Episcopal School of Acadiana
Lower School Handbook for Students and Parents 2013-2014
Lafayette Campus (PK3 – 5th) 721 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd Lafayette, LA 70508 Phone: (337) 993-2263 Fax: (337) 993-3706
Cade Campus (6th – 12th) PO Box 380 Cade, LA 70519 Phone: (337) 365-1416 Fax: (337) 369-9841 www.ESAcadiana.com
2013-2014 ESA Handbook
Dear Episcopal School of Acadiana Community, Welcome to ESA! ESA is a learning community, rooted in scholarship and honor, where students and teachers learn and work together to achieve the common goals of academic excellence, leading lives of integrity, and developing the physical and spiritual dimensions of our lives. ESA was founded to provide a model of such an approach to teaching, learning and life for the greater Acadiana community. Our Handbook is best understood as a guideline for common understanding of our basic policies, practices, and approaches. As a framework, it is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all policies and rules. Such a document or approach would be inconsistent with our school mission and philosophy where freedom, responsibility and accountability in all that we do are our guide stars. As a framework, it provides a philosophical context that we use in deciding matters not covered as policy, and it provides a context for addressing individual cases as the need arises. We are glad that you are with us, and we look forward to growing and learning with you as a member of our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. Respectfully, Paul Baker, Ph.D. Headmaster Episcopal School of Acadiana
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement..................................................................................................................... 1 Vision and Values Statement .................................................................................................... 1 Philosophy of Education ........................................................................................................... 2 School Motto............................................................................................................................. 2 School Colors ............................................................................................................................ 2 Episcopal School of Acadiana .................................................................................................. 3 Seal and Symbolism .................................................................................................................. 3 Alma Mater ............................................................................................................................... 4 School Prayer ............................................................................................................................ 4 Academics ................................................................................................................................. 5 ACADEMIC CALENDAR .......................................................................................................................................5 CURRICULUM .....................................................................................................................................................5 REPORTING PRACTICES ......................................................................................................................................5 NetClassroom Access ....................................................................................................................................5 GRADING SYSTEM ..............................................................................................................................................6 GRADING SCALE ........................................................................................................................................7 ACADEMIC HONORS ...........................................................................................................................................7 Headmster’s List ...........................................................................................................................................7 Honor Roll ....................................................................................................................................................7 Academic ranking .........................................................................................................................................7 Awards ..........................................................................................................................................................7 GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................7 Homework .....................................................................................................................................................7 Late Assignments ..........................................................................................................................................8
Student Life ............................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPEL ..............................................................................................................................................................9 THE HONOR SYSTEM ..........................................................................................................................................9 ESA Honor Code ...........................................................................................................................................9 CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................................................................9 School Expectations .................................................................................................................................... 10 Disciplinary Responses ............................................................................................................................... 10 Drug and alcohol Policy ............................................................................................................................. 10 ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Absences from School ................................................................................................................................. 11 Tardies ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 DRESS CODE..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Spirit Dress ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Physical Education uniforms ...................................................................................................................... 14 TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Bus Regulations .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Student Drop-off/Parent Parking ................................................................................................................ 15 Carpools...................................................................................................................................................... 15 GUESTS AND VISITORS ON CAMPUS ................................................................................................................. 16 LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................................................... 16 Policies and Fines ....................................................................................................................................... 16 ELECTRONICS ................................................................................................................................................... 16 TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................... 16 Acceptable Use Policy ................................................................................................................................ 16 The Use of Video Capable Technology on Campus .................................................................................... 17
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LUNCH & BREAK .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Helpful Information ................................................................................................................ 17
MEDICAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................... 17 Prescription Medication ............................................................................................................................. 18 BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL................................................................................................................................ 18 STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY ......................................................................................................... 18 ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................ 18 LOST AND FOUND ............................................................................................................................................. 19 BIRTHDAY & HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS ........................................................................................................... 19 OFFICE HOURS ................................................................................................................................................. 19 SCHOOL CLOSING/EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 19 STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY ................................................................................................ 20 USE OF SCHOOL NAME, HANDBOOK, AND DIRECTORY .................................................................................... 20
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MISSION STATEMENT Episcopal School of Acadiana is a coeducational, independent day school for students in grades pre-K through 12. Its mission is to instill in every student the habits of scholarship and honor. ESA challenges students to develop intellectually, spiritually, and physically.
VISION AND VALUES STATEMENT At ESA, we nurture the twin virtues of freedom and responsibility. We pursue these virtues in the daily life of our school by balancing joy and challenge, inventiveness and tradition, respect and informality, trust and support. We cultivate and celebrate this balance in our vibrant, eclectic community that prizes both individual freedom and cooperation. We take responsibility for what we do and say, and freely use our individual talents and strengths to become energetic citizens who sustain our community by making positive contributions. In order to accomplish ESA’s mission our students are expected to learn, live and grow through the following: Habits of honor develop in our community, which expects the choice of right over wrong. Our code of honor promotes fairness, truth, and honesty; our commitment to honor affords the freedom necessary for responsibility and the confidence that ideas, ideals, and property are respected. Habits of scholarship develop from the relationship between passionate teachers and creative students; fueled by the joy of discovery, self-motivated students exhibit an intellectual vitality which strengthens their beliefs yet inspires an open mind. Students develop intellectually in our nurturing environment where they master skills and knowledge. Students are challenged to learn, think and question critically; students take intellectual risks, learn how to express and support their ideas, and are encouraged to defend their positions. Students experience the Episcopal traditions and liturgies and they are supported in their search to discover a personal relationship with God. Spiritual development follows through sharing meaningful experiences with each other and through offering our leadership and talents at ESA and our services to the larger community. Students’ physical development is grounded in our physical education curriculum that encourages lifelong health and physical activity. Every student acquires physical skills, learns the value of competition and teamwork, and cultivates the ethos of sportsmanship.
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PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Episcopal School of Acadiana holds as its basic purpose the development of an academic environment in which a student's intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth are accompanied by a corresponding spiritual and moral growth. We are an Episcopal School, a community which professes the Christian Faith as stated in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. Within this environment, and using the resources of the Christian Faith as practiced within the Episcopal Church, we emphasize that true learning is a cooperative effort among students, parents, faculty, administrators and staff to stimulate critical thinking, self-reliance and academic competence in a rapidly changing world. We also believe that each student, upon graduation, should be well-prepared to continue his/her education on the college level. As an Episcopal school, we affirm the educational tradition of academic freedom. The school provides opportunities for each student to achieve self-fulfillment as an individual and as a member of a community. Activities in and out of the classroom help students to recognize the need for self-discipline, a sense of citizenship within the democratic process and the development of their spiritual dimension and moral responsibilities. To these ends, we recognize that superior faculty, as well as supportive and involved parents, are of paramount importance. We recognize the importance of physical well-being in the holistic development of the individual, as well as the role of the arts in our lives as essential to understanding the culture man has created. Recreational activities promote attitudes of fair play, teamwork and leadership. Episcopal School of Acadiana seeks to instill, in each student, self-confidence, an awareness of one's relationship to God and man, and a continuing development of mind, body and spirit.
SCHOOL MOTTO "EXCELLENCE FROM WITHIN"
SCHOOL COLORS Navy Blue and Gray
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EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF ACADIANA SEAL AND SYMBOLISM The Episcopal School of Acadiana crest was designed by the late Mrs. Charles (Penny) Godchaux of Abbeville, Louisiana. Circle: Stands for eternity because it is without beginning and without end. 1 Crook: "The hooked staff is a pastoral attribute in the church and a symbol of faith. By virtue of the sigmoid significance of the hook, it stands for divine power, communication and connection; because of its spiral form it is a symbol of creative power." 2 Chi Rho: Formed by the two crooks - this is the earliest monogram of Christ 3 from the first two letters in the word for Christ in Greek. Miter: A traditional headpiece worn by some bishops, emblematic of the highest order of the ministry. Used in this seal to denote that the Episcopal School of Acadiana is a Diocesan School and as such shares the benefit and direction of the Bishop. Jewels within the miter - there are twelve small jewels symbolizing the twelve Apostles. These are centered around a single larger jewel representing Christ. The two crosses on the miter represent the two natures of Christ. Celtic Cross (Iona): Generally associated with the Anglican, hence Episcopal, Church. The sign of the cross was "employed by early Christians to direct special attention to the sacrifice of our Lord and the manner of His death. The cross also taught the earlier Christians, as it does us, the lesson of personal dedication to our Redeemer, who commanded His followers to take up the cross." 4 Laurel Leaf: Suggestive of eternity because the foliage does not wilt. 51 It is a Christian symbol of triumph. (I Corinthians 9:24 - 27) Colors: Blue - signifies heavenly love and truth; "eternity, faith, and truth." Gold - "symbolizes sovereignty, the sun, love, constancy, dignity, and wisdom." 65
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Symbols of the Church, Carroll E. Whittemore A Dictionary of Symbols, J. E. Cirlot 3 Saints, Signs, and Symbols, W. Ellwood Post 4 The Sign Language of Our Faith, Helen Stuart Griffith 5 Ecclesiastical Embroideries, Beryl Dean 2
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ALMA MATER Beneath the Oaks, Amid the Cane Lyrics by Dr. Arthur White Beneath the oaks, amid the cane, my thoughts are always turning back again to the gentle place that formed my youth where I learned to seek and discern the truth. A place of study and a place of play; the place where I made the friends I love today, where excellence we both sought and gained, beneath the oaks, amid the cane. We stretched our minds and our bodies too, as we sought the limits of what we could do, in lab and class, on field or court, for the love of learning or the joy of sport. At times the work was hard, the play it was intense, but as we grew, it gave us confidence that there’s no height that we cannot attain, beneath the oaks, amid the cane. God grant His blessing on this place, guard and preserve it by His grace. In work and play His blessing give; that in His Kingdom may its meaning live. Make us gentle, generous, truthful and kind with gallant courage in both heart and mind, that our blessed fellowship may long remain beneath the oaks, amid the cane.
SCHOOL PRAYER O heavenly Father, who has given us Thy Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Friend and example, help us to understand His friendship, and to do such things as will please Him. Bless us in our work and in our play. Make us gentle, generous, truthful, kind and brave. Keep us in purity of heart, and let the life of our school go on from strength to strength and have its place and meaning in Thy kingdom. All of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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ACADEMICS Academic Calendar The Lower School academic year is divided into four quarters.
Curriculum Curriculum components of our early childhood program emphasize the developmental nature of young children and consist of: • Gross and Fine Motor Development • Social Development • Cognitive Development o Language and Emerging Literacy o Mathematics Core curriculum for Lower School students in grades K - 5 consists of instruction in the following content areas: • Language Arts (Reading and Writing) • Mathematics • Social Studies • Science Complementary curriculum in grades K – 5 is integrated within the core curriculum and consists of instruction in: • Physical Movement • Music • Art • Foreign Language (Grades 3 – 5) • Enrichment
Reporting Practices ESA reports grades and/or detailed progress to students and parents at the end of each quarter. Progress reports are available via NetClassroom usually by 6 pm three school days after the end of a marking period. NETCLASSROOM ACCESS ESA now posts all progress reports online. Students and parents may access these reports using NetClassroom. NetClassroom is accessed using the Quicklinks menu on the ESA website. Selecting the NetClassroom option from the menu will bring you to the NetClassroom log in screen. Each member of a family has a unique user id and password. Families new to ESA will receive their user ids and passwords via email prior to the first day of classes. 2013-2014 ESA Handbook
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It is strongly recommended that each user change his or her password to one that is more convenient once logging in to NetClassroom. Please be aware that NetClassroom is unable to retain historical reports and each new report posted replaces the last posted report. Families wishing to retain a copy of a report for their records may either print a hard copy or save a digital version. Should a family not have access to NetClassroom, they should contact the Lower School office and request a hard copy of reports to be mailed home.
Grading System Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 are non-graded. Students receive progress reports each grading period indicating growth in specific skills utilizing the following descriptions. • √+ Moving Beyond • √ Demonstrates skill regularly • S Sometimes exhibits this skill • N Needs extra assistance Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade are non-graded. Students receive progress reports each grading period indicating growth in specific skills utilizing the following descriptions: • E Exceeding Expectations • M Meeting Expectations • N Nearing Expectations • B Below Expectations Third Grade students receive letter grades in language arts and mathematics. Student progress in specific skills related to science, social studies, and physical education classes is noted using one of the following descriptions: • E Exceeding Expectations • M Meeting Expectations • N Nearing Expectations • B Below Expectations Fourth and Fifth Grade students receive grades in all core curriculum courses. Student progress in French, music, art, and physical education/movement is noted using the following descriptions: • E Exceeding Expectations • M Meeting Expectations • N Nearing Expectations • B Below Expectations Interim reports and/or conference requests are sent each grading period if there is a significant decline in the student’s work. Teachers will be pleased to discuss your child’s
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progress and/or grade reports by appointment and at regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences. GRADING SCALE A+ = 97– 100 A = 93 – 96 A- = 90 – 92
B+ = 87 – 89 B = 83 – 86 B- = 80 – 82
C+ = 77 – 79 C = 73 – 76 C- = 70 – 72 F = 59 – 0
D+ = 67 – 69 D = 63 – 66 D- = 60 – 62
Academic Honors HEADMSTER’S LIST A student must receive a 3.67 grade point average and receive no grade (in any course) below a B- to receive this honor. HONOR ROLL A student will receive Honor Roll recognition provided he or she receives no grade (in any course) below a B-. ACADEMIC RANKING ESA does not academically rank its students. AWARDS The Headmaster’s Award is presented to the fifth grade student who most exemplifies “excellence from within.” The qualities considered for this award include academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the well-being of the community. The St. Barnabas Award is presented to the fifth grade student who maximizes their ESA experience.
General Academic Information HOMEWORK Homework is a meaningful part of the total instructional program at ESA. The purpose of homework includes, but is not limited to introducing investigations, reinforcing skills, extending and developing concepts introduced in the classroom. Teachers take their responsibility to assign meaningful homework seriously and expect students to prepare assignments carefully. Time spent outside of classes on homework will vary according to grade level and the individual student. Homework will generally be assigned throughout the week except on Fridays or the day before a holiday. Students will learn the time management skills necessary to complete projects of a long term nature.
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LATE ASSIGNMENTS Students are expected to complete and submit all assignments on time. All assignments are due at the beginning of the period on the date assigned by the teacher. Late assignments may be subject to a grade penalty. When a student is unable to attend school, he or she should contact a fellow student and make his/her best effort to complete the class homework. If a student is absent for three consecutive days, a parent should call the secretary to request missed assignments from the classroom teacher.
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STUDENT LIFE Chapel ESA is an Episcopal School, a community which professes the Christian Faith as stated in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. Students attend chapel services daily and the Eucharist is celebrated monthly. Students are encouraged to play an active and integral part in our chapel services as they grow in their relationship with God and one another. Parents are given the opportunity to specify in writing the level of participation they desire for their child. Parents are invited to attend chapel services. Please note that we do sit on the floor of the movement room. Parent seating is provided in the area behind student seating areas.
The Honor System The development of personal integrity and excellence of character are primary goals of Episcopal School of Acadiana and have resulted in the creation of the ESA Honor System. The Honor System represents the values of the families, students, and faculty who form our community. The Lower School teaches these values and affirms their presence in the character of each student. We recognize that children make mistakes as they learn. We encourage them to learn to accept responsibility for their mistakes and accept the consequences that result. The focus in the Lower School setting is on teaching the honor system and what it means to us as individuals and members of a community. When students leave our campus to continue their journey in the middle school setting, they will be prepared to accept the responsibilities outlined by the honor system. ESA HONOR CODE "As a member of Episcopal School of Acadiana, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, or steal, or withhold information concerning those who do."
Code of Conduct By enrolling at ESA, each student agrees to abide by the school’s expectations and the spirit of those expectations, and parents agree to support the school’s policies. ESA is a school community based on strong belief in mutual trust and self-responsibility. Students enjoy privileges and freedoms in day-to-day activities that are based on each student assuming responsibility for his or her actions. It is important for students and parents to know the expectations for conduct set forth by the ESA community. These expectations grow out of genuine concern for each student’s growth and development as a happy and healthy individual guided by strong moral and ethical values.
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SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS The Episcopal School of Acadiana expects that every student will: A. Be honest. B. Respect parents, teachers, and fellow students. C. Behave appropriately and in a manner that reflects favorably upon our school. Sportsmanship, courtesy, and appropriate dress are the hallmarks of an ESA student. D. Take pride in keeping the ESA campus a clean and beautiful place. E. Meet all commitments and obligations. F. Respect and care for school property and the property of others. DISCIPLINARY RESPONSES Teachers generally handle minor infractions in the classroom, on campus, or at ESA activities. Teachers may utilize a variety of strategies designed to meet the personality of the child and nature of the situation. Disciplinary action is age appropriate and may include time-outs and loss of free play or other privileges within the school day. Severe or ongoing discipline matters are handled by the Head of Lower School. Parents are notified by the teacher or Head of Lower School in these cases. Students and families should be aware that any disciplinary action may be disclosed to third parties. DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY ESA is committed to a drug and alcohol free environment for students at ESA, to providing appropriate drug and alcohol education for our students, and to treating involvement with drugs and alcohol as a health issue as well as a disciplinary issue. Alcohol and drug involvement are violations of the laws of the State of Louisiana and incompatible with the school's mission and its daily operation. PRESCRIBED MEDICATION Students who have medication specifically prescribed by a physician to treat medical conditions and need to receive doses during the school day must have an Administration of Medication Form completed by the prescribing physician and on file in the main office. Parents are responsible for delivering/receiving all medication to/from the receptionist, who will log the receipt/disbursement of medications into the system. All medications are stored and administered in the front office. Students are not permitted to carry medication in their backpacks or on their person.
Attendance Students should arrive at school on time every school day. Not only is regular attendance important for the individual student, but also the individual’s participation is important for the group as a whole. ESA’s calendar provides ample time off for our students at strategic points in the academic year. We ask that parents support their students by not removing their child from classes for
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anything but the most serious of situations. Students are expected to return from scheduled breaks on the dates designated. The Head of Lower School will designate any student absence as “excused” or “unexcused”. 1.
2. 3. 4.
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL Reminder: The ESA school calendar provides ample time for holidays and family vacations at strategic times during the academic year. The school strongly discourages parents from removing students from classes on the days before and after a holiday. All absences must be reported by phone by a parent to the office before 8:30 a.m. If an absence is not reported by 8:30 a.m., parents should expect a phone call from the school either at home or at the work place. All absences will be considered unexcused until a phone call or a note from a parent is received explaining the nature of the absence so that the Lower School Head can make an “excused” or “unexcused” determination. Students may miss no more than 14 days per year, either excused or unexcused, in order to be eligible to receive credit.
EXCUSED ABSENCES Examples of absences that may be considered excused are: • Illness reported by a parent • Medical or dental treatment • NOTE: Every effort should be made to schedule routine appointments (i.e. medical, dental, orthodontic) and the like during vacations and non-school hours. • School sponsored academic, athletic, or extracurricular events • Family emergencies Excused Absence Make-up Work Generally, the student is expected to submit all work missed within the same number of days he or she was absent. The student is responsible for speaking with his/her teachers to confirm assignments or to request extra help. Teachers will make every effort to schedule a help session if needed. ANTICIPATED ABSENCES The ESA school calendar provides ample time for holidays and family vacations at strategic times during the academic year. The school strongly discourages parents from removing students from classes on the days before and after a holiday. An anticipated absence occurs when a student will be absent for one or more days of classes for a planned non-school event. The school needs to be notified of anticipated absences so that they can be evaluated by the school well in advance of the intended date(s) of absence. The evaluation rests with the Head of Lower School. Anticipated absences may be determined to be excused or unexcused.
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Unexcused Anticipated Absences If the student and family decide to take an unexcused anticipated absence, the school will not require teachers to: • • •
prepare assignments for the time missed provide extra help to enable the student to catch up on work missed provide class notes or other assistance to the student
The student is responsible for submitting all work missed during an unexcused anticipated absence on the day of return. Failure to submit work owed may result in the student receiving zeros on any or all incomplete assignments. Students are expected to be prepared for all academic work that takes place the day of their return. This includes test, quizzes, papers and any homework assignments. Tests that were missed must be completed by the date designated by the teacher. TARDIES All students are expected to be in their classrooms at 8:00 a.m. Students are tardy if they arrive after 8:00 a.m. LATE TO SCHOOL Any student reporting late to school must sign in at the receptionist’s office and will automatically be given an unexcused admit slip unless a note from a parent or doctor clearly states that the tardy was unavoidable. Unacceptable reasons for morning tardies include: • Oversleeping for any reason other than documented illness • Fatigue • Unsubstantiated traffic or car problems • Unspecified illness or general malaise • Generic notes asking that a student be excused but giving no reason why • Non-emergency personal or family errands SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT Arrival at School – Students who arrive late to school, must be accompanied by their parent and signed in with the receptionist and receive an admit slip prior to entering the classroom. Early Departure from School – Students who must leave school for any reason other than school monitored events must be signed out by the parent with the secretary. Students remain in their classrooms until the parent arrives and completes sign out procedures. NOTE: Unless the reason for checking out complies with definition of “excused absence,” a student’s absence from any class due to an early departure from school shall be considered unexcused. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Special circumstances may arise during the course of the year that require a student to miss an extended period of school or schedule a recurring medical appointment during the 12
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academic day. ESA will make every effort to work with students and families to ensure the student does not suffer academically should this occur. To help us prepare a plan of action for the student, parents should meet with the Head of Lower School before any class time is missed.
Dress Code Students are always expected to dress in good taste and in compliance not only with the written code, but also with the spirit of the code. Extremes in attire and grooming are not allowed. Students must not view the flexibility of the Dress Code as a means to separate themselves from the community. ESA wants to celebrate individuality while teaching students about standards for appropriate dress and the importance of personal appearance. Students should take pride in their appearance and dress neatly and appropriately every day. All students must be in dress code for the entire school day, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Dress Code is managed at the discretion of the Lower School Head. Girls: Skirts: Skorts:
School plaid, navy, gray or khaki for 3rd, 4th & 5th grade girls only; must extend to no more than five inches from the top of the knee. School plaid, navy blue, gray or khaki
Jumpers:
School Plaid with appropriate shirt underneath at all times. (Bloomers are optional)
Shirts:
White, light blue, navy blue, or gray heather shirt, with same color collar and sleeves. Shirts must be long enough to stay tucked. Turtlenecks under shirts are allowed in white and navy blue.
Slacks:
Khaki, gray or navy long pants. No drawstring pants or elasticized bottoms are allowed. Only PK3, PK4 & Kindergarten students may wear elastic waistbands with no belt loops.
Belts:
Students in Grades 1 – 5 must wear a navy blue, black, or brown belt on any pants or shorts that have loops.
Shorts:
Plaid, khaki, or navy shorts with at least a 5� inseam. Only PK3, PK4 & Kindergarten may wear elastic waistbands with no belt loops.
Tights:
Navy or white permitted under skirts and jumpers.
Shoes:
Athletic/tennis shoes worn with white or navy socks, at all times. No boots
. Boys: Shirts:
White, light blue, navy blue, or gray heather shirt, with same color collar and
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sleeves. Shirts must be long enough to stay tucked. Turtlenecks under shirts are allowed in white and navy blue. Slacks:
Khaki or navy long pants. All pants must be worn with a blue, black, or brown belt if they have loops. No drawstring pants or elasticized bottoms are allowed. Only PK3, PK4, & Kindergarten may wear elastic waistbands with no belt loops.
Belts:
Students in Grades 1 – 5 must wear a navy blue, black, or brown belt on any pants or shorts that have loops.
Shorts:
Plaid, khaki, gray, or navy with at least a 5� inseam.
Shoes:
Athletic/tennis shoes worn with white or navy socks, at all times. No boots
For Boys and Girls: Sweat suits: Navy blue sweats may be worn. Sweaters:
White or Navy sweaters or vests may be worn.
Outerwear:
White, gray or navy polar fleece, micro fleece, and down jackets, pullovers, vests, parkas, and jackets. No blue jean jackets are allowed. School logo only.
SPIRIT DRESS Spirit Days are announced at the discretion of the Lower School Head. Students may wear an ESA shirt with uniform pants/shorts or blue jeans on these days. PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS Students are not required to wear PE uniforms during their PE class. Girls should wear shorts under their skirts and/or jumpers for physical education classes.
Transportation BUS REGULATIONS The safety of students using ESA transportation is very important. Therefore, students are required to follow the following regulations concerning bus transportation: 1. Students should arrive at the designated bus stop 5 minutes prior to departure. The bus will not wait. 2. Parents should arrive at the designated bus stop 5 minutes prior to arrival. The bus will not wait. 3. While waiting for the bus, students must conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
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4. Students may not get out of their seats, throw objects out of the window, harass other students or the driver or generally behave in a loud or disorderly manner while riding the bus. 5. The bus driver will report any inappropriate behavior to the Head of Lower School. Unacceptable behavior on the bus may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension or expulsion from bus service. STUDENT DROP-OFF/PARENT PARKING Parents should drop off all students in the designated areas. Drop off at any other point creates a dangerous situation and impedes traffic flow. A copy of the traffic pattern will be posted on the web site and distributed to each family. Please follow the one way pattern as shown on the diagram. Do not turn left onto Kaliste Saloom Road during carpool hours. Early morning and after school care are administered by REACH. Please contact the office for information and cost of this service. MORNING DROP-OFF • 7:40 – 8:00 All grade levels Students remain in the car until school personnel open the car door. Students report directly to their classrooms at this time. Parents, please note that the gates will close at 8:00 am and duty personnel will return to their class rooms. Late arrival will require that you park and walk your with your child to the administrative office in Room 101 to sign in. AFTERNOON PICKUP (PLEASE OBSERVE STAGGERED TIMES): We do use a staggered afternoon dismissal and pickup schedule based on grade level. If you have multiple children at ESA, we ask that you do not enter the car pool line until the time listed for your oldest student. For example, if you have both a PK3 student and a 4th grade student, please wait until the 4th grade dismissal time of 3:10 to enter the car pool line. Please observe the requested time frames. • • • •
2:45: Early childhood families (with students in PK3 and PK4 and no older siblings) may enter the car pool line. 3:00: The afternoon bus to the ESA Cade campus departs. 3:00: Families with students in Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade (and no older siblings) may enter the car pool line. 3:10: Families with students in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade may enter the car pool line.
You may be asked to circle around if your child is not on the walkway and prepared to enter the vehicle. If you prefer, you may park and walk in to receive them. Students must be picked up by 3:20 pm or arrangements made by the parent for them to enter the aftercare program. Parents are responsible for fees incurred. CARPOOLS Carpools will be very useful in easing the traffic burden at the Lower School Campus. The car pool driver should have your official carpool tag and be designated in your information 2013-2014 ESA Handbook
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forms as authorized to pick your child up. Otherwise, the driver must report to the school office and provide proper identification before the child will be released. Students will be released only to those individuals designated by the parent(s)/guardian(s) as authorized to pick up. Advance notice must be given
Guests and Visitors on Campus Guests or visitors should check in with the receptionist in Room 101 and receive a visitor badge prior to entering any classroom.
Library The libraries will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and welcome all students who come in for the purpose of study, research and pleasure reading. POLICIES AND FINES It is important for students and parents to be aware of the regular check-out period for most books and magazines and the number of items that may be checked out at one time. PreK-3, PreK-4, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades
1 week 2 weeks
2 books 3 books
Students who fail to return books on a timely basis will not be allowed to check out additional books until the overdue item has been returned.
Electronics The use of any personal music or gaming devices (CD players, gaming devices, iPods, etc.) during the academic day is inconsistent with the mission of ESA and is not permitted. The use of laptops, tablets and mobile devices for gaming purposes is not permitted.
Technology ESA seeks to foster the pursuit of academic and personal excellence in each child. ESA is committed to preparing its students for working, living and learning as students and leaders in their chosen careers. Technology visions must be flexible in today’s world. What is considered high-tech, top-of-the-line today, is often passÊ next month. We seek to create an environment where students, faculty, and staff, effectively and responsibly, utilize innovative technology. Technology enhances the way we teach, learn, and communicate with one another at ESA and the world. Excellence in technology education promotes higher-order thinking skills, problem-solving skills, motivates students, and provides another tool to facilitate student learning. Faculty members benefit from the exchange of new methodologies, resources, and ideas to implement the curriculum. ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Students may have access to electronic mail (e-mail) and the Internet through a network of computers located in classrooms and in other areas across the campus. The access is vital to 16
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the educational experience and an integral part of instruction at ESA. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other material as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Individual users of the computer network are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with ESA’s established standards. Because the ESA computer network has limits, students must understand that the campus computer network should be used for academic or school related purposes only. The following are not permitted on ESA computers: • • • • •
Streaming Internet audio or video Bypassing the firewall Game or other entertainment Internet sites Uploading or downloading any type of files from the Internet Chat room or social networking sites of any kind
Violations may result in the loss of access to technologies on the ESA campus. Files and other communications, both active and stored on local or network hard drives, may be reviewed by the Network Administrator to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Finally, the network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access is a privilege – not a right. Access entails responsibility. THE USE OF VIDEO CAPABLE TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS No one may take photos or videos while on an ESA campus or at ESA sponsored events without permission. There must be valid educational rationale for such technology to be used on campus, such as accomplishing a particular assignment.
Lunch & Break ESA Lower School does not provide lunch for students, though families may elect to purchase hot lunch provided by an outside vendor. Students will provide their own sack lunch and/or snacks. No carbonated beverages or candy please! Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during lunch and break and to dispose of trash properly. Food and drink must be consumed in the designated lunch areas. Students should report to their designated area at the beginning of the period.
HELPFUL INFORMATION Medical Information State of Louisiana law requires the following information be on file at ESA before a student is permitted to attend classes: 1. A completed and signed health form 2. Immunization according to State of Louisiana requirements ESA also must have on file a certified copy of each student’s birth certificate. 2013-2014 ESA Handbook
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PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION School personnel are permitted to administer prescription medication issued by a licensed physician only. (No over the counter medications can be administered by school personnel.) Parents are responsible for delivering/receiving all medication to/from the receptionist, who will log the receipt/disbursement of medications into the system. All medications are stored and administered in the front office. Students are not permitted to carry medication in their backpacks or on their person. Please see the Drug and Alcohol Policy for other important information.
Business and Financial As outlined in the Enrollment Agreement, the following three options are offered for payment of tuition: A. One annual payment by July 20, 2013 B. Two payments: the first payment by July 20, 2013 and the second payment by November 20, 2013. C. Ten monthly payments beginning July 20, 2013, and ending April 20, 2014 *The two payment plan requires an automatic bank debit on November 20, 2013. This plan option carries a 1.0% monthly interest charge based on the outstanding tuition balance owed from July 20, 2013 until paid in full. *The monthly payment plan requires an automatic monthly bank debit from a designated bank account for the ten months listed and carries a 15% interest payment. Tuition finance fees for installment payments are due and payable each month beginning July 20th and ending April 20th. Transportation charges are billed October 1st and may be paid in two installments of one half each October 20th and December 20th. Parents Club dues and incidental fees are billed September 1st and are due September 20th. Miscellaneous charges are billed every month beginning September 1st and are due the 20th of the month. If a parent's account is not paid in full or is not otherwise current at either the end of the second quarter or the end of the school year, the student’s grades will not be processed and grade reports and transcripts will not be mailed until payment is received.
Student Accident Insurance Policy A student accident insurance policy is provided for all students at no cost to the parents. Application packets for extended 24-hour coverage and dental riders are available in the Business Office and mailed to all parents at the beginning of each year.
Asbestos Management ESA has complied with requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in maintaining an asbestos management plan for all of the school buildings. The plan,
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which was reviewed and approved by the EPA, is available for review by parents and employees between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lost and Found Any items found on campus grounds are placed in the Lost and Found in the front building. It is helpful to label all clothing, lunch boxes, and backpacks so that they can be returned to the student. Unclaimed items at the end of each school year are either placed in the clothing exchange or forwarded to Goodwill.
Birthday & Holiday Celebrations Treats for birthdays may be brought to school and served at a time that does not interfere with classroom instruction. Arrangements should be made in advance with the classroom teacher. Cupcakes, cookies, and individual serving size juice boxes are preferable. Please do not send party favors/bags, etc. Simple celebrations are more meaningful and memorable. Parents may if they choose participate in Birthday Book Club by assisting their child in selecting and donating a book to the school library in honor of their birthday. Students whose birthdays fall in the summer time may wish to celebrate their “half birthday” during the school year. We request that party invitations not be sent to school. The school directory contains student and parent address lists to assist students and their families in contacting one another. Classroom celebrations will be coordinated with the classroom teacher.
Office Hours The main office of the school is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except for the following holidays when it is closed: Labor Day (Monday, September 2, 2013) Fall Break (Thursday, October 10 – Friday, October 11, 2013) Thanksgiving Break (Monday, November 25, 2013 – Friday, November 29, 2013) Christmas Break (Monday December 23, 2013 – Monday, January 6, 2014) Martin Luther King Day (Monday, January 20, 2014) Mardi Gras Break (Monday, March 3, 2014 – Friday, March 7, 2014) Easter Break (Friday, April 18, 2014 – Friday, April 25, 2014)
School Closing/Emergency Notifications When ESA needs to get critical information out to families, broadcasts are sent out via our website’s email and SMS/Txt Msg feeds. It is very important that all families, parents and students, sign up to receive these messages. To receive emergency communications, log on to the Community Portal at www.ESAcadiana.com and click on the Account: button at the bottom left corner of the page. From the menu that pops up, select Subscriptions. In the Subscriptions window, click on the red Settings link to the right of the News Alerts section. Check the boxes next to 2013-2014 ESA Handbook
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Emergency Communications to receive both email and text alerts. You will need to have a your mobile phone entered and verified in your account to receive text alerts. For more information, see our Text Alerts Guide. Occasionally inclement weather requires ESA to close early or not to operate for a day. In addition to text and email alerts, ESA will announce all unanticipated school closures on local television and radio stations. The ESA homepage is also immediately updated with this information.
Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy Episcopal School of Acadiana admits students of any race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
Use of School Name, Handbook, and Directory No one is authorized to use the names “ESA” or “Episcopal School of Acadiana” for promotion or solicitation purposes without the expressed, written consent of the Headmaster. The ESA “directory and handbooks for students and parents” and the information contained therein, including the names and addresses of ESA families, faculty and staff, and the names “ESA” or “Episcopal School of Acadiana,” are intended for official use by the school and the private use of the students of ESA and their parents. We ask that our families and friends not use, lend or distribute these for any commercial, political or solicitation purposes. Please contact the Headmaster if you have any questions.
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