Parent & Student Handbook
402-390-0556
1110 N. 66th Street
Omaha, NE 68132
https://phoenixacademyomaha.org/
Executive Director – Nancy Liebermann
Assistant Principal - Jen Di Ruocco
Phoenix Academy Day School
Phoenix Academy is an independent private ALL DAY school established in 1991 for children who are experiencing difficulty learning. We are approved by the Nebraska State Board of Education for kindergarten through 8th grade, and our teachers are certified. We follow the rules and regulations required by Rule 14 for operation of private schools in Nebraska.
Many of the students who attend Phoenix Academy have had difficulty learning to read, and often have had difficulty with math as well. A high percentage of these children have been labeled Attention Deficit, Dyslexic, Learning Disabled, or Underachievers. Some have been in Special Education classes and even with this additional help they have not been able to progress.
Without appropriate reading, spelling, writing, and math skills, children often find the classroom a hostile and threatening environment. Research done at the University of Oregon has shown that 90% of the children who are behind in reading at the end of first grade will be even further behind at the end of the fourth grade. There is a high probability that these same students will drop out of high school.
The Phoenix Academy is successful because of the curriculum and the small student teacher ratio. Students are taught to read by multi-sensory intensive phonics based approach to spelling, reading and writing using Spalding’s Writing Road to Reading. Our teachers receive extensive training in this method. In addition to a strong language arts program, math, science, social studies, health, art, Bal-A-Vis-X, and music are part of the curriculum. We also offer summer school classes.
Curriculum and Classroom Organization
It is essential that our students work at a level where they are having success. They must work in a relaxed atmosphere with encouragement and praise.
As students learn, and relearn, phonics and the rules of the English language they will begin to believe that they can learn. They will start to ask questions. They will begin to enjoy reading and learning. Homework becomes their own because it is their ability level. They will also begin to be proud of themselves for all that they are accomplishing.
Students in all grades begin by learning the Orton phonograms. From here, students progress according to their ability. They begin to learn spelling and vocabulary, and then sentence and paragraph writing. All students learn to proofread, recopy, illustrate, and perfect their own written work.
All students are placed at a math level which the student understands and finds success in. We always focus on basic math facts first and then employ a variety of different math programs depending on the child’s needs. These programs include Otter Creek and Saxon Math.
Social Studies and Science are incorporated into the language arts program and are also taught in isolation.
In addition to the core classes, students receive instruction in Music, Art, Physical Education and Health. Library is a class for younger students .and Noticability (an entrepreneurship program) is taught in the upper grades.
The students have rules and regulations, as they need to know what is expected of them. They will have the security of certain boundaries and will be with adults whom they know and trust. They will grow to understand that the teachers care for them and have their best interest at heart.
The success of the Phoenix Academy is measured by the countless number of students who have returned to traditional classrooms with the skills they need to be successful. The students stay on average at the Phoenix Academy for one to two years.
Phoenix Academy Pledge
I realize that one of the greatest powers in the world is the power of knowledge.
I am smart and I can learn.
I recognize that making mistakes helps me learn.
I will discuss what I have learned and questioned at school today.
I will learn new skills and work hard on them.
I will read for learning and read for enjoyment.
I will follow my dreams and pursue my goals.
Today, I will treat myself and others with respect and kindness.
Phoenix Academy Policies and Procedures
ABSENCE
Illness and unavoidable family travel are the only recognized legitimate excuses for absence. Parents are requested to call the school office (402-390-0556) by 9:00 a.m. to explain the reason for their child’s absence. If the parent does not report the absence, the school office will call to determine the child’s whereabouts.
A written or verbal excuse explaining the absence from school from the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) must be presented to the school at the time of the student’s return. The Director will assess absences of more than 10 days per semester.
Parents may make arrangements for homework assignments to be sent home with a sibling, friend, or to be picked up from school after the school day if it is the student’s second day of absence or beyond. Beginning in first grade, with support from the school and home, getting homework assignments is ultimately the responsibility of the student. Please request makeup assignments ASAP to allow for teacher preparation.
Excessive absences and tardies may result in your child being dismissed from our school. Please contact the director if there is a medical concern or family emergency that is affecting attendance.
APPOINTMENTS AND EARLY DISMISSAL
Visits to a physician or dentist by students during the school day are discouraged. Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments as close to the beginning or end of the school day as possible. The parent or guardian must come inside the school to sign the child out.
ATTENDANCE
School begins each day at 8:15 a.m. Tardies will be recorded when students arrive at 8:16. Regular attendance at school is strongly encouraged. Excessive absence is detrimental to both the student and to the class.
BIRTHDAYS and Holiday parties
Students may bring a special treat to celebrate their birthday. Due to COVID, snacks should be store bought and individually wrapped. Please coordinate this with the student’s teacher.
CALENDAR
The calendar is set each year by the Director and the teachers. It is published annually, listing teacher in-service and non-student days, parent/teacher conferences, holidays and activities. A copy of the school calendar shall be provided to each student.
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event that snowfall or severe weather conditions cause it to be unsafe to have school, Phoenix Academy shall cancel school. Notification of cancellation will be made on major radio and television stations beginning by at least 6:00 a.m. that morning. Whenever there is severe winter weather, parents should listen for school information. In the event of a tornado during school hours, students will be taken to the Multipurpose room which also serves as a FEMA certified storm shelter.
CARE AND USE OF SCHOOL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
A student who damages or destroys school facilities, its contents or property, or the personal property of other students or employees of the school, will be required to make complete restitution as provided by Nebraska law. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Books and materials provided by the school to the students for their use are expected to be returned in good condition. Students and their families will be held responsible for any damage to the books and materials in their care. Students are encouraged not to bring personal property to school. If they choose to bring personal property to school they assume complete responsibility for such items.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are not to be used at any time during the school day, including recess. Students who have a cell phone out or one that goes off during class time will confiscated and kept at the front office. First offense it will be returned at the end of the day. Continued issues with cell phones during school may result in the phone held overnight. We do have a cell phone garage for safe keeping at the office for students who ask for us to hold them. Phoenix Academy is not responsible for cell phones that are lost or stolen at school.
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
State law requires that if any school faculty member has reasonable suspicion that a student has suffered from any form of child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual or neglect), the school must contact the Child Protective Services of the Nebraska Department of Social Service. The school must also cooperate with Child Protective Services or police investigations of reports of child abuse or neglect. In cooperation with such investigations, the school may be prevented from informing parents of such suspicions or investigations.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Students are not to leave campus at any time during the school day without permission. This includes before and after school, the lunch period, and recess breaks.
CLOTHING IDENTIFICATION
Identification is required on all outer clothing in order that lost items may be returned to the proper owner. Lost and found items will be placed in a container in the school office.
COMMUNICATION
Our primary way of communication will be through Class Dojo. Therefore, it is very important for every family to be connected via an email address or phone number. You may message teachers and staff directly through Class Dojo. Additionally, teachers will post announcements, pictures and videos in their Class Story. Administration will make announcements and post pictures and videos in the School Story.
A newsletter will be distributed to the students to take home the first Thursday of each month. In addition to the paper copy, an emailed version will be sent out.. It will contain important dates and information about upcoming news, events, and opportunities and may contain parenting tips etc.At times there will be additional notes sent home when the need arises. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review and retain this information for future reference. Please check your child’s backpack.
COMPUTER USAGE
Damages: Using the school computer is a part of the curriculum but it is also a privilege. Typical wear and tear of the computers is understandable, but students also need to take responsibility and handle the computer with care. Broken screens cost $50 and intentional misuse or more than one broken screen per year will result in a replacement charge to the family.. If computers are sent home for virtual learning they must be returned in working condition. Any lost chargers or computers will be the parents’ responsibility to pay for full cost. GoGuardian: We use a monitoring program to protect the children from visiting sites not relevant to school work. The staff is alerted if your child attempts to open a site that has questionable information. If your child is often choosing to use curriculum time to visit unrelated sites, their computer will be taken away for a determined amount of time.
DISCIPLINE
The teacher is the first and main vehicle of school discipline. The teacher and/or Directors determine consequences for inappropriate behavior. The final decision regarding what is best for the student and Phoenix Academy is made by the Director. Parental cooperation is essential in all areas of discipline. Phoenix Academy uses a school-wide approach to teach self-discipline skills to its students. These skills are listed below:
· Listening
· Following Instructions
· Asking Questions
· Self Advocacy
· Social Skills
· Cooperating with Others
· Understanding Rules and the Reasons for the Rules
· Accomplishing a Task
· Leadership Skills
· Communicating Time Effectively
Compliance with three school-wide rules is expected of all students at all times. These rules are:
1. Demonstrating respect for yourself and others.
2. Demonstrating responsibility by following school and classroom expectations.
3. Demonstrating safe actions to aid in our secure environment.
Discipline will vary from class to class, depending upon the teacher and the needs of the students. Classroom discipline will be used to address infractions of the three school-wide rules, and infractions against classroom procedures.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electronic devices including cell phones are NOT ALLOWED to be operated before, during or after school. If electronics are brought to school, they are to be kept in their backpack or in their locker at all times. Electronic devices include but are not limited to: (IPods, MP3 players, Smart Watches, Game boys or other systems). Students may use the office phone for necessary calls. Bringing electronics as well as valuables is strongly discouraged. Phoenix Academy will not be responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.
Toys/Sports Equipment
Toys (i.e. fidgets, Pokemon cards, slime) or sports equipment (basketballs, jump ropes, footballs) are NOT ALLOWED. Repercussions will be at the discretion of the teacher.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips shall be scheduled when they have a purpose, which supports the curriculum of the school.Parents or guardians shall be notified in writing of the time, date, and mode of transportation and other pertinent details of the field trip. Students may not participate in field trips without written permission from parents or guardians. The school reserves the right to deny students the privilege of attending a field trip, if deemed necessary.
FIGHTING AND OTHER DISTURBANCES
When a fight occurs, the possibility of injury or damage to the people involved, other people, and property exists. For the protection of all students, staff, and property, such action will not be tolerated. Fighting on school property during school hours will result in disciplinary action to include suspension or expulsion and may be referred to the legal authorities.Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to a school employee or student could result in suspension or expulsion. Any student, who interferes or contributes to the violent action or disturbances or further inflames the issue, shall also be subject to disciplinary action. Students who observe a disagreement or fight in progress must notify a staff member immediately.
GENERAL GROOMING AND APPEARANCE
General grooming and appearance must be neat, modest and appropriate. Hairstyle must be neat and not a distraction to others. T-shirts, shirts or shorts worn under uniform clothes may not be visible through uniform clothing (such as a dark colored t-shirt or pair of shorts with sleeves or legs longer than uniform shirt sleeves or shorts).
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CLASSROOM
1. School begins at 8:15 sharp each day. Tardies will be counted at 8:16 AM.
2. Students are permitted to enter the school at 8:00 AM.
3. Students begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Phoenix Academy Pledge at 8:20 AM.
4. Gum chewing, eating or drinking beverages in class is not allowed. The exception for this is a sealable water bottle containing only water. Students must keep the water bottles closed and in designated areas set by the teacher.
5. Students are to leave the classroom only with permission from the teacher.
6. Students are required to be courteous to all teachers, staff, and visitors of Phoenix Academy.
7. Students are to follow the rules set by each individual teacher.
HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the school to provide a learning environment free from discriminatory insult, intimidation, sexual harassment and/or other forms of harassment. Harassment may be overt or subtle, but whatever form it takes (verbal, nonverbal, or physical), harassment is insulting and demeaning to the recipient and will not be tolerated.
Students are expected to conduct themselves as good citizens at all times. Examples of poor citizenship shall include, but not limited to, teasing, taunting, name-calling and all other forms of verbal or written cruelty based on any real or perceived physical or personal characteristic. The use of abusive, profane or obscene language or gestures is prohibited. Such behavior may result in disciplinary action.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be assigned at all grade levels. The amount of work and time necessary to complete the homework will increase as the student’s skills improve. All homework assignments are important. Homework provides reinforcement of classroom lessons and mastery of concepts and allows students the opportunity to share newly learned skills with their families. Responsibility is also learned; learning to follow directions, complete an assignment independently, and turn the lesson in on time, are skills necessary to the student’s success.
On average, 10 minutes multiplied by a student’s grade level gives parents an approximate guide for time spent on homework. A minimum of 20 minutes reading each night is also expected. It is very important that our students complete all of their work with little assistance. We insist that parents do not correct the student’s work at home when this happens, teachers have a difficult time gauging the student’s true ability.
If you feel your child is assigned too much homework, the homework is too challenging, or your child is having difficulty completing homework in a reasonable amount of time, please contact your child’s teacher(s) to discuss possible accommodations. Failure to complete homework may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the teacher or administration.
ILLNESS
A student who is ill or has a temperature should be kept home until symptom free and fever free without medication for 24 hours. Students who are ill with easily communicable diseases, such as rash, pink eye, chicken pox, etc. may not attend school until cleared by a physician. When children become ill with such conditions at school, parents will be contacted to pick up the child from school as soon as possible. When a student is ill at school they will be sent to the office to be evaluated. When necessary, the parent will be contacted. All COVID concerns should be directed to Nancy Liebermann.
IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICALS
All students are required to have a copy of their immunization records on file at school. The records must include the date, month and year of administration. Immunization shall not be required for a student if we have one of the following. A statement signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating that immunizations would be injurious to the health of the student, or a signed statement from a parent stating that immunization conflicts with the personal and sincerely followed religious beliefs of the student and family.
INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE AND GESTURES
The use of abusive, profane or obscene language or gestures is prohibited and offenders may be suspended or excluded from class and/or school. Abusive, profane or obscene language includes, but not limited to, slandering or abusing the ethnic background, sex, race, religious preference of physical appearance of any student or staff member which by their very utterance inflict injury and/or intent to incite an immediate breach of peace.
LUNCH & SNACKS
Students must bring their lunch daily and are asked to bring food and drink in non-breakable containers. Students must supply their own napkins, straws and plastic silverware. Items requiring preparation, such as ramen, must be brought already prepared in an appropriate container. Parents are asked not to send soda or gum as part of a child’s lunch. pizza will be available for purchase (cash only) on Fridays, however students must still provide their own beverage. Students may bring a nutritious snack to eat during the morning recess.If your child happens to forget a lunch, we will provide peanut butter/sunbutter and saltines.
Due to food allergies, we have a no sharing policy with food. If your child has a food allergy, please inform the office and classroom teacher(s).
MEDICATION - GUIDELINES FOR DISPENSING
When under the exceptional and/or occasional circumstances a student is required to take oral medication during school hours the medication will be administered in compliance with the following regulations:
1. Prescription medication must be brought to school in the original container, properly labeled, including the student’s name, physician’s name, and directions for administering.
2. Over the counter medication (Aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin, cold tablets, cough drops, etc.) will be administered ONLY with written permission from a parent or guardian and a signed statement from the child’s physician with directions for administering..
3. ALL medication must be left at the office and will be stored in a locked container. An exception would be an inhaler used to control asthma.
4. Medications not picked up by a parent or guardian will be properly disposed of at the end of the year or when the student is no longer enrolled at Phoenix Academy. Any student who needs to limit his/her physical activities due to health or injury must bring a written note from the parents or guardian explaining the special consideration.
PARKING
Parents are asked not to park east of the front door between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. as the students will be using the blacktop for recess. Please drive very slowly and use caution in the parking lot at drop off and pick up time. The safety of the students is our number one concern.
PICK-UP and DROP OFF
Students may be dropped off as early as 8:00 a.m. We do not offer before and after school care, but allow a grace period for pick up and drop off. For the safety of ALL students, we ask that you drive slowly in and around the school perimeter. Remain off cell phones when in motion in the parking lot. Follow the procedures for pulling around to pick up your child or park in the lot. There is NO PARKING on 66th Street.
POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
Phoenix Academy prohibits the possession, distribution, and use/consumption of alcohol, drugs/controlled substances, tobacco or nicotine products (e.g. e-cigarettes), chew, imitation controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia by any student. Lighters, matches, smoking paraphernalia, and nicotine packaging are also included in this policy. These items will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken.
Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary sanctions being taken within the bounds of applicable law, up to and including short-term suspension, long-term suspension, expulsion, and referral to appropriate authorities for criminal prosecution.
RECESS
Recess periods, outside, are provided daily for all students. The students perform better AFTER a break and many benefit immensely from the opportunity to spend time in the fresh air. During inclement weather, students will have indoor recess. The students must bring clothing needed for outdoor recess (hats, gloves, coats, and snow pants if they want to sled in the winter). Students WILL NOT be excused from outdoor recess because they do not have appropriate outdoor wear. Notification by a parent is required to excuse students from recess or any other school activity.
REPORT CARDS
Students will receive a report card for each quarter. Report cards will be sent home with the students approximately one week after the quarter ends. Phoenix Academy offers parent/teacher conferences each semester. Parents are expected to be in attendance. Parents should welcome this opportunity to confer with the teacher on the progress of their child and to receive information from the teacher about their child. Teachers are available for conferences at other times during the school year.Parents should arrange these meetings with the individual teacher or call the school office.
All student fines and fees including tuition must be paid, and all school property and library books must be returned before students receive their final report card.
SCHOOL PHYSICALS
In accordance with the Nebraska Law LB-59-Rule 55, a printed form signed by a licensed physician indicating that a physical examination was administered on a specific date within the previous six (6) month period on a specifically named individual prior to the entrance of a child into kindergarten and seventh grade or in the case of transfer from out of state, to any other grade, shall be required. As a substitute for such evidence of a physical, an objection (waiver) to a physical examination of such child signed and dated by a parent or guardian of such child may be submitted to the school.
TUITION
Phoenix Academy is a 501(c)(3) not for profit school. All revenue to operate the school is received through tuition and fundraising. The true cost to educate a child at our school is $11,000 per child so even for families who pay the highest amount of tuition charged, it does not cover the cost. We do not receive funds from the state of federal agencies to supplement tuition.
Tuition is collected through FACTS and the payment plan is set up with the parent. It is extremely important that payments are made as set up in your plan. When tuition payments are 30 days past due, the tuition payment is considered delinquent. It is the family’s responsibility to inform the Director if they are unable to fulfill their obligation to stay current with their monthly tuition. When tuition is delinquent and the school has not been contacted, the child is in jeopardy of being dismissed from the school. Enrollment for summer school or the following year will not be an option and the child will be placed on the waiting list, if tuition from the school year is past due.
UNIFORM GUIDELINES
Girls:
Girls may wear the appropriate shirt, skort and jumper, in kirk plaid, black or khaki. Pants and walking shorts in black or khaki made of a woven material (cotton, twill, etc.) may be worn. Walking shorts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee. Form fitting pants and jeans are not allowed. Shirts/blouses are to be plain white, black, or red with a collar. Tights or form-fitting leggings are optional. These must be worn under the school skirt or jumper and not in place of pants.
BOYS:
Shirts are to be plain white, black, or red with a collar. Pants and shorts in black or khaki made of a woven material (cotton, twill, etc.) may be worn. No jeans will be allowed. No sagging will be allowed.
All STUDENTS:
Shoes are to be closed (tennis shoes are recommended). No open toe shoes, high heels, or flip-flops are allowed. A change of shoes is required during snowy months. No wet shoes or boots will be allowed in class. Socks must be worn at all times. Sweaters or sweatshirts worn in the classroom are optional and must be plain black, plain white, plain red or the official Phoenix Academy sweatshirts. All types of outerwear are allowed during recess.
WEATHER and CLOSURES
Watch local TV stations or check or check online for school closings due to inclement weather. Not always, but we usually follow OPS for school closures due to weather. Once school is in session we will not close early. However, with predicted severe weather in our area, parents are free to pick up their child early from school.
We will keep the children inside for recess if the weather is unstable, too hot or cold or air quality a concern.
PARENT & STUDENT HANDBOOK
Please verify that you have read and discussed this handbook with your child. Both you and your child need to sign this form and return to school.
I have read the Phoenix Academy Parent & Student Handbook. I understand that the policies are for the safety and well being of all students.
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Parent’s Signature Date
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Child’s Signature Date