STUDENT CONDUCT

Code of Academic Conduct

Learning occurs best when teachers and students are well prepared for classes, and a spirit of educational cooperation arises. Accordingly, the Code of

Academic Conduct requires that students:

1. Attend all classes daily, unless excused by the Principal.
2. Arrive on time to all classes with necessary materials as required by the teacher (additional trips to lockers disrupt the learning environment).
3. Follow teachers’ directions during classes, including field trips, and outside of classes on the school grounds.
4. Complete all work assigned by teachers.
5. Maintain The Academy of Moore County homework agenda as required for the grade level.

The faculty and administration of The Academy of Moore County will strive to provide appropriate support and direction to any student who needs assistance meeting educational goals, including meeting the requirements of the Code of Academic Conduct. The Academy of Moore County strives to bring out the best in every student, including students who are having difficulties, while deterring any student from undermining the education of other students through actions which violate the Code of Academic Conduct.

Dress Code

The Academy of Moore County strives to create an environment which allows our students to concentrate on academic and character education of the highest quality. While individuality is not discouraged, the clothing and physical appearance of an individual should not disrupt the educational atmosphere of the School. All students, staff and visitors are responsible for knowing and adhering to the following dress code:

·      Uniforms can be purchased at Lil Branches Children's Store in Aberdeen or online at www.AcademyUniforms.com. Previously purchased uniforms are acceptable.

·      All students have the option of red, white, or navy polo-style shirts in short or long sleeve.

·      All students have the option of navy or khaki pants or shorts.

·      Girls have the option of navy or khaki skorts.

·      Girls in grades K through 4 may wear a plaid or navy jumper and white blouse

·      All shirts must be embroidered with the official Academy logo.

·      Only all-white sneakers or tennis shoes may be worn or Mary-Janes for girls and penny-loafers for boys.

·      Only stud earrings may be worn, no danglers or hoops.  A watch is permitted but no bracelets.  If a necklace is worn, it must be inside the shirt.

·      No outdoor jackets may be worn in class.  Only Academy sweatshirts and sweaters may be worn in class. 

IPODS, MP3's, Cell Phones, Pagers and Other Personal Electronic Devices Are Prohibited.

Student Search/Property Seizure

Student Searches

The administration possesses the right to search individual students, their personal possessions and lockers when reasonable suspicion arises.  Students will not be randomly searched.  When a search is required, the Principal or designee will conduct the search away from classmates and in the presence of an adult witness.  Parents/guardians will always be notified if their student is searched. In the event that a student refuses to cooperate, the parents/guardians and law enforcement, if appropriate, will be contacted.  Further disciplinary action might also occur.

Property Seizures

The administration reserves the right to seize inappropriate items to include but not limited to contraband items (defined below) and electronic devices (defined above).  Return of the items is at the Principal’s discretion.

Contraband

“Contraband” is defined as any object that is illegal, dangerous and/or has the potential to disrupt the instructional environment or school activity.  It is also defined as any item that a classroom teacher has requested students not bring to school.  At no time are students to bring any type of weapon, tobacco, alcohol or explosive product/device/ingredient to school property or any school-sponsored events.

Elementary School Development  

A small, supportive K-8 school like The Academy of Moore County provides a unique opportunity for children to develop good and consistent habits regarding behavior, work and character. The Academy of Moore County places special emphasis on this development in the elementary division and strives to nurture and promote the whole child as the student moves through developmental milestones during the elementary years.

To develop consistent behavior habits, The Academy of Moore County strives to:

·         Provide positive reinforcement at every opportunity;

·         Create opportunities for children to demonstrate positive behavior;

·         Develop and articulate appropriate elementary behavior expectations at each grade level;

·         Foster a relationship with parents to support parenting decisions in line with The Academy of Moore County’s policies;

To develop consistent work habits, The Academy of Moore County strives to:

·         Set high expectations per grade level as to quality of work;

·         Provide clear expressions valuing effort as well as end- product.

To develop positive character development, The Academy of Moore County strives to:

·         Respect school facilities and property;

·         Create a mutually respectful environment in the classroom toward classmates and teachers

·         Create opportunities for children to show gratitude and appreciation;

·         Provide positive reinforcement for cooperative learning;

·         Build and reinforce conflict resolutions skills;

·         Provide opportunities for leadership.

Although the goal of these policies is to alleviate the need for punitive discipline, The Academy of Moore County is committed to providing a safe and appropriate educational environment for all students at all times. TAMC teachers and the Principal have discretion to apply disciplinary measures, as outlined below, when deemed appropriate to further that goal. In general, students are given greater responsibility and held to higher standards of accountability as they mature and rise through the grades in our school community.

Disciplinary Code of Conduct

The Academy of Moore County functions as a partnership between students, school staff and parents. Students are expected to understand and comply with appropriate codes of conduct. School staff, including teachers and administrative personnel, is expected to model, teach and enforce appropriate codes of conduct. Parents are expected to work with students and school staff to promote understanding and compliance with appropriate codes of conduct and respect for school staff. All members of The Academy of Moore County community should treat each other with respect and work together to create a safe environment that is conducive to learning and healthy development. School property and personal property must be respected. State and federal laws must be followed. Our Disciplinary Code of Conduct applies on school grounds at all times and at other locations during school sponsored events.

The Academy of Moore County strives to avoid disciplinary problems by modeling and teaching appropriate behavior, and by counseling students as they mature.

Teachers and staff will use their best judgment in handling each situation in the best interests of the student and the school as a whole. In the interest of consistency and predictability, The Academy of Moore County has established a framework of three Categories of Disciplinary Code Violations, as described below. Infractions and potential consequences listed are examples, and do not include all possible situations. For repeated problems, consequences will be progressive in application.

Students with a pattern of specific behaviors interfering or impeding the learning process will be submitted to “Child Find” SST for review.

CATEGORY I DISCIPLINARY CODE VIOLATIONS:

CATEGORY I violations are the least severe violations, including but not limited to:

·         Failure to comply with faculty or administration directives.

·         Possession or use of electronic devices

·         Minor violation of computer use agreement

·         School dress code violations.

Potential consequences of Category I violations include:

·         Verbal warning from faculty at the time of the infraction and direction to change the behavior.

·         Confiscation of the electronic device.  The device will only be returned to a parent/guardian by the Principal

·         Consultation with the Director, Principal and parents as necessary after repeated violations.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS invoke additional consequences as listed below:

(a) students who violate the dress code a first time will be given the opportunity to change into appropriate clothing.  If the student cannot supply appropriate clothing, an alternate school-owned uniform will be loaned to the student for the duration of the school day, to be returned to the school office at the end of the school day.

(b) Students who violate the dress code a second time in the same year will be given an outer garment to wear, as outlined above, without the option to change into personal clothing.  Parents will be notified and the student may also receive additional consequences such as after school detention, school community service, etc.

(c) In addition to taking the steps outlined above, any student found in violation of the dress code for the third time will be referred to the Principal, who will schedule a parent conference to discuss the persistent problem, and discuss and agree to a solution.  A third offence under this code may be considered as a category II violation.

CATEGORY II DISCIPLINARY CODE VIOLATIONS:

The following are considered conduct violations which, while they do not cause direct physical harm to others, constitute a threat to the personal or educational rights of others, or a disruption of the educational process.

Examples of Category II violations include, but are not limited to:

·         Inappropriate physical contact.

·         Disruption of the classroom.

·         Insubordination. This includes repeated Category I violations.

·         Defacement of school property or personal property of another student or member of our community.

·         Emotional abuse of others, including teasing and bullying whether verbally, in writing, or through a cell phone, computer, music or other electronic device.

·         Use or distribution of profane or violent language or images, whether verbally, in print, or through a cell phone, computer, music or other electronic device or other major violation of the computer use agreement.

·         Sexual, racial, or religious harassment, whether verbally, in print, or through a cell phone, computer, music or other electronic device. .

·         Plagiarism or cheating.

·         Truancy or skipping class.

Consequences of Category II violations include:

·         Immediate referral to the Principal.

·         Notification of parents/guardians.

·         Possible lunch detention or after school detention.

·         Possible suspension from school for a period of 1-5 days, at the discretion of the Principal. Before the student is allowed to return to school, the

Principal will conduct a Re-entry Meeting with the student and parents/guardians to review expectations of behavior. Each individual teacher has discretion to decide if school work missed during this suspension can be turned in for credit at a later date.

The Academy of Moore County adheres to a no tolerance policy regarding the following Category lll Violations:

CATEGORY III VIOLATIONS are the most severe and are of a nature so serious as to violate state or federal laws, and/or cause danger or harm to individuals or to school or personal property. Category III violations include, but are not limited to:

·         Physical or sexual assault

·         Communication of threats.

·         Possession of a weapon, including any knife, any firearm, or any air or

            CO2 powered weapons such as BB and paintball guns.

·         Performance of any act leading to the endangerment of others, including tampering with any safety device on school property.

·         Theft or willful destruction of property belonging to the school, a fellow student or other member of our community.

·         Possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs.

·         Possession or use of tobacco products.

Consequences of Category III violations include:

·         Immediate removal from the classroom and referral to the Principal.

·         Notification of parents/guardians.

·         Suspension of up to 10 days, at the discretion of the Principal.

·         Possible referral to law enforcement officials.

·         Possible expulsion, particularly in cases of premeditated physical or sexual assault or possession of a firearm on school grounds.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF ALL CATEGORY II AND III

VIOLATIONS AND MAY BE NOTIFIED OF CATEGORY I VIOLATIONS.

The Academy of Moore County strives to promote appropriate behavior through cooperation and consultation between the school, the student and the parents/guardians. Consequences for misconduct are cumulative, and each violation does not stand alone, but rather is considered in light of the nature and number of other violations. The Academy of Moore County is committed to providing a safe and supportive educational environment for all students at all times.

COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATION

The schools administration is available to answer questions from families and students or offer assistance should it be required. Families should always feel free to arrange an appointment to meet with the Principal if necessary, though severe situations will be handled immediately. With or without an appointment, parents/guardians should be advised that the Principal will not meet with a parent about a classroom issue unless it has already been discussed with the classroom teacher. This process not only honors the teacher as a professional, but also cuts back on the time it takes to bring closure to issues. If after discussing the issue with the classroom teacher a parent still feels there is a need to speak to an administrator, they may schedule an appointment to meet with the Principal as well as the teacher. Also, please understand that the Principal is very busy with responsibilities associated with students, teachers and the running of TAMC. Therefore, the "front office" is expected to gain as much information about a particular issue in order to determine if a message should be taken or if the request requires immediate attention based on school processes. Typically, the person making the request views it as something that must be handled immediately. TAMC office staff has a wealth of understanding and experience and is charged with helping you follow our process, rather than immediately passing you on to the administration. There are many ways to communicate with your child’s teacher(s). The easiest way is through email.  You can also call the school's phone number and leave a message on the teacher's extension.  Please see the General Information and the Faculty and Staff Directory in this handbook for email addresses. Notes are also a good way to communicate, and should be placed in your child’s agenda. We respectfully request that you do not drop in on your child’s teacher before, during or after school. If you have an emergency that needs to be communicated, please call the administrative office. Please see the Grievance Process for more information on problem resolution and filing a grievance.

School Bus/Van Rider Rules

In addition to all school rules, these School Bus/Van Rider rules also must be followed by every student who rides an Academy of Moore County bus/van, either to or from school or on a field trip or athletic trip. Riding a school bus/Van is a privilege, not a right, and the safety and welfare of each and every rider is the most important consideration.

·         Students waiting to either enter or disembark the bus/van must wait until the bus/van is completely stopped, the red lights are flashing, and the door is open before walking toward it.

·         Students on the bus/van must remain seated in their assigned seats while the bus is in motion, and must remain seated until the bus/van is completely stopped and the bus/van door is open.

·         Students should not talk to the bus/van driver while the bus is in motion, unless there is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

·         If the bus/van is backing up, or crossing railroad tracks, or if the bus/van driver requests silence, all students must remain absolutely quiet, so the bus/van driver can hear clearly.

·         Loud voices, arguments, cursing, verbal or physical harassment, play fighting or other disruptive behaviors are not permitted on the bus/van. Violations constitute a Class lll Violation.

·         Chewing gum or eating food or candy is not allowed on the bus at any time.

·         Students must be met at the bus stop by a parent or guardian or they will not be allowed to exit the bus.  They will be returned to the school and placed into our afterschool program at parent’s expense.

Failure to follow these rules has serious safety consequences. Therefore even one infraction of these rules may result in the loss of the student’s privilege to ride the bus/Van.

Grievance Process

Anyone with an issue that needs to be resolved should attempt to resolve the issue following the appropriate chain of responsibility as outlined in the Problem Resolution Policy:

1. Issues with a classroom teacher, administrator or teaching assistant should first be brought to that person’s attention.

2. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved through discussion with the individual, it should be brought to the attention of the Principal in writing.

3. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved with the Principal it may be submitted to the Board of Directors. Issues must be brought in writing and signed by the person bringing the grievance with documentation showing that the chain of responsibility has been followed.

The Problem Resolution and Grievance policies are available by request from the administrative office staff or from any member of the Board.

Visitors

All visitors to the school, including parents, must sign-in at the office upon arrival and receive a visitor’s badge. Parents are not permitted to visit teachers during instructional time, unless serving as a volunteer. Elementary school teachers may establish policies for their classrooms which encourage greater involvement by parents.

The Academy of Moore County is a closed campus. Unless specifically permitted by a teacher or the Principal, students may not leave school, nor have non-parent/ guardian visitors at school during school hours, including lunch.