STUDENT HANDBOOK 2024-25.docx

Covenant Academy of Mobile’s VISION is to empower all students to take ownership of their learning, so they are prepared for success as leaders in a globalized world.

Our MISSION is to create and maintain a positive learning environment that promotes relevant and engaging learning, inspires students to be ambassadors of good character, and empowers students to develop skill sets and a passion for lifelong learning. By maintaining this environment, we provide opportunities for our students to be productive and caring contributors in a changing world.

This mission is embedded in six tiers:

Covenant Academy of Mobile’s CORE VALUES are CONFIDENCE, LOVE, INTEGRITY, POSITIVE ATTITUDE/ACTIONS, AND SELF-RESPECT.

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

Organizational skills are essential skills students need to learn at an early age to maximize efficiency and productivity. Students need to learn how to plan, prioritize various tasks, and maintain the structure that will enhance the entire educational process.

Covenant Academy of Mobile will encourage the entire school community to model being organized and structured in a way to enhance and promote efficiency and productivity on all levels in the school community.

LITERACY-RICH ENVIRONMENT

One of the Alabama State Department of Education and Common Core standards is to provide “Literacy Rich” classrooms that support speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a variety of ways using print or digital media. These classrooms are not just for English Language Arts (ELA), but all subjects. Reading and writing across all content areas will enhance students’ skills and emphasize to the students that the skills are necessary for all subjects.

Our goal is to have consistency with teachers using the same research-based tools and strategies (graphic organizers, peer-peer collaboration, manipulatives, etc.) that support all students. This will assist the students in hopefully feeling some success with learning and taking responsibility for learning because they are familiar with the process.

S.T.E.A.M. (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS, MATH)

Covenant Academy of Mobile is devoted to providing an innovative program that will prepare all students to meet the demands of 21st Century essential skills. We believe a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education provides students with some of the crucial skills necessary to be innovative “emerging leaders” in a global society. Inquiry, curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are key skills that are the foundation of a STEAM education.

Research has shown that students in a STEAM environment are much more prepared than students in a “traditional” classroom environment. Our goal is to provide experiences that will promote student success not just in school, but in the future as well.

Along with STEAM, the other content areas (Language Arts, Social Studies/History, etc.) will be taught as well using the same integrated approach used in the STEAM classes.

A STEAM environment works with all learners, those who excel in an advanced program, those who are on/below grade levels, and those who qualify for special education services. Student engagement promotes academic achievement. It provides opportunities for teachers to check for understanding during the assigned task, conduct observations, and informal assessments to make sure students understand the concept before formal assessments are administered.

CONNECTIONS

Connections are elective classes that are offered to provide students with opportunities to explore various interests in addition to taking their core classes. Connection classes may last a quarter or a semester, depending on the course.

ENTREPRENEURS-“YOUNG EMERGING LEADERS”

Covenant Academy of Mobile’s goal is to prepare a diverse student population to be confident leaders in a global society. This will be done by providing a “top-notch” college and career educational experience along with developing partnerships with various businesses in the surrounding areas that will provide internships and other “real-life” opportunities.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Academic honesty and personal integrity are fundamental components of a student’s education and character development. At CAM, we believe that promoting academic honesty is the responsibility of the total community. Teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians will support CAM’s students in demonstrating academic honesty as described in the chart below:

Students who promote academic honesty…

DO	DO NOT

To avoid Plagiarism
Submit real/authentic work that is based on their original ideas and acknowledge the ideas and work of others.	Submit work without giving the source credit for the information.
Cite sources even if they are not sure if they should include books, journals, internet sites, magazines, photographs, music, interviews and other items that can be documented.	Copy work.
Paraphrase ideas of another person or use in text citations when appropriate.	Copy work.
Use resources to promote your own ideas.	Steal the ideas from resources and pass them off as your own.

When Collaborating
Collaborate to meet a common assessment goal.	Let one person do all the work.
Share ideas during collaborative/group tasks.	Allow someone to copy their work even though the other person may change a few things.
Support classmates by asking questions and brainstorming ideas.	Give the answers.

When taking tests
Look at their own paper.	Look at the papers of others.
Keep the content of the test to themselves after taking it.	Tell other students the questions and or answers on the test.
Use notes and electronics (calculators, phones, I-Pads, Kindles, etc.) approved by the teacher.	Use “cheat sheets” or devices that the teacher has not approved.

Projects
Use authentic data or evidence.	Falsify or make up data or evidence.
Use assignments for only one class assessment or project.	Turn in the same project to multiple teachers for multiple assignments.

Parents/Guardians who promote academic honesty…

DO	DO NOT
Read and are aware of the Academic Honesty Policy.	Ignore that there is an Academic Honesty Policy.
Support and assist students at home.	Do the work for their students.
Help their students balance their schoolwork load so they are ready for tasks and tests on the day they are due in order to help students resist temptations to be academically dishonest.	Excuse their students from school so they have more time to study or do a project.

CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

According to CAM’s policy, cheating on school assessments, Alabama State Department of Education assessments, or any other mandated assessments may result in an automatic suspension. The number of days will be determined by an administrator.

The teachers and administrators at CAM understand that students need guidance when it comes to being academically honest. Therefore, we will handle academic infractions on a case-by-case basis with the end goal being a behavioral change.

As concerns and issues arise, teachers will strive to define both the issue and the student’s intent. Teachers and/or administrators will then determine appropriate measures that must be taken. These may include the following:

Communication with parents/guardians by email, letter, or phone call
Redoing the work that is affected by academic dishonesty
Administering a lower or failing grade
Receiving a zero for assignment
Conference with administration, student, parent/guardian
Detention
Suspension

ACADEMIC PROGRESS MONITORING

Parents/guardians will be able to monitor their child's academic progress throughout the year. Parents/guardians are able to check their child’s grades via the internet using the assigned username and password provided by the school.
Parents/guardians should contact the office if there are any questions on how to access the parents/guardians’ portal for checking grades.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to check students’ grades weekly to monitor grades and any missing assignments. Report cards will be available at the end of each quarter.

ASSESSMENTS

All students at CAM in grades 2nd-6th take a benchmark assessment such as the STAR Test. This test allows the teachers to gain insight into the student’s current academic level in math and reading.

All students in grades 2nd-6th must participate in the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) summative tests each spring. The ACAP is administered to determine the level of proficiency for each student as measured by grade level and subject level expectations in reading and math (Grades 2-6) and science (Grade 4 only).

Specific days of all assessments will be shared with students and parents/guardians in advance of the assessment sessions. There are also other formal, school-based, and state-mandated tests required for various populations.

ATTENDANCE

Covenant Academy of Mobile believes having a partnership with parents/guardians is critical to the personal and academic growth of all students. As partners, parents/guardians are encouraged to ensure students attend school regularly in order to achieve at their highest level possible. When students are absent, they miss instruction and must spend time playing “catch up”. This can cause a stressful situation for students, so the goal is to avoid students feeling stressed as much as possible.

Learning opportunities are missed when students are absent from school and cannot be replaced through makeup work. In accordance with the Alabama State Department of Education’s policy, absences from school will be excused for the following reasons:

Illness/injury
Medical or Dental appointments
Legal Quarantine
Death of an immediate family member (Parents/guardians, grandparents, siblings)
Emergency conditions including inclement weather which would be dangerous to child’s life/health
Court or Administrative Proceedings
Religious Observance
Pre-approved Educational Opportunity
Other Administrative Approval-requires prior permission of the principal upon parent/ guardian request

An absence is defined as non-attendance in a regularly scheduled class or activity regardless of the reason for such non-attendance.

Unexcused Absences

Absences that do not fall under one of the “excused absence” categories are deemed unexcused. Absences are considered unexcused until the classroom teacher, or the office receives documentation from the parent/guardian within three (3) days of the student’s return certifying the need for the student’s absence.
Notes must include dates absent, the reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature.
A physician must certify all health-related absences of three or more consecutive days in duration.
Absences will be deemed unexcused if the student fails to secure prior approval from the principal for administratively approved absences or out-of-town educational trips.
Once a student has accumulated eight (8) parent “excused” notes, all further absences will be unexcused if the student fails to provide a medical/clinical excuse from a physician as documentation.

Excessive Absenteeism

CAM will not tolerate excessive absenteeism because it interferes with a student’s academic progress. Our goal is to provide an innovative learning environment that will promote academic success for all students, but that will not happen if students have excessive absences.

Below is a description of excessive absences and CAM’s intervention strategies:

Total Absences	CAM Intervention
5 (Excused and Unexcused) per year	Telephone Conference/Written Communication
8 (Excused and Unexcused) per year	Mandatory Conference with Administration Participation in Field Trips at the Discretion of Administration
15 (Excused and Unexcused) per year	Mandatory Conference with Administration Enrollment Probation Subject to Retention in Current Grade
20 (Excused and Unexcused) per year	Mandatory Conference with Administration Unenrollment/Withdrawal from School

20 Unexcused Absences Per Year: CAM reserves the right to unenroll a student who reaches 20 unexcused absences per year. Students who are unenrolled from CAM are not eligible to return during the current school year in which they are enrolled or for a probationary period of one school year following. If unenrolled students wish to return to CAM after the probationary period, they will be required to reapply for enrollment through the CAM student application and lottery process.

School-Related Activities

All school-related activities off/on campus during regular school hours do not count toward a student’s absence. Students are still responsible for any missed assignments and must complete them within the designated timeframe.

Chronic Ailment Absences

Parents/guardians of any student having a chronic ailment that may cause the child to miss school during the year are required to provide the school with a Physician’s Statement of Illness verifying the child's condition. This must be done as soon as the problem occurs and repeated at the beginning of each semester (August and January). The “Physician’s Statement of Illness” MUST be signed by a doctor ONLY. The parent/guardian must still send a written excuse for each absence. All work missed from chronic illness absences must be made up within ONE week of the absence.

A chronic illness form will not excuse tardies unless the form states a reason by the doctor for why a tardy would be needed due to illness.

Housing Instability

Parents/guardians of any students having housing instability that may cause the child to miss school during the year are requested to communicate with the school's administrator regarding their living situation.

Tardiness and Check-Outs

Students are required to be on time for school. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure that their child(ren) arrives on time each day. Being late to school or checking out of school is excused or unexcused for the same reasons as absences. A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in class at the designated time..

Students are expected to arrive at school on time. If the student is tardy, the parent must walk the student to the office for an “admit to class” slip. The parent is not allowed to walk the student to the classroom.

Leaving early due to illness or to go to medical appointments will be excused.

Students who exhibit excessive unexcused tardiness (5 or more per semester) and/or excessive unexcused check-outs (10 or more per semester) will receive appropriate disciplinary actions.

***Excessive tardies/early dismissals may jeopardize a student’s return to CAM for the next school year.***

Partial Attendance

Students must be in attendance one-half of the instructional day to be counted as present. An early dismissal before ½ day (11:30 a.m.) or a tardy after ½ day (11:30 a.m.) is counted as an absence.

Make-up Work (Assignments Missed DURING the Absence)

Students have the number of days absent plus one day to complete any assignments missed during their absence. Students are responsible for asking the teacher for missed assignments and for turning in make-up work.

BIRTHDAY/SPECIAL EVENT CELEBRATIONS

Delivery of flowers, balloons, presents, etc. is not allowed at school. In order to avoid distractions in the classrooms, students are not allowed to take these items to class. If deliveries are made, they will be in the office until the end of the day.

Parents are allowed to coordinate with teachers the distribution of store bought cupcakes and pouch drinks.

BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

Before and After-school care services will be provided by Covenant Academy. Before school care students are to be dropped off between 6:30 am until the school bell rings for Covenant Academy of Mobile students only. After-school care is open once the carpool ends to 5:15 pm. The costs are as follows:

Registration:

$75 per child registration fee (New Students)
$25 per child (Returning Students)

Tuition:

$265 per child/per month
$25 per child for drop-ins

More than 4 drop-ins a month will be considered a full month.

CALENDAR

An updated school calendar will be added and posted on the school website once approved.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

CAM will cancel school if weather conditions are unfavorable, if equipment fails, or when mandated by appropriate governmental agencies. We will keep Parents/guardians informed through ParentSquare, Schoology, website, email, text messaging, and social media. Be sure to keep all contact information current with the school.

CARPOOL DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES

Due to our commitment to safety, all drivers should adhere to the directives given by CAM faculty

and staff. To assist in ensuring the safety of all students and school representatives, we ask parents/guardians to refrain from arriving earlier than 10 minutes prior to the drop-off and pick-up times, and while in carpool, refrain from using cell phones. Parents/guardians should share this information with all grandparents and other family members and friends that drop off and/or pick up your student(s).

Morning Procedures

● Carpool will begin at 7:35 AM and ends at 7:58 AM. Students that are not in the carpool dropoff that finishes at 7:58 AM must report to the office to check in. Students arriving in carpool at 7:58 AM or later will not be in class by the official start time of 8:00 AM.

● All students will be dropped off in front of the gym.

● Parents/guardians are to enter campus and proceed straight ahead toward the gym.

Parents/guardians will be directed into one of two lanes. Students are to remain in the vehicle until the faculty/staff representative announces it is time to unload.
Only vehicles in front of the cones will unload.
Vehicles behind the cones must remain and the students are to remain in the vehicle.
Once students have unloaded, the faculty/staff will release the unloaded vehicles.
To assist in ensuring the safety of all students and school representatives, we ask parents/guardians to refrain from using cell phones while dropping off students.

● Once students unload, they will report to the cafeteria for breakfast and then to their teacher’s classroom. Students exiting cars in the last round of carpool will be sent directly to class.

● Students that are not in class at 8:00 AM are considered tardy.

Any student not in class by 8:00 AM is tardy and the parent/guardian must escort the student to the office and not the classroom for “check-in”.

Students MUST be checked-in or out by a parent/guardian in the front office.

Afternoon Procedures

● Dismissal in the afternoons begins at 3:00 PM unless it is one of the school’s scheduled “early release” days which dismisses at 11:30 AM.

● Carpool will run from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM. Students not picked up by 3:15 PM will report to after-school care. Parents/guardians will be charged the daily rate of after-school care.

Students without a sibling in Pre-K will be picked up in front of the gym unless they have a sibling in Pre-K. Students with siblings in Pre-K will follow the afternoon procedure for students in Pre-K, which will be provided prior to the start of school.

CAM will issue car rider identification tags that are required to pick up students.
Parents/guardians are to enter campus and proceed straight ahead toward the gym.
Parents/guardians will be directed into one of two lanes.
Parents/guardians are to remain in the vehicle and students will walk to the appropriate vehicle.
Only vehicles in front of the cones will load.
Once students have loaded, the school representative will release the loaded vehicles.

Cars without a CAM-issued car rider identification tag are to park in the school’s parking lot to the right and remain parked until carpool has finished. A school representative will check the identification of the driver and once verified as an authorized adult, the student will be released.

Check-outs will not be allowed after 2:00 PM daily nor after 10:30 AM on early release days. If parents/guardians need to check out their children from school, they must arrive prior to the time stated above.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please stop by the office to complete the appropriate paperwork for any changes to your address or telephone number. It is very important that we have your current information available. Proof of residency is required with any address changes.

CHARACTER EDUCATION/CORE VALUES: POSITIVE ACTION

Confidence, Love, Integrity, Positive Attitude/Actions, Self-Respect is the character education model we created and will implement in our program. These are “core values” that we believe are essential in developing a culture that promotes equity in our school environment. These core values are needed in our society and hopefully, our school will be the “shining light” as an example of how students, Parents/guardians/guardians, and the school community, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, gender, religion can live and work together peacefully.

Our goal is to teach and model these “core values” every day so all students clearly understand what good character traits are and how they are used to help us “make good choices” in life.

We believe if students have:

CONFIDENCE: Confidence in themselves will open the door to so many opportunities that will allow them to accomplish more than they ever imagined.

LOVE: Love is a range of strong and positive emotions that promote commitment, caring, trust, happiness, protection, and many more. With positive emotions, students will be motivated to show love instead of anger to everyone they meet and develop a love for learning.

INTEGRITY: We want integrity to become a natural behavior for our students. We will encourage them to practice and be consistent with being honest and doing what is right, even when no one else is around. Relationships are developed because of integrity and in preparation for the “real world”, our students need to learn the importance of trust and integrity.

POSITIVE One of the attributes of being a great “Young Emerging Leader” is

ATTITUDE/ having a positive attitude. Without a positive attitude, our students

ACTIONS will find themselves being stressed and less productive. We want our students to be positive thinkers” and recognize opportunities that can change their lives in a positive manner.

SELF-RESPECT We believe if our students have pride, confidence, and respect for themselves then their behavior will display a sense of honor and dignity. Self-respect is synonymous with respect for others. If everyone displays this behavior, our school environment will be one of honor and dignity.

We believe the character education program (Positive Action) will help to create the culture we desire. “Character Word of the Week” will be introduced weekly and the school community will spend 15 minutes each day engaged with activities that support the “Word of the Week”.

CURRICULUM

Reading and Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math: Students will receive a minimum of 60 minutes of daily engaged instruction in the core subjects.
S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math): Students will participate in ‘hands-on” activities in collaborative groups using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance their learning.
Physical Education and Connections (Electives): Students will have an opportunity to explore various elective courses along with 30 minutes of physical education each day.
Enrichment/Intervention: Students will have opportunities during school hours to receive academic support or enhance their education through enrichment activities.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Wireless communication devices (WCD) are any two-way communication devices such as cellular phones or other music devices, portable computers, personal organizers, and similar electronic devices.

The possession of a WCD is not a violation of the Student Handbook/Code of Conduct. However, the possession of a WCD that disrupts the educational process, use of the cellular telephone during school hours, use of a cellular phone to commit a crime, harassment, bullying, sexting, and the possession or use of a WCD that disrupts or interferes with the safety-to-life issue for students at CAM are infractions of the Student Handbook/Code of Conduct.

The following rules must be followed regarding the possession, use, and display of cellular phones:

Students must ensure that devices are turned off when entering the campus and remain off until 3:00 PM. Students have access to a telephone in the office until 3:30 PM.
CELL PHONES MUST BE KEPT IN A BACKPACK/ PURSE. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT WALK AROUND WITH A CELL PHONE IN THEIR POCKET. There are too many opportunities for students to “misuse” their cell phones without permission.
Students shall avoid classroom disruptions by not displaying, using, or activating cell phones during the instructional day unless granted permission by a CAM faculty member.
If a cell phone rings, dings, etc., in the presence of an adult, the cell phone will be turned in to the office and a parent/guardian must come in to get the cell phone.
The school is not responsible if a student’s wireless communication device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

The consequences are:

1st Offense Minimum: Administrator/Student/Parent Conference

2nd Offense Minimum: Administrator/Student/Parent Conference

Subsequent Offenses: Administration will determine subsequent consequences

INAPPROPRIATE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Sexting is the act of sending or forwarding sexually explicit, nude, or partially nude photographs/images through cellular telephones and other electronic media. It is CAM’s mission to ensure the social, physical, psychological, and academic well–being of all students.

Use of cell phones or other electronic devices for the inappropriate distribution of pictures, academic material, or any inappropriate conduct (sexting) will result in an automatic suspension.

LOSS OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The school assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of cell phones or electronic devices during/after school hours, or during school activities on/off campus. The student is responsible for keeping his/her device in a safe place. School officials WILL NOT spend valuable time searching for lost devices.

EMERGENCIES

Emergency information should have been completed with the online registration process. This information required the address, telephone number, doctor, and persons to contact in the event of an emergency. It is the parents/guardians' responsibility to keep this information up to date by contacting the office staff. Please remember to make these changes known for the sake of your child's health.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

CAM will conduct monthly emergency drills so students are familiar with the drills and do not panic in case of an emergency. These drills include fire and severe weather preparedness, along with the active shooter, intruder, bomb drills, and evacuation drills. Students and visitors will be instructed by staff/faculty on the procedures during a drill or actual emergency situation.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

It is important for students to be involved in extracurricular activities to enhance their social, emotional, and character development. These activities provide opportunities for students to apply academic skills in real-world situations, to make students feel a sense of purpose, and to learn essential life skills. When CAM offers extracurricular activities, students should be encouraged to participate.

FIELD TRIP REQUIREMENTS

Field trips are an extension of learning and are considered a privilege for students to be allowed to leave campus. To participate in a curriculum-based or special field trip, a student must return the signed permission form by the established deadline and meet the following requirements:

Appropriate behavior at school and on previous field trips
Principal’s approval if the student has disciplinary actions on file
Regular attendance to school as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook
No excessive tardies/absences

The principal may choose to deny any student permission to participate in a field trip if the circumstance justifies the decision.

FOOD SERVICES FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

CAM will operate the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. As a community eligible school, CAM will be able to provide a full breakfast and lunch for all students at no cost. If this changes, parents/guardians will be notified before school begins.

Students do have the option to bring their lunch if they prefer not to eat the meals served through the Child Nutrition Program. Parents/guardians are not allowed to drop off students’ lunches each day. However, if a student occasionally forgets his/her lunch, then the parent/guardian will be allowed to stop by the office and leave the lunch for the student.

GENERAL CONDUCT

Students are responsible for behaving in a manner that permits uninterrupted learning to take place. It is our hope that a desirable learning climate necessary for developing young people into responsible members of the adult community can be provided through the cooperation of parents/guardians and educators. Permissiveness, in the home or at school, is a disservice to youngsters and prevents future acceptance of adult responsibilities. Therefore, the cooperation of all students, parents/guardians, and school personnel are required to follow the rules and respect the rights of others.

Students displaying disrespectful behavior toward others (students, faculty, staff, etc.) or disrespect for any property (belonging to the school or other students) will have consequences that may result in a suspension.

CAM publishes a Discipline Plan/Code of Conduct, with descriptions of unacceptable conduct and specific procedures appropriate to rectify misconduct. Every parent/guardian and child should read it for detailed rules and consequences.

**Students may be dismissed from activities/assemblies for conduct infractions**

SCHOOL RULES:

Maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning and good classroom control are vital parts of the instructional process. School rules are set by the teacher and administration based on CAM’s Student Code of Conduct. Rules for organization and class assignments may be set up to meet the needs of each individual teacher. The teacher will discuss these rules verbally throughout the school year.

GIFTED EDUCATION

CAM’s goal is to provide a program that meets the needs of all students. Gifted students are students who show the ability to perform at high levels of creativity, critical thinking, and complexity in academic fields when compared to students similar in age and experience.

Because of the daily schedule, students will have opportunities to receive additional services in the classroom, as well as outside the classroom with a Gifted Specialist.

Students who are not currently receiving gifted services can be referred for screening by teachers, counselors, administrators, guardians, parents/guardians, or other individuals who have knowledge of the student’s abilities. Students do not receive a separate grade for gifted activities as this additional time is to enrich the student’s academic abilities.

GRADING POLICY AND PROMOTION CRITERIA

CAM’s goal is to make sure all students promoted to the next grade level received “top-notch” instruction in an environment conducive to learning, were given every opportunity to be successful, and are “on track” for promotion.

Regular attendance at school is important for promotion because students need to attend every day to benefit from teaching and learning. Students with chronic absences miss instruction, and therefore learning deficiencies occur which makes it difficult for the students to maintain their grades and be promoted at the end of the year. We will follow the state’s guidelines regarding absences and hopefully, prevent chronic absences from occurring.

Listed below are the requirements for promotion as long as students meet the state’s attendance requirement:

K-2: The grading scale is determined by the mastery of skills and uses 1-4 rubric:

1: Needs Support (Indicates that students have little understanding of a concept, and consequently cannot demonstrate any mastery. When starting a new target, many students have no prior knowledge, and begin at 1.)

2: Not Yet Proficient (As students learn, they can demonstrate partial mastery)

3: Proficient (Once they meet a target)

4: Exceeding (Above proficient with the learning target)

**Students must be PROFICIENT or EXCEED PROFICIENT in reading and mathematics to be promoted to the next grade level.

Grades 3-6: 70% or above average in all subjects to be promoted to the next level.

CAM has established 70% passing in grades 3-6 with the following comments as support for the requirement:

Better foundation for students to work from moving forward.
Problem with 60% as the minimum standard is an “escape” route for having high expectations and promotes deficit gaps in learning. Students do not push themselves as much as they could because they know that they only need 60% to pass the courses.
We want to raise the bar. We want to have the foundational standards set for the school so students will have to strive on that level to meet “academic excellence”.
School/parents/guardians partner together to encourage the students to have the mindset that they can achieve their goal of accomplishing “excellence” if they take advantage of the opportunities along the way.

Grades 6-12:

To be promoted:

Students in regular education must have a cumulative average of 70% in all courses Grades 6-8, must have 10 hours of service learning at the end of each school year
Grades 9-12, must have 20 hours of service learning at the end of each school year
Grades 9-12 must meet the Alabama High School Requirements in addition to 70% average in all courses.

*Students who receive special services will be promoted based on their individualized education plan (IEP).

Teachers will use their “toolkit” strategies for teaching and learning to support academic success. Intervention opportunities will also be available throughout the year to assist students who need additional support.

GUIDANCE AND ACADEMIC COUNSELING

Counseling is defined as a relationship between a counselor and an individual seeking help in gaining greater self-understanding and improved decision-making skills for problem resolution and developmental growth. The counselor also provides advice that promotes academic achievement.

CAM offers a comprehensive guidance program that includes the following student services:

1. Individual counseling

2. Group counseling

3. Educational and career information that promotes academic achievement and life-long learners

4. Testing and evaluation

5. School orientation to include crisis, facilitative, preventive, and developmental counseling

These services are available to all students as a part of their general education experiences and tailored, when appropriate, to special situations and circumstances. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the counselor as needed.

HOMEWORK

Homework is a necessary addition to classroom teaching, and it is intended to reinforce skills covered in class and to help students develop important habits of self-discipline, organization, and self-reliance. At the beginning of the academic year, teachers will advise their classes on the timing and amount of homework students can expect to receive. The completion of homework is an approach to learning (ATL) and organizational skills that students are expected to practice.

Homework assignments are given to prepare students for the next day's lesson or to offer students the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills. Parents/guardians are encouraged to assist by monitoring student progress toward the completion of the assignments but should not do the students’ work for them. Parents/guardians can be most helpful to their children by providing a routine time and a place that is conducive to undisturbed study.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The students’ school day is 8:00 AM.-3:00 PM. except for designated days, as indicated on the school’s calendar, when students are dismissed at 11:30 AM. The office will be open from 7:30 AM.-3:30 PM.

ILLNESS AND INJURY

If a student becomes ill or injured at school, a parent/guardian will be contacted via ParentSquare and/or telephone.. In situations of injury or medical emergency, initial contact to parent/guardian will be via telephone. It is important that current cell phone numbers, work numbers, and emergency numbers are maintained on the student’s contact list.

There are times when, as parents, we are unsure if our child should attend school or stay home and seek medical attention. This list serves as a guideline in managing students and is not inclusive. All students will be evaluated by our school nurse who works collaboratively with other nursing team members, parents, school staff, and community clinicians. The decision to send your child home will be individualized, based on your child’s recent and past medical history, and done using sound clinical reasoning and professional nursing judgment. Our goal is to help students be healthy, safe, and ready to learn!

If your student experiences the one following symptoms during school hours, he/she will be sent home that day:

Fever greater than 100.4

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Impetigo

Lice

Scabies

Please reference the Covenant Academy of Mobile School Exclusion Policy below to determine when student return to school is permitted. Select cases

FEVER

As a general rule, your child should not attend school with a measured temperature over 100.4° Fahrenheit (F) or 38° Celsius (C) – Child needs to be without fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medications prior to the return to school.

FLU/COVID

Those with flu-like symptoms at school will be dismissed and asked to seek care by their healthcare provider for evaluation.

VOMITING/DIARRHEA

VOMITING/DIARRHEA: Your child should stay home if he/she has vomited or had diarrhea (more than two or three loose stools) the night before or just prior to the start of the school day and remain at home for 48 hours after the vomiting/diarrhea have subsided. If one or two loose stools are present along with vomiting or fever, your child should remain at home. If diarrhea continues for more than 48 hours, your child will need a doctor’s written statement to return to school.

Consider guidance/treatment per pediatrician or healthcare provider with greater than 5 vomiting OR diarrhea episodes in 24 hours, inability to tolerate by mouth intake, uncontrollable diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and/or continuous fever. These students are considered contagious and at risk for dehydration. These students are advised to remain at home and seek guidance/treatment per pediatrician or health care provider

STREP THROAT

If your student is diagnosed with strep throat (this requires a special test by a health care provider), your child should stay home for 24 hours after the physician has started antibiotic therapy. Students need to be without fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medications prior to the return to school.

***REMEMBER - A doctor’s completion of the appropriate forms must accompany any medications that are to be given during the school day. (See the medication policy regarding the temporary administration of medications).

IMPETIGO

If impetigo is confirmed by a healthcare provider, students may not return to school until 24 hours after topical or oral antibiotic treatment has been initiated. If the sores have not dried, they will need to be covered while the child is in school. Upon returning to school, the parent will need to provide a written statement from the treating physician.

HAND, MOUTH AND FOOT

Coxsackie virus is a virus carried in saliva and can stay in saliva for several weeks, the exact amount of time is not known. The same initial rules apply as above. However, the first few days of illness are generally the most uncomfortable and when the mouth sores cause the most pain.

As long as the child is not symptomatic, he/she can go to school. The idea is that he/she has already exposed the whole class before he/she even had pain, fever and/or mouth sores.

If a child develops the rash on palms and soles or elsewhere on the body, it signifies an immune response and the child is no longer contagious.

LICE

If crawling lice or nits are found, the student will be sent home and must be treated with an over the counter solution specific for lice. Seeking treatment through your healthcare provider could also be helpful if over the counter solution is not effective. Periodic screening will take place at school by school faculty or school nurses. Students may return to school after appropriate treatment has begun. School nurse will repeat the lice screen prior to the student returning to class. Nits (eggs) may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice.

PINK EYE/CONJUNCTIVITIS

Typically with bacterial conjunctivitis, discharge from the eye is very thick and the lashes may be matted together. If your child is evaluated and prescribed topical antibiotic drops, students need to be treated with drops for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

POISON IVY

Poison ivy is not contagious and does not require school exclusion. The fluid from the blisters or rash can't cause poison ivy. No need to miss any school or child care.

MOLLUSCUM

Molluscum contagiosum is not harmful and should not prevent a student from attending school. Bumps should be covered with clothing where possible. Bumps not covered by clothing should be covered with a watertight bandage. Covering the lesions will help to prevent molluscum transmission and spread.

IMMUNIZATION

All students are required to have an updated Certificate of Immunization, prior to entering Kindergarten or first grade or prior to re-entering the higher grade as mandated by the State of Alabama (Code of Alabama 1975, δ16-30-4). The Certificate of Immunization must be on the form approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Children entering school are required by Alabama Law to present a Certificate of Immunization, formerly known as a “Blue Card.” If a child has received all required vaccinations and only needs a Certificate of Immunization, these care be printed from the child’s school.
Children entering Kindergarten need boosters of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), Polio, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), and Varicella.
Children age 11 and entering the 6th grade need a Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccination.
If you are unsure whether your child needs shots, check with your pediatric provider or the local county health department. For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website at www.adph.org/immunization

IMMUNIZATION: RELIGIOUS OR MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS

Religious Exemption
A written objection from the parent or guardian of a student or child based on religious tenets and practices shall be submitted in person by the parent or guardian to the County Health Department for issuance of a Certificate of Religious Exemption from the required immunizations or testing.
Medical Exemption
A licensed healthcare provider can provide individual exemptions from the required immunizations or testing on a Certificate of Medical Exemption. The Certificate of Medical Exemptions is required to be on forms approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health and will be accepted in lieu of the Certificate of Immunization.

Vaccinating our children against preventable diseases is one of the most important ways parents and caregivers can protect our students from communicable diseases.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

CAM is proud to provide laptops/Chromebooks to all students in grades 2-6 as part of our 1:1 initiative to enhance student instruction and 21st-century learning. I-Pads/tablets/Chromebooks will be issued to classrooms for K-1st grade.

Although these devices are provided for student use, these devices are the property of CAM at all times and are subject to search, seizure, and inspection at any point without prior notice. Furthermore, misuse can result in the suspension of privileges both temporarily and permanently. Temporary or permanent suspension of privileges will not excuse a student from assignments that are to be completed electronically nor will teachers be required to provide a paper copy. The parent/guardian will be responsible for making arrangements for students to have access to electronic materials. Improper use of devices can result in administrative discipline given the severity of misuse. Additional information is provided in the “Technology Acceptable Policy” and “Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy” which are included in the student’s registration process.

INTENT TO RETURN FOR UPCOMING YEAR

Each year, current families will receive an “Intent to Return” application electronically through PowerSchool. Parents/guardians must complete the application to indicate whether or not their child(ren) plans to return to CAM for the following school year. Completing the application is critical to CAM in accurately determining the number of available seats per grade level. Failure to complete “Intent to Return” could result in a student losing their seat and unenrollment from CAM. Please make a conscious effort to complete it before the due date indicated on the application.

INTERNET USE

CAM is on the cutting edge of new technology and has internet access in all classrooms. Parents/guardians who have signed the acknowledgement of the “Student Handbook” and “Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy” during the registration process are allowed to use the internet with the direct supervision of a teacher or staff member.

Misuse or abuse of the internet may result in a child losing the privilege to use the internet. Parents/guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.

LOST AND FOUND

CAM will have a designated area for all misplaced items. Every effort will be made for students to claim their items. Any items left in “Lost and Found” at the end of the school year will be donated to a charitable organization.

MAJOR DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS

If a discipline problem occurs and the teacher cannot handle it, the teacher should fill out a discipline form. Once the school administration or security officer receives the form they will handle the problem. Students may be dismissed from school activities for conduct infractions.

The office will be immediately notified for the following aggressive behaviors:

1. Fighting or bullying other students

2. Threatening a teacher

3. Disrespect to a teacher (insubordination)

4. Possession of weapons

5. Possession of a controlled substance

6. Habitual disruptive behavior

7. Failure to live up to the commitment to the program

8. Vandalism

When CAM is not the best social/emotional fit for a student due to excessive behavior infractions, the consequences may range from the student being placed on probation to unenrollment.

Students are required to be on their best behavior for all extra-curricular events (sports, assemblies, field trips, etc.)

Students who have been suspended may not participate in school activities that include (but are not limited to) field trips, honor programs, Spring Fling, and dances without permission from an administrator.

SEARCHES

School officials reserve the right to search any student or possession of any student on school property or off property during school events for any reason a school official deems necessary. These searches could include but are not limited to purses, computer content, book bags, or clothing pockets. The school officials can search with or without student knowledge.

PROFANITY

Use of obscene language, whether spoken, written, or by gestures may result in disciplinary actions. Repeat offenders may receive a suspension of up to ten days depending on the situation.

SUSPENSIONS

Students who are suspended will be allowed to make up all class assignments as stated in the “Make-up Assignments” section of the handbook.

Excessive suspensions may result in unenrollment from CAM.

TOBACCO, DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND WEAPONS

CAM is a tobacco, drug, alcohol, and weapon-free campus. Any possession or use of any of these is strictly prohibited. Offenses of this rule may result in out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

This rule, as well as all school rules apply, for after-school events and school trips.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

In the event of a medical emergency, the Covenant Academy of Mobile Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) will activate according to state and local emergency response procedures. Our Emergency Response Team led by the school nurse, will interact with EMS personnel upon activation of the 911 emergency system. A Parent/guardian will be immediately contacted and notified of student status.

Emergency health information is to be collected on all students and includes parental contact, health care provider contact, medical conditions, medication, allergies and insurance information. To facilitate collection of this information, a Health Assessment Record will be completed by a parent or guardian upon the start of each school year.

MEDICATION

CAM has a full-time nurse on staff who will administer all medications in accordance with our school policy. Students taking medications during school hours must keep them in the nurse’s office as they are only to be administered by the school nurse or trained medication administration assistant. Students ARE NOT allowed to keep medications with them nor will medications be self administered by students. If a student brings medication to school, it will be returned to the parent.

If a student is prescribed medication that needs to be taken at school, a Prescriber/Prescription Authorization (PPA) form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and prescribing physician. The PPA form can be picked up from the school office, school nurse office or from your physician’s office.

Over the counter medications are NOT stocked in the school nurse office. A completed and signed Over the Counter Parent Authorization form must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian. Over the counter medications do not require a physician signature, but they only are valid for two weeks. If your student needs an over the counter medication available at school for a period of time longer than two weeks, the Prescriber/Prescription Authorization (PPA) form noted above must be completed and signed by the prescribing physician.

No medications will be given to your student at school unless authorized by the physician or parent/guardian.

Any medications (including expired medications) left in the school nurse’s office at the end of the year are discarded. New school year (August to May) = New school medication. It is the parents responsibility to make arrangements for medication check in/out from the school nurse.

Parents/guardians of students who must take medications at school will need to contact the nurse regarding the student's specific medical needs.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Although a phone call, note, or email can resolve most problems, in-person conferences, if needed, are available. Please feel free to send an email or message through ParentSquare to the teacher(s) with your concern(s) and allow the teacher(s) ample time (two days), unless it is an emergency, to respond before contacting the administration. Teachers can be bombarded with email requests, so please be patient.

Before school, during school, or after school conferences are available if scheduled in advance. Personal conferences require an appointment made by calling the office and leaving a message, emailing or messaging the teacher through ParentSquare.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD NOT GO TO ANY AREA OF THE SCHOOL LOOKING FOR A TEACHER WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE OFFICE. A VISITOR’S PASS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to take an active part in their child's education and join the Parent-Teacher-Organization (PTO) and participate in academic requests made by the teacher, when possible.

Parental input is necessary and actively sought through both formal and informal means. Parents/guardians should understand, however, that the operation of the school is the responsibility of the school personnel.

By choosing to enroll a child at CAM, parents/guardians have provided their child with an opportunity to receive an excellent education. In addition, parents/guardians have accepted the responsibility to provide the appropriate encouragement, guidance, and home environment to foster the most helpful learning situation possible. Parents/guardians are required to attend Meet the Teacher, Open House, and any other designated parent meetings. Parents/guardians are also required to sign up and utilize ParentSquare (school’s communication platform) and Schoology (school’s learning management system).

SCHOOLOGY

Schoology is the Learning Management System that is used to create engaging content, design lessons, and assess students’ understanding of the content. Schoology’s features include: instructional tools, communication and collaboration, a mobile app, data, analytics, personalized learning, and assessment management.

Schoology provides opportunities for students, teachers, coaches, parents/guardians, and administrators to be able to communicate and collaborate using one platform. Parents/guardians will receive Schoology information from their student(s)’ teacher(s) at the start of school with specific information on how this platform will be utilized. Parents/guardians should contact their student’s teacher if there are any questions regarding Schoology accounts.

SPECIAL EDUCATION (ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION)

CAM will provide free and appropriate educational and related services to students with disabilities who qualify under state and federal guidelines. Special education students include students determined by the school’s multidisciplinary team, upon review of psychological, educational, and/or physical evaluation results, to have intellectual and developmental disabilities, hearing impairments, speech or language impairments, visual impairments, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities, and students who are classified as gifted. The plan for special programs and procedures for exceptional students includes screening procedures, pre-referral activities, referral procedures, eligibility criteria, program placement, program dismissal, and descriptions of program organization and operations.

CAM’s special education program will conform to the provisions adopted by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of state and federal laws and the State Board of Education’s rules.

SUPPLIES

Students are encouraged to bring paper, pens, notebooks, and school bags to school every day. Supply lists for all classes are made available to the public each July. If you are unable to provide your child with needed supplies, please let the counselor/administrator know. Additional school supplies may be requested by individual teachers throughout the year.

TELEPHONE MESSAGES FROM PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Please limit the number of calls to the school requesting that a message be passed on to your child. Our goal is to limit the number of interruptions during instructional time, so it is very important that all transportation arrangements and other matters be taken care of before students report to school each day. This also applies to parents/guardians texting/calling students’ cell phones during school hours.

**IT IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF YOUR CHILD FOR US TO TAKE A MESSAGE ON THE PHONE INSTRUCTING YOUR CHILD TO DO SOMETHING WHEN WE ARE NOT SURE THE MESSAGE IS LEGITIMATE**.

TESTING CALENDAR

All students in grades 2-6 must participate in Alabama’s standardized ACAP (Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program) each spring. The ACAP is meant to determine the level of proficiency for each individual student as measured by grade level and subject level expectations in reading and math (Grades 2-6) and science (Grade 4th and 6th only).

Specific days of in-class assessment will be shared with students and parents/guardians in advance of the assessment sessions.

Other testing, both formal, school-based, and state-mandated, is also required for various populations. Parents/guardians will be notified in advance if their students will participate in specific tests.

UNIFORMS

CAM requires uniforms for all students. The Uniform Policy is designed to provide students with a safe and orderly learning environment, as well as, to meet the school’s expectation of excellence. The policy is in effect every school day, including field trips or any trip off campus. Students may only wear natural colored hair- colors such as blue, pink, yellow, red, etc are not permitted unless the school approves it for a special character day. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings on campus.

Students out of compliance with the CAM Uniform Policy will follow the school’s disciplinary policy. If students are without the proper attire, a CAM staff member will call a parent or guardian to bring appropriate attire to school.

All outerwear, everyday attire, and dress attire must be purchased from the approved vendor. CAM is sensitive to the needs of families in meeting the uniform requirements. The parent or guardian should contact the principal regarding requirements for uniform assistance.

On cold days, if a student does not have a school-approved coat, the student can wear any coat to school for warmth, but once the student is in the building, the coat must be removed. Students can wear a long sleeve shirt under their school shirt that is the same color as the school shirt.

VISITORS ON CAMPUS: MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE FIRST

CAM’s mission is to provide a safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, all visitors, parents/guardians MUST report to the office and abide by the “Visitors’ Policy”:

Visitors/ parents/guardians are required to report to the office and receive approval before entering the halls and visiting classrooms.
Visitors/ parents/guardians are to sign in on the computer and receive a visitor’s badge which must be worn at all times.
Visitors who are parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school will be allowed to visit classrooms only after the teacher has been aware of the request and the administrator has approved the visit.
No visitors/parents/guardians are allowed in the classrooms during assessment periods.
No visitors/parents/guardians are allowed to wander around outside the school.
No visitors/parents/guardians are allowed to park on campus more than 15 minutes before carpool begins.