Student/Family Handbook

Welcome to the Alabama STEAM Academy!

Mission Statement

We are a homeschool community of learners for families with students pre-k through high school working together to foster a collaborative homeschool environment, encourage one another, and share our many individual and unique talents.

It is our goal

To assist home-school families by providing a safe, collaborative environment where families and children learn, grow, develop friendships, and receive encouragement. A place where kindness and respect will be demonstrated to all.

To provide enrichment and academic classes for K-12th grade.

To provide opportunities for social activities, field trips, competitions, testing, book clubs, etc. (activities vary).

To provide opportunities for sharing knowledge and experiences on learning disabilities, curriculum, high school, and college preparation.

Alabama STEAM Academy Statement of Shared Values:

“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31

We are a non-denominational Christian co-op. Not all of our classes are religious in nature, but any of them can be; we generally leave religious instruction to the parents. We understand that these values are not everyone’s values, but in order to be a member you must respect our values.

Alabama STEAM Academy comprises a body of believers who share a common mission and vision. Our core values are consistent with the Word of God and the Christian Faith, and we ask that our members strive to uphold them.

We hold the belief and conviction that children are given by God as a stewardship to the parents and not the state and that parents have the wherewithal and authority to teach and educate their own children.

Glorifying the Savior:

For us at Alabama STEAM Academy, this is supreme:

We believe that we find our highest joy and satisfaction when God is glorified in our lives. This core value should be evident in the outworking of all other values.

We want to be intentional in our relationships and in our community-sharing with one another

We Believe in Strengthening Families through Shared Gifts and Talents

We believe all good gifts come from the Father. We want to share the gifts and talents the Lord has uniquely and generously given each of us.

We believe in teaching and serving with excellence.

We believe that mediocrity is not an option! We want to serve the children of our cooperative with the same love, enthusiasm, and commitment that we would want for our own children. We desire to model excellence in the academic and enrichment opportunities we provide.

We Believe in Giving and Growing in Grace

We desire to grow in God's grace, rely on God's grace in our weaknesses, and show the grace of God to one another.

Educational Values

We do not believe science and the Bible conflict. All science classes are taught from a scientific perspective. All theories are taught but from a Christian perspective.

ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

To be considered for admission to AlabamaSTEAM Academy:

• complete the online application.

• Once the application has been reviewed, you will be contacted (usually by email) for a phone interview with an enrollment coordinator or the administrator.

• Once approved for acceptance, you will be emailed the applicable paperwork. All applicable paperwork and the registration fee ($75 per semester) must be submitted within ten days.

• Medical Release (per student)

• Release of Liability (per family)

• Must Sign and Agree to Statement of Shared Values

• Sign up to attend one of the mandatory Yearly Parent Meetings (Usually in July & August)

Parents must agree to volunteer time for the success of the co-op. See Service hours for a full description of opportunities and guidelines. Service hours can be fulfilled through cleanup, teaching, subbing, planning a social function, coordinating lunch, and various other opportunities. If a parent does not wish to volunteer, he may pay $200 per semester in lieu of service.

• Teachers and Current families have priority registration.

• Membership and Class fees are per semester. If class fees are not paid in full at registration , the remaining class fees can be broken down into 2 separate payments of 50%. The first payment is due August 1st and the second on Sept 1.  .  

• Classes are an additional cost..Once a parent has paid for a class, no refunds will be given.

• Other possible fees (optional): yearbooks and field trips

• If fees are not paid on time, the teacher/co-op has the right to drop the family from the roster. Coordinators will contact the parent to let him/her know about payment and date payment is due. Failure to pay could result in removal from class.

• Families must be in good standing in order to be eligible for re-enrollment. This includes but is not limited to being current on service hours and fees.

• Registration will occur through our website.

The Little Learner Program For Kindergarten and First grade is one day a week; Second grade can also join the Little Learners Program or take individual elementary classes.

*** All accounts to AlabamaSTEAM Academy must be paid in full by the end of each semester. If accounts are not paid in full, the family will not be allowed to participate in classes and activities the next semester until the accounts are current (unless special arrangements have been made) and service hours have been fulfilled. Returned (Bounced) Checks/Non-payment: : $30 charge for each check that fails to clear the bank. In addition, those with returned checks will be responsible to reimburse Alabama STEAM Academy for any other fees the bank may charge in connection with that returned check.

New Families:

Go to the co-op website and click the “Request Membership” tab. Follow the directions to complete the registration process.

Returning Families:

Register by logging into the website and following the instructions under the “Registration” tab. You must update your yearly profile to change grades, contact info, etc.

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Family Responsibilities

• Parents have to be in the building while learning is going on, or have a designated adult for them ready to pick them up if a need arises (ages 6 and up may have the adult drop them off).

• Each child must have a release of liability, a medical release, and an information page completely filled in with emergency contact information.

• Volunteering is required for all families unless the $200 Non-volunteer fee is paid.

• Each parent is responsible for any damage done to the building or equipment made by their child.

• If you are enrolled in a class and miss more than 7 days per semester not related to illness, the administration reserves the right to dismiss you from the co-op .

• Tardy policy- If excessive tardiness becomes an issue to the learning of others may result in disciplinary action.

• No statement of faith required. Unless religion or politics is specifically a part of a class, we ask that you save those discussions for another time.

• Respect shall be given to all involved in the co-op and or at Cullman STEAM Academy in all roles, including but not limited to teachers, asst. Teachers, aids, students, and parents.

• Please keep all of your words and tone respectful, even if you have to address an issue with a child. If you need to address an issue with your child privately, you may sign them out and deal with it where it will not inhibit the learning of others.

Student Code Of Conduct

• No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco will be allowed on the premises. (Possession of these or being under the influence may result in immediate expulsion.) Children with special medical needs may leave necessary medication with their on-site parent or a Steering Committee member

• No weapons, including pocket knives. Possession of weapons may result in immediate expulsion.

• Come to class prepared and with assignments completed. Be prompt. Use manners. Show respect and obey all teachers and adults.

• Display self-control.

• Use inside-speaking voices. No yelling, screaming, or fighting.

• Encourage and support one another. No name-calling.

• Guard your tongue. No profane, crude language, or derogatory comments will be tolerated. No verbal threats or slurs.

• Be respectful of Alabama STEAM Academy property. No running or horseplay in or around the facilities.

• No food, drinks, or gum is allowed except in the Commons Area. (Possible exceptions: water bottles that can be sealed; food for class activity or party.)

• No aggressive behavior or inappropriate physical contact with others. Fighting or injuring others may result in immediate expulsion.

• Alabama STEAM Academy operates on an honor code. Students must maintain the highest level of honesty and integrity. They will not lie, cheat, or steal, including plagiarism. Violating the honor code will result in immediate action by the teacher and administrator.

• Students are required to be in class or study hall at all times. Students may not sit in vehicles without parental supervision or roam the property

• Students may not leave school property without a parent or guardian

DISCIPLINE

Classes are considered a privilege. Students should behave in a manner that allows the instructor to teach and allows others in the class to learn in a safe, positive, christian environment. In addition, a student’s lack of performance could result in disciplinary action. Alabama STEAM Academy practices a “three strikes” policy.

Strike 1: First offense will be handled by the teacher speaking to student about the behavior/problem.

Strike 2: If the pattern of behavior continues, the student may be removed from the class, and the teacher will notify the Administrator. The teacher or the Administrator will schedule a meeting with the parent depending on the severity of the problem. The teacher may or may not allow make-up of any missed work. The teacher and/or Administrator will devise a plan for students to correct behavior, improve performance, etc.

Strike 3: Return to class is on a probationary basis. If a student is asked to leave due to lack of performance or behavior issues, the class fee will not be refunded.

Some actions are grounds for immediate probation, suspension, or expulsion:

Out of control behavior, extremely disrespectful attitude • Abuse of illegal substances • Possession of weapons of any kind • Aggressive behavior or causing intentional harm to self or others • Flagrant violation of Honor Code

High School

students taking high school classes will receive high school credits, and the instructor will give a grade at the end of each semester. Teachers will assign grades for high school-graded classes and report the grades to the students and parents. Parents must follow the rules set by their legal coverings regarding grades, transcripts, and other policies.

Alabama STEAM Academy recommends the following guidelines for awarding high school credit.

• One credit: 2.5-5.0 hrs of coursework per week for two semesters (~80-162.5*160 total hrs; 120-180 hrs more acceptable). A semester is ~16 weeks.

• Half credit: 2.5-5.0 hrs of coursework per week for one semester (~40-80 total hrs) or 1-3 hrs of coursework per week for two semesters (~36-90 total hrs) 60-90 hrs is more acceptable. •

• Standards and credits may vary according to student’s needs and abilities. A credit may also be earned by completing a formal unit of study in a high school-level book. (Examples: completing a Saxon Algebra II book or an Apologia Chemistry book.)

These are only recommendations meant to serve as helpful guidelines on how you award credit is between you and your cover school.

Classes can be identified as formal or informal:

• Formal – Contain a pre-planned unit of study provided by a recognized publisher or school.

• Informal – Specially designed for the student by the teacher rather than a publisher or school.

SPECIAL EVENTS/FIELD TRIPS

Special projects, activities, and field trips intended as school-wide functions should be added to the school calendar and approved by the Steering Committee. Cullman STEAM Academy expects all students to exhibit good conduct while attending school functions.

• If a student does not conduct himself or herself in such a manner, the parent and student will be asked to leave the function. The parent is responsible for ensuring their student knows and follows the rules set.

• If a field trip is scheduled to leave from the center, a field trip permission form must be filled out and returned to the field trip coordinator. The student will not be allowed to leave the center without a signed form by a parent or guardian.

• If a field trip is scheduled but attendees are meeting at a designated location, a field trip form is not required. The parent has permitted the student to attend by escorting the child to a location.

SERVICE HOURS

Alabama STEAM Academy is a cooperative effort, and the success of this endeavor depends on the input and cooperation of all families. We rely on parents to volunteer and contribute their time, energy, creativity, ideas, and skills. As such, all families are expected to perform service hours. We will track service hours to ensure compliance. Future registration in classes and participation in functions may be affected by non-compliance, along with a $200 per semester fee for lack of volunteer time.

Every family whose student(s) attends classes is expected to work on a rotating basis and fulfill an a minimum of 20 service hours per semester if you expect to register early with current families.

Service hours are chosen at the time all co-op fees are paid in full, and all paperwork is turned in for that year’s registration and are on a first-come, first serve basis.

Requirements

You can sign up for hours in any combination that is convenient for you. Some categories require two volunteers so you will see duplicate opportunities on most dates. This requirement may change as we grow.

If you work or need accommodations, it is not a problem.

If you would like to work toward establishing a club or if you would like to plan and execute a social activity/field trip, please let us know as this counts as service hours and can be added into the system. We are happy to work with you.

Possible areas of service are but not limited to:

Just because you do not see an opportunity on the list doesn’t mean it isn’t something you can do for service hours – but listed service hours are on a first come, first serve basis so if you need a wide variety of choices sign up as quickly as possible.

How to Sign-Up:

• To sign up, log in to the Member Portal and navigate to the Service Hours Menu/Opportunities Menu. You will see a list of dates.

• Click on the arrows for the dates you are interested in and then on the opportunity you wish to fulfill. You will see an accept button.

• Press the button to accept the opportunity. You will then be asked to confirm your acceptance.

• Once you have signed up for service hours, you can view the hours you have chosen by going to the service hours/accepted menu.

Other Service Opportunities

There are many wonderful opportunities for homeschoolers to compete or participate in, such as Spanish Club conferences, Lego robotics, and many more --- but we need coordinators. If you desire to found a club, please write up a proposal describing the club, its mission, costs and supply needs, then submit it to the steering committee for planning.

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF/BREAKS

All parents must sign students in and out at the monitor’s table (7-12 students may check themselves in and out). This means parents are to walk PK-6 students into the building and out. Younger Students should not be dropped off earlier than five minutes before class starts. If students come earlier before class starts, parents must stay with their child. If a child has a break between classes, parents must pick their child up, and stay on campus to monitor them during their break or the child must go to the designated study hall. Any student in the study hall must bring work. When dropped off, students should walk straight to their class. If the previous class has not yetbeen dismissed, the student should stand quietly outside the class until the prior class dismisses.

Teachers will not allow PK-4th grade students to leave until the parent is there to pick them up. Repeated failure to pick up your child may incur a babysitting fee.

LUNCH

Pizza By The Slice! Please Order on the website and pay on Wednesday before 10 amWe will take pizza orders every week starting on Sunday and ending on Tuesday Evening at 8 pm. The pizza cost is 1.50 per slice. Cheese or Pepperoni. If you dont order pizza, parents are expected to provide their child with lunch. We have a refrigerator for the purpose and a designated food storage area. Please limit nuts as some members have severe nut allergies. Little Learners will need a snack packed for them.

ATTENDANCE

If you know in advance you will miss a class, please contact the teacher to let them know. It is the student/family’s responsibility to contact the teacher concerning make-up work. Each teacher will provide you with his/her own attendance and make-up work policy; you are obligated to follow it.

Please be respectful of the time and dedication put into preparing for classes. Attendance matters when preparing materials and planning lessons. Do your best to make it to every class.

ILLNESS

Children/Participants should not attend if they are sick or experiencing any of the following:

Fever within the last 24 hours (not medicated). They must be free of a fever for a full 24 hours before being allowed to participate in classes or other school-sponsored events. Diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea within the last 24 hours.

Contagious virus or infection (i.e., conjunctivitis, chicken pox, unidentified rashes, etc.) • Runny nose, colored mucus, or uncontrolled coughing.

If your student has been exposed to a virus or is starting to exhibit symptoms of illness, DO NOT bring them to school or a school event. Illness does not count against you. If a child becomes sick during the day, parents will be notified and asked to take the child home.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

School Closings/Delays: We will use Cullman City or Cullman County School’s decisions on school closings, delays, etc., as a GUIDELINE. • Closings and/or delays will be communicated via website, email, or text. If you are in an area that is not safe for you to travel, please use your discretion.

ORGANIZATION

Steering Committee:

We care about our members and teachers. If any issues arise, they will be addressed with the director. If you would prefer, you can email your concerns to admin@alabamasteamacademy.com.

For your protection, your child’s protection and the protection of our teachers and staff security, the premises are monitored by security cameras.