Bridges Academy
School-Parent Compact Plan
The school will:
- Solicit parent and community input regarding the education of the children it serves.
- Offer flexible scheduling of parent meetings, training sessions, assemblies and school functions to maximize parent participation.
- Promote open communication between home and school..
- Respect students’ time. (Homework will be an extension of what is learned in the classroom)
- Continue the weekly folder to parents.
- Continue to acknowledge individual student accomplishments.
- Communicate test results in a timely manner.
- Address individual student needs.
- Attend to cultural diversity while promoting the development of the whole child.
- Focus on the development of social skills.
- Provide quality programs and instruction.
- Be available to you and your child(ren). .
As a parent, you're part of your child’s educational team including Title 1 and Exceptional Children
- Showing a love of learning.
- Sharing interest in your child’s school day.
- Encouraging good study habits.
- Getting to know your child’s school.
- Creating a quiet workplace for your child at home and providing assistance when needed.
- Volunteering and participating in school functions
- .Reading aloud to your child regularly and being an interested listener as they read to you.
- Involving your child in school/community activities to promote his/her social, emotional, and physical development. Seeking information regarding your child’s progress.
- Communicating the importance of and respect for education.
- Modeling the belief that learning is a life-long process that takes place at home as well as at school
- Helping your child establish a routine for school days.
- Have current contact information available to the school at all times
- Participate in required meetings
The student will:
- Attend class regularly and be on time for class.
- Participate in class activities and discussion.
- Show an interest in learning.
- Conduct himself/herself in an appropriate manner
By signing below, I have read and agree to the student handbook as well as the parent-school compact.
Student Signature ___________________________________________date_____________
Parent Signature ___________________________________________date_____________
Administrator Signature_______________________________________date_____________
Bridges Academy
August 15, 2013
Title 1
Parent Involvement Plan
Exceptional Children Stakeholder Plan
- Bridges
School believes parental involvement is a key component of student achievement
and success. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and administrators
was used to develop this Parent Involvement Plan. The parent involvement is emphasized in the new
school-parent compact as well as the handbook.
- Parents
are asked to attend Open House at the beginning of the school year to meet the
teachers.
- Parents
are informed regarding assurances and other guidelines and requirements in
regard to the federal and state laws.
- Parent
attendance and participation is also encouraged for parent volunteer training,
Saturday School, special events, and at the end of each report period.
Each year parents, teachers, administrators, and students sign compacts and
pledge to work together as a team to ensure the success of our students.
Parents are encouraged to serve as volunteers at Bridges School (library, cafeteria, and classroom
assistants, field trip chaperone, etc.)
- Parents
will be asked to commit to 5 volunteer hours per month in some capacity to help
the school. This could include telephone
calls, book reading, assisting on the campus, field trip chaperones,
substituting in the class or assisting in other appropriate situations.
- Calendars
are sent out at the beginning of each year as well as reminders the week of a
special event..
- Parent
conferences are held throughout the school year. School wide
parent-teacher conferences are held four times a year at the end of each report
period..
- Parents have opportunities to participate in parent meetings that focus on the No Child Left Behind Act, test taking tips for their children, improving their child’s academic performance and parenting skills.
-
Bridges Academy
School-Parent Compact Plan
The school will:
- Solicit parent and community input regarding the education of the children it serves.
- Offer flexible scheduling of parent meetings, training sessions, assemblies and school functions to maximize parent participation.
- Promote open communication between home and school..
- Respect students’ time. (Homework will be an extension of what is learned in the classroom)
- Continue the weekly folder to parents.
- Continue to acknowledge individual student accomplishments.
- Communicate test results in a timely manner.
- Address individual student needs.
- Attend to cultural diversity while promoting the development of the whole child.
- Focus on the development of social skills.
- Provide quality programs and instruction.
- Be available to you and your child(ren). .
- Showing a love of learning.
- Sharing interest in your child’s school day.
- Encouraging good study habits.
- Getting to know your child’s school.
- Creating a quiet workplace for your child at home and providing assistance when needed.
- Volunteering and participating in school functions
- .Reading aloud to your child regularly and being an interested listener as they read to you.
- Involving your child in school/community activities to promote his/her social, emotional, and physical development. Seeking information regarding your child’s progress.
- Communicating the importance of and respect for education.
- Modeling the belief that learning is a life-long process that takes place at home as well as at school
- Helping your child establish a routine for school days.
- Have current contact information available to the school at all times
- Participate in required meetings
- Attend class regularly and be on time for class.
- Participate in class activities and discussion.
- Show an interest in learning.
- Conduct himself/herself in an appropriate manner
Student Signature ___________________________________________date_____________
Parent Signature ___________________________________________date_____________
Administrator Signature_______________________________________date_____________
Parent/Student Handbook
2013-14
Bridges Academy
2587 Pleasant Ridge Road
State Road, NC 28676
(336) 874-2721
bridgesacademync.com
bridgesschoolyadkinvalley.org
Table of Contents
Message to the Parent …………………………………………...……………. 1
Message to the Student ………………………………………….……………... 1
Handy Guide to Bridges Rules ………………………………...……………… 2
Student Behavior Expectations ……………………………......…… …………. 3
A Celebration in Education ……………...…………………………………….. 4
Mission Statement……………………………………………………………….. 4
General Information …..…...…………....……………………………………… 5
Visitors ………………..…………………………………………………………. 5
Safe School Plan ……………………………………………………………….. 6
Student Illness .…………………………………………………………………. 6
Home – Hospital Instruction …......…………………………………………….. 6
Safety ……………………………………………………………………………. 7
Discipline Policy …………………………………………………………………. 8
Attendance/Participation Policy …….…………………………….......………. 9
Personal Hygiene ………..……………………………………………………... 9
Be On Time ………..…………………………………………………………… 9
Medicines ………..……………………………………………………………… 9
Dress Code ……….…….....…..….……………………………………………. 10
Cell Phone …………...………………………………………………………….. 10
Lost and Found …………………….…………………………………………… 11
Sign Out Procedures …………………………………………………………… 11
Parent Volunteers ………………………………………………………………. 11
Personal Data Sheets …………………………………………………………… 11
Citizenship ………………..………………………………………………………. 12
Meals ……………………………………………………………………………… 13
Breakfast ..…..……………………………………………………………………. 13
Snacks ……..……………………………………………………………………… 13
Bridges Academy Welcomes You
Home of the Bulldogs
To the Parent
Be generous with praise, affirmation, and positive reinforcement. Kind words
motivate children and help them to face new challenges.
Keep your promise! If your child can’t trust you, the whole world will be
frightening!
Set a good example. Your child will see and copy everything you do! The
most serious handicap is careless, indifferent, or unkind parenting!
Start today! Give your child the best parent ever! If you aren’t’ sure how
to begin, call your school. We would love to help!
To the Student
We are truly glad that you are here! We hope that you are excited about
working, playing, and learning with your fellow students. Your teachers have
been excitedly preparing for your arrival, and we believe this will be your
favorite year ever! Our staff has developed some rules to help us all enjoy our
time together and know what to expect. Please go over them on your own and with
your parents, as well as at school.
Section 1. Handy Guide to Bridges Rules
Students must have written permission to leave school with anyone other than
a custodial parent/guardian.
Students MUST wear Bridges shirts on field trips, special outings,
trips to the library, etc.
Shorts/skirts must be at least mid-thigh length and clothing should be
labeled.
NO CAPS/HATS may be worn in building.
Guns, knives, unapproved electronic devices, any item interpreted as a
weapon, toys, etc. must be left at home. Policy is ZERO TOLERANCE in
this area.
Eating and Drinking will take place at lunch or designated
snack time.
Soft Drinks are not allowed.
UNEXCUSED TARDIES (3) will result in in-school suspension.
Parents should keep current phone numbers and other contact information on file.
Parents and visitors must use FRONT DOOR and CHECK IN AT OFFICE.
Cell phones must be checked in to teachers during the day and can be
collected at the end of each school day.
Section 2. Student Behavior Expectations
All Students
Respect self and others.
Show kindness at all times.
Follow classroom rules and procedures.
Follow rules in handbook.
Grades K – 2
Develop ability to use words to express anger and other negative feelings.
Inform staff of instances of unkindness.
Participate in school-wide character education efforts.
Follow rules in handbook.
Grades 3 – 5
Use words to express anger and other negative feelings.
Actively participate in conflict resolution.
Practice traits introduced in character education program.
Follow rules in handbook.
Seek adult assistance if rules are broken.
Grades 6 – 8
Use appropriate words when angry or offended.
Set good examples of tolerance and conflict resolution.
Respect the individual space of others.
Practice traits introduced in character education.
Follow rules in handbook.
Immediately solicit adult help if rules are broken.
Section 3. A Celebration in Education
Bridges Academy approaches learning with enthusiasm, joy, and energy. We
invite all students, parents, faculty, volunteers, and visitors to join in our
process of discovery and growth. We request that you bring a sense of
expectation, a commitment to cooperation, and spirit of adventure. We urge you
to share in our exploration of the inter-relatedness of all knowledge.
BRIDGES ACADEMY approaches academics,
Discipline, and all problem-solving with love, believing that
"Where There is Great Love, There are Always Miracles!"
Mission Statement
Creating a nurturing environment where children and teachers
can tingle with discovery is the mission of Bridges Academy. The school is
founded with the conviction that making connections defines the creative
learning process. It is a place that addresses the needs of certain students
who are failing to thrive in their current educational setting. The whole
community – teachers, students, and parents
–become the bridges that link life and
learning and provide a deeper understanding of the concepts, patterns, and
principles which are the foundation of knowledge in our world.
Section 4. General Information
Students may begin arriving at 7:45 am. As students arrive, they are to go
directly to the GYM and remain there until they are dismissed for
classes. DO NOT DROP STUDENTS BEFORE 7:45 AM.
Students riding in cars in the afternoon will be dismissed at 3:15 pm,
immediately after the buses.
Students will not be allowed to leave school with anyone other than a
custodial parent unless the school has received parental consent.
Once a student has arrived on school grounds, he/she may not leave the
grounds without a parent’s checking them out.
Parents who wish to pick up their children early should call for them at
the office. The school is legally responsible to see that a student is
released to authorized persons only.
If a student wishes to go home with another Bridges student, the school
must have permission from parents of both host and
guest.
Visitors
We are always happy to have guests, particularly parents, who visit the
school for sincere educational purposes. All visitors must report to the
office upon arrival and wear a name tag while on campus. Unauthorized
visitors will be asked to leave immediately. Any student who wishes to bring a
visitor to school must obtain permission from the principal. Preschool children
may not be brought to school by other students.
Section 5. Safe School Plan
A Safe School Plan that incorporates and expands upon our Student Behavior
Expectations and our Discipline is on file at the Department of Public
Instruction in Raleigh. It incorporates new laws for the discipline and
treatment of students. For a copy of this entire plan, call the administration
office at (336) 874-2721.
Student Illness
If a student becomes too sick or hurt to remain at school, the following
procedure will be followed:
The teacher will bring the student to the office and we will contact the
parents.
The parents will be asked to come to school and pick up the child. In the
event of an emergency, proper action will be taken, and parents will be notified
immediately.
Parents should never send a sick child to school. This practice
creates problems for the child, other children, parents, and the
school.
Home – Hospital Instruction
e instruction or individualized instruction will be provided for children
who are confined to their home, or the hospital, for an extended period due to
illness. Requests for "Homebound" services should be made to the
principal.
Section 6. Safety
You must have parental permission to leave school early.
Any change from the daily plan for returning home will require consent from
parent or guardian.
All medication must be kept in the administration office.
Visitors must enter by the FRONT DOOR and come by the
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE.
Section 7. Discipline Policy
Bridges Academy believes in positive discipline. There is always an attempt
to engage a student’s desire to cooperate. The goals of disciplinary efforts
will be to make sure that behavioral rules and social boundaries are followed.
At the same time, disciplinary efforts will be implemented to insure that the
student misses as little instructional time as possible. In the event of
repeated infractions, disciplinary action will proceed as follows:
Office conference(s) with student
Student asked to participate in solution
Parents called
After school, or Saturday School
"In – School" Suspension
Suspension from the school for a definite period of time
Long – Term suspension from the school for an
indefinite period of time
*** Students participating in Exceptional Children Programs of service will
have a behavioral plan implemented when discipline is necessary.
***
Caring school personnel and parents working
together can solve almost any problem.
Saturday School will be the last Saturday morning of each month. Students
will be assigned to this by team decision. Arrangements will be made with the
parent or guardian.
Saturday Support Day
The last Saturday morning of each month will be a volunteer work day. All
parents, volunteers and supporters are requested to participate and give back
when possible.
Section 8. Attendance/Participation Policy
Regular attendance develops a pattern of behavior essential to success in
later life. Even though students may make up work missed because of absences,
they may never be able to replace the educational, cultural and social contacts
they would have experienced through face to face instruction and class
participation. Accordingly, Bridges Academy will report repeated absences to
truant officers!
Bridges Academy believes there is no substitute for the
uninterrupted personal contact between students and teachers in the classroom
environment where learning experiences are carefully planned by the teachers.
Parents and students should make every effort possible to be on –
time when arriving at school. Classroom attendance and participation are
integral parts of the school experience.
Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene and neatness are required. Students should come to school
dressed appropriately with focus on a clean and neat appearance. Staff may
contact parents regarding appropriate dress and neatness. Although Bridges
shirts are not required on a daily basis, students may be asked to wear an
available Bridges shirt if tee shirts with offensive messages are
worn.
Be On Time
TARDY. Three (3) unexcused tardies shall result in a
full day of in – school suspension.
Medicines
If medicine is to be given at school, a signed request form (available in
administration office) will need to be on file. The original medicine container
is required with clear instructions for its use. If your child is allergic to
anything, this allergy should be noted on the pink Personal Data
Sheet.
Section 9. Dress Code
Students must purchase Bridges Academy shirts. They will be
expected to wear them on trips to the library, field trips, etc. Their pants
and skirts, etc. (at least, mid – thigh please) are of
choice. Bridges Academy students are expected to dress with pride and dignity.
Research indicates that there is a definite connection between proper dress and
grooming and the successful operation of a school. Shoes and shirts must be
worn at all times. Tennis shoes are required for P.E. Hats are not to be
worn in any building by either males or females except on special costume
days. Therefore, any student wearing clothing (or lack of clothing) that
disrupts the educational process will be required to return home and change
clothes. Students wearing inappropriate shirts will be required to change
to a Bridges Academy shirt (available) at school for the remainder of the school
day.
Examples of disruptive attire not to be worn:
Caps/Hats
Biker shorts
Mini skirts
Too – short shorts
Bare midriffs
Shirts with cut–off
sleeves
Any clothing with vulgar words/pictures
Cell Phone Rules
Cell phones are not encouraged. However, if parents permit phones at school,
they must be checked in to the teacher/teacher assistant and can be collected at
the end of the school day.
Section10. Lost And Found
Many articles of clothing wind up in the Lost/Found Box. Please Label
Clothing! Please check the Lost/Found Box periodically for missing items.
After 30 days, items will be sold or donated.
Sign Out Procedures
If you need to pick up your child during school hours, you must report to the
office first!
We will locate your child for you! This procedure is essential to assure
student safety. You are always welcome, but you MUST follow school
procedures. Visitors will be asked to wear a name tag for identification
purposes.
Parent Volunteers/ Community Volunteers
Parent Volunteers are needed for tutoring, reading aloud, assisting at school
functions, fund raising, classroom assistance, office help, ground keeping
maintenance, etc. If you would like to donate some time, please fill in the
Volunteer Forms that will be sent home. If you have any questions, please call
(336) 874-2721.
Personal Data Sheets
PLEASE keep the school informed of your phone number (s), place of
employment, etc., and where you can be contacted in case of an
emergency.
Please keep the administration office informed of current addresses and phone
numbers!
Section 11. Citizenship
Treat every other person as you want to be treated.
Respect your teachers and each other.
Respect other people’s property.
Find something good to say about your classmates.
Help keep our rooms and halls clean.
Wear Bridges Academy shirts as required for field trips, etc.
Follow all school and classroom rules.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Kindness is free!
Section 12. Meals
State guidelines will not allow students to charge breakfast or lunch costs.
Lunch will be provided for $3.25
Payments for Breakfast and/or Lunch may be prepaid on a monthly/weekly/daily basis.
Breakfast
Bridges will be serving breakfast between 7:45 am and 8:15 am.
Breakfast will be provided for $2.00
** Free/Reduced breakfasts and lunches will be available after the proper
forms are completed. **
Snacks
Students may bring a snack from home to eat at a designated
snack time. Do not send potato chips, candy, cookies, etc. Fresh fruit, boxes
of raisins, or granola – type bars are healthy alternatives.
NO SOFT DRINKS WILL BE ALLOWED. All snacks must be consumed at
designated snack or lunch time.
Students may bring bottled water from home and may refill the bottle at
fountains throughout the day. Students may choose to drink from the fountains also.