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Imagine Environmental
Science Academy
“Developing Character, Enriching Minds”
2020-2021
Parent/Student Handbook
1030 Clay Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43608
Phone: 419-727-9900
Fax: 419-727-9902
www.ImagineESA.org
Class Hours: 9:10 AM – 4:00 PM
Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contents
Welcome to Imagine Environmental Science Academy! ........................................................... 4
MISSION....................................................................................................................................................... 4
BELIEF STATEMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 5
STATEMENT CONCERNING STATE TESTING AND COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW .............. 5
ADMISSION................................................................................................................................................. 6
PROCESS AND CRITERIA ........................................................................................................................... 6
KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION .................................................................................................................... 7
DAILY PROCEDURES................................................................................................................................. 7
ARRIVAL ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
TARDY ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
ABSENT ........................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.7
BREAKFAST ................................................................................................................................................... 7
EARLY DISMISSAL ........................................................................................................................................ 7
DISMISSAL AND PICK-UP TIMES ............................................................................................................... 8
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING ......................................................................................................... 8
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................. 9
ATTENDANCE PROBLEM PROCEDURES ............................................................................................. 10
MANDATORY WITHDRAWAL ................................................................................................................... 11
TRUANCY .................................................................................................................................................... 11
MISSING CHILD POLICY.................................................................................................................... 11-10
ACADEMICS AND THE GRADING SYSTEM........................................................................................ 12
PROGRESS REPORTS ................................................................................................................................. 12
PROMOTION AND RETENTION .......................................................................................................... 12-11
STANDARDIZED TESTING .......................................................................................................................... 13
ACADEMIC PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION .................................................................................. 13
SCHOOL SUPPLIES .................................................................................................................................. 13
HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY AND GUIDELINES .................................................................................. 14
Purpose of Homework ............................................................................................................................ 14
Guidelines and Procedures ............................................................................................................. 14-13
CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................................................. 16
THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS ................................................ 16
STUDENT AND PARENT RIGHTS ............................................................................................................ 16
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................................... 16
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................... 17
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................................ 17
1EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS ..................................................................................... 17
EXPECTATIONS FOR STAFF ............................................................................................................... 18-16
PHILOSOPHY OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE ................................................................ 19
DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS ......................................................................................................................... 19
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION .................................................................................... 19
IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2004 ............................................................................................................... 19
REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL .............................................................................................................. 20-17
RESTITUTION .............................................................................................................................................. 20
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION ........................................................................................................... 20
EXPULSION ........................................................................................................................................... 21-18
SEARCHES ................................................................................................................................................. 21
WEAPONS - EXPULSION.................................................................................................................... 21-19
OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES....................................................................................................... 22
LEVEL ONE OFFENSES ........................................................................... 19-Error! Bookmark not defined.23
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR LEVEL ONE ................................... 19-23Error! Bookmark not defined.
LEVEL TWO OFFENSES ......................................................................................................................... 19-23
LEVEL TWO CONSEQUENCES ................................................................. 19-Error! Bookmark not defined.
ANTI-BULLYING, ANTI-HARRASSMENT AND ANTI-INTIMIDATION POLICY .................................. 27
TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE
POLICY ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................ 30
ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY .................................................................................................................. 33
TRANSPORTATION................................................................................................................................... 33
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION AND PICK UP AUTHORIZATION FORMS ............................................ 30
EMERGENCY CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION .................................................................................. 30
DRESSING FOR SCHOOL ....................................................................................................................... 30
DRESS CODE VIOLATION ...................................................................................................................... 31
PERSONAL ITEMS ..................................................................................................................................... 31
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, SERVICES, AND MEDICATION ........................................................... 31-32
Immunization Requirements for Entrance to Kindergarten ..................................................... 32-33
Immunization Requirements for Entrance to Grades 1-12 ...................................................... 32-33
STUDENT ILLNESS...................................................................................................................................... 37
LICE POLICY ............................................................................................................................................. 37
HEALTH SCREENINGS ............................................................................................................................. 37
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION........................................................................................................ 38-34
2GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... 39
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ........................................................................................... 39
FIELD TRIPS .................................................................................................................................................. 40
HOLIDAY AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES ........................................................................................................ 41
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 41
RE-ENROLLMENT........................................................................................................................................ 41
SEALED/EXPUNGED RECORDS ............................................................................................................... 41
SCHOOL TELEPHONES .............................................................................................................................. 41
VISITOR’S POLICY.................................................................................................................................... 41
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................. 4238
VOLUNTEERS ............................................................................................................................................ 42
PARENT ORGANIZATION ....................................................................................................................... 43
TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY ............................................................................................... 43
CHILD FIND POLICY...................................................................................................................... ……..40
ESEA NOTICIFICATION ...................................................................................................................... 40-41
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION COMPLAINT RESOLUTION POLICY ................................. 41
EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH ................................................................. 41-42
OFFICIAL DESIGNATION ........................................................................................................................ 48
Home-School Partnership .................................................................................................................... 51
SIGNATURE PAGE ................................................................................................................................... 46
3Welcome to Imagine Environmental Science Academy!
Welcome to Imagine Environmental Science Academy! We are excited about the great
opportunities for learning that are available for your child this year. As you know, one of the
features of Imagine Environmental Science Academy is that we have high expectations for our
students. We know that our students can achieve anything if we, as a school community, provide
the support and motivation they need. In keeping with those expectations, we have implemented
several policies that will help our students learn. We remain committed to providing every child
with a safe, orderly, academic environment where everyone is working toward the same goals for
success. The Policies explained in this handbook, reflect the attitudes and habits of successful
students everywhere. As a school of choice we are aware that our parents/guardians have numerous
options on where to send their children for schooling. We thank you for choosing Imagine
Environmental Science Academy and hope that this handbook reflects the high expectations we
all have for our students.
MISSION
In partnership with families and the community, ensuring that all students can learn and apply the
academic and social skills to be successful, positive contributing members of society. To empower
students with the knowledge to be change agents and stewards of their environment.
VISION
To become a top-tier, innovative learning community by consistently setting and reaching high
academic achievement and character expectations, which will provide students with the
necessary foundation to be successful in the next grade level, in college, and in life.
4BELIEF STATEMENTS
At Imagine Environmental Science Academy, we believe:
• In the Shared Values of integrity, justice and fun to influence behavior.
• In Parent Choice and satisfaction and use them as key indicators of success.
• Academic Achievement is balanced by excellence in scholarship and is measured by student
learning gains as well as proficiency.
• Positive Character Development is themed through the curriculum and its impact is evaluated
by measuring discernible positive changes.
• Economic Sustainability is established to have every school financially able to stand on it
own with a secure facility to continue to educate children over the long run.
• In supporting and developing new Imagine Schools.
• All students can learn.
• Each teacher will utilize prescriptive teaching - instruction will be aligned to the Standard
Course of Study.
• Education should be child-centered, revolving around the diverse needs of each child.
• Education should include the teaching of character and citizenship.
• Education should emphasize high expectations and achievement.
• Technology is a vital educational tool and is an integral part of the curriculum.
• Students should be encouraged to care for and treat others with respect, work cooperatively,
and contribute to the surrounding community.
• Learning should be a combination of fun, enthusiasm and discipline.
• It will be necessary to promote enhanced, positive public relations with focused parental
involvement and community support.
• Each staff member is a part of a unified team that will strive to accomplish the above stated
mission, beliefs and goals.
STATEMENT CONCERNING STATE TESTING AND COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW
Imagine Environmental Science Academy is a community school established
under Chapter 3314 of the Ohio Revised Code. The school is a public school and
students enrolled in and attending the school are required to take proficiency
tests and other examinations that are prescribed by law. In addition, there may
be other requirements for students at the school that are prescribed by law.
Students that have been excused from the compulsory attendance laws for the
purpose of home education as defined by the Ohio Administrative Code shall no
longer be excused for that purpose upon their enrollment in the School. For more
information about this matter, please contact the school or the Ohio Department
of Education.
5ADMISSION
The School will not charge tuition. All students of the School must be residents of the State of
Ohio. Admission is open to students on a statewide basis.
Applications are accepted for student admission up to the deadline date for a lottery drawing.
Priority for enrollment shall be given to returning students, their siblings, and students from the
district in which the school is located. If on the deadline date for a lottery drawing the number of
applicants per grade level exceeds the number of seats, a lottery drawing is held for those grade
levels. The lottery drawing places children in order for possible enrollment into the school. As
the School operates and accepts students year round, if other spaces are available after the lottery
places become available, students are accepted off a prioritized wait list based on the results of the
lottery or, if there is no wait list, then on a first come first serve basis.
If a lottery is necessary, it shall take place at a public location. All parties will have the opportunity
to be present during the lottery process and will be notified in advance of the date, time and location
of the lottery. All parents of children selected in the lottery will be notified of the selection by
certified mail. Parents will have up to seven (7) days from receipt of the certified mail to contact
the School regarding their decision. If a parent does not respond within seven (7) days of receipt
of the certified mail, the school will select another child from the lottery in the order the child’s
name was drawn.
PROCESS AND CRITERIA
The School admits children of any race, color, religion, or sex. Furthermore, the School will not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and
activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The
following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:
SCHOOL LEADER
ADDRESS : 1030 Clay Avenue
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 419-727-9900
All that will be required for a student to be admitted is submission of the following:
Completing and submitting the Registration Form
Submitting copies of the child’s Original Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Current Immunization Record as mandated by law
Proof of Residence
Copy of Valid Parent/Guardian Photo Identification
If the student has an IEP/ETR/504 Plan, copies need to be provided before enrollment is considered
complete. In order to allow for an appropriate placement of a student in a classroom, students will
not be eligible to attend the School until 24 hours after the enrollment process is completed and all
necessary documents, including the prior school records, are received by the School.
6KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION
The School shall admit to kindergarten any student, whose 5th birthday falls on or before
September 30th. A child who seeks to enroll in kindergarten whom does not meet the age
requirement set forth above, but who will be five years old prior to the first day of January of the
school year in which admission is required, may be evaluated for early admittance in accordance
with School’s early admission policy.
DAILY PROCEDURES
ARRIVAL
Students should arrive to school no earlier than 8:50 a.m. Upon arrival, students who are eating
breakfast are to report to the school gymnasium/cafeteria first and all others should report to their
classroom. In order to promote a student’s sense of independence, we ask that you please say
goodbye to your child at the classroom door and allow them to proceed with their morning routine
independently.
TARDY
Students who arrive on time will have a better chance to achieve. Students who arrive after 9:10
a.m. will be marked tardy and should report to the office prior to going to class. In order to ensure
student safety, Parents/Guardians must escort tardy students to the Front Office and complete
attendance sign-in page. Students will then independently continue on to class with a late pass.
Parents/Guardians must be sure to contact the school no later than 10:00 AM in order to secure a
lunch for their student, in case of tardiness. If a call is not received on the student’s behalf, then a
hot lunch cannot be guaranteed and a meal alternative will be provided.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast will be served for students from 8:50 to 9:10 a.m. Only students who arrive by bus after
9:10 a.m. will be permitted to eat breakfast late.
Lunch or Lunch Money
Imagine Environmental Science Academy has received a grant allowing all students a free
breakfast and free lunch. If your child packs his/her lunch, please remember to put their name on
the lunch box/sack.
Food Allergy Action Plan
If a student has a serious food allergy, the student and his/her guardian must complete a Food
Allergy Action Plan, available in the school office.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Students who leave school anytime during or before the last 60 minutes of the day are marked as
“p.m. tardy”. For early dismissal please notify the office, and the classroom teacher at the
7beginning of the day. After 3:00 p.m. early dismissal is not permitted. If you pick your child up
early that time is counted towards their total number of absences. In the case of an early dismissal,
the parent/guardian must meet the child in the school office and sign out before the child will be
excused.
DISMISSAL AND PICK-UP TIMES
Dismissal will begin at 4:00 p.m. with car riders and buses.
The driveway entrance into the parking lot is closed during arrival and dismissal. Students who
ride the bus will enter into the gym through the doors located on Brigham Street. Busses will park
in the back lot and along Brigham Street. Please drop off and pick up your child(ren) at the front
entrance on Clay Avenue. After repeated incidents, without reasonable prior notice or explanation,
Children Services may be contacted for pick-ups past 4:30 p.m.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
In case of severe weather, the School Leader will notify local TV and radio stations regarding the
decision to close school, Imagine Environmental Science Academy does not have two-hour delays.
Additionally, Imagine Environmental Science Academy is not affiliated nor connected to any
traditional public schools; therefore we will be listed as Imagine Environmental Science Academy
on the news.
WTOL 11
13ABC
NBC 24 News
Please make arrangements, in advance, for your child if you are not home and school is
dismissed early due to an emergency.
8ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Achievement and attendance are highly related and because of this, rules and regulations
regarding excessive absenteeism and tardiness shall be enforced (Exceptions may be made by an
appeal to the School Leader).
1. Students are expected to be in school, on time, every day. Occasionally, absence or tardiness
cannot be avoided. Absences may be “excused” or “unexcused”. An absence may be excused
if the student brings a note, in advance or within three (3) days of the child’s return to school
signed by his/her parent/guardian stating the reason. Ohio Revised Code lists the following
reasons for an excused absence:
Personal Physical Illness: The School Leader may require the certificate of a physician,
if he/she deems it advisable.
Personal Mental Illness: Such that the student will not benefit from instruction (at the
discretion of the School Leader or his/her designee, a written statement from a
physician/mental health professional may be required).
Illness in the Family: At the discretion of the School Leader or his/her designee, a
written statement from a physician and an explanation as to why the child's absence was
necessary may be required.
Quarantine of the Home: Absence will be excused for the duration of the quarantine as
determined by proper health officials.
Death in the Family: Absence will be excused for no more than eighteen (18) hours
unless the School Leader or his/her designee determines that a longer absence is
reasonably necessary.
Medical or Dental Appointments: Must provide proof of appointment.
Observance of Religious Holidays: Absences as a result of observances of religious
holidays should be prearranged by the parent, who is responsible for notifying the child’s
school of the religious holiday(s) to be observed. If the parent is unable to prearrange the
absence, a request for exemption must be received no later than the second day after the
student’s return to school from the absence occasioned by the religious observance.
Foster Care: Absences due to a student's placement in foster care or change in foster
care placement or any court proceedings related to their foster care status.
Court Subpoena: For appointments with the court, social services or other state
agencies and appointments with health care providers, official documentation must be
presented to the school. Absences due to a student being homeless.
Necessary work at home due to absence of parents/guardians.
Instruction at Home: From a person qualified to teach the branches of education in
which instruction is required (after adequate certification of home instruction has been
provided to the School Leader or his/her designee).
Family Vacation: Must be prearranged, or it is considered unexcused. Limit of one (1)
such trip of five (5) school days in any school year.
Emergency: Or set of circumstances that, in the judgment of the School Leader,
constitutes good and sufficient cause of absence from school.
92. Parents/Guardians must notify the school on the day a student is absent unless the
School Leader/designee has been notified in advance of the absence. Lacking parental
notification of an absence, the School Leader/designee will notify the parent of the
student's absence by telephone or written notice on the same day the student is absent.
3. If a student is dismissed early for a doctor's appointment or for another valid reason, the
student must bring a note signed by his/her parent or guardian. The parent must meet the
child in the school office and sign out before the child will be excused.
4. All other absences are “unexcused” as determined by the School Leader and include but
are not limited to truancy, oversleeping, missing the bus, personal appointments
(hairdresser, etc.), and unapproved vacations.
*Suspension from school transportation is not considered a legitimate excuse. It is the
responsibility of the parent/guardian to make alternate methods of transportation.
ATTENDANCE PROBLEM PROCEDURES
1. Early dismissals during the last 60 minutes of the day are very disruptive and should be
avoided. The parent must meet the child in the school office and sign out before the child
will be excused.
2. Chronic tardiness or absence shall be dealt with by utilizing our Absence Intervention Plan.
a. Once a student is considered ‘Habitually Truant’, the office staff will make phone
contact with the student’s parent(s) or guardian. The purpose of the phone call will
be to warn the parent of the repercussions of House Bill 410.
b. If this does not result in some degree of improvement, the office shall mail a letter
to the offending parent(s) or guardian stating the problem and reminding them of
their legal responsibility concerning their child's attendance in school.
c. If the child is deemed ‘Habitually Truant’, a meeting with the schools Absence
Intervention Team will be set up by the school with required parent attendance. If
the meeting is not attended, an Absence Intervention Plan will be put into place
for the student without parent input.
d. If this does not result in some degree of improvement or if the parent fails to follow
the plan, Imagine Environmental Science Academy will file a complaint in juvenile
court jointly against the child and the parent.
Definition of “Habitual Truant”:
a. Absent 30 or more consecutive hours without legitimate excuse;
b. Absent 42 or more hours in one school month without legitimate excuse;
c. Absent 72 or more hours in one school year without legitimate excuse;
Definition of “Excessive Absence”:
a. Absent 38 or more hours in one school month without legitimate excuses;
b. Absent 65 or more hours in one school year without legitimate excuses.
10MANDATORY WITHDRAWAL
Ohio law requires the withdrawal of any student who, without legitimate excuse, fails to
participate in 72 consecutive hours of learning opportunities during any academic year.
TRUANCY
Ohio law permits schools to prohibit the promotion of a student to the next grade level, if the
student has been absent without excuse for more than 10% of the required school attendance days
of the current school year and has failed two or more subjects. Imagine Environmental Science
Academy may retain a student that has been absent without excuse for more than 10 days.
MISSING CHILD POLICY
The School shall notify a student's parents, parent who is the residential parent and custodian,
guardian, legal custodian, or any other person responsible for the student within a reasonable
time after the determination that the student is absent from school.
The student's parents, parent who is the residential parent and custodian, guardian, legal custodian,
or any other person responsible for the student shall provide to the school a current address and
telephone number at which said person or persons can receive notice that the student is absent
from school.
A student at the time of his or her initial entry to school shall present to the person in charge of
admission, any records given to him or her by the school he or she most recently attended and a
certification of birth or a comparable certificate or certification issued pursuant to Ohio
law. Within 24 hours of a student¹s entry into the school, a school official shall request the
student’s official records from the school he or she most recently attended. If the school the student
claims to have most recently attended states that it has no records of the student’s attendance, or
the records are not received within 14 days of the date of the request, or the student does not present
a certification of birth or comparable certificate, the School Leader of the school shall notify the
law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area where the student resides of this fact and
the possibility that the student may be a missing child."
The School shall make available to parents and community members in the School's office
copies of informational materials acquired or prepared of the Ohio Attorney General's Missing
Children Clearinghouse.
11ACADEMICS AND THE GRADING SYSTEM
CURRICULUM
The School will ensure that all core content area curriculum, instructional and educational
materials and textbooks are aligned to Ohio’s New Learning Standards/Common Core and
update the curriculum alignment if ever revised by the Ohio Department of Education (“ODE”).
For additional information concerning the School’s curriculum contact the School Leader.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Student's academic progress will be communicated to parents in the form of mid quarter interim
reports and quarterly report cards. Please refer to the school calendar for the exact dates that
interim reports and report cards will be sent home. Families will need to sign as proof of receipt
of the Report Cards for Quarter 1 through Quarter 3. Quarter 4 Report Cards will be sent home via
Certified Mail.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
In general, students who have mastered the state standards for their grade level will be promoted
to the next grade level at the end of each school year.
Per the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, State law requires that each school district in Ohio
assess reading skills for students in kindergarten, first, second and third grades by September
30th of each year to determine whether they are reading at grade level (“On-track”) or not
reading at grade level (“Not on-track”). If a student is identified as being Not on-track the
School will notify the parent or guardian via Certified Mail and the School will immediately
provide intervention services to improve the students reading performance. In addition, the
School and the parent or guardian will develop a Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plan.
Unless the student meets an exception, if the student does not attain an appropriate level of
reading competency by the end of Third Grade, they must be retained. For information
concerning midyear promotion and a copy of the complete Promotion and Retention Policy,
contact the School Leader.
Teachers and the School Leader will consider at least the following factors in arriving at
decisions on promotion or retention. Factors are applicable in all grade levels.
• The student's level of academic aptitude and achievement;
• The student's level of social and emotional development and the student’s
ability to effectively interact with other students in his/her current grade level;
• The student's attendance patterns (absences, tardies, early checkout,
excused, or unexcused) and its effect on the student’s progress;
• Any other factors thought to be appropriate by the School Leader, teacher(s), and
professional staff.
Promotion of a student from one grade to the next shall be based solely on that individual
student's having met applicable promotion criteria. The decision to promote a student shall rest
12solely with the School Leader, with appropriate input from the student's teacher(s), the
professional staff, and parent(s).
Additionally, a student can be promoted or retained due to any other factors thought to be
appropriate by the School Leader, teachers and professional staff.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
At Imagine Environmental Science Academy:
Kindergarten students are tested in the fall by state mandated KRA test and also complete
the STAR Assessment four times a year.
First and second grade students take STAR Assessments four times a year.
Students in third grade take STAR four times a year. These students will take the Ohio
ELA achievement test is in the fall. Additionally, third graders will take the Ohio ELA and
Math State Proficiency Test.
Students in fourth grade take STAR and ELA and Math achievement tests. Results of these
tests will measure the academic growth of each individual student and will be sent home
in the beginning of the following school year.
ACADEMIC PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
The School shall use classroom based intervention services to meet the instructional needs of
individual students as determined by the results of diagnostic assessments and shall use student
performance data to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention services and, if necessary, to
modify such services. These intervention services shall be offered to students who score below
the proficient level on a reading, writing, mathematics proficiency or achievement test or who do
not demonstrate academic performance at their grade level based on the results of a diagnostic
assessment.
CLASSROOM SCHOOL SUPPLIES
You will be provided a list of supplies needed for school. During the school year, other items may
be required. Please replenish your child’s school supplies throughout the year. Having the proper
supplies is important to academic success. Once school supplies are brought in, they become
classroom community supplies. If your child leaves, you may not be able to get those supplies
back.
13HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY AND GUIDELINES
Purpose of Homework
Teachers should clearly express the purpose and objectives of homework to students and parents.
The purpose of homework are as follow:
To Practice: provides opportunities for concept and skill development
For Application: extends classroom learning and/or provide practice in applying concepts
initially learned in the classroom
Further Application: provides opportunities to identify and use resources, such as the
library, the Internet, reference books, and other community resources
To Enrich: provides opportunities for extensions and transfer of knowledge
Guidelines and Procedures
Teachers at their discretion will assign homework. Homework will consist of skill reinforcement
and practice activities that reflect classroom learning.
In addition to homework assignments, research supports the importance of students in all grades
reading or being read to for a minimum of 20 minutes per day. Students will be required to
complete their 20 minutes of nightly reading accompanying a parent signature. Adding basic
comprehension questions intermittently while reading adds to the effectiveness of a home
reading program.
*Failure to complete reading log will negatively impact student’s homework grade.
Take a few minutes to make your child a better student for a lifetime!
1415
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct contains regulations governing the conduct of students. It has as its central
purpose the prevention of actions interfering with the school program. Students, parents, and staff
are expected to acquaint themselves with this handbook and building procedures and the Code of
Conduct. Every staff member of Imagine Environmental Science Academy is required to enforce
this Code of Conduct.
THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Students and parents have rights that Imagine Environmental Science Academy must observe, but
also understand that responsibilities accompany individual rights. The individual rights of students
will be weighed against the safety and welfare of the majority of students in the school. Above
all, Imagine Environmental Science Academy will maintain discipline to support and enable the
conduct of a quality educational program.
STUDENT AND PARENT RIGHTS
1. The Right to Due Process of Law: Before a student is suspended or expelled, students and
parents have the right to be informed about alleged misbehavior and provided with an
opportunity to respond to such a charge. Students and parents will receive notice of the
reason(s) for proposed disciplinary action and will be given the opportunity to challenge the
action. Removal, suspension, expulsion, and appeal procedures are posted at the School and
are available to parents and students upon request.
2. The Right to Privacy-Property of Students: A student’s right concerning searches of personal
property will be balanced by the responsibility of the School to protect the safety and welfare
of all students. School equipment including lockers, furniture, computers, and related
accessories are the property of the School. They are on temporary loan to students and are
subject to examination by School personnel at any time.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Parents have the responsibility to:
1. Support school officials in their efforts to develop and maintain a well-disciplined school.
2. Teach their child to have respect for law, authority, and the rights and property of others.
3. Teach their child to be accountable for his/her own actions and help the child to grow and
develop into a self-disciplined citizen.
4. Share the responsibility for student conduct with the school.
5. Maintain an active interest in the student’s schoolwork and activities.
6. Require prompt and regular attendance at school.
7. Attend parent conferences and maintain active communication with the school.
16STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students also have certain responsibilities, both as citizens and as members of the school
community. These responsibilities must be met at all school functions whether the student is in
the school building, traveling to or from school via transportation provided by the school system,
or whenever representing Imagine Environmental Science Academy.
1. Active Participation: Students have the responsibility for actively engaging in the serious
business of learning. For example, they will attend school regularly and be on time. They
will remain in class until excused, pay attention to instructions, complete assignments to
the best of their ability, and make every effort to achieve mastery of the lessons.
2. Obedience to Laws and Rules: The laws of society and school rules have been created to
guarantee each individual’s rights and safety. Students will assume personal responsibility
for obedience to these laws and rules.
3. Responsible Exercise of Free Speech and Expression: Students will express opinions in a
manner that is not offensive, illegal, obscene, or inconsistent with the educational goals of
the school. The rights of others will be respected and there can be no interference with the
orderly educational process.
4. Avoidance of Illegal or Dangerous Items: Students will not bring materials, substances,
or objects prohibited by law or school policy to school or school activities.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
1. Students will follow all rules outlined in this Parent/Student Handbook.
2. Students will cooperate with parents to ensure regular daily attendance.
3. Students will respect all that are involved in the educational process. This includes all
staff, other students, parents, and themselves.
4. Students will take grade cards, interim reports, notes, letters, graded tests or assignments
and all other important information home to parents/guardians.
5. Students will complete all academic assignments.
6. Students will learn appropriate skills to deal with conflict situations in an effort to avoid
disrespectful and harmful behaviors.
7. Students will develop and maintain a positive attitude toward education. They are to
demonstrate those strategies that will enable them to be successful, self-motivated
students. These strategies include good study habits, appropriate communication tools,
good citizenship qualities, and test-taking skills.
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
1. Parents will be responsible for knowing the expectations as outlined in the Parent/Student
Handbook and will send students to school well-equipped, well-rested, in good health,
and with a positive attitude.
2. Parents will ensure that students arrive at school on time every school day and inform
school personnel when a student is absent.
173. Parents will provide the school with updated information to enable school staff to
communicate quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. This information
includes the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those individuals who should
be contacted in case of any emergency.
4. Parents will make a special effort to communicate with teachers at least once each
grading period in order to monitor student progress on a regular basis.
5. Parents will provide a designated study time and place for students to complete academic
assignments in the home.
6. Parents will attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences and support other school-related
activities.
7. Parents will meet their child’s teacher(s) at the beginning of each year. Parents will make
a special effort to maintain with communication with teachers in regards to student’s
academic and behavioral progress.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STAFF
1. Staff will be responsible for the distribution, explanation, and enforcement of the rules
and regulations as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook.
2. Staff will be responsible for the frequent monitoring of student progress, attendance, and
behavior through a variety of ways.
3. Staff will model acceptable behavior that exemplifies the high expectations held for
students and parents.
4. Staff will be responsible for keeping lines of communication open between the home and
school, which includes meeting with parents.
5. Staff will provide leadership embodying the principles of conflict resolution in the
building and in class.
6. Staff will provide a healthful environment conducive to learning and focus on academic
achievement.
7. Staff will use a positive reinforcement behavior management system.
18PHILOSOPHY OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Developing a student’s self-discipline is a legitimate and constructive goal of education. Parents,
communities, and the schools play key roles in shaping student conduct and ensuring good
discipline. An essential element of effective discipline is regular parent communication through
telephone calls, conferences, written notes, and school visitations.
Schools must be places where effective learning can occur. Schools must maintain standards of
conduct and discipline because students and school personnel have a right to a safe and orderly
learning environment. Therefore, students are prohibited from engaging in behaviors endangering
the safety of others or interfering with the school program. Unacceptable conduct is defined in
this document as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Offenses. Prompt and effective disciplinary
actions will be taken to address these behaviors.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
The Board of Directors (“Board”) has adopted a policy to guide the use of Positive Behavior
Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and the limited use of restraint and seclusion at the School. It
is the Board’s belief that every effort should be made to prevent the need for the use of restraint
and for the use of seclusion. The use of a non-aversive effective behavioral system such as PBIS
shall be used to create a learning environment that promotes the use of evidence-based behavioral
interventions, thus enhancing academic and social behavioral outcomes for all students.
Restraint or seclusion shall not occur, except when there is an immediate risk of physical harm to
the student or others, and shall occur only in a manner that protects the safety of all children and
adults at school. Every use of restraint or seclusion shall be documented and reported in accordance
with the Board adopted policy. The School’s policy is available online or from the School office.
The PBIS prevention-oriented framework or approach applies to all students, all staff, and all
settings. Research supports the conclusion that PBIS, when integrated with effective academic
instruction, provides the support students need to become actively engaged in their own learning
and academic success.
DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS
Disciplinary alternatives such as listed below, may be used by School Leaders and staff. The
options are not listed to indicate any progressive order that is to be followed. Infractions will be
viewed according to their flagrancy.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION
IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2004
The Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled in the School; however students with
disabilities will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities
19Education Improvement Act of 2004, and any subsequent regulations affecting the provisions.
This does not necessarily preclude exclusion from school or school bus/vehicles as a result of a
crisis or any emergency or as provided by law.
For more information on the rights of students with disabilities, please contact the Department of
Educational Services and Resources, or refer to the publication, Whose IDEA is it, Anyway?
Available at www.ode.state.oh.edu.
REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL
If a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property, or an ongoing threat of
disrupting the academic process, the student can be removed from school without prior notice of
hearing. Upon receipt of a removal letter, parents/guardians should contact the school immediately
to schedule a conference which must be held within three (3) school days. The conference will
provide staff the opportunity to discuss the reasons for the removal and the student
(parent/guardian) will be able to share their perspective of the matter.
Students are to remain home during school hours and not attend/participate in school sponsored
function(s) pending the hearing. Should an out-of-school suspension be warranted, days of
removal will be applied to the days of out-of-school suspension.
RESTITUTION
Parents/Guardians of students responsible for defacing or damaging school property, including
buses, will be required to pay the cost of restoring or repairing the property.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Out-of-school suspension is removal of a student from school for a period of one to ten (10) days.
While students are suspended from school, they may be afforded the opportunity to receive some
or all of their homework assignments. During suspension, students are not permitted to participate
in extracurricular activities, be on any school property, or in any school buses. Appeal procedures
are available at the front office, upon request, and are included in the notice of suspension.
1. The School Leader must give written notice of the intention to suspend and the
reason to the student. The student shall be given the right to appear at an informal
hearing before the School Leader and has the right to challenge the reasons for the
intended suspension or otherwise explain. The hearing can happen immediately and
can happen anywhere - the hall, office, classroom, etc.
2. The written notice of suspension shall be sent or given within one calendar day to
the parent/guardian, if the student is under the age of 18. The notice shall contain
the reasons for the suspension and the right of the student to appeal to the Board of
Directors appeal hearing designee.
If the parent/guardian wishes to appeal the suspension, the request must be submitted, in writing,
to the School Leader within fourteen (14) school days of the written notice of suspension. The
20School Leader shall immediately forward this written appeal to the Board of Director’s appeal
hearing designee.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is removal of a student from school for a period of eleven (11) to eighty (80) school
days. Students expelled from the school are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities,
be on any school property, or in any school buses. Expulsions may extend into the following
school year.
1. The School Leader shall provide the student and the parent/guardian written notice of the
intent to expel. The written notice shall include reasons for the intended expulsion.
2. The student and the parent/guardian shall have an opportunity to appear on request before
the School Leader to challenge the expulsion or to otherwise explain the actions that led to
the intended expulsion. The written notice shall state the time and place to appear which
shall not be less than three (3) days or later than five (5) days after the notice of intent to
expel is given. The School Leader may grant an extension of time. If granted, the School
Leader must notify all parties of the new time and place.
3. A parent/guardian has the right to appeal the expulsion, which must be submitted, in
writing, to the School Leader within fourteen (14) school days of the written notice of
expulsion.
4. The School Leader shall immediately forward this written appeal to the Board of Director’s
Appeal hearing designee.
An expelled student will be provided with a date for re-entry and the date for the re-entry
conference. The expelled student, and parent or guardian of the student must be present in the re-
entry conference. The student and parent or guardian of any student will be notified in the event
that the student fails to attend the re-entry conference and reserve the right to appeal.
SEARCHES
School Leaders and their designees are permitted to search the person, school property, and
personal property (purse, backpack, gym bag, etc.) of a student where there is reasonable suspicion
that evidence will be obtained indicating the student’s violation of either the law or school rules.
The search of a student’s person or intimate personal belongings shall be conducted by the School
Leader or his or her designee. This person should be of the student’s gender and conduct the search
in the presence of another staff member of the same gender. However, no strip searches may be
conducted by school personnel.
WEAPONS - EXPULSION
Imagine Environmental Science Academy adheres to the Gun-Free School Act (GFSA) and state
law. A student must be expelled for one year for bringing a firearm to the school or onto school
property (any property owned, used or leased by the school for school, school extra-curricular or
school related events.) A student may be expelled for a period not to exceed one year for:
211) Bringing a firearm to an inner-scholastic competition, an extra-curricular competition, and
extra-curricular event, or any other school program or activity that is located at a school or on
school property;
2) Bringing a knife to the school, onto school property, or to an inner-scholastic competition, an
extra-curricular event or any other program or activity sponsored by the school or which the school
is a participant;
3) Possessing a firearm or knife at School, on School Property, or at an interscholastic competition,
an extracurricular event, or any other School program or activity which firearm or knife was
initially brought onto School Property by another person; possessing a firearm or knife at School,
on School Property, or at an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other
school program or activity which firearm or knife was initially brought onto the school property
by another person;
4) Committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult that results in serious
physical harm to persons or serious physical harm to property;
5) Making a bomb threat to a School building or to any premises at which a School activity is
occurring at the time of the threat.
Firearm has the same meaning as provided pursuant to the “Gun Free Schools Act of 1994.” At
the time this policy was adopted, the above-referenced statute defined a firearm as any weapon
(including a starter’s gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expect a
projectile by the action of an explosive; including the frame or receiver of any such weapon; and
any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device. If the definition of a firearm as provided
by the “Gun Free Schools Act of 1994” changes, then the definition set forth in this policy shall
automatically change to conform to it.
Knife is defined as a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade or edge, not to include
scissors, wire cutters, or other similar tools determined by the School Leader to be necessary in
the school setting at a particular building or grade level, if used only for the necessary purpose.
Parents must emphasize to the student(s) the seriousness of having possession of a firearm
or knife, or making a bomb threat on school grounds, other property or to an activity
under its jurisdiction.
OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES
The following level 1-4 offenses and related consequences are guidelines for the school and
parents. They are not “automatic.” Each offense or series of offenses will be evaluated
individually.
CEO and founder of Imagine Schools, Dennis Bakke states in his book Joy at Work that, “I like
the traditional Jewish definition of justice: ‘To each person what he deserves, to each one what is
appropriate.’ If I combine this definition with an assumption that each person is unique, I logically
complete the sentence this way: “Justice means giving everyone what they need in order to be
successful.”
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