UNIVERSITY CHARTER SCHOOL - Parent Orientation 2021-2022 Innovators. Leaders. Trailblazers.
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UNIVERSITY CHARTER SCHOOL
Parent Orientation
2021-2022
Innovators.
Leaders.
Trailblazers.
UCS Leadership Team
Dr. JJ Wedgworth Ginger Lusty
Dr. Matt Johnson Leslie Gibbs
Chief Executive Officer/ Chief School
Chief Academic Chief Operating
Head of School Financial Officer
Officer Officer
UCS Leadership Team
Meghan Dunn Tonya Starks
Elementary Principal Secondary Principal
Grades PK-6 Grades 7-11
UCS Support Personnel
Susan Sorrells Jana Cram Crystal Ruffin Kristen Beard
Receptionist Registrar Counselor and 504 School Nurse
Coordinator
UCS Support Personnel
Greg Hughey Lisa Kaeo Ty Washington
Technology Coordinator Meggin Mayben Reception (Hughes) and HR School Resource
Director of Communications Officer
UCS Student Support Personnel
Ashia Winston Kimberly Campbell
Mental Health Services After School Director
Coordinator
UCS Board of Directors Mickey Smith Anthony Crear Veronica Triplett President Vice President Treasurer
UCS Board of Directors Kyle Edmonds Dr. Natasha Satcher Mike Davis Secretary
UCS Board of Directors Colin McRae Dr. Jan Miller
UCS Faculty and Staff
New UCS WEBSITE
● UCS released a BRAND NEW website on August
19, 2020
● www.universitycharterschool.org
● This Parent Orientation presentation will be
available on our website, as well as many other
PARENT RESOURCES!
● The website is in the process of being updated
with this year’s content, but please check back!Presentation Topics
UCS 101: Who we are!
Updated Student Handbook & School Operations
Curriculum and Instruction
Athletics and Extracurricular Opportunities
UCS STREAM After School Program
Parent Teacher Association - PTA
How to Ask Questions?● PUBLIC School, Open Enrollment, Tuition Free
● Flexibility with governance and operation
● Allows for innovation and personalized learning
● Unique learning experiences
● Increased accountability in exchange for
flexibility in operations
What is a charter ● Charter schools are held accountable to
academic achievement and are expected to be
school? more proficient than other local and state
schools
● State and Federal funding is similar to
traditional district schools and local funding is
How is UCS different? limited due to the structure of the charter
school law
● Attendance is very important to all students and
uniquely important for start-up charter school
students from a funding perspective!
● UCS opened in 2018 as a PK-8 school serving
~300 students. This year, we anticipate to open
as a PK-11 school serving ~604 students.
● UCS will grow to be a PK-12 school in 2022.State Report Card Categories
Academic Performance -- 40%
Academic Growth -- 50%
Attendance -- 10%
Accountability UCS must perform 10% higher academically when
compared to other local school systems by UCS Year 5.
for UCS
Attending school each and every day is of the utmost
importance for students individually and for UCS as a
whole for accountability purposes.
Funding is determined by the number of students in
seats for the first 20 days post Labor Day. As a start up
charter school, this funding is VERY critical to success.UCS Mission, Vision, & Core Values
Mission, Vision,
VISION:
Core Values
The vision of UCS is to become the rural leader for producing adaptable learners that have a strong sense of place
and mission who recognize the value of collaboration within a school, across a community, and between diverse
rural regions.
MISSION:
The mission of University Charter School is to be an innovative, rural, diverse K-12 school that values
collaboration with key stakeholders to cultivate independent thought, promotes the building of character and civic
responsibility, and is committed to preparing all students for personal and professional success through the
discovery of individual learning pathways in a rigorous and integrated Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering,
Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) focused, project-based and place-based curriculum.
CORE VALUES:
Compassion, Integrity, PerseveranceWhat does it mean to be a Trailblazer?
●
●
Mission, Vision, Core Values
Founding UCS students were given the very unique opportunity to brand their school by choosing their mascot
Mascots are a very important part of an academic institution.
● The mascot is a visual representation of a sense of belonging to something that is very unique and special.
● UCS Trailblazers (Blazers for short) are pioneers and innovators.
● A Trailblazer is defined as a person who makes a new track, one who blazes a trail to guide others, a person
who makes, does, or discovers something new and makes it acceptable and popular, and a person who
marks or prepares a trail for others to follow.
● University Charter School is leading the way and "blazing the trail" to something new and exciting and
successful here in rural, Sumter County and new to our state as well
● The Trailblazer mascot displays an intrepid and courageous spirit and connects us to our rural setting.
● Being a Trailblazer is a very important part of who you are and who we are at UCS. It gives us all (students,
parents, teachers, administrators, community members) a sense of pride, loyalty, unity, and belonging, and
these are feelings that will stick with us for life.
● WE ARE INNOVATORS...WE ARE LEADERS...WE ARE TRAILBLAZERS!Student Handbook & School
Operations
*UCS Parents, please review the 2021-2022 Student Handbook.
A link will be sent to you to digitally sign acknowledging you have
received a copy of the 2021-2022 Student Handbook.
The 2021-2022 UCS Policy Manual is located on the UCS website.2021-2022 School Calendar
Student Handbook
It is the belief of University Charter School that regular school attendance is
important to all students and to UCS. One of the most important things a
parent or guardian can do for their child is to ensure that they are in school
and on time every day. Attendance in school is key to their learning, success
in school, and ultimately success in life.
University Charter School students are expected to attend school daily.
Learning opportunities are missed when students are absent from school, and
cannot be replaced through make up work.
Returning students will receive an email soon from PowerSchool to update
contact information. It looks like re-registration, but is an important update!Student Handbook
Student Attendance (On-Campus Students)
● Students are allowed up to 10 excused absences a year with a written note from
parent/guardian. All absences after 10 will be coded as UNEXCUSED with a physician’s note.
● For an absence to be considered excused, documentation must be received in the central
office within 3 days of absence. Please include your name, your child’s name, and the date
and reason for the absence.
● A physician must certify all health related absences of two or more consecutive days.
● In order to be counted present, students must be in attendance for at least one-half of the
school day. One half-day is equivalent to 11:30am. Late arrivals must be present 3.5 hours in
the day to be counted present.
● Students are expected to arrive to school and class on time. Reoccurring tardiness (5 or
more) will result in disciplinary action.
● All work missed due to an excused or unexcused absence must be completed within five
days from the student’s return to school.Student Handbook Student Attendance (On-Campus Students)
Student Handbook
Student Code of Conduct
● All UCS students will be held accountable to Policy 1015: UCS Code of Conduct. Please review the policy in
its entirety.
● For Level 1 Violations, there is a 7 tiered response system designed to hold the students accountable. Each
sequential offense carries an appropriate and clear consequence.
○ Habitual Level 1 violations (violation # 3-7) will result in referral to support staff (counselor,
etc.) for work detail assignments, referral to the Principal for Out of School Suspensions, and
referral to the HOS for long term suspensions or unenrollment depending on severity and
habitualness of the level 1 offense.
● For Level 2 Violations, there is a 3 tiered response system designed to hold students accountable.
Appropriate administrative interventions include Out of School Suspensions, long term suspensions,
unenrollment, and/or expulsion dependending on the severity and habitualness of the level 2 offense.
● Level 3 Major violations are those that are serious enough to require expulsion. These violations will be
immediately reported to the Principal.Student Handbook
Student Code of Conduct (continued)
● In the document to the right, you will see
the specific level 1, level 2, and level 3
offenses.
● At the bottom of the document, you will
see the consequence for each offense.
● For example, if a student shows
disrespect:
○ 1st time - verbal warning and parent
contact
○ 2nd time - verbal warning and parent
contact
○ 3rd time - verbal warning, parent contact,
behavior conference, and 1-day of work
detail
○ 4th time - verbal warning, parent contact,
behavior conference, and 3-days of work
detail
○ See document to the right for additional
offense penalties.Student Handbook
Teacher Conferences Homework
● Request to meet with teachers or ● Students may be assigned homework
at the teacher’s discretion.
administrators in advance by
● Homework should not encompass
contacting them via email or calling much time outside of school.
the main office. ● Its design should be enrichment-based
● Please reach out to your child’s and tied to relevant content and skills.
teacher regarding concerns first
before bringing concerns to
administrators.
● Teachers are encouraged to reach
out to parents frequently.Student Handbook
Electronic Devices
● Cell phones must be off/silent and stowed in the
student’s backpack.
● Phones are not allowed before school, in
transitions, at lunch, or for use after school or in
restrooms.
● Teachers may allow use of cell phones for
instruction at times.
● Parents who need to touch base with their children
should always contact them through the UCS
Central Office, 205-652-3848.Student Handbook
School Visitors
● Visitors must enter through the main doors of UCS.
● Visitors must report directly to the central office.
● Visitors must present photo identification when
signing out a student.
● Schedule teacher visits in advance.
● Families may sign in to eat with children during
lunch
● Parties should be scheduled in advance during non-
instructional timesStudent School Uniforms
● PE uniforms will also be required for students in grades 7-10 beginning on Day 1 of school.
● Wednesday dress uniforms will not be required until the first Wednesday after Fall Break.
October 13th will be the first Wednesday students will be required to wear dress uniforms
(assuming they are available from the vendor at that time).
● Uniforms are REQUIRED daily and parents will be asked to bring a uniform for a student
that is not in compliance with dress code.
● The next two slides show school uniform options for girls and boys.
● Please refer to UCS Policy 6030 for details
● Please visit https://www.uniformsacc.com/schools/ucs/ with password “ucstrailblazers”
to shop or stop by the storefront, Uniforms & Accessories (The Liberty Shop), @ 404 22nd
Avenue Meridian, MS 39301, Phone: (601) 693-5331Dress Student Uniforms Options for Girls ● Girls Dress Uniform (Wednesday ONLY)
Casual Student Uniform Options for Girls
Casual Student Uniforms for Boys
Dress Student Uniform for Boys
Arrival to School
● Drop off times are from 7:25 - 7:45. School starts at 7:45 AM.
● After school begins at 7:45 AM, students are considered
tardy (at 7:46 AM, students are TARDY).
● Tardy students will be checked in on the front porch until 8:00
AM. After 8:00 AM, the student will need to be checked-in or
out by a parent in the front office.
● All students in Grades 1-6 and Grades 9-11 will be dropped off
in front of Lyon Hall in the main drop off lane at the main
entrance.
● All students in Grade 7 and 8 will be dropped off in front of
Hughes Gym.
● All Pre-K and K students should be dropped off on Tutwiler
Street side of the building (end closest to the Touch of Home
Bakery) in front of the awning leading into their entrance/exit
hall.
● Parents, please pull into Drop-off lane and follow the guidance
of on-duty staff.
● Do not allow the student to exit the vehicle any place other than
the drop off lane.
● All students will report directly to their classrooms.Dismissal from School
● Due to the shared facilities with UWA, cars may not line up prior to
3:10 PM (or 12:50 on Wednesday).
● Dismissal begins at approximately 3:20 (and 1:00 on Wednesdays).
● Pre-K and K students will be picked up at the awning near the Pre-K entrance
on Tutwiler Street. Students in Grade 1 through Grade 5 and Grades 9 & 10
will be picked up in front of UCS at the main entrance. Students in Grades 6-8
and Grade 11 will be picked up in front of Hughes Gym.
● Parents with multiple children at UCS should use the carline for
their youngest child. All siblings will be in the youngest sibling’s
carline.
● For the 2021-2022 school year, all students will remain in their
classrooms for dismissal.
● As students’ rides arrive onto UCS campus, UCS staff will radio into the
classrooms to dismiss students to await their ride at their respective
exit.
● Students will then walk down to the drop off area to get into their car in
the order in which it is lined up by UCS staff.
● In order to ensure safety for all students, students will only be allowed
to enter vehicles that display the appropriate UCS-issued car rider
identification tag(s).Pick Up ZONES: Brown= Grades 1-5 and Grades 9 and 10 Blue= PreK and K Teal = Grades 6-8 and Grade 11 *IMPORTANT: Car line for pick Up can’t form until 3:10 PM (12:50 PM on Wednesdays) *Please carpool when possible! *For Pick UP, remember to pick up at the location for your youngest child.
UCS Car Dash Tags
● A Dash Tag will be required for each student that you plan to pick up from UCS
● Remember that you will go to the Drop Off Zone for the youngest student you are picking up
● You will receive your Dash Tags during UCS Open House
● Please place them in your front dash on the passenger side, face up, so that car line attendants
can easily read them
● Blue = Grades PK and K, Tutwiler St. Drop Off Zone
● Teal = Grades 6-8 and Grade 11, Hughes Gym
● Brown = Grades 1-5 & 9-10, Lyon Main EntranceIMPORTANT NOTE FOR SIXTH GRADE AND 11th
GRADE PARENTS:
● SIXTH GRADE MORNING DROP OFF: LYON HALL
● SIXTH GRADE AFTERNOON PICK UP: HUGHES
● 11TH GRADE MORNING DROP OFF: LYON HALL
● 11TH GRADE AFTERNOON PICK UP: HUGHES
*CAR TAG COLORS CORRESPOND TO AFTERNOON PICK UP*First Day of School
● For the first day of school, we will not be allowing
parents/guardians to escort their students to their
classrooms. We ask that you please drop them off in car-
line. We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this will
cause, but we hope that you understand that we feel this is
what is best for the safety of our students
● Bring your child’s school supplies to Open House or
drop them off at the Central Office at a later date.
● Uniforms must be worn Day 1.
● Meet with Nurse Kristen Day 1 to bring required medication
for your child to have at UCS.Student Fees
● Students in grades K-6, please log into
MyMealOrder and pay your student fees
ASAP. You will need to pay the grade level
appropriate General Fees.
● Students in grades 7-11, on or after August
16, please log into MyMealOrder and pay
your students fees as assigned. You will
have general fees and optional participation
fees assigned based on your individual
schedules.
● Student Athletes, please pay the participation
fee associated with each sport that you play.Food Services
● We are excited to offer a new meal program at UCS for the 2021-22 school year at no cost to
students!
● We will initially serve LUNCH ONLY and the breakfast program will launch at a later date.
● MyMealOrder for lunch ordering is temporarily disabled as we transition to new processes for the
National School Lunch Program.
● In the next few days, we will release a new order form to use for ALL students for ordering lunch for
the first few weeks. This new order form will NOT require a student ID or login information.
● Please stay tuned and watch your email and social media for updates.Food Services ● Students may bring lunch from home or request/order a free lunch from school. ● Only in emergency situations where health/dietary restrictions are an issue are parents allowed to bring in lunches to a student if the student did not bring a lunch. ● A student that forgot their lunch is able to request a lunch during homeroom. ● Lunch and breakfast will be served in the classroom.
Technology Agreement
Every parent/guardian is required to sign the
Technology Acceptable Use Agreement for the use
of iPads, laptops, tablets and desktops. This
Agreement will be emailed to all parents and
completed online.
Devices will not be able to go home with students
unless the Agreement is signed.
The K-12 Technology Maintenance Fee ($100) is
required for all students.Instructional Technology
1:1 IPads pk-2
1:1 Chromebooks 3-8
1:1 HP laptops 9th
1:1 MacBook Air 10-11
1:1 iPads Grades PreK-5Curriculum and Instruction Updates
Elementary Academic Curricula and Scheduling
Grades K-2 Grades 3-6
● Extended reading and math blocks that are 2-
● 60+ minutes each for reading (phonics
2.5 hours in duration; a healthy mix of direct
instruction), math, and reading
instruction, personalized learning, and
comprehension development.
centers/stations will occupy this long block.
● Science and social studies standards and
● Science and social studies is integrated into
concepts are integrated into the reading
the reading curriculum, but additional time for
curriculum each day.
this content is part of the weekly schedule
● 30 minutes of PE daily, plus recess
● 30 minutes of PE daily, plus recess
● Scheduled time daily for intervention and
● Scheduled time daily for intervention and
centers-based activities
centers-based activities
● Students will engage in project-based
● Students will engage in project-based
learning opportunities throughout the year
learning opportunities throughout the year
● Students will have Art and STEM as Specials,
● Students will have Art and STEM as Specials,
one each semester
one each semesterRequired Testing for UCS
ACAP Summative Other Required School-wide Testing
● New state accountability measure ● DIBELS literacy assessment (K-3)
● Grades 2-8 in are required to test in the ● AlaKIDS (Kindergarten)
subject areas of math and reading ● Scantron Performance Series (Grades
● Grades 4, 6, 8 must also participate in 2-8)
testing for science ● Diagnostic screening to identify areas
● This test is given in late April and of reading and math deficiency (all
factors into our School Report Card. grades throughout the year)
● The test is digital and is completed on ● Pre-ACT (10th)
iPads and laptops. ● ACT (11th)Elementary Grade Promotion Requirements In order to be eligible for promotion to the next grade level, students must demonstrate proficiency of at least 60% of the standards in each core academic course (English/reading, math, science, and social studies) AND must benchmark (score on-grade level) in reading and mathematics. Elementary classes are on a year-long grading system where a student’s overall grade/level of proficiency calculates from August through May.
Secondary Academic Curricula and Scheduling
Secondary (7-11)
● 6-period schedule on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays
● ~60 minute periods for all classes
● Daily PE (7-9) or Athletic PE
● Elective course options
● Wednesdays are designed for academic
remediation, ACT test prep, additional
exposure to elective courses, and project-
based learning opportunities.Secondary Promotion Requirements In order to be eligible for promotion to the next grade level, students in Kindergarten through Grade 11 must demonstrate proficiency of at least 60% of the standards in each core academic course (English/reading, math, science, and social studies) and must benchmark (score on-grade level) in reading and mathematics. Students enrolled in high school credit-bearing courses must demonstrate a proficiency of at least 60% in each course in order to earn course credit. Secondary classes are on a semester grading system where a student’s overall grade/level of proficiency calculates from August-December (for ½ of the full credit) and from January-May (for the other ½ of the credit). Some exceptions apply for courses that may only be a semester-long in duration .
Graduation Distinctions UCS will recognize the distinguished academic performance of students at the conclusion of each academic year as part of formal graduation ceremonies. The graduating senior with the highest cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) will be recognized as valedictorian. The graduating senior with the second highest cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) will be recognized as salutatorian. In the event of a tie, UCS will use students’ numerical GPA to determine valedictorian and salutatorian. UCS will also recognize Honor Graduates as students who have demonstrated proficiency in advanced coursework opportunities throughout their tenure as a Trailblazer. Honor Graduates will be recognized in the following categories: ● Summa Cum Laude: Students graduating with a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.2+ ● Magna Cum Laude: Students graduating with a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.0-4.19 ● Cum Laude: Students graduating with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.7-3.99
Secondary Grade Promotion Requirements
High school students must accrue a minimum amount of course credits (or
Carnegie units) to be promoted and classified as sophomores, juniors, and
seniors according to the expectations outlined below:
● Tenth Grade – students who have earned five (5) Carnegie units will be
classified as tenth graders.
● Eleventh Grade - students who have earned ten (10) Carnegie units will
be classified as eleventh graders.
● Twelfth Grade – students who have earned seventeen (17) Carnegie
units, three of which must be English, will be classified as twelfth
graders.Reporting Student Progress
Grade Reporting
● Teachers will enter in grades to PowerSchool. Weekly updates are expected beginning in
mid-August.
● All reported “grades” will continue to be on a 1-4 scale:
○ 1 -- Little to no current understanding of the required skill and content
○ 2 -- Approaching proficient understanding, but requires prompting, support, and assistance
○ 3 -- Proficient understanding
○ 4 -- Mastery level of understanding (can apply, evaluate, and transfer learning)
● Students are marked “proficient” on a standard once they obtain a score of 3; for students
who score a 1 or 2, they have opportunities to receive further instruction and support in
order to obtain proficiency
● UCS is on a semester system where grades are final in December (for the first semester)
and in May (for the second semester).Individualized Education Coordinators Special Education English Language Learners Gifted Education Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Lisa McHugh Libba Reed Jessie Johnson
Intervention and Support Libba Reed Alison Myers Dana Freeman Interventionist Instructional Support Specialist Reading Specialist
Ms. Crystal Ruffin
Guidance Counselor,
System Test
Coordinator, and 504
Coordinator
Crystal Ruffin
Counselor and System Test Coordinator504 Coordinator
A 504 Plan gives accommodations to students that have a medical diagnosis that substantially limits
one or more major life activities.
● If your child is coming to UCS with a current 504 Plan, please see Ms.
Ruffin.
○ If you have a copy of your child’s current 504 Plan, please give Ms. Ruffin a
copy. Your child’s teachers will continue to implement the accommodations
on your child’s current 504 Plan during this transition period.
○ Ms. Ruffin will need your consent to evaluate/reevaluate your child so UCS
can update your child’s 504 Plan.
● If you have any questions about 504 Plans, please contact Ms. Crystal
Ruffin at cruffin@universitycharterschool.org.Librarian
● myON Reading Coordinator
● Support teachers by checking out books from
the library for teacher use
● Collaborate with the Ruby Pickens Tartt Library
and UWA’s Julia Tutwiler Library
Annie Granec
LibrarianUCS Career Coach
● Assist students in understanding the value of
personal interests and skills assessments and
the role each plays in career development
● Assist students and parents in making educated
and informed career decisions
● Cultivate student understanding of the process
necessary to obtain their career goals
● Encourage and advise students to pursue the
process for college and career readiness and
success
● Responsible for networking with local
businesses and industry members
● Responsible for making connections with local
Tracy Bryan organizations (chambers of commerce, regional
Sumter County Career Coach workforce development councils, etc.)Athletics & Extra- Curricular Activities
UCS Athletic Opportunities
Fall:
Football, Volleyball, Cross
Country, Cheerleading
Winter:
M&W Basketball
Spring:
Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Golf
Sam Mosley
UCS Athletic Director &
Football Coach
UCS AthleticsUCS Extra-Curricular
Opportunities
Agriculture and Rodeo Club
FCA
Robotics
4H
Jr. Beta Club
National Honors Society
Peer Helpers
SGA coming soon!
UCS Extra-CurricularUCS STREAM After School Program
After School Extended Day Program
Kimberly Campbell
After School DirectorPTA
Courtney Vick
UCS PTA President
UCS Parent Involvement OpportunitiesUpcoming Events and Communications
Open House Tuesday, August 10th, @ 5:30 for A-L Tuesday, August 10th, @ 6:00 for M-Z *Please bring student’s school supplies with you to Open House
UCS Mass Communications
UCS Mass Communications will
be reaching out to UCS Families
through several different
platforms this year.
Look for our posts on social
media in addition to texts,
emails, and phone calls.
We want to make sure our
parents are informed, and we
want to show you the great
https://www.facebook.com/universitycharterschool
things our students are
@UCSTrailblazers on Twitter
@universitycharterschool on Instagram achieving at UCS.If you have further questions, please stay after and see
one of UCS’ Leaders. We look forward to a great school
year!You can also read
