The Atlanta stem academy 2016-2017 Parent Handbook

Dear Parents/ Guardian

Here at The Atlanta STEM Academy we’re confident you’ll find our unwavering commitment to educational excellences interpersonal skills, solid instructional methods, and hands on experience as a positive asset for your child. As well rounded educators, we have had the chance to teach a diverse group of students including those challenged by autism, learning disabilities, noncompliant behavior, and speech impairment, as well as students who functioned on and above grade level. We have gained in-depth knowledge of accommodating different styles of learners and incorporating effective methods to meet students’ unique needs.

We encourage student learning by incorporating the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, innovative learning stations, various forms of technology, interactive activities, and educational field trips. These methods prove to stimulate students’ social, emotional, physical and academic growth. In addition, we utilize these strategies to introduce new concepts, establish a connection between the classroom and everyday life, foster an exciting and engaging atmosphere and teach fundamental skills. Our greatest capability is cultivating and sustaining strong working relationships with all members of the school community. Here at TASA we create and send out monthly newsletters to keep parents up to date on school events, and hold regular parent teacher conferences. We also collaborate with fellow teachers to develop new activities, implement beneficial resources, and refine teaching techniques. Furthermore, we establish a rapport with all students and make certain that they receive sufficient praise and positive reinforcement. We look forward to having you join us as we work together in building a solid foundation for your child’s future.

Sincerely,

Jessica J. Harris

Dean of Academic Affairs

Atlanta STEM Academy

Classroom Names

Little Einstein’s - Pre-K

Explorers - 1^st Grade

Innovators- 2^nd Grade

Brainiac’s - 3^rd graders

Navigators- 4^th Grade

Generation Next- 5^th – 8^th Grade

TASA Programing & Programing Times
TASA Before Care Hours - 6:45am-7:30am

TASA School Hours- 8:30am - 2:15 pm

Mommy Moring Out- 9am-1pm (NO more than 4hrs a day/8hrs a week

After School Program- 2:30pm-6:00pm

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  Tuition is DUE by the fifth of each month for monthly paying parents and EVERY Friday for the following week for weekly paying parents. Payments received after due dates will result in a $25.00 late fee.
  

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  Dismissal will be at 3:30. There is a $10.00 charge per child for each 15 minutes you are late for pick up. There is also a $1.00 per minute late fee for after schoolers.
  

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  $25.00 NSF charge for each check returned. If tuition becomes delinquent after one month, you will have ten days from notification to meet your financial commitment. Failure to do so will result in the removal of your child from school.
  

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  If your child misses school because of a trip, illness, etc. the tuition fee still must be paid to cover that period of time.
  

2. A fever (a child should remain at home for 24hours after the fever is gone and/or prescribed antibiotics administered for 24 hours before a child returns to school).

3. Sore throat

4. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (child should remain home for 24 hours after the last episode).

5. Red, "crusty", itchy eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye is very contagious). The child must be kept at home for 48 hours while being treated with antibiotics and should only return to school if there is no discharge from the eyes.

6. A runny nose if there is colored nasal mucous.

Please notify the school if your child will be absent.

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  Cheese Pretzels
  
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  Graham crackers
  
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  Cheez-its
  
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  Saltines Ritz
  
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  Granola bars
  
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  Fruit
  
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  Raisins
  
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  Wheat thins
  
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  Mini bagels
  
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  Soft pretzels
  
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  Rice cakes Snack crackers
  
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  Fun Fruits Fruit Roll-ups
  
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  Pre-popped Popcorn
  
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  Milk or Juice
  
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  Ice Cream Cups
  
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  Sliced Fruit
  
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  Fresh Fruit
  
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  Carrot Sticks
  

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  Approaching students calmly and stopping any hurtful actions
  
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  Acknowledging students’ feelings
  

Adults involve students in identifying the problem by:

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  Gathering information from all involved students (what happened, what upset the students)
  
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  Restating the problem in a way that recognizes all the information gathered
  

Adults involve students in the process of finding and choosing a solution for the problem by:

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  Asking students for solutions and encouraging them to choose one together that all can agree on
  
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  Being prepared to give follow-up support when students act on their decisions
  

It is our goal to provide a safe and pleasant environment for ALL students. We recognize that students may sometimes act in ways that are inappropriate in a group setting. If this behavior is

persistent or causes one-on-one supervision the following actions may occur:

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  Teachers will contact parent/guardians by phone or in person
  
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  A system of regular communication will be established
  
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  Teachers will document behavior
  
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  Parents/guardians may be asked to immediately pick up a child from class
  
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  Parents/guardians may be required to stay in the classroom with the child.
  
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  Parents may be asked to contact a referral agency or behavioral specialist
  
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  The program may request assistance from the school district.
  
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  Observers may visit the classroom to provide the staff with ideas and resources
  
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  A child may be suspended from class
  
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  The staff may recommend another classroom or program placement as a more appropriate environment for the child.
  

Teachers recognize that all students develop social and emotional strengths at different rates depending on the child’s current life conditions, possible issues that may have occurred prior to school, and a child’s overall developmental level. They work with students individually to help them change their behavior. Improvements often come very slowly with students sometimes regressing to old behavior patterns. Teachers are interested in changing behavior and not punishing students for poor behavior.

It is the desire of the TASA staff to provide a safe learning environment. Dismissal from the program is a last resort. Students may be suspended or dismissed for:

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  Hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, or other behaviors that could be harmful to students or staff
  
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  Disruptive behavior
  
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  Antisocial behavior
  
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  Parent/guardian not completing or following through on a referral or behavioral recommendation
  
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  Health information not completed
  
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  Emergency cards not completed
  
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  Parent/guardian verbally abuses or physically harms another child or a staff member
  
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  Non-payment of tuition or fees (where applicable)
  

We encourage parents with special talents such as fire fighters, police officers, doctors, dentists, etc. to come and visit our classrooms during the year. The younger students feel more secure not leaving the classroom setting.

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  Cognitive Development
  
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  Language Development
  
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  Social Emotional Development
  
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  Physical Development
  
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  Literacy
  
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  Math,
  
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  Science
  
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  Technology
  
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  Engineering
  
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  Social Studies
  
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  Art
  
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  Music and Dance.
  

The students are assessed three times each year (fall, winter and spring). Each student has on-going observations, samples of classroom work and family input. Parent-teacher conferences are typically conducted at least twice during the school year to encourage parental involvement and discuss each child’s current performance and progress. This assessment meets the Georgia CORE Professional Standards.

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  The staff will thoroughly search the school and grounds for the child
  
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  After ten minutes, the parents or guardians and the police will be contacted
  
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  The staff will start to search the area surrounding the school
  

Field Trips will be available if there are adequate school recommended safety seats on the bus. Field trips may be planned throughout the year as a part of the curriculum. The times of the field trip may be different from the regular school day. Notices with all information will be sent out before a field trip is taken. The school policy on field trips is as follows:

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  A permission slip signed by a parent or guardian is required for each field trip.
  
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  The staff to child ratio must be maintained at all times and students will be actively supervised for the entire field trip.
  
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  All field trips for every class will be on a School Bus, unless the destination is within a safe walking distance. Parents who have other students will need to talk to the teacher about the school’s policy on bringing siblings on the trip.
  
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  Parents may be asked to pay an entrance fee if applicable.
  

Staff is required to bring a copy of the Emergency Card for each child on the trip. A list of all the students and staff on the field trip will be kept at the school.

1. 
   A copy of child’s birth certificate must be presented at the time of registration.
   

2. 
   A copy of the child’s immunization record must be presented at registration.
   

3. 
   One (1) proof of residency is required.
   

4. 
   A child information card (emergency card) must be presented on or before the first day of class, all lines of card must contain information.
   

5. 
   Signed written permission to seek emergency care, part of the child information card, must be presented on or before the first day of class.
   

6. 
   Within 30 days of initial attendance a health appraisal form must be presented signed by a licensed physical or designee stating that a physical evaluation has been made and the child is healthy enough to attend the program. The health appraisal form needs to be updated every two (2) years. (Students will be excluded from class if health forms are not turned in after 4 weeks of class.) Forms can be picked up at the School Office at the
   

7. 
   .Students in the 3 and 4 year old classes must be TOILET TRAINED. A child is toilet trained when he/she can make known their need to use the bathroom and can perform basic hygiene needs independently. Pull-ups and training pants are not permitted.
   

8. 
   It is required that an extra uniform be placed in your child’s backpack, Sometimes even students who normally do not have accidents, sometimes do.
   

9. 
   A copy of state benefits (food stamps, SSI, TANF etc.)
   

B. Be prompt regarding arrival and dismissal times

C. Escort your child to and from class, signing them in and out.

D. Send written permission if someone other than you will be picking up your child.

E. Attend field trips with your child

F. Parents will be asked to sign up to help in class as needed by the classroom teacher.

G. Parents who are not able to come in to the classroom may be able to help in other ways. Please ask a classroom teacher.
Parent Advisory Board
Parent/Guardian volunteers meet monthly to discuss ways to improve the school program. The Advisory Board looks at budget and curriculum as well as other relevant areas. They provide a strong voice in fundraising to supplement the program. The goal of the Board is to have a representative from each School class to join the group, or to get more information, talk to your child’s teacher or call the TASA office.

SIGN IN/SIGN OUT
All students MUST be signed in and out at the classroom by a parent, guardian, or other designated adult EVERYDAY.
PETS

Pets should not be brought to school, field trips, picnics, or evening activities. If an animal is used for assistance for a handicapped condition, please consult with the teacher or TASA office.

Reasons for dismissal may include:

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  Non-payment of tuition
  
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  Required paperwork not up to date
  
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  If your child is absent from school for more than two weeks consecutively and no notice has been given to the school or school staff
  

We truly hope you and your child will enjoy your school experience here at