OUR CORE VALUES

2015 – 2016

handbook

401 Penn Street

Reading, PA 19601

1-855-453-2329

www.i-leadusa.org

CARE

CREATIVITY

LEADERSHIP

LEARNING

RESPECT

SERVICE

TRUTH

UNDERSTANDING

WORK

LEADERSHIP

In order for every learner to succeed, I-LEAD Charter School

(ILCS) seeks to create a community that is:

Safe

Professional

Based on strong quality relationships.

A physically and emotionally safe community is necessary for learning and character building to

occur. Professional behavior and dress creates a productive learning environment and prepares

learners for the world outside of school. Finally, learners need to feel connected to and supported by

their facilitators and fellow learners in order to achieve their best. We have embodied these principles

in the following code of conduct:

I choose to be here!

I am here to learn and achieve!

I alone am responsible for my actions!

I choose to leave meaningless drama behind and focus on my

educational success!

I contribute to a safe, respectful and cooperative community!

This is MY school…I make it shine!

At ILCS we believe that true learning comes from

understanding one’s responsibility to oneself and to the

community. Therefore, learners who violate our community’s

Code of Conduct will face a restorative intervention – an

opportunity to give back to the community they violated and

repair relationships they have damaged. A restorative intervention is an absolute priority and

necessity at ILCS. All concerned parties will attend or face disciplinary action. This concept of

honoring the community and relationships within our community is the NON-VIOLENT foundation

of our program and Code.

All ILCS parents and learners must sign a non-violence

agreement that states: “I agree not to use violence for any

reason what-so-ever while representing the school or with any

members of the ILCS community. I understand this non-violence pledge applies to any fight.

Learners are officially under the jurisdiction of the school from the time they are in route in the

morning until they reach their home in the afternoon.

If I do engage in violence (during the school day or after dismissal), I understand that I may be asked

to withdraw from ILCS or face expulsion.

In the event of an incident, I agree to submit to a disciplinary team review. I further agree to abide by

their decision. If the review determines I engaged in violence, I will voluntarily withdraw from

ILCS.” Violence at ILCS will not be tolerated. To be a member

of our community, learners must accept that violence is not an

option for resolving problems.

At ILCS, staff and learners are expected to operate in a

manner that is consistent with the code of conduct. The code

and its associated rules guide the conduct of all community

members while they are at ILCS, when they represent the school in outside events, or when they

participate in extra-curricular and off-campus activities.

Staff members shall have the authority to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to control the

disorderly conduct of learners in all situations and in all places where such learners are within the

jurisdiction of ILCS and when such conduct interferes with the educational program of the school or

threatens the health and safety of others. Consequences may include detention before, after, or during

school, community service, a restorative intervention, in school suspension, out-of-school suspension,

and/or expulsion. ILCS abides by State law regarding due process in regards to suspension and

expulsion.

The authority of school personnel over students is established

by Section 13-1317 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code.

Every teacher, vice principal and principal in the public

schools shall have the right to exercise the same authority as to conduct and behavior over the pupils

attending his/her school, during the time they are in attendance, including the time required going to

and from their homes, as the parents, guardians or persons in parental relation to such pupils may

exercise over them.

This doctrine gives school officials the authority to establish rules and regulations governing student

conduct and behavior, which could provide grounds for the deprivation of a liberty or property right.

Section 13-1317 also gives the board the authority to expel students for violating rules governing

behavior “going to and from their homes.” School age establishes the entitlement to an education,

which is the property right possessed by students in Pennsylvania, so students between the ages 6 and

21 who have not graduated from high school must be given due process before this right is deprived.

If the student is of compulsory age, provision must be made for an education even if the property right

has been deprived through expulsion, as provided in the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board

of Education in Section 12.6.6 of 22 Pa Code.

The student may remain within the school but be excluded

from classes (an in-school suspension) or the student may be

excluded from the school (either a suspension or an

expulsion). Exclusions from classes are covered by the

regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education in

Section 12.7 of 22 Pa Code. Exclusions from school are covered by Section 13-1318 of the

Pennsylvania Public School Code and Section 12.6 of the regulations of the State Board of Education

in 22 Pa Code.

The regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education I Section 12.6(b) (1) define

“suspension” as “…exclusion from school for a period of from 1 to 10 consecutive school days.”

These regulations make a distinction between suspensions of 1 to 3 school days and suspensions

EXPECTATIONS

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

NON-VIOLENCE

COMMUNITY RULES

DUE PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

IN-SCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

(Duration)

exceeding 3 school days. Suspensions may be given by the Discipline Department and/or Principal.

“Expulsion” is exclusion from school for more than 10 school days and may include permanent

expulsion from the school rolls. Expulsion can only be given by the board of Directors.

An “exceptional student”, which is defined in Section 14.1

of the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of

Education located in 22 Pa Code, is a student who has an

IEP while a non-exceptional student is a student who does

not have an IEP. In Pennsylvania, exceptional students are not only disabled students as covered by

the individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but also “mentally gifted” students as defined

in Section 342.1 of the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education located in 22 Pa

Code. For exclusion of a student covered by IDEA, special rules, which are located in Section 14.35

of the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education located in 22 Pa Code.

If the Student who is expelled is less than 17 years of age, s/he is still subject to compulsory school

attendance law and must be provided an education. A student over the age of 17 is not subject to

compulsory attendance law if expelled. In general, the student is placed in his/her normal class during

the period prior to the hearing and decision in an expulsion case. However, an informal hearing may

be held to determine if the student’s presence in the normal class “…would constitute a threat to the

health, safety, morals, or welfare of other…” in accordance with Section 12.6 of the regulations of

the Pennsylvania State Board of Education located in 22 Pa Code. If such a threat is determined at

this hearing, the student may be suspended prior to the formal hearing. If it is not possible to hold the

formal expulsion hearing within the 10 day suspension period, the student may be excluded from

school for more than 10 days, but the school district must provide the student with alternative

education.

Learners are expected to follow ILCS’s school dress code and

wear the appropriate uniform every day. A learner’s uniform

must fit appropriately.

The school may declare spirit or dress down days to allow the

learners to wear school spirit shirts, or dress down (for $1).

If the learner decides not to participate in spirit or dress down days, the learner must wear the

appropriate uniform. For dress down days, you cannot wear jeans with holes (cannot show any skin),

no see through shirts, no inappropriate saying on shirt, no sleeveless shirts, no shorts, skirts, or dresses

more than 3” above the knee.

Our uniform is khaki (beige) or black pants or uniform joggers (cannot be jean material, sweat pants

material nor jeannie pants), I-LEAD polo shirt, I-LEAD T-shirt, or white button-down dress shirt with

I-LEAD tie with a blue or black plain cardigan or the cardigan with the school’s logo. Young men

must wear belts. Learner cannot wear their own hoodies. Learners are allowed to wear any kind of

sneakers or black shoes or black boots. Sandals must have straps – no flip flops, no slip on.

In order for a learner to matriculate at ILCS the following

attendance requirements MUST BE MET. Failure to

meet the requirements will have an adverse effect on the learner through: failing grades, classes and inability to

graduate. Code22 Pa. code § 11.27 stipulates a learner’s attendance to school 180 days per school

year.

Daily attendance is a mandatory requirement for all Learners at I-LEAD Charter School

(ILCS). According to Code 22 Pa. code § 11.3, all learners of compulsory age must attend school. This rule does not apply to those who have obtained a high school diploma, its equivalent, a

certificate of completion, or exemption pursuant to the provisions of the law.

Learners are not expected to attend school due to illness.

When a learner is absent due to an illness, a note written by the parent/guardian or a physician must be provided for the

attendance monitor. The note must be submitted on the day

the learner returns to school. The note should provide the date(s) of the illness and be signed by the parent/guardian or a physician.

Learners absent for three (3) consecutive days due to illness, upon returning must produce a note

from: a physician, hospital, or urgent care in order to return to school.

Chronic/Extended Illness-

Learners who are absent due to chronic illness or a disability may need to complete a request for homebound services. In order for homebound services to be approved by the Vice Principal, the

following steps must take place:

Notification/documentation from a physician indicating need to be out of school

Meet with Student Support Services

Meeting with the Vice Principal and Clinical Counselor for final determination on homebound status

Official documentation must be submitted to the attendance

monitor twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the appointment. The appointments include but are not limited

to state agencies (court, social services, etc.) or healthcare

providers. When the learner returns to school, documentation from the appointment needs to be provided to the attendance monitor. A note from a

parent/guardian is not acceptable.

The attendance monitor must be notified by the

parent/guardian when the death of an immediate family member occurs. Documentation must also be submitted to

the attendance monitor. The number of excused absences

are as follows:

If the funeral is being held in Pennsylvania; 2 excused absences with proof

If the funeral is out of state; 5 excused absences with the prior approval of Chief Academic Officer and proof, such as a certificate, or other provided documentation

When a learner is unable to attend school for a religious observance or holiday, documentation must be submitted to

the attendance monitor at the beginning of the school

year. The document must be signed by the parent/guardian or a member of the clergy.

STUDENTS

DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS

ATTENDANCE

ILLNESS

PRE-ARRANGED APPOINTMENTS

BEREAVEMENT

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES

The Restorative Practice Team will notify the parent/guardian of suspension. All out-of-school suspensions are unexcused; a

parent cannot write a note for such absences. The learner must

return to school on the first school day following the suspension. As of that return date, each subsequent day of absence will also be considered an

unexcused absence.

The Vice Principal may approve absences for situations which

are in the best interest of the learner and his/her family. Prior to the learner’s absence the parent/guardian must complete

a Request for Extended Absences Form. No more than five (5) days may be approved by the Vice Principal. Requests of more

than five (5) days, must be endorsed by the Executive Board and the Learning Facilitators of said

learner. If a Parent/Guardian pulls a learner without following the proper procedures as outlined, the

learner may lose their seat at ILCS and may be fined for missed time as Unexcused Absences.

Truancy – when a learner is absent from school without a valid excuse, can have a negative effect on

the learner, parent/guardian and the school. Learners are also

not permitted to:

1. Arrive to school late

2. Skip classes 3. Leave half a day

If a Parent/Guardian neglects their responsibility or ignores the attendance laws in place in the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, they may:

1. Be required to take time off from work 2. Be fined

3. Be required to attend parenting classes or counseling programs

Learners are not be permitted to leave the building/grounds during the school day. Once a learner

arrives at school, they must stay for the duration of the school day. Learners who have prior approval

on file may leave the building with a parent/guardian or designated individual who is listed on the Emergency Release

Form. Exceptions to the policy will be permitted for learners

who participate in work-training, mentorship or vo-tech programs.

Seniors who have Perfect Attendance will be given one (1) weekly pass to go outside the campus for lunch, provided that they have written permission from a Parent/Guardian on file with the Attendance

Department.

Learners MAY NOT be signed out of school by anyone:

- Who is below the age of 21

- Who is not on their emergency pick-up list

- Who is a learner at ILCS

Parents/Guardians can contact the attendance monitor on the day of the absence by:

Direct Line 1-855-453-2327 ext. 307 Voice message 1-855-453-2327 ext. 411

Email ilcs.attendance@i-leadusa.org

1) Learners with six (6) Unexcused Absences per school year by Pennsylvania State Standards are considered truant; in order to matriculate or to

graduate on time your learner will be required to attend summer school if they have more than six (6)

Unexcused Absences. Code 22 Pa. code § 11.27

2) Learners who are out six (6) days are considered truant by Pennsylvania State Standards and if of

compulsory age their information will be forwarded to the local Magisterial Court to process

truancy fines. Code 24 P.S. 13-1333(a)(1)

3) Learners may have no more than ten (10) Parent Excuse notes per school year divided into 2

sections: August to December, five (5) and January to June, five (5).

4) Following an absence, a learner must turn in a Parent Excuse note. Not turning in a note within

three (3) days of absence will prohibit their ability to make-up missed work or exams, thereby receiving a failing grade on the missed assignments/exams.

On the first (1st) day of an unexcused absence, a

text message/email will be sent to the parent/guardian

from the attendance monitor notifying them that their learner is missing from school.

On the second (2nd) consecutive day of an unexcused absence, a phone call will be made by the homeroom Learning Facilitator.

On the third (3rd) consecutive day of an unexcused absence, a warning letter will be sent by the attendance monitor. An explanation will be included with the consequences when a parent/guardian

and learner are in violation of Code22 Pa. code § 11.24. The attendance officer will post a blue

warrant at the learner’s last known address.

On the fifth (5th) consecutive day of an unexcused absence, the ILCS Truancy Officer will visit

your home and post a green warrant at the learner’s last known address. The ILCS Truancy Officer will make the parent/guardian aware of the possibility of the following actions if the unexcused

absences continue:

- Meeting with the Student Assistant Plan (SAP) team

- Referral to Service Access Management (SAM)

- Referral to the Reading School District Truancy Officer - Referral to the ILCS Intervention Team

After the fifth (5th) consecutive unexcused absence, the attendance officer, the learner,

Restorative Practices Representative, and parent/guardian jointly develop a Truancy

Elimination Plan (TEP) . The TEP is a contract to help resolve the student’s non-attendance: The

TRUANCY

SUSPENSIONS

EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY

SIGN-OUT POLICY

CALLING OUT POLICY

ATTENDANCE RULES

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

plan shall include documentation of the reason(s) for the learner’s nonattendance. The plan may also

include the following after-school activities:

- Community service hours

- Peer mentoring - Mandatory attendance at Homework Help to make up the missed work.

If the learner is absent seven (7) consecutive days, the attendance officer, Vice Principal,

Learning Facilitator, Special Ed Director (if needed), Student Support Services, and Chief

Operating Officer are notified of the attempts made in relation to the learner:

- A letter is sent home giving the parent/guardian 24 hours from receipt to contact the

attendance officer for a meeting regarding the learner. - A red warrant will be posted by the attendance officer at the learner’s last known

address.

If the learner is absent ten (10) consecutive days, they are dropped from the role of I-LEAD

Charter School and must re-enroll in order to return. Code22 Pa. code § 11.24.

- The Registrar will drop the learner from active status. Contact will be made with

the Reading School District representative giving the student PA Secure ID as well as

date the learner was dropped. - Director of Counseling will proceed with removing the learner’s schedule.

- All other invested parties will be notified and the learner will be removed from any rosters, lists,

etc. - Attendance Officer will send one (1) letter home to learner’s Parent/Guardian letting

them know that their learner has been dropped due to ten (10) consecutive days out of

school. In the letter the learner will be invited to school on a date/time to discuss their

future plans. They will be officially notified that they must report to the district school of

residency by date/time to re-enroll for classes.

Notification will be forwarded to Reading School District Truancy Officer for Compulsory

Attendance Violation and fining within the Juvenile Court System

Learners with:

Tardiness, In-School-Suspension as well as Out-of-School Suspension do not make a learner look their best when getting ready to apply for colleges or vocational programs. It is your responsibility to

be here on time each and every day.

Learners who are consistently late for school will have to serve:

3+ Tardies in a marking period will serve after-school detention and the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be responsible for transportation.

5+ Tardies in a marking period will serve In-School Suspension.

7+ Tardies in a marking period will be required to participate in and complete a truancy elimination plan with the Head of School, Interventions Specialist, and Parent(s)/Guardian(s).

* If a learner has two or fewer excused absences in a month they will get a “FREE” dress down pass

for the next dress down day.

If a learner has “Perfect Attendance” for a month they will receive a certificate of

achievement. At the end of the school year after

obtaining 9 or more certificates they will be entered

in a drawing for a family five (5) pack to an amusement park.

The homeroom with the highest attendance percentage over 92% will receive FREE DRESS DOWN for Friday of the following week.

Those homerooms with 95% or higher attendance are invited to a monthly Ice Cream Social

during 9th Period.

Learners must respect all members of the school

community, understand and comply with school rules,

including the school’s Code of Living. Learners must

comply with the policies and procedures for attendance,

dress code, and behavior. Learners are expected to

behave in a manner that leads them to academic success and be responsible and accountable for

their actions. Learners are expected to come to school in uniform every day.

ILCS appropriate attire is:

* Khaki or black School Pants (NO Stretch Pants or

Cargos)

* ILCS Polo Shirt

* ILCS T-Shirt

* White button down shirt with I-LEAD Tie

* Belts for male learners

* Any kind of sneakers

* Only black shoes, boots or sandals with straps

* School cardigan or plain blue or black button down cardigan

* Learners are allowed to wear jeans (no holes in jeans) * Dresses and skirts (must be at least 3” above knee)

* Cargos, camouflage

* Shorts to the knees, capris

* Jeans with holes

* Flip-flops

* Stretch Pants

* Sheer shirts

* Short-shorts, dresses, skirts, etc.

* Inappropriate sayings on shirts

* Hats, caps, etc.

* Bandanas

Behavior

Violation Levels

Level 1

Actions that

Level 2

Actions that

Level 3

Actions that are GREAT ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

UNIFORM ATTIRE

DRESS DOWN ATTIRE

NOT ACCEPTABLE

negatively

impact our culture &

community of

safety, respect & cooperation

significantly

impact our culture &

community of

safety, respect & cooperation

seriously

violations of our Code of Living

and/or are

criminal violations of PA

Law

Arson √

Assault of Staff Members,

Vendors, Guests

√

Behavior Contract Violation √

Bullying √

Cell Phone Abuse √

Cheating/Fraud √

Forbidden Items √

Disruptive Behavior/ Disrespect/Insubordination /

Obscene/Abusive /

Inappropriate Language

√

Extortion √

Failure to Attend: 10+

Unexcused

√

Failure to Attend: 3-5 Unexcused

√

Failure to Attend: 5-9

Unexcused

√

Gambling √

Gang-related Activities √

Harassment √

Integrity √

Misuse of Technology √

Plagiarism √

Possession of any type of firearm, weapon or

dangerous instrument

√

Possession of Drugs, Use, or Illicit Activity

√

Possession of Drugs for

Personal Use

√

Sexual Harassment √

Terroristic Threats/Acts √

Theft/Larceny √

Threats, Intimidation,

Provocation, Prefight

√

Vandalism √

Violation of Uniform √

Violence, Fighting &

Fighting with a weapon

√

Intervention Levels

Level #1 Level #2 Level #3

Restorative Intervention Restorative Intervention Parent Conference

Parent Contact Intervention Conference

with Parent, Facilitator, Learner

Out-of-School

Suspension (1-10 days)

Detention Detention Board Hearing

Intervention Conference with

Parent, Facilitator, Learner

In School Suspension

In School Suspension Out of School Community Service

Out of School Community

Service

Honor Council

Honor Council Board Hearing

Board Hearing

RULES AGAINST BULLYING

1. WE WILL NOT BULLY OTHERS

2. WE WILL HELP LEARNERS WHO ARE BULLIED!

3. WE WILL INCLUDE LEARNERS WHO ARE LEFT OUT!

4. IF WE KNOW SOMEONE IS BEING BULLIED, WE WILL

TELL AN ADULT!

WE ARE LEADERS!!!!

Homelessness is based on night-time status, where a learner

sleeps. You could be identified as homeless and receive

additional help with uniforms if you (1) live in public or

private shelters, (2) live with families or friends due to lack of

housing, (3) live in transitional housing programs, (4) are a

runaway (under 18 years of age), and were abandoned or forced out of home by parent or caretaker,

(5) are a child of a migrant family who lacks adequate housing, (6) were abandoned in a hospital or

are awaiting foster care, and/or (7) are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

The safety of everyone at the school has always been a priority

to us. We are proud to announce that we have implemented

programs to keep your child and our staff in a safe

environment.

In order for our school to be safe, we will be performing

random searches on any given day in classrooms that are

randomly selected for that day.

Education in schools is about relationships, and at times

conflicts develop which require restoration, forgiveness and

healing. Restorative Practices helps our learners reflect on

their mistakes and resolve problems with others. At ILCS,

we repair the harm and rebuild the relationship so that the

person(s) who caused the harm can be reintegrated, thus restoring a sense of wellbeing and belonging.

ILCS is committed to building relationships so that we change attitudes and change our way of

thinking from the use of punishment to the management of situations using a restorative approach.

An important component of restorative practices is the focus on restoring relationships after harm has

been done.

ILCS is committed to stop bullying and

implemented the OBPP to address all levels of a

learner’s experience when it relates to bullying,

whether it be in classrooms, school hallways, the

lunchroom or anywhere that young people

gather.

This past school year ILCS sent a consistent, reinforced message about bullying to all learners over an

extended period of time and in a variety of settings. Our goal is to change the norms around bullying

behavior and to restructure the school setting to reduce bullying.

ILCS believes in promoting and rewarding

positive behavior and developed the PBIS

program. We focus on positive behavior

interventions and support, and good behavior

is rewarded to decrease the negative

behaviors. Every facilitator has the ability to

create their own reward system. Husky

Bucks were created as a way of rewarding learners for their good behavior and the Husky Bucks can

be used to pay for dress down day.

SAFE SCHOOL

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

OLWEUS BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM

(OBPP)

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SUPPORT

(PBIS)

RANDOM SEARCHES

HOMELESSNESS

Code of Living Violations

Level I violations involve actions that negatively impact ILCS’s high

achievement culture and community of safety, respect, and

cooperation.

Once school personnel and/or administrators have determined that the learner has a level I violation

the following will occur:

Parent contact

Parent/Restorative Team Meeting

In-school Suspension

Out-of-School Suspension

Honor Council

Behavioral Contract

Board Hearing

Level I Violations include, but are not limited to:

Forbidden Items

Learners are prohibited from carrying food or drinks from the cafeteria to any other part of the

building. This includes gum chewing. Lunch must be taken in the cafeteria. Learners cannot be in

possession of lighters, matches, cigarettes or cigars, (including the electronic versions), on school

property or in places in which they are representing I-LEAD Charter School.

Integrity

Attempt to deceive or mislead in a way that misrepresents a learner’s actions when questioned by

school personnel.

Violation of Uniform Policy

This includes, but is not limited to, not wearing their uniform, slouching pants, and inappropriate

dress on dress down days.

Cell Phones

* Phones MUST be turned off and not used during class time. Phones may only be used during

lunch period.

1st offense: Learner is given a warning

2nd offense: Phone is confiscated by Facilitator and held until the end of period. 3rd offense: Phone is confiscated by Security and held until the end of the school day.

4th offense: Mandatory parent conference and signing of cell phone contract

ILCS is not responsible for any phone broken or stolen on school property.

Level II violations involve actions that significantly impact ILCS’s

high achievement culture and community of safety, respect, and

cooperation.

Once the Leadership Team has determined that the learner has a level II violation the following will

occur:

INCIDENT & REFERRAL TO RESTORATIVE TEAM

Intervention(s)

Restorative Intervention(s)

Mandatory Parent/Restorative Team/ learner Intervention Conference

In-School Suspension, Community Service or Out-of-school Suspension Community Service depends on gravity of infraction and repeated infraction.

Reinstatement Conference

Honor Council

Behavior Contract

Board Hearing/ Expulsion

A second level 2 violation in a school year could result in a school board hearing which may result in

an expulsion.

Level II Violations include, but are not limited to:

Threats, Intimidation, Provocation and Pre-fight

Threats include words and/or actions that are intended to taunt, provoke, do emotional harm to, or

intimidate any member of the community. Intimidation includes aggravating or making others

uncomfortable by calling others “out of their name,” passing rumors, etc.

Disruptive behavior, including disruptive outbursts, talking while others are talking, throwing objects,

and inappropriate gestures and sounds.

Sleeping in class or sitting in class in an inattentive manner, e.g. slouched in chair, putting head on

desk.

Wearing headphones except for approved instructional purposes

Horseplay that includes, but is not limited to pushing, shoving, kicking, or other physical contact,

knowingly taking of another’s property done in a playful and/or confrontational manner.

Any language, spoken or written, and graphic representation or gesture which is foul, filthy, indecent,

or lewd, harsh or unfair attack, or which is disrespectful, or which consists of racial, religious or

ethnic epithets which may clearly be inflammatory, offensive to generally accepted community

standards.

Failure to comply with directions from any staff, leaving class without permission and/or multiple

class cuts. This also includes vulgar language that is directed towards school personnel.

Provocation means to use intimidation with physically threatening behavior such as poking, “getting

in his/her face” (e.g. violation of personal space, aggressive gestures).

Pre-fight includes physical aggression between at least two members of the community (e.g. pushing,

shoving) that ends very quickly or is easily stopped by an adult or other learner.

LEVEL I

LEVEL II

(Note: depending on the nature of the intimidation, threatening behavior /provocation and/or pre-fight,

the Disciplinary Team may consider the violation to be of a Level III nature).

Cheating/Fraud

This includes any attempt to mislead by deception, or to obtain by fraud or deception, with the intent

to gain by doing so (i.e., copying assignments from others, lending one’s own work for the purpose of

aiding another to cheat; giving or receiving aid during a testing period, forging documents, e.g.

medical notes, excuses).

Disruptive Behavior/Disrespect/ Obscene/Abusive/Inappropriate Language. Insubordination

Learners are expected to follow the rules that individual facilitators have established for learner

conduct in their classrooms. No learner’s behavior can be permitted to disturb the learning of others or

disrupt the classroom. Any violations of a given classroom’s behavior code will constitute

inappropriate classroom conduct.

Obscene language means any language, spoken or written, and graphic representation or gesture

which is foul, filthy, indecent, or lewd. Abusive language means any language, spoken or written,

which constitutes a harsh or unfair attack, or which is disrespectful, or which consists of racial,

religious or ethnic epithets which may clearly be inflammatory. Inappropriate language means any

language which is offensive to generally accepted community standards.

Insubordination includes failure to comply with directions of administrators, facilitators, or other

authorized school personnel during any period of time when the learner is properly under the authority

of school personnel to include, but not limited to, leaving class without permission and/or multiple

class cuts. This also includes vulgar language that is directed towards school personnel.

Vandalism

Vandalism includes any act of intentional or reckless damage to the property of another, or an attempt

to damage the property of another, or the causing of damage while committing an act contrary to this

code or to the law. Depending on the nature of the incident, law enforcement officials may be

informed.

MISDEMEANOR Damaging Of School Property and/or Property of Others

For the purposes of this code, misdemeanor damage means damage to any school property or of

others of $50.00 or less.

Misuse of Technology/ Misuse/Unauthorized Use of Privilege

Pulling up inappropriate content on chrome books or computers; using network facilities in a manner

that is not intended; illegal activities carried out through technological means. This includes, but is

not limited to, use of the school elevator and misuse of lockers, computers, school furniture, etc.

Harassment

Harassment means any behavior which is repeatedly and persistently annoying.

I-LEAD Charter School recognizes that harassment on the basis of sex is a violation both of federal

and state discrimination laws and that these laws apply to learners and employees. I-LEAD Charter

School will provide a learning environment free from sexual harassment and will not tolerate such

conduct on the part of any learner or staff member.

Gambling

Gambling includes betting or wagering for money, favors, or fun. Any individual who is found

gambling will be subject to appropriate intervention; the severity of the intervention will be based

upon the circumstances of the infraction and/or repeated offenses. Interventions could include

suspension or expulsion from school. Repeated or serious violations may also result in other actions

including but not limited to, filing of criminal charges as deemed appropriate by the school.

Level III violations involve actions that are very serious violations of

our code of living, and/or are criminal violations of Pennsylvania law.

Once the Leadership team has determined that the learner has a level

III violation the following will occur:

Intervention(s)

Parent Notified

Out-of-School Suspension (1-10 days)

Board Hearing/ Expulsion Proceedings

Level III violations include but are not limited to:

• Having Any Type Of Firearm, Weapon or Dangerous Instrument

Any person found, or observed on any school property, or at a school-sponsored event in

possession of a firearm, weapon (e.g. BB gun, bullet, pistol, rifle, gun, disguised gun, dagger,

switchblade, knife, box cutter, paintball gun, dart gun, pepper spray or other noxious sprays,

explosive or incendiary bomb or other instrument, material or device that can cause physical injury

etc.), or dangerous instrument shall be immediately reported to the School Principal. Law

enforcement officials shall be immediately informed.

Plagiarism

This includes any act of using, without permission or acknowledgement, the ideas, writings, or

inventions of another; either word-for-word or in substance, and representing such as one’s own. In

addition to the interventions determined by the Restorative Team, the learner shall receive a failing

mark for the assignment. In addition, the learner will submit to a Beneficial Community Committee

hearing. A second offense will lead to the learner foregoing credit for that course.

• Terrorist Threats/Acts

Terrorist threats/acts shall mean a communication/act to commit violence, to terrorize another, to

cause evacuation of a building, or to otherwise cause serious public inconvenience, or take reckless

disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. Depending on the nature of the

incident, law enforcement officials may be informed.

• Drug Possession, Use, or Illicit Activity

This violation includes drug possession, use, or illicit activity on school grounds or at a school-

sponsored event. Illicit activity means the intent to use, sell, store, or purchase illegal substances,

and paraphernalia. Law enforcement officials shall be immediately informed. The school

LEVEL III

administrator reporting the incident to the police shall provide all known information concerning

the matter to school and law enforcement authorities.

• Theft/Larceny

Theft means withholding or removal of property, tests, test material etc. without the owner’s

consent. Larceny means the unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property without the

consent of its lawful possessor. Depending on the nature of the incident, law enforcement officials

may be informed.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a

sexual nature when:

Submission to such conduct is made a term of the learner’s right to learning

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an

individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

educational environment.

Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions

affecting an individual.

Forms of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:

Derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs; sexually-oriented sounds or remarks.

Uninvited, unnecessary or offensive touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, brushing

against another person’s body, or impeding or blocking movement.

Derogatory or offensive pictures, posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, or

gestures.

Any individual who is found to be responsible for sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate

intervention; the severity of the intervention will be based upon the circumstances of the infraction

and/or repeated offenses could include suspension or expulsion from school. Repeated or serious

violations may also result in other actions including, but not limited to, filing of criminal charges as

deemed appropriate by the school.

•Arson

Arson means the malicious burning of property during school hours. Learners may not possess or

use fireworks or the paraphernalia needed to explode them on school grounds or during any school

activity. Law enforcement officials will be informed in the event of arson.

• Assault of Staff Members, Learners, Vendors, Guests

Every adult will be treated with proper respect by learners at all times. Any violent act against a

faculty or staff member or a visitor to I-LEAD Charter School may result in severe penalties,

including the filing of a criminal complaint. This type of reckless behavior includes, but is not

limited to, throwing objects out of windows onto public property. In cases of violence with a

weapon or violence that results in bodily harm, law enforcement officials will be informed.

• Violence, Fighting & Fighting with a Weapon

Violence includes physical aggression between two or more learners that escalates into punching,

wrestling, knocking down, or damaging or destroying property. Any aggression that includes use of

a weapon or use of an implement as a weapon clearly falls into this category.

• Gang Related Activity

This violation includes any gang-related activity that leads to physical altercation on or off school

property.

• Failure to Attend

Having more than 10 unexcused absences.

• Extortion

Coercion of another out of money or property.

Anyone interested in being part of Honor Council Bully prevention committee

contact Ms. Josie or Mr. Ellison

I-LEAD Non-Violence Contract

All learners at I-LEAD must sign the non-violence contract below:

Safety is an absolute priority and necessity at ILCS. Accordingly, all ILCS parents and learners have

signed a non-violence contract that states:

I agree not to use violence for any reason what-so-ever at I-LEAD Charter School, while representing

I-LEAD Charter School, or with any members of the I-LEAD Charter School community. Learners

are officially under the jurisdiction of the school from the time that they arrive in the morning until

they reach home in the afternoon.

If I do engage in violence, I understand that I may be asked to withdraw from I-LEAD Charter School

or face expulsion. In the event of an incident, I agree to submit to a staff review. I further agree to

abide by the decision of the staff review. If the review determines I participated in any type of

violence, I will voluntarily withdraw from I-LEAD Charter School.

Violence at I-LEAD Charter School will not be tolerated. To be a member of our community, learners

must accept that violence is not an option for resolving problems at the school.

I agree to abide by the Code of Living presented here as a condition of my attendance at I-LEAD

Charter School. I am also aware that I-LEAD Charter School will perform random searches to make

our school safe on any given day.

Signature on File

Community Service Learner Contract

Parent Release and Hold Harmless Section:

I hereby give permission for my child __________________________________ to participate

in the Community Service Program at the I-LEAD Charter School.

In case of an injury of a minor nature, first aid should be administered by a responsible adult at

the community service site. In case of medical emergency, my child should be placed in the

care of a physician at the nearest medical facility. ____YES ____NO

________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contract Person and Telephone Number

I hereby release all claims and agree to hold harmless the I-LEAD Charter School, the

Community Service Site, officers, employees and volunteers for and from liability for personal

injury, including physical and emotional injuries, and/or property damage which my child may

incur while he/she participates in the Community Service Program. I have carefully read this

agreement and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and

hold harmless agreement that it is a legally binding contract between the entities identified.

Signature on File

PLEDGE

As a member of the I-LEAD Charter School Community, I make the following pledge:

I, _______________________________, commit always to:

(Learner Name)

Work to understand the truth;

Speak what I believe is the truth;

Respect and care for myself, my health, my happiness and my property;

Respect and care for others, their health, their happiness and their property;

Fulfill the letter and the spirit of the laws of my community, state and nation;

Peacefully resolve differences with others through reflective dialogue that leads to

mutual understanding, never through threats or violence;

Work hard to achieve my full mental and physical potential;

Continue learning throughout my life;

Serve my community as a generous volunteer and a committed leader;

Create beauty and justice in my home, my relationships, my community and my

nation;

Create value for others through service, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership;

Meet failure with reflection, learning, renewal and recommitment;

Never give up and always show up;

Take responsibility for my behavior.

Signature on File

SCHOOL HOURS 7:30 – 8:10 Breakfast

8:15 Homeroom 3:20 Dismissal

*** Regular Bell Schedule

Block 1 8:15 am - 8:40 am (25 minutes) Block 2 8:43 am - 9:30 am (47 minutes) Block 3 9:33 am - 10:20 am (47 minutes) Block 4 10:23 am - 11:10 am (Lunch A) (47 minutes) Block 5 11:13am - 12:00pm (Lunch B) (47 minutes) Block 6 12:03pm - 12:50pm (Lunch C) (47 minutes) Block 7 12:53pm - 1:40pm (47 minutes) Block 8 1:43pm - 2:30pm (47 minutes) Block 9 2:33pm - 3:20pm (47 minutes)

*** Mentorship Wednesday Schedule

Block 1 8:15am - 8:33am (18 minutes) Block 2 8:36am - 9:16am (40 minutes) Block 3 9:19am - 9:59am (40 minutes) Block 4 10:02am - 10:42am (Lunch A) (40 minutes) Block 5 10:45am - 11:25am (Lunch B) (40 minutes) Block 6 11:28am - 12:08pm (Lunch C) (40 minutes) Block 7 12:11pm - 12:51pm (40 minutes) Block 8 12:54pm - 1:34pm (40 minutes) Block 9 1:37pm - 2:17pm (40 minutes) Mentorship 2:20pm - 3:20pm (60 minutes)

*** Early Dismissal (1:30pm)

Block 1 8:15am - 8:26am (11 minutes) Block 2 8:29am - 9:04am (35 minutes) Block 3 9:07am - 9:42am (35 minutes) Block 4 9:45am - 10:20am (Lunch A) (35 minutes) Block 5 10:23am - 10:58am (Lunch B) (35 minutes) Block 6 11:01am - 11:36am (Lunch C) (35 minutes) Block 7 11:39am - 12:14pm (35 minutes) Block 8 12:17pm - 12:52pm (35 minutes) Block 9 12:55pm - 1:30pm (35 minutes)

*** 2-Hour Delay (10:30am)

Block 1 10:35am - 10:56am (21 minutes) Block 2 10:59am - 11:29am (30 minutes) Block 3 11:32am - 12:02pm (30 minutes) Block 4 12:05am - 12:35pm (30 minutes) Block 5 12:38pm - 1:08pm (30 minutes) Block 6 1:11pm - 1:41pm (30 minutes) Block 7 1:44pm - 2:14pm (30 minutes) Block 8 2:17pm - 2:47pm (30 minutes) Block 9 2:50pm - 3:20pm (30 minutes)

SCHOOL STORE HOURS

MONDAY – FRIDAY 7:30 am – 9:30 am

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors at I-LEAD Charter School, I am happy

to welcome you to the 2015-2016 school year! We are looking forward to a

productive partnership with you to ensure our learners can achieve their highest

potential.

We recognize that in order to be successful in school, our learners need support from

both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great

difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our

children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out

our responsibilities. We ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by

ensuring that he/she:

1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience

2) Comes to school dressed in ILCS Attire

2) Completes all homework assignments given by teachers

3) Informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject

4) Knows that you expect him/her to succeed in school and go on to college.

It’s important to be involved in your child’s education and join our school volunteer

program as our students can greatly benefit from your involvement and contributions

to the school’s program and its operations. We seek volunteers to help us every day.

This is your handbook which covers our school rules so that you and your child can

review them together. It is very important that you and your child are fully informed

regarding standards related to appropriate behavior for a safe and productive school

year.

We thank you for choosing I-LEAD Charter School to guide your child to a bright

and successful future.

Sincerely,

Mr. Angel Figueroa, MBA

Chief Executive Officer/Founder