LIONSGATE CHARTER SCHOOL

Independent School District 4183

Supporting Students in Reaching Their Full Potential, Participation, and Self Determination Within Their School, Family, and Community

The Mission of Lionsgate Academy is to provide a transition-oriented and personalized learning program focusing on secondary higher-functioning students on the autism spectrum that supports their full potential, participation, and self-determination within their school, family, and community.

To this end, Lionsgate will create an educational environment that will model best instructional practices and research-based techniques so that the graduates of Lionsgate Academy will - to the fullest extent possible - live independently, be involved in further education or gainful employment, and develop meaningful relationships with others.

Welcome to Lionsgate Academy

This handbook contains basic information, policies, procedures and expectations for students. The contents are intended to be a guide to our daily operations.  Please review the information carefully.

 Our charter school is a place where motivated and talented students and staff work together to promote learning and growth.  We provide a secure environment rich in acceptance and guidance, which is essential to student’s intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs.  A combination of confidence and discipline grows a student’s ability to think independently and behave responsibly.  Each student contributes to the spirit of the school.  All students are expected to act with integrity and respect for individual differences and to treat others and the environment with care and concern. All assume responsibility for learning by participating in the life of the school, by valuing the accomplishments of self and others, and by striving to excel in all things.

 

Open and honest communication is vital in our work of educating your children.  We encourage you to call anytime you have a question, concern, or suggestion for improving our efforts on behalf of your child.

 

Jody Van Ness, Director

Lionsgate Academy

763.486.5359

 

Important Contact Information

 

Karen Callis                 Office Administration/Enrichment Coordination                     (763) 486-5359

 

Johana Sand               Assistant                                                                                 Extension # 103

Daniel Gregory           Special Education Coordinator                                               Extension # 105

Sara Moeller               Social Work                                                                            Extension # 106

Lee Wignall                 Technology Coordinator                                                         Extension # 108

Benjamin Brekke        Medication Management                                                         Extension # 112

 

Student Hours 9:00 - 4:00

 

Instructional Staff Hours 8:00 - 4:15

 

Office Staff Hours 8:00 - 4:30

 

 

Lionsgate Academy 2008-2009 School Calendar

 

 

 

September 2008

2                                  First day of class

 

October

13-14Conferences – School Not in Session

15                                Staff Development Day – School Not in Session

16-17                           Education MN Professional Development Days – School Not in Session

 

November                 

24-25                           Staff development days – School Not Session         

26-28                           Thanksgiving Break – School Not Session

 

December

22-31                                    Holiday Break – School Not in Session

 

January                     

1-2                                         Holiday Break – School Not in Session

19                                President’s Day – School Not in Session

30                                Staff Development Day – School Not In Session

 

February                   

16-17                                    Staff Development Day – School Not in Session

18-20                           Winter Break – School Not in Session

 

March                        

23-27                                    Spring Break – School Not in session

 

April   

10                                School Not in Session

13-14                           Conferences – School Not In Session

 

May    

25-29                                    Memorial Day Break – School Not in Session

 

June

26                                           Last day of classes

28-29                           Staff Development Days                   

           

 

 

 

 

 

Lionsgate’s School Vision Statement

 

Lionsgate Academy is an academic community where students may safely experience the transition to young adulthood.  Here students are partners in learning, empowered to become confident, and disciplined.  Students are challenged to grow through a balance of academic, social, emotional experiences so they are adequately prepared for transition into their communities.

 

The guidelines outlined in this Handbook reflect three principles, and we expect all members to practice them every moment of every day.

 

1.  Respect yourself.

2.  Respect others.

3.  Be responsible for your actions.

 

Attendance

 

The Lionsgate School Board believes that regular school attendance is directly related to success in the academic world, benefits the students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student.  This policy recognizes that class attendance is a joint responsibility to be shared by the students, parents or guardians, teachers and administrators.  This policy will assist students in attending class.  This policy applies to all students at Lionsgate Academy, but may be modified according to a student’s Individual education plan (IEP).

 

1.    Student’s responsibility: It is the student’s right to be in school.  It is also the student’s responsibility to attend all classes every day that school is in session and to be aware of and follow the correct procedures when absent from class.  Finally, it is the student’s responsibility to request make-up and missed work due to absence.

2.    Parents’/Guardians’ responsibility: It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the student is attending school, to inform the school in the event of a student’s absence, and to work cooperatively with the school and the student to solve any attendance problems that may arise. In addition, parents/guardians will participate in team planning meetings, and work cooperatively and in a supportive manner in implementing the student’s IEP.

3.    Teachers’ responsibility: It is the teacher’s responsibility to take daily attendance and to report accurate attendance in each assigned class; to be familiar with all the procedures governing attendance and to apply procedures uniformly or in concert with an IEP; to provide any student who has been absent with any missed assignments upon request; and to work cooperatively with the student’s parents or guardians and the student to solve any attendance problems that may arise.

4.    Administrator’s Responsibility: It is the Lionsgate administrator’s responsibility to require all students to attend all assigned classes; to be familiar with all procedures governing attendance and to apply these procedures uniformly to all students; to maintain accurate records on student attendance; and to inform the students’ parents or guardians in a timely manner of the student’s attendance problem, to work cooperatively to solve attendance problems, and maintain a safe environment.

 

Lionsgate Academy shall adhere to the regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Compulsory Instruction Law, M.S. 120.101.  The students of the school district are required to attend all assigned classes every day school is in attendance.

 

Absentees

 

1.    Attendance is taken daily during the morning classroom period.  All student absences or late arrivals should be reported to the school office before the school day begins by calling the school office at 763-486-5359.  Parents should indicate if the illness is contagious (strep throat, chicken pox, etc.) to allow the staff to make proper notifications to other families in the classroom.  Absences can be reported during non-school hours on our after hours voice mail system.

 

2.    Parents will be contacted to verify unreported absences.  Calls received before the school day begins will be appreciated and will ease this time-consuming task for office staff. 

§  A student is marked absent –excused when we receive a phone call or note ahead of the class day from a parent verifying the child’s absence for an excusable reason.

§  A student is marked absent-not excused if the school has been given no reason for the absence and the parents cannot be contacted or the reason given is not excusable.

§  Excused absences include: illness, religious observances, medical appointments and pre-approved family trips/vacations.  Homework should be done in advance whenever possible.  The Administrator may excuse absences for other reasons.

§  Reasons pre-approval is required: -need to notify staff -documentation for file –accountability to the state –need for staff to prepare assignments in advance.

§  Parents of students who have accumulated high numbers of absences may be contacted by the school (Form letters will be sent out at 10 days).

§  If absences reach 7 or more unexcused, he or she is considered habitually truant and the school must file a truancy report with the county.

§  If a student has 10 or more unexcused absences in a school year, the law considers him or her to be continuing truant.

§  A student who is absent for 15 or more consecutive days is considered to be withdrawn from the school unless previous arrangement have been made with the Director.

§  School days that are field trips follow the same rules as above.

 

Tardy

 

1.    Students who arrive after 9:15 A.M. are considered tardy, unless the bus arrives late. Late arriving students must check in with the office for a pass before going to their classroom.

2.    If a student is tardy, the parents or guardians must accompany the student to the office upon arrival.  Three unexcused tardies in one grading period will result in communication with parents.  Four tardies will equal one absence.

3.    Be sure to contact the school whenever you know your child will be late or absent: (763-486-5359). Lionsgate’s attendance policy is in accordance with state law.

 

 

Leaving School Grounds

 

1.    Once the students arrive at school, students may not leave school grounds before dismissal for any purpose without written authorization form a parent or guardian and notification to the school office.

2.    Students arriving early or staying late for school-sponsored events or activities are to remain on campus.  Students who leave the school grounds, without authorized permission, will be disciplined subject to the school’s disciplinary policy or as outlined in their IEP.

 

All parents must sign their students out in the school office before leaving the building.  Students must check back in at the office upon return and receive a pass to class.

 

Arrival & Dismissal

 

1.    Students are asked not to enter the school building prior to 8:40 unless they are participating in a pre-paid before school enrichment program. (Refer to the LEO brochure for details).

2.    School hours at Lionsgate are 9:00 A.M.-4:00 PM.  Students are encouraged to arrive at 8:50 to store materials and prepare for their day.

3.    Car-riders must be picked up by 4:15 unless they are participating in an after school activity or enrichment program.

4.    In the event of an emergency, parents or guardians should call the school by 3:30 and make alternate arrangements for student pick up.  Parents are encouraged to plan ahead.  Written authorization of alternate plans for going home is the best way to avoid confusion.

5.    In the most extreme cases, where a student remains well after the school day with no success in contacting a parent or guardian or emergency contact, the student may be remanded to the local police.  This is always the last resort and well be at the discretion of the Director.

 

Drop Offs/Pick Ups & Visitor Parking

 

Due to limited parking space and the need for a traffic management system that ensures student safety, Lionsgate request that parents/guardians and all school visitors follow these guidelines:

 

1.    The front parking lot on Louisiana Avenue is available at all times.  The north side lot is closed to traffic during the school day.  Teachers bring students through that area for gym and community activities.  We appreciate your support in keeping students safe.

2.    Busses will load and unload on the east side of the building.

3.    Drop offs and pick-ups:  Please drop off and pick up your student on the south side of the building.  Enter the Louisiana lot by the north entrance, drive through the east (Louisiana) parking lot (please do not drive into the bus lane), drive around the south side of the building utilizing the student loading/unloading zone, and exit west (sanctuary) onto Nevada Avenue. This will create a one-way flow of traffic coming in and out of the lot.  When dropping off a student, that student should walk in front of the cars and not behind them.  Please note that students will only be released to persons designated on the student emergency cards or authorized by a parent or guardian by phone or in person or with an authorized release form..

4.    Picking up your student early or volunteering at school during the day: please park in the Louisiana lot and sign in at the Lionsgate Academy office before volunteering or picking up your student early.

 

 

Emergency Card/Early School Closing Forms

 

All emergency forms are sent home prior to school opening each fall.  They are to be completed by parents or guardians and returned to school.  The school will use this information if your child becomes ill or is injured at school.  Remember to fill out the front and back of the cards.  The person you designate may be asked to pick up and care for your child if you cannot be reached.  Please notify the office immediately of any changes in home/work/mobile phone numbers, or contact information.

 

Closing of School for Weather Emergencies

 

If it is necessary to close school because of weather or other emergencies, either in the morning or during the day, the administration will contact WCCO (830 AM) http://wcco.com/schoolclosings.  Parents are urged to use their own judgment of inclement weather as well in determining if their child should remain at home.  If parents or guardians opt to keep students at home, the office must be notified to avoid an unexcused absence.

 

Locker & Back Pack Policies

 

1.    Back packs are to be used to transport materials to and from home.  For safety reasons and small room sizes, they will not be allowed in the school hallways or classrooms.  All students should store their books and personal belongings in their locker throughout the day, unless otherwise specified in a student’s IEP.

2.    Each student has locker.  A fee is charged for damaged lockers.  Out of consideration for others, lockers and locker areas should be used in a way that will not disturb nearby classes.  Food or beverage should not be kept in lockers.  The School reserves the right to open and examine the contents of students' lockers without notice and at any time. 

 

Appropriate Apparel

 

 Lionsgate students need to dress respectfully and with dignity so that they are comfortable and can express their individuality, while not making other people uncomfortable or distract from their learning.

      

Boys:

·         No tank tops or underwear shirts

·         No sagging pants without belts

·         No underwear showing

·         No hats

·         No shirts with offensive images or slogans or drug or alcohol related graphics

 

    Girls:

·         No short skirts or really short shorts (this means that you can sit on the floor, comfortably, and without embarrassment)

·         No tank tops without an undershirt

·         No stomachs or cleavage showing

·         No underwear showing

·         No backless tops

·         No shirts with offensive images or slogans or drug or alcohol related graphics

·         No hats

 

Electronic Devices

 

Electronics, such as: pagers, beepers, iPods, hand held game systems, and walkmans are only permitted at school during lunch periods unless identified in an individual student’s learning plan IEP).  Cellular phones are permitted if turned off during school hours or used in accordance with a student’s IEP. Purses may be locked in lockers.  The school is not responsible for lost items. 

 

 

 

Confiscated Items

 

Any item determined by faculty to be a distraction or danger to students or to the learning environment may be confiscated as well.  A parent will be contacted and may pick up the item before or after school from the school office.  Any item confiscated more than once due to danger or distraction may be kept by the school office until the end of the year and picked up by the parent or guardian at that time. 

Snacks

 

Lionsgate recognizes the unique needs of our student population.  We do not allow snacks containing any peanuts, tree nuts, almonds, cashews or walnuts in the school.  In order to maintain a clean environment, gum chewing will not be allowed unless it is specified in the student’s IEP.

 

Lost and Found

 

It is not unusual for students to misplace or lend school materials and personal items.  Found or returned items are collected at the receptionist’s desk.  A student who is missing items should report their loss in the office.

 

Lionsgate Academy Web Page

 

The school publishes a newsletter for parents and maintains an internet web page at www.lionsgateacademy.org.  Any suggestions or information for this newsletter or the web page may be given to the Technology Coordinator.

 

Parents Out of Town

 

We need to be notified when parents are away from home so that we know whom to contact in emergencies.  Please call your student’s case manager in these situations, and they will inform the School Office. 

 

School Lunches

 

All students at Lionsgate Academy can either buy a hot lunch or bring a lunch from home each day.  It is our policy that all students must have a lunch each day.  If your child forgets their lunch, that student will be provided with mild, a cheese sandwich and the fruit or vegetable on the menu for the day. 

 

Smoking/Drug/ Alcohol Free Environment

 

We maintain a drug, alcohol and smoke-free environment in all of our school facilities and grounds.

 

Technology

 

The purpose of technology is to provide students access to educational software as well as assist in reaching their full learning potential. In addition to enriching classroom curriculum, technology will be the medium by which students develop skills for self-expression relevant to the 21^st Century. At Lionsgate Academy, technology is categorized as:

 

·         Assistive Technology:  Technology used to help students perform tasks they otherwise couldn’t or would experience difficulty completing.

·         Educational Technology: Technology used to aid students’ understanding of educational objectives.

 

Uses of technology other than Assistive or Educational are not allowed without the permission of the Technology Coordinator in consultation with the Director and educational team.  All Lionsgate students must sign and comply with an Acceptable Use policy below which provides a framework for the proper and ethical use of the School network and computers.

 

Students are responsible for any damage to assistive or educational technology when it involves intentional misuse or damage as it relates to school property.

1. No outside programs or peripheral devices may be installed or used on school computers unless approved by the Technology Coordinator.
2. Students may access only those files or directories for which they are authorized.
3. Students working on class-related assignments have priority for computer use.

5.    Students should not give out their home address, phone number, or last name over the internet. If students need to provide an address, use the school’s address. (3420 Nevada Ave N., Crystal, MN 55427)

6.    Students are responsible for all files in their directory and content or links posted on their web pages. Lionsgate staff have the authority to edit or remove content from student web pages listed under the Lionsgate domain.

7.    Lionsgate Academy is not responsible for content posted on web sites not authorized or maintained by Lionsgate Academy.

8.    The School reserves the right to monitor computer use by students. This includes browsing history, email content, and images or files saved to a student’s directory. The use of Lionsgate technology (assistive or educational) is considered consent to such monitoring.

9.    At at all times will students, staff, and administration adhere to the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (#524).

 

Failure to abide by the above guidelines will be reported to the Director and may result in consequences detailed under the Lionsgate Academy Discipline Policy.

 

Homework

Homework: Lionsgate views homework as work needing to be accomplished at home such as researching something in the community, interviewing family members, or collecting artifacts for a lesson or project.  Teachers will provide a syllabus for each unit taught with homework recommendations and requirements specific to the future plan of each student.  Students on Pathway I will experience a workload appropriate for preparing them for post secondary educational success with necessary adaptations and modifications according to their IEPs.  Homework for Pathways II, III, and IV will be determined by coursework design, task demands and as outlined in their IEPs.

 Whenever a student is sick, parents can call the School office to request missing assignments.  It is best to request the homework in the morning in order for it to be ready by 4:00 P.M. These assignments can be picked up in the Lionsgate Office.

 

Progress Reports

 

Our academic year is divided into four quarters and two semesters.  Assessments are mailed home each quarter.  Teachers may also send home academic progress reports to note special congratulations, unsatisfactory work, or a sudden change in habit or performance.  Copies of these reports go to the case manager who confers with the student.  A parent may request a conference with a case manager and/or teachers at any time.

 School Visits:

 We respectful request parents schedule an appointment for classroom visits ahead of time with the Director of Special Education’s coordination.

 

Visitor’s Code of conduct: Lionsgate Academy is committed to professional interaction with all visitors.  In turn, all visitors, including parents and guardians of students, are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and respectfully during observations and meetings with staff.  This suitable conduct includes using appropriate language and behaviors with staff during visits, IEP meetings and conferences. 

 

Conflict Resolution Policy

 

There are times when challenges are not easily resolved.  Parents and guardians are asked to seek further support through the following framework:

 

1.    Discuss issue with the teacher involved.  Should no resolution be found

2.    Discuss the issue with your student’s case manager.  Should no resolution be found

3.    Ask to schedule a meeting with your student’s case manager and the Special Ed Coordinator.  Should that meeting not resolve the issue to all parties’ satisfaction

4.    A meeting with the Director and/or Special Education Director will be held.

5.    All unresolved issues will be directed to the Lionsgate School Board for review.

6.    Follow dispute resolution procedures consistent with Special Education process.

 

Discipline Procedures

 Lionsgate Academy is committed to creating a positive teaching-learning environment that promotes respect for the rights of others and supports the development of individual responsibility.  Student behavior that jeopardizes the safety of self, other students or staff may be subject to discipline.  A student’s disability and Individual Educational Plan will be carefully considered before any disciplinary action is taken.  All disciplinary actions are governed by the Lionsgate School Board and related procedures while maintaining compliance with applicable Minnesota State and Federal Statutes and Rules.  The 2004 IDEA reauthorization resulted in significant improvements to discipline provisions in order to add significant clarity to all aspects related to student (school) related behavior(s).  Guided by our special education policies and procedures, Lionsgate Academy will ensure all necessary student protections (specific to areas of student discipline) as outlined by IDEA 2004.

 

Behavior Response and Support Model

 

Lionsgate has adopted a strength-based Positive Behavioral Support philosophy.  Both the following school-wide plan, as well as individual support plans in student IEPs are designed to encourage appropriate behavior through skills instruction, redirection and restitution.  The primary goal of this positive support plan is returning the student to scheduled instruction with their peers by:

 

If student exhibits moderate undesirable behaviors including off-task,

 wandering, swearing or verbal threats

 

 

STEP ONE

Re-direct to task/schedule, ignore, short dialogue, use visual supports.

 

                          If the behavior continues or escalates…

 

 

STEP TWO

Use alternative space, go for a walk, use a desk in the hallway, visit the sensory lounge, try 1:1 classroom staff for five to ten minutes, wait student out, use strategies in the student’s proactive behavior management plan.

 

                          If the behavior continues or escalates…

 

STEP THREE

Immediately limit verbal interactions/cues, use visuals, request support from other classroom

staff, suggest student relax in alternate space or quiet room, consider option to keep student and self safe (remove other students from area, encircle student with mat, etc.)

                         

                          If the behavior escalates and the situation becomes unsafe,

                          or if student exhibits behavior that is dangerous to self or others

 

 

Crisis Intervention Plan

 

Student choices that are in violation of acceptable school rules will result in consequences intended to change those behaviors toward responsible student choices in the future. Teachers have the primary responsibility for attempting to modify disruptive student behavior by such means as conferring with the student, using positive reinforcement, or contacting the student’s parents or guardians. When such measures fail or when teachers deem in appropriate based on a student’s behavior, the teacher has the authority to assign various types of consequences or refer the student to a school administrator.

 

 

STEP ONE

Immediately limit verbal interactions, survey the scene and remove objects, furniture, and other students.

 

                          If the behavior escalates or continues…

 

STEP TWO

Call Crisis Intervention Team for support, follow the student’s crisis plan to encourage relaxation/de-escalation; encourage the student to walk independently to an alternative space, for example: Sensory Lounge or Skills Room. Involve parents in the plan for the next step if the team agrees that proactive strategies have been exhausted, or the student’s safety/well-being is at risk. 

                         

                          If the behavior escalates or continues…

 

STEP THREE

Possible use of approved therapeutic hold to maintain student safety or team escort to quiet area when the Crisis Intervention Team agrees that proactive strategies have been exhausted. Direct student to enter space and sit on the floor while leaving the door open; record behavior data and complete Critical Incident Report for administrator to review and sign. Contact parent or guardian to review Critical Incident Report  and determine if Positive Behavioral Support Plan is appropriate. 

 

Lionsgate Academy has a responsibility to make certain the program is safe for both staff and students. Therefore, the administration reserves the right to use suspension consistent with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act. Suspensions will not to exceed five consecutive days. The purpose of the suspension is convening the IEP team to determine whether a change in placement is necessary. In the case of eminent danger to self, other, or property, it may be necessary in a rare situation to call 911 for assistance to insure safety. This would only be use on a very limited basis and would be followed by an IEP Team reviewing the appropriateness of the placement.

 

Restitution & Restorative Justice

 

Lionsgate Academy believes that restorative justice is a positive, effective tool for correcting student behavior. If a student harms the school community or others in some fashion, he/she may be asked to perform a service that is appropriate to the offense.

 

Typical Examples of Offense/Restitution:

 

• A student who defaces the bathroom wall may be asked to remove the writing and thoroughly clean the entire bathroom.
• A student who intentionally breaks lab equipment may be asked to help the teacher set up, clean, and put away the next day’s lab materials.
• A senior student who is disrespectful and disruptive during a school trip to the senior center may be asked to perform some of his/her community service hours at the center.

 

The School retains the right to use restorative justice principles in accordance with its Discipline Policy and Behavior Support Plans. Restorative justice may be used in addition to, or in place of, other corrective measures at the discretion of the School Director in consultation with an educational team. All students, including those with IEPs, are subject to the terms of the school’s discipline policy. 

 

Building level administrators have the leadership responsibility to maintain a safe, secure, and orderly educational environment within which learning can occur.  Corrective action to discipline a student and/or modify a student’s behavior will be taken by staff when a student’s behavior violates the school’s discipline policy.

 

If a student with an IEP engages in conduct which, in the judgment of school personnel, endangers or may endanger the health, safety, or property of the student, other students, staff members, or school property, that student may be removed from school grounds in accordance with this policy.