Standards

Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), each school is required to teach challenging state academic standards and ensure a high quality education for all students through a system of assessment and accountability.

Our schools:

• Conduct a developmental profile for each kindergarten and new-to-school first grade child to discover their strengths and areas needing improvement.

• Use state-mandated academic standards in English lan- guage arts, mathematics and other content areas.

• Administer state examinations at grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 to measure whether each student is meeting the standards and to identify the academic areas in which they need assistance.

• Report certain information about student progress to their communities and the state.

As part of the comprehensive assessment system, these compo- nents are designed to provide parents and educators information to monitor student learning and recognize academic achievement.

Reporting periods are nine weeks in length, at the end of which students receive a report card. The report card is meant to assist parents to receive an accurate picture of their child’s growth and academic performance. A Parent/Teacher conference is held dur- ing the first and third quarters.

KINDERGARTEN report cards are standards-based and will address information in the following areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Growth and Social and Emotional Learning. Kindergarten achievement is based on meeting benchmarks estab- lished by the State of Alaska and are explained as follows:

0–No Progress, 1–Making Little Progress, 2–Making Progress, 3–Proficient, 4–Advanced.

PRIMARY Grades 1-3

Achievement Grades: O-S-N*

Reading, Writing Process, Spelling, Handwriting and Math

Effort Grades: O-S-N

Reading, Writing Process, Spelling, Handwriting, Listening, Speaking, Math, Health, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education and Work Habits, Attitude and Conduct areas.

* Birchwood and Northern Lights ABC schools use letter grades in first through sixth grades.

INTERMEDIATE Grades 4-6

Achievement Grades: A, B, C, D, F

Reading, Writing Process, Spelling, Math, Science and Social Studies

Effort Grades: O-S-N

Reading, Writing Process, Spelling, Math, Health, Science, Social Studies

Achievement and Effort Grades: O-S-N Handwriting, Music and Physical Education Effort Only Grades: O-S-N

Listening, Speaking, Art, Health, and Work Habits, Attitude and Conduct areas

We are pleased to offer Anchorage School District students access to the District computer network for internet access. To obtain internet access, all students must obtain parental permis- sion and must sign and return an internet User Agreement form to the school office annually.

Access: While the district’s intent is to make internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offen- sive. 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. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the Anchorage School District will support and respect each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

Expectations for internet: Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided for students to conduct research. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required and students who do not have such per- mission are responsible for not accessing the internet at school. Access is a privilege, not a right, and entails responsibility.

When a family knows in advance that their child will be absent from school for five (5) or more days, a make-up request can be made through the school office. Each school will determine their procedure for notifying teachers of the make-up request. For absences less than five (5) days, the secondary student is responsible for securing the make-up work from the teacher. At the elementary level, the family will work directly with the teacher to receive the make-up work.

One day of make-up privilege will be granted for each day of absence, regardless of the length of the absence. Teachers are expected to provide make-up work that is as meaningful as pos- sible; however, it is recognized that make-up work may not provide the same kind and quality of instruction as the student would have received in class. The actual work assigned for grading is at the discretion of the teacher.

Full credit is awarded as long as the work is completed within the allotted time, which is the school day following the make-up period. All make-up work is due on the final day of the make-up period (e.g., if a student is absent for three school days, all make-up work must be completed and turned in on the fourth day after returning to school).‌

If a test is missed, arrangements for making up the test will be made between the teacher and student after the make-up work for the absence has been completed. Once arrangements are made with the student to make up the test, it is the student’s responsi- bility to show up for the test at the assigned date and time. If the student does not show up for the test at the assigned date and time, he/she will lose the privilege to make up the test unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student. If a state-required assessment is missed and the assessment has a make-up date(s), the student will make up the test accord- ing to the individual school’s make-up schedule. If the student is absent during the make-up date(s), the student will not have the opportunity to take the assessment based on state regulations.

A student on short-term suspension will be allowed to complete, for credit, class work and assignments missed during the short- term suspension.

The student is expected to have all class work and assign- ments provided to the student during the short-term suspension completed upon the student’s return to school and/or class. If the student needs additional assistance from the classroom teacher to complete the assignment(s) that could not be provided during the suspension, the principal can provide an extension.

The actual work assigned for grading is at the discretion of the teacher.

The guidelines for making up tests for students with excused absences apply to a student returning from a short-term suspension.

A student on long-term suspension is allowed to complete, for credit, class work and assignments missed during the first five (5) days of the suspension.

The student is expected to have all class work and assign- ments provided to the student during the long-term suspension completed upon the student’s return to school and/or class. If the student needs additional assistance from the classroom teacher to complete the assignment(s) that could not be provided during the suspension, the principal can provide an extension.

The actual work assigned for grading is at the discretion of the teacher.

If a test is assigned during the first five (5) days of the suspen- sion, the guidelines for making up tests under an excused absence apply.

If a state-required test occurs during the long-term suspension, each case is reviewed individually to determine whether the stu- dent will participate in the testing.

If the student is assigned to an alternative program during the long-term suspension, the alternative program assumes the respon- sibility for providing and grading class work and assignments.

Students who intentionally skip class will not be granted the privilege to make up work or receive credit for work due on the day of the unexcused absence.

Students who intentionally skip class on a state-required testing day will make up the test based on the individual school’s make-up schedule when make-up testing is allowed.

When a student has an unexcused absence that is beyond the control of the student (e.g., parent/guardian requires student to stay home to take care of younger sibling, parent/guardian takes student on family vacation that has not been approved as an excused absence), the principal will have the discretion to allow for make-up work. If make-up work is denied, the student or par- ent/guardian may have that decision reviewed at the Instructional Division by making a request to the appropriate Division within two (2) school days.

In situations where the principal has granted make-up privi- leges, the guidelines for an excused absence apply.

The main function of progress reports is to inform the student and parent/guardian of the progress the individual student has made in class. It is expected that accurate and objective reporting to the student and parent/guardian will encourage the student to make use of all educational opportunities to the best of his/her abilities. The teacher may give interim progress reports at any time.

They may be issued at the mid-point of a nine-week period. The reports are designed to inform the student and parent/guardian of the student’s progress in a given subject area at that point in time. These notices act as general guides to both parent/guardian and student so the student may improve his/her study and per- formance habits. If you have specific questions call your child’s teacher for additional information or for a conference.

By state law, all non-resident students attending schools of this district shall pay the regular school tuition rate. (4 AAC 09.030) This law pertains to students whose parents are not residents of the Municipality of Anchorage and who are not in the custody of a district resident. (ASD Policy Section 421.2) For more information about non-resident tuition, please contact the school principal.

Alaska State Statute 14.30.010 states that “Every child between seven and sixteen years of age shall attend school at the public school in the district in which the child resides during each school term. Every parent, guardian or other person given the responsibil- ity for or control of a child between seven and sixteen years of age shall ensure that the child is not absent from attendance…” While recognizing that the responsibility for the regular attendance of a student lies with the parent of that student, the schools also recognize an obligation to assist the parent and child to ensure that regular attendance does occur. The following attendance procedures are designed to encourage regular attendance, defined as attending school 95 percent of the time or more, and ensure communication between the school and the parents.

1. Students are required to attend school unless authorized by parents or school personnel to be absent.

2. According to Anchorage School Board Policy 443 (b), the following conditions may result in an absence being coded as excused:

   1. illness

   2. death or serious illness in the immediate family

   3. participation in a school function

   4. extenuating circumstances approved by the principal, and

   5. attendance at religious services

      When determining whether a student feeling poorly should attend school, parents are encouraged to consult the “How Sick is too Sick” guide found at https://www.asdk12.org/Page/5587

3. Parents are expected to call the school by 10 a.m. each morning that their student is absent from school to excuse him/her from that day’s attendance.

4. Any absence that is not excused is considered a tru- ancy. At the elementary level, truancy is defined as an unexcused absence of a student for a half-day or more. Truancies are cumulative throughout the semester.

5. When the student falls within the compulsory attendance regulation (under 16 years of age), in addition to having the documented permission of the parent or guardian to miss school or be absent from class, the absences shall comply with the Alaska State Compulsory Attendance Laws 14.30.010.

6. Students with unexcused absences from school may be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to required parent conferences, detention or work detail. Parents will be notified of unexcused absences by School Messenger through the automated attendance phone call. After the first unexcused absence, detention or work detail may be assigned and the ASD attendance policy will be explained. Subsequent unexcused absences will prompt school staff to initiate a problem solving process in part- nership with the family.

7. Any student who is absent from school for ten (10) or more consecutive days without parent contact may be dropped from the ASD rolls. Prior to withdrawal for non- attendance, parents will be involved in the attempt to remediate the attendance problem. Reasonable effort will be made and documented to return that student to full- time attendance prior to withdrawal for non-attendance.

8. Known or suspected cases of violation of AS 14.30.010 may also be referred to the Anchorage Police Department.‌

The official notification of a student’s attendance for all unex- cused absences is through Student Messenger using the auto- mated attendance phone notification. For any absence that has not been excused by the parent or guardian, a call will be placed daily at 11 a.m. to the primary contact number. The message will inform the parent/guardian that his/her student has been absent from one or more classes for the day. Unless the parent/guardian is able to excuse the absence according to ASD Board Policy 443 (b), the absence will be unexcused. The primary phone number can be changed by contacting the school. If parents provide an email address to the school, email notification will be made in addition to the automated phone notification. Absences should be excused within three school days of the absence.

Tardiness disrupts instruction for the late student and the rest of the class. Students who are not in their classroom ready to learn at 9 a.m. or when the school day begins are considered tardy. Sanctions for tardiness may be taken by the building principal.

Regular, timely attendance is expected of all students. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level in third grade, earn passing grades in middle school, and graduate from high school. Students need to be at school on time and ready to learn every day. If a student misses 10 percent or more of school days for any reason, excused, unexcused, or suspension, he/she is considered to be chronically absent. This amounts to about two days of school per month.

Chronic absence can have a negative impact on the academic and social progress of the absent student and the class as a whole. Families wanting assistance in getting their children to school on time, every day, are invited to contact their school principal.

Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence of a student for a half-day or more (e.g., skipping school, leaving school with- out permission). Parents are notified of all truancies by School Messenger through the automated attendance phone notification. Disciplinary action for truancies will be taken as follows:

1. Parents are notified of the first truancy by School Messenger through the automated attendance phone noti- fication. Detention or work detail may be assigned and the attendance policy will be explained.

2. Parents are notified of subsequent truancies by School Messenger through the automated attendance phone noti- fication. Subsequent truancies may result in detention or other appropriate disciplinary action.

3. The student may be designated as habitually truant after five (5) truancies or 10 percent or more days in a semester, excused or unexcused, in a semester. Notification of a student as habitually truant is done in writing. After the designation of a student as habitually truant, the provi- sion of notice of the designation and a determination of a lack of cooperation from either the parent/guardian, and/ or student in remediating the situation, the habitually tru- ant student and/or parent/guardian of the student may be cited under AMC 8.50.050.

Parent authorization is required for any student leaving school at times other than the normal dismissal time. Persons picking up a student during the school day must report to the office and sign the student out; they may not go directly to the classroom. Only persons who are listed on the enrollment form or on an emergency release form may sign a student out. If parents desire to have someone else sign their child out, they must send a written note along with the person who is signing the student out, and the adult signing the child out must provide identification to the office staff. Students who return during the school day will sign in at the office prior to returning to class.

No homeless child will be deprived of any of the opportunities or benefits offered by the district because of family living situation. Provisions will be made to help homeless students continue to attend their school of origin. Transportation will be provided to homeless students comparable to that received by other district students. The district will make special efforts to ensure the enroll- ment and attendance of homeless students who do not currently attend school. For further information about this program, please contact the Child In Transition Program at 742-3833.

We ask that parents/guardians notify the office at least two days in advance if a student is moving out of the District or trans- ferring to another school within the District.

If a student is withdrawing within the last 15 days of school, grades assigned at that time will become final if the student does not report to another school.

The Anchorage School District maintains an open enrollment policy. Parents may request student placement at a school other than their neighborhood school by completing an Attendance Zone Exemption Request/Lottery Application online. The principal will approve requests on the basis of space available and program need. Applications are lottered twice a year (spring and fall) in accordance with Anchorage School Board Policy 332.3.

Whenever an accident or illness occurs and is of a serious nature, we do everything within our power to contact parents. If we cannot locate you, we will notify your emergency contact or the doctor if you have one listed. In case of minor illness, we will evaluate the situation, provide assistance to the student and notify the parent if the student becomes worse. Under no circumstances will we send a student home during the school day unless the parent or person listed as the emergency contact comes to the school to pick up the student. PLEASE KEEP ALL TELEPHONE NUMBERS CURRENT. Notify the school in writing if you will be out of town and your student will be temporarily staying with a friend or relative. Again, students can be released only to parents or those designated by parents in writing. We recommend that you provide your friend or relative a notarized statement to authorize necessary emergency medical treatment.

 

THE ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT CARRY ACCIDENT OR MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR STUDENTS.

It is essential the school have your current address and phone number. If it becomes necessary to contact parents, the time delay caused by a lack of current information can cause a sick child pro- longed discomfort or needless anxiety in other situations.

Each year school staff, including teachers, principals, counselors, nurses and others are sometimes asked by one parent to keep the other parent from coming to the school to see their child, pick up their child after school, or obtain their child’s school records. This places the staff and the school district in a very difficult position.

Under Alaska laws, both parents have equal rights and access to their children and to participate in the education of their chil- dren unless there is a court order restricting this right. It is the policy of the Anchorage School District that both parents are entitled to come to school to participate in the education of their children and to exercise all rights which parents have in regard to their children. Parents may be required to show proof of their legal standing.

The Anchorage School District and staff will not honor any request by one parent to keep the other parent from a child unless the District is provided with a certified copy of a court order. The court order must clearly establish that the other parent is not allowed to have access to their child or is restricted or limited in some way in exercising parental rights over the child.

State Law

Alaska Statutes Section 25.20.130 regards access to records of the child. A parent who is not granted custody under AS 25.20.060

– 25.20.130 has the same access to the medical, dental, school, and other records of the child as the custodial parent. (S 6 ch 88 SLA 1982)

Student directory information may be released at the discretion of the school unless the principal has been notified in writing by the student or parent/guardian that some or all of the informa- tion shall not be designated as directory information. Directory information includes: student name, address, email, year of birth, enrollment, dates of attendance, grade level, degrees and awards received, date of graduation, name of secondary school most recently attended, scholarship eligibility, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and height and weight of members of interscholastic athletic teams.

In two instances, the district is required by law to release certain contact information regarding junior and senior high school students, unless the parent/guardian objects. First the district is required to provide to the University of Alaska the names and addresses of those students eligible for UA scholarship programs. Second, upon receiving a request from military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning, the district must provide names, addresses and telephone listings.

If you do not wish to have this information released, please contact your school principal.

It is the policy of the School Board to expect payment for fines and fees in the event school property is lost, vandalized or not returned. This policy includes, but is not limited to library books, textbooks, lunch charges, or damage to school property or facilities.

Free or reduced-price meals may be furnished to a student whose parents/guardian qualify under Federal Family Income and Size Regulations. Application may be made at any time during the school year. Contact school office personnel for application forms. All information is confidential.

Free/Reduced-Price Meals

Generally speaking, every student who is in attendance for a given day of school is well enough to participate in scheduled recess- es and physical education classes during the day. Fresh air and exer- cise are essential to children’s development. If there is a medical reason why the student should not be outdoors, a written excuse from the doctor will allow the student to remain in the building.

Before admission to school, the parent must:

1. Provide an immunization record from a physician, health department, or other health care provider showing dates (month, day, year) of required immunizations.

   OR

2. Obtain required immunizations found at the links above. If there are medical or religious reasons a child cannot be vaccinated, call the school nurse for further information.

Immunizations

Per State of Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, "While the process of repealing the regulation is in progress, there will be no requirement for school districts to assess the TB status of their students for the 2019-2020 school year. Note that school screening will still be included as part of community TB screening in response to investigations of active TB cases".

All lost and found items of a personal nature (watches, rings, clothing, etc.) are held in the school office or designated place. Library materials are routed to the library and textbooks to classroom teachers. If you have lost an item, please check at the appropriate place.

If you have found an item, please take it to the school office. Items turned into the office will be held for a minimum of thirty (30) school days and then may be given to one of the local charitable organizations. Please label your child’s belongings.

On an emergency basis, children may charge a lunch if they forget their lunch or lunch money. Since only a small amount of money is available to cover charged lunches, repayment is expected the following school day.

Child abuse or neglect as defined by the Alaska Statute Title 47.17 means, the “physical injury or neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person under circumstances that indicate the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby.” The reporting laws specify that school personnel who have “reasonable cause to suspect” that a child is being abused or neglected must report that suspicion to the Office of Children's Services.

Employees in the Anchorage School District have been trained to respond to the child who needs help. The major responsibilities of school personnel are to identify an abused or neglected child, and to comply with laws requiring reporting of the suspected abuse to the proper authorities. Whether the report is for physical injury, mental injury, neglect, or sexual molestation, the investi- gation and determination of acts must be left to the Division of Family and Youth Services which is specifically designated for that purpose.

The purpose of the child abuse and neglect reporting law is to protect children whose health and well-being may be affected through the infliction, by other than accidental means, of harm through physical injury or neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment. School district employees are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect and may not investigate the suspected child abuse or neglect before they make the required report to the Office of Children's Services.

No medication shall be administered without proper written consent/permission by the parent/guardian and/or physician. The school nurse will provide you with the proper form for the type of medication. All medications must be brought to the nurse in their original container, labeled with the students’ name and accompanied by the proper form. Instructions for administering medication will include identification, quantity, purpose and pos- sible side effects. All medications must be delivered to the nurse by the parent/guardian unless approved by the nurse or school administration. Students are prohibited from carrying any medica- tions on school grounds except for certain emergency medications by prearrangement with the nurse and physician. The school nurse will dispense all prescription and non-prescription medications.

If the nurse is absent or not available, a responsible trained alter- nate may dispense as allowed by the Alaska Nursing Regulations. Certain medications may not be delegated and alternate accom- modations will be arranged to the extent possible. Medication administration is dependent upon the nurse’s discretion and observation of possible adverse reactions or interactions and may be referred to the physician as needed to insure the safety of the student during school hours. Expired medications and/or medical supplies will not be used by ASD; parent/guardian must supply current medications and supplies at all times. Expired medications and/or medical supplies will not be used by ASD; parent/guardian must supply current medications and supplies at all times.

Please be sure to provide the school with a current Epinephrine auto-injector (epipen) for any school field trip.

Homeopathic and herbal medications will not be given at school due to prohibition by the Alaska Nurse Practice Act.

Students becoming ill during the school day must report to the nurse. If it is necessary to go home or to a doctor, the nurse will inform the parent/guardian and the student will be released from school. (If you have any questions regarding your health, feel free to see the school nurse.) Students leaving due to illness without properly checking out will be counted as truant from those classes missed. Any student needing to take medication during the school day must have the proper forms completed and medication will be administered by the school nurse. Medication forms are available from your doctor or the school office. These must be filled out completely so that medication may be safely given during school hours, incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Medications at School

School nurses also conduct height, weight, health, vision, and hearing screening, and tuberculosis testing in certain grades/ages as required by state law or board policy or if there is reason to suspect a problem.

Current physical examination (completed within the past 12 months), by a health care provider (MD/DO/ANP/PA) is required within 90 days of enrollment for all new students Pre-K to 12th grade entering the Anchorage School District. If a current physical is not provided, the school nurse shall complete a health screening for all new-to-district students and record in the electronic Student Health Record per Alaska Statute AS 14.30.070.

All elementary students must be registered at the school prior to the beginning of each school year. Parents receive information about the dates for registration each spring. Having a registration helps insure that staffing is adequate prior to the beginning of the school year, and it also helps update our school records (i.e. changes to addresses and phone numbers, changes of emergency contacts, etc.).

Parents are asked to bring proof of residence when the school has been involved in a boundary change, when they are requesting a zone exception or when their child is new to the district or the school (this would automatically apply to all students in kinder- garten, 7th and 9th grade).

Registration

The Anchorage School District is not responsible for the damage, theft or loss of personal property on school grounds. Individuals are cautioned not to bring large sums of money or other valuables onto school grounds.

The Anchorage School District makes every effort to prevent injuries to students and has implemented a very effective accident prevention program. Despite our best efforts, there are still occasions when students get injured at school. It is important that you understand that we do not provide medical insurance coverage for school accidents. This means that you are responsible for the medical bills if your child gets hurt during school activities. In an effort to provide you with affordable, effective accident/health insurance, the District does provide information about affordable options for coverage for students.

Insurance plans for students are available through Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co.
Call 800-827-4695 or visit www.asdk12.org for more information.

The school office keeps and maintains a cumulative record for each student. The record includes academic achievement, test scores, out of school suspension records and other information required by the District and/or the State of Alaska rules and regu- lations. These records are available for inspection by the parent/ guardian upon request. Please assist us by keeping relevant infor- mation as up-to-date as possible. Notify the school office if your address or phone number changes; this is a critically important safety issue for your child.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires all school districts to transfer information related to student sus- pensions and expulsions in addition to academic records when students transfer to any public or private elementary, middle or high school. When transferring their students, parents have the right to request a copy of the information that was disclosed to the new school.

Students are responsible for the care of all texts issued to them. A fine will be assessed if a textbook is lost or damaged. Students are expected to furnish paper, notebooks, pens, pencils and related supplies.

Written parent/guardian permission will be required prior to any student use of the internet. Internet permission forms will be maintained in the student cumulative file. Students found using the internet inappropriately may lose their privilege and access to the internet. Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

Student Internet User Agreement

All visitors to the school including parent and guardians should sign in at the main office and collect a visitor's ID badge to wear while visiting the building.

Classroom visits by parents and guardians are welcomed. To create the least interruption of the teaching process, requests for classroom visits should be arranged through the school. Spontaneous visits by the public will be kept to a minimum.

At the discretion of the principal or the principal’s designee, children will be expected to go outside for recess to a chill factor of –10 degrees. When the chill factor/temperature reaches 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or colder, then the children shall be admitted to the building upon their arrival at school rather than at the regular opening time. Children will be expected to have appropriate winter clothing to include warm headgear, insulated footgear and gloves or mittens. A physician’s note is necessary to exclude a student from participation in outdoor activities.

• Chugiak Spanish Partial Immersion Program – K-5
• College Gate Yup’ik Immersion Program - Kindergarten
• Government Hill Spanish Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program– Grades K-6
• Sand Lake Japanese Partial Immersion Program – Grades K-6
• Scenic Park Chinese FLES Program – K-6
• Scenic Park Chinese Immersion Program– Grade K
• Turnagain Russian Immersion Program – K-6

Language immersion programs offer students the opportunity to become fluent in a world language.

This program is for students, parents and teachers who want an emphasis on self-directed learning and active participation in education. Students learn in multi-age groups based on interests, needs and developmental levels.

These programs emphasize individualized instruction using materials that are based on the developmental stages of students. Children progress at a rate appropriate to their ability and level of achievement. Detailed assessments replace traditional grades and chart the accomplishments of each child.

• Bowman Open Optional Program – Grades K-6
• Chinook Open Optional Program – Grades K-6
• Chugach Open Optional Program – Grades K-6
• Eagle River Open Optional Program – Grades K-6
  (Currently located at Fire Lake Elementary)
• Susitna Open Optional Program–Grades K-6

Optional programs are child-centered, emphasizing the physical, emotional and academic development of the individual child. The optional method focuses on “doing” which is the experience approach to learning.

• Alaska Native Cultural Charter School – Grades K-8
• Aquarian Charter School – Grades K-6
• Eagle Academy Charter – Grades K-6
• Family Partnership Charter School – Grades K-12
• Frontier Charter School – Grades K-12‌
• Highland Academy Charter School – Grades 6-12
• PAIDEIA Cooperative School – Grades K-12
• Rilke Schule, German School of Arts and Sciences – Grades K-8
• STrEaM Academy Charter School– Grades 6-8
• Winterberry Charter School – Grades K-8

Charter Schools offer alternative teaching methods or curricu- lum and are governed by an academic policy committee.

• Birchwood ABC School K-6
• Northern Lights ABC School K-8

These schools are highly structured and dedicated to academic excellence. ABC schools seek to build a sense of responsibility, patriotism, citizenship, confidence, pride in accomplishment and a positive self-image within each child through academic achieve- ment.

When an earthquake shakes for a minute or two, the solid earth may pitch and roll like the deck of a ship. The motion is frightening, but unless it shakes something down on you, it is harmless. Stay calm and ride it out. Your chances of survival are good if you know how to act.

During the shaking, you should do the following:

Indoors

• Remain indoors.
• Move under sturdy furniture – desk, tables, etc. Hold on to a table leg or other sturdy support.
• Move toward the center of the building into hallways. Stay away from windows or other glass objects.
• Do not use candles, matches, or other open flames.
• If damaged building is evacuated, do not re-enter; aftershocks may shake the building down.

Outside of Building

• Stay away from buildings where there is danger of falling debris. Stay in the open, away from buildings or utility wires.
• If in a moving car, stop and remain inside.
• Evacuation Drill
• The sounding of an alarm or an announcement are the signals to evacuate the building.
• Move rapidly, but do not run, in a calm and organized manner exiting the building.
• Should you find a stairway or exit blocked, pass the word back, and leave in an orderly way by another exit.‌
• All students should proceed to a distance of at least 100 feet from the building to a pre-planned area and remain there in order to give the fire fighting equipment room to operate safely.

All students are expected to become thoroughly familiar with the fire drill exit route posted in each room.

An intercom announcement will signal that the school is going into a lock down situation. Students in the halls need to quickly find the nearest classroom. Students should remain calm and follow instructions from the teacher, which may include duck and cover away from doors and windows, turning off classroom lights, laying on the floor and being silent.

Students are to remain in their classroom until given further instructions. If classes are outside they are to come inside the building to a preplanned safe area.

An announcement will be made indicating individuals are to stay put. Students are not allowed out of their rooms for any reason. Teachers may lock their doors, take roll of the students in their room and continue class as normal. If classes are out of the building, they are to come inside the building to a preplanned safe area. Wait for an all-clear to be given before resuming normal activities.

If a power outage should occur during school hours and there is no other emergency, remain in school and await further instructions. Generally the power will be restored in a short period of time and emergency lighting services can be provided.

All families are encouraged to purchase accident insurance through their regular family insurance agent. The Anchorage School District does not carry accident insurance to cover students.

Any accident on school property (including buses) must be reported to the school immediately. Failure to do so could jeopardize coverage under your accident policy.

1. Students who live more than a mile and a half from school, or must cross a designated hazardous road area, are provided bus transportation.

2. Students who are on zone exceptions must provide their own transportation to and from school.

1. Exercise good manners, caution and consideration for other people.

2. Follow the directions of the bus driver; his/her primary con- cern is for your safety.

3. Identify yourself upon request.

4. Students may be assigned a seat by the driver.

5. Students must not have anything in their possession that may cause injury to another.

6. Students eligible for transportation must use the bus stop closest to their home.

7. Students must ride their assigned bus unless presenting a note to the driver from their parent/guardian that has been initialed by the principal.

8. Stay out of the danger zone at all times.

9. Proper classroom behavior is expected of all students while walking to and waiting for the bus.

10. Buses will shut their doors at departure time at school. No tardy students will be allowed to board while the buses are leaving.

1. Stay a safe distance from the roadway.

2. Be at your stop five minutes ahead of time. Your school bus driver has a schedule to keep.

3. Be in line when the school bus approaches.

4. Wait to approach the bus until the bus has come to a com- plete stop, the red lights are on, and the bus driver gives the signal to approach.

5. Stay clear of wheels until the bus has come to a complete stop – don't play or push others.

6. Let smaller children board first.

7. Students must cross the roadway only in front of the school bus when given the signal to do so by the school bus driver.

8. Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

9. Respect private property. Do not litter or trespass.

1. Always use the handrail and go up the steps one at a time.

2. Do not push, crowd or disturb others.

3. Go directly to your seat and be seated.

4. Except for service animals, no animals of any kind are allowed on the bus.

5. Ice skates must have protective guards on the blades and be placed inside the backpack.

6. Skis, poles, hockey sticks, skateboards, scooters and other sharp edged objects will not be permitted on the school bus.

7. The following musical instruments will not be transported on a school bus: guitars, cellos, baritones, double basses, French horns, trombones, saxophones (tenor & baritone) and drums.

1. Keep the aisle and exits clear.

2. Place backpacks and other gear on your lap.

3. Remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and get off only at your regular bus stop.

4. Avoid loud talking, confusion or anything else that might distract the driver.

5. Do not sit in the driver’s seat or interfere with the driver in any manner.

6. Keep quiet near railroad tracks so the driver can listen for trains.

7. Keep head, arms and body inside the bus.

8. Do not throw objects inside the bus or out of the bus.

9. Do not chew tobacco, smoke, eat, drink or use alcohol, drugs or controlled substances on the bus.

10. Windows may be opened only with the permission of the bus driver.

11. Refrain from defacing or damaging the bus and always assist in keeping it clean.

12. All students must sit safely, facing forward, feet on the floor.

13. In general, all students riding a school bus will observe class- room conduct.

14. The emergency door and exit controls may be used only dur- ing supervised drills or actual emergencies.

1. Remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and the door is open. All students may disembark only at their regular bus stop.

2. Use the handrail and take one step at a time.

3. Remember, pushing or crowding could cause an accident.

4. After leaving the bus, go home or to your assigned place.

5. It is everyone’s responsibility to demonstrate good citizen- ship by cooperating with your school bus driver at all times so that your parents and school district officials can depend upon safe, timely and efficient pupil transportation to and from school.

All students are expected to behave on the bus in a calm, quiet, safe manner and to abide by bus rules. Students who behave in an unruly and/or unsafe manner on the bus or at the bus stop may receive the following sanctions:

1st and subsequent offense

• warning conference, parent notification

• suspension of bus privileges

• revocation of bus privileges

• detention/work detail

• suspension

 

Sanctions range from warning to suspension depending upon the severity. If any offense is sufficiently flagrant, the student’s bus privilege may be revoked at that time for the remainder of the school year, and/or suspension from school at the discretion of the building administrator.‌

1. Riding on the school bus is a PRIVILEGE and not a right. Privilege of riding the bus may be denied by a school district official.

2. If the pupil’s conduct is such that the health, safety, comfort or well being of others is jeopardized, on or off the bus, the at school bus stops.

3. To ensure student safety on the bus no adults, other than school or public safety officials, are allowed to board the bus

4. Have a safe, pleasant and enjoyable trip.

This offense occurs when a person acts as an accomplice or in some way aids in the preparation, instigation, commission or aftermath of a punishable act.

Assault is defined as intentionally or recklessly causing/ threatening physical injury to another person or verbally/physically placing another person in fear of imminent physical injury. Assault with a weapon will lead to a recommendation for expulsion. Students assaulting any staff member will be placed on emergency suspension and recommended for expulsion.

Defined as malicious mischief or purposeful intent to destroy property by the setting of fire, or causing an explosion, or attempting to start a fire or cause an explosion.

A student is subject to discipline for his or her attempt to commit a punishable act, even if that attempt was not ultimately completed or successful.

Schools cannot permit students to remain on school grounds before or after the regular school day unless those students are directly involved in a supervised sanctioned school activity. Students must arrive at school and be picked up from school at times established by the principal. Students who are authorized to remain in the building while waiting for transportation must remain in a designated area.

Students who are on school property at an unauthorized time are trespassing and are subject to the disciplinary sanctions for trespassing.

The commission of or participation in any criminal activity, which has direct and immediate effect either on school decorum or the welfare, safety or morals of students, is prohibited. This includes criminal activity in school buildings, on school property, on school buses or at school bus stops, at school activities on or off campus and acts, which occur completely off campus. Whether or not criminal charges or prosecution result, the school may take disciplinary action.

Materials or objects that jeopardize the safety and/or welfare of people under school jurisdiction are prohibited. These include but are not limited to mace, pepper spray, bear spray, chemicals or chemical products, caps, bullets, laser pens and any other potentially dangerous items.

Disruptive conduct consists of disruptive behavior and/or appearance which interfere with the normal school program (including school-sponsored activities), the educational process, or the lawful activities of others. Students who engage in disrup- tive conduct associated with gangs may be subject to expulsion on the first offense.

1. The actual or attempted sale, distribution, use, or posses- sion of alcohol, prohibited drugs or inhalants, drug para- phernalia, substances that are designed to look or act like prohibited drugs or alcohol, or substances purported to be prohibited drugs or alcohol, while the student is under the jurisdiction of the District is prohibited. Students who sell, attempt to sell, or use these substances or parapher- nalia off school grounds and who then arrive at or return to school or school-sponsored activities will be subject to suspension and/or alternative placement.

2. Prohibited drugs defined:

   • Illegal drugs, which includes any drug or chemical sub- stance, the use, sale, or possession of which is prohib- ited under any local, state, or federal law; or any drug or chemical substance that can be legally obtained but which has been obtained through illegal means.

   • Alternatives to illegal drugs such as designer or syn- thetic drugs, whether or not prohibited by law, which include, but are not limited to: herbal or plant products with properties that impair, restrict or alter normal cognitive function (such as salvia); herbal or chemical products containing synthetic marijuana (such as K2 or Spice) or synthetic cocaine or methamphetamine (such as bath salts); and any substance purported to, designed to, or which does impair, restrict, or alter normal cognitive function when absorbed, ingested, injected, or inhaled.

Prescription drugs that are not legally obtained or pre- scribed, are not being used for the prescribed purpose, are being used in excess of the prescribed amount, are being used by other than the person to whom pre- scribed, or are being sold, traded or distributed.

Note: Whether the corrective action for students with disabilities for drug or alcohol violations is discipline or some other consequence, must be determined in accordance with the provisions of Appendix A-1 rather than the procedures set forth below.

Cumulative Nature of Violations: A violation of the District’s policy on Drugs and Alcohol will constitute a prior offense that will carry over from year to year and will subject the student to greater discipline for a later violation.

Sanctions:

1. First offense for use or possession:

   • Ten (10) days suspension from school.

   • Referral to the Drugs/Alcohol Suspension Program. Students may reduce their suspension by up to five (5) days by meeting specific criteria for the program.

   • Required parent/guardian and student conference with the school principal or designee prior to read- mission to school.

2. Second offense for use or possession:

   • A violation occurring within the span of three full school years after the year a previous violation oc- curs will result in alternative placement to an alter- native learning center for a time period of not less than 45-days.

   • A violation occurring more than three full school years after the year in which a prior offense oc- curred will be disciplined as a first offense.

   • A school year is defined as July 1 to June 30.

3. Any offense for the sale, attempted sale, or distribution of prohibited substances will result in placement to an alternative learning center for a time period of not less than 45-days.

4. Use or possession of over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs prescribed to that student, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements is subject to control by the District. Such items must be turned over to the school nurse or designated staff person and used only under school supervision. Asthma inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine may be kept and used by students with permission from the principal following submission of required documentation for the self- administration of medication. This documentation, and procedures for its completion, are available at the school office and must be submitted each school year. By law, the District is not liable for accidents, injuries, illness, or death related to the self-administration of medication by a student. Violations of this paragraph are subject to disciplinary action and may be subject to the cumulative violation policies described above. Disciplinary action may not limit or restrict a student’s immediate access to a prescribed asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine. (Revised 8/18/14)

5. The District may also refer any use, possession, or sale of drugs or alcohol, or any attempt, to the police.

Note: AS 14.30.141

Drug/alcohol related activities which occur off campus will result in suspension/expulsion if:

• A student leaves the school grounds during the school day and is involved in a prohibited drug/alcohol related activity and returns to school or a school sponsored event on the same day.
• The student attends a school-sponsored event on or off campus and was involved in a prohibited drug/alcohol related activity prior to attending or during the event.
• The student comes to school for the first time during the school day and was involved with prohibited drug/alcohol related activity prior to entering school.
• The student stops off campus on the way to school, leaves campus during the day or stops off campus on the way from school and sells, trades, gives or attempts to sell, trade or give prohibited drugs/alcohol or substances purported to be drugs/ alcohol to another student.

Excessive displays of affection will lead to disciplinary action.

All students in school buildings, on school buses, school grounds, or at school sponsored events must, upon request, iden- tify themselves to authorized school district personnel or their designee. This misconduct includes failure to provide the school with full legal name, correct/accurate address, and telephone number. Failure to do so will result in sanctions.

All students must comply with applicable rules. This includes, but is not limited to, classroom rules, rules for appropriate bus conduct, rules for use of the internet and email and rules for activities and after school activities.

Activating a false fire alarm and/or tampering with a fire alarm is against school district policy. This includes such things as bomb threats and false contacts with 911.

The presentation of information or testimony (oral or written) that is misleading, or a misrepresentation of facts, or an actual attempt to defraud/cheat will be treated as a serious infraction. Forgery or False Impersonation

Students are prohibited from presenting a false document or identity. Students may not make, alter, or possess a false or forged document. Students may not assume a false identity with the intent of deceiving school personnel, other students, or members of the community, in connection with any school district activity or function.

Students are encouraged to seek staff help in preventing a fight. Counselors, teachers, administrators, and others are available to help students resolve difficulties in ways other than fighting.

Fighting is defined as a verbal/physical threat/instigating vio- lence or violence in which striking, kicking, shoving, pushing and/ or any other physical violence are used against another person. When two or more students are involved in any verbal or physical altercation all parties may be suspended.

Active participation in a fight will result in suspension even if the second party can be demonstrated to have started the fight.

Self-defense may be claimed only when a student acts under a reasonable belief that a defensive action is necessary to avoid injury and there are no other alternatives available, including reasonable means of assistance or retreat. The student must use the minimum force necessary to escape injury. Self-defense may not be claimed if the harm caused by the self-defense is disproportionate to the harm avoided. A student who is the initial aggressor or who provokes the other student’s conduct may not claim self-defense.‌

Examples of self-defense: A clear verbal message such as, “I do not want to fight you,” accompanied by a defensive bodily posture of open hands to ward off blows while backing away; a clear verbal message of, “I am getting help,” while backing away to prevent injury; refusing to engage in verbal taunting and walking away; or apologizing for inadvertent contact.

The possession and/or use of explosives and/or any incendiary devices on school property are prohibited.

Parents will be notified of any offense involving fireworks/ explosives. The material will be confiscated, and the student will be liable for any damages. The offense will be considered arson if fire occurs and police may be notified.

Harassment can be physical, verbal, nonverbal, or written acts toward another student or staff member. Harassing acts include, but are not limited to racial, sexual, religious, age or disability issues. Students who harass others create a hostile, abusive and unsafe school environment. Students are encouraged to seek staff help with any harassing acts and should report any incidence(s) of harassment immediately to school officials. Specifics regarding the ASD Harassment Policy appear further in this page.

Students are to use discretion in their choice of language. Profane and/or obscene language and/or gestures will not be tolerated. Obscenities include spoken or written profanities, and obscene or sexual messages (implicit or explicit). Students addressing profanity to or about any staff member will be suspended.

Student desks and/or coat closets are not secure enough to store personal property (e.g. iPods, electronic devices, etc.). The same restrictions apply to frisbees, skateboards, CD players and other toys/game equipment. These and other items are not permitted.

Cell phones must be turned off and concealed during the school day, including lunch. They may be used before and after school.

Repeated violations will be regarded as willful disobedience.

Groups which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or well being of persons or property at school or at school activities are determined to be detrimental to the education program of the school and are prohibited. Apparel, jewelry, accessory or grooming which implies or indicates that a person is a member of a prohibited group is prohibited at school or at school activities.

Participation in activities such as initiation, hazing, intimidation or activities designed to create group affiliation that can cause bodily danger, physical harm or mental or emotional harm, are prohibited.

Persons who display symbols of prohibited groups or who participate in activities identified with prohibited groups or who participate in activities which intimidate another student are subject to disciplinary action.

Groups that behave in the manner described in this section will be defined as gangs. Gang behavior is prohibited at school and school activities. Students who engage in disruptive behavior associated with gangs may be subject to expulsion on the first offense.

Actions or behavior that jeopardize the safety and/or welfare of people under school jurisdiction are prohibited. Running, throwing objects, horseplay, pushing and shoving are examples of unsafe behavior.

Theft or possession of stolen property, or the misuse of stolen property by students is prohibited.

Use or possession of tobacco by students, in any form on school property, is prohibited. Students violating the tobacco rule are subject to sanctions. A person under 19 years of age may not knowingly possess a cigarette, a cigar, tobacco, or a product con- taining tobacco in the State of Alaska AS 11.76.105(a). Possession of tobacco is a violation and could result in a fine of up to $300.

A person is considered to be trespassing if he/she enters or remains on school property or school sponsored activities without permission. Any student suspended or expelled from ASD is not allowed on any school property or at any school activity on or off school property (i.e. hockey games, etc.). Trespassers will be warned and are then subject to arrest.

Removing, misusing, destroying, defacing, or mutilating objects or materials belonging to the school, school personnel, or other persons may result in recommendation to school board for expulsion. The student is liable for any damages.

The possession and/or use of weapons or items designed to look like weapons under school district jurisdiction are strictly prohibited by school board policy. municipal ordinance and federal law. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, pellet guns, stun guns, shockers, knives, clubs, metal knuckles, numchuks and throwing weapons. Students possessing weapons are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Students possessing guns on school grounds may be recommended for expulsion.

Willful disobedience includes the refusal to comply with a reasonable request or directive by staff as well as the refusal to acknowledge a staff member’s request.‌

Appeal procedures are located in the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities section.

As part of their annual improvement planning, schools and the district, with the involvement of parents, will develop and evaluate comprehensive plans for parent involvement. These plans should be designed to detail ways in which the district or school will:

1. Involve parents in developing district or school improve- ment plans

2. Offer technical assistance and coordination to help schools plan parent involvement activities to improve student and school academic performance

3. Build school and parent capacities for strong parent involve- ment

4. Coordinate and integrate parent involvement strategies with other programs

5. Annually evaluate with parents the effectiveness of the poli- cy as implemented in each school and the district in achiev- ing academic improvement. The evaluation must include identification of barriers to parent involvement, especially barriers to parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited lit- eracy, or belong to a racial or ethnic minority.

1. Help parents understand state and local assessment of their children’s progress and how to monitor progress and work with educators

2. Provide parents with materials and training to improve their children’s achievement, such as literacy training, use of technology, and enhancing parenting skills

3. Educate teachers, administrators, and other school staff about the value of and methods of reaching out to parents as equal partners‌

4. To the extent practicable, ensure that information about school and parent programs is in a format and language parents can understand.

The District will support schools and programs in their efforts by doing the following:

• Publicizing its commitment to parent involvement in the public schools

• Identifying promising programs and practices related to par- ent involvement

• Targeting funds for the development of programs, demon- stration projects, and evaluations

• Providing technical assistance and support to develop effective parent involvement programs by doing the following:

• Sharing information and research on parent involvement and effective practices;

  1. Developing in-service education programs on cultural awareness and parent involvement for teachers, administra- tors, and parents that will assist in meeting the individual needs of diverse cultural and linguistic populations; and

  2. Working with colleges and universities that train teachers and administrators to develop effective pre-service pro- grams in school and family connections.

• Complying with state and federal parent involvement require- ments; and

• Providing ongoing follow-up and evaluation of the parent involvement efforts as required

• The superintendent or designee will develop a method for measuring and reporting the results of each school’s annual evaluation