School Policies and Procedures
Attendance Related Procedures School Hours:
- Before School Program: 6:30 am- 7:10 am
- Morning Carpool: 7:10 am– 7:45 am
- Instructional Day: 7:45 am– 2:45 pm (Students who are not in their seats after 7:45am are tardy.)
- Afternoon Carpool: 2:45 pm – 3:20 pm (Walk-ups are permitted from 3:20 to 3:30pm)
- After School Program: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Instructional Hours Instructional hours are 7:45 am to 2:45 pm. Please schedule all of your Scholar’s out-of- school appointments after school hours. Scholars reporting to class after 7:45 am are considered tardy. If a Scholar is not present at least 4 consecutive hours, it will be counted as a full day absence. We encourage parents to schedule appointments after school hours in order to minimize disruption to Scholar learning and the classroom. If your appointment must be scheduled during school hours, please ensure that your child is present at least 4 consecutive hours during that school day. If a Scholar does not arrive before 10:45 am, he/she will be considered absent for the day. Additionally, because seat time is essential to increasing Scholars’ knowledge and proficiency, Scholars who are repeatedly picked up early may experience a decline in Scholar achievement. Excessive tardies and/or absences may warrant a referral to IAS administration.
Attendance is categorized as either EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED, as defined below. Absences, Tardies, and Early Sign-Outs have the consequences outlined below. In the event that the particular set of circumstances requires deviation from this policy, the Principal shall have discretion in carrying out the policy; provided however, the reason for such deviation shall be documented appropriately. Please refer to the 2020-2021 Family Handbook for more details.
Excused Absence
An excused absence is an absence for which a legitimate reason exists for a student to miss all or part of a school day. Students will be allowed to make up assignments or tests missed due to an excused absences, provided that the student or his or her parent/ legal guardian shall contact the teacher within two school days of returning to school to make the appropriate arrangements.
Administration may require a parent or doctor’s note upon a student’s return to school after an excused absence, but in no case may the note be provided later than five days after the student’s return. Failure to provide such a note or to provide in a timely manner may result in the absence being unexcused. Unless notified otherwise, an original doctor’s note will be required for all absences beyond the fifth excused absence of the school year. If the need for a student to be absent is known in advance, the parent/legal guardian shall provide as much advance notice to the School as is practicable. Failure to provide advance notice, when available, may result in the absence being unexcused.
Excused Absences, may include:
- Personal illness of the scholar
- Serious illness an immediate family
- Death in the family
- Religious holidays of the scholar’s own faith
- Required court appearance or subpoena by a law enforcement agency
- Scheduled medical or dental appointments
- Utilizing the Georgia Military Family Act
After Three Absences: The teacher will contact the parent/guardian by email or telephone regarding attendance.
After Five Absences: A letter will be sent from the school counselor to the parent or guardian regarding attendance. The counselor will follow up with a telephone call or email to schedule a conference with the parent or guardian.
After Ten Absences: A letter will be sent from a school counselor to the parent or guardian regarding attendance. This letter should not be sent for a Scholar with documented excused absences as defined above, unless school administration and/or a school counselor determines it necessary. In addition, a school official shall confer with a school counselor to determine whether a referral is warranted.
After Fifteen Absences: A school counselor shall confer with a school administrator to determine whether a referral is warranted. A referral shall be made to the school counselor using the social work form. If a referral is made to the school counselor, an administrator must sign the form and all relevant correspondence and documentation must be attached. The counselor will work with the Scholar and family in order to address the attendance problem. The counselor shall involve agencies and services such as mental health, social service agencies, clinic assistant or school nurse, Scholar and parent groups, truancy panel, and Department of Family and Children Services. If the school counselor interventions are unsuccessful, a complaint shall be filed in the appropriate court of law.
Absences due to out-of-school suspensions or expulsions: Absences due to out-of- school suspensions or expulsions are considered excused absences. Parents of Scholars who are suspended or expelled will be notified in writing pursuant to the IAS Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct.
Unexcused Absence
All absences that are not excused will be unexcused. Students are not entitled to make up assignments or tests missed due to an unexcused absence. Allowing a student to make-up this work shall be at the discretion of the individual teacher.
Late Arrival and Early Checkout
Any Scholar that is not in attendance at least four consecutive hours of the school day will be marked absent.
- All Scholars arriving after 7:50 am must be escorted to the front desk and checked in by a parent/guardian.
- Early checkout must occur by 2:00 pm. To expedite the process, send written notice or email to the Scholar’s teacher and to the Front Office staff (frontofficestaff@iasmyrna.org) on the day that early checkout is planned. Call ahead to the front desk for emergencies.
Virtual Attendance
Teachers shall take attendance daily for each virtual class. Students participating in the IAS virtual learning program will be expected to honor the same attendance policy as those attending in person with the same consequences for unexcused absences.
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A critical component of the IAS Charter Contract is the Performance-Based Goals and Measurable Objectives section. Part of this section relates to attendance. These goals must be met on a yearly basis in order for us to maintain our charter as well as for our charter to be continued at the end of the first five years. (This is unlike the traditional public school system. A charter school cannot operate without a charter, and student attendance is one part of the criteria for continuing to have our charter.) In reporting the student attendance to the state DOE each year, we must not exceed 10% of the student population missing 15 days or more throughout the school year. More importantly, if Scholars are not at school, they are not receiving the content need in order to learn.
Please do your best to ensure your scholar attends school on time every day!
Pursuant to the Georgia Compulsory Attendance Statute. 0.C.G.A.5 20-2-690, et seq., a parent or legal guardian who fails to send his or her child to school may be charged with a misdemeanor. At its discretion, a court having jurisdiction may subject the parent or guardian to a fine not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00, imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days, community service, or any combination of such penalties, if found guilty of violating the Compulsory Attendance Statute. Each day’s absence after the child’s school system notifies the parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a child of five unexcused days of absence for a child shall be considered a separate offense as related to the penalty.
Carpool Procedures & Guidelines
In Response to COVID
MORNING CARPOOL:
Front Parking Lot: For all scholars except van riders
Enter the parking lot from the left side of the school building forming 2 lanes (A & C) and pull into the carpool area. Staff and volunteers will be ready to assist scholars out of the vehicle. Do not let your scholar(s) out of your car before pulling up to the unloading area and a staff member checks your scholars temperature. Scholar’s temperature must be below 100.4 degrees or you will be asked to pull into the parking lot and wait 15 minutes before re-entering carpool. If the scholar’s temperature does not decrease, it will be recommended that the scholar return home. Please wait for staff/volunteer to be present before allowing your scholar to exit the vehicle.
CARPOOL GUIDELINES
Parents will be called for all scholars not picked up by 3:30 pm as there is no drop in for the After School Program.
Parents that arrive after 3:20 pm may pick up students from the lobby. Please ring the bell with your carpool decal or a photo id ready to hold up to the camera. A staff member will escort your scholar outside to you once they reach the lobby.
IAS is a non-busing school and therefore we have a large volume of vehicles during carpool. It’s imperative that you adhere to the carpool procedures below for the safety of staff, volunteers and scholars.
To ensure the safety of all stakeholders, inappropriate behavior during carpool or disregard for carpool procedures will not be tolerated. Failure to follow carpool procedures or disrespectful behavior towards staff or volunteers will be handled in the following manner.
- 1st infraction: parent will receive a warning/reminder of carpool procedures
- 2nd infraction: parent conference with Administration
- 3rd infraction: carpool access restriction (referral to the IAS Board)
CARPOOL DECAL: Each family will be given two (2) carpool numbers to identify their vehicle(s). Be sure that the laminated number is displayed in the front dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle. Vehicles without a school-issued carpool number, will be asked to park and pickup their scholar(s) at the front door using their identification. Please help the carpool staff and volunteers by complying with this simple request.
SCHOOL LOCATION: At the intersection of South Cobb Drive (GA 280) and Benson Poole Rd or South Cobb Drive (GA 280) and Pat Mell RD SE.
Road entrances to the facility can be found via Pat Mell Road, South Cobb Drive, and/or Benson Poole Road.
CARPOOL ENTRANCE/EXIT:
All grades, drop-off/pick-up takes place in the FRONT of the building.
CARPOOL TIMES:
- 7:10 am -7:50 am: Morning Carpool
- 7:45 am: Instruction Begins *Scholars arriving to their classroom after 7:45am will be considered tardy.
- 7:50 am: Front carpool will remain accessible. * After that time, parents must escort their scholar(s) to the building and sign them in at the front desk.
- 2:45-3:30 p.m: Afternoon Carpool. *If you are not at the loading area by 3:20 pm, you must park and come to the building to pick up your scholar.
- 3:20pm: Doors open for walkers
MAPS and TRAFFIC FLOW:
MORNING CARPOOL:
Front Parking Lot: For all scholars except van riders
Enter the parking lot from the left side of the school building forming 2 lanes (A & C) and pull into the carpool area. Staff and volunteers will be ready to assist scholars out of the vehicle. Do not let your scholar(s) out of your car before pulling up to the unloading area. Please wait for staff/volunteer to be present before allowing your scholar to exit the vehicle.
AFTERNOON CARPOOL
Front Parking Lot: All students except van riders
Enter the parking lot from the left side of the school building forming 2 lanes (A & C) and pull into the carpool area. Do Not enter the carpool loading/unloading area until directed to do so by a staff member or volunteer. Once you have picked up your scholar(s), remove the laminated carpool card from your dashboard as a signal to the staff & volunteers that you are ready to exit the parking lot. (Lane B will be used as an exit lane for cars queued in lane A.)
Rear Parking Lot is for VAN Riders only Enter the rear carpool area from the right of building forming 2 lanes. Do Not enter the carpool loading/unloading area until directed to do so by a staff member or volunteer.
CARPOOL GUIDELINES
- To expedite arrival and dismissal all parents MUST utilize school carpool lanes only, and please have your scholar(s) ready to unload when pulling to the curb.
- Speed limit is 5 MPH in the parking lot and carpool loading/unloading area.
- No Cell Phones in loading/unloading area. This is imperative to ensure the safety of all scholars, staff, and volunteers.
- Do not leave your vehicle unattended at any time in the carpool loading/unloading area.
- For the safety of all involved, be sure to put your vehicle in park when loading/unloading scholar(s).
- Please do not engage volunteers or staff in discussions in the carpool line. If you have questions or concerns, please communicate to the appropriate faculty/staff member outside of designated carpool times.
- If your scholar is a “walker” (i.e. your scholar walks to and from school or use public transportation), please notify the front office.
- Walkers will be dismissed at 3:15.
- Parents cannot walk up to pick-up scholars until 3:20.
- Be patient, courteous and safe!
Reminders:
- Early pick-up for a medical/dental appointment must occur before 2:00 pm.
- You may only utilize the parking lot directly in front of the school building when conducting school business, unless instructed otherwise.
- You may NOT park in the parking lots to the right or left of the school, i.e. Fortis College, Taco Bell/Burger, Farmer’s Market, during designated carpool times of the day.
Child Find Notice
Child Find is designed to identify, locate, and evaluate all children, in the district, ages 3 through 21, who are suspected of, or have a disability or developmental delay that may result in a need for special education and related services. The International Academy of Smyrna has a Child Find process that is designed to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities residing within its geographical boundaries.
Read more by clicking the button below.
Family Handbook
Procedure for Parent/Guardian Concern or Grievance
If a parent/guardian has a concern or disagreement, he/she should schedule an appointment to discuss the matter with the teacher and attempt to resolve the disagreement through a discussion. Parents/guardians will not be allowed to address concerns with teachers during instructional time. If there is no resolution to the problem after meeting with the teacher or if the dispute does not involve a specific teacher, then the parent/guardian should contact the Dean of Students, who will mediate and attempt to resolve the problem with all parties involved. If the issue is not successfully resolved after the Dean of Student’s intervention, then the parent/guardian may contact the Head of School who will also attempt of mediation/issue resolution.
If all efforts to resolve a grievance have been exhausted with the school’s staff and leadership, then a parent may bring a grievance to the attention of the IAS Board as follows:
- All grievances must be made in writing. This allows all parties involved to work from a consistent body of information.
- Generally, the IAS Board will not address a grievance that is made anonymously, based on hearsay, or made on behalf of another family.
- Generally, the IAS Board will not address a grievance where efforts for resolution have not been exhausted through working with the teacher, Dean of Student, and Head of School.
- The IAS Board may, at its discretion, notify individual school employees about grievances brought against them.
- For any grievance presented to the IAS Board, discussion will take place in a closed session. A response via written letter will be sent no later than (30) thirty days of receipt of the grievance.
Formal grievance may be sent through certified mail or electronically to the board chair.
Learning Center Foundation of Central Cobb, Inc.
Attn: Chairman of Board
2144 South Cobb Drive
Smyrna, GA 30080
Title X, Part C – McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act – Education for Homeless Children and Youth
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT
Identification
In collaboration with school personnel and community organizations, the IAS Homeless liaison will identify children and youth experiencing homelessness at IAS. The liaison will train school personnel on possible indicators of homelessness, sensitivity in identifying families and youth who are experiencing homelessness, and procedures for forwarding information indicating homelessness to the liaison. The liaison will also instruct school registrars and secretaries to inquire about possible homelessness upon the enrollment and withdrawal of every student and to forward information indicating homelessness to the liaison. Community partners in identification may include: family and youth shelters, soup kitchens, motels, campgrounds, drop-in centers, the Divisions of Family and Children Services and other social service agencies, street outreach teams, faith-based organizations, truancy and attendance officers, local homeless coalitions, and legal services.
The liaison will keep data on the number of children and youth experiencing homelessness in the district, where they are living, their academic achievement (including performance on statewide and districtwide assessments), and the reasons for any enrollment delays and/or interruptions in their education or school transfers.
School Selection
Each child or youth experiencing homelessness has the right to:
- Remain at his or her school of origin.
- Attend any school that houses students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.
Maintaining a student in his/her school of origin is important for both the student and the LEA. Students who change schools have been found to have lower test scores and overall academic performance than peers who do not change schools. High mobility rates have also been shown to lower test scores for stable students. Keeping students in their schools of origin enhances their academic and social growth while permitting our schools to benefit from the increased test scores and achievement shown to result from student continuity.
Children and youth experiencing homelessness will remain at their schools of origin to the extent feasible, unless that is against the parent’s or youth’s wishes or not in the best interest of the child. Students may remain at their schools of origin the entire time they are experiencing homelessness, and until the end of any academic year in which they become permanently housed. The same applies if a child or youth loses his/her housing between academic years.
Feasibility will be a child-centered determination, based on the needs and interests of the particular student and the parent’s or youth’s wishes. Potential feasibility considerations include:
- Safety of the student.
- Continuity of instruction.
- Likely area of family’s or youth’s future housing.
- Time remaining in the academic year.
- Anticipated length of stay in temporary living situation.
- School placement of siblings.
- Whether the student has special needs that would render the commute harmful.
Services that are required to be provided, including transportation to and from the school of origin (see below) and services under federal and other programs, will not be considered in determining feasibility.
Enrollment
Consistent, uninterrupted education is vital for academic achievement. Due to the realities of homelessness and mobility, students experiencing homelessness may not have school enrollment documents readily available. Nonetheless, the school selected for enrollment must immediately enroll any child or youth experiencing homelessness. Enrollment may not be denied or delayed due to the lack of any document normally required for enrollment, including:
- Proof of residency.
- Transcripts/school records. (The enrolling school must contact the student’s previous school to obtain school records. Initial placement of students whose records are not immediately available can be made based on the student’s age and information gathered from the student, parent, and previous schools or teachers.)
- Immunizations or immunization/health/medical/physical records. (If necessary, the school must refer students to the liaison to assist with obtaining immunizations and/or immunization and other medical records. Health records may often be obtained from previous schools or state registries, and school-based or community-based clinics can initiate immunizations when needed.)
- Proof of guardianship.
- Birth certificate.
- Any other document requirements.
- Unpaid school fees.
- Lack of uniforms or clothing that conforms to dress codes.
- Any factor related to the student’s living situation.
Unaccompanied youth must also be immediately enrolled in school. They may either enroll themselves or be enrolled by a parent, non-parent caretaker, older sibling, or the IAS homeless liaison.
Transportation
Without appropriate transportation, a student may not be able to continue attending his/her school of origin. To avoid such forced school transfers, at a parent’s request, transportation will be provided to and from the school of origin for a child or youth experiencing homelessness.
Transportation will be provided for the entire time the child or youth has a right to attend that school, as defined above, including during pending disputes. The length of the commute will only be considered in determining the feasibility of placement in the school of origin based on potential harm to the student, as discussed above. Parents and unaccompanied youth must be informed of this right to transportation before they select a school for attendance.
Schools and the homeless liaison will use the district transportation form to process transportation requests. Requests will be processed and transportation arranged without delay. If the student experiencing homelessness is residing and attending IAS, the Homeless liaison will arrange transportation. If the student experiencing homelessness is residing in Cobb County but attending school in another LEA, or attending school at IAS but living in another district, IAS will follow the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act statute to determine who must arrange transportation. It is an IAS policy that inter-district disputes will not result in a student experiencing homelessness to miss school. If such a dispute arises, IAS will arrange transportation and immediately implement the procedures for the dispute resolution.
In addition to receiving transportation to and from the school of origin upon request, children and youth experiencing homelessness will also be provided with other transportation services comparable to those offered to house students.
Services
Children and youth experiencing homelessness will be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the school selected, including:
- Transportation
- Title I, Part A
- Special education and related services and programs for English learners
- Vocational and technical education programs
- Gifted and talented programs
- School nutrition programs
- Before-school and after-school programs
IAS recognizes that children and youth experiencing homelessness suffer from disabilities at a disproportionate rate, yet frequently are not evaluated or provided appropriate special education and related services. To address this problem, evaluations of children and youth experiencing homelessness suspected of having a disability will be given priority and coordinated with students’ prior and subsequent schools as necessary to ensure timely completion of a full evaluation. When necessary, IAS will expeditiously designate a surrogate parent for unaccompanied youth suspected of having a disability. If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the enrolling school will immediately implement it. Any necessary IEP meetings or re-evaluations will then be conducted expeditiously. If complete records are not available, IEP teams must use good judgment in choosing the best course of action, balancing procedural requirements and the provision of services. In all cases, the goal will be to avoid any disruption in appropriate services.
When applying any IAS policy regarding tardiness or absences, any tardiness or absence related to a child’s or youth’s living situation will be excused. IAS will follow state procedures to ensure that youth experiencing homelessness and youth who are out of school are identified and accorded equal access to appropriate education and support services. School personnel will refer children and youth experiencing homelessness to appropriate health care services, including dental and mental health services. The homeless liaison will assist the school in making such referrals, as necessary.
School personnel must also inform parents of all educational and related opportunities available to their children and provide parents with meaningful opportunities to participate in their children’s education.
Disputes
If a dispute arises over any issue covered in this policy, the child or youth experiencing homelessness will be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought, pending final resolution of the dispute. The student will also have the rights of a student experiencing homelessness to all appropriate educational services, transportation, free meals, and Title I services while the dispute is pending.
IAS will provide the parent or unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of its decision and the right to appeal and will immediately refer the parent or youth to the Homeless liaison. The liaison will ensure the student is enrolled in the school of his/her choice and receiving other services to which he/she is entitled and will resolve the dispute as expeditiously as possible. The parent or unaccompanied youth will be given every opportunity to participate meaningfully in the resolution process. The homeless liaison will keep records of all disputes to determine whether particular issues are repeatedly creating barriers to student enrollment and academic success.
Free meals
Hunger and poor nutrition are obvious barriers to learning. To help ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness are ready to learn, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that all children and youth experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for free meals on the first day of enrollment. The USDA guidance is available at: http://www.naehcy.org/dl/usda_04_04_02.pdf.
Title I, Part A
Children and youth experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for Title I, Part A services, regardless of the school they attend. The trauma and instability of homelessness puts students at sufficient risk of academic regression to warrant additional support. The district will reserve such funds as are necessary to provide services comparable to those provided to Title I, Part A students to children and youth experiencing homelessness who attend non-participating schools. In keeping with Title I, Part A requirements, IAS sets aside Title I, Part A, funds for homeless students. Determining an appropriate amount requires coordination between the school administration and Homeless Liaison.
Training
The LEA Homeless liaison will conduct training and sensitivity/awareness activities for school personnel, including but not limited to administrators, registrars, teachers, social workers, counselors, bus drivers, custodians, community service providers, and social service personnel. The training and activities will be designed to increase staff awareness of homelessness, facilitate immediate enrollment, ensure compliance with McKinney-Vento law, and increase sensitivity to the unique needs of homeless children and youth.
Coordination
Homeless students and their families often need housing assistance, social services, and health care. Linking families with community resources can have a positive impact on the education of children. Title I, Part A, requires targeted-assistance programs to coordinate with federal, state, and local service programs, including programs for housing, nutrition, violence prevention, Head Start, adult education, vocational and technical education, and job training. (20 UCS 63159[c][1][H])
Preschool
Preschool education is a very important element of later academic success. Children experiencing homelessness have experienced many difficulties accessing preschool opportunities. To facilitate preschool enrollment and attendance, the provisions of this policy will apply to preschools. If the parent of a child under the age of 5 (and therefore not eligible for kindergarten which is the earliest grade offered at IAS) contacts IAS regarding special education services, IAS will refer the child and his/her family to the district he/she is zoned.
Children experiencing homelessness with disabilities will be referred for preschool services under the Individuals with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Children experiencing homelessness under age three will be referred for at-risk services under Title VI, Part C of IDEA and screened to determine if referrals for additional Title VI, Part C of IDEA services are appropriate. The IAS Homeless liaison will collaborate with Head Start and other preschool programs to ensure that children experiencing homelessness have access to those programs.
References
- The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§11431 – 11436
- Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C
- §§6311 – 6315
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq
- April 6, 2002 Policy of the Child Nutrition District of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- June 5, 1992 Policy of the Administration for Children and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
General Guidelines for the Dispute Resolution Process
McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act (42 US §11432(g)(1)(C)
Dispute Resolution Guidelines and Procedures
- Disputes will be resolved first by the Homeless Liaison.
- The dispute resolution process is designed to be as informal and accessible as possible, allowing for impartial and complete review.
- Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth should be able to initiate the resolution process directly at the school in which enrollment is sought in accordance with PL 107-110,
- 722(g)(3)(A-B) as well as at the Homeless liaison’s office. Parents, guardians and unaccompanied youth should be provided written notification of the dispute and of their right to appeal the decision of the school.
- Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth should be informed that they can provide written or oral documentation to support their position and that they can seek the assistance of advocates or attorneys.
- Written notice should be complete, as brief as possible, simply stated and provided in a language the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth can understand.
- Students are to be enrolled immediately and are to be provided with all services for which they are eligible while the dispute is being resolved.
Procedures
- If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment, the child or youth must be immediately enrolled in the school in which he or she is seeking enrollment pending resolution of the dispute [PL 107-110, Section 722(g)(3)(E)]. Enrollment is defined as “attending classes and participating fully in school activities.” It is critical that students not be kept out of school.
- The school must refer the student, parent, or guardian to the Homeless liaison to carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible. The Homeless liaison must ensure that the dispute resolution process is also followed for unaccompanied youth.
- IAS will provide the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of the school’s decision regarding school selection or enrollment, and the parent’s or guardian’s right to appeal that decision [PL 107-110, §722(g)(3)(E)(ii)]. The written explanation will be complete, as brief as possible, simply stated, and provided in a language that the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth can understand.
- IAS has a local rule for concerned parties to resolve any disputes in regards to providing public education to a homeless child. The local rule provides for at least two levels of appeal at the district level. If the dispute remains unresolved at the district level or is appealed, then the parent may request a review of the dispute by the Deputy Superintendent of Education Support and
Improvement (“Deputy Superintendent”) at the Georgia Department of Education (Department). The Deputy Superintendent will review all materials and address the issues in the dispute within 10 days from the receipt of a written request for resolution. If the issue is not resolved after the Deputy Superintendent submits his/her written review, the Deputy Superintendent may assign members of the Department to make an on-site visit to further clarify or resolve the issue. All disputes must be resolved within 60 days of initial presentment to the Department, unless a written extension is granted.
- If the dispute remains unresolved or is appealed after the Deputy Superintendent has issued his/her decision, the State Board of Education (SBOE) will review, hear, and rule on grievances from parents, students, or local boards of education. The student, parent, guardian, or local board must submit the request in writing within 30 days of the decision of the Deputy Superintendent to the Office of Legal Services at the Department at the following address:
Office of Legal Services 2052 Twin Towers
East Atlanta, GA 30334 Tel. (404) 656-4689
FAX (404) 657-8376
The request for review must set forth the district-level decision, the decision of the Deputy Superintendent, and a concise statement of the reasons why the decision is being appealed. The SBOE, through the Office of Legal Services, will give each party a minimum of 10 days’ notice of the hearing by certified mail or personal delivery. Each party may appear at the hearing in person or by counsel, present evidence, cross examine witnesses, and present in writing or orally summary statements of position. The SBOE may request further information from the parties and Department staff. The hearing may be held by the SBOE or by a hearing officer appointed by it. The SBOE will notify the parties of its decision within 20 days of the hearing
Approved 1-23-18
Parent’s Rights
Right to Know Professional Qualifications of Teachers and Paraprofessionals
Date: August 10th, 2023
Dear Parents,
In compliance with the requirements of Every Students Succeeds Act, the International Academy of Smyrna would like to inform you that you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s) and/ or paraprofessional(s). The following information may be requested:
- Whether the student’s teacher—
- has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
- is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which
State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and - is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
- Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their
qualifications.
If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s and/ or paraprofessional’s qualifications, please contact the Head of School, Ashley Tompkins at 678-370-0980.
School Nurse Policy
School Reopening Plan 2023-2024
The International Academy of Smyrna (IAS) is dedicated to the academic, social and emotional development of our Scholars. It is critical that the school has policies and procedures that allow for the continuation of effective operations and delivery of quality instruction despite disruptive events.
The IAS Governing Board and school administration considered the guidance of state agencies: Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Cobb Douglas Department of Health (CDPH) and reviewed research related to the social emotional care of students and staff. The safety of our stakeholders while continuing a rigorous academic environment continuously guided our thinking as we developed our plans.
The following academic and operational information represent our plans for effective re-opening of school:
Instructional Models:
- In-Person Learning
Strategies to Address Learning Loss:
- Data-Based Decision Making – continuous assessment of Scholars to determine instructional delivery
- Increased Learning Time (ILT) – additional instructional time built into the schedule
- Extended Learning Programs –Summer School
- Increased use of technology
- Evidence-informed tutoring programs
- Increased family engagement
- One-to-One personalized instruction
School Lunch Program:
- Free and reduced breakfast and lunch for Scholars
- Summer Program – breakfast and lunch distribution for summer school
Social Emotional Support:
- Creating framework for meeting the students’ social, emotional, and academic needs
- Intentionally building strong relationships with Scholars and families
Documentation:
- Distribution of community resources
- Morning Meetings for Scholars
- Wellness training for Scholars and staff
- Assuring attendance is addressed and re-engaging disconnected Scholars
- Counseling professionals available
- Counselor provides social emotional lessons for teachers to implement once a week.
Mitigation and Etiquette Guidelines:
- Removal of nonessential furniture
- Appropriate signage throughout the building
- Masks strongly encouraged for staff and scholars (universal guidelines and correct wearing)
- Encourage frequent handwashing
- Sanitizer stations throughout the school
- Sanitizer provided to staff for classroom use
- No community use of water fountains; water bottle fillers available
- Clinic room with cots and separation curtains utilized with spacing
- Reminder notifications sent to staff and parents
- Encourage staff and community vaccinations
- Use of seating charts in classrooms and cafeteria
- Following CDC guidelines to implement any necessary changes
Maintenance Expectations:
- CDC cleaning and sanitizing guidelines maintained
- Daily cleaning of offices, classrooms, cafeteria, Multipurpose Room, bathrooms
- Improved ventilation using HEPA filters
- Continuous inspection of school facility
COVID-19 Rise Plan:
- Class(es) will go to virtual learning
- Google classroom will be used for academic work
- Teams will be used for live class
- Class(es) will follow normal schedule with time allotted for independent work to be completed
Technical Issues
Technology Troubleshooting
If your Chromebook or Computer is not working properly please take a moment to troubleshoot your own computer. If you’re Chromebook is from IAS and you are still experience problems, please contact your child’s teacher so she may turn in a help ticket for you.
A “Dead Computer”
Sometimes you run across a machine that one would consider *dead*. Nothing happens when you push the power switch/button.
- First check the cable. Unplug it from the computer and the outlet. Re-plug in both sides and try booting it again.
- Check the wall outlet. Plug something else into the outlet and see if it works.
- Turn the system off and wait 30 seconds and then try again.
- Reach behind the machine and see if you feel air blowing out of the power supply. If you do, then you know the machine is getting some power.
- Look at the keyboard for the indicator lights being lit up as the machine boots. Report observance to the technical help.
- If you have a PC sometimes the monitor has something to do with the system acting up. Unplug the power cord from the monitor and the wall and re-plug it. Unplug the cable from the computer to the monitor and re-plug it into the monitor. Try rebooting.
Network Issues
These are things to look for if a computer or chrome book will not connect to the Internet
- Check to see if the site you are trying to pull up is at fault by typing in a common URL to see if it will make it out to that site.
- If there are multiple machines in the house check to see if anyone else’s machine is having problems. If everyone is, then it’s not your computer it’s the wifi in the house.
- If it is the wifi in your house turn off the router and wait 3 minutes, and turn it on again.
- If that does not work contract your provider.
- If no one else in the house is having trouble check to see if other students are having the problem, it may be an issue at the school. If that is the case reach out to the front office to confirm and please be patient while they try to correct the issue.
IAS Uniform Policy
The objective of a dress code is to help establish an environment of learning, self-confidence, discipline, and responsibility. A school dress code policy can contribute to improving and promoting a positive school climate. Dress and appearance play a significant role in doing so. School climate can also play a significant role in reducing security threats and improving school safety. The intent is to keep students safe and focused on academics. Students should exemplify proper dress and grooming in a manner that projects an appropriate and positive image for the student and the school.
If you are experiencing financial hardship and require uniform assistance please contact our school counselor at stephanie.mitchell@iasmyrna.org.
Uniform Policy for 2023-2024
Uniform Approved Vendor
The Uniform Vendor information is below:
- 2141 North Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, Georgia 30152
- 770.919.9967
Volunteering
IAS is stronger with the support of parent/guardian volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without you! Become actively involved in your child’s educational experience throughout the year. For safety and practical reasons, you may not bring any other children with you while you are volunteering on or off campus for school events. Please make your childcare arrangements accordingly before your scheduled volunteer time. Reach out to your child’s teacher to determine how best to support the school community and your child’s educational experience. All volunteers must check in at the front desk and receive a visitor’s tag before entering the building or supporting a school event.
If you are going to volunteer please review the information before arriving at the school. There are things that must be completed before your volunteer opportunity can begin.