Participants in the conference shall include appropriate
representatives and Education Director or designee who is
qualified to provide or supervise the provision of the
educational program; school personnel; parent(s); other persons
having significant information regarding the child; and those
people who may be responsible for providing the special education
program or service to the child; the child, where appropriate,
and other individuals at the discretion of the parent or school.
b. The purpose of the evaluation and/or conferences shall be
to:
1. Establish a composite understanding of the child's
learning characteristics, sensory and motor skills and behavior;
2. Determine necessity for further evaluation;
3. Determine the child's unique educational needs and the
extent to which these needs can be met by the educational program.
4. To determine the nature and degree of intervention
needed and recommend further testing and or corresponding
placement. Such as the need for testing for possible visual
impairment, hearing impairment, physical and/or health
impairment, speech and/or language impairment, specific learning
disability, educational handicap, behavior disorder, mental
impairment, or multiple impairment (Definitions from 23 Illinois
Administrative Code Ch, S.226.552, Subchapter f, Special
Education) Results and recommendations to be in writing. A
written report of the results and recommendations of the multi-
disciplinary conference shall be prepared. The conference report
shall be dated and list the names of all of those at conference.
A copy of the report, together with all the documentation upon
which it is to be based, shall be kept on file by the school.
The parents shall be informed of their right to access the report.
CERTIFICATE ON NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL RECOGNITION
CERTIFICATE ON NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL RECOGNITION
Voluntary recognition of non-public schools. To ensure the
integrity of P.L.A.I.D. Academy we are committed to retaining
full recognition from The Illinois State Board of Education. The
following are the policies and guidelines that were developed in
consultation with the Committee for Establishing Standards for
Non-Public Schools.
The Illinois State Board of Education is authorized by statue to
determine policies and guidelines with respect to private (non-
public) elementary schools in Illinois. P.L.A.I.D. Academy is
committed to follow the policy and guidelines for the purpose of
retaining Certification of Non-Public School Recognition, status
shall be viewed by all educational institutions and organizations
as having a state approved educational program.
Furthermore, such certification should mean that attendance of
children at such schools should not be a barrier to participation
in organized extracurricular activities or to the acceptance by
secondary and post-secondary educational institutions.
P.L.A.I.D. Academy will submit annual reports to the Illinois
State Board of Education and request periodic visits to the
school for the purpose of continued recognition.
The curriculum has been developed to place equal emphasis on the
development of knowledge, skill and understanding creativity, to
its student body in accordance with purpose, goals and
objectives. This curriculum will:
A. Provide learning experiences in both standard curriculum as
well as enrichment studies.
B. Facilitate the development of academic skills such as
reading, writing, spelling, listening, speaking clearly, and
using basic and advanced mathematical computation. Foster the
abilities to express ideas, think critically, observe carefully,
solve problems, participating effectively in groups, healthy
living, enjoy aesthetic experiences, understanding career
development, clarification of individual values, personal goal
setting.
C. The school's program shall consist of 176 days of school, or
880 hours of instruction within each school year.
D. P.L.A.I.D. Academy will provide for students of different
talents, intellectual capacities and interests, to the extent of
compatibility with P.L.A.I.D. Academy and the student body.
E. The school shall provide a total pattern of instruction,
including such special components as:
1. instructional objectives;
2. planning by teachers;
3. the selection and use of varied types of learning
materials and experiences;
4. the adaption of organization and instructional procedures
of pupils needs; and
5. the use of varied evaluation instruments and procedures.
F. Upper elementary shall provide instruction in the history of
the U.S. and representative government.
G. A program of in-service education shall be maintained to
stimulate continued improvement of teaching and curriculum.
P.L.A.I.D. Academy shall be accessible to its school population,
as free as possible from traffic hazards and distracting noise,
and functional for the instructional program.
The building shall be clean and kept in good repair. Proper
precautions shall be taken to protect pupils and employees from
injury.
P.L.A.I.D. Academy shall be in compliance with applicable
standards for heating, ventilation and illumination.
P.L.A.I.D. Academy shall comply with prevailing State of Illinois
and City of Chicago safety codes.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
LANGUAGE ARTS AND LITERATURE
Language arts is the process by which English is used to listen,
speak, read, and write effectively. The Language Art program
will focus on reading/literature, composition, and language. The
primary level literature program is incorporated into the whole-
language approach to reading and writing. The Intermediate and
Junior High literature program is a combination of novels and
short stories. The language focus will involve grammar,
vocabulary and mechanics. The composition or writing process has
five stages: 1) prewriting, 2) drafting, 3) responding and
revising, 4) proofreading and 5) publishing (written or oral).
MATH
Materials will be available for daily, reinforcement, enrichment
of math operations, concepts and problem solving. Formal
instruction will be provided on a daily basis. Primary and
Intermediate grades will focus on operations, measurement, time
and math skills, money, fractions, decimals, percentages, problem
solving, and geometry. Junior High will review, reinforce, and
expand upon these skills. Upon demonstrating an adequate amount
of these skills, we will then focus upon algebra, real life
application of essential math skills and current events in math
(such as the Chicago Tribune Stock Market program).
SCIENCE
Science curriculum will incorporate science into every day life,
integrate science and math concepts and provide hands-on
experience such as science experiments. Children will
participate in science projects and science fairs. The three
main areas of study will be biology, physical science and earth
science. Science field trips will further enhance comprehension
of concepts.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The areas of study will be geography, government and elections,
economy, culture and customs, history, geography and current
events and values at the local, national and international
levels. In accordance with Illinois
Administrative Code CH. I.S. 1.420 Subchapter a(r) P.L.A.I.D.
Academy will provide history and social studies courses which do
the following:
1. Analyze the principles of representative government, the
Constitution of both the United States and the State of Illinois,
the proper use of the flag, and how these concepts have related
and currently do relate in actual practice in our world (Section
27-21 of the School Code).
2. Include in the teaching of the United States history the role
and contribution of ethnic groups in the history of this country
and the State (Section 27-21 of the School Code).
3. Include in the teaching of United States history the role of
labor unions and their interaction with government in achieving
the goals of a fixed free-enterprise system (Section 27-21 of the
School Code).
4. Include the study of the period in World History known as the
Holocaust (Section 27-20.3 of the School Code).
5. Include the study of events of black history including the
individual contributions of Afro-Americans and their collective
socio-economic struggles.
6. Include the study of the events of women's history in
America, including individual contributions and women's struggles
for the right to vote and for equal treatment (Section 27-20.5 of
the School Code).
CALENDARS - SAFETY PATROL - AMENDMENTS
CALENDARS A yearly calendar in compliance with State law will be
formulated and distributed.
SAFETY PATROL
Safety patrol adults are posted on the busiest intersections by
the Chicago Police Department. P.L.A.I.D. Academy does not
provide patrol people. It is expected that students use
designated route and patrolled intersections when walking to and
from school.
AMENDMENTS
Statements in this Rules and Regulations section of P.L.A.I.D.
Academy's web site are subject to amendment with or without
notice. We will attempt to keep everyone informed of all the
changes as soon as possible.
COMPUTERS
Computers are utilized on a daily basis and used to assist with
the curriculum. However, there are specific rules that are
enforced regarding use of our computers. No student is allowed
unsupervised in the computer room. Students are not allowed to
surf the internet for anything not specifically authorized by a
P.L.A.I.D. staff member. Students are only allowed to use
programs preset on the computer's desktop or with special
authorization by a staff member. No student is allowed to e-mail
or download from the internet without teacher authorization. No
student is allowed to set up any type of web page.
LUNCHES
Students are responsible for their own lunches. Juice, water, or
ready to drink beverages are allowed. Soda pop and powered drink
mixes are not allowed. Student who participate in the Hot Lunch
Program hosted by Country House Restaurant (which is delivered to
the school) are responsible for their lunch on days it is not
provided by Country House Restaurant.
WE EMPHASIZE NUTRITION AND ASK PARENTS TO RESTRICT USE OF JUNK
FOOD AND CANDY IN A CHILD'S LUNCH!
PARENT COMMUNICATOR
Each student is given a folder called a parent communicator at
the beginning of the school year. Pertinent information given to
be taken home to the student's parent/guardian is to be placed in
this folder (ex: permission slips, conference scheduling, school
notes, etc...). This folder is to be checked by the
parent/guardian weekly. If a duplicate copy is needed of any
written information distributed, the parent/guardian must call
the school to request same. If a third copy is needed, the
student's parent/guardian must come to the school in person to
obtain it.