CROSSCREEK CHARTER SCHOOL

100 East River Road Louisburg North Carolina 27549

Phone: (919) 497-3198 Fax: (844) 744-8645


Director: Robin Jackson




STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK

2023 - 2024

HOME OF THE HAWKS


Inspiring active learners and responsible citizens




WELCOME


Welcome to Crosscreek Charter School. We are a public, non-profit, tuition free charter school dedicated to creating a respectful, child centered, family-based educational community. We are delighted that you have chosen to become a part of our school family, where parents, teachers, administrators and community volunteers are working together, supporting the students and encouraging learning for all.


MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION


Crosscreek inspires academic excellence by empowering students to reach their potential as lifelong learners.  In order to respond best to each child’s unique learning style, the school offers an educational experience based on well-researched, innovative methods.  Educators, students, and parents work together to create a nurturing child-based learning environment to develop the whole child as a responsible, compassionate member of the community.


Crosscreek is a community-based school dedicated to providing the best educational experience to all children of Franklin County and the surrounding areas.  Low student-teacher ratios, small overall school size and active family participation allow faculty, parents and students to create a feeling of community for children of different races, religions, socio-economic backgrounds and academic abilities.  The school community is also supported and enhanced by our larger Franklin County community.



‘THE CROSSCREEK WAY”


Key Features




Goals


Building on a foundation of strength in the basic skills, Crosscreek Charter School seeks to develop


active learners and


responsible citizens.



Accountability

For all that is innovative in our educational philosophy, much of our practice is congruent with traditional education. CCS follows the same requirements that traditional schools follow such as participating in the ABC’S Accountability Model, conducting end-of-grade testing, and making significant use of the North Carolina Standard Course of study in addition to the United States Department of Education’s requirements of No Child Left Behind.  Additionally, CCS periodically administers a national standardized test to measure overall student progress as compared to students in other states. 


As in traditional public schools, at least seventy-five percent of the teachers have North Carolina teaching Licenses, but we are actively working to have 100% of our teachers licensed. We strive to ensure that our teachers have prior experience teaching children at the appropriate grade level and have graduated from an accredited four year teaching program or have obtained graduate degrees in their teaching area. 


CCS accepts as many students as we can, but are limited by class size and physical space.  CCS provides the services for special education, disabilities, and exceptional students. 


Administrative Structure

The Board of Directors of Crosscreek Charter School answers directly to the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction, unlike traditional public schools the direction of the school is not governed by the Franklin County School Board. The CCS Board is ultimately responsible for the overall operation of the school. The Board’s primary functions are to hire and supervise the School Director, to oversee and manage the financial affairs of the school and to set policy and goals for the school. The Board may be assisted by an appointed Citizen’s Advisory Council consisting of parent and non-parent community members. 



The School Director is empowered by the Board to make day-to-day decisions with respect to teachers, students, curriculum, property maintenance and financial management. The Director is supported and informed by parent/faculty/board committees created by the Board, by parents/guardians for students, and by the teachers.


Teachers work under the guidance of the Director making decisions concerning students, instructional approach, discipline and other classroom issues. Teaching assistants and classroom volunteers will work under the guidance of the teachers and the Director.


The Board of Directors meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to the public. Parents/guardians are welcome and are encouraged to bring comments, concerns, suggestions and discuss issues with the Board that fall within these board areas. Please contact the Board Chair and/or School Director in advance of a meeting to determine if an item should be added to the Board’s agenda or if it falls within the parameters of the Director’s discretion.   If further action is required and the issue or suggestion is not addressed it will be brought before the Board during their next scheduled meeting. A current list of members of the Board of Directors can be found at the end of this handbook and on the school webpage (www.crosscreekcharterschool.com)



Importance of Teachers

Crosscreek Charter School has selected teachers eager to embrace the school’s mission and vision. These teachers are from all walks of life with an array of experiences. All have chosen this school because of its overall learning environment and all are committed to its success. At the start of each school year, teachers work with students, parents and other teachers to develop each child’s Student Quarterly Assessment. Using this individualized approach, along with project-oriented and experiential techniques, teachers will have the opportunity to individually guide each student to his/her fullest potential.


Teachers will be guided at all times by the following principles:


















Importance of Parents

For any school, one of the largest keys to its success is the active involvement of parents in the students’ learning. CCS is committed to having parents involved in any and all areas of its operation. This involvement helps assure the continuous improvement of the school.   Some of the areas in which parents can participate are: fundraising, site assistance, classroom assistance, field trip transportation, grounds, maintenance, special events, etc…


Parents/guardians also have input in their child’s education through the development of each student’s Student Quarterly Assessment (SQA). Parents/guardians will meet with their child’s teachers at least twice a year  to discuss their child’s progress toward the goals in the SQA. In addition, parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss issues with their child’s teachers who will themselves seek guidance and input from the Director..


Admission Requirements

Prior to admission, all applicants are required to 1) meet all health requirements set by the State of North Carolina and provide records to that effect; 2) take part in an orientation program with their parent or guardian; and 3) submit documentation stating that the applicant has not been expelled from a prior school and/or is not currently serving a suspension. Applicants must submit this information within two calendar weeks of notification that they are eligible for an opening. If these requirements are not met, a student may forfeit his/her position in this school.


The orientation meeting during the application process serves to review the school’s mission, philosophy, goals, curriculum, volunteer opportunities and standards of conduct with all prospective students and their parents/guardians.  


Admission Process

Each year CCS will hold open enrollment for at least 30 days.  If the number of qualified applicants does not exceed the number of available spaces by the conclusion of the open enrollment period, all students who are qualified and who apply by the deadline will be accepted.


The school will give enrollment priority to current students, siblings of currently enrolled students who are admitted in the current year or in a previous year.  Preference will also be given to children of faculty, and board members.


After students with statutory preference are admitted, the remaining slots in each classroom will be filled.  If there are sufficient spaces available the school will then enroll any eligible student who submits a timely application and who meets admission requirements.  If there are vacancies after placement of all applicants from the open enrollment period then additional students will be accepted on a first come, first served basis until the grade level is filled.


Lottery

In the event any class has more applicants than spaces available at the end of the open enrollment period, the students will be chosen by a lottery.  The lottery would continue after all of the places in a grade level are filled until all students applying during the open enrollment period have been assigned a priority number on a waiting list.  Any applications received after the conclusion of the open enrollment period will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list in the order that they are received.


Students who are admitted will retain their priority in subsequent years unless they leave CCS voluntarily, graduate, or reach an age that is not serviced by the school, or are expelled from the school.


Students with a prior history of violent or chronically disruptive will be excluded from admission to the school unless that student has been identified as having special learning needs which have resulted in the chronically disruptive behavior.  The provisions of N.C.G.S. §115C-366(a5) will be followed with respect to admission of students who have been expelled or suspended from a previous school or who have been convicted of a felony.  Admission of students subject to this paragraph will be considered at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.



STUDENT QUARTERLY ASSESSMENTS, PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES


Student Quarterly Assessment and Parent Teacher Conferences

During the first half of each academic year parents/guardians will meet with their classroom teacher(s) to discuss each individual child’s Student Quarterly Assessment (SQA).  The basic SQA form is tailored to include the academic and social goals and expectations for the year.  Each SQA will contain academic goals and skills appropriate for that child and the grade level, derived from the NC Standard Course of Study.  Other individually tailored goals may also be included. 


At the end of each term, parents may request conference with their child’s teacher(s) to discuss the child’s progress measured against the individual goals.  Written comments and assessments are given to the parents/guardians at this time.  A portfolio of student work will also be reviewed and discussed.  It is an important time for full discussion of your child’s overall status and academic progress with the teacher.  It is very beneficial if all parents/guardians attend these meetings.


Student Assessment

Teachers measure students’ daily progress using a variety of methods.  Pre-assessments are used whenever possible (even if they are self-graded) so students can be given assignments that are challenging at their individual level.  Students will be provided with timely, meaningful feedback.  Parents will receive weekly examples of student work and feedback between SQA meetings.  Cumulative progress is reported at SQA meetings.


CCS takes a mastery approach to learning.  Each quarterly report will indicate when a student demonstrates mastery of the grade appropriate goals and objectives or whether either satisfactory, unsatisfactory or no progress has been made.  Our school does not assign letter grades.  At the end of each term parents are provided with a written report detailing the students’ progress with specific references to the SQA, the NC Standard Course of Study and work examples in the portfolio.


As a public charter school, CCS administers the state end of grade tests (EOGs) beginning in the third grade.  In addition, a nationally standardized achievement test will be administered to all students periodically.  Teachers understand the importance of standardized tests and help students approach testing comfortably.  To that end, teachers provide practice situations under non-threatening conditions throughout the year.  Teachers make sure that all EOG tested material is addressed during the academic year.


Homework

Homework is part of the instructional experiences of each student.  We feel that it is a purposeful continuation and extension of the instructional program to be completed by the student outside the regular classroom setting with parental support and guidance.  Homework assignments are conceived as both enhancing and reinforcing classroom lessons.  As such, these assignments become critical tools in building strong foundations of knowledge.


Each student spends a major part of the weekday in class.  Since there are other valuable experiences to be gained outside of school, homework shall be carefully planned regarding its volume, relevance and timeliness.


Promotion/Retention Policy

It is the policy of Crosscreek Charter School to enable each student to learn in a classroom environment that takes into account his or her individual learning style. We recognize that each child develops at different rates in all areas including intellectual, social, emotional, and behavioral.  When considering whether a child should be retained for a second year in any grade, the needs of the whole child shall be of paramount concern.


The Director will make the final decision on all retentions.  Prior to making a recommendation for retention, the teacher will first discuss retention with the parent or guardian of the child and include parent input in the retention recommendation.  Factors related to retention are inability to master grade level appropriate skills and knowledge as measured by End of Grade Test, standardized assessments, Portfolios, Running Records, etc…  Other factors to consider are attendance, age, and repeated retention.  


Promotion/Retention decisions are not made until the end of the academic year.




VOLUNTEERING AT CROSSCREEK CHARTER SCHOOL


Family involvement is absolutely critical to the success of each student at Crosscreek Charter School.  The Acceptance of Parent Responsibilities (Appendix A) details the level of commitment our students need to succeed.


We ask that each parent/guardian provide four hours of volunteer time a month at the school.  We have carefully planned Parent-Teacher Organization (CAPT)  and other volunteer opportunities to provide meaningful and fun participation for you.  We have paid close attention to the time requirements so that even single parent families and those with two parents/guardians working full time can be very involved with the school.  We also ask that a representative from each family attend our Family Fun Nights, which will be held during the school year.


We are proud of the hours each family devotes to our school and we want to recognize that effort.  Please help us by signing un at the front office on each volunteer visit.  The commitment of our parents is integral in assisting our ability to obtain outside financial support from individuals and foundations.


As with the regular four hours of volunteer work, parents are encouraged to visit and volunteer in their child’s classroom.  If you would like to volunteer in your child’s class, please help the teacher plan by coordinating in advance.  You may have lunch with your child any day you choose, but please ensure you have read the Lunch Policy set forth later in this Handbook.  


All parents/guardians and visitors are required to sign in at the Office and receive a visitor badge prior to going on campus.   Any parent or visitor who has not signed in at Office will be asked to either sign in or leave the campus immediately.


Please note that parents who are visiting and volunteering need to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all students. To keep our school environment secure, all parents MUST come through the office building for sign-in and a badge prior to visiting or volunteering.  All volunteers are required to scan a valid driver’s license and will be subject to a criminal background check.





ATTENDANCE POLICIES


School Schedule/Calendar

Crosscreek Charter School expects each child to be at school on time, in their classrooms, and ready to learn each day.  Parents/Guardians please make sure you view our school schedule and calendar that has been sent home with your child or by viewing it on our website.  Please respect the teaching and learning process by being on time.  Late arrivals cause disruption to all involved.  


The time after school is valuable planning time for teachers and administrators. Please respect this time by picking your child up on time or making other arrangements if you cannot do so.


Crosscreek Charter School will operate on a modified year-round schedule.    The modified schedule has the advantages of allowing learning throughout the year and works to diffuse the intense fatigue of both students and teachers that results within a traditional calendar. (School Year 2023-2024 Academic Calendar)


Attendance

Please make every effort to make sure your child attends school unless there is a valid reason not to, such as illness, medical appointments or family emergency.  


The North Carolina Compulsory School Attendance Law requires every child between the ages of seven and sixteen to be enrolled in school and attending regularly.  The compulsory attendance law applies to children under the age of seven who are enrolled in a public school.   Excessive absences (excused, unexcused, and cumulative tardies and early pickups) totaling 20 or more days may be a cause for grade level retention.


If a student accumulates three (3) absences in one term of school, the teacher will contact the parent or guardian to determine the reason absences have occurred.  After excessive absences, the Director is required by law to contact the parent or guardian by mail and notify them that he/she may be in violation of the compulsory school attendance law and may be prosecuted in district court if the absences cannot be justified under the attendance policies of the state.  After (10) accumulated unexcused absences occur within a school year, the Director may notify the local Department of Social Services or District Attorney for possible prosecution.  Violation of state compulsory school attendance laws is a misdemeanor.


If your child is absent from school, please provide a written explanation for the absence upon the child’s return to school.  In order to fulfill their duties under the law, the Director may require a doctor’s statement for excessive absences due to illness.  


Excused Absences

Listed below are the reasons for excused absences that the Director is allowed to accept.


· Illness or injury when the child is physically unable to attend school.

· Quarantine when it is ordered by the local or state Board of Health.

· Death in the immediate family.

· Medical or dental appointments when prior approval form is obtained.

· Court or administrative proceedings if the child is a party to or is under subpoena to testify.

· Religious observances.

· Educational opportunity, such as travel (approval must be obtained in writing, prior to the absence.)


Unexcused absences include: car problems, oversleeping, going shopping, lack of clean clothes, cold weather, parents’ personal reasons, working at home.


Early Release

A student who leaves school for any reason during the day is counted absent for the day unless he/she returns and the combined time in school is equal to half the regular school day or 3 ½ hours.  A student who arrives on time in the morning must remain at school for 3 ½ hours to be counted as present for the day. Three (3) early pick-ups will count as one (1) absence.


Students may leave with a parent for dental or doctor’s appointments.  Whenever possible make these appointments before or after school hours.


If it is necessary to take your child from school during school hours, come to the office.  A sign-out sheet is on the desk in the front office.  After a parent or guardian has signed out their child, school personnel will bring your child to the office to leave with you. Parents going to classrooms to pick up a child can present a significant disruption to the learning of all students in the class. Teachers and Teacher Assistants have been instructed not to release any child directly to a parent/guardian during school hours.  If the student returns to school, he/she should report to the office for readmission.  Children will not be re-admitted into the classroom without a pass from the school office.

 


Late Arrival

Attendance figures are transmitted to the Department of Public Instruction beginning each morning.  If your child is not in class by the start of the school day, you must sign in at the office and receive a note for the child’s admission into class.  The child will not be admitted to class without a pass. In addition, credit for partial days’ attendance will depend on accurate records of arrivals after attendance has been reported.


In order to be excused, the reason for the tardiness must be written on the sheet in the office.  Tardiness is excused for the same reasons as absences.  Three (3) tardies (excused or unexcused) will count as one (1) absence.


Absence Protocol

After your child is absent, send a written excuse to the school which includes the following information:


Child’s name

Dates of absence or tardiness

Specific cause of absence or tardiness

Your signature and daytime phone number


If a student is tardy, he/she must check in at the office for an admission slip to the classroom.





DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY


Positive Discipline

The focus of CCS Discipline Policy is to guide students to discover the intrinsic reward of both academic success and positive functioning within a caring, supportive school community.  The faculty aids children in developing inner control, acceptable behavior and respect for the rights of others.  Children will be treated respectfully and with dignity.  Our discipline policy recognizes that children have innate needs to do well, belong, contribute and engage in meaningful learning.  Through the use of positive discipline techniques, we teach children the social skills necessary to put their positive intentions into action.  When a child’s behavior is inappropriate, they will be helped to understand why and to learn the skills for more positive behavior.  The way this understanding is given will be based on the behavior, its impact on other students, the child’s need, and his/her stage of development.


Overall, school rules promote respect of the learning environment, promote safety and prohibit physical aggression.  In addition, each class develops its own expectations and procedures.  In class, children will be given positive verbal reminders to encourage compliance.  When verbal reminders are not sufficient to change conduct, a child will be dismissed from the general activity area to a quieter place in the room and allowed to return when he/she has regained control.  Further, natural and logical consequences that are respectful, relevant and realistic will be used to help children learn the value of appropriate behavior.



Respect

The whole learning atmosphere at CCS is marked by respect.  Discipline is addressed with respect as well.  Teachers use a moderate tone of voice and non-judgmental descriptions of behavior.  Students are guided to more appropriate behavior and learn that their actions have natural and logical consequences that affect other people.


Teachers give verbal feedback about inappropriate behavior individually whenever possible to avoid drawing attention to the individual.  


Classroom Based Discipline

Discipline is classroom based.  Students learn best about the natural consequences of their behavior in the same setting in which it occurs.  


Students are, however, removed from the classroom immediately if threat of physical harm or property damage is presented.


Teachers document all issues regardless of scope or scale as is required by law and our teacher’s handbook.  A student’s portfolio will contain notes of disciplinary issues and all attempts to resolve them.


Natural and Logical Consequences

The CCS mission calls for teaching students the intrinsic value of academic and social success at school.  Teachers draw students’ attention to and enforce the natural and logical consequences of behavior.  Teachers also utilize other students to help articulate the consequences of adverse behavior.  Students should be encouraged to work issues out with each other by describing the impact of adverse behavior.


Communication With Parents

Addressing discipline issues successfully is a primary goal of CCS and our teachers.  In order to be successful, parents will often be a part of the discussion and solution.  Teachers address issues in a timely manner before destructive patterns are established.  Parents are notified of all discipline issues as soon as possible.  Parents should make every attempt to reinforce discipline concerns at home.


Discipline Methods are Applied Consistently Across the School

CCS’s teaching methods result in a high level of movement by the students among different classrooms, teachers, assistants and parent volunteers.  Faculty members will communicate these norms to visitors and classroom volunteers.  Common elements include:



Cell Phones and Electronics


Cell Phones: Crosscreek Charter School’s policy on cellular telephones is designed to ensure that the use of cell phones does not interfere with teaching, learning and the Safe School Policy during the school day. 

      messaging, games, and other functions – is not permitted during the school

      day.

            mode) during the school day. 

school telephones with permission from teachers and/or school personnel with the exception of emergency situations as deemed by the Director. Parents should continue to call the school for any emergency situation. 


Other Electronic Devices:  Other electronic devices such as, but not limited to, digital cameras, camcorders, PDA’s, MP3 players, Ipods and headphones, may be used as part of the instructional process, with prior administrative and teacher authorization. Otherwise, these devices may not be visible during the instructional day. 


Possession of electronic devices by a student is a privilege which may be forfeited by any student not abiding by the terms of this policy.  Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their electronic devices.  Crosscreek Charter School shall not assume any responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a cell phone, or unauthorized calls made on a cell phone. 


Significant Discipline Issues

When a student exhibits violent and/or disruptive behavior that is either significant or recurring and that cannot be addressed within the classroom environment, teachers will request that the Director assist in the disciplinary process.  If a child is removed to the office, the parent will be notified either in writing or by telephone.  If a student poses an imminent threat to other students or staff at CCS or behavior is not changed and continues to be recurring, the student may be asked to leave the school (please see School Exclusion and Expulsion). This includes threats made on or off campus and threats made in person or through social media or any form of electronic communication.


Classroom Concerns

Classroom concerns are first addressed with the teacher, then with the Director if necessary.  Teachers and the Director will promptly respond to all concerns.  In order to facilitate prompt response, concerns should be made in writing (or noted after a discussion).   If a parent feels a concern is not adequately addressed by the Director, it should be brought to the attention of the Board Chair.  


School Exclusion and Expulsion

If a child is physically aggressive or abusive towards other children, teachers or others and is uncontrollable in the classroom, the teacher or the Director may request that a parent come to the school and remove the child.  For severe infractions, the Director may suspend a student for up to ten (10) days. Suspensions longer than ten (10) days require Board approval.


Expulsion of a student is considered to be a drastic measure.  Before it can take place, a thorough investigation will be completed by either a special committee of teachers and parents (appointed by the Board of Directors) or the Board of Directors themselves.  The Board will make the final decision.


Expulsions can take place for a child designated as exceptional if that child’s behavior falls under the same guidelines.  Before an expulsion is approved, it must be determined that the exceptional child’s behavior is not a result of that child not receiving the appropriate education.  


The Director has the authority to expel, suspend or dismiss any student for any length of time, according to the NC State due process and appeal process,  in the event that the student:



If a staff member uses physical violence with a weapon in any of the above instances towards a student or another staff member at any time their employment contract may be terminated immediately.


The definition of weapon is as follows:

The means or instrument with which one uses against another. An instrument of offensive or defensive combat; something to fight with; anything used, or designed to be used, in destroying, defeating, or injuring another individual or being, as a gun, a sword, explosive device, etc. 


If a student makes a sexual advance to or at another individual, included but not limited to comments, suggestions, or physical advances, the director has the authority to suspend or expel any student for any length of time at his/her digression according to the NC State due process and appeal process.


If there is physical contact involved the student involved may be expelled according to the NC State due process and appeal process.


If a staff member makes a sexual advance to or at a student or another staff member at any time their employment contract may be terminated immediately and the proper authorities contacted. 


That students, staff and parents be held accountable for damages to school property if the property is damaged due to purposeful misuse or malice to be determined at the discretion of the Director with a process of appeals before the Board of Directors.  The individual(s) responsible for the damages shall compensate the school for the replacement of the item(s) damaged.  In the event a student damages school property the parents are responsible for the compensation of the damages if the student does not have the resources to replace the item(s). 


Bullying and Harassment Policy 


Bullying and Harassment 

There's no room for bullying at Crosscreek Charter School. We're building a safe, supportive school climate for all of our students. Bullying can include behaviors such as:

Any student that believes he or she has been harassed or bullied should report it immediately to a teacher, counselor or school director. Any school employee made aware of bullying shall report it to the director.

How you can help if your child is being bullied

CCS Board of Directors Board Policy

The Crosscreek Charter School Board Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy prohibits harassment and bullying behavior at all levels. The Crosscreek Charter School Board of Directors places a priority on providing every student and employee with a safe and orderly learning and working environment. The director shall promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints of harassment and bullying. Violations of this policy shall be considered misconduct and will result in disciplinary action.


Crosscreek Charter School Board Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy

The Crosscreek Charter School Board of Directors acknowledges the dignity and worth of all students and employees and strives to create a safe, orderly, caring, and inviting school environment to facilitate student learning and achievement. The Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age and will provide equal access to designated youth groups as required by law. Any form of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any educational or employment activities or programs is against Board policy.

A. PROHIBITED BEHAVIORS

1. Discrimination

The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination. For purposes of this policy, discrimination means any act or failure to act that unreasonably and unfavorably differentiates treatment of others based solely on their membership in a socially distinct group or category, such as race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, or disability.

2. Harassment and Bullying

The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment and bullying. For purposes of this policy, harassment or bullying behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic, or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication that:

a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; or

b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits or by adversely altering the conditions of an employee's employment.

"Hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as harassment or bullying and that the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is harassment or bullying. A hostile environment may be created through pervasive or persistent misbehavior or a single incident, if sufficiently severe.

Harassment and bullying include, but are not limited to, behavior described above that is reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic or motivated by an individual's association with a person who has or is perceived to have a differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability. Examples of behavior that may constitute bullying or harassment include, but are not limited to, verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, epithets, derogatory comments or slurs, lewd propositions, extortion of money or possessions, implied or stated threats, assault, impeding or blocking movement, offensive touching, and visual insults such as derogatory posters or cartoons. Legitimate age-appropriate pedagogical techniques are not considered harassment or bullying.

Harassment, including sexual or gender-based harassment, is not limited to specific situations or relationships. It may occur between fellow students or co-workers, between supervisors and subordinates, between employees and students, or between non-employees, including visitors, and employees or students. Harassment may occur between members of the opposite sex or the same sex.

3. Cyber-Bullying and Cyber-Harassment

The Board prohibits cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment. Cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment are any words, actions, or conduct that meet the definitions of bullying or harassing behavior described in this policy, and are conveyed via email, text message, Internet message boards, interactions on social media, or other electronic media.

4. Sexual Harassment

The Board prohibits unlawful sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is one type of harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

a) submission to the conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic progress, or completion of a school-related activity;

b) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the individual, or in the case of a student, submission to or rejection of such conduct is used in evaluating the student's performance within a course of study or other school-related activity; or

c) such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee's work or performance or a student's educational performance, limiting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or environment, or creating an abusive, intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

Sexually harassing conduct may include, but is not limited to, deliberate, unwelcome touching that has sexual connotations or is of a sexual nature, suggestions or demands for sexual involvement accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment or threats, pressure for sexual activity, continued or repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions, continued or repeated verbal remarks about an individual's body, sexually degrading words used toward an individual or to describe an individual, sexual assault, sexual violence, or the display of sexually suggestive drawings, objects, pictures or written materials. Acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex, but not involving sexual activity or language, may be combined with incidents of sexually harassing conduct to determine if the incidents of sexually harassing conduct are sufficiently serious to create a sexually hostile environment. Sexual harassment does not include personal compliments welcomed by the recipient or social interactions or relations freely entered into by an employee or prospective employee or appropriate social interactions between students that do not violate the Student Code of Conduct. In the case of consensual relations between students, there may be reason to question the consensual nature of the conduct if one or both of the students are very young or there is a large age disparity between the students. It is possible for sexual harassment to occur at various levels: between peers or coworkers, between supervisors and subordinates, between employees and students, between students, or imposed by non-employees on employees and/or students. Sexual harassment may be committed by members of the same sex or by members of the opposite sex. Romantic or sexual advances toward students by employees or romantic or sexual relationships between school system employees and students are never appropriate, whether they are consensual or otherwise outside the definition of sexual harassment. Such relationships are prohibited. Employees engaging in inappropriate relationships with students will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

5. Gender-Based Harassment.

The Board prohibits unlawful gender-based harassment. Gender-based harassment is also a type of harassment. Gender-based harassment may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping but not involving conduct of a sexual nature.

6. Retaliation

The Board prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person for reporting or intending to report violations of this policy, supporting someone for reporting or intending to report a violation of this policy, or participating in the investigation of reported violations of this policy.

B. APPLICATION OF POLICY

This policy applies to students, employees, volunteers, and visitors. "Visitors" includes persons, agencies, vendors, contractors, and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school system.

This policy applies to behavior that takes place:

1. in any school building or on any school premises before, during or after school hours;

2. on any bus or other vehicle as part of any school activity;

3. during any school-sponsored activity or extracurricular activity;

4. at any time or place when the individual is subject to the authority of school personnel; and

5. at any time or place when the behavior has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the schools.

This policy shall not be construed to allow school officials to punish student expression or speech based on an undifferentiated fear or apprehension of a disturbance or out of a desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that may accompany an unpopular viewpoint.

C. REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, OR BULLYING

Employees are required to report any actual or suspected violations of this policy. Students, parents, volunteers, visitors, or others are also strongly encouraged to report any actual or suspected incidents of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. 

Reports may be made anonymously, and all reports shall be investigated in accordance with that policy.

D. CONSEQUENCES

Any violation of this policy is serious and shall result in prompt and appropriate action. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with applicable policies and procedures governing student conduct and discipline. Based on the nature and severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the incident, the student will be subject to appropriate consequences and/or remedial actions ranging from positive behavioral interventions up to, and including, expulsion.

Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to, and including, dismissal.

Volunteers and visitors who violate this policy will be directed to leave school property and/or reported to law enforcement, as appropriate. 

The actions taken in response to harassment or bullying behavior shall be reasonably calculated to end any harassment or bullying, eliminate a hostile environment if one has been created, and prevent harassment from occurring again. When considering if a response beyond the individual level is appropriate, school administrators should consider the nature and severity of the misconduct to determine whether a classroom, school-wide, or school system-wide response is necessary. Such classroom, school-wide responses may include staff training, harassment and bullying prevention programs, and/or other measures deemed appropriate by the Director or designee.

Nothing in this policy precludes the school system from taking disciplinary action against a student or employee where the evidence does not establish discrimination, harassment, or bullying but the conduct otherwise violates the Code of Conduct.

E. TRAINING AND PROGRAMS

The Board directs the Director to establish training and other programs that are designed to help eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and bullying and to foster an environment of understanding and respect for all members of the school community. The training or programs should (1) provide examples of behavior that constitutes discrimination, harassment, or bullying; (2) teach employees to identify groups that may be the target of discrimination, harassment, or bullying; and (3) train school employees to be alert to locations where such behavior may occur, including locations within school buildings, at school bus stops, on cell phones, and on the Internet. Information about this policy and the related complaint procedure must be included in the training plan.

As funds are available, the Director is also authorized to provide additional training for students, employees, and volunteers who have significant contact with students regarding the Board's efforts to address discrimination, harassment, and bullying, and to create programs to address these issues.

F. NOTICE

The Director is responsible for providing effective notice to students, parents, and employees of this policy and of the procedures for reporting and investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.  The Director or designee must ensure that students, employees, and parents or other responsible caregivers are provided effective notice of this policy at the beginning of each school year. In addition, the policy must be posted on the school system website, and copies of the policies must be readily available in the Director’s office.. Notice of the policy must appear in all student and employee handbooks.

G. COORDINATORS

The Director shall be the point of contact and responsible for compliance under federal non-discrimination laws. These responsibilities include investigating complaints communicated to school officials alleging noncompliance with Title VI or Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination Act, and/or the Boy Scouts Act, or alleging actions which would be prohibited by those laws. 

H. RECORDS AND REPORTING

The Director shall maintain confidential records of complaints or reports of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The records must identify the names of all individuals accused of such offenses and the resolution of such complaints or reports. The Director or designee also shall maintain records of training conducted by the school system to provide an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

The Director shall report to the State Board of Education all verified cases of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. The report must be made through the Discipline Data Collection Report or through other means required by the State Board.

I. EVALUATION

The Director shall evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to correct or prevent discrimination, harassment, and bullying and shall share these evaluations periodically with the CCS Board of Directors.





TRANSPORTATION


Carpools

CCS does not provide transportation to students.  We will, however, facilitate carpool arrangements so that a lack of transportation will not be a barrier to any student who resides in Franklin County.  Contact the school office for assistance if needed.


Parking/Drop-off/Pickup

Parking at the school is limited.  Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the drop location in the traffic circle during the times indicated under the school schedule section for their grade.  Children will be supervised as they walk to and from their class.  PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE CARS PARKED OR UNATTENDED IN THE CAR LINE AS IT IS A VIOLATION OF LOCAL FIRE CODE.  We must all focus on student safety.  Please do not block the driveway.  Parents are expected to drive slowly and carefully at all times while on campus.  The speed limit in the traffic circle is 15 mph.


To avoid traffic blockages, early pick up must happen before2:15pm. If a student has a 3:30 appointment, parents will need to make arrangements to pick up the child prior to 2:15pm.


Cars are only to drive on paved drives.  The gravel road behind the school is a designated fire lane.  Only emergency vehicles are permitted to drive behind the school.


Do not move traffic cones for convenience.  The orange comes are placed for safety reasons and must stay in place.


After School Arrangements

If a student will not routinely be picked up by a parent, parents should send a written statement to their child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year explainingwhat means each student is to go home; if this is to be changed, a written note should be sent to the teacher.  Please phone the school office in case of any emergency.


If a child needs to go to a regularly scheduled daycare facility, scouting program, etc., after school hours, the parent is required to send written notification to the teacher.  If your child will not be riding his/her daycare van, please notify the teacher.  If your child is to go home with a classmate after school, both the hosting and visiting students must bring notes from their parents indicating the planned visit and transportation plans.  These notes also go to the teacher.


No student will be permitted to leave the campus at any time with anyone other than his/her parent/guardian unless the child brings a note from his/her parent/guardian.


Child Custody and Visitation

If there is no child custody agreement or order on file with the school, either parent has the right to have their child released to him or her or to see the child at school.  Separated or divorced parents who have an alternative arrangement should file with the school a copy of the most recent child custody agreement or court order stating the name of the custodial parent or legal guardian.  This will prevent the release of the child to any unauthorized party.    It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to submit this information to the school – verbal notification is not sufficient and will not be acted upon.


Field Trips

Each class will strive to take at least one field trip per quarter during the school year.  We depend on parent volunteers to provide transportation for field trips.  Some field trip opportunities are not suitable for non-school age younger siblings.  Please check with your child’s teacher before volunteering to drive so that you can make alternative child care arrangements.  You will be asked to fill out a driver record verification form for each field trip for which you plan to drive.


LUNCH



Lunch

Students will need to bring lunch daily or order lunches a month in advance through www.orgsonline.com. The online program will begin 


We are discontinuing heatups of any kind.  Parents will need to purchase lunch through www.orgsonline.com or send in a lunch daily in an insulated lunchbox.


LUNCH AND FOOD DROP-OFF



Free/Reduced Lunch Program

Families interested in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program will need to stop by the office to pick up an application. Returning families who were on this program last year will also need to stop by the office to reapply. Each family must complete a new Free/Reduced Lunch form each year to qualify and participate in this program.


For those who pack lunches, please provide your student with a healthy lunch that minimizes treats and sweets.  CANDY AND SODAS ARE NOT ALLOWED. If you plan to bring lunch to eat with your child, please limit yourself to nutritious fare.  If lunches need to stay cold, please provide a cold pack.   Please use reusable containers whenever possible to minimize waste.


Each child may also bring a healthy snack to school each day.   A list of appropriate snacks will be distributed by each teacher, and include, but are not limited to fruit, raw carrots or celery, dry cereal or crackers. Candy, soda and chips are not appropriate for snack time. 


Families interested in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program will need to stop by the office to pick up an application.  Returning families who were on this program last year will also need to stop by the office to reapply. 




INCLEMENT WEATHER


Now is the time to plan with your child what to do in case of early dismissal.  Some children become very concerned if their usual patterns are disrupted.  We suggest making these arrangements in advance.  We do not have adequate phone lines to deal with a large number of students that need immediate directions about rides home from school.


All parents are encouraged to sign up with Remind.com.  Remind.com is a text blast format that will go directly to the cell phone registered.  This is the most efficient form of communication.  Instruction on how to sign up for Remind.com is listed on the school’s website.


The radio and television stations will announce our school closings separately from Franklin County School closings, delays or early dismissals.  If bad weather is imminent, please listen to local TV for early school closings.  If school is delayed, announcements will be made by 6:00 am on the school’s answering machine, local TV, and our website, www.crosscreekcharterschool.com.


DRESS CODE

Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing to school.  Clothing should not cause a disruption to the learning process.  Please be aware that children will spend a significant amount of time learning and playing outside and should dress accordingly.  


Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times on the playground and during PE.  Shoes should have a flat sole and a closed back.  If a child wears shoes inappropriate for outdoor activities, please send an extra pair of tennis shoes, or a pair of tennis shoes can be kept at school.  Children who are not wearing appropriate footwear will be asked to sit on a bench during recess and PE.  Sitting out of PE for inappropriate shoes will have a negative impact on  mastering of skills required for grade level physical education.


Clothing that is NOT allowed includes:


 or tears in pants that show the thigh.



If the teacher and the Director deem a student’s clothing to be inappropriate, the student will be removed from the classroom and a parent/guardian will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing. Repeated offenses may result in disciplinary actions.




HEALTH AND SAFETY


Emergency Information

Please give your child’s teacher and the office your home, work and cell telephone numbers and the name and phone number of a relative, neighbor or friend who can be contacted in case of an emergency.  If any information changes during the school year, you should update the teacher and office information as soon as possible.


Immunization of Students

The school follows all applicable local and state regulations with respect to immunizations.  The school will require proof of immunization for all students upon enrollment.  When necessary, the school will work with families to arrange immunizations with local health care providers or with the appropriate County Health Department.


Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Minor cuts and scrapes will be handled in the classroom with soap, water, hydrogen peroxide and bandages.  School personnel are required to wear protective gloves when attending to injuries involving blood or other bodily fluids.  


Viruses, Fever, Vomiting and Diarrhea

In any school, large numbers of students are absent during outbreaks of flu and viruses.  Please help our students stay healthy by keeping children at home when they are sick. You are required to keep your child at home if he/she has suffered from fever of 101 degrees or more, vomiting or diarrhea. A child must be symptom free for a 24 hour period to return to school.


Prescription Medication

All prescription medication will be administered in the office by the Director or her designee.  All prescription medication must be brought to the office by a parent/guardian, with written instructions and in the original container.  A log will be kept of all medications given.  When authorized by the Directors in writing, prescription asthma or allergy medication may also be kept in the classroom for emergency use only.  Students in the 4th grade and above may self-administer asthma medication if a written authorization from the doctor is on file with the teacher and in the office.


Over the Counter Medication

Non-prescription medication must also be administered in the office and must be authorized by the parent in writing.  Parents should indicate dosage in their written authorization.


Contagious Conditions

Specific policies covering contagious diseases and conditions are available in the office.  To preserve the health and safety of all of our students, you are required to inform the  Director when your child suffers from any of the following: COVID-19, lice, scabies, impetigo, and pink eye. In general, children will be sent home immediately if evidence of these conditions is noted.  Proof of treatment for these conditions will be required before a child may return to school.  If your child suffers from a contagious blood borne illness (i.e. hepatitis or HIV) you must inform the Director.  All medical information will be held in confidence and proper precautions will be followed. 



SPECIAL EVENTS HELD OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS


During certain times of the school year CCS will hold special events after school hours.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to stay with their child and keep their child at his/her best behavior during these events.  Crosscreek Charter School will not be held responsible for any child during these events.  



STUDENT RECORDS


We are required by law to keep student information and records confidential.  Student records may be reviewed by parents in the presence of the Director or her designee.  If you wish to review your child’s records, you should notify the school and set up an appointment.  Classroom files, which include assessment materials for the current year, may be reviewed in the classroom.  To prevent undue disruption to learning time, these files must be reviewed during non-school hours by appointment only.


LOST AND FOUND


Please put name labels on students’ belongings to help school personnel identify items that are lost.  Please do not allow your child to bring extra money, valuable items, toys, trading cards, electronic games, radios or sports equipment to school without prior approval from the classroom teacher.  The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss of such items.


 A Lost and Found box is kept in the Multipurpose Room for lost clothing and other items.  Please check this box first if an item is lost.  Any items left in the box at the end of each term will be donated.



EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

CCS follows state laws and regulations with regard to the identification and education of exceptional children.  We are an inclusion school.  Services are delivered in the regular classroom wherever appropriate.  Teachers follow procedures with respect to the written referral of students who may have a condition that impacts a students’ ability to learn.  State laws govern parental notice and other procedures.  These procedures, including how parents may make a referral are contained in The Handbook on Parents’ Rights.  A printed copy of this publication can be obtained upon request from the Exceptional Children Director. Contact the EC Coordinator for more information. 


Parent Grievance Policy


Parent complaints will be addressed in a timely and consistent fashion.  Disagreements should be solved whenever possible among the people most closely involved while preserving positive relationships.  Therefore, when parents have complaints or disagreements with any parties at Crosscreek Charter School, they should observe the following guidelines:

4.The Board of Directors will discuss said grievance in closed session and   

respond to said complaint via a written letter.  This will occur within 30      

days of receiving said grievance.

5.This Grievance Policy is not designed to supersede or supplant federal law and parent rights under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as amended, 1996.       


Acceptance of Parent/Guardian Responsibilities


The participation of each family is a necessary ingredient for the success of our unique school structure.  The responsibilities of a parent/guardian of a child enrolled in Crosscreek Charter School include:



Crosscreek Charter School Athletic Policy


All students planning to play on an athletic team at CCS must submit a current health physical to the Athletic Director prior to participating in tryouts and practices.


All student-athletes and their parents are required to read, sign and return the student-athlete contract in order to be eligible to play for Crosscreek Charter School. 


Goals, Objectives and Guidelines: 

Academics 

● Student comes before Athlete in the expression “Student-Athlete.” 

● Practice and playing time can and will be limited if a student-athlete is performing poorly in any school subject. 

● Failing ANY subject is not acceptable. If a student-athlete has a Failing Grade (1 or 2) on their Student Quarterly Assessment for any class at the end of a term, they will not be permitted to remain on the team.  Parents and students will be notified at the midway point of each term if there are any academic concerns.  




Promote Good Sportsmanship and a Positive Attitude 

● Student-athletes are representing Crosscreek Charter School, their families, and themselves. While competing, each student-athlete shall carry him/herself with a positive attitude. 

● A student-athlete shall NEVER speak to a referee unless asked to do so by the official or coach. 

● At no time should a student-athlete use profanity or taunt members of the other team. 

● If a student-athlete is cited for poor sportsmanship or misconduct, he/she will be subject to discipline from the coach at the following practice, up to and including removal from the team.


Work to Develop the Total Athlete 

● Student-athletes are expected to maintain a positive attitude to grow. 

● Take every practice seriously and eliminate wasted time. 

● Provide student-athletes with growth in personal skill level. 

● Provide student-athletes with growth in working with a team. 

● Prepare student-athletes for play at the high school level. 



Parents 

● Parents are required to stay away from the team’s bench, locker room, student-athletes, and coaches during gameplay. 

             **Unless there is an injury to your child** 

● If a parent has any questions or concerns, please schedule a time to meet with a coach that does not interfere with game or practice time. The parent may express questions or concerns after a 24 hour period.

● Coaches will return emails and phone calls as soon as possible. 


Practice 

● Expect daily practice. 

● All student-athletes are expected to wear appropriate clothing to each game and practice. 


Excused/Unexcused absences 


Role Responsibility 

● Student-athletes will put the team before themselves. 

● Playing time is determined by the coach according to team needs, attitude and effort at practice/gameplay. 


Behavior in School/School Activities 

Coaches 

● Student-athletes and/or parents will not argue with a coach. 

● Disrespect will not be tolerated by the athlete, the parent, the fans or the coach.

● The coaches have the final word on all roster decisions.



Board of Directors of Crosscreek Charter School


The Crosscreek Charter School Board of Directors usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the school’s Project Room (Upper School Wing).  There are a few months in which the meeting will be held on another Tuesday of the month due to track outs and special events.  Dates and times are also posted on the school’s website.  Board meetings are open to the public.


Board of Directors Membership (email: ccsboard@crosscreekcharterschool.com)

Mike Senter, President

Nick Leapley, Vice President

Amy Cheshire, Secretary

Haven Allen

Scott Capell

Natleah Dunston, Treasurer

Kimberly Berry



 CCS Board of Directors 

Scheduled Meeting 

2023-2024



Date

Time

Location

Type of Meeting

July 2023


No Meeting


August 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

September 12, 2023

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

October 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

November 14, 2023

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

December 12, 2023

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

January 9, 2024

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

February 13, 2024

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

March 12, 2024

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

April 9, 2024

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

May 14, 2024

7:00 PM

Project Room

Regular

June 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Project Room

Annual Meeting