1. Welcome to ACRMA#8 Parent Orientation
Saturday, July 12th, 2014

2. The ACRMA#8 Office Team

3. Alliance Core Values High expectations for all students
Small personalized schools and classrooms
Increased instructional time
High qualified principals and teachers
Working with parents as partners

4. Our Goals for the Year
To provide a safe, structured environment for your child
For your child to thrive academically and begin preparation for high school & college
For you and your child to feel a part of our family

5. School Policies No Tardiness Policy Uniform Policy Code of Conduct
Detention Policy
Homework Center & Mandatory Tutoring
Cell Phone Policy
Pick-Up by 4:45pm
See Parent-Student Handbook for detailed copies of all school policies.

6. Grading Policy: Academic Grades
Grades represent student’s current level of understanding
Homework and activities are not included in the grade calculation.
Assessments are the only items that count toward the grade
Assessments will receive a score of:
4 = Advanced
3 = Proficient
2 = Basic
1 = Below Basic

7. Grading Policy: Life Work Skills
Based on:
Participation in class
Behavior
Working in groups
Work completion/ Homework completion
Very important to show you how your child is performing at school
We want all 4’s in these categories!

8. Report Cards
Assessment scores are averaged to give an average rubric score between 1-4.
Report cards will contain final grades for both academic and life work skills.
Range
Final Grade
3.4 – 4.0 A
2.7 – 3.39 B
2.00 – 2.69 C
0 – 1.99
NP (Fail)

9. Checking on your child’s progress
By the end of the first week of school, you will receive access to our online grade book where you can check your child’s grades at any time.
Online grade books will be updated on a regular, consistent basis.

10. Summer Homework
Read
Minimum of 30 minutes daily
Complete 1 outside reading book by the first day of school
Have all required materials on the first day of school
School supply kit on sale in the office for $15
Students must also have their Freak the Mighty summer reading packet with them on the 1st day
of school
Math Practice
If you have access to a computer with internet, work on TenMarks math practice program.
Students will receive their free accounts during Summer Bridge.

11. Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures
First day of school is August 4th!
NO STOPPING ALONG RED CURBS
Always pay for parking if you park at a metered spot.
We are working with the community to determine the best drop off and pick up procedures. We will mail home a letter with final information.
For parents that will be driving to face South on Rowan when dropping off kids. CHP sometimes is parked outside and may give jaywalking tickets if kids are seen crossing the street.

12. Alliance Parent Engagement Model
40-Hour Annual Volunteer Commitment
School Support
Academic Support
The 40 hour commitment may sound difficult to do but we will work with every family to ensure they all meet or even exceed their commitment. For example, just for being here today you automatically will receive 2 volunteer hours (1 hour more than what was on the flyer) because just by showing up today we know that you are committed to ensuring your child’s academic success.

13. Parent Involvement = Student Success
Over 30 years of research has demonstrated that parent involvement leads to:
Higher grades and test scores;
Improved attendance;
Better social skills; and
Students are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college!
I actually have an article I can share with you if you should need it but the bullets here pretty much cover what it says.
The Alliance-wide Summer Conference 2010

14. Volunteer Procedures How to volunteer:
If you have TB test clearance you can volunteer and help with activities such as classroom projects, student supervision, etc.
When you volunteer:
Record your hours by signing in and out at the main office and wearing proper identification (vest or sticker)
Recognition:
End of Year “Thank You” Celebration
for 40+ Hours
At this time you can start to pass out the Parent Engagement Policy and do a quick overview on the “How to Volunteer”, “When you volunteer”, and “Recognition” items listed on page 2.
How to be a Parent Volunteer – Read bulleted item
When you volunteer – Read bulleted item and #4 and #5 from the list on the policy
Recognition – It’s important that you know how appreciative we are of your time and would like to honor you with a small token of our appreciation.

15. Parent Engagement Opportunities
Volunteer Coupons – Supporting your child’s academic success
Through museum visits, library visits, school project help, etc.
Parent Engagement Calendar
Workshops being offered based on your feedback
At this time you can pass out the Volunteer Coupons and Parent Engagement Calendar.
When we ask parents to volunteer it’s not about the school looking for free labor. It’s giving you an opportunity to create meaningful relationships with the school staff, students and other parents and gain a sense of pride for the school and the community at large.
Parent workshops are being offered based on the feedback you provided when you filled out the Parent Interest Survey. We will do our best to provide you the needed resources to ensure your child’s success in middle school. Based on your feedback the workshops will be offered twice a month One Saturday and one weekday.

16. Important Information
Lunch applications
Please be as accurate as possible to prevent getting charged incorrectly.
If you return by Thursday of next week, you will receive 1 hour of volunteer credit.
Automated Calls
You will begin receiving automated calls with important school information. Please do not hang up!
Our site will be ready by August 1st!

17. Summer Bridge - See you Monday!
Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 1:00pm
Please do not be late.
Students can be dropped off in the covered eating area where we will have supervisors present.
Students must bring ALL school supplies on day 1.

18. Final Thoughts & Questions “Every student has the ability, and together, we give them the opportunity.”
Don’t forget to read your Parent-Student Handbook for detailed information!