October is Bullying Prevention Month

[via: http://mcleodmeada.org]

Seven Steps We Can Take at Home to Stop Bullying Behavior

1.     Develop consistent rules with our students so they learn how to show respect.

2.     Use positive terms, like what to do, rather than what not to do.  (Studies show positive       terms help students remember the expectation.)

3.     Follow the same rules we demand our students follow.

4.     Make expectations clear. Keep our requests simple, direct, and specific.

5.     Reward good behavior. Try to comment on a student’s good behavior five times for every one criticism of bad behavior.

6.     Use one-on-one (private) feedback, and do not publicly reprimand.

7.     Help students correct their behaviors. Help them understand violating rules results in consequences: “I know you can stop [negative action] and go back to [positive action]. If you choose to continue, then [consequence].”

A helpful resource:  http://www.stopbullying.gov/

Meanwhile, if you believe any student is being intimidated or bullied here at the Academy, please let Dr. McCormick or Mr. Willis know immediately. 

Working with Teachers and Schools

[via: http://www.myeducationtimes.com/]

Many teachers say that they often don’t receive information from parents about problems at home. Many parents say that they don’t know what the school expects from their 

children – or from them. Sharing information is essential and both teachers and parents are responsible for making it happen. Here are some guidelines that will help you help 

your child succeed in school. 

What do I do first? 

• Learn everything you can about your child’s school. The more you know, the easier your job as a parent will be. 
• Be sure to read the Student/Parent Handbook. This will answer many questions that may arise over the year. 
• Ask questions. For example: What are your expectations for my child? How does the school measure student progress?  What are the school’s rules and regulations? 
• Keep informed throughout the school year. Attend PTO meetings. Read this weekly newsletter as well as all other notices and letters that are sent home. 

When should I talk with my child’s teacher? 

• Early and often. Contact your child’s teacher or teachers at the beginning of the year or as soon as you can. Get acquainted and show your interest. 
• Tell teachers what they need to know about your child. If he/she has special needs, make these known from the beginning. 
• If you notice a big change in your child’s behavior, school performance or attitude during the school year, contact the teacher immediately. 
• Call the teacher if your child doesn’t understand an assignment or if he needs extra help to complete an assignment. 

What if my child has a problem with homework or not 

understanding what’s happening in class? 

• Contact the teacher as soon as you suspect that your child has problem with his/her schoolwork. You may figure out that a problem exists before the teacher does. By alerting the teacher, you can work together to solve a problem in its early stages. 
• Request a meeting with the teacher to discuss problems. Approach the teacher with a cooperative spirit. Believe that the teacher wants to help you and your child, even if you disagree about something. Let the teacher know if you need to make special arrangements, such as including in the meeting someone who is bilingual. 

A booklet entitled “Helping Your Child Succeed in School” is available online at this link: 

www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/succeed/index.html 

2012-2013 School Calendar

There are plenty of holidays, events and special occasions to look forward to this year! Please take a minute to read over the following dates of importance:

• September 21 -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• October 19 -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• October 26 -- Professional Development Day – NO SCHOOL for students 
• October 26 -- End of First Grading Period 
• November 2 -- Distribution of Report Cards 
• November 6 -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• November 12 -- Veterans Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL 
• November 21-23 -- Thanksgiving Holiday – NO SCHOOL 
• December 21 -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• December 24-31 -- Winter Holiday – NO SCHOOL 
• January 1 -- Winter Holiday – NO SCHOOL 
• January 2 -- Professional Development Day – NO SCHOOL for students 
• January 18 -- End of Second Grading Period 
• January 18  -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• January 21  -- Dr. Martin L. King Holiday – NO SCHOOL 
• January 25  -- Distribution of Report Cards 
• February 15  -- Professional Development Day – NO SCHOOL for students 
• March 15  -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• March 28  -- End of Third Grading Period 
• March 29  -- Good Friday – NO SCHOOL 
• April 1-5  -- Spring Break – NO SCHOOL 
• April 9 -- Distribution of Report Cards 
• April 19 -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• May 17 -- Staff Development (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) 
• May 27 -- Memorial Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL 
• June 7 -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for students (Early Dismissal at 12 Noon) Distribution of Final Report Cards 
• June 10 -- Professional Development Day

Free and Reduced Priced Meals Applications Processed

All applications for free and reduced priced meals have been processed and result letters mailed to all households.  For the first two weeks of school students' eligibility was based on their eligilbility status for the 2011-12 school year.  Effective Tuesday, September 11, all students' eligibility is based on the 2012-13 application submitted.  Parents who pay for school meals (either reduced or full pay) should become familiar with the School Meals Charge Policy, located on page 13 of the Student/Parent Handbook.  

If you have not submitted your child's application, there is still time.  Please call or stop by the school's main office to obtain yours today.  Should you have questions about the application process or the child nutrition program, please contact Mrs. Aronda Hill, Child Nutrition Administrator at (919) 956-5599.

The Wait for School Bus Transportation is Over!

Students who were on the waiting list for school bus transportation received good news on Tuesday, September 11.  Letters were sent home to all 47 waiting list students that transportation would be provided for them as of Thursday, September 13.  Parents, guardians and students have waited patiently for the school to secure an additional bus to accommodate our families.  Dr. McCormick and Mr. Willis wish to thank all parents/guardians for your continued support since the first day of school.  

Should you have questions about bus transportation, please contact Ms. Deborah Jones, Bus Coordinator at (919) 956-5599.

Required Documentation for 6th Graders and Kindergarteners

Please take note that the State of NC requires all 6th grade students and kindergartners to submit required documentation at the start of the school year. Students have 30 days (from August 27) to submit the following information:

6th Graders - proof of TDap vaccination

Kindergartners - birth certificate, shot record, Kindergarten Health Assessment

All households whose student is missing information will be contacted by mail and by phone. Once you are contacted, please do not delay in responding to the request for information. The deadline for submission is October 8.  

Everything You Need to Know About HSA Uniforms

School uniforms have been a part of the Academy's rich history since the school opened in July 1997.  We take pride in our uniforms and the uniformity and togetherness they bring to our school culture.  All students at the Academy are required to wear the school's approved uniform.  This uniform consists of solid navy blue pants and an authorized school shirt.  

Effective, Monday, September 10, all students will be held accountable for wearing the school's uniform.  If you have not purchased your child's shirts, please do so by stopping by the school.  All shirts (both short and long sleeve) are $8.00 per shirt.  Solid navy blue pants can be purchased from any retailer.  For more information on our school uniform, please contact Ms. Sherina Johnson at ext. 1022.