Brighten Academy Registration Information 2014-2015

Note: Check audio, this is a narrated, recorded presentation

Lisa McDonald, Director Connie Arnold, Assistant Director Angi Andrews, Business/Student Services Manager

The mission of Brighten Academy is to provide a productive learning environment with a highly qualified staff committed to using an innovative, research-based instructional model that produces measured growth in every student every year.

All students will learn. All students have developmental differences, as well as varying levels of experiences, knowledge, and ability. High expectations of every child are necessary to help students reach their full potential. Students learn through active exploration and practical application. Students have different learning styles and should be taught using a variety of instructional strategies. Educating a child is a shared accountability among the school, home, and community.

Appropriate behavior is required of all students and members of the learning community to maximize safety and learning. A nurturing and structured learning environment is essential. Teacher planning, collaboration, and professional development are vital for improving student achievement. The school must cultivate a strong sense of responsibility to self, family, and community. Instructional decisions will be made based on the needs of the students. The school will function as a business and practice fiscal responsibility.

7 Cs
CONNECTIONS EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK Character Commitment Critical thinking Creativity Curiosity Community Culture

Expeditionary Learning (EL) schools inspire the motivation to learn, engage teachers and students in new levels of focus and effort, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. EL provides a model that challenges students even those starting with low skill levels with high-level tasks and active roles in the classroom. www.elschools.org

Parent Involvement is Required Must be Douglas County Resident Transportation is not available No entrance exam, open to all Placement tests are used to determine grade placement Modified School Calendar (early release day every Wednesday at 1:00) After school program available until 6:00 Participate in free/reduced lunch program More accountability Uniforms

School day 8:00-3:15 (M,T, Th, F) School day 8:00-1:00 (Wednesday) Students can arrive as early as 7:15 Report to homerooms at 7:50 After School program available ($10.00/day) until 6:00 After School program available on early release days (for a fee)

Positive Behavior Interventions at classroom and school level

7Cs Essential 55 The Leader in Me Expeditionary Learning Model of Crew (Advisory Groups)

Tiered Discipline Cycle

Classroom level discipline School level discipline

Student Code of Conduct

20 hours per family per year 10 hours completed by January 1st Various Ways to volunteer
Classroom At Home Special Projects at school (Landscape)

Closed circuit monitoring Swipe cards to enter buildingsexterior doors locked during school hours IDs checked with sign in and sign out of student Car rider tags utilized for car pool line Chaperones/volunteers required to have fingerprints every 3 years and local background check yearly Visitors sign in Staff Badges

Shirts
Style: polo, oxford, turtlenecks Color : red, navy, white No adornments (rhinestones, etc.) Logos must be smaller than 2 x 3

Jackets/sweaters/coats
Color: red, navy, white Solid in color

Pants/shorts/skirts Navy Khaki 2 above knee Free from tears, patches, etc. Shoes Navy blue, Brown, black, white, gray Athletic shoes on PE/Dance and Movement Back straps No flip flops Closed toe for K-5 always Modesty Prevails (jewelry, hair color, hair style, accessories)

Student may bring lunch Student may purchase lunch from caterer (subject to change)

Standards Based Frequent Detailed Report card, every 9 weeks Parent or student led conferences twice a year Graded papers sent home Measures of Academic Performance (MAP) Assessment given 3 times a year to measure growth CRCT, GKIDS, Writing Assessment CCRPI (School accountability system)

3D In addition to score a 3.0 performance, in-depth inferences and applications go beyond what was taught 3 No major errors or omissions regarding any of the information or process (simple or complex) that were explicitly taught. 2.5 No major errors or omissions regarding any of the simpler information or processes and partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes. 2 No major errors or omissions regarding any of the simpler information or processes but major errors or omissions regarding complex knowledge, ideas, and processes. 1.5 With help, partial knowledge of the simpler details or processes, and major errors or omissions regarding complex knowledge, ideas, and processes. 1 With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler ideas, concepts, or processes.

Follow Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) in all grade levels Seven Cs Textbooks
Reading A to Z (Primary Reading) Investigations in Data (K-5 Math) Connected Math (6-8) History Alive, Geography Alive (4-8) Harcourt Science, AIMS, GEMS, and FOSS (K-8)

Supplements:
Touchmath, ADD, Number of the Day, Mountain Math, Hands on Equations Wordly Wise, Sitton Spelling, Daily Grammar Practice, Mountain Language Interact Units, NHI publications, GA frameworks

Flag football, soccer, basketball Spanish in elementary and middle school Elementary and middle school band Art and Music Classes K-8 Study skills and research classes Robust club offerings (Drama, art, recycling, writing, running) Academic Competitions (Robotic team, Spelling Bee, Reading Bowl) Student Leadership Opportunities (Jr. Beta, Student Council, School Ambassador)

Link below will take you to lottery registration form for 2014-15 school year Open Enrollment Lottery Registration Form Deadline to submit February 20th 4:00pm Method of Submittal
Mail Fax In person (preferred) Emails will not be accepted

Lottery Drawing March 3rd 6:00 pm

Heritage Baptist Church Do not have to be present to receive a place