ALA Student Handbook 2011-2012
Mission Statement
We empower students to achieve academic excellence, to demonstrate moral character, and to perform civic responsibilities through mastery of basic skills, a liberal arts curriculum, service and daily implementation of the Covey 7 Habits.
Covey Leadership Habits
1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand, and then be understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw
Enrollment
Students currently enrolled in the K-8 program will remain enrolled until they graduate from our program or an official change is made. Students in the 9-12 programs will follow the same guidelines. Open seats are filled in the following order: (1) siblings of currently enrolled students, (2) children of staff members and (3) new applicants, according to their position on the waitlist.
Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed for admission. No students are considered for enrollment until all required documentation is received: birth certificate, immunization record or waiver and, if applicable, the most recent IEP or 504 plan. A student who has been or is in the process of being expelled from another school may not be admitted to ALA.
Kindergarten students must reach their fifth birthday on or before August 31st of the current school year. Exceptions may be made if the students pass readiness testing. Students who have a birthday after August 31 and before November 1 must test into the kindergarten program.
Curriculum
ALA has an accelerated curriculum. As a Stephen R. Covey Lighthouse School, we use the “Leader in Me” program and the 7 Habits to teach students leadership skills. Students are then required to demonstrate these skills by giving service hours, leading classroom discussions, participating in opening ceremonies and accepting leadership responsibilities. Parents are encouraged to attend our “Covey Leadership for Families” seminars in order to extend the leadership principles to their homes.
In addition to the “Leader in Me” program, ALA teaches the E. D. Hirsch Core Knowledge Sequence, Shurley English Spalding reading and writing, and Singapore Math. To ensure historical accuracy, ALA uses primary source documents as the foundation of its history curriculum.
Homework
There will be daily homework to reinforce the concepts taught in the class. Late homework or assignments will not be accepted.
ALA requires 20 minutes of reading each night for all grade levels.
Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students who fall below 2.0 will be put on academic probation.
During the first week of every month, K-8 students are assessed for what they have learned in math, reading fluency and word recognition. These evaluations measure students’ growth, provide direction for instruction and hold both teachers and students accountable for progress.
Planners
Planners will be used to plan students’ time, to document assignments and school events and to provide a means of communication between parents and teachers. Planners must be checked & initialed by parents daily. If they are not initialed by a parent, the planner will be stamped and upon the third stamp, the student will be issued a detention. Students will be trained in the Covey method of using planners.
Attendance
To attend ALA, you must maintain attendance of 95%. Students absent for ten or more consecutive days without a valid excuse will be considered withdrawn. If your student is absent, please call your school’s front office to excuse your student.
Books
Books provided by ALA must be protected with a cover. Students will be charged for books damaged beyond normal wear. Books must be returned to ALA if students withdraw from the school. Report cards and/or transcripts will be withheld until all books are returned or paid for.
Tardy Policy
The first bell rings at 7:55am. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classroom by the 8:00am bell.
Students who are not in their classroom prior to the 8:00am bell must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the school office to be considered an “excused tardy” and receive a tardy pass to be given to their teacher.
Upon the third “unexcused tardy” a detention will be issued.
Tardiness will be tracked and disciplinary measures imposed as necessary.
Conduct and Discipline
Students are expected to be self-governed and to respect the rights and property of others.
The discipline plan at ALA reflects the Covey Leadership Principles. These principles require that the focus of educators’ attention be on what the students are doing well and that the term “discipline” takes on its noblest meaning – “training that corrects.”
Students and teachers will work together to create a classroom that is:
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Safe
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Conducive to learning
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Free from aggression
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Clean
Students Will
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Use good manners and polite speech.
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Treat all students, faculty and other adults with respect. Belittling or making fun of another student is not allowed.
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Be honest and truthful in all their dealings.
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Accept corrections respectfully.
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Display a positive attitude.
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Attend all classes on their schedule.
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Not chew gum on campus or on the bus.
ALA students should conduct themselves with courtesy, refinement and professionalism throughout the school day and any time they represent ALA in extra-curricular activities. Students who break this trust will be restricted from extra-curricular activities and may receive additional discipline as necessary.
Unwelcome Behavior
Harassment, hazing and bullying will not be allowed at ALA.
Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or disability and is intimating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people. It may be verbal, physical, or visual conduct.
Hazing is any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with an initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization that is affiliated with the school, in which the act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm or personal degradation.
Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength and is typically repeated over time. Bullying can be hitting, teasing or name calling, intimidation through gestures or social exclusion, and insulting messages sent by email, text messages or other means.
Any of these behaviors should be reported to a professional staff member or the Director. The Director will investigate the incident, and if the investigation determines that such behavior has taken place, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken according to the school’s policies and procedures for discipline.
Progressive Discipline Procedure
Discipline is handled according to the severity of the offense ranging from minor to severe.
All discipline will be documented with yellow and red cards. Students will be given a yellow card for minor or medium infractions. Copies of the infraction card will be given to the parent and the school administration. Originals of the card will be kept by teachers. The receipt of a third yellow card constitutes a more serious offense and will result in the issuance of a red card.
1st yellow – Detention
2nd yellow – Detention
3rd yellow – Receipt of red card
Students will be given red cards for major offenses. The discipline for red cards may vary depending upon the severity of the offense.
1st Red – In-school suspension
2nd Red – Three-day out-of-school suspension
3rd Red – Expulsion
Minor Infractions: Infractions that disrupt the learning atmosphere but pose no substantial threat to the student or to others.
Examples:
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Speaking out in class without permission
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Not raising hand
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Not keeping the desk clean
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Distracting noises such as tapping a pencil on the desk
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Wearing a non-dress code items to school
Medium Infractions: Infractions of moderate severity that pose a more drastic disruption to the learning atmosphere and/or may put the student or others in moderate risk of harm.
Examples:
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Harassing another student
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Repeatedly not turning in homework
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Disrupting the whole class
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Misconduct in restroom
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Swearing, profanity or foul language
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Unexcused absences
Major Infractions: Severe infractions that constitute a significant disruption of the learning environment and/or put the student or others directly in peril. These are automatic red cards.
Examples:
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Laying hands on another student
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Playing with fire
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Forgery or plagiarism
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Bullying or hazing
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Dishonesty, cheating or stealing
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Repeated use of obscene language
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Lack of respect for other students, teachers or administrators
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Three yellow warnings or one red from a bus driver
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Cyber bullying - sending or posting harmful or obscene material
Major infractions will be referred to the office and may result in suspension or expulsion.
Expulsion
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After third red card.
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Severe violation of school policy as determined by the administration – including but not limited to:
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Possession, distribution or sale of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco or alcohol
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Being under the influence of any of the above
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Physical assault
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Theft
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Vandalism
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Arson
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Weapons of any kind on campus
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Severe bullying or threatening another student or staff
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After four truancies
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Inappropriate use of fire protection equipment
Should expulsion become necessary, due process rights will be explained.
The administration reserves the right to modify the discipline progression on a case-by-case basis for major infractions.
Search
Upon reasonable suspicion, ALA reserves the right to search student’s personal items, backpacks, purses, book bags, etc.
Student Dress Code
Dress code compliance is mandatory. The bus is an extension of the campus and dress codes extend to buses. Students will be given 2 stamps before a yellow card is given for dress code violations.
In general, students must present a clean, modest and neat appearance. Clothing must be worn right-side-out. All clothing must be clean, of appropriate size and worn correctly. Contrasting top-stitching on any item is prohibited. Clothing shall not be excessively worn, have holes or be intentionally torn. Clothing items must be solid-colored. Jeans or any denim items are prohibited. Students may wear non-uniform items that are required by their religious beliefs.
PANTS/SKIRTS/SHORTS: Pants, skirts, skorts, jumpers and shorts must be khaki, tan, black or navy blue and must be at least long enough to touch the knee cap. All students must wear pants at the natural waist.
SHIRTS/BLOUSES: Shirts and blouses must have sleeves and be collared. They must be solid colors: white, navy blue or red (flag colors). They must have the approved school logo. It may be an embroidered logo or the official school patch. Boys’ shirts must be tucked in. Girls’ polo shirts or blouses which are finished on the bottom may be worn un-tucked. Blouses must hang below the natural waist so that if hands are raised above the head, no skin shows. Cleavage must be covered. If girls layer their shirts, all must be school colors.
FOOTWEAR: Shoes will be conservative in style and must be tied or fastened. Students may wear non-distracting athletic, casual or dress shoes (no lights or charms). Shoes with wheels are strictly prohibited. Shoes must have closed toes and heels. Heels or soles may be no higher than 2 inches. Sandals, slippers and dance footwear are prohibited. Athletic shoes are required for P.E.
SOCKS: Socks are required. Socks will coordinate with the uniform: navy, black, khaki, red or white. Girls may also wear smooth, opaque, cable knit tights or leggings same colors apply.
BELTS: Belts must be conservative, solid black, brown or neutral in color. Belts must be worn by boys, but are optional for girls and kindergarten boys. No metal trim or studs are allowed.
T-SHIRT FRIDAY: Friday T-shirts may be purchased either on-line or through the front office. On Friday’s students may wear clean and neat, black or blue jeans with an official ALA T-shirt. No skinny jeans or jeans with holes or contrasting top-stitching are allowed.
UNDERCLOTHING: Underclothing should not be visible. Plain white undershirts worn under uniform shirts must be tucked in.
JEWELERY, ETC.: Jewelry must not be a distraction to the educational environment. Girls may wear one pair of earrings no larger than a quarter. No gauge earrings are allowed. Earrings may need to be removed during PE for safety. Boys may not wear earrings. Visible body piercing jewelry is not permitted. Items of medical or religious significance are acceptable. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside school buildings.
COSMETICS: Makeup should be school-appropriate and non-distracting. Boys are prohibited from wearing make-up. Visible tattoos are prohibited.
HAIR: Hair must be kept neat and have a combed appearance. Boys’ hair cannot be longer than the top of the collar and should be off the ears. Irregular hair coloring or outlandish hairstyles will not be allowed.
HEAD COVERINGS: No hats may be worn inside the school buildings. Head coverings of a religious nature (e.g. yarmulke, hijab, etc.) are permitted.
OUTERWEAR: Outerwear refers to coats, jackets, sweatshirts, cardigans, hoodies, sweaters, etc. Outside of Classroom - Any solid color. Extreme styles should be avoided. Inside the classroom - Outwear worn inside of the classroom must be of one, solid, neutral color, (preferably uniform colors) and must have the ALA logo (embroidered or patch) affixed over the heart. No other designs or logos should be displayed. Sweatshirts sold by ALA are acceptable. Unlogoed outerwear must be removed while inside the classroom.
BACKPACKS: Backpacks may not have profane or controversial language, logos, graphics or pictures. Unacceptable backpacks will be confiscated. Students may retrieve confiscated backpacks from the office to take home along with a note to parents.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up/Carpool
Your children's safety is our top priority. Please be conscientious and courteous when picking up and dropping off your children. Please park in the parking lot if you need to leave your vehicle. Please make sure your student(s) is picked up by 2:45pm.
Parents are responsible for safely transporting students to and from school. Carpools are strongly encouraged. Parents will have an opportunity to locate other drivers through the school website. Check on the main page, “www.alaschools.org,” under “car pool.”
ALA is not responsible for carpools and assumes no liability for matters related to the organization, management or execution of car pools.
Drop-off Guidelines
Students may not be dropped off earlier than thirty minutes before classes start. Exceptions are made only for authorized before-school activities.
Unload children only in designated areas in front of the school, not out on the street.
Parents please note. If students are tardy, parents must park in the lot and walk their student into the school and sign them in at the school office.
Pick-up Guidelines
Pick-up begins at 2:30 p.m. Early pick up is disruptive and is discouraged.
When approaching the pickup zone, pull your vehicle as far forward as possible. Do not exit your vehicle while in the car pool lanes. Staff is located at the carpool lanes to assist your students getting safely into your vehicle.
School Hours
Monday - Friday
Kinder AM: 8:00am-10:50am
Kinder PM: 11:40am-2:30pm
All day Kinder: 8:00am-2:30pm
Grades 1 -8: 8:00am-2:30pm
Grades 9-12: 8:00am-2:30pm
Substitute Rides Home
ALA makes every effort to assist your student getting to the bus. However, we accept no responsibility for students getting into their carpool. Make sure your students know who they are riding with before your school day begins.
Illness
Students who become ill during the school day should notify their teacher. Parents (or other approved individuals) will be responsible to pick up their children immediately upon being contacted by the school nurse. Please keep the school office updated with your current phone numbers.
If you pick up a child from school because of illness, you must sign the student out at the office.
Extended Family Vacations
We ask that vacations be scheduled during school breaks. However, if an extended family vacation is planned, please notify your child’s teacher and the office two weeks in advance and work with them on how to handle any missed assignments.
Family Death or Terminal Illness
If there is a death, terminal illness or a similar traumatic situation in your family that may affect your child’s attendance, emotional well-being and/or level of concentration, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
Lost and Found
The school is not responsible for items lost, damaged or stolen on school property or at school-sponsored events or activities. A Lost and Found will be maintained in the front office. All lost articles should be turned in.
Items not claimed after each quarter will be donated to a local charity.
School Lunch
ALA has a closed campus policy.
It is the parents' responsibility to provide their children with a lunch. Lunches may be purchased from the school. The school orders a few extra lunches each day, but in order to guarantee that a lunch is available, please order at least 24 hours in advance. The lunch menu is available on the school’s website, www.alaschools.org.
Students may bring lunches, including items requiring no more than one minute warming in the microwave. Ready-to-cook soups, pastas, and meals in sealed plastic containers are allowed.
Teachers, aides and parents will be assigned to supervise the lunchroom when students are at lunch. Students will be responsible for keeping the table and floor area neat and clean. After finishing lunch, they should properly dispose of food and trash. Politeness and civility are expected at all times, including lunchtime.
Food Allergies
Food allergies must be reported to the office. To the extent possible, ALA will mitigate exposure to allergens.
Recess
Recess times have been staggered to allow sufficient time and space for age-appropriate activities for the students. When playing games, students are encouraged to include those interested in participating. Games that are abusive or demean an individual are forbidden.
Toys and Personal Items
Toys brought to be used in teacher-directed sharing experiences are to be kept in the student’s backpack before and after the activity. Inappropriate literature or media is not allowed on campus at any time and may be cause for disciplinary action.
Electronics
Cell phones, CDs, MP3 players, iPods, game boys, palm pilots or other items that could cause distraction will not be allowed on campus during school hours. ALA will confiscate any electronic devices. Once confiscated it must be returned to a parent, not the student.
Cell phones will not be used while operating a vehicle on campus.
Field Trips
Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips.
Students will be transported to and from field trips by ALA buses. Each child will be required to submit a signed parental permission slip and pay the bus fee for transportation. There may be a fee to attend the activity.
Service to the school
Parents are required to provide 40 hours of service annually. These hours can be on school events, field trips, helping in the classroom or taking projects home to assist teachers. These hours can be provided by anyone in the family (i.e., aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, etc.). Parents will have the opportunity to fulfill service hour requirements by chaperoning field trips. Children who are not enrolled in ALA should not accompany parents when they are serving as chaperones.
Students are required to provide 20 hours of service annually. These hours can be done in the community, at home or at the school. Parents may sign the log included in their planner for hours done at home.
Visitor Policy
Visitors should check in at the office to sign the log and receive a badge to be worn while on campus. No visitor is allowed on campus without a badge or sticker.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year to discuss student progress. Both parents are invited to attend these events, but at least one is expected to attend. Parents and/or teachers are welcome to schedule a conference whenever necessary throughout the school year. If you desire to schedule an additional conference, please telephone the school office for an appointment.
See the calendar for the parent-teacher conference dates.
Student Medications
All medications dispensed to students during school hours must be in a prescription bottle that is clearly labeled with the child’s name and dosage.
Children needing additional medical treatment (i.e., insulin injections, asthma inhalers, etc.) should have their dosage procedures written with clear instructions. Parents are requested to train school personnel on treatment procedures to assist in child safety. A daily dosage log will be maintained by the office staff.
Students requiring over-the-counter medications
(i.e., Ibuprofen, Tylenol, cough syrup, cough drops, etc.) must have a signed note from parents. The medication, with the dosage defined, must be turned in to the office upon arrival at school. Students found with any medication on their person are subject to disciplinary action.
School Bus Rules
There is a fee for using ALA’s bus service. Busing can be billed monthly, by semester or paid in full for the year.
ALA designates pick up and drop off points. The school takes no responsibility for supervision of these bus stops. All Students will be released from the bus at the stop, except kindergarten students who will be released to a parent, older sibling or guardian. If a responsible party is not at the bus stop, the kindergarten student will remain on the bus and be returned to the school for parents to pick up.
The driver is completely in charge. Passengers must respond promptly to instructions given. Yellow and red cards will be issued by the bus driver.
Water in a sealable plastic container is allowed on the bus. No other food or drink may be consumed on the bus. Glass containers are not permitted.
Passengers must observe classroom conduct. Ordinary conversation is permitted. Horseplay, unruly behavior, abusive and obscene gestures or language is not acceptable.
Aisles and the step-well must be kept clear at all times. Animals and loose objects are not permitted on the bus.
No portion of a passenger’s body may be extended out of a window. No item may be passed through or thrown out of a window.
Passengers must remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Any damage to the bus caused by negligence will be the student’s or parent’s responsibility.
Regular schedules must be observed. The bus will not wait for tardy passengers. Students should arrive 10 minutes before scheduled bus pick up. Parents should arrive 10 minutes early for pick up in the afternoon.
Passengers must observe the driver's instructions when leaving the bus. The driver will provide a signal when it is safe to cross the street.
Drivers will not unload passengers at places other than regular stops, without proper authorization from the school’s transportation manager.
Students must have written permission from their parent or guardian in order to ride a bus not regularly assigned. A student must get a pass from the office prior to the end of the day to get on a bus with another student, if the student does not normally ride that bus.
Failure to follow these regulations may result in suspension or expulsion from transportation for the year. Discipline will follow the yellow/red guidelines under “Progressive Discipline Procedure.”
Red violations will be given if the driver or other students are endangered. A red violation will result in expulsion from the bus for the year.
Phone Usage
The office phone is for emergency use only. Students may use the phone only for emergencies.
Classroom Interruptions
To limit classroom interruptions we ask that you please make arrangements with your students prior to coming to school. This would include student pick-up and lunch arrangements.
Contact information
Gilbert Campus:
17019 S. Greenfield Road
Gilbert, AZ 85295
Office Hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm
Office Phone: (480) 988-3204
Fax: (480) 988-3280
San Tan Valley Campus:
34696 N. Village Lane
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Office Hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm
Office Phone: (480) 420-2100
Fax: (480) 988-3280
High School Campus:
Office Hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm
Office Phone: (480) 987-4500
Fax: (480) 987-4527
Transportation: (480) 988-3204
Calendar of Events
The updated calendar is available on the school’s website: www.alachools.org
Calendar of Events
The updated calendar is available at:
http://www.alaschools.org